Appendix: Miscellaneous 1529 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

'Appendix: Miscellaneous 1529', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, (London, 1877) pp. 1616-1625. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp1616-1625 [accessed 26 April 2024]

Miscellaneous 1529



[March 19.] Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena. No date.	93. Hieronimo Ferrufino to Alfonso I., Duke of Ferrara.
	His Majesty received lately letters from Spain, dated the 14th ultimo, informing him that the Emperor had ordered the sale of his biscuits (biscotti) (fn. 1) to which however but little belief is conceded, and that for this year he was no longer expected to make his passage into Italy.
	During the last three days a report circulates here of the arrival in Flanders from Spain of a fleet of 60 merchantmen, and that the Emperor was on board of it, and although it is notorious that he has not crossed, yet as the King with his own lips mentioned this rumour to M. de Langes, the French ambassador, I will not omit to repeat it.
	[London, 19th March 1529.]
	[Italian.]
March 22. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	94. The Same to the Same.
	The brother of the Bishop of Bayonne, M. de Langes, to whom I alluded in my last, arrived here four days ago, as ambassador from the most Christian King (fn. 2) . . . . . and perhaps moreover to negotiate something else, as your Excellency may have been advised by the magnifico Messer Ludovico Cato.
	His Lordship says he shall remain here some days, until the return of his brother the Bishop of Bayonne.
	Notwithstanding the truce, French vessels bound from France to England with wines and other merchandise are frequently captured in these seas by the Spaniards, and when complaints about this are made to the Emperor's ambassador here, he apologizes by saying the plunderers are pirates.
	London, 22nd March 1529.
	[Italian.]
April 5. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	95. The Same to the Same.
	M. de Langes is come to exhort the King of England in the name of his most Christian Majesty, to make good and valid provision for the war, and that he should determine especially to make the contribution for another six months, as he did last year. Your Excellency will perceive the reply already made to him, by the enclosed writing (fn. 3); with the following addition as told me by M. de Langes, that if by the middle of next May no truce (indutie) be stipulated, the King, ex nunc prout ex tunc, promises to contribute, and use every effort subsequently to wage the war briskly, most especially having then legitimate and greater cause to do so; and that to form such opinion as necessary about the truce, he will send to his most Christian King a personage his intimate, whose name as yet is unknown.
	Before M. de Langes spoke to the King [about the contribution, etc.?] (by what I and others elicited from him) we believe that he was to urge and exhort his Majesty and the Cardinal to renew the negotiation for the peace. He now says that the proposal to treat the adjustment was made to him by the King, who I believe really wishes for peace to exempt himself from cost, nor did he conceal from the aforesaid Langes that he did what he has done hitherto, he did out of love for his King, and not because he anticipated any advantage from the war or had any interest in it like his most Christian Majesty and the other allies (confederati).
	Besides the reply made by his Majesty to M. de Langes, he referred himself also to what would be more diffusely said and decided by Cardinal Wolsey, who told him his King was of opinion that were the truce not to take place, a league should be formed against the Emperor, and a fund (et una borsa), a person of confidence being appointed, to spend and make provision according to the exigencies of the war; whilst for the negotiation of the said truce they will send a personage with full instructions to his most Christian Majesty, and with power to pledge the King, and with means to disburse the money should it be needed, but that to speak of a contribution at present was futile (frustatorio), his Majesty having determined first of all to know whether the most Christian King approved of his opinion.
	It is said that in four days they will send to Rome Messer Silvestro Dario, a Lucchese, a worthy and able man, about the negotiation for the truce, and also about the marriage.
	London, 5th April 1529.
	[Italian.]
April 11. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	96. Hironimo Ferrufino to Alfonso I., Duke of Ferrara.
	Since my last, M. de Langes tells me he has had another decision from Cardinal Wolsey, which seems to me a very good one, and it is, that before sending the personage mentioned in my former letter to the King of France, he will accredit to him a gentleman of his privy chamber, not only to tell him what is here considered expedient, but also with orders and means to disburse the money, contributionis nomine, if, on his arrival in France, the Pope's reply about the negotiation of truce (la praticha de indutie) be delayed; the commencement of which matter proceeded from his Holiness.
