Spain: January 1529, 1-31 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 3 Part 2, 1527-1529. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

'Spain: January 1529, 1-31', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 3 Part 2, 1527-1529, (London, 1877) pp. 869-883. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol3/no2/pp869-883 [accessed 25 April 2024]

January 1529, 1-31



1 Jan.	609. The Emperor to the Viceroy of Aragon and others.
S. E. L. 1,555, f. 3. B.M. Add. 28,578, f. 1.	Mandate to have certain witnesses examined respecting the dealings (tratos) of Jean Lallemand.—Toledo, 1st January 1529.
	Spanish. Original draft. 1.
1 Jan.	610. Alonso Sanchez to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist, Salazar, A. 44, f. 6.	Has not written for many a day, owing to his long and perilous illness. Ever since October last, when he left La Mirandola to come here [Bologna], he has been ailing, so much so that his life was at one time despaired of. He is now fast recovering, and intends starting shortly for Lucca, there to embark for Naples.
	Has, however, done as much service as he could, either by informing the Prince of Orange at Naples, and Antonio de Leyva at Milan, of every occurrence in these parts, or by keeping up a correspondence with Don Iñigo [de Mendoza] in England. That ambassador having applied to him for a transcript of the dispensation brief for Queen Catharine's marriage, he (Sanchez) wrote immediately to Miçer Juan Antonio Muxettola at Rome, begging him to procure an attested copy; and, moreover, when that Imperial agent gave his opinion in writing as to the best means of effectually stopping Cardinal Campeggio's proceedings in the divorce case, he (Sanchez) failed not to despatch a special messenger to apprise Don Iñigo thereof.
	(Cipher:) Is upon friendly terms with Prothonotary Gambaron (Uberto di Gambara), now Bishop of Tortona, and Papal Vice-Legate, who some time ago was residing at Venice as Papal Nuncio. Has always considered him as very much attached to the Imperial service. Happening once to converse with him respecting the Pope's and the Emperor's mutual affairs, he (Gambara) said, "Provided His Holiness is mildly treated (con dulzura), I have no doubt that His Imperial Majesty will get anything he wants from him." Though most likely the Prothonotary is no less attached to the Pope than he seems to be to the Emperor, yet he (Sanchez) has not failed to acquaint Cardinal Santa Croce (Quiñones), who, thank God, has already arrived in Naples, and the Prince of Orange of these sentiments of the Pope, that they may shape their negotiations accordingly. The Vice-Legate, moreover, says he knows for certain that this year the Venetians intend bringing the Turk upon Sicily. Has written to Naples and to the Viceroy of that island (Pignatello) about it.—Boloña (Bologna), 1st of January 1529.
	Signed: "Alonso Sanchez."
	Addressed: "To the most Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty."
	Spanish. Original partly in cipher. Contemporary deciphering on separate sheet (fol. 8). pp. 2.
7 Jan.	611. Antonio de Leyva to the Emperor.
S. E. L.1,172, f. 14. B. M. Add. 28,578, f. 2.	The Emperor's letters in credence of Captain Rivadeneyra have been duly received, as well as the instructions whereof he was the bearer. Will attend to the Imperial commands in everything, and obey also the orders of the Prince [of Orange].
	Respecting the grants and confirmations, they shall be made with the due moderation which the Emperor recommends. Those appertaining to the Fiscal Chamber, made by Bourbon, have been revoked, and none others will be made.
	Has advised by the Prior of Barletta of every occurrence till the day of his departure, but as he [Leyva] is not sure of his having reached his destination, will transcribe here part of his despatch [of the l5th of December], and relate besides what has happened since. The bearer of this will be Varahona (sic).
	Has paid to the Germans of the old bands (de la banda vieja) 25,000 ducats, on account of the 140,000 owing to them. The Spaniards, to whom three years of pay were due, will be satisfied with 15,000. As to the men-at-arms and the light cavalry there is no means of paying them for the present.
