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1 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 1. |
Alliance.
213. Henry VII. and Ferdinand and Isabella.
1. The friendship and alliance between them and their successors
to last for ever. |
Intercourse.
2. Commerce and intercourse between their respective
dominions to be free. All general or special passports to be
abolished. |
Rebels.
3. Notorious enemies and rebels of either of the contracting
Princes not to be permitted to stay in the dominions
of the other contracting Prince, or to be aided, favoured, or
assisted by him. (fn. 1) |
Treaties.
4. If one of the contracting parties conclude a treaty with
a third power, the right of the other contracting power to
be reserved to accede to the treaty if it like to do so. |
Shipping.
5. All Spanish and English captains, or masters of ships,
sailing either from Spanish or English ports, to give security
for their good behaviour during the voyage. |
Redress of injuries.
6. If subjects of either of the contracting parties commit
acts contrary to this treaty, their alliance is not to be considered
as dissolved, but the King whose subject has committed
such a breach of the peace promises to give full reparation
for it. |
Special judges.
7. All disputes arising from this treaty between Spanish
and English subjects to be settled by special judges. |
Promulgation
of treaty.
8. The treaty to be promulgated in all principal towns,
and especially in all seaports. (fn. 2)
Indorsed : "Simple draft of certain clauses belonging to a
treaty of friendship and alliance with the Catholic
Kings, concluded on the 1st and 2nd of August 1498."
Spanish, pp. 12. |
1 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 1. |
214. Henry VII. and Ferdinand and Isabella.
Draft of the same treaty of the 1st and 2nd of August 1498,
in Latin, signed by Dr. De Puebla.— No date.
Indorsed : "Clauses in Latin of the treaty of friendship
and alliance between the Catholic King and Queen
and the King of England."
Latin. |
1 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 1. |
215. Henry VII. and Ferdinand and Isabella.
Another Latin draft of the projected treaty of the 1st and
2nd of August 1498. —Neither signed nor dated. |
16 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
216. The Sub-prior of Santa Cruz to Ferdinand and
Isabella.
Arrived on Tuesday, 31st of July. Saw the Archduke
and the Archduchess on the following Thursday. Both he
and Londoño were well received. Told the Archduchess the
subject of their mission. She was much pleased with it.
She is very handsome and stout. Her pregnancy is much
advanced. |
Archduchess.
Went to see her on the Friday for the second time. The Archduchess
seemed to be a little disturbed when she heard what
was said of her in Spain. Told her she had left so good
a memory in Castile that her virtues would be always remembered,
whatever might be said of her to the contrary. Besides,
nothing had been said, except to the King and the Queen, who
know so well how to excuse her. She explained her conduct,
and stated many reasons, which have not been given in writing.
Doña Marina Manuel is not with her.
The Flemings have not given either him or Londoño
anything to eat. Wish to be provided with money should they
be ordered to stay longer. Has received a present of
53 ducats in nobles from the King of England.
Indorsed : "To their Highnesses, from the Prior of Santa,
Cruz, 16th of August '98."
Spanish. Holograph, pp. 1½ |
16 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Archduchess.
Her conduct.
217. Sub-prior of Santa Cruz to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Spoke on Ascension Day, for the third time, with the
Archduchess. Asked her whether she had no message to send
her father and mother. She answered, she had not, because
she had written not long ago. The Archduchess has not
made any enquiry concerning either her mother, or any other
person in Spain. The Archduchess did not like his presence
in Flanders, because some person, most probably the Countess
of Camin, had written to her saying that he was coming as her
confessor. Declared that he had not come in that quality.
The Archduchess said, that she would take his demands
into consideration, should he remain some days longer.
Answered that he had not come as an inquisitor to inquire
into her conduct, and would not write a word except what
came from her lips. Would wait upon her often or seldom,
just as she liked. The Archduchess answered he might come
to see her as often as he liked. She would wish to hear
what it was that he thought was not right in her conduct.
Does not know whether his embassy will have any result.
The Archduchess did not confess on Ascension Day, although
her two confessors were in attendance. Does not know whether
that was done because she has so little devotion, or because
he was present.—16th August.
