Spain: January 1540 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 6 Part 1, 1538-1542. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1890.

'Spain: January 1540', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 6 Part 1, 1538-1542, (London, 1890) pp. 214-225. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol6/no1/pp214-225 [accessed 19 April 2024]

January 1540, 1-31



6 Jan.	96. Nicholas Perrenot [de Granvelle] to Covos.
P. Arch. Nat. Neg. et Pap. de Simancas, K. 1485, No. 6. B. M. Add. 28,592, f. 7.	Your Signory's letter of the 23rd ulto. was thankfully received. Glad to hear that your health is good, as well as that of Señora Da. Maria, (fn. n1) the Adelantado, and the Duchess. I myself, my wife, and sons are well, though tired of this long journey, and greatly annoyed at your Signory not being with us. We shall soon be in Flanders, whence I purpose writing should there be anything important to advise. His Imperial Majesty's letter to the Cardinal (fn. n2) will inform you of occurrences during the journey.
	We are now writing to Italy to let the Imperial ministers there know the state of affairs here. Cardinal Farnese arrived in Paris one day before the Emperor, who will leave to-morrow, the 7th, for Flanders, the King, Queen, the Princes and noblemen of this court intending, notwithstanding His Majesty's entreaties, to accompany him on his journey. I do believe that in the end king Francis will yield to the Emperor's prayers and remain behind; but as to the princes, his sons, and the rest of the court, I think that no entreaties or persuasions will prevail on them to do so.
	The treatment which our common master, the Emperor, has experienced could not possibly be better; you may be certain as to that, and entertain the hope, as I do, that matters will come to a good issue in the end.
	I shall be at the Nuncio's service for anything he wants of me. Yours is for me a sufficient commendation, and besides I like him much; yet it is well that you should know that the Nuncio is not in good odour at Rome, (fn. n3) where he has not been treated as he deserves.
	Respecting Salses and the High Commander of Castille, the latter's wishes shall be attended to, and on our arrival in Flanders the whole affair shall be looked into.
	Goncalo Perez, and his salary—The Vice-chancellor of Aragon—The halbardiers of the Imperial Guard.
	This letter is not in my handwriting, owing to my not knowing how to write Spanish; but, all the same, I can assure you that my earnest wishes are that you may be with Us to enjoy yourself.—Paris, 6 Jan. 1540.
	Holograph postcriptum in French.
	Respecting our journey, I may say that everything goes on prosperously, and that the discussion of political affairs and family inter-marriages, &c., has been put off until the Emperor's return from Flanders. So far so good; you will be duly apprized in time of the incidents of the negociation. As to your own private affairs, they shall be taken care of.
	Spanish. Original (with a postcriptum in French). pp. 3.
7 Jan.	97. Pope Paul III. to the Emperor.
S. E., L. 869, f. 207. B. M. Add. 28,592, f. 3.	Acknowledges the receipt of his (the Emperor's) letters brought by D. Luis de dauila. (fn. n4) Thanks him for his good purpose in favor of Christendom. Having had long conversations with Don Luis, as well as with the marquis Daghilara (de Aguilar), not only on public affairs, but likewise on private ones, and principally on those of their common daughter [Margarita] (fn. n5) and her husband, his grandson, he will put an end to this letter without any further comment, sure, as he is, that His Majesty's ministers will be good interpreters of his sentiments.—Rome, 7 Jan. 1540.
	Italian. Holograph. p. 1.
8 Jan.	98. Report of the Council on Letters to be Prepared for Italy.
S. E., L. 1460, f. 58. B. M. Add. 28,592, f. 4.	Prince Doria to be written to in conformity with the Emperor's resolution concerning the fleet. He is to go to Messina first, and thence to Naples, to wait for the galleys from Spain.
	Letters have been written to the Signory of Venice informing them of the military preparations that are now being made against the Turk, and how, besides the Spanish infantry back from Sclavonia, and now in Lombardy, orders have been issued for a sufficient levy of men to be raised, stores of ammunition and provisions to be made, and, in fact, everything required for the efficient defence of Christendom. The Venetians themselves to be exhorted to keep firm, and not make their peace with the Turk, &c.
	Also to the marquis de Aguilar at Rome, instructing him to request His Holiness to use all his influence with the Venetians that the said object be obtained.
	With regard to Barbarossa and his proposals, the marquis de Aguilar is to tell His Holiness that there is no certainty at all of his professions being sincere, though too much publicity—perhaps more than usual—has been given to them; and yet that the whole affair has been placed in the hands of prince Doria, as well as in those of the viceroy of Sicily (Ferrante Gonçaga), for them to ascertain what Barbarossa really means, and what he intends doing. Then, and not before, will it be seen what can be done for the welfare of Christendom.