	Varahona will inform His Imperial Majesty of the relative positions of the enemy, their number, strength, &c.; of what the Venetians and the Duke [Francesco Sforza] are about; of the intrigues of the Duke of Ferrara [Alfonso d'Este] and of his son [Hercole]; of the Marquis of Mantua [Federigo Gonzaga]; of the Marquises of Monferrato and Saluzzo, the son of the latter, (fn. n1) and the Grisons; and of the news of France and Rome.
	With regard to Agostino Grimaldo, the lord of Monaco, and the Emperor's message to him, brought by Rivadeneyra, there can be no doubt that his friendship must be secured at all risks, and his city (Monaco) delivered into the Emperor's hands in exchange for other estates in Spain or Naples. Three are the reasons which make the acquisition of that city and port most important for the Emperor. 1st. It is commodious for the passage to and from Spain. 2nd. It is a dangerous enemy to Marseilles and Provence. 3rd. It may cause the ruin of the Duke of Savoy [Carlo], because of its being situated in the very heart of his estate. The salt which the latter brings from Iviza the Emperor may send to Monaco, which is nearer and more easily reached, and, if so, the Duke will lose the revenue derived from that article. Besides that, should Genoa be lost, which God forbid, it might prove to be of great assistance as an opening (escala) into Italy and France.—Milan, 7th January 1529.
	Spanish. Original. pp. 8.
10 Jan.	612. Lope de Soria to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 44, f. 11.	His last was dated the 22nd of November, from Montogio, close to Genoa, whither he (Soria) was going by order of the Prince [of Orange], but the Genoese having refused him admittance on the plea that, as he (Soria) has been so long the friend of the Adorni, he might now be suspected of aiming at the restoration of some member of their family, he (Soria) was obliged to retrace his steps and come to Piacenza, where he now is. The above, however, is not, in his opinion, the real cause for his non-admittance; others there are, to which he has alluded in former despatches, which the Prior of Barletta (Gabriele di Martinengo) took to Spain. This being the case, he (Soria) need not make any further allusion to the said cause, save to say that Genoa is of paramount importance for the Imperial service, and therefore that every effort should be made to please its present governors, and principally Andrea Doria, who happens just now to be at the head of affairs. (Cipher:) It must, however, be said that not all the citizens are satisfied with that captain's rule; they openly complain of his administration, and keep up a correspondence with the French, inviting them to resume possession of the city. The feuds of the Genoese are of such long standing, and they themselves so changeable by nature, that they cannot remain long under one form of government, however advantageous it may prove for the community at large, and beneficial to all parties. For this reason it would be advisable that His Imperial Majesty kept at all times a sea force superior to that of Doria's, especially if the galleys of the latter are to sail in conjunction with the Imperial fleet. In this manner the bonds between Genoese and Spaniards might be more closely knit, and they might assist each other more effectually, though it must be owned that at the present moment the Genoese seem well disposed towards the Imperial service, for they have recalled their ambassadors at the court of France, and are actually raising troops for the purpose of joining Leyva's forces [in the Milanese] and attacking the French. Has opportunely advised Leyva of this fact, that he may take his measures, and facilitate their junction, by which means the Genoese will be obliged to declare more openly for the Emperor, and perhaps too contribute with men and money to the present war.
	(Common writing:) Considers it, nevertheless, highly important that an ambassador should be sent as before, to represent the Emperor at Genoa, not only to report any changes in the government of that city, but also to receive and forward all official correspondence, its port being almost the only one in Italy whence vessels can at present sail for the Emperor's Spanish dominions.
	Has received no letters for a whole year; the last is dated the 18th February. Neither has Ribadeneyra and the rest, who came last, brought any; perhaps the Emperor has no orders to give him. Has purposely delayed his journey to Milan, but as no instructions have come will start as soon as possible for Leyva's camp.
	Begs for leave of absence to visit Spain, and make a pilgrimage to our Lady of Moncayo, in Aragon, in fulfilment of a vow made last autumn, when he (Soria) was taken ill.
