Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 2, 1509-1525. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1866.
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'Spain: September 1513', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 2, 1509-1525, (London, 1866) pp. 148-161. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol2/pp148-161 [accessed 24 April 2024]
September 1513
| Sept. (?) S. E. Var. L. 1554. f. 225, 226. |
127. King Ferdinand The Catholic to Ramon De Cardona,
his Viceroy of Naples and Captain-General of his
Army in Italy. Has broken off all negotiations with France, and will never more make peace with the French, except with the consent of the Pope, the Emperor, and the King of England. He is to tell the Pope this. Madame Margaret has written to him that the Swiss have invaded France from the side of Savoy. The King of England is carrying on the war vigorously on the opposite side of France. The Pope, he hopes, will not permit such a splendid opportunity to pass without profiting by it. The Pope must reconcile himself with the Duke of Ferrara, and provide for the defences of Italy.—No date. No signature. Indorsed : "Viceroy." Spanish. Draft. pp. 3. |
|---|---|
| Sept. (?) S. E. Var. L. 1545. f. 55, 56. |
128. King Ferdinand The Catholic to Ramon De Cardona,
his Viceroy Of Naples and Captain-General of his
Army in Italy. He is always to write respecting principal affairs in a clear and intelligible manner. From intercepted letters of the Venetians to their ambassador in Rome, it is clear that they will not make peace with the Emperor, except on their own conditions, and they have also assured the French ambassador in Rome that they will not keep the peace even if they should conclude it. They count upon the King of France soon driving the English out of France and sending an army to Italy. The Pope, the Emperor, the King of England, and he (King Ferdinand) ought always to remain allies, and carry on two distinct wars ; viz., that with France and that with Venice. It is expected of the Pope that he will make use of his spiritual weapons, and the other Italian potentates are only to give money. For the purpose of carrying on both wars, a treaty of alliance must be concluded between the Pope, the Emperor, the King of England, himself (King Ferdinand), the Duke of Milan, the Swiss, the Florentines, the Sienese, the Grisons, and Lucca. The war with France is to be carried on by him and the King of England without any succour from the Italians ; whilst, on the other hand, the King of England and the Swiss are not to be asked to contribute either money or troops for the war with Venice. Vich and Brizeño wrote to him, on the 20th of August, saying that the Pope, at the instance of the Cardinal of Gurk, had already committed to writing the articles of the treaty of alliance. He is to see that it be soon signed, and the contributions of every member of it plainly stated. Is ready to pay the men-at-arms. The Pope is expected to contribute at least 10,000 ducats a month, which are to be employed to pay the infantry. In order to induce the Pope to conclude this treaty, he can promise him that he (King Ferdinand) will pay, besides the men-at-arms, 10,000 ducats a month during three months, as an extraordinary aid to the pay of the infantry. Sends him 30,000 gold ducats. He can also promise the Pope that he shall have Modena and Reggio, and the duchy of Ferrara, as the present Duke of Ferrara can never be trusted. Brescia and other places which will be conquered from the Venetians are to be given to the Prince, his son. (fn. 1) These stipulations had better be made in a separate and secret treaty with the Pope. Details concerning France.—No date. No signature. Indorsed : "Viceroy of Naples." Spanish. Draft. pp. 10. |
| 7 Sept. S. E. Cor. d. Cast. L. l. f. 407. |
129. Gabriel De Orti, alias Horti. Was sent by King Ferdinand the Catholic to the Emperor and the King of England. He left Valladolid on the 7th of September 1513. His salary was one ducat a day. He returned to the Catholic King on the 10th of April 1514. Spanish. Original book of accounts. p. ½. |
| 7 Sept. (?) S. E. Pat. Re. T. c. I. L. 2. |
130. King Ferdinand The Catholic to his Ambassadors at
the Imperial Court and at the Court of the King
Of England, and to Gabriel Orti, his Chaplain, or
