Henry VIII: October 1545, 1-5

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 20 Part 2, August-December 1545. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Henry VIII: October 1545, 1-5', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 20 Part 2, August-December 1545, (London, 1907) pp. 233-245. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol20/no2/pp233-245 [accessed 20 April 2024]

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

October 1545, 1-5

1 Oct. 501. The Privy Council.
Dasent's
A.P.C., 251.
Meeting at Windsor, 1 Oct. Present: Norfolk, Essex, Admiral, "Winchester, Browne, Wingfield, Paget. Business:—Letters to the earl of Hertford, to discharge part of the Border garrisons; to Sir Thos. Seymour to take the navy to Portsmouth and send hither Mr. Wyndham; to the captain of St. Michael's Mount, John Steven of St. Ivys and the customer of Penzance, to let certain Spaniards depart with their fish upon bond not to land it in the enemy's country; to the Lord Chancellor to send a mass of money to Mr. Chaddreton, at Portsmouth, for the navy; to Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Chaddreton declaring my lord of Arondel's repair to Portsmouth for its defence; and to Mr. Bellingeham to come to Court, ready, after communing with the King, to repair to the Isle of Wight.
1 Oct. 502. Victualling of Calais and Boulogne.
R. O. Warrant, similar to No. 441, to deliver John Whithed, of London, cooper, 85l. in prest towards provision of 80 tons of empty cask, 30,000 "clappe borde," 20,000 hoops, and divers tools for coopers, for the town of Bullen. London, 1 Oct. 1545. Signal by Winchester and Ryther.
P. 1. Add. Endd.: sol. per Wrner. Subscribed with Whitehed's receipt (a mark).
R. O. 2. Similar warrant for 50l. to John Colyns and Thomas Emery, towards provison of 600 qr. wheat in Essex for Callys and Bollen. London, 1 Oct. Signed as above.
P.1. Add. Endd.: sol. per Wrner. Subscribed with a mark (for receipt).
R. O. 3. Similar warrant for 100l. to John Cooke, Wm. Aslowthe and John Style, towards provision of 1,000 qr. wheat in cos. Herts and Beds, for Calys and Bullen. 1 Oct. Signed as above.
P.1. Add. Endd.: Shelton. Subscribed as received by William Aslowth.
R. O. 4. Similar warrant for 250l. to John Love and Thos. Russell, towards provision of 1,300 oxen and 1,000 sheep for victualling of Callis and Bullen. London, 1 Oct. 1545. Signed as above.
P. 1. Add. Endd.: sol. per Wrner. Subscribed as received Thomas Russell.
R. O. 5. Similar warrant for 65l. to John Besbich and Wm. Reide towards provision of 100 sheep and 45 oxen "and towards the payments of the half freight of oxen and sheep to be transported to Calice from Dover." London, 1 Oct. 1545. Signed as above.
P.1. Add. Endd.: sol. per Wrner. Subscribed, as received: John Bestbyche.
Also endd. with memorandum that all "these warrants" on "this file" are allowed in one entire warrant signed by the King's Privy Council and so are "now void and of none effect."
1 Oct. 503. Ilfracombe Rectory.
Rymer, XV.
68.
Grant by Henry marquis of Dorset to lord Chancellor Wriothesley of the advowson of the rectory of Ilfercombe alias Ilfracombe, Devon. 1 Oct. 37 Hen. VIII.
Enrolled (Cl. Roll p. 3, No. 6], as acknowledged, same day, before the King in Chancery.
1 Oct. 504. William Heyghfeld.
Harl. MS.
2,067, f. 108b.
B. M.
Will of Will. Heyghfeld of Knottesford, Chesh., gent., 1 Oct. 1545. Modern copy, pp. 3.
