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1520 (?)
November (?)
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67. Fray Francisco De Leon (?) to the Cardinal Of Tortosa.
[Archivo General de Simancas. Patronato Real. Comunidades de Castilla.
Legajo 2. f. 166. This document seems to be one of the letters of Fray
Francisco to the Cardinal of Tortosa, which the Cardinal sent to Lope Hurtado
de Mendoza to read to the Emperor. The date and signature are cut off
in order not to betray the name of the informant. Apparently holograph. See
the letters of the Cardinal to Lope Hurtado, dated 4th of September, and 13th
of November 1520.]
[En la Carpeta—Escrilo por Cisterer secretario del Cardenal :]
Esto se ha de leher solo a su Magd.
Reverendisimo y muy Ylle. Señor,
porque V. S. Rma. este informado de todas las cosas daca
que combienen all servicio de la Reyna Nuestra Señora y del
enperador Rey Nuestro Señor su hijo le ago saber que todos
estos dias los procuradores que aqui estan le han suplicado y le
suplican a Su Alteza con mucha ynstancia para que aya de
firmar algunas provisiones que le dizen que son muy necesarias
y aun le han inportunado muchas vezes representandole
muchas cabsas por que le dizen que ay necessidad y Su Alteza
les Responde siempre que ha enbiado a llamar a los del consejo
que aqui venieron el otro dia mandado de Su Alteza, y que
comunicado con ellos proveeria como combenia y sobresto
entre otras cosas le dixieron que estos Reynos estan destruydos
e principalmente por Respeto de losdel consejo y otras personas,
que aconsejaron mal al Key nuestro Señor y que por esto
porque pensavan ser gravemente castigados como merecian
avian huydo a partes que no se podian aver, y aun V. S. Rma.
aunque por ser estrangero no podia ser governador se avia
ydo escondido a Rioseco, y que alli se avia juntado con los
malhechores, y procuraban de juntar gente de grandes y todo
lo que podian, y asimismo el Señor condestable por ciertos
poderes nuevos que el Rey Nuestro Señor le avia enbiado, y
que todo ello hera en mucho deservicio de Su Alt. y para
abrasarse estos Reynos y que por tanto, que pues que con su
firma se podia todo remediar, mandasse firmar aquellas
cartas que alli le mostravan. e su Alt. les respondio que estava
informada de V. S. que hera estrangero hera buen ombre,
de muy buenos deseos y vida y que los del consejo eran del
tienpo del Rey Catholico. no podia ser que fuesen malos a lo
menos que algunos avia que heran buenos, y que por esto
queria hablar y comunicar con ellos porque heran personas
espirmentadas y sabian la forma de la buena governacion
del tienpo de los Reyes Catholicos, y que si alguno dellos hera
malo que Su Alteza le mandaria castigar, y que en quanto a la
gente que dezian que se juntava por el condestable y otros
orandes que no creyesen que hera para hazer ningund mal nl
dapño sino que seria para servicio de Su Alteza, que asy
lo solian sienpre hazer los grandes y cavalleros de sus Reynos
en tienpo de los Reyes sus Señores, porque heran leales y
que sienpre fue muy leal la casa del condestable. a esto le
dixieron los procuradores quel condestable que Su Alteza pensava
que no era bivo y que el que es agora es don yñigo su
hermano. su Alteza les dixo que lo mismo haria el que los sus
antecesores. sobre todo lo suso dicho todavia le tornaron a
suplicar muchas vezes y Su Alteza les dixo que en su camara
estavan ciertas mugeres que no convenian para su servicio,
que aquellas hechasen de ally y despues Su Alteza veria y proveeria
en ello. y asy sacaron las dichas mugeres, y el dia
siguiente le dixieron que pues le avian quitado las mugeres le
suplicavan firmase. y Su Alteza asentada en su estrado estuvo
con ellos hablando muy grand rato, leyendole las provisiones
que le llevavan para firmar. y despues que acabaron de leer
todo, les dixo que las provisiones antes que se firmasen de Su
Alteza se habian de señalar en las espaldas de los del consejo
y que despues las avia de firmar Su Alteza, y que por esto y
por otras cosas tenia necesidad de comunicar con los del
consejo, y que ya su Alteza avia enbiado por ellos que presto
vernian, y esto dixo porque Su Alteza mando secretamento a
un criado suyo que les fuese a buscar, pero nunca fue. y los
procuradores tornaron a dezir de los del consejo lo susodischo,
y que alli estavan otros letrados y personas que sabian y
tenian yntencion de servir, que ellos las señalarian las dichas
provisiones. y quando esto la dixieron Su Alteza les dixo que
estava enferma y quedava cansada, que ese otro dia veria y
proveeria en ello como conbenia. y con tanto se entro en su
camara. la mismia noche de noche se alboroto el pueblo y
hizieron alarma deziendo quel condestable y mucho exercito de
gente llegavan a la puerta. y con estas vozes entraron a Su Alteza
y le dixieron que los enemigos estavan a las puertas y que
querian entrar. por tanto que mandase su Alteza firmar syno
que los tiranos le llevarian a Su Alteza y harian muchos
males. Su Alteza les dixo con alguna alteracion que como vian
hera de noche y que de su parte fuesen al condestable pues
que dezian que estava a la puerta y le dixiesen que Su Alteza
le mandava que hasta que fuese de dia estuviese quedo y no
hiziese ningun mal, que en siendo de dia su Alteza le hablaria.