	As to the cardinals, since the creation has already taken place, the Council does no longer consider it necessary to remonstrate with His Holiness. However, as soon as the Legate arrives [here], it will not be amiss to speak to him about the archbishop of Cologne. (fn. n6)
	With regard to the exportation of corn from Sicily to Rome, the Council is of opinion that it should at once be granted, and letters written to the Viceroy accordingly.
	Respecting the duchess [Margaret of Austria], it would appear that since in the absence of the Legate (cardinal Farnese), a representation has already been made of the expediency of Ottavio's attending the Imperial Court, there is nothing more to be done in that particular except, perhaps, writing to the marquis de Aguilar to insist upon Ottavio leaving Rome anyhow, lest the causes for matrimonial dissent now existing should increase. On the Legate's arrival it will be seen what determination is to be taken in that domestic affair. The Duchess herself, and her High Chamberlain, Lope Hurtado, to be separately informed of the Emperor's decision.
	An answer to Ascanio Colonna to be prepared in conformity with Doria's present business. (fn. n7)
	The Marquis [de Aguilar] writes from Rome that cardinal Rydolpho (Ridolfi) (fn. n8) desires ardently to be restored to Your Majesty's favour. It seems to us that his offers might be accepted, and some use made of him.
	His Holiness' letter requires no answer, since it is only a reply to that sent by Don Luis de Zuñiga.
	Milan.—Neither is there any need of writing to Milan, save to inform the marquis del Gasto of the sailing of the fleet under Andrea Doria.
	Naples.—No letters have come lately from the Viceroy (D. Pedro de Toledo). He is, however, to be fully informed of the military preparations that are being made. He should at once visit the fortresses on the coast of Pulla (Puglia), and provision them according to the advice of prince Doria.
	Florence.—A letter to be prepared for Don Juan de Luna in answer to his in which he alludes to the discontent of cardinal Cibo, who seems not to be just now on good terms with the Duke [Cosmo]. The Cardinal, as Luna writes, declares that were it not for Your Majesty, he would at once quit your service and leave that city, settling elsewhere. Luna to be written to on the subject, enjoining him to do his best to prevent that.
	Sena.—The duke of Malfi's (Amalfi) letter to be answered, and the ambassador of that republic at this court to be spoken to.
	Spanish. Original draft. pp. 9.
	Indorsed: "Consultations with the Emperor as to answers to be prepared for Italy."
12 Jan.	99. Lope Hurtado to the Emperor.
S. E., L. 869, f. 147. B. M. Add. 28,592, f. 9.	After Don Luys' departure, the Duke [of Castro] said to Madame in my wife's presence (for I was absent from home at the time) that when he was about to dispatch Ottavio to Your Majesty both the marquis [de Aguilar] and Don Luys had interfered, and said to His Holiness that he ought not to allow his grandson to depart before making a fresh attempt at reconciliation with Madame. (fn. n9)
	The latter is in despair, as Your Majesty will see by her letter. She has ordered me to dispatch this express to inform Your Majesty of what the Duke himself told her after Don Luys' departure, on the 8th inst. In the present state of things, and having told Don Luys, immediately after his arrival in Rome, how matters stood, and that I myself had already written to Your Majesty on the subject, I cannot help thinking that he (Don Luys) might have believed me rather than attach faith to others, because, if I am not mistaken, no worse plan could have been hit upon than the one they have chosen in order to make Ottavio acceptable to Madame. As to the Duke [of Castro] pretending that some of the French cardinals had assured His Holiness that Madame will on no account be married to Ottavio, my impression is that not some, but all, of them must have said so, for scarcely is there a cardinal at Rome who is not aware of that. (fn. n10)
	I gave Don Luys the copy of the enclosed memorandum in order that should the courier bearer of this letter arrive before him, Your Majesty might know what my own opinion was at the time of his departure. Since then, and now that His Holiness has been acquainted with the facts of the case, I am afraid that if Madame remains longer at Rome her honor and reputation, and even her life, run great risk among such people as these. Gould His Holiness be prevailed upon to let Madame go and reside somewhere else until her husband should become a man, and of course under another keeping and guardianship than my wife's and mine—for otherwise these people will never consent to it—I fancy that matters might still be mended.
