|
|
1488.
31 Jan.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
3 Hen. VII.
m. 5. (14.) |
12. Henry VII. to Diego De Castro And Others.
Licence granted to Diego de Castro and Martin de Malverida,
merchants of Spain, that certain fellow merchants of theirs
may dispose of some goods they have brought from Spain to
England, &c. &c.—Westminster, the 31st of January.
Latin. p. ¼. |
10 March.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
3. Hen. VII.
m. 7. (12.) |
13. Henry VII. to John Weston And Others.
Commission to John Weston, Prior of St. John of Jerusalem
in England, John Gunthorpe, Dean of Wells, Christopher
Urswik, Great Almoner, Thomas Savage, Doctor of Law, and
Henry Ainsworth, Doctor of Law, to conclude a treaty of
alliance with Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, to settle all
pending subjects of dispute, and to confer on the articles
regarding the assistance to be given to one another by the
contending powers.—Westminster, 10th March.
Printed in Rymer.
Latin. |
30 April.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 1. |
14. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
Commission to De Puebla,—1, to conclude a treaty of marriage
between the Princess Katharine and Arthur, Prince of
Wales. 2, to concert with the commissioners of Henry the
amount of the marriage portion, and the conditions of its payment
and repayment in case of the dissolution of the marriage.
3, to concert the amount and conditions of the jointure to
be given by Henry to the Princess Katharine.—No date.
Spanish. Draft. pp. 6. |
30 April.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 1. |
15. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla and Juan De
Sepulveda.
Commission to conclude with the commissioners of Henry
VII. a marriage between the Infanta Katharine and Arthur
Prince of Wales.—Murcia, 30th April 1488.
Contemporary copy. Latin. |
30 April.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 1. |
16. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla and Juan De
Sepulveda.
Commission to treat and to conclude with the commissioners
of Henry VII. whatever is necessary for the renewal, interpretation,
and reformation of the treaties concluded between
their predecessors.—Murcia, 30th April 1488.
Contemporary copy. Latin.
[A note in Spanish is annexed to this paper, stating
that similar powers were despatched for De Puebla
solely, in order that, if necessary, he alone should
conclude the said treaties. Two copies were
made of each power, one being sent by sea and
the other by land, and confided to special
messengers.] |
2 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Letters of marque.
17. Henry VII. to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Is informed by merchants of Bristol that a treaty was
concluded between England and Spain, 21st of Edward IV.
which was to last ten years. By it English merchants were
entitled to carry on commerce in all parts of Spain ; the old
letters of marque and reprisal were declared to be null and
void, and new letters of marque were to be issued, but not
until after six months had been allowed to all English subjects
to send away their goods and to leave the country. This treaty
being still in force, Johan de Arremonendy, master of a Spanish
vessel, the Sanctus Stephanus, had sailed on the 5th of February
last from Bristol to Spain. She had scarcely reached
the high seas, when she was attacked and run into Gattare
in Brittany. When she arrived in Spain, Martin de Miranda
and other Spaniards, who had obtained letters of marque
against English subjects, caused the Governor of Guypuzcoa
to detain her and her freight for the sum of 2006 gold crowns.
Henry demands redress, and has instructed De Puebla to
explain the matter more fully in his name.—Windsor Castle,
2nd July 1488.
Indorsed : "To Ferdinand and Isabella, &c."
Latin. pp. 4. |
6 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
18. Henry VII. to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Congratulates them, in the most flattering terms, on their
success against the Moors. Hopes the friendship already existing
between them will soon be rendered stronger by the ties
of blood.—Windsor Castle, 6th July 1488.
Indorsed : "To Ferdinand and Isabella, &c."
Latin. pp. 2. |
6 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Marriage portion
of the Princess
Katharine.
19. De Puebla.
Richard, Bishop of Exeter, and [Giles] Daubney, of Daubney,
in their quality of commissioners of Henry VII., declare
to Roderigo Gundisalvi de Puebla and Juan de Sepulveda,
ambassadors of Ferdinand and Isabella, that the marriage
portion of the Princess Katharine is expected to be 200,000
gold scudos, every scudo to be of the value of 4s. 2d.—London,
6th of July 1488.
This memorandum is made and signed in order that the
Spanish ambassadors may consult Ferdinand and Isabella on
this subject, and inform the English commissioners of their
decision before Easter next.
Signed : "Doctor de Puebla."
Latin. pp. 2.
[A note in Spanish is added in the hand of
De Puebla, stating that the last portion of the
above memorandum was subjoined at the instance
of xxxv (De Puebla), who refused to
sign without such addition.] |
7 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 1. |
Marriage of the
Princess Katharine.
20. Indenture between De Puebla and Sepulveda, Ambassadors
of Ferdinand and Isabella, on the one part,
and Richard, Bishop of Exeter, and Giles Daubney,
of Daubney, Commissioners of Henry VII., on the
other part.