	Has received from Tomas de Fornariis 54,000 cr. of the Sun, and 14,000 more on account of Stefano Centurione. Out of this money he has handed over to the Duke [Henry] of Brunswick 33,000 cr. and 19,000 to Leyva for the pay of their respective forces. The Marquis del Guasto and Ascanio Colonna have received 12,000 cr. towards the acquittal of their ransom. The remaining 1,700 have been paid to officers and gentlemen (particulares gentileshombres), couriers, messengers, &c., so that no money remains in his hands.
	Has heard of the remittances in specie lately made to the Prince [of Orange]. That is no doubt the most advantageous way of supplying the wants of the Imperial armies. Bills of exchange will not do, as bankers generally take an enormous discount.
	(Cipher:) Although the bearer of this despatch, Luis Varaona (Barahona), now sent by Leyva, will no doubt inform the Emperor of the state of affairs in Lombardy, yet he (Soria) considers it his duty to remark that Leyva is old, and in bad health, and cannot, therefore, do the work he did years ago; nor has he under him officers of sufficient experience and authority to help him in his duties, or take the command, should he come to die. Has written to the Prince of Orange, informing him of this, as well as of the fact that the Germans under him are fast deserting their banners and going home. By the last accounts only 2,000 of them remained at Milan; the Spaniards in the Duchy did not exceed 800; the rest were Italians, and there was hardly any cavalry. The city and the whole of the estate was entirely destroyed; not one fourth of the whole land was under cultivation, a general famine was apprehended, and it was thought that whichever of the belligerent parties could obtain food would be the conqueror. The enemy is well aware of this, and preparing to take the offensive, especially Mons. de St. Pol, who, they say, is only waiting at Alessandria for some new German bands, which the King of France has promised to send him. On the other hand, Venice and Sforza are making fresh levies. The Signory has appointed Count Gayaço to the command of its infantry, and given the Duke of Urbino twenty days' leave of absence to visit his patrimonial estates. Everywhere the enemy is on the alert, and preparing, as they say, to attack Genoa and Milan. At present all their efforts seem to be directed towards preventing the Spanish infantry, just arrived at Genoa, from joining Leyva. As they (the Spaniards) will have to cross the Pò, where the enemy is sure to be in force, some anxiety is felt about them, unless Madame de Monferrara (fn. n2) gives them passage through her estate, which it is presumed she will, as she seems just now to be much attached to the Imperial cause.
	The Duke of Ferrara is about to send an ambassador to Spain in the room of Marco Pio, who has been recalled in consequence of his brother Hieronimo [Pio] having been beheaded. He still professes to be the Emperor's friend, and ready to do service wherever he can. Though his son [Ercole d' Este] has married Madame Renée [of France], the Duke maintains that he will lose no opportunity of showing his high regard for the Emperor. He (Soria) believes that the Duke wishes for peace at home, and to be on good terms with His Imperial Majesty and with the confederates at the same time. He is mightily afraid of the Emperor, and for this reason will do some service, not openly, but secretly, so as not to raise the suspicions of the French. He is not likely to declare openly in our favour unless matters take a favourable turn. At heart he is more of a Frenchman than an Imperialist, and there is every reason to suppose that the man he is presently sending to Spain will rather act the part of a spy than that of an ambassador. The Duke, however, must be managed with great tact, flattered and cajoled, for fear of his openly declaring for the League. Count della Mirandola writes to say he is afraid of his estates being invaded by the Duke, inasmuch as the League has made them over to him, and the Duke knows very well that from the contiguity of La Mirandola to his own estate he may be one of these days successfully attacked on that side. For this reason the Count is fortifying himself as much as he can. His fears, however, must be unfounded, for hitherto the Duke has made no movement that way, nor is it likely that he would send an embassy to Spain if he were meditating such a grievous offence as attacking a fief of the Empire, as La Mirandola actually is. (fn. n3)
	(Common writing:) Miçer Andrea del Burgo is still at Ostia (sic), a place belonging to the Marquis of Mantua. He writes in date of the 2nd inst. that he is only waiting for the return of a messenger he sent to the King of Hungary to undertake his journey to Rome. The King was to be on the day of the Epiphany at Innsbruch, there to hold a diet for the settlement of the affairs of Italy, of the Turk, and of the Vayvod, the last of whom had again invaded Hungary, assisted by some nobles of his party.