	For my part, having done my duty towards Madame; having told her over and over again what I thought of the whole affair; having represented to His Holiness and to the Duke [of Castro] what little sympathy and affection existed between the newly-married couple, and suggested that Ottavio ought to be removed and sent away until he should prove to be a fit husband for Your Majesty's daughter, I fancy that I have conscientiously filled all the duties of my charge towards her and her husband's relatives. These latter are the cause of all the mischief that has been done, owing to their refusing at first to believe me. Cardinals Farnese and Marcello are now with Your Majesty; let them be interrogated, and they will not fail to say how urgently I did recommend that Ottavio should at once be summoned to Your Majesty's presence, in order that Madame might not see him in such bad company as he generally is; for although Giovan Battista Savello has been since appointed to be his comrade and direct his movements, he very seldom sees him at all; whilst Ottavio goes about the streets, and even before Madame, with masked ruffians, whose habits are well known, so that people begin already to say that with such companions he cannot fail to become soon his father's heir in vice. (fn. n11)
	But since His Holiness and his family will never trust me, and Your Majesty's ministers disbelieve my words, and on the contrary accuse me, I beg Your Majesty to grant me the immense favor of relieving me from my charge, because, were I to continue in it, it might cost me both honor and life. Perhaps the person who succeeds me as Madame's chamberlain will find the means of conciliating matters, so that she may be more efficiently served, and her husband's family better pleased.
	Should His Holiness be persuaded to allow Madame to visit her own estates, I should consider it a God-send for all parties, for she would not hear what people here say of the whole family, nor of the Duke's exploits (hazañas). She would not witness the treatment he (the Duke) gives his own wife, (fn. n12) whilst the scandalous rumours afloat, which equally affect and pain His Holiness and Madame, and make the letter fear that one of these days she will be put to death by poison or otherwise, will then cease. She would not see here, at Rome, the person who is continually telling her that she can perfectly well get a divorce from Ottavio; that she must not allow him to share her bed, nor call her his wife, because should she do so, she might thereby invalidate her right. Madame has never told me who her adviser is, nor can I guess who it can be, though I suspect that the marchioness of Pescara (fn. n13) may have told her something like that, or perhaps her own confessor, who is a beast (bestia).
	If not to her own estates [in Naples], Madame would be satisfied to go to a monastery or castle in Your Majesty's dominions, not to one of the Pope's, for there she would not be secure, and would have to fear, more than she does at Rome, that the Duke should treat her as he treated his own sister and other female relatives of his. To retain her here in the state in which she now is would be tantamount to depriving her of her senses, perhaps, too, of her life, for she can neither eat nor sleep, and never ceases to cry, the more so since she has heard what these people said to His Holiness about her.
	Both Don Luis and the Marquis said to me on behalf of Ottavio, &c. (fn. n14)
	Let Your Majesty provide in the case, for although the Farnese pretend that Madame is influenced by us two, and by Antonia Magra, her own maid, it will be shown, when my wife and I have retired and gone away, that she still perseveres in her determination. (fn. n15) — Rome, 12 Jan. 1540.
	Signed: "Lope Hurtado."
	Addressed: To the Sacred, Imperial, Catholic Majesty of the Emperor and King our Lord."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 8.
17 Jan.	100. Cardinal Tabera to the Same.
S. E., L. 49, f. 10. B. M. Add. 28,592, f. 13.	Is in receipt of His Majesty's of the 21st Dec. from Orleans, relating the progress of the journey up to that town, as well as the kind reception by the king of France. Glad to hear at the same time as his own colleagues, the explanation of the incident on the stair-case of the castle of Amboise, as very different accounts of it had been received here [at Madrid].
	Prince Doria and Francisco Duarte.—Orders have been sent to the corregidors of Malaga and Seville, and other ports of the Mediterranean, to lay an embargo on caravels and ships (navios) in those ports answering the description of those which the Prince wants for the transport of troops. Similar orders to the duke Don Hernando, and to the viceroy of Catalonia, as well as to the marquis de Mondejar, who, having much experience of these matters, has been requested to go to Granada, and report about the provision and ammunition which can be procured in those districts.
	Respecting ordnance, the enclosed report has come from the master of the artillery, from which it appears that a good number of pieces may be disposed of; but a good part of it had already been destined for siege batteries, and besides some are of such calibre that it is doubtful whether the caravels will be able to carry them. As to that which is to be newly cast, it has been decided to look out for copper in Andalucia, because to carry the metal from Burgos to Barcelona and then wait for that of Flanders would take too much time.
	Powder and ammunition—
	The levies of infantry can be made as soon as We hear what number of men is to be raised in Castille. Enclosed is a list made by Juan Vazquez of all the captains who may be employed.
	As to big ships or transports, (fn. n16) We think that they will be got more easily in Genoa or Naples, although some will be procured in the ports of these realms. We should have thought that those in Andalucia might have been more numerous and better armed, for they scarcely have any artillery, as We see by the reports that have come in. We are daily expecting those of other provinces, such as Valencia, Catalonia, Asturias, and Galicia. From Portugal none have yet come, and we think that a reminder should be sent to the King of that country.