1. The ambassadors and commissioners have agreed that
the Princess Katharine of Spain shall marry Arthur, Prince
of Wales. The marriage portion of Katharine is to consist
of a sum of money, the amount of which the commissioners
of Henry VII. have made known to the ambas
sadors of Spain in a separate paper. One half of it is
to be paid as soon as the Princess arrives in England, the
other half on the day of the solemnization of her marriage.
All such Spanish subjects as reside in London are to be security
for the punctual payment of it. The Princess is to be endowed
with the third part of the revenues of Wales, Cornwall, and
Chester.
2. Ferdinand and Isabella are to send the Princess, in a
decent manner, and at their own expense, to London.
3. They are to dress their daughter suitably to her rank
(honorifice), and to give her as many jewels, &c., for her personal
use, as becomes her position.
4. The Princess is to succeed to all property that may
descend to her in Spain. |
Treaties.
5. Treaties of peace, commerce, and alliance to be what
they were thirty years ago.
6. Either of the contracting parties is to assist the other
when attacked by an enemy ; the party who demands assistance
to pay the expenses. Rebels of one contracting party
are not to be permitted to stay in the dominions of the other
contracting party. If one of the contracting parties conclude
a treaty with other princes, the other party is to be included
in the nomination.
7. The King of England is to send ambassadors to Spain,
to treat more fully respecting this treaty of peace and
alliance.
8. The Spanish ambassadors and the English commissioners
are to consult with their respective sovereigns, and to
assemble again, before Easter next, in London.
Latin. pp. 7.
[Annexed to this document is a copy of the memorandum
of the 6th of the same month.] |
15 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
21. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Johan de Sepulveda arrived in London on Trinity Sunday.
He delivered letters from the King and Queen of Spain to
De Puebla, and circumstantially explained the subject of his
mission. De Puebla, on the other hand, informed him of the
state of things in England. |
Affairs of
Brittany.
As to affairs in xx (Brittany), nothing can be done until the
courier has returned whom xxxv (De Puebla) is expecting. It
is impossible to effect what Ferdinand and Isabella desire
without previously coming to an understanding about the
matter of which xxxv (De Puebla) has spoken. xj (the
King of England) has sent messengers to xvij (the King of
France) about the affair of xx (Brittany).
xj (the King of England) is very angry with certain personages
from xx (Brittany), who have wormed his secrets out
of one of his Privy Council "(De Puebla says he is the person
who went to Spain to wait upon the King and the Queen),
and he has promised to give him a younger xxviij
(daughter) of xx (Brittany) in xxij in (marriage)." (fn. 1)
After the expiration of the time agreed to with De Puebla,
Henry sent another officer to the King of France to clear
his honour. All remonstrances had been useless. |
Audience of
Henry.
Three days after the arrival of the courier, De Puebla
and Sepulveda went together to xj (the King of England).
Sepulveda delivered his message to the satisfaction of De
Puebla. De Puebla afterwards told the King that he was
now at liberty to show his power and to conclude the
business. "The King of England opened his eyes wide
with joy, and most cheerfully answered one and the other
matter in great detail." |
King of France.
The King of England gave a full account of the present
state of xx (Brittany), which did not differ in one single
point from what had already been stated. He called De
Puebla to witness to what he said. More than this, the
King of England affirmed that three days before he had
had letters from his ambassadors to the King of France, who
was ready to leave the whole business in his hands. Although
xxvj (war) had been thus deferred, and negotiations for peace
were going on, "Sepulveda, as being a man who had recently
come thither, spoke with much more warmth on this subject
than was agreeable to De Puebla."
When speaking of xxj (the alliance) and xxij (the marriage)
the King broke out into a Te Deum laudamus.
Next day he appointed the same three commissioners (two
ecclesiastics and one layman), who had been his former
commissioners.
The powers were shown. |
Marriage of the
Princess Katharine.
The English Commissioners declared that with regard to
the alliance there was not much to confer about, and began
directly to speak of the marriage. They were exceedingly
civil, and said a great many things in praise of Ferdinand
and Isabella. That being done, they asked the Spaniards to
name the sum for the marriage portion. |
Discussions on the
amount of the marriage
portion.
The Spanish Ambassadors replied that it would be more
becoming for the English to name the marriage portion,
because they had first solicited this xxij (marriage), and
their party is a xxvij (son). (fn. 2)
The English Commissioners asked five times as much as
they had asked in Spain.
The Spanish Ambassadors proposed to refer this matter to
vij (Ferdinand) and viij (Isabella), who would act liberally
in proportion to the confidence shown them.
The English Commissioners said that such a proceeding
would be inconvenient for both parties, and that Ferdinand
and Isabella would not agree to it.
