Henry VIII: August 1543, 1-10

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 2, August-December 1543. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1902.

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'Henry VIII: August 1543, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 2, August-December 1543, (London, 1902) pp. 1-16. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol18/no2/pp1-16 [accessed 19 April 2024]

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August 1543, 1-10

1 Aug.
R. O.
1. Sadler to [Parr].
Sir George Douglas has instanced me to write to your lordship in favour of the laird of Mowe, who was lately taken in England amongst other evil-disposed persons, as I perceive by my Lord of Suffolk's letters. Sir George says he is ashamed to sue; but, in respect of his friends and kinsmen, his suit is that you spare Mowe's execution and let him home, keeping his brother in pledge, to be hanged if he misdemean himself hereafter towards England. Sir George himself writes you letters herewith. Edenburgh, 1 Aug.
Hol., p. 1. Fly leaf with address lost.
2 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 181. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 438.
2. The Privy Council to Sadler.
The King has received his of the 28th ult., with the letters of the Governor, &c. He shall tell the Governor that the King perceives his purpose to perform the treaties or else deliver the strongholds on this side the Frithe, and thanks him for his goodwill, assuring him of such friendship as shall be to his honor and the confusion of his enemies; and advising him to beware of the Cardinal, who seeks his utter destruction. And, where Sir George Douglas moved for 1,000l. to be given to him, Sadler shall tell him that the King has sent him 1,000l. which is at Berwick, "praying him to accept it in good part, for it is utterly nothing in respect of that which his Majesty determineth towards him." Further, Sadler shall declare how the King accepts his offer, and will send ships to take the French ships at Lith; and, as they may be delayed by contrary weather, desires him to devise means to stay the French ships till the King's navy arrives. Where Angus, Casselles, Maxwell and Somervile seem to think that the Cardinal minds earnestly that this peace shall take effect; Sadler shall tell them that the King marvels that they should be so abused with fair words, and require them to give credit to the King and let no fair words or promises deceive them, or they will "rue it when it shall be past remedy." He shall require Angus and Sir Geo. Douglas to prepare secretly that when the King's ships arrive they may see the Governor's promises performed and also aid them. Also he shall again remind the Governor and the rest to foresee that the Cardinal enter no foot in the Council that is to be appointed, nor any that are contrary to the King's purposes; and to take the King's counsel in that behalf.
P.S.Have used all diligence to set forth the King's navy; and this matter pleases them so much that they hope it will take effect, and they desire Sadler to procure the stay of the Frenchmen.
Draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 8. Endd. : Mynute to Master Sadleyr, ijo Augusti, 1543.
2 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651. f. 176. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 437.
3. Suffolk and Tunstall to the Council.
Send herewith a letter from Mr. Sadleyr to the King, containing demand of money and men. Suffolk desires therein to know what number of men, horsemen, archers and billmen, and of ordnance the King will advance, and who shall lead them. Send also a letter from Sadleyr to Suffolk (showing that the Governor would have those who come to bring their own victuals for a time), a letter from the lord Warden (to know how to use the prisoners he took), and a letter of Mr. Shelley's (showing how he lacks money to pay the workmen). Now that the 1,000l. is presented to the Governor, Mr. Uvedale's last account shows that he has scantily enough to pay the garrison for one month already past; so that money must be sent with speed. Darnton, 2 Aug. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add. Sealed. Endd. : 1543.
2 Aug.
R. O.
4. Suffolk and Tunstall to [Parr].
Have sent his letter of 1 Aug., with the other letters in his packet, to the Court; and have written for the King's pleasure concerning his prisoners "which were taken with the mayne ure." Meanwhile he should stay proceeding against them. Darnton, 2 Aug.
Beg him to forward Mr. Sadleyr's letter and the letter to Mr. Shelley herewith. Signed.
P. 1. Flyleaf with address lost.
2 Aug.
R. O.
5. Wallop to the Council.
Last night the Great Master reported that the French camp is broken and "he himself" (qu. the French King?) repairs towards Bourgone where Count Guyllam enters with 15,000 Almains, while Vandosme comes with 12,000 footmen and 3,000 horse to rencontre with us. The captain of these footmen is Lorge, who is expected to do marvels, and they lodge this night at Dorlans, 10 leagues off. The Great Master repairs to us, and would have been here yesterday, but for his sore leg. He sends all the horsemen of these frontiers to me; so that in 3 or 4 days "we shall be of footmen moo viij. or x. m1. what Allemaignes, Spanyerdes, and men of this country," and if the Frenchmen seek us not we will seek them. Camp beside Bittune, 2 Aug. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd. : 1543.
3 Aug.
R. O.
6. Sadler to [Parr].
I have been "instanted by my very friend the laird of Brunstone here" to sue to your lordship that bearer Robert Listar, with one servant, may come and go into England to any place betwixt this and Newcastle to sell such merchandise as he shall bring from hence. Heartily desires him to grant safe conduct for this. Edenburgh, 3 Aug. Signed.
P. 1. Fly leaf with address lost.
3 Aug.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. ii., No. 200.]
7. Charles V. to Chapuys.
Has just received his letters of the 27th ult. and seen those to Granvelle, and is pleased with the King's continually improving friendship to himself and irritation against the French. The King's answer to the French ambassador, refusing to treat for an appointment, was good. As a reciprocal, the French ambassador resident with the Pope has moved the Cardinal of Mantua to learn, by Don Fernando de Gonzaga, his brother, being with the Emperor, through Granvelle, whether there would be any way of returning to a practise of peace. Don Fernando has answered that the Emperor was so indignant at the cruel and shameless recommencement of the war that he dared not speak of it without knowing the means; and the conditions must now be more advantageous, the King of France giving up what he has heretofore claimed and the Emperor having good assurance. This has been done to probe the King of France's intention and keep him amused till the Emperor sees the result of this enterprise; and all has been so done that it cannot be known that he (the Emperor) has heard of it. If the English hear of it, Chapuys may speak of it as he sees convenient; and, if not, keep it secret. In the rest the Queen will keep him informed, and, since the Emperor is now so near and coming nearer, he will be pleased to have news from Chapuys often. Spiere, 3 Aug., 1543.
