Spain: June 1502

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1862.

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'Spain: June 1502', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509, (London, 1862) pp. 269-271. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol1/pp269-271 [accessed 26 March 2024]

June 1502

14 June.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 27.
322. Ferdinand and Isabella to Ferdinand Duke de Estrada.
After we had written our other letter, we received letters from the Princess of Wales, and from those who are with her. In them we are told that the King of England has already removed her from the unhealthy situation where she was staying, and that she has come to a place nearer London.
Coming over to Spain of the Princess of Wales.
According to what these letters say, it is very necessary, in order that you may the more successfully negotiate the business, that you should speak immediately to the King of England about her coming over here, as you received directions. Do this in such a way that he may believe we are desirous of it, for in this manner the busihess may best be furthered.
Letter of recall for De Puebia.
We have seen a letter written by Alexander, the chaplain-in-chief, to Doctor De Puebla, and of which we send you a copy. You will see by it what he says, and the object which it appears that he and the Doctor have in view. Be on your guard about it, in order that they may do no harm when, so please God, the affair of the marriage shall be agreed upon.
There is no reason why such a man as Alexander should remain in England. Give him, therefore, the letter of credence, and teil him that on account of our wishing to make use of him here about another matter, he must come to us immediately. Manage so that he does come, and do not let him see that you know anything of the contents of his letters, or that we do either. Communicate also respecting this matter with Doha Elvira, so that you may do what is best, and what seems well to her and to you.—Toledo, 14th June 1502.
Signed : The King.
The Queen.
Addressed: "By the King and Queen. To Ferdinand Duke de Estrada, their chamberlain, counsellor, and ambassador in England."
Indorsed by the Duke de Estrada : "Received at Richmond, while going to see the King at Windsor, 14th day of July 1502."
The letter is written in two different keys of eipher, constantly mixed up the one with the other. Only a fragment of one of the keys is extant. The deciphering is by the editor.
Spanish.
14 June.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 23.
Obligations of King Henry to the Princess of Wales.
323. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
Some persons have advised the Princess of Wales not to accept what the King of England has offered her. The advice is bad. She must accept whatever she can get.
He must speakk to Henry, and take care that the King fulfil all his obligations towards the Princess. As King Henry retains the marriage portion, he is the more bound to provide for all the wants of the Princess of Wales. It is to be hoped that the English will not act dishonestly.—Toledo, 14th June 1502.
Addressed : "By the King and Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, their ambassador, and of their Council."
Spanish. p. 1.
15 June.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 17.
324. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
Have just received his letters of the 9th and 11th of May, in which a letter from the King of England was inclosed.
The new ambassador whom they have sent to England will soon arrive there. It is, therefore, unnecessary to write a long letter now. Have begged Henry to remove the Princess of Wales from the place where the Prince died, because the situation is unhealthy. Are pleased to hear that the King of England has already complied with their demands.—Toledo, 15th June 1502.
Addressed : "By the King and Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, their ambassador, and of their Council."
Spanish. p. 1.
16 June.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 28.
Dowry of the Princess of Wales.
325. Ferdinand and Isabella to Ferdinand Duke De Estrada.
In a letter written to us by the King of England, he says, among other things, that he will do what he has promised us, and the Princess of Wales our daughter. He also regards it as certain that we will keep that which we have promised him. Moreover, She (fn. 1) wrote to us that the said King is in haste for the Princess, our daughter, to receive her estates. Don Pedro Ayala likewise believes he will give the estates, because if the Princess of Wales receive them, the King thinks he will not be obliged to make restitution to us of the dowry, whereas we shall be obliged to finish paying him that which is not yet paid of the dowry. There is no right or reason, however, why this should take place. Yet in case they should mention it, we deem it right to advise you as to what you shall say in reply.
Restitution to be made of it.
You shall answer that, the marriage being dissolved, the dowry returns to the father and mother who gave it, and that this is clearly stated both in canon and civil law, and no Doctor can bring forward anything to the contrary. Therefore, not only are we not bound to pay the King of England that which still remains unpaid of the dowry, but he is obliged to pay back to us what he has already received of the dowry.
In order that in all this affair you may be more upon your guard, we must tell you that she wrote to us that it seems the King of England, while wishing for this marriage, is pretending not to care for it. But she says that he is thinking of it, and in fact really wishes that we should first make our proposals to him, and that the King of England should not be the first to move in it. Take care, therefore, not to let out anything that might do harm, now that his intention is known.
Be careful also to get at the truth as regards the fact whether the Prince and Princess of Wales consummated the marriage, since nobody has told us about it. You must, moreover, use all the flattering persuasions you can to prevent them from concealing it from you.—Toledo, 16th June 1502.
Signed : The King.
The Queen.
Signed by Almazan.
Addressed : "By the King and Queen. To Ferdinand Luke de Estrada, their maestre sola, lord chamberlain, ambassador, and counsellor."
This letter is written in two different keys of cipher, constantly mixed up the one with the other. Only a fragment of one of the keys is extant. The deciphering is by the editor.
Spanish.
28 June.
Fr. R. 17 Hen. VII. m. (4.)
326. Henry VII. to Francisco de Lerma.
Licence to Francisco de Lerma, merchant, of Burgos, to export wools, &c. out of England during a period of five years.—Westminster, 28th June.
Latin. p. ½.

Footnotes

  • 1. Sic Doña Elvira?