Calendar of State Papers, Spain: Supplement To Volumes 1 and 2, Queen Katherine; Intended Marriage of King Henry VII To Queen Juana. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1868.
This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.
'Queen Juana: November 1520, 11-15', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain: Supplement To Volumes 1 and 2, Queen Katherine; Intended Marriage of King Henry VII To Queen Juana, (London, 1868) pp. 303-320. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/supp/vols1-2/pp303-320 [accessed 25 April 2024]
November 1520, 11-15
| 13th November. |
69. The Cardinal Of Tortosa to the Emperor Charles. [Archivo General de Simancas. Patronato Real. Comunidades de Castilla. Legajo 2. f. 169. Autograph. The paragraphs printed in italics are written in cipher. Contemporary official deciphering.] A su Magt. del Cardenal. a xiij Noviembre S. Cesae. C. R. Mat. despues de aver escripto el primero del presente a V. Mt. he recebido su carta de xxiiij del passado y por ella he visto el buen efecto y principio que ha hovido lo de su consagracion en Rey de Romanos y con quanta solemnidat ha tomado la primera corona, de lo qual assi por lo que cumplia a su Real auctoridat y servicio como en ser aparejo para su presta venida a estos rreynos huvimos todos aqua mucha alegria y se han dado las gracias por ello a nuestro Señor, al qual plega por su divina clemencia guiarle en todo a su Sancto servicio y con todo prosperidat. las cartas que acerca desto me mando enbiar vuestra Alteza para algunos particulares luego a la ora se dieron y embiaron a quien venian, y pues ahora V. Al. havra visto que estoy ya en libertad ahunque no sin sobrados trabajos y fatigas, suplico a V. Mt. que particularmente me mande responder a todo lo que hasta aqui le tengo escrito assi en las cosas de su rreal stado, como en las de partes. lo que despues ha sucedido es lo mesmo que por otras he escrito a V[uest]ra Alteza que todavia me parece que las cosas destos Reynos estan muy dudosas y en grande peligro. los de la Junta que residen en Tordesyllas con todas sus fuerças y con quantos medios pueden se esfuerçan y procuran de induzir a la Reyna nuestra Señora que firme lo qual les prometio Su Alt. si le quitassen las mujeres que alli tenia en su servicio. y por esto luego en el mesmo punto las apartaron de Su Alt. sino una sola esclava, y ahora esta la cosa en terminos que algunas vezes tienen sperança dello y otras desesperan, y siempre buscan nuevos medios diziendo a Su Al. la mucha mr~d y beneficio que estos Reynos recibrian que firmasse y poniendo al delante a Su Alteza casi con demostracion de algun temor los inconvenientes que se seguirian si no firmasse. crea V. Mt. que si firma su Alt. que sin duda ninguna todo el Reyno se perdera y saldra de la Real obediencia de V. Mt. assi que mire por mr~d en que puncto y quan dudoso esta vuestro Real estado de Spaña y el peligro que ay en alargar su rreal venida a Espana. la Junta embio a dezir a la Reyna nuestro Señora con el doctor de Salamanca que en mucho prejuicio de Su Alt. havia usurpado V[uest]ra Mt. nombre o titulo de Rey de Castilla esperando y creyendo que indignandose dello su Alt. prohibiria que no obedeciessen a V[uest]ra Mt. y que proveheria le privasen del dicho titulo, y tenga por cierto V. Mt. que si algunos no previnieran a Su Alt. de los inconvenientes que se siguirian si firmasse que mucho tiempo ha que firmara que todo el reyno seria ya llevantado mas de lo que esta. en muchas cosas habla su Alt. muy prudentemente segun que V[uest]ra Alteza lo vera por la cedula que embio a Lope hurtado la qual recebi de uno que entrevino en todo y estuvo presente en ello y lo oyo. dieron a entender al pueblo que Su Alteza era bexada en tordesyllas de algunos malos espiritus y para curarla llamaron a unos clerigos que les ha puesto en esperança de dar salud a Su Alt. mas hasta qui ninguna cosa han aprovechado las conjuraciones, y porque yo respondiendoles a lo que sobresto me havian escrito, que es, dixe questa tal obra en procurar de sanar a Su Alt. no era reservada hasta en este tiempo a ellos y que ya mucho tiempo havia que se puso en ello toda diligencia, y que si la tal dolencia fuera curable Su Alteza estaria sana, con cartas me han difamado que yo quiero prohibir lo que cumple a la salud de Su Alt., en lo qual muchos con engaño sospechan en ello para provocar contra mi el pueblo, y cierto no embargante el yerro dellos yo lo tomo a mejor y mas benigna parte creyendo que no quissieron entender bien mi carta, mas para quitar la infamia que desto ponen a los Reyes don ferrando y don phelipe de gloriosa memoria y tanbien por lo que pedrican (fn. 1) de V. Mt. con motivo que no an tenido en esto la diligencia que hera necessaria para que Su Alt. se curasse y que ia han tenido v[uest]ra Mt. y los susodichos vuestros aguelo y padre presa contra su voluntad en tordesyllas para que pudiessen reynar, les dixe en mi carta que de balde se habia fecho todo lo que en tienpo passado se procuro para la salud de Su Alt. y que por ventura podria ser que les aconteciesse lo mesmo en ello. mas de quinze dias anduvo fama que con esperança que impetrarian firma de Su Alt. la sacarian de Tordesyllas para otros lugares, lo qual pensando todos nosotros que fuera muy contrario a su salud y que sino la tomassemos por fuerça quiça peligraria Su Alteza de morirse llame ad algunos grandes y universidades estorvar aquello en otra manera, sino con armas que lo prohibiesen a fuerça dellas. los de la Junta mucho ha que hizieron exercito mayormente de la gente de cavallo y la mayor parte destos son de los que vinieron de Africa a los quales han sobornado para que les siguan y se junten con ellos. todos los dineros de V[uest]ra Mat. que pueden apanyar toman ahunque sean de la cruzada, hazen corregidores, y como si fuessen rreyes se hocupan la autoridat de V[uest]ra Mt. y los bienes del Reyno por lo qual certifico a V[uest]ra Mt. que sino