Henry VIII: June 1516, 21-25

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: June 1516, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518, (London, 1864) pp. 617-630. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol2/pp617-630 [accessed 23 April 2024]

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June 1516

21 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 155. B. M.
2070. PACE to _
P.S.—The Emperor has just sent three of his Council to declare his suspicion that the [revo]cation of the King's money last se[nt may] have been procured by Pace, which Pace denied. The Emperor then commanded Pace to leave the court next day, and n[ot to] tarry in one place for more than two days; [say]ynge that he wolde continue goodde br[other] to the Kyngis grace. Pace replied, that he would obey, though the command in its latter portion was very [harsh] for the ambassador of the King of England. As they were departing one of them said that the whole matter might be pacified if Pace would lend the Emperor 25,000 fl. in Henry's name. Pace answered, that if, after a command to depart, he should remain for money, it would be a great rebuke to the Emperor, and show that he was dismissed, not for any fault of his, but because he would not pay what he had it not in his power to pay. "Hic injectus ... ce in (fn. 1) this communication Mr. Hesdyn ... entridde into my chambre ... had knowledge of my command ... in no good manner, and that s ... the ruine of all Christendom and t ... of my Lady Margaret his mastres ... he would procure the contrary wyth t[he Emperor]," from whom he brought a message persuading Pace to remain "in this city," and that he "[had] knowledge by my words that I was [his] friend." Next day Hesdin and another were sent to him again for the said sum. Pace returned the same answer as before, and "then I was commanded ... again and offered to obey his [command]ment," asking to be allowed to go into Switzerland to present the King's letters. After some hesitation they referred to the Emperor, who at length sent word to desire Pace to stay all night, which he promised to do. "Et sic iterum re ... tus fui." 21 June.
Two hours after the Emperor sent to ask him not to leave the city, as he had sent for di[vers] captains of the Swiss, and expected their ambassadors shortly, with whom he desired Pace not to treat unknown to him. This Pace agreed to, " ... matie instantly firmely ... [inten]didde."
Fragment in Pace's hand, pp. 2.
21 June.
Vit. B. III. 46. B. M.
2071. JOHN BAPT. SPINELLI to SION.
Jacopo Gambaro left this morning to go to the Swiss to pay them. He will see the Emperor upon the road. He says that the Pope (Smum), on concluding the alliance with England, is well disposed to take up arms, and will help the Emperor with money. Has received letters from a secretary of the Viceroy, who left Naples on the 11th. He says that Fabricius was coming with 600 lances, 200 of which had left Naples; the rest were "in Tronto." Prosper [Colonna] asks for a passage for them across the Po. Mark Antony does not believe it. Should get possession of the 50,000 Rh. fl. as soon as he can, with which Anthony comes at the end of the month, to pay the German, Swiss, and Spanish soldiers at Brescia. When the forces of Fabricius arrive they will be able to cross the Po, and make attempts on Parma, Placentia, Cremona, &c. Must urge the Emperor to attack Milan. Delay is worse than useless. No good will be done unless Sion comes. Mark Anthony, Fabricius, and Prosper are at sixes and sevens, and must be controlled. The foot of Rudulsael have entered Verona. They promised to wait for their pay all Monday on receiving a testoon. Verona, 21 June 1516.
P. S.—When Sion comes with the money he must collect all the forces, and lead them against the enemy.
Added in his own hand: Venit unus Cromberta (?) Gal ... invisit isto mane gentes ... ubi erant nullus sit me ... hic referunt duo Ispani quod G[alli] venerunt. Signed.
Lat., pp. 3, badly mutilated. Add.
21 June.
Galba, B. IV. 88. B. M.
2072. BLANCHE ROSE.
Receipt from Jacques de Eesbeke, messenger of the King Catholic, for 60 gold florins paid him by Th. Spinelly for two journeys into Metz, in the matter of Blanche Rose. Brussels, x[xj.] (fn. 2) June 1516.
Hol., Fr., p. 1, mutilated.
22 June.
Er. Ep. App. 7.
2073. AMMONIUS to ERASMUS. (fn. 3)
Is very busy. Could not reply sooner to the letters Erasmus sent him from St. Omer. Sent his letters to Pace. The Pope has written most kindly; holds out great hopes to Erasmus, and recommends him to the King. Keeps the papal briefs for Erasmus to see. London, 22 June 1514.
22 June.
Er. Ep. App. 65.
2074. WARHAM to ERASMUS.
Can make no sufficient return to Erasmus for the immortality he has conferred upon him. Maruffo is to blame if he has not yet received the 60 nobles. Has sent the money to More, who will pay it to Erasmus at Antwerp. Has shown his New Testament to some of his brethren the bishops, who praise it highly. Has received the volumes of St. Jerom. Begs he will forward the letters enclosed to his friend the Bishop of Basle. Otford, 22 June 1516.
22 June.
Galba, B. VI. 57. B. M.