1 Oct. 505. Hertford, Tunstall and Sadler to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P., v 535.
Wrote that Robert Maxwell wished to confer here with his father touching the custody of their houses of strength in the West Marches. They have done so, and Lord Maxwell has made means to go home, but is advised by Hertford to make no such suit until the houses are delivered or there is some fruit of his service. Lord Maxwell said he had not much trust in his second son, who is but a young man and has possession of Loughmaben castle, and would have his cousin John Maxwell, taken prisoner with Robert Maxwell, sent home to take charge of the castle. Sent to Carlisle for the said John Maxwell, who came hither yesterday, and Lord Maxwell broke the matter to him in presence of the writers. He seemed willing, and promised to deliver the castle at all times to anyone bringing a certain token from Lord Maxwell (a tablet of gold hanging about his neck). It was devised further that Lord Maxwell should write to his second son pretending that the King licensed him to return home if he laid his second son in pledge for his re-entry, and so willing him to come to Carlisle and leave Loghmaban in John Maxwell's hands, who is to-day despatched towards Carlisle and Loghmaban. Doubt that the second son may play the same part as the eldest in refusing to enter for his father's relief, as may be seen partly by Wharton's letters herewith. Lord Maxwell desires leave to go into Scotland after the houses are delivered, not doubting but to bring the whole country to the King's obedience. When the houses are received, of which we have as yet no great trust, it will not be amiss to admit Lord Maxwell to the King's service, detaining his eldest son in England until it be seen how his father proceeds. Would know, if the houses are delivered, what numbers to send to receive them. Loghmaban standing 16 miles within Scotland through Annerdale, which is a well replenished country, should be received with least bruit in the night. Carlaverock, which is of Maxwell's own inheritance, stands by the sea and can be gone to at all times, although he would have both delivered at one instant. Have written to Lord Wharton to know how many men are required to keep these houses, and how they shall be victualled. Newcastell, 1 Oct. 1545.
P.S.—Lord Wharton, in the end of his letter, would know how to avoid the danger of the statute against sending horses into Scotland when he sends messengers thither; and the other wardens ask the same question. Signed.
Pp. 4. Add. Endd.
1 Oct. 506. Hertford to Paget.
R. O. The earl of Ormonde presently sends his servant, the bearer, with letters to the lord Chancellor and others of the Council touching certain prize wines and liberties in Ireland which his ancestors and he have enjoyed peaceably these 300 years, until last year, when exceptions were invented to annihilate the grant made to his ancestors by King Edward III. Even if his title were doubtful, it does not seem a convenient time to stir such matters of law, especially in Ireland, "the country being at no certain stay." Ormonde forbears suing to the King at this troublesome time, but seeks to have matters put in suspense until the King may call them before himself or the Council; and, as his request is so reasonable, and he so willing to serve the King, the writer begs Paget to show him what pleasure he may. Bearer can declare the whole matter. Newcastell, 1 Oct. 1545. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Kndd.
1 Oct. 507. Vaughan to Paget.
R. O. This day arrived Francis the post from the King's commissaries, who write for the money which the Council commanded Vaughan to send them if they wrote for it. Will tomorrow send them 50,000l. Fl. to Acon. By reason of the arrest lately made, has not yet exchanged the valued gold; but will to-day exchange 25,000l. Fl., or at least 20,000l. Fl., and so, with the 30,000l. Fl. already in his hands, make up the 50,000l. Fl. Learns, by letters from my lord of Westminster, this morning, that the Emperor will license 12,000l. of the valued gold to pass out of his countries, but no more. Is glad of the grant of so much and will bring it home with him. Will send Thomas Gressam with the money to the Commissaries. Would fain know what order is taken for Haller's matter, and despatch that also. Must take crowns of France for the residue of the valued gold. Andwerp, 1 Oct.
I beseech you help me home. The Emperor will not license me to carry away any gold of his own coin, so that I must change his crowns for French. All the money I will send to Calles shall be French crowns, 12,000l. in valued gold, and the rest in English gold and silver.
Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1545.
1 Oct. 508. Vaughan to Paget.
R. O. After the despatch of Francis, the King's post, came a servant of the Palsgrave Frederick, hearing a bruit that peace was taken between the King and the French king, to entreat Vaughan that his master might have the Almains which his Highness now had beside Cullen, to serve against the King of Denmark; adding that "winterly war more served for the achieving of his master's purpose in Estlande than summer war." Answered that he knew of no such peace, nor had command to discharge the Almains. The servant departed, praying that, if Vaughan received command to discharge them, he might have them for his master "upon an honest agreement";—so that the King might easily be discharged of them. Is about to change 20,000l. Fl. of valued gold for crowns, gaining thereby 1 per cent, and will send them to Acon (as he wrote, this day, by Francis) to the Commissaries. Help me home when this money is bestowed, "for it standeth me much upon." Andwerp, 1 Oct.
Pray let me know how to convey the King's jewels from hence. I intend to convey them with the money to Calles.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.; 1545.
