Henry VIII: January 1516, 1-15

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

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'Henry VIII: January 1516, 1-15', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518, (London, 1864) pp. 375-392. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol2/pp375-392 [accessed 26 April 2024]

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January 1516

1516.
1 Jan.
Vit. B.XVIII. 108.
B. M.
1377. SIR ROB. WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
Wrote to him on ... of last month from ... that the Cardinal of Sion...of the articles for the yielding of Bresse, and expressed his intention of removing hither. Arrived yesterday ... "of the erumpnys of the oolde yer." Hopes the new may be as fortunate for the King, and that he may prevail over his enemies, who are the enemies of Christendom. Has inquired of merchants of this town of Leonard Fryscobalde, but had no news. The bill of exchange cannot be negotiated till he hear from him, the names are so strangely written. By a letter [from the Cardinal] of Sion, and one from the Bishop of Veroli, "which is ... the Swissers for the Pope," Wolsey will perceive the necessity of sending money to the Cardinal [or] Mr. Pace. Cannot tell how Pace is conducting Wolsey's business. Pace has not informed him, and he has not inquired. As to what the Bishop of Veroli says of Wingfield's [being] at Constance, thinks he was sent thither to make the Swiss believe that Pace was no "ficte" messenger, and to caution them privately as an uncommissioned person of the danger of an alliance with France. Hopes the [Cardinal and Pace] will succeed; [the Cardinal] is wise and expert, and "as affectionate to attain the desire [of his highness as] possible, and Mr. Pace is both wise, discreet a[nd diligent." News has come that on the 22nd December the Emperor's army under the lo[rd] ... entered into Bresse, and the Venetians retreated towards Piskayre, the French to Milan. Written at the city [of] ... the first day of the new year 1515.
Hol., much mutilated, pp. 3. Addressed: To my Lord Cardinal's Grace.
1 Jan.
Er. Ep. X. 19.
1378. ERASMUS to MORE.
His maligners will not cease to torment him. They have circulated a report at Cologne that Erasmus is the author of that absurd book, "De Julio cœlis excluso." Begs More will contradict it; and sends him the copy of a letter he has written to Paul Bombasius. Has begged Ant. Pucci, the ambassador at Basle, to do the same. Does not see how More can gain when he sends Erasmus twelve angels instead of nine. Sees that a prosperous gale of fortune will separate More from him. He will learn from the letters Erasmus has sent to Fisher the designs of certain theologians against him. Basle, kal. Jan. 1515.
1 Jan.
B. O.
1379. CINQUE PORTS.
[Inquisition taken at Winchelsea, 1] Jan. 7 Hen. VIII., [before Sir Edw. Ponynges, constable] of Dover Castle, warden and admiral of the Cinque Ports. Found that ... a fish called a porpes, value 10s.; that Peter ..., value 23s. 4d.; that Jas. Marshall, mayor of this town, ... against the form of the statute; that Th. Bosom of Hastynges, fisherman, about 20 March 6 Hen. VIII. took from the boat of Peter Goodeman his hooks and lines with some fish; that Peter Goodeman found some nets; that Rob. Stoneacre of Wynchelsee found two sacks of wool weighing 300lb., lately in a ship called Antonymonttrygoo; and that certain persons (whose names are given) found other goods belonging to the same ship.
Mutilated. Endd.: Wyhchelesse, anno septimo, per D. Ponynges.
In a modern hand: Inquisitio primo Januarii anno 7 Regis Hen. VIII.
2 Jan.
Giust. Desp. I. 155.
1380. SEB. GIUSTINIAN to the COUNCIL OF TEN.
The King has returned to Greenwich. Has visited the Cardinal, who is in fact ipse rex. Discussed with him the affair of the money. He listened attentively; and "said the money was not for the Emperor." I will speak to you, he said, with all sincerity and truth, and will tell you as becomes a Cardinal on the honor of the cardinalate. This money is for inlaid armour and costly furniture; and quantity of very fine jewels, to be obtained at small cost, we wish to purchase. The money will not come into the power of the Emperor, nor will the King aid any undertaking for Brescia and Verona. Those who told you these things, "lied in their teeth." He said, however, that Henry had the affairs of Scotland much at heart. Queen Margaret was most grievously ill, having been prematurely delivered of a daughter, who had subsequently died; that she was expelled from the kingdom by Albany, who had exiled some of her friends, and put others to death; that one of her children was dead, and if the other died the kingdom would fall to the Duke. All this he uttered very passionately, throwing the blame on Francis. Sebastian endeavoured to calm him; urged that the money should be kept back for the present, that it might not reach the Emperor's hands until Venice had recovered Brescia and Verona. The opportunity of buying these jewels would often occur, as the Emperor gets out of one expense to fall into another. The Cardinal repeated the statement, and then insinuated that the Seignory ought to mediate between the two kingdoms. He said that Henry demanded his sister should be restored, Albany be removed, and that Blanche [Q. Mary] should receive the jewels that Louis gave her for personal ornament. London, 2 Jan. 1516.
4 Jan. 1381. For NICH. HYDE.
Annuity of 10l. Westm., 24 Jan.
Pat. 7 Hen. VIII. p. 3, m. 14.
5 Jan.
Harl. 3462f, 220b.
B. M.
1382. HENRY VIII. to the MARQUIS OF MANTUA.
Has received his letters, and thanks him for his expressions of good will, and for the presents he has sent. Eltham, 5 Jan. 1516.
Lat., pp. 2; copy, in an Italian hand.
5 Jan.
R. O.
1383. TUNSTAL to HENRY VIII.
Last week Sir Geo. Neville, a most notorious rebel to the King's father, arrived at Mechlin from Holland, was arrested by the inhabitants for divers chevesaunces, and thrown into prison. The provost of Ayre, with whom Tunstal had a long acquaintance in Italy, when they were scholars together at Padua, sent for him, hearing that Sir George was an Englishman, to help him out of prison. Tunstal refused, stating he was a notorious rebel. Has heard that the provost was prompted to this by Hans Nagel, a minstrel who is greatly in favor with him, and is much trusted by Neville. Spinelly has already written of this Hans, and will write more of him and his dealings with other persons. Mechlin, 5 Jan.