y otra cosa no quiso proveer aquella noche. y el dia siguiente
como per ... (fn. 1) que no creyo, no se porque, no hizo ninguna
mencion su Alteza, y los procuradores tornaron a Su Alteza
con la misma demanda. y Su Alteza les dixo que no se matasen
ni le diesen tanta prisa, que muy presto saldria de palacio para
yr a Santa Clara y a otras partes y despacharia todo lo que coubenia.
e los procuradores le dixieron que aquello que pedian
no hera cosa que sofria dilacion alguna por tanto que mandase
firmar que entretanto no saldrian ellos de la camara. y con
tanto su Alteza se yba a su camara. y ellos porfiavan que a lo
menos firmase luego una carta para el condestable y para
los grandes que no juntasen e hiziesen gente. Su Alteza les
dixo que ya les avia dicho que el condestable ni otros no harian
cosas que no devian que no tuviesen ningund temor dello, y asy
se salieron no muy contentos del despacho y despues tornaron
a Su Alt. y le dixieron que a lo menos fuese un Rey
darmas de partes de Su Alteza al condestable y consigo
llevaron al Rey darmas. y su Alteza les dixo que aquel Rey
darmas no hera suyo ni le conocia. y asy quedo por entonces. y
despues dixieron muchos procuradores que avian tornado a su
Alteza y avia mandado que se enbiase al condestable mensajero
que le dixiese que no usase de los poderes ni hiziese
ningund dapño ni saliese de su casa sin que su Alteza le
mandase, pero a esto no me halle yo presente. y despues del dia
siguiente venieron aqui don pedro de baçan y don juan de
Mendoça y otro de parte de Valladolid a hablar a su Alteza.
y el segundo dia desdel corredor de fuera, estando Su Alteza
retrayda en su camara, le dixieron desde tras de la puerta que
la villa de Valladolid les enbiava a besar los pies y manos de
Su Alt. y asuplicarle que, porque havian sabido que Su Alteza
se queria salir de Tordesillas, que les hiziese mr~d que fuese a
Valladolid, porque aquella villa estava muy aparejada para su
servicio como hera razon etc. y su Alteza les enbio a dezir
que se fuesen aora porque no estaba bien dispuesta que el dia
siguiente les hablaria. y asy lo hizieron. y el dia siguiente a
medio dia les hablo y dixo que Su Alteza les agradecia mucho
su ofrecimiento y que sienpre tuvo tal confiança daquella villa
y que no tenia determinado de salir por agora de tordesillas y
que quando determinase de salir les haria saber.
los clerigos que venieron para curar a Su Alteza estan aqui
y trabajan en su officio todo lo que pueden de manera quellos
por le curar y sanar y los otros por le hazer firmar dan toda
la priesa que pueden. dios alumbre a Su Alteza para lo que
fuere su servicio de Sus Altezas y bien de sus Reynos e para
ello, en lo que ha podido ser, no ha faltado quien le aya avisado
lo que es su servicio conforme a lo que V. S. mando. y lo mismo
se hara daqui adelante dios queriendo.
[Por aqui esta cortado el trozo de papel donde estaba el
final de la carta original.]
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(Translation.)
67.
[Written in the hand of Cisterer, secretary of the Cardinal
of Tortosa :] This is to be read to his Majesty alone.