1 Oct. 509. Fane and Others to the Council.
R. O. We wrote by Francis the post of our proceedings until then; and now, being here arrived with our army, and sending Mr. Averey, our colleague, to Andwarpe for 10,000 cr. or 12,000 cr., lacking through the continual encroaching of these people, we certify that we have since marched on 2, 3 or 4 leagues a day, but these folks are still wrangling about their conduct to the place of musters, wherein the "best chepe we shall pass" with Riffenberghe's horsemen will be 31 days' conduct. Now that Riffenberghe has granted them a page to every 12 horse, besides a baggager as covenanted, saying that he will give it "of his own," they say it is meant that 10 horse shall be fighting men, and the page and baggager make up the 12. And so they "hourly seek to grate upon us," and we have no remedy; for although Riffenberghe says he will now pay what they demand and discount it at the breaking up, we doubt if he will be able to do so, howbeit reason would that he should keep his bargain with the King and they with him. We must do as they list, or else dissolve the journey and consume the King's treasure in vain. To-morrow we are promised the musters of Bucholte's horsemen. He says that they are 700; and although commanded to take no more than the King bargained for, we will, to avoid mutiny, take the extra 200, provided the King is not charged with conduct for them, but only wages from the 16th ult., and will use Bucholt as Eidellwolffe is used. Sending our colleague for money does not hinder our journey, as he will overtake us at Liege. The rest needful for the breaking up should be at this town in time; for these people go by their old customs, viz., "that if they enter but a day in a new month they will be paid for the whole." Aeon, 1 Oct., 1545. Signed: R. Fane: Frauncys Halle: T. Chamberlain: Tho. Averey.
Pp. 4. Add. Endd.: The Commissioners for the Almaynes to the Counsaill.
2 Oct. 510. The Privy Council.
Dasent's
A.P.C., 252.
Meeting at Windsor, 2 Oct. Present: Norfolk, Admiral, Winchester, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Paget. Business:—Letters to the mayor of Salisbury to send up John a Ryle, tinker, of Winchester; to the Council of Wales to stay execution of Lewes ap Watkin and two others for murder, executing Richard Watkins only; to Mr. Husey to despatch 10 vessels to be at Dover before the spring, receiving money from my lord Chancellor and the Council at London; to the Council of Calais touching 500 soldiers sent thither from Portsmouth; to the same Council, signifying the examination of the Clevoys touching the late skirmish in the Pale, and mentioning that a gentleman of Florence with 9 or 10 followers and two others, the Prince of Savoy's servants, would shortly be sent thither to serve at 16cr. a month; to the mayor, &c., of Chester to despatch two Spanish ships stayed there by Lennox.
2 Oct. 511. Francis van der Delft to Paget.
R. O. I received last night from a servant whom I lately sent with letters to the Emperor, a little letter (epistolium) written at Bruges, 28 Sept., when he was expecting the return hither of Scepperus, who I hope will bring what those who seek the public welfare wish, and prove my assertion touching the Emperor's mind. In haste, before dawn, from Mortlake, where I fear that my wife may fall ill through inconvenient lodging, 2 Oct., 1545. Signed: Fran. Dilfus.
Lat. Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: Th'Emperours ambassadour to Mr. Secr. Mr. Paget.
2 Oct.
Shrewsb. MS. A., p. 363. Heralds' College.
2 Oct. 512. Hertford to Shrewsbury.
Shrewsb. MS.
A., p. 363.
Heralds'
College.
Request is made to me by the father and friends of the two young Carrs remaining with you in hostage that they may repair for a fortnight to Alnwick, to the lord Warden of the Middle Marches, where their friends would gladly see them. As this may advance the King's affairs, I desire you to deliver them to this bearer, who is appointed to take them to Alnwick and return with them to you. Newcastell, 2 Oct. 1545. Signed.
P. 1. Add.
3 Oct.
Dasent's A.P.C., 253.
3 Oct. 513. The Privy Council.
Dasent's
A.P.C., 253.
Meeting at Windsor, 3 Oct. Present: Norfolk, Admiral, Winchester, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Paget. Business:—Letter written to the "sheriff of the Marches of Wales," of the King's pleasure for the pardoning of Lewes ap Watkin and others; to Mr. Seymour, to enter some clean and uninfected vessel and sail with the whole navy to Portsmouth, there to lie within the haven or else between Chaddreton's bulwark and the town, in case the enemy attempt anything thereabouts; to my lord Chancellor, to allow Alarde Drumell for 76 tuns of wine at 8l. the tun.