Indorsed : "To their Highnesses, from the Sub-prior of
Santa Cruz, 16th August '98."
Spanish. Holograph, pp. 1½. |
17 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
218. Sanchez Londoña to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Could not send a courier from England by sea, because the
weather was too boisterous. The messenger of Don Pedro
de Ayala went with them, first to Calais and Brussels, and
then to a seaport in Flanders, whence he embarked for
Spain. |
Arrival in Brussels.
Arrived at Brussels on the 1st of August. The Archduke
and Archduchess received them well. Presented his credentials
as ambassador. Don Rodrigo left on the 8th of
August, with duplicates of the despatches and letters sent
with the messenger of Don Pedro.
It was known at that time in Flanders that France had
declared war against the King of the Romans and against
Spain. England was rendering good services in this war.
Advises that a person of great authority should be sent as
ambassador to Henry. |
Peace with
France.
The Count of Nassau returned from his embassy to
France two or three days before the Feast of the Blessed
Virgin in August, (fn. 3) and has brought the treaty of peace
between the Archduke and the King of France. The Archduke
has solemnly sworn, on the Feast of the Assumption,
in the principal church at Brussels, to observe the peace.
The clauses of the treaty are, that the Archduke receives the
three towns in Artois, and swears in his quality of Count of
Flanders and Artois, obedience to the King of France, binding
himself by an oath never to demand the restitution of
Burgundy. The three places in Artois are to be given back
as soon as the King of the Romans orders his army to leave
the territory of France.
Went to the Archduke on the eve of the Feast of the
Blessed Virgin in August. Could not see him. Was told
to return on the day after the Feast of the Blessed Virgin,
when the Archduke had already sworn the treaty. Asked
him to communicate to him the contents of the treaty, and
to write to Spain. The Archduke answered that he would
do so at a later period. It is clear that those who govern
Flanders wish to separate the Archduke from them and the
King of the Romans.
Those who have come from France said that the truce which
has been agreed to between Spain and France, remains
unaltered. Under such circumstances, does not dare to do
anything. |
Monsieur de
Bèvres, Prince de
Chimay, Monsieur
de Berghes.
The first chaplain will write about all this more circumstantially.
He is returning to his see. Monsieur de Bèvres is dead.
The Prince of Chimay has been created caballero de honor in the
place of Monsieur de Bèvres. He has spoken like a faithful
servant of theirs. Has given him their letter. Has not
yet been able to speak to Monsieur de Berghes, because he is
in Zeeland. Has given their letter to the Provost of Liége.
—Brussels, 17th of August.
P.S.—Has written to the Knight Commander of Haro, and
asked what the King of the Romans thinks of the peace
between Flanders and France.
Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Lords,
our most Christian King and Queen of Spain."
Spanish. Holograph. Great portions are in cipher
deciphered by Almazan. pp. 6. |
17 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
219. The Bishop Elect of Astorga to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Has written on the 3rd of August by Diego de Valderas,
messenger of Don Pedro de Ayala, and on the 7th of the
same month by Don Rodrigo Manrique.
The Archduke, and the Archduchess, whose pregnancy is
much advanced, are in good health. |
Peace with
France.
The Archduke has made peace with France.
The ambassadors sent to England have not yet returned.
The peace with France is not conducive to a good or speedy
settlement of the affairs pending in England. Hopes, nevertheless,
that all will end well. |
King of the
Romans.
The King of the Romans has routed 3,000 Frenchmen.
Sends a copy of the treaty which the Archduke has
sworn.
Thanks for his preferment to the dignity of Astorga. Will,
before leaving, inform the new ambassador of all the affairs
of Flanders.
Monsieur de Bèvres is dead. The Prince of Chimay has
obtained his place. His wife is a daughter of Count
d'Albret. |
The Bastard.
The Bastard and Doña Martina are staying at a country
house, two leagues distant from Brussels. Has recommended
him for the place of the late Monsieur de Bèvres, but neither
the Archduke nor the Archduchess like him.
The Sub-prior of Santa Cruz has had private conversations
with the Archduchess.
The Pope has sent the Rose to the Archduke.—Brussels,
17th of August 1498. |
Peace with
France.