Most reverend and very illustrious Lord,
In order that your most reverend Lordship may be
well informed of all the things which pass here and regard
the service of the Queen our lady, and the Emperor our
lord, her son, I let you know that all these days the Procurators
who are here have begged, and still very earnestly
beg, her Highness to sign some decrees, which
they say are very necessary. They have even insisted
on the urgency of them, alleging a great many reasons. Her
Highness always answers that she has sent for her councillors,
who, at her command, had been here some time ago
After having conferred with them she would decide what is
suitable. Amongst other things they [the Procurators] replied
that it was just these councillors and other such people who
had destroyed the kingdom by giving bad advice to the King
our lord. Because they were afraid of being severely punished,
as they deserved, they had fled to places where they could not
be caught. Even your most reverend Lordship, being a
foreigner [they said], could not be governor, and had now gone
secretly to Rioseco to join the evil doers, who were collecting
the tenantry of the grandees and other people [under the command]
of the Constable, who had received new orders from the
King our lord. All that, they said, was done to her prejudice,
and would kindle civil war in her kingdoms. As her signature
would remedy all evil, they begged her to sign certain
letters which they showed her. Her Highness said that she
was informed about your Lordship, who, although a foreigner,
was a good man, harbouring the best intentions, and [leading
an irreproachable] life. As for the councillors, they were of
the time of the Catholic King, and could not be wicked, at
least not all of them. She wanted to speak and to confer
with them, because they were experienced persons, and knew
how the good government of the Catholic King and Queen had
been carried on. If some of them should be found to be bad,
her Highness would see that they should he punished. With
respect to the troops which the Constable and other grandees
were said to be assembling, [her Highness told them] that
they ought not to believe that it was to do any wrong or
evil, but only to serve her Highness as the grandees and
cavaliers of her kingdoms had always done during the reign of
the King and Queen her parents. They were loyal, and especially
so the house of the Constable. An observation was made
that the present Constable was not the same person whom her
Highness had known, but his brother Don Iñigo. Her Highness
replied that he would act in the same way as his predecessors.
The Procurators continued their prayers, and at last
her Highness said that in her rooms were certain women who
ought not to be in her service. If they would dismiss them
she would see what she could do. The women were dismissed.
Next day the Procurators said to her Highness that as they
had sent away her women, they implored her to sign. Her
Highness, seated in her state room, spoke a long while with
them, and they read to her the decrees which they had brought
with them to be signed. When they had finished reading
them she observed that such decrees must be signed first by
her councillors on the back of the paper, else she could not
ratify them by her signature ; and this [she added] was one
of the reasons why she wanted to speak with the members of
her Council. She had already sent a messenger to call them
into her presence, and they would soon arrive. In fact, she
had given such an order to one of her servants, who, however,
did not obey it. The Procurators renewed their complaints
of the Council, and said that there were other persons very
learned and perfectly able and willing to serve her. They
would sign the decrees. Her Highness on hearing this
declared that she was unwell and tired, and that she would
on another day see and decide what was best ; and having
pronounced these words she retired to her cabinet. The
same night there was a tumult in the town produced by
the rumour that the Constable with a great army was near
the gates. They [the Procurators] hastened to the palace, and
entered where her Highness was, saying that the enemy was
at the gates ready to force them. [They begged her] to sign
a proclamation, else the tyrants would take her away and do
her much harm. Although somewhat disturbed, she said that,
as they saw, it was night, and that they might go and tell
the Constable in her name that until day he should remain
quiet, and do no harm to anybody ; next day she would
speak with him. She refused to come to any other decision
that night. Next morning her Highness did not mention
what had occurred, as though, I do not know why, she did
not believe [in the rumour]. When the Procurators renewed
their entreaties, her Highness told them not to be too much concerned
and too hasty. Very soon she would go out to Santa
Clara and to other places, and despatch all the business which
was pending. The Procurators declared that their business
could not suffer any delay, and that, until she would sign,
they would not leave the room. She then retired to another
apartment, but the Procurators persisted in their demands
that she should at least sign a letter to the Constable and the
grandees, ordering them to desist from enrolling soldiers.
Her Highness, repeating that neither the Constable nor the
others would do any injustice, admonished them not to be
afraid. They went away very little satisfied. After some
while they returned with a king-at-arms, begging the Queen
to send him to the Constable. Her Highness replied, "That
is not my king-at-arms. I do not know him." Thus the affair
ended ; and afterwards many of the Procurators said that
they had returned to her Highness, and that she had ordered
that a messenger should be sent to the Constable to tell him
that he was not to use his forces, nor do any injury, and that
he should not go forth from his house unless her Highness
should order him. At this, however, I was not present. The
following day arrived Don Pedro de Bazan, Don Juan de
Mendoza, and a third person, to speak with her Highness in
the name of the town of Valladolid. Next morning the messengers
sengers being in the corridor outside spoke from behind the
door to her Highness, who was in her room, and told her that
the town of Valladolid had sent them to kiss her hands and
feet, and humbly to beseech her that, as it was said she
wished to leave Tordesillas, she would do them the favour to
go to Valladolid, which was well prepared to receive and to
serve her, &c. Her Highness sent somebody to tell them that
she was unwell, and that they should return the following
day. They did as they were ordered. Next clay at noon her
Highness spoke with them, and said that she was much pleased
with their offer, and had always had a good opinion of that
town, but that she had not yet decided on leaving Tordesillas.
