Spain: April 1522 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 2, 1509-1525. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1866.

'Spain: April 1522', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 2, 1509-1525, (London, 1866) pp. 412-419. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol2/pp412-419 [accessed 24 April 2024]

April 1522



1 April. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 23. ff. 121-125.	399. Juan Manuel, Imperial Ambassador in Rome, to the Emperor. Has received the duplicate of his letter of the 8th of last month, in which was enclosed a transcript of the letter from the Pope to him (the Emperor). The Pope seems wholly changed since his election. If his Holiness gives up his (the Emperor's) patronage, he will entirely ruin himself and the Church. Begs him to persuade the Pope to disembark at Gaeta, and to go by land from Gaeta to Rome. An opportunity would thereby be offered to him (Juan Manuel) to become acquainted with the persons who are near the Pope before he enters Rome. Would thus be enabled to take his measures in time. If the Pope were to disembark at Naples, his reception would cost too much money. The Cardinal of Santa Croce has sent to him and asked him whether the Emperor is annoyed that he has sent his servant Astudillo to the Pope. Answered that he (the Emperor) is much annoyed, and has resolved to have Astudillo hung if he gets him into his power. Tries to intimidate the Cardinal of Santa Croce, but the Cardinal is so conceited that he does not believe he (the Emperor) could punish him. Has taken care that all the messengers to France shall be intercepted. One of them has been taken prisoner and sent to Gaeta. He was the bearer of letters of credence from various cardinals to the King of France, but most probably he conceals the most important letters. Does not dare to put him to the rack because he is a priest and also a penitentiary. He has, however, well deserved the rack.—Rome, the 1st of April 1522. Addressed : "To the Cœsar and King of Spain, &c., our sovereign Lord." Indorsed : "To the King. Rome. From Don Juan Manuel, the 1st of April 1522." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 5½.
10 April. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 23. ff. 161-164.	400. Lope Hurtado De Mendoza to the Emperor. A servant of the Secretary Uries has arrived from Plymouth, which place he left on the 25th of March. He says that he left Laxao (fn. 1) in Plymouth, waiting for the English ambassador, who was to embark with him. The Pope will not sail before the new bread corn is ripe. The Bishop of Burgos is on terms of closest intimacy with the Pope, who follows his advice in all things. There is no doubt that the Bishop of Burgos is a faithful servant, but he is, at the same time, rash, and a mortal enemy of Don Juan Manuel. Preparations for the journey of the Pope to Rome, &c., &c. —Zaragoza, the 10th of April 1522. Addressed : "To his Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty the Emperor and King, our Lord." Indorsed : "From Zaragoza. Lope Hurtado. The 10th of April." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 3.
15 April. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 23. ff. 202-204.	401. Juan Manuel, Imperial Ambassador in Rome, to the Emperor. Alarcon has pacified the troops who had mutinied in the kingdom of Naples. The Pope is "deadly" afraid (fn. 2) of the College of Cardinals. He does whatever two or three cardinals write to him in the name of the college. Thus he has lately ordered the Cardinal de Medicis to deliver to the Cardinal of Santa Croce the fortress of Ostia. Medicis, who is unwilling to obey this order of the Pope, has sent to him and asked his advice. Enkenvoërt has told him that a physician, Doctor Agreda, who is a servant of the Cardinal of Santa Croce, has the ear of the Pope, and tells him strange stories. The Pope is altogether on a false road. (fn. 3) —Rome, the 15th of April 1522. Addressed : "To the Cœsar and King of Spain, &c., our sovereign Lord." Indorsed : "To the King. Rome. From Don Juan Manuel, the 15th of April 1522." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 1½.