Hol., pp. 2. Add. and endd.
5 Jan.
Galba, B. IV. 12.
B. M.
1384. KNIGHT to WOLSEY.
Their business being deferred till they have answer of the King's pleasure, thought it right to [mention] certain rumors which Sir Th. Spinelly and he heard at Antwerp, viz., that the King had [from] certain strangers great sums of money to be spent in the high countries of Germany. Thinks, if England mean to follow the enterprize against France, it is right the Swiss should first be won; if it be intended only to aid them for the present it will irritate France, without securing their attachment. Cautions the King against trusting the merchants as to payment. The Italian merchants in Antwerp say none of the Italian bankers could furnish half the sum in the high parts of Almain,—not even the Fokers and Belzers. Since Christmas one has taken sanctuary at Antwerp for a debt of 35,000l. Flemish, of which the staplers will lose 12,000l. Anthony Belzer will find surety in Antwerp to pay any sum in the shortest possible time. Writes, having just received despatches in cipher. Mechlin, 5 Jan.
Hol., pp. 3. Add.: Lord Card. of England. Endd.
5 Jan.
R. O.
1385. _ to [WOLSEY.]
Yesterday arrived at Constance two of the Swiss ambassadors to Cardinal Sion, promising "we should have 15,000 or 20,000 Swiss," if he will assure them 120,000 crowns, which he has done according to Wolsey's letters to him and the writer. This will put the French King to a great plunge in Italy; the Emperor will join the Swiss, and has promised the writer an audience. Encloses two letters of Galiaces Vicecount. Constance, 5 Jan.
P. 1. Add.: Rmo Domino.
5 Jan.
Giust. Desp. I. 160.
1386. SEB. GIUSTINIAN to the COUNCIL OF TEN.
Has heard by way of Lyons, from the firm of Salviati, by a letter addressed to the Frescobalds in London, that Venice had recovered Brescia. On speaking of it to Wolsey, the Cardinal said it could not be true, as he had had letters that morning from the ambassador of the Emperor; the King said the same. Wolsey complains bitterly of Albany, and is supported in this by the Duke of Norfolk. The thing is extremely awkward, and the French ambassador is not intent upon applying a remedy. The Bp. of Durham protests the money has not been sent to injure Venice, and told them they would be deceived by Francis. "What would you think, he asked, if, in the treaty of peace with the Emperor, the King of France offered to abide by the clauses of the league of Cambray?" On endeavouring to learn the certainty of it, the Bishop mumbled and dissembled. It is clear England wishes to detach Venice from France. Afterwards saw the Bp. of Winchester, "a lord of extreme authority and goodness," who denied the transmission of money to the detriment of Venice. He said, "To you I answer thus; but were I speaking with the French ambassador, I should not address him in such terms. From this it may be clearly inferred that the remittances are destined for some stir in Italy against the most Christian King." Has been assured that the sum forwarded to Switzerland exceeds the amount specified. A few days ago an envoy from the Cardinal of Sion was here incognito, and has already departed. War is inevitable unless some expedient be devised for Scotland. The silence of the Council of Ten is regarded unfavourably in England. London, 5 Jan. 1516.
6 Jan.
R. O.
1387. DACRE and MAGNUS to HENRY VIII.
Wrote lately of the Queen's great infirmity, especially her intolerable pain in the right leg nigh to the body. There is no appearance of improvement, in spite of all the doctor can do. She would have no physician but the two who attend her, notwithstanding the writer's remonstrances, but now she is anxious to have one of the King's. Thinks, if the pain were abated, she would soon be past all danger, and strong enough to stir. There seems to be no danger to life; nevertheless it would be advisable to send a physician immediately. Morpeth, 6 Jan.
P.S. the part affected seems to be the great joint, the seat of sciatica. Her long confinement has destroyed her appetite, "nor at any time heretofore would [she] take coleses, morterons, almond milk, good broths, pottages or boiled meats, but only roast meat with some jellies, and that very scantily."
Pp. 2. Signed. Add. and endd.
6 Jan.
Galba, B. III. 132.
B. M.
1388. THOMAS SPINELLY to HENRY VIII.
"Please it your highness to [underst]and that the x[xix of] last month I wrote unto the same, and since [I went to Brussels], where the ambassador of Arragon showed me t[hat the Prince's] Council be nothing pleased with the Emperor's a[nswer] touching the peace with the French King, the which [also his] ambassadors here showed manifestly by the[ir counte]nances.
"Item, that the Emperor hath sharply written unto [the] Pope for his meeting at Bononi with the said French King, putting in his remembrance, that for the good service done unto the Holy Church by him and other[s] his allies and confederates, his holiness in the said meeting hath declared great unkindness towards them all, and unto the Frenchmen particular affection, beseeching his said holiness to take [heed] that for one he lose not all the other, with m[any] moo circumstances to the purpose. And the lett[ers] containing the effect hereof were delivered by [the] Count of Carpe unto the Pope at Bononi. Wh[ereto], I am informed, he answered all his mind is to make universal peace in Christendom, and concerning (fn. 1) a general enterprise against the Infidels, and therefore to have taken the labor to come [thither] and commune w[ith the French King] upon the same, will[ing to cont]inew the good amity, love and confederation [with h]is majesty and other, as he hath done heretofore, [in] such manner that no man shall have any reasonable cause to complain. Moreover, that his holiness intendeth to persevere [in] the assistance given unto the said majesty against the Venetians, and how he had largely showed his mind unto their ambassadors, persuading them to take peace with the said Emperor.
"Bannicius hath writ unto the master of the posts that the Pope's words can be no better than they be; nevertheless, his deeds be not conformable thereto, supposing that his goodwill is altered by the subornations of his brother and nephew, and other being about his holiness, and totally inclined to France. In confirmation whereof, I have of late heard spoken of a merchant of Florence coming from Lyons, that the Frenchmen have used such divers means with the said Pope's brother and nephew that they think all their prosperity and sure succession to consist only in the French King. Wherefore they study diligently for the advancement of his business, inducing the [Pope unto semb]lable opinion.