juntaramos esta gente que absolutamente se husurparan todo el Reyno. don Pedro giron Capitan general dellos se dize que tiene sietecientas lanças y que espera de Salamanca toro Avila y Çamora mas de trezientas, pero quanto nosotros no tenemos peligro sino de nuestra mesma gente que muchos dellos favorecen el apellido de libertad para la comunidad. los tres breves que se me han embiado he recibido, es a saber el uno con el qual se cita el obispo de Çamora, el otro con que se me comete el castigo de algunos eclesiasticos que mueven sedicion en el rreyno, el tercero contra las comunidades. el primero procure de egecutar mas no hallo ninguno que lo ose enprender porque el obispo esta en el campo con quinientas lanças y mil peones segun me dizen entre los quales hay trescientos clerigos de su diocesis armados, y a los otros que alli quedaron para satisfazer y cumplir con el pueblo les ha dado facultad de celebrar tres vezes al dia y mas si pudieren. en el breve no hay facultad de executarle por edicto, y seria bien procurarla, y en caso que no la obedeciesse que luego se le sequestrasen los frutos. a muchos parece que no debemos executar los otros dos breves para que dello no se moviesse ni indignase mas el pueblo contra mi como se indigno contra el presidente por el otro breve. pluguiera a dios que estos breves vinieran remitidos a uno destos dos obispos que residen aqua que son el de lugo y oviedo. amenaza la junta de querer venir con poderosso exercito a correr y sitiar esta villa y hazer huyr o tomar a los del consejo a los quales tienen en mucho odio mayormente al presidente Comendador mayor Çapata y Vargas y ahun al obispo de burgos el qual esta solo en Astorga. muchos dizen que siempre que estos estuvieren juntos con nosotros por aqua que nunca las universidades cessaran de usurparse su autoridat y bienes rreales y no se ahun si con esto se contentaran, que echan fama que estos susodichos han robado y destruydo el rreyno, y ahun empiezan a quererme mal porque tengo algunos dellos en mi conpañia, y si el odio que a estos tienen tuviessen a mi crea V. Mt. que mucho tiempo ha que me salliera de españa lo qual me sera fuerça de hazer pues la necessidat no me da lugar a otra cosa. a lo que me escrive V. Mt. que tome dineros emprestados crea V. Alt. que todos los que hallamos en nombre rreal suyo son bien menester para la paga de la gente, y que ahora muy pocos se hallan que quieran prestar, que cada uno piensa que havra bien menester lo que tiene. yo en mi nonbre no entiendo de amprar (fn. 3) a nadie pues no tengo de donde lo pudiesse pagar. ahora me queda ya muy poca moneda ahunque el titulo de Gobernador trahe grandes gastos. si V[uest]ra Mt. tuviesse por bien de relevarme deste cargo ahun me podria sostener por tres meses y vivir con lo mio, y donde no, esperare este mes y gastado el poco dinero que tengo vendere mi platilla y con lo que de alla habre espero que me podre yr a Roma, o bolverme a essas partes. la villa de Valladolit me havia enbiado sus mensajeros con ciertos capitulos cuyo traslado va con esta los quales io con conseio del Comendador maior de Çapata y de Vargas les otorgue con esperança que si la Junta los recusase que aquella villa mas llana y facilmente se apartaria de la Junta y se reduziria a toda obediencia. que esto prometieron de cierto los dichos mensajeros que a nos vinieron. mas ha venido la cosa otramente de lo que se crehia, y amonestando algunos ad aquella villa y diziendoles que conviene al bien de la Republica que ahora no falte a la Junta ahora la mesma villa se ha confederado con la dicha Junta con mas conformidat que hastaqui y mas que otra universidat de todo el Reyno segun que por unas cartas mias vera V. Alt. La mesma Junta querria comunicar comigo todas cosas en Tordesillas si dexasse yo el titulo de governador. lo qual creo que convendria que tanto podrian hacer dos gobernadores como tres, y desta manera con mas efecto les podria persuadir y atraher el rreyno a paz, y assy sera bien que V. Mt paral contentamiento dellos me mande librar deste cargo. pocas cosas nos suceden prosperas y casi todas contrarias y si V. Mt no viniesse con toda brevedat y celeridat sin duda perderia el rreyno. el conde de benavente el marques y Obispo de Astorga me han rogado que suplique a V. Mt que privando al de Çamora haga V[uest]ra Alt. merced de aquel obispado al de Astorga que en parte sea en favor para un hijo del dicho Conde. que ssi como estos tres estan aqua con mucha gente tomando la parte de V. Mt contra los de la Junta que tienen mucho poder por la junta (fn. 5) que les ha acudido de las ciudades levantadas, justo es que V. Alt. les de todo favor, quanto mas que ahora que todo el Reyno dende toledo hazia aqua, casi hasta los montes, esta levantado se dize manifiestamente y creo que es verdat que ha sydo causa dello no haver reconocido V. Mt los servicios de los buenos ni haver castigado los malos. el pueblo esta todo puesto a levantamiento y a esto tambien les mueve que V[uest]ra Magestad no ha curado de mandar pagar algunas deudas liquidas y legitimas, ni tampoco ha procurado de proveher suficientemente lo que convenia a la defension de lo de Africa en donde se ha perdido ya el piñon con mucha y buena artilleria en gran daño del rreyno de granada, y a mas desto hay peligro grande de perderse aljer a donde se deve ad aquella el sueldo de veynte tres meses. del artilleria que Medina tiene de V. Mt. no le cunple hazer cuenta ninguna. es menester que V[uest]ra Mt. mande traher consigo alguna y buena dessas partes para que poniendo algun miedo a los subditos mas facilmente se puedan atraher a medios razonables, que pelear V. Mt. con sus proprios vassallos esto cierto me parece que seria cosa avorrible y procuraria grande y perpetuo odio en el pueblo contra V. Mt. y para esto sera bien tomar medios para desviarles del mal y que no persistan en su pravo proposito y juntamente con ello que empieçen de temer y sojuzgar e conformarse a la razon y contentarse