French, pp. 2. Modern transcript from Vienna.
4 Aug.
R. O.
8. Miles Mydleton.
Patent under the great seal of the office of High Admiral (issued by John viscount Lisle, baron of Malpas and Somerey, K.G., lord Bassett and Tyasse, one of the King's Council, high admiral of England, Ireland, Wales, the town and marches of Calais, Normandy, Gascony and Guion, and captain general of the King's navy) commanding all admirals, &c., to aid Miles Mydleton, yeoman of the Guard, whom the King has licensed to repair to the sea from Hull or thereabouts with two ships, furnished at his own cost, to annoy the King's enemies and take prizes; and authorising Mydleton to engage men. London, 4 Aug. 1543, 35 Hen. VIII. Seal gone.
Parchment.
4 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 188. B. M. Sadler State Papers, I. 246.
9. Henry VIII. to Sadler.
Perceives by his of 31 July his conferences with the Governor, Angus, Glencairn, Maxwell and Somervail touching the overtures made by the bp. of Orkney and lord Fleming on behalf of the Cardinal and his complices; and the aid required in case the Governor cannot daunt them into agreeing to ratify the treaties, or in case the Queen should be conveyed away. Sadler shall thank the Governor for his honourable proceedings and friendly offers, and assure him of the King's support. Has appointed his lieutenant to put ready 5,000 men, to be sent when the Governor and Sadler shall write for them, to enter in two divisions, viz., on the West, under Sir Thos. Wharton, to join lord Maxwell as chief captain, and on the East, under Sir Ralph Evers, Brian Leighton, Robt. Collingwood and Robt. Horsley, to join Angus; providing that Angus and Maxwell send men of estimation to receive them at the Borders and conduct and victual them thence, and afterwards use the advice of the said Wharton and other captains in all things. As the Governor desires, they shall bring such victual with them as can be prepared in so short a time; and plenty of corn shall also be sent into the Firth from Newcastle and Berwick. In case the number now sent (Sadler shall say) shall not daunt the Cardinal's party, Henry "will prepare a greater furniture to repress their malice," not doubting but that in that necessity the Governor will deliver him the holds which he has promised to deliver. And in case they take away the Queen and dispose her marriage otherwise, Henry will, by force of his "title and superiority," make the Governor King of Scotland beyond the Firth, provided that he go through with the marriage between his son and lady Elizabeth, which is a "party" the like of which he could not "recover" in Christendom. Being in such terms with the Governor and his friends there, Henry must remind them again to beware of the craft and falsehood of the Cardinal "and his angels," praying them (especially Glencairn and Maxwell) to remember how they have been twice deluded by the Cardinal, at his deliverance and at the deliverance of the Queen, and to utterly close their ears against him. For if they tolerate him, whereby he may get the upper hand, whatsoever scruple they may have against slaughter in their native country, they may be sure he will spare none of them. Therefore, seeing the Cardinal is at Stirling secretly assembling his army, which being so lately disparkled will not soon be brought again together, the King's advice is that the Governor suddenly send a good band of men to Stirling, to bring him to Edinburgh castle or else drive him over the water, and to keep the bridge, so that neither the Queen may be conveyed away nor the Cardinal's complices have any passage by the bridge.
Draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 11. Endd., * * iiijo Aug. 1543.
*** The above is noted (with corrigenda for the text of Sadler State Papers) in Hamilton Papers, No. 440.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 185. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 439. 2. Draft notes for the foregoing despatch.
In Wriothesley's hand, pp. 3. Endd. * * * to Mr. Sadleyr.
4 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 194. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 441. (Abstract.)
10. Henry VIII. to Wharton and Others.
Having appointed him to serve with other gentlemen in such sort as shall be signified to him by the duke of Suffolk, lieutenant general in the North, commands him to be ready to march forward upon one hour's warning from Suffolk.
Draft in Paget's hand, p. 1. Endd. : Mynute [of letters to] Sir Tho. Wharton, etc., for putting themselves in order.
Ib., f. 195. 2. Copy of the above, with the date Guildford, 4 Aug. 35 Hen. VIII.
P. 1. Headed : By the King.
4 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 197. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 442.
11. Suffolk and Tunstall to the Council.
Suffolk perceives by their letter that 2,000 archers and 1,000 billmen are to be put ready for an aid to the Governor of Scotland, with a chieftain and other captains. The chief leader should he sent from the King; for here are few lords experienced in conducting men, and few knights that can serve, the best being Sir Hen. Savil, Sir Chr. Danbye, Sir Thos. Tempest, the younger, Sir Roger Lassels or Sir Wm. Malorye, who is treasurer at Berwick and can ill be spared, and unless the chief has the King's commission there should be envy among them and ill rule, which would make the Scots esteem Englishmen the less in all rencounters hereafter. The proportion is ill considered by the Governor; for the archers should be the fewer number and the billmen the more. Forwarded their letters of the 2nd to Mr. Sadleyr, by which it appears that the King's navy should be revictualled in the Frithe. No trust is to be put therein; for the Scots lack bread themselves, and have requested the aid to bring their own victuals; in reply to which the writers have informed Sadleyr that, if the Governor appoint friends to buy grain at Berwick and bake and brew it in Scotland, the King's aid in passing shall pay for it. As there was much flour in barrels, both wheat and malt, Suffolk wrote to Mr. Shelleye to bake and brew it; so that it may either serve the ships or for those that go by land; and, besides, there is grain at Newcastle to revictual the ships, as Suffolk wrote of late to Mr. Brown, and as appears by the mayor of Newcastle's letter herewith. Enclose a letter of Shelley's, showing his baking and brewing, and that there is no money to sustain all these charges; nor has the treasurer of the garrisons enough to pay the garrisons. Darnton, 4 Aug. Signed.