2075. SPINELLY to WOLSEY.
Wrote last from Lovain. Has since received Wolsey's letters concerning the recovery of the money from the Fokers. Can do no more till Pace send the bill of exchange, or a certificate that he hath declared "to not occupied the said money." Gives daily his news to the ambassadors, who report them to the King. The Chancellor tells him he has ordered the power to be sent to the Bp. [of Helna] resident with the King. Enquired the occasion of Nicholas de Neufville the French King's secretary's coming. Was told they were going to make a treaty touching the realm of Naples, in order that their master might go to Castile in peace, but that it should not be to the prejudice of England. Can get no knowledge of the particulars. Yesterday the French ambassador and the Secretary had their first audience with the Council, which lasted two hours. Thinks if they agree, it must be by a peace between the Emperor and France, on condition of the Emperor giving the investiture of Milan, and this King paying some yearly pension to the French, "in recompence of the said realm." The Chancellor is weary of the Emperor's demeanor. He says no one knows what they have in hand with the French. The Pope urges the French King to the enterprise of Naples, notwithstanding the good will lately expressed to enter the new confederation. The Duke of Gueldres has besieged a town in Friesland. They will send shortly an army to the rescue. Brussels, 22 June.
P.S.—Begs he will not tell the ambassadors that he has sent this news, for, perhaps, they will not like to be anticipated, as he has told it to them.
Hol., pp. 3. Add.: T[o m]y Lord [Cardina]l's grace. Endd.
22 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 147.
2076. [PACE] to WOLSEY.
After the [writing ... of his for]mer letters the Emperor arrived ... [and sent] for him. Found him in great perplexity because his ambassador in England had informed him that Galeazzo in his letters had accused him to the King and Wolsey. He said he did not know what Pace himself had written against him and his departure [from] Milan, "whyche he didde begynne ... with many frivole reasons nothyn[g] ... or apparteyninge to the purp[ose]..." * * * Lord Galeazzo has now all Switzerland in his hands, ready to [serve] the King under him, and expel the French out of Italy without help of the Emperor; in which case the Emperor would "[app]ear an ass," and be taken in Italy for a cipher. For this he tries to put Galeazzo out of Henry's favor, and to persuade Pace to put no faith in him. Pace, however, thinks Galeazzo has more wit than the Emperor and all his Council. Letters should be written "to the [said] Emperor and the Lord Galiace in suche maner [as I have] instructidde Mr. Andreas bi my ... dde. As touchynge wrytynge in to ... I [ma]de (fn. 4) unto hym thys ans[wer] ... hys ennymys in Itali were they [that had] infamydde hym in Englande and ... not denye." He farther said he would not lose the King's friendship if it were possible. Pace thought it right to give him "a comfortable answer," and said he would lose his head if the King broke amity when the Emperor was willing to observe it. With this he was much pleased, and said he would by all means have the King of Arragon joined with him. He seemed hurt that the King's ambassa[dor was] sent into Flanders to make an offensive [alliance] without his knowledge. He desired Pace to write to the King and Wolsey that he would give the investiture of the dnchy of Milan to no person but the King. As he seems determined upon this point, advises that the King should accept this investiture, and in return offer him money enough to drive the French out of Italy with an army of Swiss; but by no means to promise him any till the investiture be either sent to the King or delivered into the hands of his ambassadors. Three things depend upon this investiture: either the King will enjoy it [or giv]e it to the Duke of [Bari, or]. " ... thynge (fn. 5) in hys hande ... the Frenche Kinge. The Duke of [Bari is con]tented with all thing that it [shall please] the King's grace to do, and would fa[in to] be in the King's hands himself." [He] is come to this city to diminish the honor of Galeazzo, and to make believe that he himself has brought the Swiss to agreement against the French; but the Swiss say they will wait to know the King's mind on the enterprise. If they have his assent, they will enter Italy with the finest army that ever left their country; if[not], they will provide for themselves without regard to the Emperor or any body else.