to any one of them. They are to tell the King of England that he loves him most sincerely, and is earnestly bent on furthering his prosperity. It is exceedingly deplorable that the King of England should think he had concluded the truce with France last April because he wished to disarm, or from any similar motive. The truth is, there were many reasons which had forced him to act as he did. The most weighty of them was his severe illness. Being so near the grave as he was, and the heir of the crown being absent from his kingdoms, it would have been a great misfortune to have left his dominions implicated in a foreign war at his death. As the whole world is, in this respect, only of one opinion, the King of England, his son, will easily understand that he could not have acted otherwise. Hearing, however, that the French tell a very different story respecting the truce which has been concluded, he begs the King of England to place more faith in the deeds of his friend than in the words of his enemy. Had it been his intention to conclude peace with France for himself alone, as the French pretend that it was, he would not have refused to see or to treat with the French ambassadors, when such personages were sent to him as Monsieur de Lautrec, (fn. 2) the President of Toulouse, and Maitre Etienne Petit. They had written to him, saying that they had full powers to conclude a definitive peace. Notwithstanding their promises, he did not enter into negotiations with them, or permit any of his subjects to treat with the French ambassadors. On the contrary, he told the courier who brought the letter of the French ambassadors, that he could not treat with the King of France, except conjointly with all his allies. If it had been his intention to conclude a separate peace with France he would not have taken Genoa from the French, or carried on a war with them in other parts of Italy, which war still continues. After his refusal to see the French ambassadors, the Queen of France wrote to him and promised that the King, her husband, would give satisfaction to all the allies, so that a general peace might be honourably concluded. She then asked him to tell her in what way satisfaction must be given to his confederates. Did not believe what the Queen of France wrote to him. In order, however, not to appear as if he did not like to hear proposals of peace, he sent his secretary, Quintana, to France, who was instructed to ask the Queen in what manner the King intended to give full satisfaction to all the confederates, and to each one of them. Every possible means were employed by the French to persuade Quintana to conclude a separate peace in his name and in the name of the Queen of Castile, his daughter. The French made very tempting offers to him, and said that the earlier he signed a separate treaty of friendship and alliance with the King of France the more liberal would be the concessions of France. The French refused nothing that he could desire for his own part. Would certainly have accepted the offers of the King of France had he not been so true an ally of the Emperor and the King of England, his son. Instead of accepting the offers made him, he sent orders to Quintana to return immediately to Spain. After his ambassador had returned, the King and Queen of France left it entirely to him to conclude peace on whatever terms he liked. (fn. 3) Rejected this proposal also, well knowing that the intention of the King of France was, according to his custom, to sow discord and suspicion between him and his confederates. The French are fully aware that they can do nothing if he, the Emperor, and the King of England are sincere allies. It is their interest to break up their alliance. But the King of England ought not to distrust his best friend, brother, and father. In consequence of the truce, has not been at liberty hitherto to make war on the French on this side the mountains of Italy, except in Bearn. But is no longer bound by the truce, as it has been broken by the French, who have captured Spanish merchant vessels at sea, pretending that they were at war with Castile. Such being the case, he wishes to come to an understanding with the King of England respecting the conquest of Guienne. The sooner this understanding is effected the better it will be, since he wants time to make such preparations for the war that the good success of the enterprise, with the assistance of God, shall be beyond doubt. The King of England may determine whether the expedition is to be undertaken either at once, or next spring, but he must give a definitive answer without delay. They (the ambassadors) must do all they possibly can to attain two objects ; firstly, to make the King of England believe, which is true, that he (King Ferdinand) will never make peace with France without the knowledge and consent of his allies. In peace or war, he, the Emperor, the Prince, (fn. 4) and the King of England ought always to be united. Secondly they must persuade the King of England not to doubt that he will do all in his power to assist him in his enterprise, provided that it is well prepared. Has learnt by letters from Rome that the King of France is making great efforts to gain the Pope over to his party. He promises "to do wonders" for the Pope, offering to marry the brother of the Holy Father to a niece of his, to give him an estate in France, to procure for him territories in Italy, and many other things, all of which are prejudicial to the members of the league. He says that the confederates are continually asking for money and other assistance from the Pope, whilst he is determined not only to ask nothing, but even to give money to the Pope. Believes the Pope is their true ally, but knows that he is timid by nature and a