"And considering the Pope's brother is married u[nto the sister of] the Duc of Savoy and aunt unto the French King, [and that] the Cardinal of Medicis hath the [bishopric] of Narbona, and the Cardinal Cibo (fn. 2) h[ath] an abbey in Roan worth 6,000 francs, (fn. 3) Mysser Lowis de Rossis and other the Pope's h[ousehold] servants many benefices in France, it is not m[arvel] though the French King hath friends about his holiness; wherefore, under your most noble correptyon, I think your h[ighness], the Emperor and the King of Arragon may not put your trust in the Pope's saying; but for as much as [these] affairs shall appear by the fortune of the w[orld] to be preferred and have better success than those [of the] Frenchmen, which of a likelihood shall all[ways] ensue if that good and mutual intelligence be am[ong] you three princes. For the Polon, Bohem, an[d Hungarians] ben entirely for the Emperor, and the King of Portugal (fn. 4) woll follo[w] the King of Arragon. Wherefore, the premises considered, and in case[of] the said mutual intelligence, the Pope and his kinsmen shall be compelled to condescend unto the common welfare of Christendom, and leave their particular ambition an[d affection. The Prince of Castile's] Council (as it [was showed me) determined to send an am]bassador unto the King of Denmark, and divers were named that should ta[ke it in ha]nd, but specially one of Amsterdam well acquainted in that country; howbeit, since I understand that it is deferred.
"[I hav]e been with Master Doctor Knight two days at Antwerp, where Philip Galterotti advertised me that at his being at court he heard of credible persons, if your highness had minished the garrison of Tournay to such a small number as it was said, that the next day after the town should have rebelled unto your highness; and for because he is a great frend of the Lord Montani and of the receiver general of Flanders, I suppose such reports to come from some of them.
"The chaplain and ruler of the (Prince (fn. 5) ) showed me that Master John, secretary of the Abbot of St. Bartim, which is canon of St. Mere and a Frenchman born, was the same that brak unto him for the going into Scotland of his master to serve the French King under the Duke of Albany, and how the captain of Bollayn and the governor of Picardy were the persons that gave charge to the said chanon to comen (commune) in the matter. [Whereupon the Prince Ferdinand hath commanded his] chappe-[layn to know particu]larly under what manner and form he might [take such] enterprise, putting the Frenchmen in good [hope, to the] intent he may perceive their mind; and as soon [as he shall] have any further knowledge, I shall advertise yo[ur highness] thereof.
"Missir Simon de Tassis, by letters dated at Hysp[roke] the 25th of the last month, hath written unt[o his] uncle that Mysser Andreas de Burgo was depart[ed, and] coming hither in ambassade from the Emperor to t[he] Prince, and that peraventure he shall pass into Eng[land] and Spanye, and in his company Tizonyus, whic[h is] the gentleman that should come to your highness, [whose] arrival is daily looked for. And as for Messyre And[reas], neither the ambassador of Arragon nor I, k[nowing his lies, craft, and malice, be noting [glad (fn. 6) ].
"I wrote a month ago unto Sir Rob. Wynkfeld [in] what extimation he is taken with your grace and y[our] most noble Council, desiring him to labor for the stopping of his coming, and the semblable did [the] ambassador of Arragon unto his fellow there, but we h[ave] labored in vain.
"[M]issir S[imon de Tassis writeth, that about the 20th day of] the said month John Jaks Tryulcyus, capy[tan gen]eral of Venetians, made a truce with the captain [of] Bresse for twenty days, and that all offences of both sides [shou]ld cease; and in case the city were not succoured within that term, it should be yielden and delivered into his hands, [a]nd the castle at ten days following; and how, in the mean season, the said Tryulcyus removed his ordinance, and with the whole army went to Saint Femya. Some think he did so doubting to be at one time invaded by the garnyson of the town, and the succors that should come, and other conjected because he would be at his liberty at the coming of the coming of the Emperor's hoste other to depart or to carry. Finally, without any further declaration, the said Missir Simon saith the city was succoured, and Tryulcyus fled towards Carmon or Crema. The Frenchmen do publish their master to the Pope desire removed the syegge, with many othyres avantyng talls (other vaunting tales).
"A gromet of the Lord Bivirs chamber, well acquainted with [the] Baily of Kamfire, shall enterprise for a reward that the said Baily shall geven me the seeth and lecture (sight and reading) of the Duc of Albany tettres (letters) to and fro [coming by his hand, and desireth nothing till he have] deserved it.
"Alamyre hath been divers times since my [last letter] in communication with Mr. Doctor Towmstall [and me]; and yesterday we called Mr. Doctor Knyght [to it. And] first he showed unto us that at the last departure from Brussells of the Duke of Albany sec[retly] towards France, a fougthmen (footman) was sent to Ric[hard] de la Pole with letters of the Lord Rave[nstein].
"Item, that Cles Bakker surely is with the King of Denmark, and cometh hither daily. Wherefore, and with other appearance, he [suppose] they been in hands with said King of Denmark, that when the time shall require, the said Richard shall ta[ke] the shipping in that country.
"Item, that upon the French King's return home the matter hangeth. Item, that all the messengers coming from Messe [in Lorrain] resert unto Brabant harald.
"Yesterday Alamire advertised us that Han[s] Nagle (fn. 7) was come home from Brussells, and how [he] had find at his lodging a companion with a [package] of letters, which the said Hans must himself bear unto Richard de la Poola. Wherefore he did [desire Alamire t]o go in h[is] company; and so shall they depart tomorrow. And therefore I have given unto Alamire 40 golden crowns, and he hath promised unto us three that at his return, within 20 days at furthest, we shall know all [we mi]ght had purveyd by some way the letters to be [t]akin. Howbeit, unto us was thought such thing should caused them hereafter to look better unto their affairs than they do now; seeming unto us Alamire is in so great trust with them all, and so discreet that by his means we shall know the particular ground. Tomorrow I go to Brussels, and from thence your highness shall be advertised of the occurrences there. Written at Meklynnes, upon Twelfth Day, in the morning." (fn. 8)
Hol., partly in cipher, pp. 8, mutilated.