de la justicia, pero en llegando ell almirante aqua que creo sera esta noche tomaremos acuerdo sobrello. muchos son de parecer que seria gran expediente que V[uest]ra Magestad mandasse salir la chancilleria de Valladolid y mudarla en otro lugar, como otras vezes diz que se ha fecho por los demeritos de aquella villa, porque agora en grande manera ha faltado a V[uest]ra Mag. y unidose con la Junta segund dicho es, y que tambien convendria que V[uest]ra Alteza mandasse a Medina del Campo que so pena de perdimiento del privilegio que tiene de la feria tornasse a su rreal obediencia, y a Simancas que so pena de perder sus privilegios recoia toda la gente que se le embiare paral servicio de V. Mt., pero en todo esto veo solamente un inconveniente, y este cierto me parece grande, que por ventura se endureçeran e indignaran mas con ello y procuraran que la Reyna nuestra Señora de palabra mande lo contrario en caso que no lo puedan alçanzar por su firma. mas yo espero que los oydores de la chancilleria obedeceran los mandamientos de V. Mt. mayormente si V[uest]ra Alteza les manda quitar el poder y auctoridat de juzgar y tener audiencia en la dicha villa de Valladolit, y si a otros lugares no rebelles tanto de V. Mt. como de los grandes se prohibe que nadi vaya a la dicha feria de Medina. con esto no se habria de hazer caso della y seria poca. para semeiantes cosas conviene haver de V. Mt. las cartas y provissiones necessarias para que en su sazon y quando parezca oportunidat se les puedan enbiar. mas por gracia de dios nuestra condicion es tal que tarde o nunca hazemos provision que pueda aprovechar con tiempo. no se como V[uest]ra Magestad podra pagar y gratificar al Rey de Portugal el paternal y entranyable amor que continuamente muestra en las cosas de V. Alt. assy con los procuradores de la Junta como con los otros deste rreyno. que cierto si le viessen en alguna mudança o con senyal de poca aficion a V. Mt. mucha mas osadia y atrevimiento ternian para llevar sus malos propositos adelante. pero su constantia les ataia y refrena algo. bien sera que V. Mt. le escriva muy afectadamente dandole gracias de lo fecho y rogandole que siempre lo continue como yo muchas vezes je lo he escripto y escrivo en nonbre de V[uest]ra Mt. el marques de Tarifa tiene muy buen desseo de servir a V[uest]ra Alt. y nos ha ofrecido de prestarnos cierta suma de dinero. y la misma voluntad amuestra tambien el conde de ayamonte el qual suplica a V[uest]ra Alteza le haga mr~d de la alcaldia mayor de Sevilla por privacion del otro porque se junto con el hermano del duque de Arcos en la rebuelta que aquel hizo y movio en la dicha ciudad. el Licenciado Çapata y los dos hermanos vozmedianos y alonso gutierrez e yo con ellos hazemos todas diligencias en buscar y procurar dineros enprestados de diversas personas para sostener algun tiempo la gente que se ha fecho en nombre de V. Mt. para prohibir y estorvar que la junta no sacasse a la Reyna Nuestra Señora de Tordesillas. mas antes de muchos dias sera forçado despedir mucha parte de la dicha gente que para conservala no podemos cojer tantos dineros como son menester. la jente de la junta tiene en mucho aprieto a la fortaleza de Alaejos y ahora postreramente han havido un combate. pero el alcayde della es de tan buen recaudo que les da el pago que merecen ahunque los que mueren alli se despachen mas honrradamente de lo que por sus delitos y temeridades merecen. mas con todo esto creo que aquel castillo no se podra sostener muchos dias segun dizen. de la ciudat Cabildo y otras personas particulares de Jahen me an dado oy cartas de vj. del presente en que me escriven como el obispo de aquella yglesia fallecio rogandome que interceda con V[uest]ra Mt. le nonbre para aquella yglesia al obispo de Leon el qual tiene dignidat en ella y es natural de aquella tierra, el qual seria contento de renunciar a dispusicion de V[uest]ra Magt. el obispado de Leon y todos los otros beneficios que tiene en España. cierto el es muy buen prelado y persona de doctrina y de muy buena fama y todo el tiempo que le fue possible sostuvo la ciudat de leon en obediencia de V[uest]ra Mt. y en su Real servicio. para la mesma yglesia de Leon instan el conde de benavente y el obispo de oviedo desta manera que don juan hijo del dicho conde haya la Yglesia de oviedo y el de oviedo la de Jahen y este de oviedo seria contento de asignar pension a quien V[uest]ra Magt. mandasse sobre la mesma yglesia de Jahen toda la quantidat que vale mas de la de oviedo que segun dize serian tres mill ducados. si V[uest]ra Magt. fuesse servido de me soccorrer desta pension para la sustentacion de mi familia recibiria mucha mr~d en ello y sino pues hastaqui no le he sido pedigüeño ni le he importunado en cosas de mi interesse y me he sostenido con la poca sustancia que tengo, menos lo seria ahora y espero que con el ayuda de dios que con ella me passare el poco tiempo que he de bivir. el obispo de lugo tambien dessea ser encomendado por mi a V[uest]ra Alt. para la dicha yglesia de Jahen y no se maraville V[uest]ra Al. si escrivo sobresto en favor de tantos, que no puedo escusar de hazerlo por los (fn. 8) aqui continuamente residen en servicio de v[uest]ra Alteza. olvidandome de mi mesmo sobrello como tengo dicho. el Almirante creo que llegara manyana aqui. de lo del condestable y de las cosas de burgos callo pues V. Alt. los entendera largamente por cartas del dicho condestable. de lo que mas sucediere escrevire a V. Mt. cuya vida y rreal estado nuestro Señor guarde luengamente y con toda prosperidat. en Medina de rioseco a xiij de Noviembre 1520. V[ost]re tres hunble serviteur el Carl. dertusen. [Sobre :] S. C. R. C. Mt. |