friend of peace. Besides, the Pope suspects that the King of England wishes to conclude a separate peace with France. The consequence is that the Pope does not declare himself openly in favour of the allies. Wishes the Emperor and the King of England immediately to send ambassadors to Rome. The English and Imperial Ambassadors should assure the Pope that his suspicion is unfounded, and should try to persuade him to declare himself openly against the common enemy, and to proceed against him by force of arms as well as by spiritual censures. If the Emperor and the King of England do not immediately send their ambassadors, the Pope might perhaps espouse the cause of France, to the great prejudice of all the confederate princes. If at the time when Orti arrives, the armies of the Emperor and of the King of England are victorious, they are to see that the war is continued. If, on the other hand, the armies of the Emperor, of the King of England, and of the Swiss have not been able to obtain any decisive success against the French, and if peace with France must be concluded, in such a case they (the ambassadors of King Ferdinand) are to do all in their power to have the peace concluded in the following manner. The Emperor, the Queen of Castile, the King of England, he (King Ferdinand), and the Prince (Charles) must be regarded in the treaty as one party, and the King of France as the other party. If that is done, and the King of France sees that the allies remain united, he will not dare to break the peace with respect to any one of them. Advises that war should be made upon Venice at the expense of all the allies, if she is not included in the peace which will be made with France. Should the King of France bind himself to assist the Emperor in the war with Venice, it would be desirable that the assistance should be given in money. If, for instance, the King of France should put himself under an obligation to aid the Emperor with 1,000 men-at-arms and 8,000 foot, it would be well to stipulate in the treaty that not the men, but their equivalent in money, should be sent. Promises to provide the Emperor with soldiers on whom he may rely, whilst the French auxiliary army would be subjected to the orders of the King of France. The Pope and the Papal States are to be included in the treaty, in order to preserve the friendship of his Holiness. France must renounce all her pretensions on the kingdom of Naples, or any part of it ; otherwise no peace can be concluded with her. They (the ambassadors of King Ferdinand) must send him detailed reports concerning their negotiations.—No date. Indorsed : "Instruction of the Catholic King to his Ambassadors in England." Spanish. Draft. pp. 11. |
| 7 Sept. (?) S. E. Pat. Re. T. c. I. L. 6. f. 16. |
131. King Ferdinand The Catholic to his Ambassadors
at the Imperial Court and at the Court of the King
Of England, and to Gabriel Orti, his Chaplain, or
to any one of them. They must speak to the Emperor and Madame Margaret in the same way as they are to speak to the King of England, but he does not think it necessary to warn the Emperor against the calumnies of the French. As his heir and the heir of the Emperor is one and the same person, so have he and the Emperor but one object in view, that is to say, to lower the power of France. If they cannot succeed in doing so, Europe will never be at peace, the war on the Infidels will never be zealously undertaken, and their heir will find it very difficult to defend his extensive dominions against the attacks of the King of France. If, on the other hand, they succeed, with the assistance of God, in enfeebling France, peace among the Christian nations will be secured, the Infidels will be punished, and their heir will, like Octavian, preserve his kingdom in peace. The principal end at which the Emperor aims ought to be, therefore, to lessen the power of France. Has learnt by experience that the Venetians are enemies of God and of peace among Christians. As long as they are prosperous, they will employ their resources to create discord among Christians, and to menace the security of the Italian possessions of their common heir. Knows for a certainty that the Venetians will not become a party to the intended peace with France. But in order to do the will of God, and to justify himself to the world, the Emperor ought to give to the Bishop of Gurk power to conclude peace with Venice also, on the conditions which Pope Julius proposed. (fn. 5) The Venetians, as already mentioned, not wishing, however, to conclude peace, he and the Emperor ought to declare war on them, and entirely destroy them. (fn. 6) Is fully determined to begin a destructive war with Venice, in order to please the Emperor his brother. Has already sent orders to his viceroy (in Naples) to keep the army ready. Has paid the men-at-arms and the light cavalry, and will soon send pay for the infantry. Has, moreover, forbidden the Neapolitans and Sicilians to sell bread or corn to the Venetians, in order to starve them, and will, "with the help of God," do