If she should come to such a decision, she would let them
know.
The priests who came to cure her Highness are here, and
endeavour, according to their office, [to do] as much as they
are able. Thus the one party to cure and heal her, and the
others to make her sign, use all possible haste. May God
enlighten her Highness, as well for her own benefit as for the
good of their Highnesses, and of their kingdoms, and her own.
Where it has been possible there has not been wanting one
who has advised for her good, agreeably to what your Lordship
commanded, and the same will be done henceforward,
God willing.
[Here is cut off the piece of paper on which the date and
signature were written.]
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1st November.
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68. The Cardinal Of Tortosa to the Emperor Charles.
[Archivo General de Simancas. Patronato Real. Comunidades de Costilla.
Legajo 2. f. 164. Autograph.]
A su Magt de Cardenal de Tortosa. primero
de Noviembre 1520.
S. C. C. R. Mt.
Despues de haver escrito a V. Mt de mi salida de Valladolit
y de otras cosas que hasta estonces se havian ofrecido vinieron
el obispo de Çamora con su caballo y cossalete y fray Alonso
con alguna gente hasta el monasterio de prado con trato que
tenian concertado con algunos alborotadores daquella villa
para meterles dentro della con la gente que trahian y con
pensamiento de proceder contra el infante de granada, y
contra otros servidores de V[uest]ra Magd, y en haviendo sabido
esto la dicha villa como ya havia concertado y estava determinada
en que el dicho infante sea capitan general della y no
don Pedro giron pusieron sus buenas guardas a las puertas y
todos muy apercebidos acordaron de resister y no consentir
la entrada dellos, y assi se fueron. y juntamente con esto
tuvieron los de la villa sus diligencias en hazer y tomar pesquisa
con quien se habian concertado, y plugo a nuestro
Señor de encaminarles en ello de manera que hallaron que los
principales dellos despues del vera y cerero que estan ausentes
eran un barbero y otro bonetero. y luego prendieron al bonetero
e hizieronle deposar, y como no pudo negar la verdat
confesso muchas cosas por las quales luego a la hora le ahorcaron.
en este medio el Barbero se dio recaudo en salir de
la villa y fuesse al dicho monasterio de prado, y en el mismo
punto dieron alla tras del mas de mill hombres de la villa y
cercaron el monasterio y con toda diligencia le buscaron y
hallaron, y luego le sacaron, y con pifalo y atambor le metieron
de noche dentro de la villa y le llevaron a la carcel, y como
ya tenia fecho y cerrado el processo el corregidor de la
dicha villa con los alcaldes de la chancilleria le sentenciaron a
muerte e hizieronle confesar y con mas de cinquenta hachas
en la misma noche le sacaron y ahorcaron en la plaça pregonandole
por traydor y alborotador con gran voluntad y
sosiego de todo aquel pueblo. lo que este barbero havia
confessado es que havia traydo provissiones de la junta sobre
los medios que havian de tener para prender los del consejo
y que el fue el que tuvo el trato con el obispo de Çamora
para la entrada de la villa e tenia la puerta para ello, y
que fue a repicar la campana de San Miguel contra el infante
e otras muchas cosas que por excusar prolixidat se dexan de
dezir aqui. crea V. Mt que la sentencia que se hizo destos dos
alborotadores ha sydo y es gran parte para reduzir aquel
pueblo al estado debido. y ahunque sin estos havian prendido
a seys o syete otros pues no les hallaron muy culpantes le (fn. 3) soltaron,
ca en las mesmas culpas huvieran hallado gran parte
daquella villa, y si castigaran a estos fuerales forçado de castigar
a todos los otros, y assy les parecio dissimularlo mayormente
pues se van reconociendo y emendando lo passado con
toda demonstracion de voluntad en el servicio de V[uest]ra Mt. y en
obedecersus Reales mandamientos. el dicho Infante lo haze muy
bien y sc ha puesto en muchos peligros en servicio de V[uest]ra Alt.
y crea V. Mt. que aunque es capitan de Valladolit que iamas
se hizo con su voluntad desconcierto alguno en aquella villa,
pero como no era parte para estorvarlo erale forçado no contradezir
la opinion del pueblo y dissimular muchas cosas que
quisiera poner en egecucion para en castigo de los malos. por
lo qual sera bien que V. Alt. le mande escrevir alguna buena
carta graciosa.
en estos dias he henbiado a Valladolit gomez de Santyllan
con cartas e instruccion de todo lo que me ha parecido cunplir
al servicio de V[uest]ra Mt. con lo qual y con el traslado de la
carta que tambien les he embiado sobre la venida de V. Mt. a
mas del buen zelo y principio que tienen en castygar traydores
espero en nuestro Señor que havra aprovechado y que
las cosas de aquella villa se despacharan presto y muy bien.