(Translation.) 69. To his Majesty from the Cardinal, the 13th November. Sacred, Imperial, Catholic, Royal Majesty, After having written on the 1st of the present month to your Majesty, I have received your letter of the 24th of last month, and by it have seen the good effect and beginning which has taken place from your consecration as King of the Romans, and with what solemnity you have received the first crown for which, as it adds to your royal authority and service, and is a preparation for your speedy arrival in these kingdoms, we have all much joy here, and have given thanks for it to our Lord, whom may it please by his divine mercy to guide you in all things to his holy service, and with all prosperity. The letters touching this which your Highness commanded me to send to certain private persons were immediately given and sent to whom they were addressed. And as now your Highness will have seen that I am now at liberty, although not without abundance of work and fatigue, I entreat your Majesty particularly to give orders in reply to all which I have written until now, as well in the matters concerning your royal estate as in those of private persons. That which has since happened is the same as what I have written by other letters to your Highness. It still appears to me that the affairs of these kingdoms are very doubtful and in great danger. Those of the Junta who reside in Tordesillas, with all their forces and by every means they can, try and endeavour to induce the Queen our lady to sign, which she promised to do if they would take away the women whom she had there in her service, and for this reason immediately at the same moment they removed them from her Highness, with the exception of a single slave. And now the affair is in such a condition that sometimes they have hopes of it [the signature] and at others they despair. And they always seek new modes of telling her Highness the great favour and benefit which these kingdoms would receive if she would sign, placing before her Highness, almost with a show of some fear, the difficulties which will follow if she does not sign. Your Majesty may believe that if she signs, without any doubt the whole kingdom will be lost, and will throw off the royal obedience to your Majesty. Thus may you in mercy see in what condition and how doubtful is your royal kingdom of Spain, and the danger of postponing your royal arrival in Spain. The Junta sent to say to the Queen our lady by the Doctor of Salamanca, that to the great prejudice of her Highness your Majesty had usurped the name and title of King of Castile, hoping and believing that being irritated at it she would prohibit obedience to your Majesty, and that she would take care to deprive you of the said title. And your Majesty may take it for certain that if some persons had not warned her Highness of the difficulties which might follow if she signed, she would have done so long ago. For all the kingdom would have mutinied more than it already has. In many things her Highness speaks very prudently, as your Highness may see by the letter which I sent to Lope Hurtado, which I received from one who was mixed up with every thing, and was present and heard it. They gave the people to understand that her Highness was tormented at Tordesillas by certain evil spirits, and to cure her they called in some priests who have given them hopes of restoring her Highness. But up to this time these exorcisms have profited nothing. In answering to what they had written me on this subject, I said to them that such a work as obtaining the recovery of her Highness was not reserved up to this time for them [to accomplish], and that it was now a long time that all endeavours had been used for that purpose and that if such a disease were curable her Highness would have been healed. They have in letters libelled me with seeking to prevent them from doing what would benefit the health of her Highness. Many suspect that there is deceit in it, to excite the people against me. And certainly notwithstanding their error, I take it in the best and most charitable part, believing that they did not seek rightly to understand my letter. But to prevent the infamy which by this means they impute to the Kings, Don Ferdinand and Don Philip, of glorious memory, and also on account of that which they preach about your Majesty, saying that they and you have not used the diligence necessary to cure her Highness, and that your Majesty, and your aforesaid grandfather and father, have kept her prisoner against her will in Tordesillas, in order that they and you might reign, I told them in my letter that all that could be done for the health of her Highness had been done in vain in times past, and that perchance the same thing might happen to them. For more than fifteen days past there has been a report going about that, with the hope of obtaining thereby the signature of her Highness, they would remove her from Tordesillas to some other place. We all thinking that it would be very adverse to her health, and if we did not take her by force perhaps her Highness would be in danger of dying, I appealed to some grandees and towns to prevent that [removal] in any other manner, but [if the Commons should use] force, then to oppose them by force. Some time ago the members of the Junta gathered an army, chiefly of horsemen, and the greater part of them are those who came from Africa, whom they have suborned that they may follow and join with them. All the moneys of your Majesty which they can grasp they take, although it be of the cruzada. They appoint magistrates, and, as if they were kings, they usurp the authority of your Majesty and the property of the kingdom, for which reason I certify to your Majesty that if we do not meet this people, they will absolutely usurp all the kingdom. Don Pedro Giron, their captain general, is said to have seven hundred lances, and he expects three hundred more from Salamanca, Toro, Avila, and Zamora, but howsoever, we do not fear danger except from our own men, many of whom favour the name of liberty for the people. The three briefs which have been sent me I have received ; that is to say, the one in which the Bishop of Zamora is cited, the other in which is committed to me