3 Oct. 514. The Privy Council to Thirlby.
R. O.
St. P., x. 609.
The French army which was beside Bulloyn, having removed towards Arde, on Monday last (fn. n1) passed through Bredenarde by Hanawayes bulwarke into our East Pale. Coming through the Emperor's country, they were not expected, and have burnt and wasted the country about Olderkirke. After losing some men they returned the way they came. Thirlby is to represent to the Emperor that the King thinks this strange, after the promises that the French would not be suffered to pass by that way and must pass over the ruler's belly first, etc., and after the refusal of that passage to such as serve the King, even with small numbers. The King thinks that the Emperor ought not to weigh his amity and that of the French alike, and, upon trust of the Emperor's friendship has not provided against such attempts. Thirlby shall engrieve this; declaring the King's trust that the Emperor will show the world that he takes this attemptate in no good part, [and will now give aid according to the treaty, and send that aid, which was before promised in money, in men, out of those whom he has ready upon his frontiers, to join an army which the King means to send in pursuit of the enemy, whereof we have also spoken here with the ambassador]. (fn. n2)
Draft, pp. 2. Endd: Mynute from the Counsail to my lord of Westm., iijo October, 1545.
3 Oct. 515. Hertford to Paget.
R. O.
St. P., v. 538.
Has received a billet from the lord of Langton, to whom, when lately in Scotland, he gave assurance, for reasons already notified, by which, as Paget will perceive, it appears that the Governor of Scotland is either dead or near death; which is like enough, it having been reported sundry times that he was "sick of very melancholy that he could not resist the King's power lately there." Newcastell, 3 Oct., 1545. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
3 Oct. 516. Hertford to Paget.
R. O.
St. P., x. 608.
Encloses copy of a letter received from Wharton, with intelligence given by an espial of Lenoux. If the advertisement touching the Governor which Hertford sent yesternight (sic) prove true, Lenoux's going to Scotland "may serve to great purpose." Newcastle, 3 Oct., 1545. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
3 Oct. 517. Thirlby to Paget.
R. O.
St. P., x. 608.
Wrote on the last of September of a friar that was a practitioner of peace betwixt the Emperor and French king as named Gylbanke, but should have called him Goseman. He has been here of late and is looked for again; but, creeping like a friar, it will be hard to know when he comes or what he does. It is thought to be for a new marriage. Paget will have heard of the death of the Cardinal of Maguntia. which causes the Nuncio here "to fyske about and to labour to the Emperor" lest any Protestant succeed in his room. Some say that the Emperor will depart the sooner into the High Countries because of this, and some doubt lest the election may stay the King's army there. Trusts it may not be so, but begins now "to leave wondering at the practice of the world, quia nihil jam dictum (fn. n3) quod nun sit dictum (fn. n3) prius." Bruxelles, 3 Oct. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.: 1545.
3 Oct. 518. Edmund Baker to Lord Cobham, Deputy of Calais.
Harl. MS.
283, f. 171.
B. M.
Knowing the inclination of Master William to be now rather to wars, than letters, and passing by Acon, where Mr. Vane, Mr. Hall and other the King's Commissioners were making their last musters and ready to march, and who offered Master William all pleasures, after debating with Mr. Halle, who thought the journey would be profitable to Master William, and the opportunity not likely to be found again, Master William being wholly bent thereto, concluded to tarry and take his part. Doubtless the journey will be to Cobham's honor, the young gentleman's experience and the writer's contentation. Acon, 3 Oct. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
3 Oct. 519. Verallo to Cardinal Farnese.
R. O. * * *
It appears that the Protestants practise in France and England to make peace between the two kings and a league with them; but things do not go so warmly as they did.
This death of Mons. d'Orliens suggests new practices to establish the peace with France, and both these princes seem well enough disposed and the thing itself easy, because France, being so harassed by the Englishman, would have no better way to beat him than by leaguing with the Emperor against him, making the marriage of the King's daughter to the prince of Spain, under a promise to invest with Milan the first son born, and (in return for France restoring Savoy) to take part against the Englishman for the recovery of Boulogne and his further chastisement. It may be that at Granvelle's coming this practice may be broached, for these French ambassadors have twice sent in post to solicit his coming, and when he comes I think that Mons. di Grignano will go to his King to practise it. Suggests that his Holiness might be the medium of it.