P.S.—The peace with France is very much liked by the
people, and by a great portion of the nobility. They say
that the King of the Romans has consented to it, and that
the French would not permit the Flemish commissioners to
make communications to the Spanish ambassadors whilst the
negotiations were pending. The King of France has presented
to the Flemish commissioners the following sums of
money :—To the Count of Nassau 300 marcs ; to the President
of Flanders 60 marcs ; to De Fores 50 marcs ; and to the
Secretary 40 marcs. They are very well satisfied with the
King of France.
The conduct of the Archduchess has improved somewhat
in consequence of a letter from her nurse (Aya). |
King of the
Romans.
The King of the Romans has requested the Archduke to
collect an army, and to have an interview with him in Luxemburgh.
The Archduke has excused himself. The King of the
Romans is still at Friburgh.
Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Lords,
the most Christian King and Queen of Spain."
Spanish. Holograph. The postscript is in cipher, deciphered
by Almazan. pp. 4½. |
20 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
220. Archduke Philip to De Puebla.
Calls him my beloved and good friend. Thanks him for
his good services, and hopes he will continue to employ his
influence to preserve a good understanding between him and
Henry VII.—Brussels, 20th August 1498.
Addressed : "To our dear and good friend, ambassador
in England to the very powerful, excellent, and high
Princes, our dear parents, the King and Queen of
Spain".
Indorsed : Copy of a letter from the Archduke, translated
from French into Castilian.
Spanish. Copy. p. ½. |
25 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Marriage of
Princess Katharine.
221. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Has already answered their letters, brought by Londoño
and the Sub-prior of Santa Cruz, two or three times.
Asks them to send their ratifications of the last treaties.
The clause securing to the Princess of Wales one third of the
revenues of England in case that she become Queen, is contained
only in this last concluded treaty. It is not to be
found in the treaty which has already been ratified by them.
Henry cannot certainly be expected to deliver his ratification
without receiving, at the same time, a copy of the
treaty ratified by them. Is of opinion that they should have
all the copies of the treaty returned to them in which the said
clause is not contained.
The papal dispensation has already arrived in England. |
The late disturbances
in
England.
When the last disturbances took place in England, they
were informed of them sooner in Spain than he was in London.
Has read to the King the portion of their despatch which
refers to it. The King expressed his thanks, and said that he
never doubted their readiness to assist him, because England
belonged as much to the Princess of Wales, their daughter, as
to the Prince of Wales, his son. The late, and also the
present King of France, are witness that in all his dealings
with France he has continually had in view the advantage
of Spain. |
Perkin.
Conversation with
Perkin.
Perkin in the
Biscayan ship.
"With respect to the observations of your Highnesses on
Perkin, there is nothing to be said, except that he is kept
with the greatest care in a tower, where he sees neither sun
nor moon. The Bishop of Cambray, ambassador of the
Archduke, wished to see Perkin, because he had formerly
transacted business with him. The King, therefore, sent a
few days ago for Perkin, and asked (fn. 4) him in my presence why
he had deceived the Archduke and the whole country. Perkin
answered as he had done before, and solemnly swore to God
that the Duchess, Madame Margaret, knew as well as himself
that he was not the son of King Edward. The King then
said to the Bishop of Cambray and to me, that Perkin had
deceived the Pope, the King of France, the Archduke, the
King of the Romans, the King of Scotland, and almost all
Princes of Christendom, except your Highnesses. I saw how
much altered Perkin was. He is so much changed that I, and
all other persons here, believe his life will be very short. He
must pay for what he has done. I do not remember whether
I have already written to your Highnesses respecting what
the Biscayans did who brought him from Ireland to Cornwall.