P.S.Take this number appointed out of Yorkshire, as next unto the countries allyable to the Borders. Suffolk has written to the mayor of Newcastle to bake and brewe, and to Shelley to bake in biscuit "which will best be kept."
Pp. 3. Add. Scaled. Endd. : 1543.
4 Aug.
R. O. St. P., IX. 460.
12. Wallop and Others to Henry VIII.
Among other governors of Flanders and Arthoiez who have repaired to their army with gentle offers, the governor of Arras came to their camp beside Bittune, where it is here said that Henry's army lay at his going to Tournay. As he came straight from the Great Master, they asked what the Great Master meant them to do, seeing that the French king was retired. He replied that he thought it would be to aid in besieging Landresey in Hennowe, which the French king lately won and fortified, and has left in charge of 3,000 men. Express certain doubts as to whether Wallop's instructions permit them to engage in such a siege. The good discipline of the army is a great comfort to the writers and a marvel to strangers. Camp beside Bittune,in the way towards Arras, 4 Aug., 6 p.m. Signed : John Wallop : T. Seymour : Rich. Crumwell : G. Carew : Robert Bowis.
Pp. 3. Add.
4 Aug.
Harl. MS. 283, f. 3. B. M. Chr. of Calais, 211.
13. Wallop's Expedition.
"The names of the captains that be at the King's Majesty's host," viz. Sir John Wallop, captain general, Sir Thos. Semer, high marshal, Sir Robt. Bowes, treasurer, Sir Ric. Cromwell, Sir George Carew, Sir John Rayensford, Sir Thos. Pallmer, Sir John Saint John, and Sir John Gaskin, captains of footmen.
"The Jornayes and Viogies of the Kinges Majesties Army and the feates by the same achivid and done."
The whole host departed out of Calais on Sunday, 22 July, at 4 p.m., and camped without the walls. On Monday 23 July they went towards , (fn. 1) Sir John Wallop meeting them, and so marched to Lanerton, within the French pale, where lord Greay, captain of Hames, met them; and they burnt Lanerton with Finies mill otherwise called Acastill and the abbey of Bewlieu, and camped at Finies that night. On Tuesday the Marshal burnt the piles of Ratton, Abritton and Rensam and certain houses in Mergison and "within three miles compass of Bolloigne," while the army marched to Lyquies abbey, spoiling and burning as they went. The abbey was immediately delivered up to them at 2 p.m., "wherein was xij Frenchmen and a monk called Doctor Driw, which afterwards followed the carts (fn. 2) being bound with bonds." The army camped there on Wednesday night, that the chieftain might see the abbey burnt and razed to the ground, before leaving; and the same day they were joined by 2,000 Burgundian foot and 2,000 horse. On Thursday, 26 July, they marched to Awlkinges, and that night were "two laromes." On Friday, 27 July, they burnt the town and castle (the castle was razed at Whitsuntide last by the Burgundians), blew up the great tower with gunpowder, and departed to Hawlinge, 2 miles from Sante Homers, and lay there Saturday. On Sunday, 29 July, from Hawlinge to Otingall, 2 miles from Turwin, under the walls of which the Northern horsemen and others skirmished with the Frenchmen; "and one Caster killed one of the Frenchmen's horse with his bow." The chieftain sent a letter to the captain of Torwin requiring that six gentlemen "might run with six gentlemen of our army for life and death," which was accorded. Describes the tournament next morning, in which Calverley was hurt, but wounded his opponent to death, and Markham also hurt one of the gentlemen. At the same time "there were iij brought from Bolloigne by a trumpet to the camp and there delivered." The army then marched towards an old castle called Lyoters, destroyed by the French, 2 leagues from Turwin, and camped there. On Tuesday, 31 July, they marched to Alwines, a mile from Ayre, on Wednesday, 1 August, to Erewyn, next Rusher, and on Thursday, 2 Aug., to Varkingnowghe, a mile from Etwayne, and there lay all Friday and Saturday. "And upon the same Satterdaye, at afternoone, came unto the campe the countes of Pavoy, basse daughtere"
Pp. 3.
Calig. E.I.,53. B. M. 2. Faulty modern copy of the above.
Pp. 3.
5 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 199. B. M. Hamilton Papers No. 443.
14. Sadler to Henry VIII.
The Cardinal and his complices refused to come to this town upon such pledges as Sadler last wrote of, because he feared that, until this late business was fully appeased, it would pass the Governor's power to save his life from such as had conspired his death. It was therefore agreed that seven personages for each party should meet at Lythcoo, midway between this and Stirling, to peruse the treaties and stay the matters now in variance. The Governor appointed Cassells, Glencarn, Marshall, Maxwell, the abbot of Pastle, Sir Jas. Lirmonthe, and Mr. Hen. Bannesse; and for the other party were Montrose, Erskyn, Flemyng, the bps. of Orkeney and Donbleyn, Sir John Cambell of Caldar and Mark Carr. These met all at Lithcoo, and consented to the treaties and to command the wardens on the Borders to observe the peace; and that (as the Cardinal durst not yet come to Edinburgh, and Argile and Huntley must go home to stay their countries), a convention shall be had here on the 20th inst., to ratify the treaties by the Three Estates, and meanwhile the Governor shall prepare the hostages and determine the ransom of the prisoners; or else, if the time of this convention could not be tarried, the Governor should ratify and perfect all things. These things were agreed, as the Governor, Glencarne and Maxwell say, and the Cardinal and his complices are now gone from Stirling to their own countries. The Governor and others, desiring to have the Cardinal and his complices present at the ratification, have desired Sadler to write to the King to prorogue the ratification and laying of hostages until the last of September, when all shall be solemnly perfected in full Parliament, and shall be the more authentic; but, if that prorogation is refused, the Governor and such as are near at hand will accomplish all. Sadler told the Governor that he doubted lest the Cardinal did dissemble to win time, to see if the aid would arrive which they looked for from France; and the Governor repeated this to Maxwell and Sir George Douglas, who stood by. Maxwell, who was yesterday at Stirling with the Cardinal, said that assuredly there was no such intention, and that the Cardinal was right sorry for what he had done and for the expenses he had had, for he bare all the charges of it; but Douglas was of Sadler's opinion, nevertheless he thought the prorogation to 30 Sept. could not hurt, for meanwhile the Cardinal and his fellows should be deciphered and they would provide for the worst, and if they kept the convention things would be done with more authority, and if not Henry should always be sure of the Governor and his partakers to keep all promises. Which the Governor affirmed, saying he would rather be pulled in pieces than swerve from them.