R. O.
2. Decipher of the above by Tuke. Slightly mutilated.
* * * After No. 1 was deciphered it was carefully collated with the decipher subsequently found.
7 Jan.
R.O.
1389. LEWIS MAROTON to WOLSEY.
Informs him of his negociations with the Pope in the name of the Emperor that Wolsey may direct the actions of England accordingly. Has been almost four months endeavouring to keep the Pope firm with the Emperor, the Catholic King, and the Swiss, and delay the meeting at Bologna till the confederates had been consulted. By means of Count Carpi, the imperial ambassador, and Jerome Vic., the Catholic King's, the Pope has 120 lanzknechts in his pay at Verona, against the Venetians, commanded by Mark Antony Colonna, and will contribute some thousand ducats a month to the pay of the imperial troops.
Had not much communication with the English ambassador there, because he is an Italian, and pants for promotion; secondly, a Florentine, and not an Englishman. Nothing has come of the conferences, as far as he knows, between the Pope and Francis at Bologna. Francis urged a truce of eighteen months, that he might establish Milan and collect money; that the Pope should help him to win the Swiss. The French are weak, their forces dispersed; the Pope is anxious for an universal peace, that he may govern the Church without botheration, and enrich his friends. He is neither good nor bad, and, if there were an army in Italy, would turn out the French. It is not his fault, but his favorite's, that he let loose Parma and Placentia to the French. He is under no obligations to assist the French against the confederates; if need be, the reverse, as he now assists the Emperor against the Venetians. Augsburg, 7 Jan. 1516.
Hol., Lat., pp. 3. Add.: Thomæ Card. Ebor.
7 Jan. 1390. DE LA FAYETTE.
Passport for Sir John de la Fayete, brother to the Lord de la Fayete, captain of Boleyn, from Scotland into France with twenty persons in his company. Greenwich, 7 Jan. 7 Hen. VIII. Signed by the King.
From Sale Catalogue of Puttick and Simpson, March 1862.
7 Jan.
S.B.
1391. For SIR WM. FITZWILLIAM.
Wardship of Wm. son and heir of Th. Fitzwilliam of Aldewerk, York; and custody of such possessions as shall fall into the King's hands on the death of Agnes late wife of the said Thomas, or of Lucy late wife of Sir Th. Fitzwilliam, father of the said Thomas, or on the death of Ric. or Edw. Fitzwilliam, brothers of the said Sir Thomas. Del. Westm., 7 Jan. 7 Hen. VIII.
Signed: Thomas Lovell.
Pat. 7 Hen. VIII. p. 3, m. 14.
8 Jan.
Vit. B. XVIII. III.
B. M.
1392. SIR ROB. WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.
"Pleaseth your high[ness] ... directed unto yourself ... at Ovyrlynge in Swabe howbeit ... lord Cardinal of York containing all [things that have come] to my knowledge worthy writing."—[The Emperor gave audience] on the 7th inst. at 8 at night to the Bishop of Feltyrs and a knight sent from the Pope, none being present but Bannisius and Wingfield. Their credence was to the effect that the Pope was determined to remain in league with his Majesty, the King of Arragon, and the Swiss, and would do even more than he promised to the Emperor. They could make no direct answer to a question of the Emperor whether the Pope and the French King [intended that] the truce between them of 18 ... "should be understondyng to be as well betwixt him and th[Emperor] as betwixt him and the French King, or else [betwixt] the French King and him, and that he should remain [friends] with the Venetians, and that the French King should and m[ight give] assistance notwithstanding the said truce." The Emperor stated that the French King having sent to him to permit him to recover possession of Milan, he replied he hoped the French King was too wise to attempt any such enterprise in the face of the Princes joined in the Holy League, and that if Francis would send in his claim to the Imperial Chamber, due justice should be administered. He then spoke of the "battle and tradition made by the fu (late) Duke of Milan, of himself, and also of the castle, with the withdrawing of the Pope's army and departing of the Viceroy with his army, and the little hope he had that the Swissers would remain enemies to France, considering the great "clade and strage" they had suffered, "and that the said fu Duke had so cowardly sold himself and the castle, betraying all his friends, and chief of all that they perceived to poope to favor and allow the French enterprise without the advice or consent of any his confederates of the Holy League; so that he fears to be destitute of friends. He had sent his secretary, John Hannarde, to Milan, to the French, "as who saythe to know what manner of death he should [die; and] the said secretary returned shortly, showing that the [French King would] gladly have peace with his Majesty and to the same [effect had committed] authority to the Countess his mother ... (Some lines unintelligible.) ... "his mind was to enjoy the duchy ... the Venetians to recover Bresse and Verona ...the said relation made by the said Hannard ... ambassador resorted unto his Majesty make[ing great] instance that the said authority might be ... Prince, and that he answered to the said e[mbassador] that he would in that matter take breath," for though all his friends had abandoned him, he ought not to treat for peace without their knowledge, and that he had never heard of peace being made without a preliminary truce. He would agree, however, to a truce till St. George's day, which the said ambassador went to the King his master to procure, but "his Majesty said to have heard no word [since the said] ambassador departed from him three mon[ths ago] ... (Here some lines are unintelligible) ... nevertheless the Pope's holiness [might] well perceive that as soon as he had received a perfect [de]claration of his foresaid question from him he would not [f]ail to make his holiness such an answer as should be honorable, good and necessary;—at which point he ceased speaking." Wingfield sends Henry a copy of the said brief, and also a copy of a letter to the Emperor, from Count de Carpe, the Emperor's ambassador to the Pope, relating to the entry of Francis into Bonony, and what he did there.