The ship in which Perkin was, falling in with the
fleet of the King, was boarded. The commander of the said
fleet called the captain and the crew of the ship into his
presence, and told them, that, as they were aware, the Kings
of Spain and England were living on terms of intimate
friendship, that the Prince, of Wales has now married the
Princess Katharine, and that the marriage has been really
contracted, I acting as proxy for the Princess. He then
exhorted them, as faithful subjects of your Highness, to
deliver up Perkin if he were hidden in their ship. The
English did not know him. The commander of the fleet
promised them 2,000 nobles in the name of the King,
besides many other favours, and showed the letters patent
under the royal signature, signed with the royal seal, which
they had on board the fleet. The obstinate Biscayans, however,
swore, in spite of all this, that they had never known
or heard of such a man. Perkin was all this time in the
bows of the ship, hidden in a pipe. He told me all this
himself ; and the man who came to ask letters for your
Highnesses, recommending the said Biscayans to mercy, gave
the same relation." |
Exception of the
King of the
Romans and the
Archduke in the
treaty.
Has read to the King their reasons for excepting the King
of the Romans and the Archduke. He declared himself
satisfied with them. However, after he had consulted with
his Council about this matter, he entirely changed his mind.
What the English complain most of is, that the King of the
Romans and the Archduke are included and excepted in the
copy of the treaty which has been sent to England for ratification.
They think it would be enough to include them without
excepting them. Informed the King that he could not change
a syllable in the treaty without fresh orders from Spain. Had
recourse to the expedient which they will see in the draft of
the treaty inclosed in this letter. If they approve of it they
may ratify it. |
Conversation with
Henry VII.
Worth of the
alliance of Henry
to Spain.
Character of the
English.
King Henry spoke from the innermost of his heart, and
said that he could not understand why they did not prefer his
friendship to that of the King of the Romans and of the Archduke.
It was clear that an alliance with him was worth an
hundred times more than an alliance with Maximilian and
Philip. He demanded, therefore, that he might conclude the
treaty without excepting them, and added that he had done
things of greater moment, against his own judgment, only
because the King and Queen of Spain had asked him to do so.
The house of England has never asked succour from any
other Prince. That is the reason why the English do not
like to conclude such a treaty. "When the English say that
they never have begged succour from their allies, they speak
truly. The reason thereof is simply because wars in England
come to a final conclusion within the short space of a
month or two. On the other hand, the English have often
to send succour to their allies. They have frequently done
so, (fn. 5) and are even now ready to do so again, especially
against France." Henry is not disposed to conclude the
treaty on the conditions which Spain has proposed. Has
done all in his power to get them accepted, but has found it
impossible. May God forgive Monsieur de Bèvres if he has
caused these difficulties. When Monsieur de Bèvres and the
other Flemish ambassadors came to England, they would
have been unable to conclude anything but for his intervention
and assistance. "The English are of very changeable
character, and it is difficult to negotiate with them. As
soon, however, as they have bound themselves by a treaty,
they keep it and are very reliable." Henry invaded
France only because he was requested to do so by the King of
the Romans. The enterprise was very inconvenient to himself,
and not liked by the people.
Hopes that the alterations introduced into the draft of the
treaty, which is inclosed in this letter, will meet all difficulties
with respect to the excepting of the members of the league
and the Kings of Portugal, Naples, and Navarre. The
alliance is to be concluded between Kings who are friends of
the aforesaid Princes, and not between enemies (fn. 6) of them. |
Embassy to France.
Difficulties about
the treaty.
Conduct of the
King of France.
Behaviour of the
King of the
Romans.
The ambassadors sent to France have written that the
King of France has finally proposed to them to renew the
treaty concluded with his predecessor, binding himself, under
great penalties, to pay the tribute of 100,000 francs a year
besides the pensions. King Henry has, however, sworn
that neither himself nor his ambassadors have concluded
anything with France, because many things have first to
be considered. Asked if Ferdinand and Isabella were
to be included in this treaty with the present King of
France, as they had been included in the treaty with the
late King. King Henry remarked, that he believed so,
but could not positively tell before his ambassadors had
returned. Said that the King of France had already proclaimed
this new treaty of alliance with England. King
Henry answered, that he knew nothing of the kind, and,
at all events, he had not consented to it. Knows that the
French do sometimes make false proclamations and other
similar things. The circumstance of the King of France
being requested to bind himself with respect to Henry,
whilst Henry will not undertake new obligations towards
France, has caused great difficulties. Former Kings of England
possessed Brittany and Flanders. The present King of
England does not possess either of the said countries, but is
in a position to send great armies to succour the enemies
of France ; a thing which is certainly of considerable importance.