Cornelio Scipero, on the 28th ult., left this on a mission to England to practise the marriage of the said King's daughter with the Prince of Spain, for which that King makes great instance; and it is said that the return of Scipero the first time so soon was for nothing else. His informant learnt this from the English ambassador here; but he thinks that Scipero will not be sent for it alone. On the 27th ult., Fra Gabriele Gusman returned hither from France, and yesterday went back again. He did not speak otherwise (altramente) with the Emperor, who had been two days at the chase, but he spoke well with the confessor. "Mi lassasse l'alligate al Conte di Pugno in Rostro, le quali, secondo il contrasegno che gli e fra V. Illma et Rma S. et lui, doveranno servire perche nostro Sre le veda; ben desiderarei intendere che le fussero capitate con le altre che si mandarono pochi giorni sono." The Duke of Brunswick, although commanded by the Emperor to innovate nothing in Germany, made war upon the city of Bremen, thinking to get money to pay his soldiers, but has failed.
Was about to close this when Mons. Dandino arrived, at 24 hours, looking well, and, although it was night, Mons. Dandalot came immediately to salute him for the Emperor,—a sign that his coming was desired. Brussels, 3 Oct., 1545.
ltal. Modern transcript from Rome, pp. 3.
3 Oct. 520. The Privy Council.
Dasent's
A.P.C., 253.
Meeting at Windsor, 4 Oct. Present: Norfolk, Esssex, Winchester, Gage, Brown, Wingfield, Paget. Business:—Letter written to my Lord of Arondell to send for the captain of one of the Kowes in the Isle of Weight, warn him to keep better residence upon his charge and enquire what lack there is of artillery, supplying it with some of Parson Leavette's pieces at Portsmouth; also to provide a vessel for conveyance of 2 culverins, 2 sakers and a last of serpentine powder to Guernesey; signifying moreover that George Pawlett is appointed paymaster of the garrisons. A second letter to Ant. Husey to "vale" down the Thames to Dover the 10 vessels for Bullen.
***Next entry is 6 Oct.
4 Oct. 521. The Emperor's Message.
R. O. Sommaire de ce que les commis de l'Empereur ont dit et declaire a la Majesté du Roy ce quatriesme jour d' Octobre."
1. Salutations from the Emperor and the Queen Dowager of Hungary. 2. That the Emperor had communicated to the French ambassadors the King's answer upon the three articles, viz., payment of pension, arrears and other debts, comprehension of Scots, and restitution of Boloigne; which the ambassadors said they would intimate to their master, and wished that the King had also proposed means of peace. 3. That, to show his affection, the Emperor wished, in confidence, to communicate a certain letter indicating an intrigue against the King. 4. The interview between their majesties, considering the danger to the King in the passage by sea and the infection about Calais and Guisnes, and the Emperor's promise to be on 6 Jan. at Regensbourg, was not easy; and on account of its importance, the Emperor keeps it secret. Still, if the King be determined to proceed to it, the Emperor is very willing, provided that it be during October, for the way he takes into Germany by Utrecht and Gueldres is long and for the King the crossing might be too risky. He has therefore empowered his said commissioners to learn the King's final resolution. In pursuance of the King's discourse with Scepperus, the Emperor agrees that a brief "surceance" of war is necessary and, to prevent the French suspecting the interview, has caused his ambassador to France to consent to such a "surceance" and to send him commissioners to open the matter of the peace, assuring the King of France that he would make a like request to England. 5. The Emperor would know where the King would have the interview, thinking St. Omer, Bourbourg, Gravelingnes, Duncquercque, Berghe St. Winnoc, Neufport, or Bruges the most suitable places, as not infected with sickness or troubled by men of war. 6. As the interview, at this season, must be brief, the King should make overture to the Emperor of the principal points upon which it ought to be based, that these may be "esclarciz et accordez" beforehand, as is customary; and the Emperor leaves the King to make that overture by some confidential minister, or by Scepperus, who in that case is charged to return to the Emperor.
French, pp. 4. Endd.: Skipper's proposicion in articles. The Articles in the original MS. are not numbered.
Add MS.
25,114, f. 319.
B. M.
2. Another copy.
French, pp. 3. Endd: These be th'articles containing the proposition of Scipperus.
4 Oct. 522. Thirlby to Paget.
R. O.
St. P., x. 610.