The Spanish Ambassadors complained that the English
were unreasonable in their demands. "Bearing in mind
what happens every day to the Kings of England, it is
surprising that Ferdinand and Isabella should dare to give
their xxviij (daughter) at all. This was said with great
courtesy, in order that they might not feel displeasure or be
enraged."
The English Commissioners abated one third.
The Spaniards proposed that, as there was sufficient time for
it, two or four persons should be selected as umpires.
The English Commissioners declined it, and gave their
reasons.
The Spaniards desired the English to name the lowest price.
The English abated one half.
The Spaniards said that this marriage would be so advantageous
to the King of England that he ought to content
himself with what is generally given with Princesses of Spain.
The English desired to have everything defined in order to
avoid disputes after the conclusion of the marriage. They
asked twice as much as they had asked in Spain.
The Spanish Ambassadors offered one fourth.
The English asked why, as the money was not to come out
of the strong boxes of the King and the Queen, but out of the
pockets of their subjects, they should not be more liberal?
They referred to old treaties with France, Burgundy, and
Scotland, proving by them that even higher marriage
portions were given.
They also urged that England is a very dear place, the
smallest coin being worth eight Spanish maravedis, and that
the great men spend large sums. The English aristocracy
is rich and prosperous in the Dukedoms of Clarence, Lancaster,
Buckingham, Somerset, Norfolk, York, the counties
of Warwick, Salisbury, and Lincoln, and the Marquisate
of Dorset. Such being the case, and there not being "a drop
of blood" in existence from which any danger might arise, the
English saw no reason to lessen their demands. |
The dowry.
xxviij (the daughter) of vij (Ferdinand) and viij (Isabella)
"is to receive the third part of the revenue of Wales, Cornwall,
and Chester, which is equivalent to eighty thousand
gold crowns a year." The best towns, villages, and castles
are to be selected for her. The said principality, duchy, and
county contain 30,000 vassals, hundreds of villages and
castles, some towns, and many seaports. Nothing more can
be obtained.
The Spaniards asked a higher dowry, in case the Princess
should become xij (Queen of England). But the English Commissioners
refused. There is no country (they said) in the
world where Queens live with greater pomp than in England,
where they have as many court officers as the King. The
English dislike novelties. |
Alliances.
The old treaties were read in regard to alliances.
The Spaniards observed that these treaties were concluded in
time of need. The world had changed much since then. The
said treaties were copied by De Puebla and sent to Spain.
The English insisted that their full right of inheritance has
always been reserved to Princesses married into England.
That is the reason why alliances are made.
As to further conversation on important business no details
are given. |
King of Portugal.
xix (the King of Portugal). The friendship between
England and Portugal dates from very old times. In case of
xxvi (war) between Spain and Portugal, England is to remain
neutral. In case of renewal of the treaties between
England and Portugal, Spain is to be excepted. De Puebla
thought that "this was sufficient and even better than if
more had been obtained. For in this manner the friendship
of both England and Portugal could be preserved. If more
were said the King of Portugal would look out for other
alliances." It would be best not to speak of this matter
at all. At all events, the substantial article ought not to
be explained, because it would exasperate the King of
Portugal. |
King of France.
xvij (the King of France). De Puebla translated the
clause in his instructions which had respect to France,
because the English cannot understand, or read, or speak
Spanish), "(Quod xj (Rex Angliæ) non debeat adjutorium
prestare a xvij (fn. 3) (Regi Franciæ) neque pacem nec treugas cum
eo facere, nisi quando predicti vij et viij (Rex et Regina Hispaniarum)
eas fecerint, et predictus xj (Rex Angliæ) promittit
xxvj (bellum) cum eo rrumpere, quando predicti vij et
viij (Rex et Regina Hispaniarum) xxvj (bellum) adversus eum
disposuerint, et quod dicti vij et viij (Rex et Regina Hispaniarum),
non poterint auxilium prestare nec 25 (pacem)
facere cum dicto xvij (Rege Franciæ), nisi adjecerint et
inserant in ea dictum xj (Regem Angliæ), vel ipsum in ea
expresse esceperint (fn. 4) et eceptaverint. (fn. 4) "
Eng. Com. Why mention the King of France? As soon
as the treaties of alliance and matrimony are concluded,
Henry will do whatever Ferdinand and Isabella like, especially
as the friendship between England and Spain is of such
long standing.
Span. Amb. The greater the friendship, the easier it will
be to do what Ferdinand and Isabella ask.