When he had written so far the Emp[error sent] him three commissaries ... desiring him, among other things, to [conseu]t in the King's name to the payment of [x]xv. [m1] fl. for the support of 5,000 Swiss now in Verona, who had been conducted thither, he said, by the consent of Pace and Galeazzo. This Pace denied, as they had always been against it, fearing, what now seems probable, that if paid for one month and not for next, they would return and do more harm than good. Told the Emperor he could not consent to pay any money without a commission from the King ..."[because] that the (fn. 6) Kyngis highnesse wull know ... mynde or he exspende ony mo[ney. At this] he was sore movyde," and said that Galeazzo and Pace were the cause of the [wasting] of the King's money last sent, and that he would write to England against [Pace] as the chief cause of the confederation between himself and Henry being broken off for want of this money. Pace answered: That confederations were kept by faith and not by money, and that he had done no more than was committed to him. Then he charged Pace and Galeazzo with ... * * * Pace thinks letters should be written in all haste to the Emperor from the King and Wolsey, assuring him of the perpetual observance of the alliance, and that the King's money was not revoked because he was displeased, but for the reason that Pace pretended, and that the King did gladly restore the ... florins as soon as he knew the need for it. It is no time now to break with the Emperor. Touching the said ..."because I do deny (fn. 7) nothynge but that ... boith there honors and profits ... shulde evidently see in every ... I hadde to do wyth the sayde ..." [With] this answer he was well contented, [signi]fying to Pace that he would f[orget] all his suspicions, and wait for the King's answer "[circa] expeditionem faciendam contra Gallum." He will write to the King, and show the letter to Pace, whom he requested to write to the King and "Wolsey letters in Laten suche [as he] maye rede and undrestonde;" to this Pace consented. Though he has been [shame]fully treated here for denying this money, yet "most ... itt is that boith the Kyngi[s grace] ... (A line lost here) ... to hym in suche maner ... [instruc]tidde Mr. Andreas, remitty[ng every th]ynge to your grace's wysedome." The Emperor declares that he has heard of the slanders of Pace and Galeazzo, not only from the King's mouth and Wolsey's, which, as Pace has already said, he does not believe, but from Rome. Wonders how this can be. The Emperor's ambassador in England is the author of all this. Some think he has been bribed by the French, as he might very easily be, for he is very poor. Some of the Emperor's Council say that he has information from England that the enter[prise] ... made without him by ... [t]hynge I (fn. 8) have allwaye denyede in so goode ... schulde off reason be contentidde ... factus sum quosdam Cæsarianos secret ... esse, de insidiis vitæ meæ strue[ndis] ... Puto tamen Cæsarem hujus mali esse consc[ius] ... amplius intellexero, saluti meæ (ut po[tero]) providebo." He will be safe with the Swiss, who are ill pleased that he is thus treated. If he were not sick, he might make a rumor th[at] all Christendome schulde wundre att, sed [mode] ratius agendum est; volo peccent alii non eg[o]." 22 June.
The Emperor has sent for Wingfield in haste to induce [Pace] to provide the money or to do it himself, "s[ed in] vanum laborant; there schall nevyr c[ome any] off the Kyngis mony in to the Emperor's handis bi my wyll or ... for Sir Rob[er]te Wyngfeilde" ... (A line lost here.)
Hol., mutilated, pp. 11. Add.: Rmo Dño Carli Eborum.
22 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 151. B. M.
2077. [GALEAZZO VISCONTI (fn. 9) ] to [HENRY VIII. and WOLSEY].
[Understands] from Pace and others that the Emperor is determined to ruin him because he has thought it his duty to write to the King and Wolsey the simple truth concerning the proceedings here. The Emperor has heard ... from his ambassador in England, who professed to write "ex ore" of the King and Wolsey. Does not care one farthing for the Emperor, nor would he say a single word in his favor. Has done what he has done out of affection for those whose pardon and permission if he have, he is more fit to ruin the Emperor than the Emperor him; but will do nothing until he first know their wishes. Though the Emperor, from his lack of talents and prudence, is likely to ruin the whole world, especially the King of France, yet the writer will omit nothing necessary until he hear the resolution of the King and Wolsey. The Emperor's folly, and that of his councillors, is clear from their precious treatment (tam bonum tractamentum) of Pace, from whom they tried to get a large sum by wheedling, threats and force; and failing this, dismissed him from the Emperor's dominions. Afterwards they tried to bribe him; but he, in this difficulty, maintained the King's honor. Is in great necessity; but come what may, will always remain faithful to the King and Wolsey. Has heard that the Emperor is going to write to the King against him. If he had as little talent in reply as the Emperor has in writing, would not wish to live. In this and in all things else refers the King to Pace, who well knows the Emperor and Galeazzo. Everybody thinks the Emperor a fool for what he has done; especially those of his own court. Zurich, 22 June [1516].
Lat., mutilated, pp. 2. Copy.
22 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 152. B. M.
2078. [GALEAZZO VISCONTI] to MAXIMILIAN.
Has heard that the Emperor openly attacks him, which he would not believe but for the confirmation of many. Wonders not a little that he should make this return for his constant service, and desires to know why he is made to suffer such contumely. Prays that the Emperor will not ... him with so great a load ... will restore him to his former[position].
Copy, Lat., pp. 2. Headed: Sacratissimæ Imperiali Majestati D ... nomine Ill. D. Galeacij Vice[comitis]. Dated in margin, in a modern hand: [151]6, 22 Junii. Turegi.
23 June.
Galba, B. IV. 77. B. M.