This day, received a letter from the old Queen desiring him to speak with her at Stirling, which he will do to-morrow. Has received Henry's letters of 31 July, from Guldeford; and has communed therein with the Governor, Angus, Casselles, Glencarn and others. The Governor says he will follow Henry's counsel as near as he can, but thinks "it will be difficile to make the Cardinal renounce his red hat, for, he thinketh, he would rather embrace and receive the iij crowns; but he doubteth not to cause him to condescend that God's word may be set forth." All promise that the Council established shall do as Henry's friends wish. Maxwell says the Cardinal much desires Henry's favour, laments his displeasure and takes God to witness that he never offended him. As to what Sir George Douglas has done in this garboil; he is the man most hated by the Cardinal and his complices and, therefore meddled little, save about the Governor (whose chief counsellor he is, to the offence not only of the Cardinal but of some of this party, who say he desires to rule alone). It was against his mind that the Queen was removed, and he would have no such Council here as is now in question. He is yet in chief authority with the Governor. The abbot of Pastle and David Panter are also in great credit; but in matters of weight the Governor seems to use the advice of the noblemen here. The old Queen has about her some 30 ordinary officers, and each of the four lords keepers of the young Queen has 24 men. After the next change of keepers the barons appointed shall keep their course by two at a time, each with 24 men, besides such English persons as Henry shall appoint. Edinburgh, 5 Aug. Signed.
Pp. 6. Add. Endd. : 1543.
5 Aug.
R. O. St. P., V. 330.
15. Sadler to [Parr].
Perceives, by his letter of 2 Aug., that he would gladly maintain the credit of his espial, who is "well trusted amongst the lords of the contrary party." If that be so, it is well to hear him and give him no trust at all; for, if worthy to be trusted by them, he will tell nothing to our benefit. No part of his tale, as your lordship wrote it, is true (although, doubtless, the lords of the contrary party would be glad if it proved true), but the things were common bruit here. He said truly that the Queen should be kept by four barons, but misnamed the barons. My letters to the King and my lord of Suffolk, which I thought had come to you before, showed the mere truth and might have served to decipher the untruth of your espial. Nevertheless, it is more than necessary to have good espials, for they may now and then stumble on the truth. Writes this to verify what he wrote before, viz., that no part of the espial's news is true as Parr wrote it. Edinburgh, 5 Aug. Signed.
P. 1. Flyleaf with address lost.
5 Aug.
Royal MS. 18 B. VI., 24b. B.M. Epp. Reg. Sc., II. 165.
16. Arran to Christian III.
Last April, when expecting nothing else than war, wrote to him how the King was dead and the administration of the realm committed to Arran; and asked that the Scots who had gone thither for grain might, according to ancient custom, be aided by Christian with victuals and other necessary armament for war. Meanwhile sought, by ambassadors, to obtain an honorable peace with the enemies; and not in vain, for the month of July brought a peace in which is specially provided that the French king, Christian, and the other princes confederate with this realm are honorably comprehended. Signifies this that Christian may know that the Scots would have no conditions of peace in which their friends and allies were omitted; to the end that he may command that the Scots in Denmark may be held as allies and confederates, for rumor is that they have not lately been treated as friends. Datum ex regia Sanctae Crucis, 5 Aug. 1543.
Lat. Copy, pp. 2.
Ib., 155b. 2. Another copy.
Lat., p. 1.
Ib., 220b. 3. Another copy.
Lat., pp. 2.
5 Aug.
R. O.
17. H. Lord Maltravers to Henry VIII.
In execution of the King's pleasure signified by Mr. Surveyor, lord Grey, accompanied with the Marshal, Lieutenant of the Castle, Sir Thos. Poynynges and the Surveyor, left yesternight and this morning have burnt Margeson, the peel thereby, Lullyngham, Lybryngham, and part of Basyngham, leaving Whitsand, Owdersell and Owdyngham unspoiled; as bearer can declare. Calis, 5 Aug.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd. : 1543.
6 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 203. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 444.
18. Sadler to the Council.
Late yesternight, received theirs of 2 Aug.; and has this morning communed with the Governor and the King's friends. The Governor rejoices at the promise of the King's support. Presented the 1,000l., which arrived this morning from Berwick. To the Cardinal, who now seeks the Governor's favour and the King's, with promise to set forth the accomplishment of the treaties as now passed, the Governor will have regard as the King advises, until he show in deeds what he professes by words; but, if the Cardinal and his complices will keep the convention here on the 20th, the Governor desires that the King will "remit" them for the past and be (if they behave themselves) their gracious lord. All promise that the Council to be appointed shall be one wherein the King's friends shall bear the chief stroke.
The French ships are victualled, and will steal away this night, although the Governor says he does all he can to stay them, and seems loth that they should escape, promising that the King's ships shall lack nothing. Spoke also with Angus and Douglas for their assistance; but fears that the Frenchmen will steal away to-night or to-morrow, so that the King's navy should look about for them. This morning, received the enclosed letter from Mr. Poyntz. Edinburgh, 6 Aug.
P.S. in his own hand.Is taking horse to ride to Stirling to speak with the old Queen.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd. : 1543.