	The Princes of the Suabian League were holding another diet at Augsburgh for the purpose of helping the King against the Turk. The Switzers are up in arms, and on the point of attacking the Lutheran cantons. The best thing to be done is to leave them alone to break each other's heads (dexarlos que se rompiesen bien las cabezas).
	Rumours are afloat that the King of France is about to send an army this spring, and that the English are to help him with 30,000 ducats every month. On New Year's day Mosieur de Brian [Tuke] and Secretary Pedro Vano (Peter Vannes) passed through this city en route for Rome. They were riding post, accompanied by twelve servants on horseback. What their mission may be he (Soria) has been unable to ascertain.
	(Cipher:) No news yet of the arrival at Rome of Cardinal Santacruz, nor of Miçer Mai. The Pope is anxiously expecting them, and has taken his measures for the payment at Naples of 100,000 ducats, on account of the sum promised when he went out of prison. Everyone is persuaded that he is now sincerely attached to His Imperial Majesty.
	(Common writing:) The Duke Francesco [Sforza] is at Lodi with a respectable force. He has lately imposed such taxes (gabelas y tallones) on his subjects that in reality what little of his estate now remains in his hands brings him in a good deal more than when he possessed Milan and the rest.
	The Marquis of Mantua [Federigo Gonzaga] makes no stir or demonstration of any kind.
	After the loss of the fleet which the Venetians sent to Trani and Barletta for the purpose of revictualling those fortresses, another one was despatched, though there is no news yet of its arrival on that coast. The object of this armament seems to be to keep up the war [in Naples], so as to prevent the Imperial army from coming to Lombardy. Their designs, however, are likely to be frustrated, for we hear that the Marquis del Guasto, who since the Prince's departure has remained in command at Naples, had left that city at the head of considerable forces, and it was expected that he would soon recover all the towns which the Venetians hold on that coast, inasmuch as they are reported to be sadly in want of money, having lately imposed exorbitant taxes on their clergy, much against the will of the people, who showed their discontent in every possible way. With all this, they still brag of their determination to defend their conquests to the utmost, and, fit out, for next spring a number of galleys, (cipher:) though it must be said that they have been so disappointed and worried of late by the French, and by the Duke Francesco, that they would gladly listen to any overtures on the part of the Imperialists.
	Again inquires what he (Soria) is to do with the Duke of Bourbon's jewels.
	Should the Emperor come over to Italy this spring, and the army from Naples go to Lombardy, it would be advisable to secure a good provision of wheat from Sicily, as there will be surely great scarcity of that article all over Italy. The surplus not wanted for the Imperial forces might be sold to great advantage.
	Bernaldino della Barba, the bishop, is now here as commissary from the Pope. He humbly kisses the Emperor's hands and feet, and begs to be remembered. He has always shown much good-will, and is a good servant of the Empire.
	The Spaniards under Diego Sarmiento and other captains arrived yesterday at a place called Barze (sic), not far from Boguera (Voghera). Thence they will go to Case, (fn. n4) where Captain Cervellon is waiting for them, that they may all cross the Pò together. Is very much afraid that St. Pol, who is in the neighbourhood of that river, may oppose their passage. Has accordingly despatched a messenger to warn them. Once on this side of the river, there is no danger, for they will enter the Lomelina, where Count Filippo Torniello and other Imperial captains, at the head of considerable forces are successfully holding their ground.—Piacenza, 10th January 1529.
	Signed: "Lope de Soria."
	Addressed: "To the most Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty."
	Spanish. Original partly in cipher. Contemporary deciphering on separate sheet (fol. 17). pp. 8½.