the chastisement of certain ecclesiastics who stir up sedition in the kingdom, the third against the Commons. The first I endeavoured to execute, but I can find no one who dares to undertake it, because the bishop is in the field with five hundred lances and a thousand foot soldiers, amongst whom, as they tell me, there are three hundred of the clergy of his diocese, armed ; and to the others who remain there, to satisfy and fulfil the duties towards the people, he has given the privilege of celebrating [mass] three times a day, and more if they could. The brief contains no authority to execute it by edict, and yet it would be well to do it, and in case of disobedience to sequester his revenues. To many it appears that we ought not to execute the other two briefs, lest that by them the people should be more stirred up and indignant against me, as they were against the president on account of the other brief. Would to God that these briefs had been sent to one of the two bishops who reside here, (fn. 2) who are of Lugo and Oviedo. The Junta threatens that it is about to come with a powerful army to overrun and besiege this town, and put to flight, or take [prisoners], those of the council whom they hold in great hatred, and principally the president, Comendador Mayor, Zapata, and Vargas, and even the Bishop of Burgos, who is alone in Astorga. Many say that as long as these [persons] shall be joined with us here, the commons will never cease from usurping the authority and royal property, and I do not know that they would even content themselves with this, for there goes about a report that those aforesaid have robbed and destroyed the kingdom, and they even begin to dislike me because I have some of them in my company. If the odium which they have for them had fallen on me your Majesty may believe that long ago I should have left Spain, which I shall be forced to do because necessity does not permit of anything else. In regard to what your Majesty writes that I am to take up borrowed moneys, your Highness may believe that all those that we can obtain in your royal name are very necessary for the payment of the troops, and now very few are found who are inclined to lend, for every one thinks that he will have great need of all he possesses. In my own name I do not intend to borrow from anybody, because I have not from whence I could repay it. At present very little money remains to me, although the title of governor involves great expenses. If your Majesty should find it well to relieve me from this charge I might even sustain myself for three months and live on my own [means], and if not I shall wait this month ; and having expended the little money that I have, I shall sell my plate, and with what I shall get from it I hope that I shall be able to go to Rome or return to those countries. (fn. 4) The town of Valladolid has sent me messengers with certain propositions, a copy of which goes with this, which I, by counsel of the Comendador Mayor, of Zapata and of Vargas, granted to them, in the hope that if the Junta should refuse them, that town could more simply and easily separate itself from the Junta, and return to perfect obedience. This the said messengers who came to us promised for certain, but the affair has fallen out otherwise than was expected ; some persons warning that town, and telling the people that it suited the good of the commonwealth that they should not abandon the Junta, now that same town has united with the aforesaid Junta with more conformity than up to this time, and more than any other corporation of the whole kingdom, as your Highness will see by some of my letters. The same Junta desired to confer with me on all the affairs of state in Tordesillas, if I would give up the title of governor, which I think would be convenient. For two governors might do as much as three, and in this manner I might be able with more effect to persuade them, and restore the kingdom to peace. And thus it will be well that your Majesty, in order to content them, should give orders to free me from this charge. Few things fall out prosperously with us, and almost all contrary, and if your Majesty does not come with all speed and celerity without doubt the kingdom will be lost. The Count of Benavente, the Marquis and the Bishop of Astorga, have begged me to supplicate your Majesty that, in case of the deprivation of him [the Bishop] of Zamora, your Highness will make a grant of that bishopric to the Bishop of Astorga, and that in part it may be in favour of a son of the said count. For inasmuch as these three are here, with many men, taking the side of your Majesty against those of the Junta who are very powerful with the troops (fn. 6) which have come to them from the rebellious cities, it is but just that your Highness should give them all favour, much more now that all the kingdom from Toledo to this place, and almost up to the mountains, is risen. It is said openly, and I believe it is the truth, that the cause of it has been your Majesty not having recognised the services of the good nor having chastised the bad. The population is all bent upon rising, and to this also they are moved because your Majesty has taken no care to order the payment of certain acknowledged and legitimate debts, and as little [have you] sought to provide sufficiently that which is necessary for the defence of the places in Africa, where has been already lost the Peñon with much and good artillery, to the great damage of the kingdom of Granada. And moreover there is great danger of losing Algiers, where pay is in arrears for twenty three months. On your Majesty's artillery which is in Medina you must not count. It is necessary that your Majesty should bring with you some and good [artillery] from those parts, in order that, making these subjects somewhat afraid, you may more easily draw them to reasonable conditions. For your Majesty to fight with your own vassals, this it certainly appears