	Provisions—Money.—270,000 ducats negociated on the contribution to be paid by the Clergy of these dominions, the whole of which sum has already been spent in provisions of various kinds.
	After writing to your Majesty on the 24th ulto., we perused Gallego's (fn. n17) report to the high commander of Leon on the offers made by Barbarossa, and another one of Don Fernando [Gonzaga] on the reasons there are in his opinion to accept those offers, and, although after Your Majesty's conversation with prince Doria on the subject, as well as the verbal report of Don Fernando—who, we hear, is soon to attend court, accompanied by Gallego, Your Majesty will, no doubt, be induced to take the fittest course in so important an affair, yet We consider it our duty to forward the following considerations:—
	Your Majesty's affairs are in such a plight just now, that if there was any security of a convenient treaty with Barbarossa, there would be no harm at all in listening to his overtures. If Tunis, La Goleta, and Bona can reasonably be taken from the King in whose possession they now are, it seems to Us that if the thing can be done without much difficulty, and if, as Don Fernando asserts, that corsair can at any time sail thither with the Turkish fleet and get possession of those places, it will be far better to give them away than have to succour La Goleta and its Spanish garrison within, which, on Your Majesty's consenting to let Barbarossa get possession of Tunis and Bona, might be withdrawn and the fortifications dismantled.
	Oran, Bugia, and Tripoli ought never to be given up: firstly, because they are all conquests of Your Majesty's predecessors in this kingdom, and secondly, because one of them has been yielded to the Order of St. John of Malta. The surrender of those towns would, in our opinion, be a discreditable act, besides which, if Barbarossa is really in earnest, he is not likely to retract his offers on such a slight consideration, since he will, nevertheless, remain king of Tunis and of a great part of Africa.
	From what Alarcon and others have offered in Barbarossa's name, the latter's projects seem to be, as soon as he decides to come over and take service under Your Majesty, to set fire and sink as many as he can of the Turkish galleys in his fleet, and with the remainder of his own come to Your Majesty; whereas we observe that, in the articles lately remitted, Barbarossa engages only to come down with 55 or 60 of his galleys. Besides which the thing itself has been in so many mouths, and become so public, that there is every reason to suspect that Barbarossa is in concert with the Grand Turk, and that the offers he has made are only a feint to gain time and divert Your Majesty's present armaments, which he well knows are directed against his lord. Indeed, should Barbarossa become master of Tunis in that manner, who can say that he will not afterwards turn his forces against Your Majesty's dominions; for, after all, he is only the Grand Turk's slave, and both he and his master hate the Christian name.
	That is why we think it is better for us that Barbarossa, with the Turk's favor and fleet, get possession by force of Tunis and Bona, than to enter into any binding agreement with him.—Madrid, 18 January 1540.
	Spanish. Original draft. pp. 9½.
19 Jan.	101. The Same to Ferrante Gonçaga.
S. E., L. 49, f. 9. B. M. Add. 28,592, f. 18.	Has communicated to the cardinals (fn. n18) and the rest of the councillors the contents of the letter brought by Capt. Gacino respecting Barbarossa. Had he (Tavera) any security that the corsair was in earnest, he would not have hesitated to say that, under present circumstances, his offers might have been a God-send; but he (Tavera) must not conceal from him (Gonzaga) that he himself and many of the Emperor's privy councillors entertain the fear that the whole is a feint and double-leading. The enclosed memorandum of the deliberations in Council will explain what his own and his colleagues' fears are on that particular point.
	All the papers and despatches from Sicily have been put into the hands of Vich and secretary Urries, the two officials best acquainted with the affairs of that island [Sicily], to report to Granvelle, &c.—Madrid, 17 January 1540.
	Spanish. Original draft. pp. 3.