a xxv. del passado recebi cartas de Tordesyllas en que me
escriven que la Reyna nuestra Señora esta en grandissima
manera fatigada que es la mayor lastima del mundo. y no me
maravillo segun el acatamiento y buen tratamiento que
aquellos de la Junta hazen a Su Alteza en le haver quitado
las mugeres y en inportunarla de dia y de noche a que Su Alt.
firme. y no dude v[uest]ra Alt. que si pudiessen haver firmas de Su
Alt. ahunque no fuesse sino una sola como por otras le tengo
escrito pornian gran rebuelta en estos Reynos a mas de la que
hay. ahora poco ha querian tentar y se davan mucha prissa
en querer sacar de tordesyllas a Su Al. y todavia segun
entiendo persisten en ello. y luego en la mesma hora apercebi
y escrevi ad algunos grandes y cavalleros que estan cerca
daqui y tambien a Valladolit, y cierto me ha respondido muy
bien sobrello y esta determinada aquella villa en defenderlo y
en no consentir ni permitirlo en manera alguna, de manera
que creo que la junta no saldra con ello. el conde de benavente
entro en esta villa a xxx. de Octubre con dozientas lanças y
otros tantos escopeteros y a mas destos traxo mil infantes
con sus picas y otras armas. el dia siguiente vino el marques
de Astorga con dozientos lanças y con dos mil infantes muy
adreçados y en orden. y con el marques vinieron el obispo de Astorga
y el conde de Altamira, y dos o tres dias antes que estos
cavalleros llegassen se hizo en esta villa alarde de la gente que
el almirante tiene presta, que son cient lanças muy buenas y
lucidas y quinientos infantes con razonable artilleria, pero Sin
estos el almirante conde de benavente y marques susodichos
tienen apercebido todo el resto de la gente de sus tierras. al
conde de Albadeliste esperamos de dia en dia que tambien
dizen que viene muy en orden. el almirante me ha escrito lo
que vera V. Alt. por las que van con esta. creo que sera aqua
dentro de ocho o diez dias.
el Condestable pienso que havra escrito ya a V. Mt. el
concierto que ha tomado con Burgos y segun lo que me
escrive espero que dentro de muy pocos dias nos veremos y
estaremos juntos. estoy certificado que viene muy poderoso a
mas de lo que la gente que vino de los Algerves le ha acudido.
El marques de Denia me escrive que verna tambien luego con
buen tropel de gente. tambien esperamos de cada dia muchos
cavalleros particulares. el obispo de Burgos me ha escrito
que hara venir de Coca cient lanzas que hay en aquella fortaleça
y creo que tambien se verna por aqua, ahunque yo lo
impidire todo lo que pudiere por escusar escandalos, y porque
la salida de la batalla siempre es dudosa y en donde quiera
que se hallasse (fn. 6) la victoria todavia redundaria en daño del
Reyno y assi en deservicio de V[uest]ra Mt.
yo entiendo que el marques de Villena esta muy tufado
de alguna fama que diz que anda en esa corte que es muy
contraria de la voluntad y desseos que tiene paral servicio
de V[uest]ra Alteza. sera bien que V. Mt. le mande escrevir muy
graciosamente y dissimular lo passado que cierto en esta
sazon puede servir mucho a V. Al.
la revocacion que V. Mt ha fecho en quitarnos el poder
para perdonar y convocar cortes cierto en este tiempo no
cumplia y todos los prudentes se maravillan dello ahunque
no lo osamos dezir a muchos por el escandalo que vernia
al Reyno, y dizen que los que lo han aconsejado a v[uest]ra Alt.
no lo han mirado como conviene, ni han harto ponderado lo
que pasa ahora en estos rreynos. y tambien pregonan que tenemos
poder para castigar y no para gratificar a nadie. Suplico
a V. Al. que no enbargante lo que acerca desto ha mandado
escrevir que de nuevo otorgue el mesmo poder de perdonar
y convocar cortes al condestable y almirante, que para mi
no solamente no lo quiero pero ahun recibire mercet que
del todo me libre deste cargo y en verdad Señor que conviene
que se me quite antes que la necessidad me fuerçe de
haberlo de dexar.
el Rey de Tremecen a quicn V[uest]ra Mt. restituyo en su estado
en que se le havia apoderado Barbarroxa y despues se le
torno a alçar con el Reyno hun hermano menor suyo que
se llama Muley Macot es muerto cerca de Oran donde se
retruxo por miedo del dicho su hermano. el qual dicho
Muley Macot que ahora posehe el rreyno embyo a pedir la
misma paz y capitulacion que su hermano tenia con V[uest]ra
Alt. la qual se hallo en poder del secretario Çuaçolo, que la
assento diz que lope hurtado, y conforme a ella despachamos
y embiamos los poderes necessarios dirigidos al
marques de Comares que es capitan general de aquel Reyno.