But as the King of France is so near and so powerful
a neighbour, and yet pays tribute to the King of
England, and pensions to the English, Henry esteems his
friendship more than the whole of the Indies, especially when
he sees that the whole Christian world combined can scarcely
resist the King of France. (fn. 7) The new King of France has
even gone so far in his desire to oblige Henry as to
abandon Scotland. The King of France has acknowledged
the obligations of his predecessor towards Henry without
demanding the acknowledgment of any obligation from
Henry in return. The reason thereof is simply this :—Had
the King of England undertaken any engagement towards
France, he would have been under the necessity of including
in the treaty all the other members of the league ; a thing
which it is the interest of France to prevent by all means.
Hopes, however, this trick will not be applied to Spain.
Henry and his whole Council have repeatedly declared that
everything else must be postponed to the safety of Spain.
The King of France has been informed of this declaration ; and
the marriage between the Princess Katharine and the Prince
of Wales will give greater security to Spain than any treaty
could. But if Spain should undertake a war against France
in order to assist the other members of the league, Henry
declares that he would not be bound to send any succour.
The Italians have always tried to divert the war from their
own country, and to transport it into Spain. They would, if
England openly declared herself against France, soon manage
for Italy to remain in perfect peace, whilst war was raging
in England, or at least on her coasts. The King of the
Romans is a worse ally than the Italians. He showed his
true character in his last negotiations with King Henry.
He sent his ambassadors to England, and begged the King
to invade France. But before his ambassadors had got
any answer, news had already arrived that the King of the
Romans had made peace with France, or at least recalled his
troops from Burgundy. The Cardinal of England, who is
more in the interest of Spain than any one else, says that
Ferdinand and Isabella must send the Princess Katharine to
England if they wish that King Henry should do what they
desire. Her arrival would give so much security and so much
courage to the King and the whole kingdom, that a war with
France would no longer be feared. |
Customs.
Concerning the custom-house duties there is nothing to
be said here. Henry has already given the desired promises
under his seal and signature. He has not raised any
obstacles. |
Embassy from
Flanders.
Intervention of
De Puebla.
The difficulties between England and Flanders have not
been settled in the conferences of Bruges. The only conclusion
arrived at there was that the negotiations were to
be continued in England. The Bishop of Cambray came
with three other ambassadors to London for that purpose.
They brought letters from the Archduke, the Archduchess,
the Dean of Jaen, and Rodrigo Manrique. Was asked by
all to assist the Flemish ambassadors in their negotiations.
Answered that he intended to do what was asked, for that his
orders from Spain obliged him to do so. The ambassadors,
however, began their negotiations without telling him anything
about their business. They had not obtained the slightest
result in their conferences with the Commissioners of Henry,
or from their intercourse with the King. When the Bishop of
Cambray saw that all their efforts were in vain, he came to
his lodgings, and told him, with great sorrow, the whole history
of their bad success. The Bishop is a very respectable and
noble personage, the most truthful and most honest Fleming
he has ever seen. Had a long conversation with him. Promised
to go directly to the King, and to arrange the affair
to the satisfaction of both Henry and the Archduke. Has
more influence over the King of England, in all things which
do not relate to Spain, than all his counsellors put together.
Henry was very angry at first, and the things he said were
by no means sweet. Made the King entirely change his mind,
however, and suspend the execution of the bad expedient he
had already determined upon. From that day forth the Bishop
of Cambray has never been to see the King except in his
company, and the King has never deliberated upon the
business of Flanders in his Council except in his presence.
Made one, or rather two proposals, which satisfied the ambassadors,
and met with the approval of the King. The drafts
of the new conventions have been sent to Flanders for
approval and ratification. Is quite admired by the Flemish
ambassadors, who have written to the Archduke and the
Archduchess that he has performed miracles. The answer is
daily expected. |
Denmark.
Respecting Denmark, the arrangements can be made in the
manner they like. |
Venice and Milan.