17 April. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 23. ff. 209-211.	402. Lope Hurtado De Mendoza to the Emperor. Laxao (fn. 4) disembarked at Portugautte on the 14th inst. His arrival is very well timed. The French have granted a safe-conduct for the Archbishop of Bari, but have refused to set the prisoners at liberty. The King of France has written to the Pope, styling him still Cardinal of Tortosa. He complains of the late Pope Leo X., reproaches the present Pope with having asked the Swiss not to conclude an alliance with France, and with having ordered the Marquis of Mantua to preserve Parma and Piacenza, recapitulates all his negotiations with Rome, and begs the Pope not to follow the line of policy of Pope Leo X., promising the Pope to be his obedient son. The Pope laughed when he was told that he entertained intelligence with the King of France, and said that his deeds will show that he is a well-intentioned friend of the Emperor, and purposes to enter the alliance (with the Emperor and the King of England). The Pope has carried into effect these four measures of state, viz. :— 1. He has collected some money. 2. He has exhorted the Swiss not to turn their arms against any Christian prince, but to make war upon the Turks in Hungary, promising them 40,000 ducats a year. 3. He has confirmed the legatine power of the Cardinal de Medicis. 4. He has created the Cardinal of Sion Legate of Rome. Bishop of Palencia. Financial subjects. Prothonotary Gambara. —Zaragoza, the 17th of April 1522. Addressed : "To his Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty the Emperor and King." Indorsed : "To the King. From Zaragoza. Lope Hurtado. XXVII April." pp. 3. (fn. 5)
21 April. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 23. ff. 221-223.	403. Juan Manuel, Imperial Ambassador in Rome, to the Emperor. The news that he is going to Spain by way of England, and the rumours that the King of France will soon be in Italy, produce a very bad effect. It is said that Florence and Siena have made peace with the King of France. Renzo da Ceri has plundered various villages. The Cardinal de Medicis has intercepted a French courier. Among the papers found upon him were letters of the Cardinal of Volterra and of other cardinals to the King of France. The letters are not written in cipher, but such expressions are used in them that it is difficult to understand them. According to what he can understand, the King of France is informed that the Florentines will give him 700 men-at-arms, and the Sienese 200, if he comes to Italy. The same courier was also the bearer of letters from the College of Cardinals, telling the Marquis of Mantua to abandon him (the Emperor), and to go over with his army and artillery to the French. The Cardinal of Volterra and the Cardinal Colonna are the worst of all of them. Secretary Grangis. Other prisoners, &c., &c. It seems that an intrigue against his (Don Juan Manuel's) person is set on foot. The French say openly in Rome that the King of France is on very good terms with the King of England. Has sent to the "Englishman who is staying in Rome," (fn. 6) and told him what is said. The Englishman answered that he did not believe what the French have said, but he did not positively contradict them. If the news told by the French should prove to be true, the consequences would be most detrimental. Public opinion is very liable to change. Does not know what advice he could give in such a case. A new enterprise would create new difficulties. It is said that a peace will be concluded there (in England) with the King of France, from which Italy is to be excluded. Such a peace would be a good one under other circumstances, but it would be bad in the present conjuncture, as the King of France is on his way to Italy, and he (the Emperor) is going in the opposite direction (to England and Spain). Naples. The navy. The Infante, &c.—Rome, the 21st of April 1522. Addressed : "To the Cœsar and King of Spain, &c., our sovereign Lord." Indorsed : "To the King. Rome. From Don Juan Manuel, the 21st of April 1522." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 3½.
25 April. S. E. Cor. d. Cast. L. 27. f. 296.	404. Inigo Fernandez De Velasco, Duke Of Frias, and Condestable Of Castile, to the Emperor. Has received his letter of the 15th of February. Has spoken to the Pope according as he had ordered. The galleys of Don Juan de Velasco are not yet in readiness. Will do all that is possible to get them ready soon. Is glad that he has approved of the mission of the Bishop of Ciudad Rodrigo to Portugal. The journey of Monsieur de Lachaux to Portugal is delayed, as he is gone to Zaragoza, to see the Pope. He has ordered that no difficulty should be made about the journey of the Pope to Rome. Can assure him that the Pope wishes very much to go as soon as possible to Rome. Defence of the frontiers, &c. Toledo, &c. Will obey his orders not to grant any pardons to the rebels. Queen of Aragon, &c. An English ambassador has arrived. He is going to see the Pope. According to what he says, the King of England is his (the Emperor's) great friend. He further says that he (the Emperor) intends to come to Spain. The English ambassador has been well treated.—Vitoria, the 25th of April. Indorsed : "To his Majesty, from the Condestable, the 25th of April." Spanish. Autograph. pp. 4.
26 April. S. E. Cor. d. Cast. L 27. f. 255.	405. Pedro De Vega, Commendador Mayor Of Castile, to the Emperor. Monsieur de Lachaux has arrived and has given him his letters. Monsieur de Lachaux has communicated to him the contents of his commission concerning the Pope and the King of Portugal. The frontiers are well watched. Provisions. Money is scarce, &c. Will speak more at length about Portugal when Monsieur de Lachaux returns. An English ambassador to the Pope has arrived, and left yesterday to go and see the Pope. He seems to be an honest man, and to have his (the Emperor's) interest much at heart. Has received him well, and has ordered some persons to accompany him, and to see that he be provided with all he wants.—Vitoria, the 26th of April. Indorsed : "To his Majesty, from the Commendador Mayor of Castile, the 26th of April." Spanish Autograph. pp. 4.