other things which shall be calculated to serve his purpose and that of the Emperor. Desires the Emperor to see that the Tyrolese and other inhabitants of the neighbourhood do not assist Venice. In order to induce the Pope to espouse their cause openly, he (King Ferdinand) and the Emperor must find a wife for the brother of the Pope, and promise him in secret the duchy of Ferrara. The Pope must be persuaded to send them assistance in this enterprise. If more cannot be obtained, they are to content themselves with 10,000 ducats a month, such men-at-arms as the Pope can dispose of, and the excommunication of the Venetians. The Duke of Milan, together with Florence and Siena, must likewise be persuaded to assist them. Wishes, without delay, to conclude a new league against Venice with the Pope, the Emperor, the King of England, the Duke of Milan, Florence, Siena, Genoa, and the Swiss. The duties which every member of the league is expected to fulfil must be at once defined. The Pope must bind himself to excommunicate Venice. When all that is done, he hopes the enterprise will succeed, "with the help of God." The Emperor and he (King Ferdinand) ought immediately to tell the Pope and their other friends in Italy that they, conjointly with the King of England, will take upon themselves the war with France, if the Italians will assist them with money in their enterprise against Venice. The Italians cannot but see that this enterprise is to their advantage, as the Venetians have constantly introduced the French into Italy, and have never ceased to disturb the public peace. The inhabitants of the territories which have been taken from Venice are very ill satisfied with the present state of things, because they do not know what is to become of them in future. It would be well to inform them at once that the territories in question are to be henceforth the property of the Prince, their son and heir. If that were done, a satisfactory state of things and a regular government might be established in those territories. It is clear that they would be lost if the Imperial and Spanish armies were to leave them. Therefore, it is only just that the said territories should pay the expenses of the troops quartered in them. The Emperor on a former occasion offered him the government and the administration of the territories in the name of the Prince their son. It is to be hoped that he will repeat this offer. They must do all in their power to persuade the Emperor to do this, but in such a way that the Emperor may think he is doing it unasked. The personal advantages offered to the Pope and to his family are not sufficiently great to ensure his active assistance. The Emperor must, therefore, conjointly with the King of England, send ambassadors to Rome, and solemnly promise the Pope never to make peace with France without the consent of his Holiness. In a word, all kinds of promises ought to be made, and all kinds of means employed, in order to persuade the Pope to form the league and to excommunicate Venice. "After having negotiated all the other above mentioned subjects, you are to tell the Emperor my brother that, in order that God may assist us in our enterprises, he and I must promise and make a vow to God our Lord that we will, after the conclusion of our present undertaking, wage war upon the Infidels and enemies of our faith." Is fully resolved to do so, and thinks it would be well to mention something respecting this promise to God in the treaty of confederation which is to be concluded. The Pope appears to be afraid lest the King of France should once more return to Italy, and this fear seems to render him inclined to forgive the King of France all his bad services, if he only renounces his adhesion to the mock council, and adheres to the council of the Lateran. If that were the case, both enterprises (fn. 7) would appear less justifiable, and he and the Emperor would be deprived of a plausible pretext for confiscating the territories which they intend to conquer. Therefore, the Emperor and the King of England ought to do all in their power to persuade the Pope not to forgive the great sins committed by the King of France in creating a schism in the Christian Church. He should, at least, not be forgiven, except in the presence and with the consent of all the confederates, and after having done penance. They must see that all the measures respecting Italy be very diligently carried out, and that no time be lost.—No date. No signature. Indorsed : "Instructions to you, our ambassadors, who reside at the courts of the most serene Emperor, of the King of England, our brother, and of the Prince our son ; and to you Gabriel Horti, our chaplain ; or to those of you who are present at the courts of the said princes. "What the said ambassadors are ordered to say to the Emperor and Madame Margaret, in consequence of the credentials which he (Gabriel Orti) takes with him." Spanish. Draft. pp. 10. |
| Sep. S. E. Pat. Re. Cap. c. Pont. L. l. f. 28. |
132. King Ferdinand The Catholic to the Cardinal Of
