Spain: December 1502 | British History Online

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

'Spain: December 1502', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509, (London, 1862) pp. 291-294. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol1/pp291-294 [accessed 23 April 2024]

December 1502



13 Dec. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 57.	334. Ferdinand and Isabella to Ferdinand, Duke De Estrada. We have read your letters of the 26th of September and the 3rd of October, and have directed the Commander of [blank] (fn. 1), whom we have sent to Flanders by way of England, to speak with you at length. He will inform you of our wishes, as well with regard to the betrothal as with respect to the consent it is necessary to obtain from the King of England that he will aid us in the war. But we do not know if, when you receive this, the Commander will have arrived in England. Desiring, moreover, that on account of the importance of the abovesaid business, there should be no delay, we have determined to tell you, in detail, the conduct which it appears to us you have to pursue in the circumstances, and it is this :—
	Betrothal of the Princess of Wales. Manner in which the negotiation is to be conducted. You shall not at present say anything to the King of England about the business of Guienne or Normandy, or about anything of the kind, in order that the more pressing affair of the betrothal be not impeded. But by means of the Doctor, or as may seem best to you, you shall speak immediately to the King of England about the betrothal of the Princess of Wales, our daughter, with the Prince of Wales. In doing so you shall tell him that we are aware he desires it should take place. Moreover, that as well on account of the love which we bear him, as because we know that it is a good thing for both parties, we have decided to conform to his wishes. Likewise, since it is well for him and his realm to be assured of our friendship, and of our children's, and of our kingdom's, in the same way as it might chance that his friendship would prove an advantage to us, and to our kingdom, we are therefore pleased that in the name of our Lord the said betrothal should take place. We also desire that the matters appertaining to it should be settled with all the security that is fitting. To this end you shall say to him whatever you think best ; and if, in order to shorten the negotiation and render it more secure, you should see necessary to move in it and to speak of it in some other manner, do as may seem best to you. For, since this affair suits both ourselves and the King of England, no more time ought to pass before speaking about, and settling it. Moreover, the Doctor has always written to us, saying that if we are desirous of this betrothal, he will conduct the matter in such a way that it will be concluded, and attended with improvement in the articles of the treaty. You must therefore make use of him in the way that may seem best to you, and tell him that he must fulfil that, which in so many of his letters he has assured us of and offered. For by bringing this business to a good conclusion he will set the seal to his services, and will lay us under an obligation to him. But if he do not manage it well, according to what he has written, we cannot be otherwise than displeased and discontented with him. Furthermore, you must endeavour to improve, as much as you can, upon the treaty of the said betrothal ; and if you cannot accomplish more, at least let the small emendation which we mentioned to you be inserted in it.
	Improvements to be made in the treaty. Finally, let your one object be to endeavour to have the betrothal agreed to without delay. But, if after having spoken about it, and used your best endeavours, you should find that the King of England does not seem to wish to settle it, in that case, we are resolved that the Princess of Wales, our daughter, should come here immediately. If you should not be able to get any ships in which she can come, we will send them from here. The betrothal being settled, as we trust it may be, you shall, after it is agreed upon, speak to the King of England about Guienne and Normandy, as we directed you. In order that the Doctor may see the necessity of the case, and that it must take precedence of everything else, give him, as soon as ever this messenger arrives, the letter which we have sent him, and in which we command him to come hither immediately. Do you likewise solicit his leave, for we have already told him, if it be necessary for his coming hither, that he should have a bill of exchange for 2,000 ducats, he must take them, and not make any delay. Moreover, if you see that it will be of use, tell him that, immediately after his arrival here, he will have to return. As to the affair of Doña Elvira, endeavour to content her, and see that they all obey her, and that she excuse her husband's conduct as well as she can. We will also take care that the persons whom she names shall be provided for. I, the Queen, am writing to the said Doña Elvira respecting the lodging of Don Inigo.—Madrid, 13th December, A.D. 1502. Signed : I, the King. I, the Queen. Addressed : "By the King and Queen. To Ferdinand, Duke de Estrada, their maestre sala, privy counsellor, and ambassador in England." Indorsed in the hand of the Duke de Estrada : "Navaro brought it. Received at Durham House, near London, on the 14th of February 1503." Spanish.
13 Dec. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 58.	355. Ferdinand and Isabella to Ferdinand, Duke De Estrada. The same despatch, written in the same cipher. Indorsed by the Duke de Estrada : "I received this letter on the 14th of May 1503, at Durham House, near London. Pedro de Avila, courier, by sea."
13 Dec. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 59.	356. Ferdinand and Isabella to Ferdinand, Duke De Estrada. The same despatch, written in the same cipher. Indorsed in the hand of the Duke de Estrada : "Received on Sunday the 14th of May 1503, at Durham House, near London. It came by Pedro de Avila, courier, by sea."
13 Dec. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4.	357. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla. The Duke de Estrada will speak with him in their name. He must do what he will tell him.—Madrid, 13th December 1502. Addressed : "By the King and the Queen. To the Doctor de Puebla, their ambassador, and of their council." Spanish. 6 lines.
13 Dec. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 26.	358. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla. The same letter as before.