27 April. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 23. ff. 251-254.	406. Juan Manuel, Imperial Ambassador in Rome, to the Emperor. The news from the army is not favourable. The Marquis of Mantua retires to his states. It is very difficult to obtain money. Sends 3,000 ducats to the Abbot of Najera, for the pay of the army. The galleys of the Pope are not yet ready to sail, &c., &c. The French say that their King will come in the summer to Italy. The King of England, however, if he is really his (the Emperor's) friend, will prevent the King of France from executing his plans. Micer Richard (fn. 7) is of the same opinion, and does not believe that the King of England will make peace with the King of France against his (the Emperor's) will. Micer Richard added that he is very sorry that the King of England, his master, does not well understand the affairs of Italy, and did not, therefore, know that his (the Emperor's) journey to Italy would have been attended with great advantages, and that he (the Emperor) could have gone to Spain after a very short stay in Italy. The Venetians are ready to pay money to the King of France, and even to the Turks, if they come to Italy. The last assault made by the Turks on the subjects of the Empire is due to the instigation of the Venetians. It would be well not to forget it when the alliance (between the Emperor, the King of England, and Venice) is concluded. The Florentines and the Cardinal de Medicis are terribly afraid of the King of France. Bologna, &c.—Rome, the 27th of April 1522. Addressed : "To the Cœsar and King of Spain, &c., our sovereign Lord." Indorsed : "Mondragon. From Rome. To the King. Don Juan Manuel. The 27th of April 1522." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 3.
27 April. M. D. Pasc. d. G. Pa. r. a. l. Hist. d. Es.	407. The Abbot Of Najera, Imperial Commissioner to the Army in Lombardy, to the Emperor. Official report of the battle of the Bicocca, near Milan, in which the French and Swiss were defeated. Spanish. Holograph. pp. 3.
29 April. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 23. f. 275.	408. Juan Manuel, Imperial Ambassador in Rome, to the Emperor. News concerning the army and money affairs. Enkenvoërt and Borrel went, yesterday, to the College of Cardinals. Borrel asked, in the name of the Pope, permission to bring the ring to the Pope, adding that the cardinals well knew how obedient he (the Pope) was, and that he would not make use either of the ring or of any of his prerogatives without their permission. (fn. 8) Enkenvoërt approved the discourse of Borrel. The College of Cardinals permitted them to take the ring on the condition stated by Borrel, &c., &c. Micer Richard (fn. 9) has shown him a letter from the English ambassador at the Imperial court, according to which the King of England has concluded nothing, and will conclude nothing, with the King of France, without his (the Emperor's) consent. Thinks that is a very good piece of news. It will now be seen what the King of England is worth. Prisoners. News concerning Renzo da Ceri, money matters, &c. Thinks the French will retire to the states of Venice, &c.— Rome, the 29th of April 1522. Addressed : "To the Cœsar and King of Spain, our sovereign Lord." Indorsed : "To the King. Don Juan Manuel. The 29th of April 1522." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 3.
29 April. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 23. f. 277.	409. The Emperor to the Abbot Of Najera, his Commissioner to the Allied Armies in Lombardy. Is very anxious soon to hear good news from him concerning his army. Has learnt from other persons that the army is in a very precarious situation. Promises to send as much money as be can. As the Duke of Milan profits by his war in Italy, he should contribute some money for the pay of the army. [Secret.] Has carried on very lengthy negotiations with the King of England. The result of them is that the King at last understands that his (the Emperor's) war in Italy is undertaken for no other purpose than the welfare of Christendom, and that a victory in Italy would confer great advantages on both him (the Emperor) and the King of England. The King of England has declared his readiness to lend him 50,000 ducats for carrying on the war in Italy, and it is to be hoped that he will hereafter lend him more money if it is necessary. The King of England asks, however, securities for the loan, not only from him, but also from the Duke of Milan. Has given that security, and has written to the Duke of Milan to send his securities to England without loss of time. Orders him to speak with the Duke on this subject, and to keep the whole matter very secret. The Viceroy, (fn. 10) who leaves the next day, takes the money lent by the King of England to Italy. Has ordered German infantry to be enlisted in Inspruck. He is to see that the captains of the army inform the Viceroy how many new troops they want. Wishes much that the war should be carried on vigorously. The enemy hopes that his army will disband from want of money. They are mistaken.—Brussels, the 29th of April 1522. (Signed) Ms. [Mercurinus de Gattinara.] Indorsed : "From Brussels. By the King. To the Abbot of Naxara, the 29th of April." Spanish. Original draft. pp. 3.