	This letter will be conveyed to the French court by M. de Langes, on whose departure there will be no representative here of his most Christian Majesty, but I believe that either M. de Langes, or his brother the Bishop of Bayonne, or some one else, will be sent hither shortly, so as not to leave this court without an ambassador from France.
	The Imperial ambassador here has asked leave to return to Spain, and I understand it will be granted him, what he says about the Emperor's passage into Italy being disbelieved, and they suspect it will be found subsequently that his Imperial Majesty will cross towards the end of next month. (fn. 4)
	They are still intent on the despatch of Silvestro Dario, who is going to Rome about the divorce and the truce.
	In my former letters I wrote how little it was believed that the most Christian King would obtain any money from his Majesty here, but I am now told on good authority that should the truce not be made, he will not fail to give his assistance, with regard to which I refer myself to the result.
	London, 11th April 1529.
	[Italian.]
[May 8.] Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra. Archives of Modena. No date.	97. The Same to the Same.
	Many days having elapsed since I last saw Cardinal Wolsey, it seemed to me fitting, on the receipt of your Excellency's letters, and those of the magnifico Messer Ludovico Cato announcing the serious indisposition and auspicious convalescence of the Duchess, to go to his right reverend Lordship, who rejoiced extremely to hear of the well-being of your Excellency to whom he recommended himself greatly, thanking you for your remembrance of him; expressing also extreme satisfaction at the Duchess' recovery, saying his King had heard of it; nor will I fail on the first opportunity to recommend your Excellency humbly to his Majesty.
	Subsequently his right reverend Lordship, talking with me about the war, the way in which it was carried on, and the Governments (et li Governi), evinced much regret at the entry of the Spaniards into Milan, saying that some persons supposed them to have remained in the Genoese territory as long as it suited Antonio de Leva; adding (to use the Cardinal's own words), that unless your Excellency assume the undertaking in person, it seems to him to be in a very bad way.
	Respecting the Emperor's passage into Italy, he believes for certain, on the authority of letters received from the Auditor of the Chamber, (fn. 5) his King's ambassador in Spain, that it would be delayed, as no opportune preparations for a fleet were visible, nor any other provision; it being thought that the Emperor would push on (spingerse) to Barcelona, to foment the affairs of Italy; yet, nevertheless, to say what occurs to my poor judgment, I do not believe that an ambassador can see clearly everywhere, but it is perhaps better and more advantageous to think so; though on the other hand, should the passage ensue, they might be taken unawares.
	M. de Langes being here, the King said he should send a gentleman to his most Christian Majesty, and gave him his commission; his name is Master Russell, and he departs tomorrow, but I have hitherto been unable to ascertain whether he takes any sum of money with him.
	The Imperial ambassador here, who lately asked leave to go to Spain, will, I understand, depart in three or four days, nor as yet is anything said about his successor.
	The King and the Legates have received letters from Rome dated the 22nd ult., which they were very anxiously expecting, not having had any since . .; and although I suppose your Excellency is advised from Rome about the Pope's decision in the affair of the divorce, I will nevertheless not omit to tell you that . . . .
	[London, 8th May 1529.]
	[Italian.]
May 11. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	98. Hironimo Ferrufino to Alfonso I., Duke of Ferrara.
	Letters have arrived here from Spain, dated Saragossa the 21st ult., brought to this most Serene King by an express from his ambassador with the Emperor (fn. 6) . . . . that preparations were being made, for soldiery, ships, and biscuits, and that although his Majesty wishes above all things to cross into Italy, yet as the whole of the Council, except his Lord Chancellor (fn. 7) are of a contrary opinion, it is thought that his going to Barcelona will be for the purpose of sending troops to Italy, and fomenting her calamities, though should he perceive that by going in person great advantage would be gained, and should some fair opportunity present itself for him to play a sure game by proceeding thither, it is believed that he will not fail to gratify his wish; and the express said that his Majesty had left Saragossa for Barcelona.