11 Jan.	613. Ribadeneyra to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 44, f. 19.	Has given the Emperor's message to the Lord of Monaco (Agostino Grimaldo), who is very thankful for the grant of a pension in the estate of Milan, as well as for the permission to draw out a certain quantity of wheat from Sicily. Respecting his quarrel with Andrea Doria, Grimaldo says that he cannot decently put up with the insult. Had it arisen from differences in point of money, he certainly would have sacrificed everything for the Emperor's cause, but it was a matter affecting his honour, and there has been already some blood spilt on both sides.
	With regard to the town and castle of Monaco he (Grimaldo) is willing to exchange them for another estate, on condition that the value of the revenue and buildings be paid up in Spain, and that of the artillery, ammunition, and provisions in Naples. Leyva is of opinion that on no account should this opportunity of acquiring the castle be allowed to pass, for it is most important for the Imperial service, being, as it were, between France, Savoy, and Genoa, and close upon the Milanese frontier. He (Rivadeneyra) thinks that, once the master of Monaco, the Emperor can do anything he pleases at Genoa, as well as in Savoy, whose Duke [Carlo] holds Niça. Now it is a well-known fact that the Duke draws most of his revenue from this last place, as the Salt that comes [from Spain] is sent to Savoy, Piedmont and other parts of Italy; and it stands to reason that if that and other commodities find their way to Monaco, instead of going to Niça and Villafranca, the Duke will be deprived of his principal resources, whilst the Emperor will increase his considerably.
	His (Rivadeneyra's) opinion is that on no account should this opportunity be allowed to pass. Grimaldo has often been solicited by France, Savoy, and Genoa, but has never consented to the sale of his estate.—[Monaco], 11th January 1529.
	Signed: "Rivadeneyra."
	Spanish. Holograph, pp. 2.
16 Jan.	614. Don Iñigo de Mendoza to the Emperor.
S. E. L. Div. Desp. No. 1,553, f. 291, B. M. Add. 28,578, f. 6.	As no vessel has sailed for a month he (Don Iñigo) has been unable to report on the divorce case.
	The King and the members of his Council are so disappointed at hearing that His Imperial Majesty has in his possession the original brief of dispensation [granted by Pope Julius], that they are trying all they can to get hold of it. The King, therefore, made the Queen swear that she would try and persuade the Emperor to send it on. To this end they made her sign a letter and protest (le ordenaron una letra y protestacion), which the Emperor must have already received. This the Queen has done out of fear of offending the King, and because she could not really help herself. It was, moreover, agreed that one of her own household servants should be the bearer of the letter. His name is Montoya, and he has actually sailed for Spain. He (Don Iñigo) has instructed him as to what he is to report on the Queen's case and other business. Dared not write, not even in cipher, for fear of the messenger being stopped on his passage through French territory. As he (Mendoza) has already written to say that on no account should the brief be shown [to the English ambassadors], no more warning is necessary on this head. He now thinks that it would be important to have a transcript made, if possible, in the very presence of the ambassadors, and of some prelates, for the greater confusion of these people, (fn. n5) who have hitherto taken no notice of the general pleading in favour of the Queen, but are now sadly disappointed at the discovery of the brief. For this reason, though one or more copies be made, it is important that the original should be most carefully kept.
	The Imperial ambassador at Rome [Muxetula] has sent him notice of the supplication and protest made to the Pope on behalf of the Queen. Three days ago, one servant of the Pope, and another of the English ambassador, arrived here. He (Mendoça) cannot tell what their mission may be, but has heard that His Holiness is unwilling to issue a mandate for the case being tried here [in London]. Has been told that the King is beginning to inculpate the Cardinal, who, he says, does not fulfil his promises. All that has been done hitherto in this affair is reduced to this, namely, that the Pope and this King have been trying to intimidate the Queen (ponerle miedos), that she may of her own free will retire to a convent, though he secretly ordered his Legate (Campeggio), in case of the Queen resisting, not to proceed in any way, until further orders, of the commission be publicly brought to this country. (fn. n6)
	The same ambassador (Muxetula) writes that had the Queen sent her powers in time, to show to the Pope that the request and supplication made in the Emperor's name was in conformity with her own wishes, the case would already have been called to the Papal Court. That is the reason why he (Mendoça) has always insisted upon the Queen secretly sending her powers to Rome. This, however, the Queen cannot and dares not do for the present, but will, he thinks, write in her own hand to His Holiness, telling him her wishes in this particular. If so, he is almost certain that what with the Queen's letter, and the instances that the Emperor is sure to make, the Pope will decide to recall Campeggio, and bid the parties plead the case at his court.