escrivolo a V. Mt. para que lo sepa y le embio con esta una
carta que el dicho Rey le escrive que creo que es sobre ello.
la Bulla sobre lo de la Ynquisicion no me parece que se
ha ahun revocado. suplico a V[uest]ra Mt. mande escrevir de muy
buena tinta a su Santd. sobrello para que se revoque sin
mas dilacion y a don juan manuel que lo solicite y procure
y piense V. Mt que quanto mirare en el servicio de Dios y
en el enxalçamiento de su Santa fe tanto mas le guiara y
endreçara en sus cosas.
despues de escripto lo dastaqui recebi dos cartas de V[uest]ra
Mt. de xv. del passado, y quanto a lo de mis trevaxos crea V.
Mt. que no son pocos y que hago todo esfuerço en los
passar ahunque mi hedat los havia bien poco menester, y
si la venida de V[uest]ra Alt. ha de ser muy presta no sera con
tanta brevedat que la necessidat que della hay en estos
Reynos no la requiera con mas celeridat. y quanto a lo de
la suspension de mi poder y de los del consejo hasta que
otro governador e yo estemos juntos en verdat no ha parecido,
aqua bien, e ya dizen que los del consejo de V[uest]ra Mt.
endreçan a ella los negocios de Spaña como hombres que
juzgan cosas vistas de lexos, y assi muchas vezes vienen de alla
provisiones que ni cumplen al servicio de V[uest]ra Alt. ni al bien
publico de sus Reynos. en lo del dinero paral gasto de mi
casa cierto no se de donde haver ni buscarlo y si hallo
alguno crea V. Mt. que solamente me abastara para muy
poco tiempo y assy me sera imposible sostenerme aqua.
destos frailes que andan seduciendo e incitando los pueblos
con sermones se ha prendido uno que se dize fray
Benardino de la orden de San Agostin que casi es tan maligno
como el fray Alonso, pero yo le he fecho poner a muy buen
recaudo y espero que havra su castigo debido. tambien me
ha embiado otro prisionero el conde de Albadeliste que le
presento una provision de la Junta por la qual le mandavan
que no hiziesse gente ni se juntasse con los otros cavalleros
que estan en servicio de V. Mt. y assy havra el buen hombre
su pago. y quanto a las provisiones que la junta despacha,
crea V. Al. que ahunque vayan en nombre de V. Mt. y de Su
Alt. que siempre que se trata de mandamientos no los hazen
sino en nonbre de la Reyna nuestra Señora.
la junta de Tordesyllas me ha escrito lo que vera V[uest]ra Al.
mas yo les he respondido otramente de lo que quiça
ellos pensavan y como cumple al servicio y auctoridat de
V. Mt.
al conde de Benavente al marques de Astorga al conde de
Albadeliste y a don hernando enriquez y al adelantado de
Galizia hermanos del almirante y a gutierre de fonseca y a
don Juan de Ulloa conviene que v[uest]ra Alteza les mande
escrevir agradeciendoles mucho lo que han fecho y hazen en
su Real servicio, y exortandoles que lo continuen como dellos
se tiene confiança. Guarde nuestro Señor la vida y Real
estado de V[uest]ra Mt. luengamente y con toda prosperidat. En
Medina de Rioseco primero de Noviembre a las once horas
de la noche 1520. V[uest]ra tres humble serviteur el Carl.
Dertusen.
[Sobre :] S. Cesee. R. C. Mti.
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68. To his Majesty. From the Cardinal of
Tortosa. 1st of November 1520.
Sacred, imperial, catholic, royal Majesty,
After having informed your Majesty of my departure from
Valladolid, and of other things that had happened until then,
the Bishop of Zamora, on his horse and in his coat of armour,
and Fray Alonso with some troops, came as far as the convent
of the Prado, (fn. 2) hoping that they and their soldiers would be
admitted into that town, and could proceed against the Infante
of Granada, and other servants of your Majesty, as
they had concerted with some rebels of the town. When
the town [council] knew it, as they had already decided
and determined that the Infante should be their captain
general, and not Don Pedro Giron, they kept very good watch
at the gates, and, all very well armed, decided to resist and
not to permit them to enter. Thus, they went away. At
the same time the [town council] diligently inquired who
the persons were that had entertained intelligence with
them, and God was pleased to direct their efforts so well that
they discovered that the principal persons in this affair—next
to Vera and the wax chandler, who are absent—were a barber
and a bonnet maker. They arrested the bonnet maker, and
made him give evidence. As he could not deny the truth,
he confessed many other things, for which he was hanged on
the spot. Meanwhile the barber took precautions to leave
the town, and went to the convent of the Prado. More than
one thousand persons of the town followed him, surrounded the
convent, searched it with great diligence, found and took
him away, and with pipes and drums they brought him back
to the town whilst it was already night, and put him into prison.