Sorrento (fn. 8), to Hieronymo De Vich, his Ambassador
in Rome, to Christoval De Brizeño, and Anton
Seron. The Pope has sent to tell him that he regards all favours shown to his brother, Giuliano de Medicis, as though they were granted to himself. His Holiness has further asked him to give his brother a wife belonging to his (King Ferdinand's) family and an estate on which he can live. It has been, and always will be, his desire to make the pontificate of the present Pope the most glorious of any pontificate since the time of St. Peter the Apostle. Loves the whole family of Medicis, and is a friend, not in word but in deed. Identifies his interests so entirely with those of the Pope that it would not be an exaggeration to say that his Holiness and he have only one soul dwelling in two bodies. His intention is to marry the daughter of the Duchess of Milan, his niece, to Giuliano de Medicis. Has written to the Queen, his sister, (fn. 9) and has asked her to go to the Duchess of Milan and to concert the match. The task is difficult ; for the Duchess has informed him that she wishes to marry her daughter to the Infante Ferdinand, or to the present Duke of Milan. She has also asked the Emperor to marry her daughter. If the Pope wishes to marry his brother without delay, he would propose to give Doña [blank], legitimate daughter of the Duke of Cardona, as wife to Giuliano de Medicis. She is his first cousin, and he loves her much. Is ready to give Giuliano de Medicis the estates of the Duke of Urbino in the kingdom of Naples, which have been confiscated on account of the crime of lœsœ Maiestatis of which the Duke has been found guilty. Will ask the Emperor to give Giuliano de Medicis Modena and Rezo (fn. 10), and the Pope can invest him with the duchy of Ferrara. Begs the Pope to keep this plan secret, especially in so far as regards Ferrara. If the Duke of Ferrara were to hear of it, he would enter into an alliance with Venice. The Pope advises him to send an ambassador to the Emperor and another to the King of England. If the war with France continues prosperous and promises to produce good results, the ambassadors ought, according to the opinion of the Pope, to animate the Emperor, and the King of England, and to promise them succour. If, on the contrary, the war is not successful, and does not promise to lead to a favourable result, the ambassadors ought to conclude a general peace. His Holiness is afraid lest the King of England should make a separate peace with France, without even informing the Holy Father and him (King Ferdinand) of it. The Pope says he will also send nuncios to the Emperor and the King of England for the same purpose. They are to tell the Pope, in reply to his demands, that he approves of his proposals. Has his ordinary ambassadors residing at the courts of the Emperor and the King of England. As soon, however, as he was informed by Anton Seron of the wishes of the Pope, he sent an ambassador extraordinary to the Emperor and to the King of England. Instructed him to animate and to persuade the Emperor and the King of England to continue war with France. As the French had broken their engagements to him on the seas, he was at liberty to offer the Emperor and England his assistance. Told his ambassador not to utter a single word about peace. The English are successful in their enterprise on France. To speak of peace would be tantamount to losing all the advantages which have been obtained. His ambassadors are instructed to see that the King of England entrusts to the Pope the power of making a general peace, including all the allies, if he is obliged to make peace at all. The Spanish ambassadors are to confer together secretly, and to arrange their measures with the nuncios whom the Pope intends to despatch. The Pope has sent to inform him of his opinion that either all the allies must make a general peace, or that all must combine their efforts and make war upon one single state, (fn. 11) in order to be more certain of victory. His reply to the Pope is that his Holiness well knows that France cannot be relied upon, and that it is, therefore, necessary first to lower her pride and weaken her power. His answer to the proposal of the Pope, that all Christian Princes ought to undertake war "with one state only," is that such a thing would be possible if the Venetians were reconciled with the Emperor. But as the Venetians reject all reasonable offers, it is necessary to carry on war with Venice and war with France at the same time. The Republic must be deprived of all her territories on the mainland. The manner in which the measure may be carried out is the following. The Emperor, the King of England, and he (King Ferdinand) should take upon themselves the enterprise against France. Would not require any other assistance from the Pope than such as he could render by publishing censures, &c. The Italian states should at the same time form an alliance against Venice. The allies would have to pay the expenses of his army, and he would bind himself to conquer all