	With regard to the prorogation of the truce, the King of France is pressing hard on this Cardinal (Wolsey), and the Cardinal retorts upon him. Has informed .Madame [of the Low Countries] of it. The rumour is that the King of France is preparing to go to Italy, and therefore wishes to be defended in the rear. Madame will probably not decide without consulting the Emperor first, for which purpose she has now sent to Spain two gentlemen of her own household.
	The Emperor's projected journey to Italy is positively announced from all parts. May it be so; for certainly, if provisions and money are ensured, no better opportunity than the present one could offer itself, to which may be added that the enemies of the Empire, who dread this journey most intensely, give it out as certain.
	Cardinal Wolsey is not at all pleased at the King's ambassadors being kept away from the Imperial Court The more the Cardinal feels it, the better the measure for the Emperor's interests. Had they been sent altogether out of the kingdom they would not report, as they are doing almost daily, upon occurrences in Spain, for scarcely one month passes without their forwarding despatches by land.
	The Collector (fn. n7) who came last from Spain has been heard to say that persons of authority at the Imperial Court had assured him that, should the war go on, His Imperial Majesty could very easily, with the assistance of the English themselves, have this King dethroned. Such was the general consternation caused by this report of the Collector that the Cardinal has since been trying to incite the people of this country against the Emperor. In order to gain the good-will of the Commons, he has lately granted them that for which they had so long been pining, which is that foreign tradesmen be not allowed to be householders, (fn. n8) or reside in the English dominions; they must be English born, or quit the kingdom. It is believed that, in consequence of this new law, most of the Flemish will quit England. Many have already left, and more will go unless the law is repealed.
	Genoa, &c.
	In the Queen's business at present there is nothing to be done except applying to the Pope for the revocation of the Legatine powers, and prosecution of the suit at Rome, on the plea that neither the Queen nor her judges have liberty enough in this kingdom, the latter to judge, or the former to defend herself.—London, 16th January 1528 [old style].
	Spanish. Original. pp. 4.
18 Jan.	615. Antonio de Leyva to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 1,172, f. 15. B. M. Add. 28,578, f. 9.	Wrote by Baraona (fn. n9) of events up to the 7th inst.; since then has despatched Rivadeneyra to treat (platicar) with Andrea Dona and the Genoese. Offered them 1,000 of his own infantry, besides cavalry, and everything required to oppose Mons. de St. Pol. Rivadeneyra has returned, saying that Genoa is willing to raise 2,000 foot for her own defence, but wants him (Leyva) to prepare 4,000 more, with whom, and those enlisted by that Signory, they wish Novi to be attacked, a fortress, of all others, which they mostly desire to recover. He (Leyva) would immediately have acceded to the wishes of the Genoese, and placed himself at the head of those troops, the better to train them for war with the French, but the fact is that he has no money to pay his men. Has despatched Rivadeneyra to Naples to acquaint the Prince [of Orange] with these facts.
	Since Rivadeneyra's departure the Genoese have sent word that they want the 1,000 men and cavalry originally promised. The Marquis of Saluzzo is making demonstrations in favour of the Emperor, and asks for money to defend himself against St. Pol, and a younger brother of his, who, with the assistance of France, aims at depriving him of his estates. As, moreover, the King of the French is doing all he can in support of the latter, it is very important for us to grant the request of the Marquis.
	At the same time, Count Delia Mirandola has also sent for help against the Duke of Ferrara, who, he says, is about to attack him in consequence of the League having given him that estate.