6 Aug.
R. O.
19. Sadler to [Parr].
Encloses letters to the King's Council, answering theirs received yesternight, and to Suffolk and Wriothesley. Those to Wriothesley contain only private matters; but the others will show what Sadler yet knows of the state of things here. Edenburgh, 6 Aug.
Hol. p. 1. Fly leaf with address lost.
8 Aug.
R. O. St. P., IX, 463.
20. Wotton to Henry VIII.
President Schore says that Schepperus, who is returned, left the Emperor at Spyre; whose vanguard was to set forward on Wednesday last. (fn. 3) Heard, before, that the Emperor had 18,000 lantzknechts; Schore, however, says that there are 22,000 payments, but only 16,000 men, who, with the 8,000 Spaniards and Italians, are enough for any footmen of the enemy, but, as 4,000 horsemen are not enough, the Emperor requires 4,000 of this country. Asked where the Emperor would go; but Schore would only answer that that would appear at his coming to Covelentz. Apparently he will enter France; for 4,000 horsemen would be enough to set upon the duke of Cleves. Argues, at length, that the Emperor should set upon the Clevois, who are more dangerous to these countries than the Frenchmen are, and the Duke, whose soldiers cry for money, can get no help now from Denmark (where the King fears an "innovation") or the French king (considering "what enemies begin to set upon him"), and finds himself deceived in the persuasion that the Emperor would not come out of Spain this summer and that Luyke would revolt to the French, which is now more likely to declare for the Emperor. The Emperor might now force the Duke to some agreement; and will not omit to do so unless for fear of provoking the duke of Saxony, the Landgrave and the Protestants; but these men will not say what the Emperor intends, although they must know.
The President says also that the Frenchmen are clean gone from about Valenchiennes, part of them to Artois to get in the corn to Terwyne and Hesdyn. Describes report as to the taking of Audesane in Piedmont by the French and its recovery by Guasto's men under Pirrho Colonna.
"The duke of Cleves calleth upon the French king to have his wife; and, for a countenance, she hath been brought as far as La Fere," where the ladies remained while the King lay at Marolles. Barbarossa has been at Tollon and will attempt Nice. He has 150 vessels and can land 10,000 men; but the year is too far past for him to tarry long.
The Clevois have returned home with booty and prisoners having "brantscattidde" the towns and villages on Mase side and the country betwixt Amersforte and Amstelredamme for six weeks. Martyn van Rosheym, remembering that the Hollanders have inclined to the profession of the Gospel, causes some of his lantzknechts to preach at Amersforte, to allure them; "where must needs be a good sight, to see a lantzknecht, his cap full of feathers, his doublet and hosen cut and jagged, his sword by his side, an arcabowse in his neck, to preach and set forth the Word solemnly, as though it were not Christ's Gospel but Mahumettes Alcorane which may not be taught but if there be a sword there in presence." Besides peasants, there were 100 horsemen of Mons. de Emerode's band taken in Eyndone. People here grudge that the Regent and Council take no better order for their defence when they have paid so much. The Prince of Orenge departed hence three days past to his men at Maestricht, who number 12,000 footmen and 2,000 horsemen, and are perhaps to assist the Imperialists of Luyke and oppress the conjuration; which was detected by three divers men that carried letters between the conspirators and Mons. de Longueval, and has since been confessed by the conspirators. One of the chief conspirators is the Prothonotary de Marca or La Marche, a very idiot; so that men marvel that it has been kept close so long. The Prothonotary's grandfather was William of Arenbergh or de la Marche, who slew Bourbon, bp. of Luyke, and was afterwards beheaded for it at Maestricht; and his brother Mons. de Serris has been brought hither prisoner, but will be sent to the bp. of Luyke to be examined. Martyn van Roshem is before Heynsberghe where the Clevois lay before. Cannot think that he will besiege it, but rather go up to view the towns of Gulicke as Duren, Sittart, Gulick, Nydeck, &c., in the Emperor's way; or else pass to Luyke. Supposes that the Prince is at Maestricht to watch him.
The Regent seems to accept in good part the answer to her request for cattle out of England against the Emperor's coming. Bruxelles, 8 Aug. 1543.
Hol., pp. 5. Add. Endd.
9 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 205 B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 445.
21. The Privy Council to Sadler.
The King thanks him for his diligent advertisement by his letters of the 5th inst., and desires him, incontinently, to repair to the Governor and say that, in the resolution taken by the fourteen persons concerning the ratification, the King notes that, albeit there is a request for a longer day than the treaty appoints, yet, all agreed that, if this could not be obtained, the ratification should be passed by the Governor, in the name of all the Estates, although only executed by those present with the Governor; and, as these treaties were concluded by five commissioners, authorised by the whole realm, the King regards more the ratification "by authority of Parliament than the presence of this or that particular person in passing of the same." Taking it to be true that all the fourteen persons perused the treaties and, in the name of all, allowed them and agreed to the ratification when all should assemble, or sooner by such as be about the Governor, Sadler shall require the ratification to be within the time prescribed by the treaty, alleging that the King cannot consent to the alteration of the pact, as such a relaxation made by one party at the request of the other would loosen the strength of the bargain. He is to demand it to be done, as the treaty purports, by authority of Parliament (which there they "commit to few or no persons as they think good, as they seem to have done in this case"); foreseeing that, whosoever is present, "the Act must pass under the young Queen's and Governor's seals, by authority of Parliament, with express mention how all the Estates have been made privy to the covenants," as indeed they have in the persons of the fourteen; for it is the consent universal that gives authority, not the presence of any particular member. The presence of all makes greater bruit, "but a meaner number authorised is of like authority." Dilates this that Sadler may better satisfy those who press for delay.
Sadler must require that the prisoners keep their day of entry. Where it appears that the Queen shall hereafter be in custody of only two barons with a very small number; the King likes not this determination, unless he may send a greater number to be resident about her than the treaty permits. Sadler must grope whether the Governor and others will agree to the King's sending a greater number; making this appear as a necessity considering the personages to be sent, viz., a gentleman who must have servants, a lady of reputation with her train, and "a physician who must be served as his qualities require."