the possessions of the Republic on the mainland. The Pope and the other Italians would not like the Venetian territories which will be conquered to pass into the hands of the Emperor. The Emperor and he have, therefore, decided upon giving the Venetian territories to the Infante Ferdinand, who would, by that very fact, become an Italian prince, and whose interests would induce him to defend the Duke of Milan, his cousin, and the other Italian states. Begs the Pope to bring about a league against France without delay. The members of the league are to be the Pope, the Emperor, the King of England, he (King Ferdinand), the Duke of Milan, the Swiss, Florence, Siena, Genoa, and Lucca. Is exceedingly glad to hear that the Pope, at the instance of Monseigneur de Gurk, has already ordered the articles of the league to be drawn up. Is contented that the allies should pay him only his expenses for the infantry. The Pope must publish the same censures against France and Venice which Pope Julius pronounced against the abettors of the schism. He is even bound to do so. The Italian league will be of great advantage to the Emperor and to the King of England, and will induce them to continue the war with France. The Pope, by concluding the league, will render them so great a service that they will never make a separate peace with the King of France. When the time for making peace arrives, they will ask the Pope to conclude a general peace of the whole of Christendom. The war with the Infidels could then be undertaken. If the Pope were to conclude an alliance against France, the Emperor would not then oppose his plans of taking Ferrara for himself, and would carry out his wishes with respect to Modena and Reggio. Besides the Emperor, he (King Ferdinand), and the Prince (Charles) would always be the friends and protectors of Giuliano de Medicis and his whole family. In order to induce God (fn. 12) to give the allies the victory, it would be advisable that an article should be inserted in the treaty of the league by which the allies will bind themselves to make war on the Infidels as soon as peace is restored to Christendom. They must try to persuade the Pope at once to sign the treaty of the league, and to pay him (King Ferdinand) at least 10,000 ducats a month. The other Italian allies must likewise pay something. A secret treaty between the Pope, the Emperor, and him (King Ferdinand) ought to be signed directly. The affairs which regard them personally can be settled in a separate and secret treaty better than in the general treaty of alliance. If it is necessary to give some portions of the Venetian territories to the other allies, they may promise them a few of the smaller towns. Would be glad if the peace between the Emperor and the Venetians could be obtained on any conditions, but knows that the Venetians are resolved not to make peace with the Emperor, except on condition that all the cities, towns, &c. which they formerly possessed shall be given back to them. If the Pope is too partial to the Venetians, the Emperor, it is to be feared, may do some rash act with respect to France and other affairs. His ambassador at Venice, Count Cariati, has written to him, saying that the nuncio at Venice is a great friend of the Venetians. Begs the Pope not to allow his subjects to take service in the Venetian army. In another letter has given his opinion about the Cardinal of Santa Croce and the Bishop of Marseilles, who is the ambassador of the King of France. The utmost he can do with respect to the see of Burgos, which the Cardinal of Gurk has asked for, is to give the Cardinal another preferment, with a revenue of 6,000 ducats, if he voluntarily renounces his claims on the see of Burgos. Has sent his viceroy an order not to withdraw his troops from the Venetian territories on any condition, or to discontinue war before peace with Venice is concluded. Hopes the Pope will easily be induced to make peace between the Emperor and the Republic, as he will gain most by it, and the Emperor, the King of England, and he (King Ferdinand) will the more vigorously carry on the war with France the more clearly they see that the Pope will help them. Wishes that the Florentines should not continue their war with Lucca. He is to concert all his measures with the Viceroy of Naples.—No date. No signature. At the head of the document is written : "By the King. What you, the very reverend Cardinal of Sorrento and Don Hieronymo de Vich, my ambassador and privy councillor, and Christoval de Brizeño are to say in my name to the Holy Father, in answer to what he has sent to tell me by Anton de Seron. You, Anton de Seron, are to act conjointly with them." Spanish. Draft. pp. 22. |
| 22 Sept. S. E. Pat. Re. Cap. c. Pont. L. 1. f. 24. |
133. King Ferdinand The Catholic to Armengol, his Envoy