The Emperor arrived here on the 4th of this month. It is expected that to-morrow he will go to Constance, where he hath appointed ambassadors from all the Swiss Cantons to meet him "to make their extreme resolution, and it is like enough, considering that now the city of Bresse hath been so vigorously defended, and also succoured by the Emperor's full power against the Venetians and French conjoined, and also by means of some other accident the Swissers will esteem his Majesty and the said accident otherwise than they have done hitherto, though the French paint their idols of such form and figure as they esteem may best serve to their purpose without respect to any just or faithful religion." The Emperor has done marvellous great business while he has been here, and has issued instructions for a general diet for the empire to be [held] in this city in the month of March next coming, "and also hath here determined ... and the manner of his setting ... Italy and an order (? another) for the ... and also hath given order ... his counties of Ferrett and Bon ... company to such place as he shall ... with him and his army and also he hath ... and desired him to come with his army and a ... they shall meet together; to which desire h ... himself and he be worthy to live, for surely ... need to recover some of the honor that he hath ... to say the truth and also hath put the Emperor's thim ... marvellous great hazard, but God hath holpen a ... estimation." Bresse has been victualled and furnished with 12 fine pieces of artillery and all other necessary munition of war, so that the city may be considered out of danger of the enemy. 15,000 pieces of iron that were shot at the walls and into the city have been found. The Venetian army intends [to go] the way to Pado, but will not be able to go far, as Lynnago (Legnano) is in the Emperor's hands, and is well purveyed. "Also it is said that the French King is return[ed ...] nyd into France, but I think he shall bey fay[ne to return] again, and he have any appetite to defend ... but the old King David said, Nisi D[ominus custodiat] civitatem, &c. Wherefore in God ... Written ...
Hol., mutilated, pp. 7. Endd.: ...[J]anuarii.
9 Jan.
Galba, B. IV. II.
B. M.
1393. SPINELLY to HENRY VIII.
Wrote last on the 6th inst. Has since come to this town, where the Count Bartlmy, called Tyzzyonius, arrived two days ago. Supped last night with the ambassador of Arragon, whom he finds "an ill ... and discreet wise gentleman, whereof I have [had] relation from the master of the posts and master Lois de Marlion the Prince's fisichen; and as the s[aid] ambassador showed me, his instructions been good and reasonable, and the Lady Margaret hath gyve hy[m] the original power of the Emperor, and substitute him in meliori forma. Also she should yesternight write of her own hand le[tters] of credence unto your grace upon the said Co[unt] Barthlmi, and he depart tomorrow toward Andwerp, where, as he saith, he shall tarry one day, and after take his journey with diligence toward your highness with four servants with him." Chievres and the Chancellor of Brabant found "no ground of such overtures made heretofore unto the Emperor for a peace with the French King, notwithstanding his great offers; and this showed for a truth the Chancellor of the Bp. of Cambray. The succour of Brescia has increased the Emperor's reputation in Italy, and diminished that of the French. The danger of the latter beyond the mountains, it is thought, will delay their King's return, and induce him to agree with the Swiss and the Emperor. The poverty of France is incredible. The generals have not kept their day with their creditors. Their debt to Florence alone is 150,000 crowns of gold, including the harness bought of Leonard Frysco, and the 10,000 crowns lent by him. It would seem from the confidence the Florentines have in them, and from the Pope's brother-in-law, who is principal of that nation, having a house at Lyons, "that great intelligence hath been always between his holiness and the French King, and now greater than ever it was, by reason of the meeting (fn. 9) ... many other ..." Understands by a post from the Dean of Louvain, that the King of Arragon will do more than he has been asked; that he urgently requests the Prince to go into Spain; will put him in full possession of his dominions, and send an army for him hither at his own cost; "and, he arrived in Spain, send [him] again unto these subjects for their comfort under the rule of the Lady Margaret his aunt." Chievres and the Chancellor of Brabant are much perplexed by this reasonable and wise answer. The King's ambassadors are at Mechlin. Brussels, 9 Jan. 1515.
Hol., part cipher, pp. 3. Add. The two leaves separate.
Galba, B. IV. 23.
B. M.
2. Decipher of the above in Tuke's hand.
9 Jan.
Galba, B. IV. 20*.
B. M.
1394. SPINELLY to WOLSEY.
Wrote last on the 6th. Came to Brussels yesterday. Has written to the King. Will speak this afternoon with the Lady Margaret, and despatch a post in two days. Everybody talks of the sending of the King's money into Almain; some speak of 100,000 crowns, others of 20,000 more. Is very anxious to have his servant sent back to him. Brussels, 9 Jan. 1515.
Hol., part cipher, deciphered by Tuke, p. 1. Add.
9 Jan.
Vit. B. XVIII. 61.
B. M.
1395. MARGARET DUCHESS OF SAVOY.
Delegates the powers granted to her by the Emperor's commission to Bartholomæus Titionius Count Decian. B[russels,] 9 Jan. 1505.* Signed: Marguerite.
Copy. p. 1.
10 Jan.
Galba, B.III. 226b.
B. M.
1396. MARGARET OF SAVOY to WOLSEY.
In favor of Count Decian, the bearer of despatches from the Emperor. Brussels, 10 Jan. 1515. Signed.
Lat., p. 1, mutilated. Add.: Cardinali Eboracensi.
10 Jan.
R. O.
1397. SUFFOLK to WOLSEY.
Learns by Sir Humph. Banaster and his cousin Humph. Wingfield that Wolsey has stood his good friend in his matters with the King. For the determination of it, and the ordering of his creditors in those parts, intends to repair to London for eight or nine days. Norwich, 10 Jan. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: My Lord Cardinal.
10 Jan.
Vit. B. XVIII. 110.
B. M.
1398. SIR ROB. WINGFIELD to [WOLSEY].
"... your most re[verend grace] ... in all his affe[rys] ... thereto ... his favor and ... with good cause ... your policy and great wisdom that ... personages as may further the said acts ... come from your grace as from him that ... the same by means of your [favor] desire ... highness should lack no part of the hon[or] ... and lawd that may be acquired or joined to ... most prudent industry, upon which ground I a[m the more] bold to [shew] my poor mind unto your most r[everend grace], which I beseech the same to take in good part.