Eng. Com. It is not advisable to put such things in
writing, for—1, treaties, signed, sealed and sworn to, are everlasting,
and ought to contain nothing except such clauses as are
most easily justified ;—2, such a clause would be against
the common custom ;—3, there would be no equality between
the contracting parties. Ferdinand and Isabella would be
at perfect liberty to do what they liked in every emergency,
whilst Henry would not even be permitted to abandon his
claim to Guienne and Normandy. The most learned men
and the highest dignitaries, after conferring together every
day, have given their opinion that to accept such a clause is
not "permissible, just, or honest," but, on the contrary, is
"against justice, God, and conscience." |
War against
France.
There is much discussion on this subject.
At last the English pretend to have regard only to justice
and conscience.
De Puebla shows them from books, that according "to civil
and canon law, and according to justice, God, and conscience,"
war against the King of France is justifiable.
Whatever France has taken from England and Spain must be
recovered.
Eng. Com. It is notorious that the King of England has
received many great services from the King of France, and
it would not be honest to insert a clause against France
in the treaty of alliance. "Such things are more justifiable
and honest when done, than when written. As the English
find that De Puebla is scandalized and discontented with
this answer, they take a massbook, and swear in the most
solemn way, before a crucifix, that it is the will of the
King of England, first to conclude the alliance and the
marriage, and afterwards to make war upon the King of
France, according to the bidding of Ferdinand and
Isabella." The King of England also promises to send
ambassadors to Spain, to inquire the wishes of Ferdinand
and Isabella. A war with France is a serious affair, and
demands much preparation.
Span. Amb. The power of Spain on land and by sea is
very great ; she is therefore a most useful ally. When the
King of Naples, for instance, was in danger of losing his kingdom,
he asked Ferdinand and Isabella to help him ; and though
they were then engaged in a war against the Moors, they sent
him twenty ships, with a great number of soldiers, and also
a great embassy to the Pope, asking him to make peace with
Naples. In consequence of this, the affairs of Naples took so
prosperous a turn, that the Duke of Calabria pitched his tent
on the heights overlooking Rome, and took vengeance on
his adversaries, making daily excursions to the gates of Rome,
and even burning one of them. The fleet and army remained
there a long time. Ferdinand and Isabella refused to yield
obedience to the Pope until the Count Tendilla had concluded
peace between Rome and Naples. The greatness and prosperity
of Spain would contribute much "to make that impossible
which has happened so often, and which still happens to
the Kings of England." If the treaty of alliance were to
be made public, tranquillity and order would be secured.
Other reasons, either true or plausible, are added.
It is finally decided first to consult Ferdinand and
Isabella.
Advises them to conclude the treaty of alliance and
matrimony ; the consequence of which would be that France
would restore what she has taken from Spain, and the King
of Spain would be able to make an alliance between England,
the King of the Romans, and Brittany.
The treaty would be so disadvantageous to the King of
France, that he could not do otherwise than become a suppliant
to the King and Queen of Spain, because then their
friendship would be worth more to him "than that of the
King of England, or of the King of the Romans, or of the
Duke of Brittany." It would be even more easy to arrange
affairs with the King of France than with others. The father
of the present King of France, though much more warlike, had
demanded peace, under similar circumstances, of the predecessor
of the present King of England. Even supposing there
were no real advantages, "the mere appearance would do
much. How much more a real alliance and marriage!" |
Second audience.
"After this had been written, Doctor De Puebla and
Sepulveda went to Henry, and asked if he wanted anything
more, as Sepulveda was to return to Spain." |
The King of
England.
"The King, according to his usual manner, took his
bonnet off his head, and said the most flattering things
of Ferdinand and Isabella, (fn. 5) every time he pronounced their
names taking the measure of his bonnet, and after some
flourishes and compliments, entering upon the essential
points respecting the alliance and the marriage. He said
he knew the oath which had been made to us (as I
have already mentioned in the chapter respecting France),
and he was very glad that this oath had been made, adding
that we must accept it for plain truth unmingled with
double dealing or falsehood." |
King of the
Romans.
De Puebla, seeing that the "speech of the King was like
precious jewels," and that he wanted to confide to him his
innermost secrets, touched upon the affair with the King of
the Romans. Henry enumerated all the ill turns the King
of the Romans had done him. He said, that the King of the
Romans had sent some officers to him ten days before his [the
King of the Romans] imprisonment. (fn. 6) They were made prisoners,
and their letters taken from them. One only escaped
and went to the King of England to tell him the substance of
the embassy, which was that the King of the Romans sent his
excuses for what had happened, and threw all the fault on his
quasi (fn. 7) mother-in-law. He then asked the King of England to
make friendship and peace with him, and to assist him in taking
measures against the ugly deed done to him. The answer of
Henry was, according to what he said, that he had not accepted
their excuses. Nevertheless, although very angry with the King
of the Romans, he will not refuse to assist him in this case.
The King of England declines to enter into negotiations on the
treaty of xxi, xxv, and xxxi (alliance, peace, and amity), because
so much evil has been done him, and also because the
stipulations would not be valid, the King of the Romans
not being at liberty, and the ambassador having no powers.