Yesternight President Scory came, in great choler, to say that the Emperor was advertised that the Alemaynes serving the King were come to Acon and would pass the Mose by Vesey and go through Brabant; which the Emperor cannot suffer, and marvels at it after what Thirlby told him. Answered, as coldly as he could, that what he said to the Emperor was by the King's commission, and that he had letters from the commissaries (which he showed to Skipperus and declared to the Emperor) whereby it appeared that they had received commandment to observe that order: if they transgressed they must answer therein. "Well (said he) th'Emperor prayeth you to write to the Commissaries, in all haste ye can, and will them to have regard to the King your master's commandment." There was another way, he said, by Stauelo and Saynte Hubert, with which the Emperor would be content. Replied that he would write, although he had no commission therein; and prepared to send a messenger this morning with letters (copy herewith), thinking that to refuse would make the Emperor think indeed "that one thing was told and another determined." Begs Paget to open this to the King. Would fain have advice how to act in such matters, wherein he has no commission. Bruxels, 4 Oct. 1545.
P.S.—Sends a billet (in the President's hand, as he takes it) of both ways.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
R. O. 2. [The billet above referred to.]
"Milites qui sunt circa Aquis Granum dicunt velle capere iter versus opidum Veseti, quod est in littore Mosee, quod iter sequendo tunc intrarent Brabantiam. Si autem capiant iter per Stauelo et Sanctum Hubertum non intrabunt Brabantiam."
Small paper, p. 1. Endd.: The President Scory his billet.
4 Oct. 523. Thirlby to the Commissaries.
R. O. President Scory declares that the Emperor is advertised that the King's Allemaynes are come to Acon intending to pass the Mose at Vesey; and that, if so, they must pass through Brabant, which the Emperor will not suffer, and which (Scory says) is contrary to what the writer and Mr. Carne have declared to the Emperor. Has, indeed, told the Emperor that the Allemaynes should do no hurt and only pass a corner of his countries, and that the Commissaries were so commanded, as they had written. Being required by the Emperor, can do no less than remind them of the King's commandment. The President said that there was another way by Stauelo and St. Hubert, not passing through Brabant, with which the Emperor would be content, but the writer has no commission to talk of the ways they shall take. Bruxelles, 4 Oct. 1545.
Copy, p. 1. Endd.: The bisshopp of Westm. to the Commissioners for the Almaynes.
5 Oct. 524. Hertford to Paget.
R. O.
St. P., v. 539.
Sends copy of letters received from Wharton showing that Maxwell's practices to deliver his houses come to nothing, for his second son will neither leave them nor enter for his father's relief; also that John Maxwell of Cowhill, who was sent with Lord Maxwell's letter, is now taken by Scottishmen in his return, which seems to be a device to excuse his entry again. Thinks that Lord Maxwell means not so much the delivery of his houses as to convey himself home, as both he and Robert Maxwell have here said that they know that John Maxwell, the second son, will in nowise enter for his father, and that there is no way for the King to get the houses but by sending home Lord Maxwell. The copy herewith of a letter from Lord Maxwell's wife shows that she too would persuade us that his being at home might serve the King in great stead. Intends now to send Lord Maxwell again to Pountfrett, and Robert Maxwell up to Court, as lately commanded.
By Paget's letters of the 1st inst., is greatly comforted to understand that the King approves his services. The rest of the said letters, for continuance of the garrisons and discharge of the others, shall be accomplished. Concerning the delay of my return and Mr. Sadleyr's until it appear what is become of the Scottish army, and what likelihood there is of an incourse into this realm, which "my lords" there think impossible after Halloughtide; the Scottish army never exceeded 6,000 men, including Frenchmen, the Governor's proclamations for an assembly being nothing obeyed, and, before Hertford's return, was all scaled and the Governor departed, sick of melancholy that he could not resist us. The report of his death is untrue, and he is recovered. Considering the disobedience of noblemen gentlemen and commons to their Governor, and that Anguishe and the Governor are at variance, and that lately the Scots could assemble no greater power than before mentioned, Hertford is persuaded that they can make no force this winter for an incourse into this realm. Their country is so devastated that it is impossible for any number of them to come to their frontiers. And now the gentlemen and surnames of the Mershe and Tyvydale, and also some of Lowdean, make suit for assurance and to be protected as the King's subjects, as they were in Sir Ralph Evers' time; which they would not do if they saw likelihood that the Governor could defend them. The Frenchmen find such misery and scarcity that they are weary of the country and the Scots weary of them. Lorges wishes himself in France, and the Scots agree so ill with him and his band that he seeks all means to convey himself home. Also "the plague reigneth extremely in sundry parts of Scotland." There seems, therefore, no need for Hertford and Sadleyr to stay.