2079. TUNSTAL and SIR RIC. WINGFIELD to [HENRY VIII.]
Received on the 21st Henry's letters of the 17th, stating that he expects repayment of the new prest in two years, and of the old in four years, and is content with the sureties offered if Charles will bind himself and his dominions for the repayment. This morning Chievres and the Chancellor expressed themselves satisfied with these terms, except as to the repayment of the new prest in two years, concerning which they would consult the master of finances, and, if they found this would be inconvenient, would propose three payments in three years. To this the writers objected. Will insert words in the minute of the obligation binding the King's lands and subjects, but fear the Chancellor, though he made no objection at their interview, will find out that it is illegal for a prince to bind his subjects. Have shown the Council, in accordance with the King's instructions: (1) the necessity of assisting the Emperor, which they said they had done to the extent of 800 men-of-arms and ... light horse, with money for the payment of 5,000 Swiss: (2) the propriety of concluding the new league without delay; to which they said they had sent instructions to their ambassador, as they promised to do, at Louvain, (the writer's letter of the 12th, in which this was mentioned, apparently not having reached the King on the 17th,) and showed them a minute of the commission, which the writers thought a little obscure, and recommended an enlargement of the powers: (3) that the King had notified to the Swiss the intended league, to stay them in the meanwhile from giving their services to France; to which they said they had done the like, and had heard from the Emperor that the French King despaired of winning them. Have had no answer yet whether the King Catholic will go by England. Have not yet made oveture touching the government of these parts, having been instructed to defer till the league was concluded. There is no disaffection here, as Henry expected, on account of the loss of Brescia; nor will be, unless the King Catholic himself suffer loss.
Two days ago arrived Nich. Neuell (Neufville), chief secretary of France, and above Robertet, who, and the French ambassador, have had long communication with Chievres. Were told that the object was to renew the demand made at Noyon for a moiety of Naples; in reply to which it was shown that, by the treaty of marriage of the Queen of Arragon, France had clearly renounced the title of Naples to "them" (Ferdinand and the Queen of Arragon), and the heirs of their bodies; that if there were no heir, it remained to Arragon for her life, and on her death one half should go to France, the French King paying a million of ducats in ten years, of which only two payments had been made, and 800,000 ducats remained to be paid. This answer the French could hardly reply to; and thus they have almost brought France to give up claim to Naples, which will remove all chance of a breach with France. These overtures are hitherto secret, and are unknown to the ambassadors of the Emperor and Arragon. The writers warned them against the French offers. The secretary departs this night or tomorrow. The Pope professes willingness to join the league: but, as they have heard nothing more, they think he is in some difficulty about the taking of Brescia, and will keep on the sure side. This evening, Chievres asking them to devise some pastime, they answered him what demands had been made by the French King for giving up Naples. He said he was forbidden to disclose it, but that he demanded no piece of theirs, nor would it be injurious to their confederates. Professed his willingness to serve the King at all times. The Duke of Urbino has fled to his father-in-law, the Marquis of Mantua. All his country is in the Pope's hands, except Pesaro and St. Leo. He had no Frenchmen in his employ. Letters came three days past, stating that the French had delivered Brescia to the Venetians for 30,000 ducats. The Emperor is in Constance. Brussels, 23 June. Signed.
Pp. 8, mutilated.
23 June.
Galba, B. V. 262. B. M.
2080. TUNSTAL to [WOLSEY].
As to the objection which might be made to the wording of the King of Castile's obligation, as they mention in their present letters to the King, that the King cannot bind his subjects without their consent, will leave them to find it out. Spinelly, who writes at this time to Wolsey to be reimbursed his expences, is most assiduous in the King's service, early and late endeavoring to obtain news; for his fidelity to the King, all others have forsaken him. Great numbers of Spaniards come here every day, petitioning for offices and fees. They are all told no grants can be made till the King go to Spain. The day of his departure is not yet known to any man. When Ravenstein asked Chievres about it, at dinner, the latter replied, mockingly, that his astronomer could tell him. Thinks the English ambassadors will know of it as soon as any great preparatiors are making for the voyage. Brussels, 23 June.
Hol., pp. 2, mutilated.
23 June.
Galba, B. IV. 89. B. M.
2081. SPINELLY to [WOLSEY].
Encloses a memorandum of the news furnished by a servant of the Master of the [Posts], who went to Messe, in Lorraine, at Spinelly's request. He says it will be difficult to intercept the letters coming out of France to Ric. de la Pole, but if he is well rewarded, and his costs paid beforehand, he will stay 15 or 20 days at Metz, and do his best. He is bailly of a village in Luxembourg, a day and a half distant from Metz, and has many friends fit for such affairs. If the King wishes, will do the best he can therein. Alamire set out on the 19th toward the K[ing], and will go to Wolsey, as soon as he arrives, for further instructions. This must be done secretly, because of his acquaintance with the King's minstrels, and Hans Nagle. Sends an account of the money he has laid out for the King's affairs, with the quittances and certificates thereof, the amount due of his annuity, and the additional yearly rewards which he has had since he served the King. Asks that all for the year ending at Michaelmas may be paid to Mr. Fowler or Mr. Yehamyns, his fellow, for him, and that he may have 20s. a day, like others who have promotions besides. Touching Cottingan, hopes Wolsey, having given his brother the benefice, will see that he enjoy the fruits of it. Is encouraged to write this by the Master of the Rolls, and has also written to Tuke, and to his own servant, who has the procuration, to put to farm the said Cottingan.