After the ambassador of the King of the Romans had come,
ambassadors from Archduke Philip arrived. They were not
more successful, Henry affirming that they were not provided
with sufficient power.
Henry wishes to conclude the treaty of alliance, peace,
and amity with the King of the Romans through the interposition
of Ferdinand and Isabella. De Puebla is "the
heart of the King of England," and knows that all will be
concluded in the manner Ferdinand and Isabella wish.
Their mutual friendship was profitable to both parties, to the
King of England and to Ferdinand and Isabella. De Puebla
was asked whether Ferdinand and Isabella would like to
give one of their daughters to the King of the Romans in
marriage. |
Prince of Wales.
Henry desired De Puebla and Sepulveda to go and see
the Prince of Wales, who was staying twelve miles from
London. "On our arrival we discovered such excellent
qualities in the Prince as are quite incredible." They were
invited to see the Prince naked, and afterwards to look at
him asleep. "He appeared to us so admirable that, whatever
praise, commendation, or flattery any one might be
capable of speaking or writing would only be truth in
this case. As he (the King) was aware of this, he wished
that Sepulveda should take his figure, image, and appearance
to Spain, because the English most strongly desire to
see the Princess from there, (fn. 8) and much more to have the
Infanta in England without delay, saying that it is an
old custom of the country to do this, and that the same
thing has been done at different times before the age of
puberty, naming xxviij (the daughter) of the King Don
Pedro, and many others." |
The Queen of
England.
"We also went at an unexpected hour to the Queen, whom
we found with two and thirty companions of angelical
appearance, and all we saw there seemed very magnificent,
and in splendid style, as was suitable for the occasion."
The King requests that from time to time Latin letters
should be written to him from Spain, since he writes Latin
letters to Spain. Neither the King, nor the Queen, are able
to understand Spanish letters. De Puebla objects that it is
an old custom in Spain to write only in Spanish, even to
the Pope. Henry remarks that sometimes Latin letters have
been written. |
Spanish privateers.
The English complain very much of the prizes taken by
Spanish privateers. De Puebla states that when he was at
Coruña he saw Pedro de Segura capture two English vessels.
Although this was done in the midst of forty Spanish
vessels, not a single ship stirred to oppose the capture. No
redress can be obtained, and letters of marque and reprisal
have even been given in the name of Ferdinand and Isabella.
De Puebla prays that this matter may be reconsidered in the
Privy Council, the same thing having been done in England. |
Count de Scalas.
Count de Scalas (fn. 9) had gone to Brittany without permission
from Henry. As he is a faithful servant of Ferdinand
and Isabella, they beg the King to grant forgiveness to
the Count.
Sepulveda will give all necessary explanations by word of
mouth.—London, 15th July 1488.
Jhesus.
Addressed : "To the very high and very mighty Princes
the King and the Queen, our Lords."
pp. 20.
The letter is written in Spanish, intermixed with cipher,
to which no key is known to exist. It has been
deciphered by the Editor. |
| S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
22. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
Have received the letters, treaties, and other papers which
were sent by Juan de Sepulveda and by a courier after
the departure of Sepulveda. His letters do not agree with
the documents signed and sealed by the English commissioners.
Sepulveda, when called upon to explain this, was
unable to do so. Everything must be clearly defined. |
Marriage portion
of the Princess
Katharine.
The English ask at least 200,000 crowns, saying that
the King, Don Enrique, on another occasion had offered
200,000 ducats, besides which the money is only to come
out of the pockets of the subjects. Don Enrique had one
daughter only, while they have four daughters to marry. They
cannot, at the utmost, give more than 100,000 ducats of gold
of the standard of Castile, or 100,000 gold florins of Arragon.
It must not be set down in the treaty that this sum is to
be paid in English money, because in that case it would be
subject to fluctuation, and there would be much cheating.
The draught of the treaty says that one half of the money
is to be paid when the Princess comes to England, and the
other half at the conclusion of the marriage. In other
words, that would be at the same time ; for the marriage must
take place as soon as the Princess arrives in England. Offer
to pay one half on the day of the consummation of the marriage,
and the other half in the course of the two following
years, one fourth every year.
The security of the dowry is to be their signs manual,
their seals, and nothing else. To agree to the demand of
King Henry that the Spanish merchants in London should
become security would not be honest, or of any advantage.
For it might happen that none of the merchants who had
become security would be in England at the time of the payment
falling due. |
Her bridal dress.
King Henry asks them to bind themselves to give their
daughter ornaments and apparel, without deducting the
amount from the marriage portion. Such a proceeding is
against custom. Husbands provide the dresses of their wives.