Plague reigns in many parts of Northumberland, and at Berwik most of the townsmen are dead of it. It begins now at Newcastell; and therefore the writer has sent to London the strangers who are to be cassed, and taken order for the garrisons, intending to remove to Dernton and so to York; for at Dernton they cannot remain, because the sickness is not yet ceased, and, what with the Lieutenant and council lying there these three years, and the strangers passing through and lying there, victuals are scarce. Hears nothing of the 5,000l. which, Paget wrote, was on the way. Without it he cannot despatch the strangers and such of the garrisons as are to be discharged; and when it comes it will not suffice to pay this month's wages, begun 10 days past. Newcastell, 5 Oct., at night.
Pp. 5. Add. Endd.
5 Oct. 525. Cardinal Betoun to Francis I.
Egetyon MS.
2,805, c.
B. M.
Soon after the army here was dispersed (rompue) the King of England sent a powerful army, which had been prepared to resist ours, into this kingdom, which spoiled some of the frontiers and pillaged and burned some abbeys. Thereupon the Governor assembled men, with Mons. de Lorges and his troops, to resist the enemies; but, as the army had been newly withdrawn and the English staid only about eight days, it was impossible to assemble soon enough to fight them. We are now taking order for the support of those of our frontiers to resist the enemies who are in garrison on the frontiers of Englad. Our ambassador, to whom I am writing, will advertise you of everything. Lisquo, 5 Oct. 1545. Signed: "v're treshumble at tresobeissant servitr, Card'al de St. Andre." French, p. 1. Add.: Au Roy.
5 Oct. 526. Carne to Paget.
R. O. Hears that the Emperor has appointed a captain called Mons. Grunyng to levy soldiers in Fryslande. Some say that he will be against the Landesgrave, some say that he will have Heding again. The marquis of Gwasto levies men in Italy, and the French king sends horsemen and footmen to Savoy and Peymont. Yesterday arrived here a secretary of the Bishop of Rome called Jeronimo Dyndino. The bp. of Cologne is cited to appear here within a month to answer for setting forth a book touching religion. The King's army of Almayns lies about Acon. Bruxelles, 5 Oct. 1545. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
5 Oct. 527. Halle, Chamberlain and Fane to the Council.
R. O. Wrote on Friday last from Acon. The same day, took Bookhowlte's musters of horsemen; but, where he had 700 horses, and it was before concluded to pass but 500, after the same rate as Hydill Woolffe's horsemen mustered beside Sende, the writers were fain to pass 50 horses more, because Hydill Woolffe had 46 passed above his 500 (and Hydill Woolffe now says that he is undone unless he have other 36 passed to enter wages on the 16th ult., as the rest both of his and Buchowlte's do) and promised as they did to Reiffenbergh and Hydill Woolffe, to learn the King's pleasure as to allowing a page and a "bagager" to 12 horses (whereas their compact speaks only of one bagager to 12 horses) and the conduct of the aforesaid 50 horses, which were passed on condition of his setting them content for their "month wages beforehand" until money came to pay them. The next day was little enough to reckon and pay Bukhowlte at Acon, where also mustered three of the five new ensigns "provided for those that should have comen from Dymmoke"; and yesterday the whole army came to this little town on the Mase, midway between Mastryke and Lyege. As the governors of the Emperor's countries of Fawkemonte and Lymborge and the bp. of Lyege's servant came to Acon to know where they would pass the Mase, so, to-day, came a gentleman from the Emperor with a letter of credence to Reiffenbergh to know this. Reiffenbergh sent him to the writers (although he had no credence to them) and he declared that the Emperor always understood from the King's ambassador that they would pass through a corner of his country and not through Brabant, as by their coming to Acon they now must, and desired to know what way they would pass and that they would pass quickly without hurting his subjects. He was answered both by Reiffenbergh and them that no prince could determine what way he would pass, which must depend upon intelligences, but the King's command to touch the Emperor's countries as little as possible and to do as little damage should be accomplished. Are now fully determined (although they would not tell the gentleman so much) not to touch Brabant, but pass through the land of Lewke towards Masiers, from whence they look daily for intelligence. After the said gentleman had been with them, came letters from my lord of Westminster, by a servant of his own, for the same purpose, to the effect that President Scoore told him of an other way by Sainct Hubrightes into the enemy's country by which the Emperor would be content that they should