	Has answered the Genoese and the Count in good words, giving them hopes of succour, besides sending a small body of men to the Marquis.
	Since then the Genoese have sent in new proposals, which he (Leyva) cannot well reject. They offer to lend him 30,000 ducats to pay the infantry lately arrived from Spain, and 2,000 Italians more to be raised in their land and elsewhere, on condition that, with these forces and those they (the Genoese) will raise hereafter, he (Leyva) will undertake the enterprise of Lodi, succour the Marquis [of Saluzzo], and inflict other injuries upon the French. Has not hesitated to accede to their demands.
	Venice and the League in general are increasing their forces as much as they can, for the purpose of again invading Lombardy. The reason is that the King of France has lately written a letter to the Signory, a copy of which he (Leyva) has seen, informing them that the Emperor's journey is decided upon, and that the utmost efforts should be made on both sides to prevent him, at his landing, from finding a place where he can put his foot upon. Lombardy, therefore, was to be invaded with a powerful army, so as to drive us out of Milan, and the King was ready to help the undertaking with all his power, and cross the Alps in person.
	Owing to the above reasons and others, which can hardly escape the Emperor's penetration, he (Leyva) has accepted the proposals of the Genoese, and if the money offered is forthcoming, intends marching against Novi. Has sent Count Lodovico Belgioioso to Genoa to hasten the conclusion of this affair, and immediately upon his return will take the field with part of his Spaniards. Should the Duchy in the meantime be invaded by the enemy, he can easily return. Will also send some troops to the Count [della Mirandola], and do anything else to annoy the enemy. Has advised the Prince of all this.
	Hears that information of the Emperor's journey being positively settled, and the day for his departure fixed, has come to the King of France through the Duke of Savoy. His Imperial Majesty must beware whom he trusts [in such matters].—Milan, 18th January 1529.
	Signed: "Antonio de Leyva."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 3.
19 Jan.	616. Lope Hurtado de Mendoza.
E. Port. L. 368, f. 199. B. M. Add. 28,578, f. 12.	The King of France has sent a herald to his brother of Portugal (João III.) respecting the French vessels seized in his dominions.
	It is rumoured that this King wishes to be at peace with France.—[Almeyrim?] 19th January 1529.
	Spanish. Original. 1.
25 Jan.	617. Queen Katharine to Muxetula.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 44, f. 24. B. M. Add. 28,578, f. 13.	Ambassador,—Your letter enclosing papers (escripturas) has come to hand. I thank you very much for the diligence and care you display in my affairs, without my having directly applied to you. Be sure that you will always find a true friend in me to do you any favour within my power. I beg you to continue in future as hitherto, and follow up this cause as it has begun. Let me know what answer His Holiness makes to your representations and petitions on my behalf. I shall feel grateful for this and any other service you may render me, and will not fail to apprise the Emperor, your master, of any further steps taken in my defence. In all other matters you shall give full credence to Don Iñigo de Mendoza, the Emperor's ambassador at this court, to whom I am as much indebted as I am to yourself, for the trouble and pains you have taken in my affairs. His letters will inform you of the proceedings.
	Anton Curt (Hampton Court), this 25th of January 1529.
	Signed: "Katherina."
	Indorsed: "Copia delle littere de la Sra. Regina de Anglia y del Señor Don Indigo (sic) de Mendoza, embaxador Cesareo en Inglaterra al Sr. Joanne Antonio Muxetola."
	Spanish. Contemporary copy. 1.
25 Jan.	618. Don Iñigo de Mendoza, Imperial Ambassador in England, to Muxetula.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 44, f. 25. B. M. Add. 28,578, f. 13 v..	Most noble and magnificent Sir,—Three of your letters have come to hand, the last being dated the 13th ulto. With the two former came the enclosures, and among them the protest entered before His Holiness respecting the case of Her most Serene Highness the Queen [of England]. There can be no doubt that you have hitherto taken every measure requisite to uphold the authority of His Imperial Majesty. This Lady Queen (esta Señora Reyna) is very grateful for your services, and besides the enclosed letter, wherein she fully acknowledges her obligation, she has commanded me to thank you in her name.