They are willing to buy as many dresses and ornaments for
the Princess Katharine as the English wish, provided the
cost of them be deducted from the marriage portion, and if
not they will give what they think proper. |
Her dowry.
King Henry has not said what the dowry will be when
Princess Katharine becomes Queen of England, nor has he
mentioned at all the earnest money (arrha) which is generally
given in such cases, and which amounts to one half, or at least
one third, of the marriage portion. The dowry of the Princess
must be equal to the third part of her marriage portion, or at
least 50,000 gold crowns. He must give security for it in
towns and villages. If the third part of the revenues of
Wales, Cornwall, and Chester do not amount to 25,000
crowns, this sum must be made up from other rents. The
towns, villages, castles, and rents destined to form the dowry
of the Princess must be chosen and assigned directly, and it
must be stated that the Princess is to hold them for life, in
the event of the marriage being dissolved from any cause.
It may be that when the Princess becomes Queen of England
the third part of the revenues of Wales, Cornwall, and
Chester would have to be given up to the lady who would
then be Princess of Wales. He is to inform himself what the
dowry of the Queen would be, in such a case, and to secure
to the Princess Katharine a somewhat larger dowry than
other Queens of England have enjoyed.
As to the obligation they are under to send the Princess
Katharine at their own expense to London, nothing further is
to be said. |
Her right of succession.
The right of succession to the throne of Spain, but no
other inheritance whatever, can be reserved to the Princess. |
Alliances.
Are surprised to find nothing in the draft of the treaty of
alliance respecting the King of Portugal. All that has been
negotiated and concluded must be set down in writing. The
King of Portugal is to be excepted by both parties. If
Henry conclude new treaties with Portugal, Spain is to be
excepted. |
France.
The drafts of the treaty with France do not contain what
De Puebla states in his letter. As, however, Henry objects
to incorporating into the treaty the point which he and his
commissioners have promised and sworn to, the alliance and
marriage may be concluded without that clause ; but Henry
must secretly sign, seal, and swear a separate treaty, and his
vassals must swear also, to the effect that "after the
alliance and marriage between our children have been
concluded, he shall bind himself every time and whenever
he is requested by us within [blank] days to request the
King of France to restore to us our counties of Roussillon
and Cerdaña, which he holds from us ; and if within
[blank] days after that time the King of France has not
restored to us the said counties, every time and whenever
he be requested by us, he shall without delay make war
against the King of France according to our bidding." If
Henry deliver to him such a separate treaty, De Puebla is
to sign the treaty of alliance in conformity with what is contained
in the draft. The principal reason why they decide
to conclude the treaty of alliance with Henry is in order
that they may get back from the King of France the said
counties.
If Henry do not like to intrust De Puebla with the said
secret treaty he may send it by his own ambassadors, or give
them power to conclude it in Spain. But the other treaties
must be first arranged, chapter for chapter, according to the
instructions, so that the English ambassadors may have
nothing to do in Spain, but to give and to receive the signed
copies. De Puebla is not to deliver any copy.
If Henry do not like to send his ambassadors unless
he is sure that Ferdinand and Isabella will sign the treaties
of alliance and matrimony, De Puebla may sign them in
England. But below the documents and above his signature
he must write a note, declaring "that these treaties are not to
be considered as binding on Ferdinand and Isabella until
they have received the copies signed by Henry, and the
separate treaty respecting France. There will be nothing
inconvenient in this, as the copies will remain in the possession
of Henry, and the note may be afterwards cancelled." (fn. 10) |
King of the Romans.
Duke of Brittany.
Respecting the King of the Romans and the Duke of
Brittany, Henry must be desired to sign a paper promising
to make arrangements with them under the direction and
according to the wishes of Ferdinand and Isabella, as soon
as the treaties of alliance between England and Spain, and of
the marriage between Katharine and Arthur, shall have been
concluded. If, however, he do not like to give such a
promise, the treaties must nevertheless be concluded.
The marriages of the King of the Romans and of the
Duke (fn. 11) of Brittany will meet with no obstacles in Spain. As
soon as Ferdinand and Isabella know for whom the said
marriages are intended they will assist in concluding them.
—No date. (fn. 12)
Spanish. Draft written by Fern : Alvarez, Secretary of
State. pp. 14. |
15 July (?)
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
23. Sepulveda to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Has been well received by Henry VII., who intends to
assemble Parliament on the 9th of November, and to communicate
to it the offers of France. It is hoped that the
decision of Parliament will be in favour of Spain.
The letter is lost. The extract is by Fern : Alvarez, Secretary
of State. |
25 July.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
3 Hen. VII.
m. 4. (15.) |
24. Henry VII. to John De Scover.
Licence granted at the instance of the King's beloved Doctor
de Puebla, staying at the present time with the King about
some affairs respecting his cousin the King of Spain, to John
de Scover, merchant of Spain, to export from Bordeaux two
hundred tuns of wine of Gascony, and to bring them to
England.—Westminster, the 25th of July.