pass. The Frenchmen are gathered upon that frontier in great numbers "upon knowledge given that we would enter that way," though it was never determined so. Have remained here all this day, having arrived late yestereven in foul and rainy weather, to punish malefactors and tarry for field pieces and munition which will be here tomorrow. Repeated to Reiffenbergh the Council's last letters by Francis and Nicholas, reminding him that the first month ends to-day, leaving but one month in which to do some honest exploit in the enemy's country and return to Acon, according to the King's pleasure that the third month might serve for the conduct of the men of war home; and notwithstanding that, at Zynesike, every article of the Council's last letters was distinctly declared to Reiffenbergh, and he content therewith (as the writers advertised from Rynebakke, by Francis the post), he now says that he did not understand that point, and insists that the men must be paid, not only for three months, but also for a fourth month for their conduct home, "although they should be licensed by the prince that had levied them within 14 days after the musters." Thought best "not to make any overture to the captains and commonalty," to avoid making them unwilling, "for the proverb is that it is not good to go a hunting with unwilling dogs." Now that the footmen's month is past, they must be paid "a 14 days for the full of the whole month," to make them more willing and also better able to pay the Emperor's subjects as they pass.
Know now how hard it is to determine the proceeding of an army. It was said that within three days of mustering beside Sende they would be in the enemy's country, and within 14 days at Boloigne or Calais, and this is the 12 day since their departure from Andernach on this side the Ryne. After they pass the Mase, it will be at least three days ere they reach the enemy's country. Things promised from day to day have not taken effect. Weasette upon the Mase, within the land of Luke, 5 Oct. 1545. Signed: Frauncys Halle: T. Chamb'lain: R. Fane.
Pp. 5. Add. Endd.
5 Oct. 528. Bucler and Mont to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P., x. 612.
Wrote on 15 Sept. by special post. Upon a rumor that the duke of Brunswick assembled men about Meckelbourch to recover his dukedom and annoy the Protestants, the magistrates of this town sent a captain to the Landgrave to learn the truth, who returned yesterday with word that Brunswick, with 12,000 foot and 2,500 horse, is already passed, burning and spoiling, through Lunenborough to his own country, where, on 29 Sept., he occupied Stanbruch castle, slaying the captain with his own hands, and commanding all the 70 soldiers to be slain. And the Landgrave required the magistrates to send men with all speed. The Landgrave and Duke of Saxony are ready to set forth against Brunswick, who has left 3,500 soldiers to prevent the Protestants passing the river Albis. His easy entry into the foresaid castle and his country was because the Protestants, at the Emperor's request, consented to put the duchy of Brunswick "in sequestres hands," chosen by the Emperor and them, as we wrote from Wormbs, and had withdrawn all artillery and munition. The bp. of Collyne has, within these 10 days, been with the Palsgrave, the Elector, and has had ambassadors with the Protestants desiring aid if invaded by the Emperor, at the provocation of the Bishop of Rome and the clergy of Collyn. The bp. of Mence was buried last week, and it is rumored that the Emperor labours for the election of Ferdinando's second son, for whom the bp. of Rome has written to the chapter of Mence. But the canons of the high chapter do not agree among themselves. The Diet of the Protestants appointed at Franckforde on the 12th inst. is now uncertain, owing to this sudden war. Franckforde, 5 Oct. Signed; Water Bucler; Christophorus Mont.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd.: l545.
5 Oct. 529. Bucler and Mont to Paget and Petre.
R. O. On 15 Sept. we despatched a post from hence with occurrents, and now write to the King, especially of occurrents "between Saxo, Hesso and the duke of Brunswick, who is maintained against them by the Papists, and he giveth all the spoil to his soldiers." Remember the return of our post. Franckforde, 5 Oct. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: "To the right honorable Sir William Pagett, knight, one of the ij principal secretaries to the King's Majesty, or in his absence to the right honorable Sir William Peters, knight, th'other chief secretary to the same." Endd.: 1545.

Footnotes

  • n1. Monday last would be Sept. 28th. but apparently Sept. 21st is meant. See No. 462.
  • n2. This portion has a line drawn through it, as if cancelled.
  • n3. In each case the word "factum" is written above as an alternative. The words are misprinted in St. P. and the note there is wrong.