"First as your grace knoweth at the best, as the Emperor [hath] shewed me, and mentioned the same in many letters [to the]. King's grace the principal foundation of all such ... [as] was concluded and determined betwixt the Emperor [and] the King at their being together, depended upon ... appointment that they took for the Roman crown, [which] to receive peradventure was not thought then so expedient [or nece]ssary to the King and his Council as hath and shall [be here] after; for surely, and the same hath take effect, many [other] things should have run with the same, that syth[ens are] dispersed as feathers in the wind, to the great harm [and] imminent peril of all Christendom. For surely [it doth] appear every day more and more the King's att[aining of] that crown he should much facilly have attained [the realm] of France as his proper heritage, and also ... [con]cerned the same, which I esteem verily to be ... the Emperor's mind and desire, and the ... [that if] any expedition against the Infidels should be [made] he ... Christendom so apt and mete to be ... Pope, as it seemeth ... (Here one or more lines are lost.). the qu ... fiet of which ... written a Fiesyn the 10th of the ... Howbeit bec[ause the Car]dinal of Gource departed the ... in haste, and I a[fter] the Emperor's ordinance toward ... and the said Cardinal came ... syth there as the Emperor ... and is I am not sure whether he hath written to the ... you after such form as I expressed in my said letters ... expedition of which must now sleep by all outward appearance, [unt]yll the Emperor hath done the fact in Italy before written; which done he must needs for the conservation of the same proceed by the foresaid track, to which I esteem him as desirous [as any] prince may be; and in the meantime the King's [grace] needs not to doubt that the French will go about [to] make any open quarrel to his highness, specially if the Switzers join not with them; to let which though the King's grace declare himself open, as the matter is indeed, there may no thing proceed of the same but honor and land. For though there seemeth to be a great conjunction of amity betwixt the Pope and the French King, yet he hath his ambassador remaining amongst the Swissers, principally to induce them to refuse the French amity, because the weal of Christendom dependeth on the same. And also if it would like the King to work openly in that matter, there could be no better means to cause the Pope and all Christian princes that been of like mind to work more firmly, and also the more desirous to consent in all thing with his grace's highness that may be to his honor and weal."
Has sent a packet of letters received from Mr. Pace at Constance to Sir Th. Spinelly. Written at ..., 10 Jan. 1515.
P.S.—Wrote lately the news, and enclosed letters from the Cardinal of Sion, and copy of a Papal brief. Has this day written to the King enclosing copies of [letters] from the Pope to the Emperor, and of two letters to the Emperor from the Count Carpi, his ambassador with the Pope. James de Bannyssis is in great favor; he is [one of the] few in this court that desire their master's honour. The French found means to corrupt the court only through the Prince's counsel. Recommends Wolsey to write Bannyssis a letter of thanks with some other adjunct ...
Hol., pp. 3, badly mutilated, and the writing much faded. Endd.: Sir Robert Wingfield, 10 Januarii.
12 Jan.
Vit. B. XVIII. 116.
B. M.
1399. SIR ROB. WINGFIELD to [HENRY VIII.]
Wrote last ... About mid-day [received the King's letter dated] Eltham the 28 ... and with it a letter to the Emperor, and a packet of letters directed [to Mr. Pace, "which] I sent to Constance, where the said Mr. Richard [Pace is,] to the intent both he and I might be the sooner [advertised of the] contents of the same." [Last night] had [audience of] the Emperor, and gave him the King's letters, which he read himself. When Wingfield had declared his credence [the Emperor] "took off his bonnet and said in this wise," that he thanked his brother the King "not only of England, [but also] of France inasmuch as I may help to the same," for his comfortable letters and credence, "and [that it] liked him to write so effectuously unto me in the re ... of my right well beloved cousin and nourry the D[uke] ... I thank him in most affectuous manner for the same. I have great love and favor to the said Duke as ... and also because I have brought him up from a li[ttle child], and upon the same right great desire to advance [his honor and] weal, inasmuch as may be in me, yet I am [well pleased] that so mighty a prince as my brother your [master] ... favors ... to the selfsame person ... the love and favor that I bear unto ... moveth me to aug ... (some lines much mutilated) "to my great comfort that my ... ynyd to incline and join fermely ... the con ... ation of my honor and estate, trusting ... of semblable mind towards him, first thank [him in most] hearty manner for his kind and confortable remem-[ber]ynge of me now of the same, which is come in as good time as the figure of the crucifixe which is brought by the cw[re] to his paryshien that lieth in extremis. Howbeit I assure you, though the Fr[ench] and their fawtours have art to seduce such as will give them hearing, I never esteemed that my said brother of himself would be unkind to me."
As to the league proposed by England, if it could be effected with the provision for the Swiss, it would be for the weal of the confederates and all Christendom; "but the sickness [is] so great and pernicious that it must be cured or the said medicine may be prepared, the convenient drugs be so distant one from another, and also he that should be chief hath now of late given hearing and favor to the French enchantments in such wise, that as long as the French remain in Italy the said head is not to be treated with in that matter, and [like]wise the Swissers; wherefore there is now none other [way] but and the Swissers will join with the right faith, to lead them straight into the field, so that by their help [the evil] may be remedied; which done the said head shall ... desire is, and also verily glad to be joined to the ... and likewise the Swissers right desirous to be rec[eived] ... with such conditions as we list." ... [According to the King's] desire, he writes to [Margaret] "that she ... as she shall think most mete, whether it ... mine ambassador to my brother or any o[ther] ... and conclude for me such articles as my said [brother] may think most meet for our common weal, and ... in the meantime I for my part will work gr ... the conjunction of blood and affinity that God h ... indifferently, amongst him, the King of Arragon, ... verily that they will do likewise with me and th ... of Arragon seemeth and hath done a great while to be somwh[at] ... so much that in default of the Viceroy of Naples, Ita[ly shall fall] in the French hands."—He ended by saying Wingfield was aware how little inclined he was to make peace with France to the prejudice of his friends; that he would make to-night in Wingfield's presence the same answer to Fra Egidius that he had made to the [French] ambassadors, and that he would write himself to [Henry]. Aws[burgh, 12] January 1515.