Latin. p. ½. |
11 Oct.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
25. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
The affair of the Count Penamoco.
The ambassadors from Flanders and the answer which De
Puebla advises to be given them. |
Duke of Brittany.
Ambassadors from the persons who keep the daughters of
the Duke of Brittany. Henry wishes the eldest daughter of
the Duke of Brittany to be given in marriage to the Duke of
Buckingham, and has sent an ambassador to Brittany to
conclude the business, offering to assist the Duke of Brittany,
and even to take the field in person, if necessary. Henry
asks them to write to the Duke of Brittany in favour of his
projects, and hopes that the French will be easily expelled. |
King of France.
As to the clause in the treaty of alliance respecting the King
of France, Henry makes new proposals, and urges an immediate
answer, since the affair cannot be delayed. The offers of
France must be accepted or rejected without loss of time.
As Henry delays to give an answer it is probable that the
King of France will send an embassy to Spain, making many
either certain or uncertain offers.
Wishes that Sepulveda should be instructed to follow the
advice of De Puebla in all matters, and do nothing against it.
The clause respecting the King of Portugal will be inserted
in the treaty as desired.
Respecting the marriage (between Katharine and Arthur),
there seem to be no difficulties. One half, one third, or at
any rate one fourth, may be paid in ornaments, jewels, &c.,
of the Princess.
Writes about the Council.
Sends a bird.—11th October 1488.
The letter itself is not extant. The extract is made by
Fern : Alvarez, Secretary of State to Ferdinand and
Isabella. Spanish. pp. 1½. |
30 Oct.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
26. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Sepulveda has arrived.
Wonders that Sepulveda did not explain the clause
respecting the King of France.
Had not dared to make known their demands to Henry.
Thinks it impossible they can be granted. Continues the
negotiations in the same manner as he had begun them, and
asks a longer time for the accomplishment of what he is ordered
to do in England.
Has written to Fonseca, whose answer is enclosed.
Has seen the treaties of alliance between France and Scotland.
If either of the parties makes war or peace with
England, the other is bound to do the same.—30th October.
The letter is no longer extant. The extract is made by Fern :
Alvarez, Secretary of State. Spanish. p. 1. |
11 Dec.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Brittany.
27. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Henry had sent for him, and had had a long conversation
with him respecting Brittany. He said that on account of
the Duchess of Brittany being so nearly related to the King
of Spain, it is to be expected that Spain will do something in
her behalf.
De Puebla said he was unable to give any answer.
Henry. If he should succour the Duchess, can De Puebla
promise that Spain would likewise send succour?
De Puebla answered that it was most probable, but he did
not know in what manner or at what time.
Wishes to be informed on this subject.
The Lord Privy Seal had sent him a paper containing
the offers of Henry. Was unable to give any answer. Sends
the paper, and awaits further instructions.
The King of France has proclaimed that it is in his power
to make peace with Spain, even without the restoration of
Roussillon and Cerdaña.—11th December.
The letter is no longer extant. The extract is made by
Fern : Alvarez, Secretary of State. Spanish. p. 1. |
11 Dec.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
4 Hen. VII.
m. 20. (2.) |
28. Henry VII. to Thomas Savage and Richard Nanfan.
Commission to Thomas Savage and Richard Nanfan, to
conclude with the ambassadors of Ferdinand and Isabella,
1, a treaty of peace and alliance ; 2, a treaty of marriage
between Arthur, Prince of Wales, and Katharine, Princess of
Spain.—Westminster, 11th December 1488.
Latin.
Printed in Rymer. |
17 Dec.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
29. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
Have received his letters (which came by way of La Rochelle
and Burgos) of the 11th and 31st of October and 11th of November.
Letters of importance must henceforth be sent by
special couriers. |
France.
De Puebla has written that their demands respecting
the King of France involve an inequality in the conditions
of the contracting parties, and even a contradiction. Such is
not the case. Henry has promised and sworn that, after the
conclusion of the treaty of alliance and matrimony, he will
make war or peace with the king of France, according to
their bidding. They ask nothing more than that he should
promise in writing what he has promised and sworn to by
word of mouth. The enclosed memorial of Fernan Alvarez
which Sepulveda has taken back to England, contains all their
reasons for making this request. De Puebla must procure a
favourable answer.