Don Pedro Dureas has letters from Verona of the 14th, stating that the French have delivered Brescia to the Venetians, who paid them 30,000 ducats for it; that the Pope's nephews had conquered the whole Duchy of Urbino, except Pessaro and ... (fn. 10) and that the Duke had fled to Mantua. That the Pope is displeased with the French King, on account of a sum of money "they wol borrow of the fl ..." The French secretary is to return to France in two days; his charge is kept very secret, but the Chancellor told him what he wrote yesterday. Brussels, 23 June.
P.S.—The servant of the Master of the Posts that went to Metz has been with him, and offered to intercept the letters from the French King to Ric. de la Pole for 100 golden guldens paid in hand, and 200 on the delivery of the letters.
Hol., pp. 3, mutilated.
(fn. 11) ii. "... made by Jakes Hesbek, servant of the Master of the Posts [at] Luxemburg, on his return from Metz." First: Ten days ago he left ... where he had stayed six days, and bought wine. Saw Ric. de la Pole going to the church with a very poor visage, " accompanied with ... seeming gentlemen and four others." He lodged near him, and heard that De la Pole was going to remove into a house belonging to Rob. de la Marck, and in three days after his coming to Metz a post came to his own lodging from the French court, sent for De la Pole's secretary and delivered him a packet of letters. The post mentioned, at dinner, that the French had taken Brescia, and were going to besiege Verona. Had a conversation with the post, who said the King of England's money had made the war against the French; that France would be avenged; and that Francis, being so busy in Italy, could not yet help De la Pole to his right, but would do so on the first opportunity. The second day after his arrival at Metz, the post was despatched back into France. After receipt of his letters from France, Ric. de la Pole went to the town house, and had an interview with the governors. The inhabitants of Metz, being Burgundians, do not like to see him entertained by the French King. Jakes, with a friend of his, born in Luxembourg, heard some of the household of Ric. de la Pole talk in the same way as the post did, and that the French King had given De la Pole 3,000 cr. Richard has with him 17 or 18 persons. He daily entertains the principal persons of the town with banquets. His servants were seeking to buy horses. He is always sending messengers to and fro. The Master of the Rolls considers Jakes a discreet man of his degree. Brussels, 23 June. Signed by Spinelly.
Hol., pp. 2.
23 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 167. B. M.
2082. [WOLSEY] to PACE.
Has received his [letters] dated the 7th and 9th. Thanks him for his perseverance in keeping the Swiss in their "good mind" towards the King, and in encouraging them "to resume [their] hearts, and eftsones valiantly set forth for thexterm[inating] of the Frenchmen out of Italy;" so that they are at present "determined resolutely" to abandon the French and join the King, and to give battle to the French, if money be speedily sent for their pay; "[otherwise] that it is not possible to keep them from the French[men] ... they being provided of money." Pace has also written that two months will suffice for the accomplishment of the enterprise. The King is much pleased with his management, and sends letters of thanks to the Swiss for their "good mind" towards him. On delivering them, Pace is to desire a continuance of this good feeling, and to tell them that the King is treating with the ambassadors of the Pope, the Emperor, and the [King Catholic] for a league between them [and the] Swiss, and for a large annual pension to be provided by common contribution for their entertainment, which Wolsey trusts will amount to 40,000 angels a year.
The Swiss are to send commissioners to England to be present with the ambassadors of the other princes at the concluding of the treaty. At their arrival further provision can be made for the advancement of money for their setting forth against the French in Italy, which cannot be done now, as neither the force nor their time of service are perfectly known to the King. Meanwhile the Swiss are to be persuaded, by promise of the provision which will follow, to send their ambassadors as speedily as possible. If Pace cannot induce them to this, he is to certify to Wolsey the number of men the Swiss will provide for this expedition, and how many months' wages are to be provided, with the "certein ... as shalbe requisite to entertaigne the said Suches for ... of the said voyage." As all the money supplied by the King to the Swiss for their last enterprise was wasted, Wolsey requires Pace to send his own opinion by the advice of the Cardinal Sion and the Co[unt Galeas] as to the probable success of the present undertaking; "for divers and many suppose and think th[at] having their principal living by such en[terprises] ... in the wars," the Swiss will do as they did before. Pace can despatch a courier with his reply, who will reach England "in seven or eight days," as his last letters came with "marvellous good diligence." He shall have an immediate reply as to the King's intention. Henry "well alloweth" Pace's opinion of the Emperor, thinking that he takes "him as he is," and wills him to use him accordingly. The King intends [to induce the King of] Castile to bear part of the charge of the support of the Swiss, and begs Pace to treat with the Pope, by letters and by the Bp. of ..., to send commissioners and bear part of the same charge.