23 Jan.	102. The Emperor to the Cardinal of Toledo (Tabera).
S. E., L. N^o 49, f. 212. B. M. Add. 28,592, f. 20.	Wrote from Paris on the 6th inst., recounting the events of Our journey thither, which We have continued since, accompanied by the Most Christian King, the Queen Our sister, and the King's sons, and ail their court, through many large towns, houses, forests and fields well provided with game, now and then stopping on the road to make up for the sorrow they all seemed to have at Our parting. On the 19th We reached St. Quintin, the last town of France on that frontier. On the 20th the King and his family took leave of Us, and We came to Cambray to sleep, accompanied to the gates of the city by the Dauphin (Henri), the duke of Orleans (Charles), and the high constable of France (Montmorency), with their respective suites. We found at Cambray the prince of Orange, the duke of Aercot (Aarshot), Our High Chamberlain, the bishop of Cordoba, (fn. n19) and many other great personages of these Our states. Thence We went to Valenciennes, where the queen dowager of Hungary was waiting for Us, with a numerous attendance of courtiers. From this place the Dauphin, and Mr. d'Orleans, with the Constable Montmorency, and their suites, will return home, whilst We Ourselves shall proceed to Brussels in three days' time, and there wait for the king of the Romans, Our brother, to have a talk with him, and after that begin business. Meanwhile We shall consider what had fetter be done for the better administration of these states, and in fact gain time for other purposes.
	With the Most Christian King We conversed, before his departure, on the Turk, as well as on matters relating to the Faith, and other public affairs in general. He shows goodwill and offers to co-operate. Respecting Our common and private offers, We told him that upon the arrival of Our brother at Brussels, and after consultation with him, We would see what could be done for the furtherance of Our personal affairs. We thus took leave of each other with much love and affection, &c.—Valencianes (Valenciennes), 21 Jan. 1540.
	Spanish. Original draft. pp. 2.
28 Jan.	103. Lope Hurtado to the High Commander.
S. E., L. 869, f. 151. B. M. Add. 28,592, f. 22.	Is in receipt of His Lordship's letter of the 29th ulto., in answer to his of the 28th Oct. and 11th Nov. On the 8th of December, he (Hurtado) gave to Velasco, the Constable's servant, who on the same day took post for Spain, a letter for His Lordship, enclosing the Papal brief for the president (fn. n20) of the Council to take possession of the bishopric of Siguenza. However, as the President writes to say that this brief has not been received, he (Hurtado) begs His Lordship to make inquiries, and see what has become of it. For this reason, and for fear of some dastardly trick having been played, he now reproduces in part some of its paragraphs.
	The Emperor's letters of the 7th from Paris, acknowledging the receipt of one of his (Hurtado's), dated the 11th of November, has come to hand. In that letter the Emperor says that until the return of Don Luis de Zuñiga from Italy, he cannot come to a decision in the Duchess' affairs, and that since Ottavio [Farnese] must have already quitted Rome, much progress has, no doubt, been made towards family peace and the Duchess' comfort. Very different from this has been the result, for His Majesty's ministers at this court have done all they could to retain Ottavio here, and if Ravago tells the true story, His Lordship will hear from his lips how much he (Hurtado) is to be pitied, and the many reasons which this lady (the Duchess) has for being discontented, and complaining of the Imperial ministers in this capital.
	Since the departure of Don Diego de Rojas passion and strife have risen so high here that he (Hurtado) begins to fear for Madame's soul and body, which are really in danger, for His Holiness is only looking to the succession of his own family and to his son's estates—which, after all, are not very considerable—going to a male. It would be but just for His Imperial Majesty to think a little of his own daughter, of her personal merits, which are great, and of her property, which is considerable; for it is to be feared that should the Pope die now the 300,000 ducats of Madame's dower would be in jeopardy, as well as the duchy of Camarino, for he (Hurtado) hears that the Varana have not yet come to an agreement with the Pope, (fn. n21) nor will they in future—though His Holiness asserts the contrary—much preferring to leave matters as they now stand, and wait for this Pope's demise and the succession of another to St. Peter's chair, when lawsuits on that and other cases will not be wanting. If to this be added that Pier Luigi himself talks of taking Madame to live with him at his estate out of Rome, there is no saying what damage may be inflicted both on her life and on her honor.
	Having written at length by Don Diego [de Rojas] he [Hurtado] will not enter into more details. Should His Lordship wish for more particulars, he shall hear them from the Treasurer's lips. As for him (Hurtado), his only wish is that should the Treasurer conceal anything of what he himself has seen and heard here, may God punish him, and not let him reach the Imperial Court alive!
	Don Diego de la Cueva's business shall be attended to, though he is by no means in want of procurators and friends at this Papal Court. Delivered to the archbishop of Santiago (Sarmiento) His Lordship's letter.
	Da. Margarida (Margaret) kisses your Lordship's hands.—Rome, 28 January 1540.
	P.S.—Since Don Diego's departure Madame has been indisposed. She says that some one has told her, under the confession of the "Ego peccator," to take care of herself, because he (the informer) knows for certain that the Farnese intend giving her some philter or other to render her amorous of Ottavio. (fn. n22)
	Signed: "Lope Hurtado."
	Addressed: "To the most illustrious lord, the High Commander of Leon, adelantado of Cazorla."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 3.