	By my letter of the 8th your Excellency will see that Master Russell had been despatched for France, and was to have departed on the day before yesterday, with which purpose he had sent off his servants and horses, and went to Cardinal Campeggio to receive his commands; but after the receipt here of the letters from Spain, they changed their minds, it being understood that he is no longer to go, and that the King will forthwith send to France the personage alluded to when M. de Langes was here, the which personage, some people say, will be the Duke of Suffolk, and others Lord Fitz-william, K.G. (sic) (fn. 8) Treasurer of his Majesty's Household.
	London, 11th May 1529.
	[Italian.]
May 19. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	99. The Same to the Same.
	The bearer of this letter, as far as Modena, will be the Lucchese Messer Silvestro Dario.
	Six days ago the Bishop of Bayonne arrived here in very great haste, (fn. 9) being sent by the King of France to reside with his Majesty. He went immediately to Cardinal Wolsey, and then to the King, who is at Windsor, and on his return again conferred with his right reverend Lordship, thus causing much conjecture, and inducing a belief in some treaty of adjustment (qualche praticha di appontamento); but from what the Bishop himself says, he is merely come as ambassador-resident, and to urge the King to execute the decision made by him about the money when M. de Langes was here; adding that his most Christian King has already a great number of Germans in France, to whom arrears of pay are due.
	This coming of the Bishop of Bayonne has somewhat delayed the despatch to France of the Duke of Suffolk and the Treasurer Fitzwilliam, who departed by this night's tide (che sono partiti questa notte con la marea).
	The real cause of their going to his most Christian Majesty is unknown, the Bishop of Bayonne, by his own account, having been unable to ascertain it from the King, who said that, as he was sending such personages, especially his brother-in-law, he would not affront them by proclaiming the object of their mission, and that the Bishop must not take this silence amiss, as his Majesty very well knew him to be so good a servant of his King that he would conceal nothing from him.
	By my letters of the 12th, news arrived here that his most Christian Majesty had made a truce (indutie) for 18 months with the Emperor, including the King of England and their Majesties' confederates, and this has been seen here in print in the French tongue, but without any mention of the day or of the place where they were printed; and besides the printed paper, some French sailors, who subsequently crossed over from France, brought word that in Normandy it was said publicly the truce had been made; so that on his arrival here M. de Bayonne found the King much surprised and dissatisfied, most especially because this had been done without his intervention and participation; concerning which the Bishop says he spoke very strongly to his Majesty, making him believe that it was utterly false, and wagering his head to that effect.
	London, 19th May 1529.
	[Italian, signed.]
May 23. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	100. The Same to the Same.
	[34½ lines cipher, after which—]
	Dr. Bennet departed hence yesterday for Rome, (fn. 10) being sent by the King to reside with the Pope in place of Dr. Stephen [Gardiner], who according to Bennet, has been recalled.
	London, 23rd May 1529.
	[Italian, signed.]
Aug. 9. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	101. The Same to the Same.
	In my former letters (fn. 11) I informed your Excellency that during the last three years so many gerfalcons were taken to France, that fewer than usual have been brought hither, so the greatest number purchasable would be six, and their cost from nine to ten nobles each. On the 31st July (fn. 11) I wrote what Cardinal Wolsey said to me about the peace and adjustment made between the Pope and the Emperor, nor did I think it fit to omit doing so, although aware that it was lignum in sylvam mittere; and after the despatch of my letter, I saw here a copy of the articles of the peace, sent from France, which differed in some particulars from the one received here, but I thought it immaterial, as your Excellency will have received your own copy long ago.
	[Then follow 29 lines in cipher.]
	Concerning this matrimonial suit, Cardinal Campeggio postponed it on account of the summer vacation, according to the practice of the Rota (le ferie), until next October. The King then went into the country, accompanied by the Queen, and on their departure from Greenwich his Majesty was seen to enter the barge of the Queen, with whom there was also Madame Anne. The Princess, some days ago, was taken away from the Queen, and sent into the country; Cardinal Wolsey absented himself immediately from this city to go to a place of his called St. Albans. Cardinal Campeggio is still here, and he and all his attendants are very well.