Lest the Swiss should suspect that Henry is indifferent to this new expedition, Pace is to represent that when the letters of exchange were revoked nothing was known of it; that now, when the King perceives the towardness of the Swiss, those bills may be countermanded: but this matter must be kept in suspense until the intentions of the other princes be known with regard to the conribution, for they would be slacker if they knew the King's money was so ready. (fn. 12) [Is to tell the Duke of Bari the King has no intention of accepting the Duchy of Milan offered to him by the Emperor. He will, however, not expressly refuse it, but dissemble.]* Is to encourage Galeazzo, as in Wolsey's last letters, and to hold out to him a hope of a marriage between the Magnifico Laurentio and one of the King's blood, after the conclusion of the enterprise. The King of Castile is determined to join the league, and will send an ambassador to the Swiss. It is not possible to send horsemen "from thie[s] parties": but the King hears that all the [horsemen] of Naples will come to the Emperor, [who] it is supposed will have other cavalry sufficient for this en[terprise.] The Swiss can give battle to the French without horse, as they are so near ... Pace is to renew his efforts to separate the French and Venetians, which may be the easier done now the French keep Brescia from them. He is not to touch the sum which he writes Friscobald has in readiness for the Swiss, until he knows the King's further pleasure, which will be after receipt of Pace's next letter. Meantime he had better "send a declaration ... all the King's money heretofore received there ha[th] ... and the rather ye so do the better shall it be for your ..." To keep the Swiss in their present favorable state of mind, he is not only to dwell upon the provision and pension mentioned above, but to remind them of the advantage they will acquire by recovering Milan from the French.
Draft, corrected in Ruthal's hand, pp. 15, mutilated.
Vit. B. II. 209.
B. M.
2083. WOLSEY to [PACE.]
* * * "good effect, and it shall be well done that if he be deputy ... [f]orwards." The Swiss are to return at once into Italy, and strike battle with the French. They were never so weak as now. All the Almains are dismissed for lack of money. The horse are but feeble. They may utterly exterminate the French. He is to prevent any overtures for peace with France, and urge them to strike a blow, advancing matters as he has hitherto wisely done, and writing diligently from time to time. Sends him 100l., and the double of a bill of exchange for 24,000l.
Draft, in Wolsey's hand, p. 1, mutilated and imperfect.
24 June.
Vit. B. XX. 10. B. M.
2084. [WOLSEY] to [PACE.]
"And albeit that in these ... Swices in the name of the ho ... of 40,000 angel nobles, yet ... begynnyng of the overture to be made to them n ... the moiety thereof; that is to say, twenty thousand nobles ... verayly that they wol be right wol contented with the same h ... shal perceive that they cannot be contented with that sum, then ... ascending by litel and litel, and not in anywise passing or exce[ding the] said somme of forty thousand nobles by yere, ye by your wise- dome and dis[cretion shall] satisfie and content them with as litel some as ye conveniently may." Finally, in case [Pace] sees that the Swiss will not wait without money until the final resolution of the con[federates], and in default of it will abandon us and join the French; if the necessity be extreme, but not otherwise, part of the 8,000l. is to be advanced to them, "which ye shall receive of suche money as be ready; f ... hathe made prest there. Wherein as both the King's grace and I specially ... ourself that neither for affection or otherwise ye [disburse any.] money then of verray necessite ... [provi]sion (fn. 13) for the somme of lx. m. crownes ... lleys there, and for that cause there ... viij ml li. which before was put into the [hands of the] ... if it remain still in their handes ... factors of the said Friscobaldi at Awsbrucke and if ... before this repayed it to thandes of Robert Fowler, at Antwarp; [it] is ordeigned that the same Robert shall immediately redelyver it unto [Leonard]e Friscobaldi," so that he will be sure to receive it upon the bill of exchange of the said Leonard, sent herewith, without loss from the first exchange with the Fukkers, which the said Leonard will bear. Except in case of extreme necessity, the said sum is to be kept secret from the Emperor, Wingfield, and everybody else. The advance to the Swiss to be as small as possible ...
Orig., pp. 2, much mutilated. In Tuke's hand.
23 June.
R. O.
2085. ANCHISES VISCONTI to BURBANCK.
Will perceive his trouble from letters in cipher annexed, which he will read to Wolsey. Constance, 23 June 1516.
Hol., Lat., p. 1. Add.: R. D. Gulielmo Burbancko, prothonotario apostolico.
23 June.
P. S.
2086. For JOHN POWER, messenger of the Chamber, of Westminster.
Protection; going in the retinue of Sir Ric. Wyngfelde. Greenwich, 13 June 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 23 June.
24 June. Harl. 296. f. 121. B. M. 2087. LEAGUE.
Between the Pope, the Emperor, Henry VIII., Charles of Spain and the Swiss. Brussels, 24 June.