to the Cardinal of San Angelo. (fn. 13) He is to speak to the Cardinal of San Angelo as follows. Is contented with the manner in which he (the Cardinal) treats his (King Ferdinand's) affairs, and those of the Emperor. It is his intention to repay him largely for his services. (fn. 14) Has never written anything to Madame Margaret that could be prejudicial to the interests of the Cardinal. Has sent instructions respecting Venice to his viceroy. Orders his viceroy and his ambassador to confer with the Cardinal on the measures to be taken. Has not the least objection that the Cardinal should take the cardinal's hat. If the King of England, who has already obtained one victory over the French, continues to be victorious, the Pope must do all in his power in order that the enterprise against Venice may be carried out. All the possessions of Venice on the mainland must be wrested from them. Nevertheless, the Pope would do well not to break off all negotiations with Venice. He must only postpone the definitive conclusion of them. For, if the English should not be able to prevent the King of France from returning to his plans on Italy, it would be a great advantage if the Pope were in a position to persuade the Venetians to enter the general league against France. The Cardinal is of opinion that it will be advisable at once to divide the inheritance between the two brothers (Prince Charles and the Infante Ferdinand), and to proclaim each Prince in the states to which he is to succeed. Approves of this idea. But the dominions of Castile and Aragon must remain united for ever, that is to say, the whole of Spain, Navarra, Naples, Sicily, the Majorcas and Iviza, must remain intact. They are to form the inheritance of the Prince (Charles). The Prince is likewise to succeed the Emperor on the Imperial throne. Hopes to live long enough to carry out his plan of conquering the empire of Constantinople, and of placing both imperial crowns, those of the Occident and of the Orient, on the head of his heir. It is natural that the firstborn of the two brothers should be the heir to such vast dominions and to so much greatness. (fn. 15) The Cardinal wishes to know his intentions respecting the territories which are to be conquered from the Venetians. These territories are to be the inheritance of the Infante (Ferdinand). The Emperor ought also to give him the county of the Tyrol. As the Tyrol borders on Venetia, those countries, if united, would form a state which would be strong enough to assist the Emperor in Germany and in Italy. The Emperor may choose the title which the Infante is to assume. As far as the government of the Venetian territories is concerned, he thinks it would be best that his (King Ferdinand's) viceroy should govern the Venetian territories in the name of the Infante. His viceroy is already captaingeneral of the armies in those parts of Italy, and it would be inconvenient to invest one person with the supreme command of the troops and another with the civil administration. The Cardinal desires to be informed about his opinion whether it would be best to offer peace to France, or to undertake war with her. Thinks that the French will never keep peace until they are humbled and weakened. The King of England has already been victorious. Has sent to the King of England and asked him to continue the war with vigour, promising that he will likewise declare war with France. Hopes that both enterprises (fn. 16) will be successful. Is perfectly justified in making war on France, as the French have broken their promises to him. Begs the Cardinal to do what he can to aid both enterprises. Is and will always be the most sincere ally of the Emperor. Approves of the marriage of the Infanta Maria with the Prince of Hungary. Is of opinion that it would not be convenient to give Hungary to the Infante (Ferdinand). In order, however, not to offend the King of Hungary, the Emperor would do well to put into the hands of a trustworthy person the negotiations of the marriage of the Infante with the daughter of the King of Hungary, who must not know that these negotiations are only a pretence. Approves of the proposed marriage between the Infanta Isabella and the King of Poland, as it will secure the friendship of the King of Poland and of the Duke of Saxony, which is of great importance as regards the preservation of peace in Germany and Flanders.—Valladolid, the 22nd of September 1513. Indorsed : "Instruction of the Catholic King to Armengol, his servant, respecting what he is to say to the Cardinal of San Angelo concering the affairs of Germany, France, England, and Venice." Spanish. Draft. pp. 8. |
| 22 Sept. S. E. Pat. Re. Cap. c. Pont. L. 1. f. 58. |
134. King Ferdinand The Catholic to Micer Armengol,
his Envoy to Rome. This document is in all essential parts the same as the preceding one. |
| Sept. (?) S. E. Pat. Re. Cap. c. Pont. L. 1. f. 25. |
135. King Ferdinand The Catholic to Hieronymo De
Vich, his Ambassador in Rome. Begs the Pope to give him the act of investiture of Naples. Wishes to have another bull of excommunication of the late King and Queen of Navarra. [As for the rest, this despatch is a repetition of the preceding letter to the Cardinal of Sorrento, Hieronymo de Vich, Christoval Brizeño, and Anton de Seron.] |