P.S.—At 9 o'clock the Emperor gave audience to Fra Egidius, who presented a credence from the Pope, and a letter of the Earl of Carpe, the Emperor's ambassador with the Pope, and made an elegant oration urging his majesty to accept a truce for 18 [months] with marvellous vehemence of words (for the said Egidius is an Austin Friar, and one of the most famous preachers that have been in Italy for many years); to whom Bannissis replied, the Pope's message was so important that his majesty would make answer after deliberation with his Council.
Sends with these the Emperor's letters above mentioned.
Hol., much faded and mutilated, pp. 4.
12 Jan.
Vit. B. XVIII. 115.
B. M.
1400. [The CARDINAL OF SION] to WOLSEY.
Received this day after his return letters of the most reverend ... "in intelligibilem formam redigerem, quæ licet antiquæ ... res ad alium finem quam ut in eis narratur, deductas fuisse ... officio ut observantia erga Revm V. D. illas de verbo [in verbum] videre poterit in Latinum transferre, quas cum alligatis" ... Two hours hence will start for ... which he hopes to reach tomorrow.—... 12 Jan. 1515.
Hol., Lat., mutilated, p. 1. Add.: Rmo., &c. Cardinali, &c. Eboracensi.
12 Jan. 1401. MARGARET OF SAVOY to HENRY VIII.
Has received his cordial letters of the 3rd, for which she cannot sufficiently thank him. Brussels, 12 Jan. 1516.
Fr., p. 1. Add.
12 Jan.
R. O.
1402. TOURNAY.
Receipt for 28,800 cr. of g.=6,000l., had of Sir Ric. Jarnyngham by Sir Edw. Benstede, treasurer, 12 Jan. 7 Hen. VIII. Signed by Benstede.
P. 1. Endd. by Jerningham.
13 Jan.
R. O.
1403. WM. PAWNE to WOLSEY.
Has received the King's letter dated Greenwich, 21 Dec. on urgent business of Tournay. Refers him to his letters to Rob. Russell and to the Council touching the towers. Wishes to know whether they shall be vaulted with stone or brick, or floored with timber, and how many lofts. There are on the ground 24,000 qrs. of lime, 60,400 ft. of hewn stone, 8,000 tons of filling stone or ragstone, 700 of timber, tons 1,000 load of sand, &c. Hears from Russell that Wolsey was displeased because Pawne had not written to him letters apart of his business from time to time. Durst not be so tedious, remembering Wolsey's manifold business. Will do so henceforth. Is not "fumous" as he is reported. "My said fumes hurted never no man so much as myself." Tournay, 13 Jan.
P. 1. Add.: My Lord Cardinal Abp. of York.
15 Jan.
Vit. B. XVIII. 119.
B. M.
1404. SIR ROB. WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
"Pleaseth your most [reverend grace, on the] 6th day of this present mon[th I wrote to you] from this city, and the xijth (?) day ... to the King's highness; as yesterday [a letter came from] Mr. Richard Pace, and with the same a oppy[n letter, which your] grace wrote to him in cipher, bearing date ... of the last month, by which I have well perceived [his highness'] mind and yours, trusting verily that the sam[e shall come to] right good effect, considering that the King ha[the written of him] self to the Swissers, and that Mr. Pace and I be[ing fully] instruct of the King's mind [by your] said gracious le[tter] ... less wh ... your grace hath sene the Emperor's ... King and al ... both bearing date the said ... doubt not but ye shall perceive that as the case [standeth,] it is not most mete to attempt the Swissers by oony [of the] ways expressed and assigned in your said letters, ... that I have sent the copies of the said Empe[ror's letters] and mine to Mr. Pace, I esteem verily that he wy[ll] ... diligently consider the same, and work according; [seeing that] he is well armed to appear amongst the Swissers [by means] of the King's letters, where before it had been to [great peril to] have appeared amongst them; and surely it is no great marvel(considering the large conscience of th[e] ... which have so many fawtours amongste that ... nation) how the said Master Pace slipped out [from the very] bowels of them without danger, and he w ... the King and you that the said Master P[ace] ... make me privy to all his cha[rges] but also ... advise and counsell I shall in these sh ... form whereby not only ... shall take perfection ... (Here a line or two lost.)
"[Emper]our's letters and mine before expressed ... me either to move the Pope or the Swissers ... confederation as the King desireth for the ... that the Holy Father hath received at the obviation [of his] holiness and the French King been yet too green to ... any such implastir, and though they were the time ... may ... now be war inutilly; and as touching the Swissers that if they will not now con- descend that 10,000 of them may join with the Emperor, which hath had his armies ready in Verone and Breese, with moo footmen and horsemen put in a re[dine]sse to join with them by the space of three months and more, to his marvellous great cost and charge, and also that they be now advised that the King of Arragon hath given a strait commandment to the Viceroy to return and to be ordered in all things by the Emperor, and also that money is all ready at Constannce for a month's wages, they will never be got any manner of way; and then by necessity, there is none other remedy but to wage 10,000 lance knights and 1,000 horses, so that they joined with the Emperor's army may give battle to the French (and they will abide) whether the Swissers join with the French or not; for else it is not possible for the Emperor (as Archduke of Austria) to continue the charge he hath, and as Emperor, the diets of Almaigne be so long and many ... by mean of the French corruptions bringeth forth but easy fruit, that there is small hope; howbeit I trust veryly that the Swissers will now condescend to the premisses, so that we join unto them 1000 horses, which shall always attend upon them; for, without horsemen and artillery, footmen only may not [se]rve to all purposes, or yet save themselves ... the form which before I appointed to shew if ... ml florins which is comprised in the letter of ... I have in mine hand were adjoined ... should be sufficient to wage ... months and ... (Some lines unintelligible.)