	Everything Your Worship says has been done up to the present time, and could not have been better advised (guiado). Your opinion (parescer) that the Queen should send a person to petition (hazer instantia) for the cause to be referred to the Papal court is very wise; so much so, that the Queen would have done it long ago, had it been possible; but Your Worship must know that Her Highness (the Queen) can do nothing in this affair without the King's permission, and therefore before God and man her silence is excused. Moreover, as the Queen, as long as she remains in England, cannot possibly defend herself, the Pope must not consent, for the sake of his own authority, and for the honour of the Church (. honra de la Iglesia), to the case being tried anywhere than before his own court. Hitherto the Pope has acted conscientiously (lo que debe) in the business, and written to his Legate that which Your Worship mentions in his letter, namely, that if the Queen cannot be persuaded to go into a convent, the legal proceedings should be suspended until further orders. It is considered certain that the Queen refusing, as she has done hitherto, to enter any other orders but those of matrimony, (fn. n10) the Pope will have the trial ad-judicated to his own court, where it can be conducted with more equity and justice.
	Although, owing to the above reasons, it has been quite impossible for the Queen to send the powers required, we have so managed matters that, though at great trouble and personal inconvenience, the Queen has written to His Holiness a holograph letter, telling him her wishes. I hope it will be of use, and that the Pope, on the receipt of the letter, will decide to have the case referred to his own jurisdiction. As Your Worship wrote that your stay [at Rome] would not be of long duration, the letter will go under cover to Cardinal Santacroce, to whom, in case of Your Worship having already left Rome, full instructions shall be sent of the present cipher. It will be advisable, therefore, that the deciphering key, which is in Your Worship's possession, should be left with the person who may remain at Rome in charge of the embassy, that we may communicate mutually on all matters concerning the Imperial service.
	For the Queen's marriage two different dispensations were granted by Pope Julius [the Second], Of the first and principal, His most Serene Highness the King [of England] has an attested copy, as has also the Emperor [in Spain], similar in all respects to the copy Your Worship sent me. Of the second, which, as it is believed, was registered in the Papal chamber, there is no authentic transcript in this kingdom, but the Emperor has the original in his possession, that being the reason why the greatest efforts are now being made here to get hold of it. It is to be hoped that His Imperial Majesty will keep it very carefully, as the whole right of the Queen is based upon its contents. Were it possible to find at Rome the original draft, or at least the register book in which it was entered, it would be well to have another attested copy of it, or at least to have it carefully examined and inspected (visitarle), for fear of any difficulty arising hereafter.
	The Queen is so in her husband's power, that the other day he made her take a most solemn oath that she would try all possible means to obtain from her nephew, the Emperor, the original brief above alluded to, and accordingly they have now compelled her to write a letter to him, asking for the brief, as if her own life depended upon it. But the Emperor has been warned beforehand that everything the Queen has written, or may write hereafter, is extorted from her. That accounts for the King of England, believing the brief not to have been duly registered [at Rome], and the original draft to have been lost, doing what he does to get hold of it, in order that he may have it put out of the way. I say all this, that the most Reverend Cardinal Santacroce, or Your Worship, if still at Rome, may duly inform the Pope of the little freedom of action the Queen has in these matters.
	Your Worship is requested to inform the Cardinal, or the Imperial ambassador who may remain in charge of the embassy after his departure, that I (Don Iñigo) happen to know from a good source that the Kings of France and England, together with Cardinal (Wolsey), are pressing the Pope to go to Avignon, whither they themselves offer to go and meet him, to devise means for preventing the Emperor's journey to Italy.—London, 25th January 1529.
	Signed: "Don Indigo (sic) di Mendoça."
	Indorsed: "De la Sma. Sa. Regina de Anglio (sic) y del embaxador, Don Yñigo al Sr. Joan Antonio Muscetula."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 4.