In naming only the ratification, means also the delivery of hostages, &c.
Draft in Gardiner's hand, corrected by Wriothesley. Pp. 4. Endd. : Mynute to Master Sadleyr, ixo Aug. 1543.
9 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 207. B. M. Sadler State Papers, I. 249.
22. Sadler to Henry VIII.
Wrote that the Queen Dowager had sent for him. Has now been with her at Stirling. She said she had sent for him that he might know she was still of the same good mind to accomplish all the King's pleasure, especially the marriage of the Prince with her daughter (of which she had better hope now that the noblemen of the realm had delivered her, from the Governor, into the custody of the barons appointed by Parliament), and to declare, at the request of the said noblemen, that they were all well minded to the treaties, and would convene with the Governor, on the 20th inst., to ratify them; for her own part, she thought nothing could be more honorable for her and her daughter than this marriage, and she had good hope it would take effect, both for the above cause and for that Henry had so wisely provided to have good pledges for her daughter's delivery into England at ten years; and she would, in the mean season, look to her daughter's surety, that she might be "in good plight" to be then delivered. Replied, reminding her of her determination at his first coming to the country, that he was glad to perceive by her words that she remained still the same woman towards the King, trusting her deeds would declare it, but he marvelled that the noblemen she spoke of would rebel, as they did, against him whom they chose Governor, whereby, if the Governor had been as malicious as they, great effusion of blood must have ensued; and he feared the world would note their untruth in it. She answered, earnestly, that their quarrel was for the surety of their Sovereign lady and the commonweal; for, where the realm appointed, by Parliament, that her daughter should be kept by certain barons, the Governor held her and her daughter, as it were, in prison, alleging that she minded to transport her daughter out of the realm; and, moreover, the Governor, in affairs of the realm, specially those weighty matters lately treated with Henry, used advice only of private persons, without calling the great and notable personages; who wished Henry to know that they were as well inclined to his reasonable contentation as the Governor or any others; and things thus done without their consent could not be available, nor could those who passed them perform their promise. Sadler answered that, whatever pretence they made, they, or at least some of them (as Montrose, Erskine and Fleming), knew that there was an article in the treaty of marriage that the young Queen should be in custody of the barons appointed by Parliament, which therefore needed no insurrection; and in the great matters with Henry the Governor used no private counsel, but the advice of all nobles who would come to him, for the first ambassadors were despatched by the Three Estates in Parliament, the second time Glencairn and Douglas were despatched by the same Parliament (none absent but the Cardinal and Huntley), and thirdly, at the return of Douglas, he was despatched by the same Parliament, as many of them as would on the Governor's letters repair to him for the purpose, and Montrose, Erskine and Fleming were present at all three dispatches, so it could not be said that these things were privately handled or gave cause to make such a stir in the realm as, if wisdom and temperance had not ruled the Governor, must have led to great mischief. She laboured much to excuse them; but with little reason. She is glad to be at Stirling, and praised the air about the house and said her daughter grew apace "and would soon be a woman, if she took of her mother (who indeed, is of the largest stature of women)"; and she showed him the child, who is right fair and goodly for her age. Then after she had repeated her cause of sending for him, and he had promised to write it to Henry, Sadler took leave.
At his return to Edinburgh, arrived Henry's letters of his pleasure to be declared to the Governor and others touching the 5,000 men to be sent hither and preparation of a greater furniture if necessary, the promise to make the Governor king beyond the Firth, and the Cardinal. Whereupon, repairing to the Governor, asked first how matters stood. He answered that he thought the Cardinal and his partakers would "make him a new business"; for Huntley and Lennox were secretly charging all their friends to be ready with 15 days' victuals to set forward with them against the 20th inst., and thereupon he had resolved to send home Angus, Cassils, Glencairn, Maxwell, Somervail, the sheriff of Ayr and others to prepare their forces to be here and at Linlithgow against the 20th inst.; and Glencairn and Somervail were already gone and the rest going to-day or to-morrow. Undoubtedly the Cardinal dissembled, depending upon the aid of France, which was coming hither by the West Seas with James Stuard, whom the Cardinal and Lennox despatched for it, as appeared by letters which arrived yesterday, from Depe, to John a Barton. The Cardinal made suit for his favour and to speak with him, but put off on pretence of danger to his life; and, evidently, all the fair words of the Cardinal and his parte-takers (fn. 4) were but dissimulation, for which he would provide. In reply to this Sadler declared the contents of the King's letters. The Governor answered, with thanks, that, on debating the matter in Council, they found that to bring in 5,000 Englishmen would make 20,000 Scots forsake them, and, therefore, if they were forced to have aid it must be such an army as might work their feat without any great number of Scotsmen; but he begged that the men might remain still in readiness and that the King would lend him 5,000l. (the late ruffle had cost him 20,000 mks. Scots) within these ten days, with which he could wage enough men of this nation to daunt the Cardinal and his complices into compliance; and in case they conveyed the Queen away, or otherwise impeached his keeping promise with Henry, he would be ordered by Henry, as well in delivery of the strongholds as the rest; as to the offer to make him king beyond the Firth, all his lands lay on this side, which he would not gladly change for any living beyond. Sadler told him he might be sure the King would so deal with him that he should know he had "a great friend." Then he swore by the wounds of Christ that if those matters grew to such extremity he would do whatsoever Henry required; and Sadler, promising to write his request for the 5,000l., departed.
Immediately after this, spoke with Angus, Cassils, Maxwell and Douglas, and found them entirely of the Governor's opinion as to the bringing in of Englishmen and need of aid in money. The three former were ready to go home, to make their forces and repair hither and to Linlithgow against the 20th inst.