to me would be a horrible thing, and would cause great and perpetual hatred in the people against your Majesty. On this account it will be well to take measures to dissuade them from this wickedness, and that they may not persist in their evil purpose, and that at the same time they may begin to fear, and subdue and conform themselves to reason, and content themselves with justice. But when the admiral arrives here, which I believe will be this night, we shall take counsel upon it. Many are of opinion that it would be very proper that your Majesty should order to remove the Court of Chancery from Valladolid, and change it to some other place, as in former times, they say, has been done on account of the ill deserts of that town, because now, in a great measure, it has forsaken your Majesty, and united itself with the Junta, as is reported. And also it would be well that your Highness should command Medina del Campo that, under pain of losing the privilege of the fair which it has, it must return to its royal obedience, and Simancas that, on pain of losing its privileges, it should receive all the forces which might be sent there for your Majesty's service. In all this I see only one inconvenience, and certainly it appears to me a great one, that by chance they may become hard and more inflamed by it, and endeavour [to bring about] that the Queen our lady shall command the contrary by word of mouth, in case of their not being able to obtain her signature. But I hope that the oydores of the Court of Chancery will obey the commands of your Majesty ; above all, if your Highness commands to take from them the power and authority of judging and holding the court of justice in the said town of Valladolid. And if, in other places not so rebellious against your Majesty as against the grandees, it were prohibited that any one should go to the said fair of Medina, it would not be necessary to attach importance to it, and it would be greatly reduced. (fn. 7) For these reasons it will be requisite to have from your Majesty the letters and decrees necessary, in order that in due season, and when it is opportune, they may be sent to them. But, by the grace of God, our condition is such that late or never do we take measures which in time might be of good use. I do not know how your Majesty can repay and reward the paternal and affectionate love which the King of Portugal continually displays in the affairs of your Highness, as well with the procurators of the Junta as with the others of this kingdom. For certainly, if they saw any change in him, or any sign of little affection to your Majesty, they would have much more courage and boldness to carry on their bad purposes. But his constancy prevents and somewhat restrains them. It would be well if your Majesty wrote very affectionately to him, giving thanks for what is done, and praying that he will always continue it [his affection], as I have many times written to him, and write in the name of your Majesty. The Marquis of Tarifa is very desirous to serve your Highness, and has offered to lend us a certain sum of money. The Count of Ayamonte also shows the same goodwill. He supplicates your Highness to grant him the favour of the chief jurisdiction of Sevilla of which the other is to be deprived, because he joined himself with the brother of the Duke of Arcos in the revolt which he caused and stirred up in the said city. The licentiate Zapata, and the two brothers Vozmediano and Alonso Gutierez, and I with them, will use all diligence to seek and procure borrowed moneys from various persons, to sustain for some time the forces which have been gathered in the name of your Majesty to prohibit and hinder the Junta from taking away the Queen our lady from Tordesillas. But before many days we shall be obliged to dismiss a great part of the aforesaid troops, for we cannot gather as much money as is necessary to keep them. The people of the Junta press hard upon the fortress of Alaejos, and now recently have had a fight, but the alcalde of the [fortress] is a man of so many resources that he gives them the payment they deserve ; although those who die there are killed more honourably than on account of their crimes and rashness they deserve. But with all this, I believe that the castle will not be able to maintain itself many days, according to what is said. They have given me to day letters from the city, towncouncil, and other private persons of the city of Jaen, of the 6th of the present month, in which they write to me that the bishop of that church has died, entreating that I would intercede with your Majesty to name for that church the Bishop of Leon, who is a dignitary of it, and a native of that neighbourhood. He will be glad to resign to the disposal of your Majesty the bishopric of Leon, and all the other benefices which he holds in Spain. Certainly he is a very good prelate, a person of learning and of very good report, and as long as it was possible maintained the city of Leon in obedience and in the royal service of your Majesty. For the same church of Leon, the Count of Benavente and the Bishop of Oviedo urge a request in this manner. That Don Juan, son of the said count, shall have the church of Oviedo, and he of Oviedo that of Jaen, and he of Oviedo will be satisfied to assign as a pension to whomsoever your Majesty may command the whole amount that the same church of Jaen is worth beyond that of Oviedo, which, according as is said, will be three thousand ducats. If your Majesty would be pleased to assist me with this pension for the support of my servants, I should take it as a great favour ; and if not, since up to this time I have not been a beggar, nor have I importuned you in matters concerning my own interest, and have maintained myself with the little substance that I have, I shall be less so now, and I hope that with the help of God I may finish with it the little time I have to live. The Bishop of Lugo also desires to be recommended by me to your Highness for the said church of Jaen. Your Highness must not wonder if I write about it in favour of so many, for I cannot avoid doing it for those who reside here constantly in the service of your Highness, neglecting myself, as I have said. I believe the admiral will arrive here tomorrow. On the matter of the Constable and the affairs of Burgos I am silent, because your Highness will hear of them at length by the letters of the same Constable. As to what more may happen I will write to your Majesty, whose life and royal estate may our Lord long preserve, and in all prosperity. At Medina de Rioseco, the 13th of November 1520. Votre très humble serviteur, the Cardinal Dertusen. [Addressed :] Sacre Cesaree Regie Catholice Majestati. |