The ambassadors of Venice and Milan had no power
to conclude anything with Henry. They brought only
letters full of compliments and sweet words, in order to
raise suspicion in the King of France against the King of
England. They were recalled by their princes, and went away
without any answer from the King of England. The Duke
of Milan afterwards sent a messenger, and wrote that an
ambassador would soon follow. Is informed by Henry VII.
that the object of this mission is to marry the son of the Duke
of Milan to one of his daughters. Both children are of the
same age. |
Conclusion of the
war between Spain
and France.
Read to the King of England the portion of their despatch
in which they thank him for his good wishes respecting
the conclusion of the war. Henry was very glad, and said
that he had sent his congratulations on this subject from pure
love to the King and Queen of Spain, who are now his
relatives. Is ordered by the King of England to tell them
that, in his opinion, all things have come to a most satisfactory
conclusion, for the King of France has restored the
property of the Church, and is now leaving Naples in peace.
Before the King and Queen of Spain, he said, undertake a
new war with France, they ought to consider well what kind
of persons the Princes are who ask their assistance. There
are in the whole of Christendom no Princes, except him and
them, who are faithful and true to their promises. He, at any
rate, does not trust in any one except in them, and would be
very sorry to see them complicated in a new war with France
without previously concerting it with him.
King Henry greatly praised their wisdom and Catholic
sentiments as regarded all things, but especially in their last
treaties with France. He hopes they will live on better terms
with the new King of France. |
Princess Katharine.
Thanks them for having approved of the marriage between
the Princess Katharine and the Prince of Wales. The marriage
ceremony has been performed with great solemnity.
Many of the intrigues which have hitherto been carried on
about this matter will now cease. The effect of the marriage
has been the greater, because the marriage ceremony has been
performed in England. Only a few days ago Henry said
that he is generally envied on account of this marriage.
These are his own words : "He swore by his royal faith
that he and the Queen are more satisfied with this marriage
than they would have been with any great dominions they
might have gained with the daughter of another Prince, even
if they were twice or three times as great as the whole
property of the Duke of Bourbon." Begs that the Princess
of Wales may be soon sent to England. |
Scotland.
Don Pedro de
Ayala.
The peace with Scotland is not yet broken ; it even seems
to improve. "The King of Scots has seen the ears of the wolf,
and is now endeavouring to make a bed of roses for the
King of England." Two or three months ago the English
killed a great number of Scots, but King James would not
permit the Scots to kill an equal number of English. He
only wrote a letter to Henry, full of compliments and courtesy,
as though he had been a son writing to his father. The King
of England, in consequence of it, sent the Bishop of Durham
to make reparations. It would be more becoming if Don
Pedro de Ayala were there (in Scotland). The King of
England thinks that the King of Scots has been persuaded
by the said Don Pedro to change his behaviour. But what
is the fact? Don Pedro is living in London, styles himself
ambassador to England, and openly pretends he has the
best credentials to King Henry. The King and the Cardinal
have spoken to Londoño and the Sub-Prior of Santa
Cruz in such a way about Don Pedro that it would seem
as though there were no person more trustworthy in the
world than he ; but they have done so only from courtesy.
It is most desirable that a good Latin scholar and a man of
honesty should be sent to Scotland. He could soon marry the
King of Scots with whomsoever the King and Queen of
Spain might like. It is easier to marry a man like the King of
Scots than to guide him. It is true that the new King of
France has quite neglected Scotland. He has neither sent an
embassy, nor a king-at-arms, nor even a letter. But, for all
that, the affairs of Scotland must always come next in their
estimation. It would be a great advantage if the King of
Scots were married by them, and put off with hopes until the
daughter of the King of England had arrived at a marriageable
age. King Henry, it must be confessed, now declares
that he would never consent to such a marriage on any
account whatever. But time often changes the minds of men.
Begs them to consult Don Pedro de Ayala. |
Salary.
Kisses their hands for the favours promised him. If they
and their council knew with what industry, with what sacrifice
of private interests, and with what honesty he has served,
they would double the amount of their favours. Is very different
from "another of their ambassadors in this part
of the world." (fn. 8) Begs them to give him enough to have
always something to eat. Does not wish to save money.