As his process was already made out and concluded, the
corregidor of the town and the alcaldes of the chancery passed
sentence of death on him. They made him confess, conducted
him with more than fifty torches to the square, and hung him
there the same night, declaring him traitor and rebel, with the
consent and to the great satisfaction of the whole people. What
this barber has confessed is that he had brought orders from
the Junta about the measures to be taken for the imprisonment
of the members of the privy council ; that it was he who had
entered into negotiations with the Bishop of Zamora about
his admission into the town ; that he had occupied the gate
for that purpose ; that he had rung the bell of San Miguel [to
produce a tumult] against the Infante, and many other things
which I do not state here to avoid prolixity. Your Majesty
may believe that the sentence against these two rebels has
contributed and contributes a good deal towards reducing
this town to due obedience. Six or seven others have
also been arrested, but as they did not find them very culpable
they released them ; for a great portion of the townspeople
were implicated in this criminal affair, and if they had
punished these they would have been obliged to punish all
the others. They therefore thought it best to ignore it,
especially as the [guilty] have begun to understand and amend
the past, with great demonstrations of goodwill towards the
service of your Majesty and obedience to your royal commands.
The said Infante behaves very well, and has exposed
himself to great dangers in the service of your Highness.
Your Majesty may believe me that since he has been
captain of Valladolid never has any fault against your service
been committed in that town with his consent. As he, however,
is not strong enough to prevent all, he is forced to
abstain from opposing public opinion, and must leave many
things undone which he would like to do, in order to punish
the evildoers. It would be good if your Highness would
write him a kind and gracious letter.
Some days ago I sent Gomez de Santillan with letters
and an instruction to Valladolid concerning all that in my
opinion would be beneficial to the service of your Majesty,
together with which I have also sent the copy of the
letter concerning the coming of your Majesty. I hope
in God they will show their goodwill and intentions not
only by punishing traitors, but that this mission also will
produce some good effect, and the affairs of that town be soon
and satisfactorily settled.
On the 25th of last month I received letters from Tordesillas,
in which they write me that the Queen our lady is so
very much worn out that it is the greatest grief in the world.
I do not wonder at it, considering the reverence and good
treatment she receives at the hands of the members of the
Junta, who have deprived her of her women, and importune
her Highness day and night asking her to sign. Your Highness
ought not to have any doubt, that if they could obtain signatures
from her Highness, and if it were only one, as by other
letters I have already written, they would cause great tumults
in these kingdoms, greater indeed than now already exist.
A short time ago they endeavoured and were in great haste to
try whether they could not carry off her Highness from Tordesillas,
and they persist still in this purpose, as I am informed.
Directly I was made aware of it, I wrote to some grandees
and cavaliers who are staying in the neighbourhood, and also
to Valladolid. [Valladolid] certainly has answered me very
well on this subject. That town is determined to oppose it,
not to consent to or permit it on any condition ; so that I
think the Junta will not be able to carry out their design.
The Count of Benavente entered this town (fn. 4) on the 30th of
October with 200 lances, as many sharpshooters, and, moreover,
he brought with him 1,000 foot, with pikes and other
arms. Next day came the Marquis of Astorga with 200
lances and 2,000 foot, well armed and well disciplined. With
the Marquis came the Bishop of Astorga and the Count of
Altamira. Two or three days before these noblemen had
arrived the men whom the Admiral keeps ready in this his
town were passed in review. They are 100 very good and
brilliant lances, and 500 foot, with corresponding artillery.
Besides these troops, the Admiral, the Count of Benavente,
and the said Marquis keep in readiness all the other men on
their estates. We expect the Count Alba de Liste from day
to day. It is said that he comes very well prepared. The
Admiral has written to me what your Highness will learn
from his enclosed letters. I think he will be here within
eight or ten days.
I hope the Constable has already written to your Majesty
about the treaty he has concluded with Burgos. According
to what he writes to me, I expect we shall see each other in a
very few days, and stay together. I am assured that he comes
[with a] very strong [force] over and above the troops from
the Gelves which have joined him. The Marquis of Denia
writes me that he also will soon come with a goodly troop of
soldiers. Besides, we expect daily many cavaliers. The
Bishop of Burgos has written to me that he will order to
come from Coca 100 lances who are in garrison in that
fortress. I think he will come in person. I do what I can
to prevent it (fn. 5) in order to avoid scandal, and because the result
of a battle is always doubtful, and, on whichever side the
victory may remain, attended with losses to the kingdom and
injury to your Majesty.