|---|---|---|
| 13th November. |
70. The Cardinal Of Tortosa to Lope Hurtado De
Mendoza. [Archivo General de Simancas. Patronato Real. Comunidades de Castilla. Legajo 2. f. 165. Autograph.] Del Señor Cardenal para Lope Hurtado. Noble Señor y nuestro especial amigo. Recebi dos cartas vuestras de xxij y xxv del passado y con ellas mucho plazer assi en saber de vos como en las buenas nuevas que particularmente me escrivisteys de la coronacion de Su Magt las quales os agr~dezco mucho, y doy gracias a dios por ello, y pues en aquello se ha dado Su Magt tan buena prissa, procurat que haga lo mismo en su presta venida, sino otramente todo es perdido sin duda, y assi je lo dezit sienpre. gran plazer me hizisteys en lo que señor dezis de haber leydo aparte mi memorial a Su Mt. por lo que como veys importava, y assi os ruego hagays lo mismo en la escriptura que va dentro desta. en lo del casamiento de Portugal pues a Su Mt. no parece que conviene por ahora hablar en ello, quedese para quando su Alteza fuere servido, que no creo que dude en el fin bueno que a ello me movia. todavia dyreys a S. Mt. que deve mucho amor y agradecimiento al dicho Rey de portugal. y pues ahora soy fuera de Vallodolid dezid a Su Magt. que me haga merced de me mandar responder a todo lo que hasta qui le tengo escrito asi en cosas de estado como de partes y que mande despachar la hidalguia para Diego de montoro de la qual escrivi a Su Mt. en estos dias que yo soy muy mucho rogado dello por el marques de comares y querria que se me enbiasse la provision. tanbien hablareys sobrello al Secretario cobos. lo del obispado de Mondoñedo crehet que holgaria todo lo possible en que le hubiesse el doctor manso y pues su magt. os da en todas mis cosas tan grata y particular audiencia, hablatle sobresto lo que os pareciere, y en lo demas que a mi toque por mi amor que hagays lo que acostumbrays como lo confio que en donde vos señor estays espero que poca necessidat havra que yo escriva a otros en mis negocios. alegrome en grande manera que se haga alla tanta quenta del Señor Duque dalva y que entre en todos los consejos que en verdat todo se le deve y cabe muy bien en el. a su mr~d mencomendareys por mil vezes y pues ahora sabe la fruta que en estos Reynos se coje que le ruego que en la venida de Su Alt. ayude a dar espueladas que otramente sin la presencia de Su Al. y de su mr~d no pienso que la podriamos masquar muchos dias ni menos tragalla. lo de los beneficios para ñras (fn. 9) criados tened por mi amor en memoria quando haya sazon. En tordesillas crehet que tenemos buen recaudo, ahunque aprovecha poco segun lo que todo esta dañado. ya vereys esta escriptura. plazer tengo que tan bien se encamine vuestro negocio. si lo del abito se haze espero en dios que lo de la camara passara adelante en lo qual podeys creher que os ayudare y de palabra lo suplicare a Su Al., y aprovechara mas que con carta. sobre lo de mis dineros escrivo a Su Magt. y en verdat la necessidat que tengo es tan grande que no hallo ya medio con que me pueda sostener estando de la manera que podeys pensar y habeys visto. a xij deste recebi aviso del prior don Antonio que Joan de padilla haze gente para apoderarse en Ucles y usurparse el maestrazgo de Santiago. dizese tanbien por ay que en el tienpo del Rey don Alonso su hijo menor fue alçado por Rey y se quedo en la posession, y el dicho Rey don Alonso y el heredero del hijo mayor echados del rreyno, del qua heredero diz que por directa linea decendieron los de la casa de Medina sedonia por lo qual quieren algunos dezir que la corona Real de derecho pertenece a aquella casa y que don pedro giron por parte y rahiz de su mujer pretiende derecho a la dicha corona. [una palabra en cifra] me conto que los procuradores de la Junta fundan su intencion y proposito sobre que piensan que su magestad no ha de bolver a estos Reynos y que en caso que quisiere bolver con fuerça darmas se lo han de estorbar. y hazen este argumento. su magestad verna con gente estrangera o sin ella. si sin ella de la mesma manera le podran resister como aora le resisten, si con gente estrangera viniere antes se levantaran las piedras contra el que esto sea, porque daran a entender al pueblo que Su Mt. trahe Alemanes y estrangeros para robar y quemar el Reyno. parece que convernia que su Mt. escriviesse a los grandes y ciudades del Andalucia y del rreyno de granada que aparejasen alguna gente paral tienpo de su vuelta agradeciendoles que ellos esten firmes en su obediencia y servicio, y que mande al conde de vrueña y al duque de arcos que no hagan gente ni tenten cosa alguna contra sevilla ni contra medinasidonia durante el tiempo de su absencia. los Secretarios de su Magd. deven escrevir cartas de diversas formas para que segun los tienpos pudiessemos usar dellas ahora de unas ahora de otras. el obispado de Jahen esta vaco. ne se si su Mt. se acordara de mi. nunca le he rogado ni le rogare ahun espero que a lo menos me provehera de alguna pension de tres mil o quatro mil ducados lo qual podreys solicitar secretamente con su Mt. y leherle todo este capitulo y responderme sobrello de lo que su Mt. os dixiere y concertaredes. guardeos nuestro Señor. de Medina de rioseco a xiij de Novienbre 1520. V[uest]ro el card. dortussen. Pao. Cisterer secreo. [Sobre :] Al Noble Señor y nuestro especial amigo Lope Hurtado de Mendoça gentilhonbre ... Mt. en su corte. |