24 June.
R. O.
2088. JOANNA and CHARLES OF SPAIN.
Commission to Bernard de Mesa to treat for alliance with the Pope and the Emperor in the court of Henry VIII. Brussels, 24 June 1516. Sealed, but not signed.
Lat., mutilated.
24 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 157. B. M.
2089. [PACE] to WOLSEY.
"The Emperor even now [showed unto me] a letter of his directed u[nto his ambassador resi]dent there for to read the s[ame, which I have] done." Told the Emperor plainly there were many things in it untrue, as that the Duke of [Bari and] Galeazzo had written against the Emperor, and that [Galeazzo] and Pace had consented to bring the Swiss into the field. If the Emperor's ambassador ask Wolsey for the payment "off o[ny mo]ny" to the five cantons, Wolsey may reply "that all money [that] shall be expende by the King s[hall be] expende in suche soldiors as schall [do the] Emperor service in the field, and none other." The Emperor has promised large sums to these five cantons, and would pa[y them out] of the King's purse. Wolsey will receive a letter from Pace to the King, written at the Emperor's request, "and he would ne ... est hoc dixisse. I think it ... the King's orators here falsely ... ome writing of such things ... minate great dissension inter principes ... King's orators to be violently delt ... ere as I have been, which is greatly against [the Kyn]gis honor, and rebuke also to his master ... Junij."
When Pace had written thus far, the Emperor asked [to see] what he had written to the King, conformably to his desire. Accordingly sent him the [copy] of his letter enclosed. By the one correction in it Wolsey will perceive the Emperor's [mind]; viz. where he says, "stipendium nume ... in manibus Cæsaris;" for this is what they aim at, and nothing else, to have the King's money in their hands; and Pace and Galeazzo are looked on as unfriendly because they have always opposed this. Wolsey will have received a copy of Galeazzo's letter to the Emperor, from which he will see that Galeazzo "doeth [li]tle esteme hym." Heard yesterday from the Swiss that the Emperor had treated secretly with the French King for a peace on the same terms as those of the treaty with the late King. Immediately desired one of the Council to tell him [if it were true], saying "that if it were true he had [no further place] in this country." He replied that it was not true, and that when the Swiss arrived the Emperor would clearly show that he meant war against France. "Revme Domine, mallem esse apud inferos quam hic, nam i[bi] ... pœna nocet, hic nulla virtus prodest, nec ... nec ratio, nec consilium, nec doctrina hic locum [habent]; sola pecunia temere petitur." Since the arrival of M. Anchises, has had no letters from Wolsey. Ex C[onstantia], 24 June.
Hol., mutilated, pp. 3. Add.: Rmo Dno Carli Eboracensi.
24 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 143. B. M.
2090. GALEAZZO and ANCHISES VISCONTI.
Abstract of the letter of Anchises [Visconti] from Constance [19 June 1516.] (fn. 14)
Writes that on the 10th of the present month "invenit ... maxima cura et diligentia circa mandata [regiæ majestatis (fn. 15) ] ... Marchione Brandinburghe thesaurario, quod et alii ... non modo rogarunt sed extorquere cupientés magnam p[ecuniæ summam] pro sustentandis 5,000 lanskenethe peditum nunc n ... quinque millibus Elveciorum pro succurrenda Bressa, turpiter a ... Veronam, et pro mille equitibus Germanis. Petebant ins[uper] ... promissos quibusdam cantonibus Elveciorum pro bello faciendo contra G[allos. Dixerunt] insuper hi nuntii quod nisi præmissæ summæ subrogentur omnes hos pedi[tes] ... transituros; unde opus est celeritate solvendi præsertim quum majestas [regia virum] nobilem transmisisset ad eundem dominum Paceum, cum summa totius hujus ... et expeditionen." This nobleman, they thought, was Anchises. "Ad præ [missa] Anchises respondit."
He confessed that he had been sent from the King with great speed; first, because the King was struck with inexpressible wonder that the great sums which he had furnished had been thrown away so fruitlessly; secondly, because he had heard that the French were making every effort to gain over the Swiss. He had therefore commissioned Pace and Anchises to go to [them], and confirm them in their friendship. Touching the money desired for the infantry and cavalry, Pace answered [he] had [no] money; and if he had any, he would do nothing without a special mandate from the King or Wolsey; so the Emperor's messengers went away empty handed. On the 14th a courier from the Emperor arrived in haste asking for immediate assistance of 50,000 fl. Pace prudently made answer, as the King will see by copies [of his letters]. At last both [Pace] and Anchises went to Constance. The King should trust his money to fewer hands if he desire the success of the expedition. "Nuncii Cæsaris petentes pecunias affirmabant ... pedites Cæsarem relinquerent" ... (A line lost.)
From Anchises to Wolsey. Constance, 23 June.