	London, 9th August 1529.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 23. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	102. Hironimo Ferrufino to Alfonso I., Duke of Ferrara.
	M. de Langes has arrived from France, to give account of the affairs of the peace to the King, who had heard it first by his envoys' letters, and then from themselves. He was to have gone today with his brother M. de Bayonne to the court, now a distance of 32 miles hence, but the Duke of Norfolk sent to tell them that the King desires them to go next Thursday, today being Monday.
	London, 23rd August 1529.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 7. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	103. The Same to the Same.
	Twelve days ago Messrs. de Langes and de Bayonne went to the King, who is now at a distance of 60 miles from London, to give him particular account of the things treated in the peace of Cambrai, and they are still with him.
	His Majesty's ambassadors having returned from Cambrai, (fn. 12) he had the peace between the Emperor and him proclaimed, without naming the other Princes comprised in the said peace; from what I hear, his Majesty would have wished to make peace as chief contractor (come primo contrahente) and not as participant (e non come accessoria).
	There has appeared (è comparsa) for these right reverend Lords the Legates the prohibition from the Pope touching the suit (in la litte) for the re-examination of this marriage, for which reason Cardinal Campeggio is gone to Cardinal Wolsey, at a place of his, twenty miles hence, and says that he shall go from there to the King to ask leave to return to Italy.
	[Then follow 15 lines of cipher.]
	It is heard that at the beginning of next November, a general Parliament will be held in this kingdom, as has been done heretofore, but it is not known for what purpose; some persons presume that it will be to obtain the consent of the people (by showing them that ita expediat Reipublicœ) for his Majesty to make the divorce and the marriage; others believe that it will be to raise a sum of money, which second opinion will, it is thought, be verified, although another cause may be assigned.
	London, 7th September 1529.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 9. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	104. The Same to the Same.
	This letter will be taken as far as his most Christian Majesty's court by M. de Langes, who with his brother M. de Bayonne returned from the King yesterday.
	Besides the causes assigned for assembling Parliament as mentioned in my last, it is said to be partly for the purpose of diminishing the authority of the clergy here (per deprimere in parte l'authorità del clero qua).
	[Then follow 26 ½ lines of cipher.]
	London, 9th September 1529.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 29. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	105. The Same to the Same.
	Although I hope and believe that by reason of the good and signal demonstrations made by your Excellency towards the Emperor, and the important services rendered by you to him and his army, at various periods, and on account of your affinity with the King of France, you will have adjusted your affairs with his Imperial Majesty before the arrival at his court of the ambassadors of this King, (fn. 13) I have nevertheless determined to go to his Majesty, who is still in the country some 90 miles off, (as he is about to despatch to the aforesaid Emperor his Master of the Horse and the Dean of his Chapel) to pray and remind him through the opportunity afforded by this embassy of what seems to me fitting.
	The Legate Campeggio has returned from the King, who gave him very gracious leave, and from what I hear evinced much love for him. His right reverend Lordship says he shall depart for Italy in six or seven days.
	Cardinal Wolsey has been to his Majesty, (fn. 14) from whom he had been absent about two months, and from what I have heard at the second colloquy (al secondo raggionamento) he was quite alone with the King for a good two hours (sola sola con soa Maestà due grosse hore). His right reverend Lordship has come hither, because the law-term time is near at hand, and I shall now go to visit and pay my respects to him. Should no change take place in the Chancellorship next November at the meeting of Parliament, I am of opinion he will remain in his usual authority and greatness.
	Hoxton, one mile from London, 29th September 1529.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 4. Cancellaria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	106. Hironimo Ferrufino to Alfonso I., Duke of Ferrara.
	I have now returned from the King, who gave me most gracious audience as usual, and in my presence he sent for the Master of the Horse and gave him a very warm commission (caldissima commissione) about your Excellency's affairs, and desired me to tell Dr. Stephen what I wished to have written on the subject, and when I quitted the presence chamber he followed me that I might give him your Excellency's proper name (proprio nome).
	[Then follow 22 lines of cipher.]