"First, if the French will abide bat[tle I trust] in God, and the well founded qwa[rell, the victory] shall be ours, and if the French win ... the Emperor as they have done since ye ... face of a cardinal which ... ag ... associate the said Emperor to the attempt ... the way shall be found ... forthwith the [Pope] and the King of Arragon and also the King[s of] Poole, Bohemia, and Denmark shall desire and [entreat the] King's highness to begin war with France [and claim] the crown as his heritage, because they consid[er] ... verily that till that the same may be accomplished, [there shall be] no quiet or perfection in Christendom; and if the [Pope, being a] Florentine, will not consent to make such re[medy, which] I think verily he will not refuse, me seemeth ... not to refuse the petition of the remnant, co[nsidering] that the enterprise is upon things temporal, and ... which is head of the same desireth the thing to ... the weal of Christendom which is to be preferred [to all] temporal...
"To which desire, if the King's highness will co[nsent I] in the mean while will prepare for the same ... shall may descend in France in June or J[uly] ... and at the same time I dare undertake (for t[he] ... the Duke of Barre) that for the expences an[d charges that] the King is at now, not only for their honor and ... that of all Christendom, they shall sure[ly] ... Swissers and ... horses ... munition and all descend into F[rance] ... that the King's army * * * do qwadre marvellously well and more ... nge be if the King find like mean ... of Arragon, to which of necessity he must needs ... considering that the premises concern as much ... and surety (or more) than any other princes. And [If] it shall please the King and you that I employ mine [endeavors] and poor wit to achieve the premisses, I humbly [beseech] your grace that I may be shortly advertised, (quia [mora tra] hit periculum); and I doubt not but by your most [excellent] prudence and great experience there shall be adjoined some other things, convenient and necessary to have course with the things by [the] premises.
And because the distance is great, so that purposes and answers with replications may not be attained by wishes, yowr grace may be sure that I and Master Pace, with the help and assistance of the Cardinal Sedon, which is one of the most wise, expert, diligent, and constant that I have seen or met with, and thereto adjoined a certain affection or rather devotion to serve the King to his honor and weal with all the ... powers and virtues; and as for me I take God to my judge that I desire to lead the King's affairs by all the tracks of perfection that I can imagine, desiring his honor, weal, and fame more than mine own. For in no wise I desire or will be holpen but by his highness; nor if by any chance I should fortune by ignorance to do any thing or make any fault, I shall neither flee or refuse any manner of punishment.
"[With] these I send unto your grace the letters from the Cardinal of Gource to the King and you, of which I made mention in my letters written at Fiesyn, the 10th day of the last month, and [the] secretary that hath now delivered me the said letters hath ... in that the said Cardinal had dispatched the ... twayne days after his departing from ... and sent them forthwith to his said ... that was sent ... braak under him, was not ... so that by the said me ... of plight to send to the King ... new, and sent them to the Carden[al] ... which (as he saith) speed a[s well] ... day the said Cardinal came to this city ... the said letters to be written new; upon w[hich] ... I take right good augury for evil sprytes be [wont] to let good enterprises as God knoweth, whom, &c. Written in haste th ... of January 1515, in the city of Auguste (Ausburg)."
Hol., very faint, and badly mutilated, pp. 5. Add.: To my Lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.: Sir Robert Wingfield, 15 Januarii.
15 Jan.
R. O.
1405. CARDINAL GURK to WOLSEY.
Received his letters of the 22nd Oct. Thanks him for the confidence shown him. Has communicated to Wingfield certain things touching the present state of affairs, which Wolsey will learn from his letters. Augsburg, 15 Jan. 1516.
Lat., p. 1. Add.: Cardinali Ebor.
15 Jan.
R. O.
1406. SAME to HENRY VIII.
Received his letters of the 22nd Oct., &c., to the same effect as the above. Augsburg, 15 Jan. 1516. Signed.
Lat., p. 1. Add. and endd.
15 Jan.
R. O.
1407. LEWIS MAROTON to WOLSEY.
Has probably heard that Ægidius, General of the Order of Heremites, has been sent from the Pope to the Emperor. At the private audience the writer only and Ægidius were present. The Pope desires confirmation of a truce with France for 18 months. Excuses the meeting at Bologna. In the presence of Cardinal Gurk, the Ambassadors of England and others, the Emperor thanked the Pope,—expressed his anxiety for the crusade, but stated he could enter into no treaty without the confederates;—complained he had often been deluded by the French; and begged the Pope would not forget his own stipulations. Refers for further intelligence to letters of Sir Robert Wingfield. Augsburg, 15 Jan. 1516.
Hol., Lat., pp. 3. Add.: Thomæ Card. Ebor. Endd.
15 Jan.
S. B. b.
1408. TOURNAY.
Twenty-five certificates by Charles Earl of Worcester and William Lord Mountjoy to the Council, stating that the following soldiers require the general pardon granted to the garrison of Tournay, viz., Th. Markes, Wm. Damerell, Wm. Sprat, John a Plough alias Brewer, John Thorne, John Awysten, Ric. Lonsford, Hen. Propter, Rob. Beste, gunner, Ric. Stanley, John Bryge, Rob. Littilborow, Launcelot Potter, Rob. Ferthing, David Thomas, Th. Sprat, John Downehill, John Lewys, Stephen Ferer, Harry Wynston, John Hewys, Rob. Clodder, John Kelyk, Madok ap John alias Matthew Johnys, and Wm. Marshall. Dates from 15 to 21 Jan. 1515.
15 Jan.
S.B.
1409. For CHAS. BOTHE, clk.
Annual fee of 60l. belonging to the office of chancellor of Wales and duchy of Cornwall granted him by the King during his princedom. Refused 6 Hen. VIII. by the auditors of the said duchy out of which it was payable. Del. Westm., 15 Jan. 7 Hen. VIII.
Pat. 7 Hen. VIII. p. 3, m. 14.

Footnotes

  • 1. "consequently," Tuke.
  • 2. "The Pope's nephew," Tuke.
  • 3. "yearly," Tuke.
  • 4. "King of Portugal." This cipher is omitted by Tuke.
  • 5. Tuke had written "Lord Fynes," and afterwards struck it out.
  • 6. Supplied by Tuke.
  • 7. "Bakker," Tuke, by mistake.
  • 8. Date omitted by Tuke.
  • 9. So, for 1515.