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7 March.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Fernan Perez de
Ayala sent to the
King of Scots.
190. Ferdinand and Isabella to Londoño, Knight Commander.
Order him to go, by way of England, to Flanders, and after
showing his credentials to Henry to tell him what follows.
De Puebla has repeatedly written that King Henry VII.
is not content with the manner in which Pedro de Ayala, the
Spanish ambassador in Scotland, transacts his business.
Have, therefore, sent Fernan Perez de Ayala to the King of
Scots. When he was about to leave, news came from England
that disturbances had taken place. Did not at first believe
it to be true, because De Puebla had not said a single
word about it in his letters. Have sent, nevertheless, by the
said Fernan Perez, a great number of letters and instructions
to Spanish subjects in England to assist the King of
England by land and by sea. Have, besides, given their
new ambassador credentials to a great number of Englishmen,
with instructions to act as a mediator between them and
Henry, and to persuade them to remain faithful to their
King. Have further desired their said ambassador to tell
Henry that if he should wish for succour from Spain, it
would be sent without loss of time. Their fleet has been
armed and kept ready for sailing. |
Perkin Warbeck
arrested.
The ambassador had been detained a long time at the seaport
by contrary winds. Before he was able to sail, letters from
King Henry and from De Puebla arrived, announcing that
Perkin (fn. 1) had been taken prisoner, and peace with Scotland concluded
by Don Pedro de Ayala. Have prayed to and thanked
God for this great victory of their beloved brother Henry.
By the confession of Perkin, and the will of God, the truth
has now come to light. Have always known that Perkin
was an impostor. If anything more can be done in respect
to the peace with Scotland, or to Perkin, it will be cheerfully
done by them. Fernan Perez de Ayala was drowned on his
way to England, and his instructions have been lost with
him. |
Dispensation for
the marriage
granted.
Are glad to be informed by the King of England and by
De Puebla that the marriage between the Princess Katharine
and the Prince Arthur has been concluded. Have written to
Garsilaso, their ambassador in Rome, to join with the English
ambassador in supplicating the Pope to dispense with the
age of the Prince and Princess. Are informed that the dispensation
has been granted, and will soon be sent to England
and to Spain.
He must tell Henry VII. all this ; but before he goes to
the King, he must see De Puebla, and inform him that he has
conducted the business to their entire satisfaction, and will
soon receive liberal rewards for his services. He must go to
the King of England in company with De Puebla.—Alcalá de
Hénares, 7th March 1498.
Indorsed : "Instruction of their Catholic Highnesses to the
Knight Commander, Sanchez de Londoño. What he
must do in England, on his way to Flanders."
Spanish. pp. 5. |
7 March.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
191. Ferdinand and Isabella to the Knight Commander
De Londoño.
The instructions of the 7th of March copied once more in
the hand of Londoño.
Spanish. |
7 March.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
192. Ferdinand and Isabella to the Knight Commander Of
Londono, and the Sub-Prior Of Santa Cruz.
It may be that the King of the Romans wishes to hinder
the marriage between the Princess Katharine and the Prince
of Wales. In case they hear the matter mentioned they must
always say that such a thing is impossible.
They are to inquire into the manner in which De Puebla
conducts his business. It is said that he is entirely in the
interest of King Henry.
They are to send a detailed report respecting the King
and kingdom of Scotland, the revenues, &c.—No date. No
signature.
Spanish. Draft. pp. 2. |
14 March.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
193. [Unknown] to De Puebla.
The writer of this letter does not know whether his former
letter, containing the news of the French embassy, has arrived
Intends to repeat the tidings. |
Treaties with
France.
The Spanish ambassadors arrived at the court of the King
of France before the English ambassadors. Their instructions
were, not to conclude peace with France, if France did not
at the same time conclude peace with the Archduke. England
was not only to be included in this treaty, but a clause was
to be added by which Ferdinand and Isabella reserved
their liberty to assist Henry. The King of France objected
to this condition. Thus the negotiations were interrupted
for some days. Meanwhile the Archduke and Henry had
concluded their treaties with France. When that was done,
Spain likewise concluded her peace, reserving her right to
assist Henry, the King of the Romans, and the Archduke.
Can it be called breaking the peace and friendship for Ferdinand
and Isabella to exhibit so much solicitude for their
brothers and for their son?—Madrid, 14th of March.
Addressed : "To the very noble and virtuous Lord Doctor
De Puebla, of their Highnesses' Council, and their
ambassador."
Spanish. Autograph. Not signed. pp. 2. |