I hear the Marquis of Villena is very angry that a certain
rumour, stating that he is very much the reverse of a zealous
servant of your Majesty, is spread in that court. (fn. 7) It would
be well for your Majesty to write him very graciously, and to
ignore what has passed ; for in this conjuncture he can certainly
render very good service to your Highness.
The revocation of your Majesty, by which we are deprived
of the power to pardon and to convoke Cortes, is certainly
very unseasonable. All prudent people are astonished at it
(we do not dare to tell it to many from fear of the scandal
it would create in the kingdom), and say that those who
have advised your Highness have not well considered what is
convenient, and not weighed the things which are happening
now in these kingdoms. They also say that we have
power to punish, and not to reward any one. I entreat your
Highness to revoke the order you have commanded to be sent,
and to grant again to the Constable and the Admiral the
same power to pardon and convoke Cortes. As for myself
I not only do not desire this office, but should consider it a
favour if I were relieved from it, and indeed, Señor, let it be
taken from me before I am forced by necessity to leave it.
The King of Tremecen, to whom your Majesty restored his
kingdom, of which Barbarossa had possessed himself, and
against whom afterwards the kingdom and a younger brother,
who is called Muley Macot, rebelled, has died in the neighbourhood
of Oran, whereto he had retired from fear of the said
brother. This Muley Macot, who now possesses the kingdom,
has sent to ask the same peace and treaty which your Highness
had concluded with his brother. The treaty is in the hands
of the Secretary Zuazolo, and it is said Lope Hurtado has
concluded it. In conformity with it, we despatch and send the
necessary powers to the Marquis Comares, who is captain-general
of that kingdom. I write this to inform your
Majesty, and send you with it a letter of the said king
to you, which, I believe, speaks of this affair.
I think the bull concerning the Inquisition is not yet
revoked. I beg your Majesty to write with very good ink (fn. 8)
to his Holiness on this subject, asking him to revoke it
without delay ; and to instruct Juan Manuel to solicit and
procure it. Your Majesty must not forget that the more you
occupy yourself in the service of God and the exaltation of
his holy faith, the more and the better will He guide and direct
your affairs.
When I had written what precedes I received two letters
from your Majesty dated the 15th of last month. As for my
labours, your Majesty may believe me that they are not
insignificant, and that I make the greatest exertions to perform
them, although at my age I should be spared them.
Even if your Highness comes soon, it will not be as soon as
the state of these kingdoms requires. As for the suspension
of my power and that of the Council (fn. 9) until I and another
governor are together, it has not indeed been well received.
It is here already said that the Council (fn. 10) of your
Majesty advise you in the affairs of Spain like men who judge
things from a distance, and, indeed, orders often arrive here
which do not benefit either your Highness or the public weal
of these kingdoms. With respect to the money for the expenses
of my household, certainly I do not know where to
get it, and if I still have a little, your Majesty may believe me
that it will last a very short time, and then I shall be
unable to maintain myself.
One of those friars who go about seducing and exciting
the villages with their sermons has been caught. He calls
himself Fray Bernardino, of the order of San Augustin.
He is almost as malignant as Fray Alonso, but I have ordered
him to be put in a very safe place, and hope he will have his
due punishment. The Count Alba de Liste has sent me also
another prisoner, who presented to him an intimation of the
Junta commanding him not to enlist soldiers nor to join the
other cavaliers who are in the service of your Majesty. Thus
the good man will be paid. And as for the business which
the Junta despatches, your Highness may believe that,
although it is despatched in the name of your Majesty and
her Highness, every time that orders are given they bear only
the name of the Queen our lady.
The Junta in Tordesillas has written to me what your
Highness will see ; but I answered them differently from
what they perhaps expected, and as the service and the
authority of your Majesty require.
To the Count of Benavente, the Marquis of Astorga, the
Count of Alba de Liste, to Don Hernando Enriquez, to the
Adelantado of Galicia, brothers of the Admiral, to Gutier de
Fonseca, and Don Juan de Ulloa it is necessary that your
Highness should write, thanking them very much for what
they have done and do in the interest of your royal service,
and exhorting them to continue as you always have expected
from them. Our Lord guard the life and royal states of your
Majesty long and in all prosperity.
Medina de Rioseco, 1st of November, at 11 o'clock at night,
of 1520.
Votre très humble serviteur, The Cardinal of Tortosa.
[Addressed :] Sacre Cesaree Regie Catholice Majestati.
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