At Stirling, by means of a gentleman of a good house here, obtained a bond (fn. 5); made by the Cardinal and his complices at their late being at Linlithgow (copy herewith). Till Sadler showed it, this day, the Governor knew nothing of it; and it has stirred him the more against the Cardinal, whose device it is. Fleming, who is as ill or worse than Bothwell, has subscribed it, as Henry will see; and also the laird of Craigy, for whom Henry wrote to the Governor. Fleming has said he will never go into England, whatsoever become of his son; but, to redeem his pledge, he will pay his ransom as taxed by the late ambassadors. Saw him with the Queen at Stirling, but he departed suddenly to avoid speaking with Sadler. The French ships are all afloat, sailing about in the Firth, awaiting wind to depart, but have promised the Governor to tarry these three days for letters which he pretends a wish to despatch into France. They intend to hover awhile on this coast for the Iseland fleet, and, in returning homewards, will keep aloof from the English coast. Will keep Suffolk informed of them. Edinburgh, 9 Aug., at midnight. Signed.
Pp. 11. Add. Endd. : 1543.
*** The above is noted (with corrigenda for the text of Sadler State Papers) in Hamilton Papers, No. 446.
9 Aug.
R. O.
23. Henry Cornysshe to the Earl Of Hertford.
Six weeks ago allowed a man of this Isle to go to St. Maloes; but never heard from him again, although divers of St. Maloes sent to know whether they might come hither for traffic, and had answer that they should [be] welcome. Getting suspicious, sent to friends in Normandy, who report "that th[ere] is a great army providing at Synct Maloes, and that the war between England and France is printed and sent down to every garrison and port, and that all the gentlemen be sent to 'stofe' their garrisons as Scherborow, Grandvyll and such other." Apparently they fear a landing of Englishmen, as all men not able to victual themselves are sent out of the garrisons, and the country left open. Thinks "that if Englishmen were set a-land, in time, the whole commons, with policy, would soon grant to go with them and aid them, they have been so cruelly handled by the French king and his officers." The French have taken certain English spies. A captain with 200 men is beside Sherborow, "which shall be taken in of divers barks of Depe, Kylbefe and Feacam, to set upon Garnsey, the which is given to them." Thinks therefore that they of St. Maloes intend hither. Desires the King's letters for punishment of "vaunteparlers." Detains three of that sort in the Castle, who went from parish to parish. Jersey, 9 Aug. 1543.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
9 Aug.
R. O.
24. John Fysscher to Sir Ric. Long.
Since he wrote last, he and Mr. Lieutenant of Jersey have news out of Normandy that ships are ready at Depe, Humffleyt and Kyllebyffe, and also 100 men at Cherrebroke, for an expedition against Gernyssey; and also ships at Sent Mallowys disposed to come both to Jersey and Gernyssey. The men of the Isle are faint hearted, and discontented "because the boats were taken with the men at Alldyerney which burnt the King's Isle," and apparently not sorry that the Isle was burnt. Thinks it ill trusting them with the Isle and the great ordnance, and wishes some ships and Englishmen sent hither with speed. "If ye knew how 'fraid the knaves are ye would hang some of them. Sir, I think there was never men that hath the trouble as the bailiff and I have with them, both night and day; and never rest to bring them in some readiness; and all will not serve." Gernyssey, 9 Aug.
Hol., p. 1. Add. : Captain and governor of the Isle of Gernyssey. Endd. : 1543.
9 Aug.
R. O. St. P., IX. 468.
25. Chr. Mont to Henry VIII.
On 25 July, the Emperor came to Spires with a great company of Spanish noblemen, and 400 horse besides his bodyguard. Next day, the abp. of Mayence arrived and spoke with the Emperor on behalf of the Duke of Cleves. The Emperor replied that his patience was exhausted since the Duke had seized upon his Duchy, (fn. 6) invaded Brabant, and was continuing depredations upon his subjects. Mayence staid but three days and then returned to his diocese. After his departure the Abp. of Cologne and Elector Palatine entered Spires together. Next day Cologne had an interview with the Emperor, but treated nothing serious; and after him the Palatine had a secret conference with the Emperor. That afternoon Granwella and Naves bad a long interview with the Abp. who, very early next morning, returned to Cologne. The Palatine made no intercession for Cleves, who does not seek it. The Protestants sent ambassadors who were twice heard. Understands that they moved three things, viz. that the Emperor should not hold their religion in suspicion, that the judgment of the Chamber might be viewed and reformed according to the declaration at Ratisbon, and that he should accept their ejection of Henry, duke of Brunswick. They are to follow the Emperor to Mayence, for which he left on 5 Aug. The day after the Emperor left, 4,000 Spanish arquebusiers arrived and took charge of the ordnance in the ships. Gives statement of Italian and German soldiers, and of munitions of war. now passing with the Emperor, who is distrusted in Germany. The Turk is devastating Hungary and even threatening Vienna. Ferdinand betook himself to Bohemia. It is said that 15,000 Swiss are going to the French king, to whom also the Bp. of Rome has sent 4,000 Italian foot that were destined for Vienna. Spires, 9 Aug.
Lat. Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
9 Aug.
R. O. St. P., IX. 467.
26. King Ferdinand to Henry VIII.
Learns by Henry's letters and by his secretary, who has returned, how disposed Henry is to help him now in his extreme danger. Thanks both for his love and for assistance (subsidium) sent at this time of necessity. Prague, 9 Aug. 1543. Signed. Countersigned : R. Bionger, vicecanc. Ad. Carolus.
Lat. Broad sheet, p. 1. Add. Endd.
[10 Aug.]