Is ready to serve in England, or in the Privy Council of
Spain. Wishes to return to Spain, and to explain all he has
done in England. His health suffers much, and there is no
recovery to be hoped for as long as he remains in England.
The King of England calls them brother now, because of his
being related to them. If they like, he will continue to do
so ; if not, he will be content with any other manner of
addressing them. |
Queen of England.
Has given their letter, and the letter of the Princess of
Wales, to the Queen of England, and explained them. She
was overjoyed. "The Queen is the most distinguished and
the most noble lady in the whole of England." She sent for
the Latin Secretary, and ordered him to write, in her presence,
two letters, one of them to the Queen of Spain, and the other
to the Princess of Wales. The Latin Secretary told him
afterwards that he was obliged to write the said letters three
or four times, because the Queen had always found some
defects in them. "They are not things of great importance in
themselves, but they show great and cordial love." The
letters are enclosed. Hopes the Prince of Wales will also
write, though he is on a progress in his principality. |
The courier has
not yet arrived.
The courier, Pedro de Avila, has not yet arrived. Despatches
ought not to be sent by Bilbao ; the voyage is too long and
too bad. Fuenterabia and San Sebastian are the best ports
from which letters can be sent to England. The agents are
very careless sometimes.
The Bishop of Cambray has had news that the child with
which the Archduchess was pregnant is living.
The Archduke has made peace with France. Ferdinand
and Isabella are often mentioned in that peace. |
King of the
Romans.
Margaret of
Austria.
Infanta Maria.
Has seen letters from Flanders, in which it is stated that
the Count of Nassau has gone from France to the King of
the Romans, in order to conclude a peace between that
Prince and the King of France. It is said that the King of
France is to marry the Princess Margaret (of Austria).
It seems to him to be a difficult thing for the King of
France to marry, since he has a wife living. If it were
possible, however, it would be more advantageous to Spain
for the Infanta Doña Maria to become Queen of France. But
whatever may be the case, nothing will be done without their
consent. The English would prefer a marriage of the King of
France with the Infanta Maria rather than a marriage with
the Princess Margaret, although she is also their daughter. (fn. 9) |
Pope.
Yesterday news arrived that the Pope has concluded a truce
with France, which is to last till the end of the year 1500. |
The embassy has
returned from
France.
The English ambassadors have returned from France.
Could not learn what they have brought, because the King
was on a progress in the country. The ambassadors have gone
to the King. Has been informed from a trustworthy source
that Spain and France have concluded peace, and that the
King of France is to marry the Infanta Maria. Her picture
has already been presented to the King of France. The ambassadors
of the Pope are remaining in France, and have
offered a dispensation for the marriage of the King of France
and the Infanta Maria. |
Salary
Begs that his salary may be paid him. At the beginning of
the year 1497 they promised him a salary of 100,000 maravedies (fn. 10)
for life. He has not yet received a penny of this
allowance.—London, 25th August 1498.
Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Princes,
the King and Queen of Spain, our Lords."
Indorsed by Almazan : "To their Highnesses, from
Doctor De Puebla, 25th August, '98".
The greater portion of the original letter is in cipher
deciphered by Almazan. pp. 27. |
25 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
News from the
court of the King
of the Romans.
222. Fuensalida (fn. 11) to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Has written about all that has happened (at the court of the
King of the Romans) up to the 20th of August. Has already
informed them, in his last letter, that a knight, called Tentevilla,
has come to the King of the Romans accompanied by
another servant of the King of France. The King of the
Romans told them that he did not like to conclude a separate
peace, and has proposed a truce of one month, during
which time his ambassadors should hold a "diet" with the
ambassadors of the King of France, and conclude a general
peace. Persuaded that his proposal was accepted, he disbanded
his army. The French, as soon as they knew it, entered
Burgundy and took the fortified town of Vergi, where they
killed the whole garrison. The King of the Romans swears
that he will go in person to Burgundy and fight the French,
who are said to amount to 20,000 men. A French king-at-arms
has arrived with letters, not for the King of the Romans,
but for the Princes of the Empire. |
The Archduke.