	Since his return I have visited Cardinal Wolsey, who gave me the best possible greeting, and condescended to discourse with me about the affairs of the war, and of Italy in particular.
	[Then follow 12 lines of cipher.]
	The ambassadors from the King to his Imperial and Catholic Majesty tell me they shall pass through Reggio and Modena, and if my letters arrive in time your Excellency will cause them to be visited, as besides their being his Majesty's ambassadors, the Master of the Horse is devoted to your Excellency, always evincing great affection for you, and doing me honour in his house as your servant. The Dean of his Majesty's Chapel is also a person of great worth and ability. Should your Excellency have occasion to write to them you must know that the aforesaid Master of the Horse takes precedence of his colleague.
	His Majesty is sending two other ambassadors to the most Christian King, one of whom is the brother of Madame Anne, nor do I yet know the object of their mission.
	The King is come to Greenwich, where it is understood that he will remain for three days, and then return to Windsor; the cause of his coming, and going back so immediately, being, to hold a Council of the chief lords (magnati) and great prelates of this kingdom, in anticipation of the Parliament, to discuss beforehand (per prestituere, sic) what is to be treated therein.
	Cardinal Campeggio says he shall depart tomorrow unless detained by his usual malady. The King sent to give him by Cardinal Wolsey a sideboard (una credenza) of gilt-plate, worth 3,000 crowns, besides what his Majesty gave him last Christmas; and as mentioned in my former letters his right reverend Lordship was dismissed by the King most graciously (con bonissima gratia di quella), a very good demonstration being also made to the reverend Messer Floriano, both by his Majesty and by Cardinal Wolsey.
	London, 4th October 1529.
	[Italian].
Oct. 20. Cancellaria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	107. The Same to the Same.
	[After 13 lines of cipher.]
	On the 17th instant Cardinal Wolsey was deprived of the great seal, and of the Chancellorship, (fn. 15) an inventory being also taken of his moveables (beni mobili), part of which, it is heard, have been taken from him, a portion of his establishment being discharged. The Parliament, which is to meet in this next month of November, will, it is expected, decide about his right reverend Lordship's affairs, which have in truth commenced badly, most especially as it seems that no one stands his friend. He is still in his palace at Westminster, but it is said they will not allow him to keep it.
	In my letter of the 4th I wrote to your Excellency of the leave given by his Majesty to Cardinal Campeggio to return to Italy, and how honourably he had presents made to him, Messer Floriano likewise having been very well treated by the King; and as the Cardinal and his attendants carry with them a number of trunks, for effects which they purchased here, these Lords, and subsequently his Majesty, suspected that they were carrying off some great sum of money, received from the Italian merchants; or to say what is presumed, the suspicion arose that Cardinal Wolsey had consigned it to Cardinal Campeggio, on whose arrival at Dover, accompanied by the Bishop of Bath and by a herald from the King with orders for his passage to be made at his Majesty's costs, the Custom-house officers presented themselves ex officio and insisted on examining all the effects and . . . . . [Blank in MS.] (fn. 16)
	[Dover, 20th October 1529. (fn. 17) ]
	[Italian].
Dec. 16. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci, Archives of Modena.	108. Hironimo Ferrufino to Alfonso I., Duke of Ferrara.
	On the 14th of last month I received the despatch for my departure from the King of England, and left London on the 16th; on getting to the seaside I was compelled to wait 12 days at Dover, for weather to cross; and having embarked and set sail with a high wind, when halfway to Calais it so increased that not only was I afraid of shipwreck, but the sailors also, they being compelled to make for Sandwich, also an English port, where after losing four days we then put to sea for Calais again in a gale, which having shifted we returned off Dover, and at length crossed in the whole of one day and a night, so that we employed 24 hours for a passage which is usually made in four or five. As my horses suffered greatly and were on shipboard for five nights, on landing at Calais I remained there two days, and yesterday I arrived here, where I cannot but rest them for three or four days. At Lyons I shall stay as short a time as possible, and wishing beyond measure to find myself as soon as possible with your Excellency.
	Paris, 16th December 1529.
	[Italian.]