R. O.
27. Henry VIII. to Wallop and Others.
Has received their letters, and in answer to their doubts expressed in that of the 4th, about joining [in the siege of] Landersey, directs them to say that, upon words had with the Governor of Arras, they despatched letters to the King's Council for instructions on that point; and have received answer that (since the words of the treaty imply that, the enemy's army being departed and the party aided not minding to invade the enemy's dominions, they may return and not waste time in the siege of a village), the Council referred the matter to the King, who decided that, although it would be chargeable to permit them to go so far to so little purpose, yet, as he has ever been accustomed to eschew argument in treaties and ready to do more than he is bound for his friend, "if they will needs press you to go thither, where ye and we both suppose ye shall waste your time without great fruit, you shall nevertheless do [as th]ey shall re[quire, so as our doing therein at] their request may [be a] bond to them for the doing of the like hereafter in these two points following, that is to say, that in case we require aid of th' Emperor the same aid shall serve at our appointment during the four months, although th' enemy be [retir]ed, to b[esiege] . . . . . . . . . . . . or town which th' ene[my shall] before have gotten; and that, how far soever we lead the said aid, they shall remain in service with us iiij. whole months, and, after the four months ended, at th' Emperor's charge, return into their country like as ye [now at] this time a[re required to do]"; warning them that after the four months ended you must return unless they will have you at their charge.
"[Further, our] pleas[ure is that you, Mr. Wallop, shall represent unto] the Greate [Master and others of the Emperor's] Counsail there . . . . . . . . . . . . . th' army which ev[ery] of [us two] is bound to send to the seas, which for our part we have done, as in all the rest we be ever ready to satisfy to th' extreme point of our treaties," trusting that they will do the like in deeds as in words, or we shall not in the end think ourself well dealt with; praying him to consider this and put to his helping [hand].
Draft with corrections and last paragraph in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 13. Mutilated.
10 Aug.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 215, B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 447.
28. Henry VIII. to Sadler.
[*** A letter apparently sent in the place of No. 21, with which in general tenor it agrees.]
As it appears that the fourteen agreed to a convention at Edinburgh on the 20th, the Governor meanwhile to prepare the hostages, Sadler is to tell the Governor that the King will wait to the 20th, or even four days longer, so that the Cardinal and his complices may be present to give the ratification more solemnity; but, if they fail to assemble by the 24th, as the fourteen persons agreed that the Governor and those with him might proceed alone, and as the treaties were concluded by five commissioners, &c. (as in No. 21, down to the end of the clause for the prisoners' entry). When the young Queen is kept by only two barons, each with 24 persons, albeit the one baron is assured to the Governor, the other, being assured to the Cardinal, together with the old Queen and 30 persons with her, shall have the strongest side. Also the King much desires to send a larger number than is limited by the treaty (which desire Sadler must keep to himself), and it is meet that the Queen should have as many as her mother who has thirty; and as no man can have greater desire for her safety than the King, "being now her father-in-law," and as the Commissioners promised that the number should be enlarged, Sadler shall move the Governor to provide that the Dowager continue not in the Castle with the Queen, but remain in the town with liberty now and then, with two or three in her company, to visit the Queen; and shall grope whether the Governor and others will agree, &c. (as in No. 21, to the end, without the note about ratification, which is embodied in the wording of this letter).
Draft corrected by Wriothesley, pp. 17. Endd. : Mynute to Master Sad[leyr], xo Augusti, 1543.
10 Aug.
R. O. St. P., V. 331.
29. The Privy Council to [Parr].
Declared to the King the contents of his letter of the 6th, and are commanded to answer that, as the laird of Mowe and Jok Pringle (who lately, in company with Mark Carr, Dandy Yong, and others made a raid into England and were apprehended), entered rather by wildness and folly than upon any pretenced malice, and Pringle has favoured divers of the King's subjects, as Parson Ogle declared, they and all the rest are to be saved, except two or three that have been the most cankered against the King's subjects, who are to be, at a warden court, condemned and executed. As the keeping of such a number would be a cumbrance and charge, they are to be, at the said warden court, dismissed into Scotland; reserving Mowe and Pringle and ten of the best of the others to be kept surely and honestly. Sunninghil, 10 Aug. 1543. Signed by Russell, Hertford, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Browne, Wyngfeld, and Paget.
Pp. 2. Fly leaf with address lost.
Add. MS. 32,651, f. 224. B. M. 2. Original draft of the preceding.
Pp. 2. Endd. : Mynute to my 1. Parr, xo Augusti, 1543.
10 Aug.
Add. MS. 28,593, f. 233. B. M.
30. Chapuys to the Prince Of Spain.
This King has proclaimed war against France and all the Emperor's enemies. His army sent to succour Flanders has burnt all the villages of the Boulognois and about Ardres and Terouenne, and is on the way to join De Roeulx and attack Vendme if he will wait for them. The French king, after camping nearly a month at Marolles and failing to capture Bins, withdrew to Cambray, and, on 29 July, divided his army into three parts, one of which, with himself and his sons, went towards St. Quentin, another to join Vendme in Picardy, and the third and greatest to Champagne for fear lest the Emperor should invade on that side. The Emperor was to leave Spires on the 1st inst., and should now be near Juliers, and it is hoped that Martin vand Roja and the Gueldrois will be chastised and Amisfort recovered.
In Scotland all who favoured France have ratified the treaty with Englandthe Cardinal among the first, and the Queen making no difficulty. London, 10 Aug. 1543.
Spanish. Modern transcript from Simancas, pp. 3. See Spanish, Calendar, VI. II., No. 203.
10 Aug.
31. Sadler to Henry VIII.
The letter printed in Sadler State Papers, I. 249, as of this date is really of the 9th Aug. See No. 22.
10 Aug.
R. O.
32. Maurice Bourchier.
Certificate by John Bowcer and Edw. Trotman of the dying words of John Davys, of Dursley, 20 Sept., 1534, relative to Maurice Bochier of Barkeley, Glouc., merchant. 10 Aug., 35 Hen. VIII.
Draft, large paper, pp. 4.

Footnotes

  • 1. Probably a name of place omitted without a blank.
  • 2. Misread "clarkes" in Calais Chronicle.
  • 3. August 1st.
  • 4. "Parte-takers" here, but very commonly written as above, "partakers."
  • 5. See Part I. No. 945.
  • 6. Gueldres.