The Archduke has concluded peace with the King of France,
and sworn the treaty in the cathedral church of Brussels.
The conditions are that the King of France shall restore to
him three towns in Artois ; he, on the other hand, abandoning
all his claims on Burgundy, and swearing fealty to the
King of France. |
King of Poland.
An ambassador from Poland has arrived. The King of
Poland asks succour from the King of the Romans and from
the Empire. He also wishes to marry Madame Margaret.
The Polish ambassador has, however, been told by some
people that Madame Margaret is to marry the Duke of
Saxony. Though astonished to hear that the daughter of so
great a Prince as the King of the Romans will be contented
with only a Duke, he does not wish to interfere with the
marriage if it be really intended. If, however, the rumour be
without foundation, he would be glad if they would employ
their good offices in favour of the King of Poland. |
King of the
Romans.
The King of the Romans is much dissatisfied with the
treaty between the Archduke and the King of France. He
feigned ignorance of it for a long time, and asked him some
days ago what the news were. Answered that His Majesty
must know best. "But tell me what you know," replied the
King of the Romans, "and I will afterwards communicate my
news." Said that, according to common report, the Archduke
has sworn a treaty of peace with France. The King of the
Romans pretended to be surprised, and said, "I do not believe
it, because I wrote to him not to do it." Observed
that he had been very positively informed that the Archduke
had sworn the treaty on the Feast of the Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin. (fn. 12) "It may be," replied the King, "that
my letters did not arrive in time ; but my tidings are
that peace with your King and Queen, and war with me,
have been proclaimed in France. Their reason is clear.
They want to force me to combine with them in their war
against Italy." Assured the King of the Romans that he
knew nothing about it, and added that ambassadors from
them were, in fact, in France at the time when the peace
between the King of France and the Archduke was concerted,
as it was said, with his consent. Under such circumstances
it may have happened that they have consented to some kind
of peace.
The ambassadors of the King of the Romans are making
preparations for going to Spain, and for conducting the Princess
Margaret back to her father. All is ready except the
money. They hope to receive it within a week.—Friburgh,
25th August '98. |
Projected interview
between
Ferdinand and
Maximilian.
P.S.—When the King of the Romans was in Italy he
wished to return by Aigues Mortes in order to see them.
Knows positively that this was the case, because he had had a
"fancy" to speak to them about the succession in Portugal,
and to go to that kingdom if he had got their permission.
Addressed : "To the Catholic and very powerful Lords, the
King and Queen of Spain."
Indorsed : "From Gutier Gomez de Fuensalida, knight
commander of Haro."
Spanish. Holograph. pp. 7. |
25 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
223. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Commends his pupil and secretary, Johan de Tomayo, and
begs that he may be employed in the service of the Princess
of Wales. Tomayo has written all his ciphered letters
during his embassy in England, and is thoroughly initiated
in the affairs of England, Scotland, and Flanders. There
are not many such well informed men to be found.—London,
25th August '98.
No address or indorsement.
Spanish. pp. 1½. |
27 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
224. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Sends the treaty of CLXXXV (friendship) and CCCCXX
(letters) of DCCCLXXXVIII (the King of England) and
DCCCLXXXIX (the Queen of England), and likewise of
DCCCXC (the Prince of Wales). (fn. 13) Sent a very long letter
a few days ago. Begs an immediate answer.—London, 27th
August '98.
P.S.—Received the letter which is enclosed just when he
had finished his letter to them. Wishes that the peace now
concluded between them and the King of France may prove
advantageous to them.
Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Princes,
the King and Queen of Spain."
Spanish. p. 1. |
26 Aug.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
225. Valdaura to De Puebla. (fn. 14)
The Spanish ambassadors, sent to the King of France,
have concluded peace. As soon as the peace had been publicly
proclaimed, they returned to Spain.
Has ordered Tonot Alband, his courier, who is the bearer of
this letter, to bring him a horse from England. Begs him to
procure a passport for the horse.
Nicolas Beltram has written the news from Brussels.—
Bruges, 26th August.
Addressed : "To the very magnificent Doctor De Puebla,
ambassador from Spain to England, in London."
Spanish. Holograph, p. ½. |