Pace and he have been commanded to leave the Emperor's dominions tomorrow, and do nothing with the Swiss without first consulting him. He fears for his life, and sees no safety but in flight. They are completely hemmed in. The Cardinal of Sion is the cause of these persecutions, and the letters of the Emperor's ambassador in England against Anchises and Galeazzo. Today Anchises spoke with the Emperor, and was ordered by him not to give anything to the Swiss without consulting his ministers. Replied, that he received his commands from England. Should have despaired of his life if the name of England had not protected him. The Emperor's appetite for the King's money is insatiable. The Swiss are very ready, if the King wishes, to drive the French out of Italy, but it must be done in the Emperor's name. It is reported that the Pope has expelled the Duke of Urbino from his duchy, and that the Duke has come to Mantua; that the Venetians have besieged Verona, and withdrawn without an assauit; that Bourbon has returned to France, and that letters have been sent from Flanders to the Viceroy of Naples to come with all haste to Verona and the Emperor.
From Anchises to Wolsey. 24 June.
Yesterday the Emperor, seeing the high favor in which Galeazzo stood with the Swiss, broke out into angry expressions against him. Sends copies of a letter which Galeazzo wrote to the Emperor in consequence, and sent by his secretary. "[ ... s] ecretario dom. Galiacii et literis ejusdem idem dom. Richardus et Anchises pro ... omnes Elvecios contra Gallos arma sumere modo sint pecuniæ ... nunquam defuturum ab amore et obsequio regiæ majestatis Angliæ ... [a]b amore verbis aut factis ipsius Cæsaris." Wingfield comes tomorrow to Constance. Traps are laid on all sides for the English money.
From Galeazzo to Henry VIII. Zurich, 19 June.
Does not refuse to become the King's lieutenant in the future expedition. Praises the King greatly for what he has heard from Anchises touching the renewal of the expedition. The Swiss are more and more [ill] disposed to the French King. Will hire as many of them as the King wishes for his service, but it must be done at once. There is no doubt of their good will. Though the King is sorry to have thrown away so much money, he has at least gained thus much; that [the French] King is so drained of money that it is impossible he can carry on the war [in Italy] or in France any further, so that [Henry] could much more easily acquire his hereditary right in France [than] drive the French from Italy. It is no small matter that the expedition has prevented a peace between the French and Swiss. The Duke of Bari writes to the King, "pro obsidibus pen ... permansuros quoad satisfiet de portione expensarum q ... constituet."
From Anchises. Constance, ...
It is clear from the letters of the Emperor and Pace that the appetite of the Emperor for swallowing the money [of England] ... The answer of Pace on this ...
From letters of Anchises.
He and Pace have arrived this day at Constance, where Pace will remain, and he will go on to the Swiss, to whom he will declare the commands of the King and Wolsey. The letters of Pace and Galeazzo will show how great is the inclination of the Swiss towards Henry. Galeazzo remained long at Zurich, "apud Elvetios, primo cantono eorumdem." Hopes all the Swiss, even to women and children, are ready to take arms against the French.
Lat., pp. 4, mutilated. In the same hand as No. 2077.
24 June. S. B. 2091. To SIR RIC. JERNINGHAM, treasurer of Tournay.
To pay John Selyer, gentleman usher of the Chamber, a yearly pension of 20l. from Easter last. Greenwich, 24 June 8 Hen. VIII.
25 June.
R. O.
2092. The CARDINAL OF SION to WOLSEY.
As it is difficult to send letters with safety, employs the bearer, "magnificus Dominus Johannes," an Englishman, a gentleman of the chamber of the late Pope Julius II., to communicate certain things, though he wrote at considerable length in his last. Trent, 25 June 1516. Signed.
Lat., p. 1. Add.: Th. Card. Ebor., &c. Endd.
25 June.
Vit. B. III. 47*. B. M.
2093. ANDREAS SCHEINER to the CARDINAL OF SION.
Have been in Swabia some days, and were robbed. Intended to have gone on, but were hindered by want of money. Yesterday the new come Swiss left; today a part of the army returned home for want of victuals. 600 lanzknechts have deserted to France. Encloses letters which he has received. Many more of the Swiss will return for want of pay. Though they have hitherto been very patient, great disturbance will arise unless the money be forthcoming which Count [Galeazzo] promised. Verona, 25 June 1516.
Sends him letters of Nich. Von Eggen (?)
Hol., Lat., p. 1, mutilated. Add.

Footnotes

  • 1. f. 153
  • 2. Supplied from margin.
  • 3. Inserted in 1st vol. according to the date given, but erroneously, by Le Clerc.
  • 4. f. 145.
  • 5. f. 149
  • 6. f. 150.
  • 7. f. 154.
  • 8. f. 156.
  • 9. Supplied from modern note in margin.
  • 10. f. 91.
  • 11. f. 90.
  • 12. This passage is crossed out, with this note in the margin: "Nota, to know the King's pleasure."
  • 13. The remainder of the document has been cancelled.
  • 14. These words are crossed out.
  • 15. Supplied from marginal note before the fire.