70. From the Señor Cardinal to Lope Hurtado. Noble señor and our special friend, I received your letters of the 22nd and 25th of last month, and was much pleased to have news from you, and especially the good news you write about the coronation of his Majesty. I thank you much, and give praise to God for it. As his Majesty has been so expeditious in this, procure that he be as quick in coming hither, for, otherwise, there cannot be any doubt that all is lost. Tell him that continually. I have had great pleasure, señor, in what you state, viz., that you have read my memoir to his Majesty alone, for you know its importance. I beg you to do the same with the paper here enclosed. With respect to the marriage with [the Infanta of] Portugal, as his Majesty thinks that it is not convenient to speak now of it, it must remain until it pleases his Highness. I am persuaded that he does not doubt my good intention, and you may still tell his Majesty that he owes great love and many thanks to the said King of Portugal. And, as I have now left Valladolid, tell his Majesty to do me the favour of giving me an answer to all I have written to him concerning affairs of state, as well as of private persons, and to order that the hidalgia for Diego de Montero, about which I write to his Majesty, be despatched one of these days. The Marquis of Comares has very instantly asked me to procure it, and I should like that the order about it be sent to me. Speak with the Secretary Covos about this business. Concerning the bishopric of Mondoñedo, you may be sure that I wish very much that the Doctor Manso should have it. As his Majesty so graciously and particularly hears you about all my concerns, tell him, on this subject, what you think convenient, and as for the remainder of the business that concerns me, by your love for me, do what you are accustomed to do and what I expect from you. Where you, señor, are, it is not necessary to write to other persons about my affairs. I am very glad to hear that the Señor Duke of Alba is held there in so high esteem, and that he takes part in the sittings of the Council ; for, indeed, he merits everything, and everything is well bestowed on him. Recommend me a thousand times to him. As he knows now what kind of corn we have reaped in these kingdoms, I beg him to urge his Highness to come soon, for otherwise (without the presence of his Highness and his Lordship) we cannot masticate, and much less swallow it many days longer. As for the business of the benefices for my servants, for love's sake do not forget them when an opportunity offers itself. You may believe that in Tordesillas we have taken good precautions, although things are now in so bad a state that it profits little. I am glad that your affairs proceed so prosperously. If you are made a knight I hope in God that with respect to the chamberlainship we shall also succeed. You may believe me that I shall help you and speak with his Highness by word of mouth, as that is much better than writing letters. I write to his Majesty about my money affairs, and in fact I am in so much need that I no longer find means to maintain myself, as you can imagine from what you have seen. On the 12th of this month I received information from the Prior, Don Antonio, that Juan de Padilla enlists troops with the intention to capture Ucles and to usurp the Grand Mastership of Santiago. It is also said that in the time of King Don Alonso, his younger son was proclaimed King, and remained in possession, and the said King Don Alonso, together with the heir of the elder son, driven out of the kingdom. From this heir, it is said, the house of Medina Sidonia descends in a direct line, wherefore some pretend that the royal crown belongs by right to this house, and that Pedro Giron, in the name and right of his wife, pretends to have a claim to the said crown. [One word in cipher] told me that the Procurators of the Junta base their intentions and prospects on their expectation that his Majesty will not return to these kingdoms, or if he should try to return by force of arms, that he will be prevented from doing so. Their argument is this : His Majesty will come with foreign troops or without them. If he comes without them they will be able to resist him in the same manner as now. If he comes accompanied by foreign troops, the very stones will rise up against him to offer resistance. Therefore they give the people to understand that he will bring German and foreign troops to plunder and burn the kingdom. It seems it would be well if his Majesty would write to some grandees and others in Andalusia and the kingdom of Granada, asking them to have some troops in readiness by the time of his arrival, and thanking them for remaining firm in their obedience and his service. He also ought to order the Count Ureña and the Duke of Arcos not to enlist troops, and not to undertake anything against Sevilla and Medina Sidonia during the time of his absence. The secretaries of his Highness ought to write letters in different forms, so that, according to circumstances, we can make use of them, now of the one kind, then of the other. The bishopric of Jaen is vacant. I do not know whether his Majesty will remember me. I have never asked, and even now I shall not ask. I hope he will give me at least a pension of three or four thousand ducats. You can secretly solicit this from his Majesty, and read to him the whole of this passage. Tell me what his Majesty answers, and how you have settled this point with him. Our Lord guard you. From Medina de Rioseco, on the 13th of November 1520. Votre, etc., The Cardinal of Tortosa. Pablo Cisterer, Secretary. [Addressed :] To the noble Lord and our special Friend, Lope Hurtado de Mendoza, Gentleman ... (fn. 10) Majesty at his court. |