If it be impossible to obtain it, the treaty of alliance may
be concluded according to what De Puebla has written ; that
is to say, that "After the conclusion of the alliances, the
King of England shall bind himself to make war upon the
King of France every time and whenever Spain is at war
with France, and whenever he is requested to do so ; also
he shall not be at liberty to make peace or alliance with
France, or any truce, without our express consent, except
the King of France do really give back to the King of
England the Duchies of Guienne and Normandy. In that
case the said King of England is at liberty to conclude peace
and alliance with the King of France. In the same way
we bind ourselves to make war on the said King of France
every time and whenever the said King of England is at war
with France, and we are requested by him to do so, and will
make no peace or alliance with the King of France, or
assent to any truce, without his (King of England) consent,
except the said King of France give back to us our
counties of Roussillon and Cerdaña, in which case we shall
be at liberty to conclude peace and alliance with France."
These conditions are the same for both parties. (fn. 13) |
Marriage portion of
the Princess
Katharine.
Concerning the marriage nothing is to be said for the
present, except that the marriage portion must be as small as
possible, and on no condition exceed the sum named in the
instructions. One half or one third, or, at any rate, the fourth
part, must be accepted in ornament and apparel for the person
and the household of the Infanta. |
King of Portugal.
The King of Portugal, as being the friend of both contracting
parties, may be excepted. |
Brittany.
The King of France will offer Henry anything to let him
take Brittany. Henry ought to consider the great disadvantage
it will be to England if France should have Brittany
in her power. As England is a neighbour of Brittany, she is
best qualified to assist her. The King of France is trying
to put off Henry with fine words in order that the
Duchess may be without assistance in the summer. If Henry
aid the Duchess of Brittany, Ferdinand and Isabella will
engage to do the same. (fn. 14) |
Duke of Buckingham.
As to the marriage of the Duke of Buckingham with the
Duchess of Brittany, Ferdinand and Isabella would wish to
favour it, in order to please Henry, who ought, however, to
consider well whether this marriage will not damage the
interests of the Duchess. The Count Labrit (fn. 15) desires to marry
her. He and the Marshal of Brittany are of the same mind,
and are very powerful in the country. If, from resentment,
they espoused the cause of France, all would be lost. Every
means must be used to prevent Brittany from falling into
the power of France. Unless it were the King of France,
whoever became Duke of Brittany would be obliged to
befriend England. |
King of the Romans.
Ferdinand and Isabella approve of what De Puebla has
negotiated with the ambassadors of the King of the Romans.
Fonseca has returned to Spain, accompanied by the ambassadors
of the King of the Romans, the Bastard of Burgundy,
Bawduyn and Petit Salazar. Ferdinand and Isabella intend
to assist the King of the Romans. De Puebla is to prevent
the King of England from aiding the Flemish against the
King of the Romans, who ought to be included in the treaty
between Spain and England. Henry must consider that
danger would accrue to England if France were to conquer
the states of the Duke of Burgundy.
De Puebla and Sepulveda are warned not to exceed their
instructions.
As soon as everything has been arranged, ambassadors must
be sent to Spain in order that the treaties may be signed there.
If that be impossible, the treaties may be privately signed in
England, and afterwards publicly in Spain.
Above all, Brittany must be assisted.—From Valladolid,
17th December '88.
Spanish. pp. 10. Draft by Fern : Alvarez, Secretary of State. |
21st Dec.?
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
30. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Henry VII. has spoken of his obligations to the King of
France, and of the many friends he is losing because he is not
acting in concert with France. Nevertheless, he says, he is
prepared to abandon them all, and to come to an understanding
with Spain, by which he will force the King of France to
do the will of Spain, or even to conclude a general peace.
A note for Queen Isabella is included, which treats of the
Scottish marriage.
The letter is not extant. The extract is made by Fern :
Alvarez, Secretary of State. Spanish. p. 1. |
21st Dec.?
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
King of the Romans.
31. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
The ambassadors of the King of the Romans have arrived,
and communicated to him all the business for which they had
been sent. The King of the Romans is ready to conclude a
treaty of peace with Henry on whatever conditions he
likes, provided he will bind himself to succour Brittany with
a powerful army. Told them that his instructions oblige
him to assist in concluding peace between Henry and the
King of the Romans ; but that the marriage of the Duchess
of Brittany must remain at the option of Henry. The
ambassadors asked him to give his declarations in writing.
Promised to do so when the other matters were concluded.
Is afraid that the English, although they made every concession
by word of mouth regarding the clause which relates to
the King of France, will cause delays and raise difficulties, as
soon as they come to put down their obligations in writing.
The whole affair might be broken off by them. Asks very
clear instructions, and promises not to exceed them in any
respect. |
War with France.
In appearance, the conditions may be very hard that Spain
must make war against France as soon as England undertakes
such a war ; but in reality there is no danger in it. England
is at profound peace, and will not readily begin hostilities with
France. There is, therefore, no reason to reject the proposals
of Henry on this account.
The letter is not extant. The extract is by Fern : Alvarez,
Secretary of State. Spanish. p. 1. |