Henry VIII: September 1546, 21-25

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 21 Part 2, September 1546-January 1547. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1910.

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Citation:

'Henry VIII: September 1546, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 21 Part 2, September 1546-January 1547, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1910), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol21/no2/pp56-70 [accessed 4 October 2024].

'Henry VIII: September 1546, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 21 Part 2, September 1546-January 1547. Edited by James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1910), British History Online, accessed October 4, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol21/no2/pp56-70.

"Henry VIII: September 1546, 21-25". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 21 Part 2, September 1546-January 1547. Ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie(London, 1910), , British History Online. Web. 4 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol21/no2/pp56-70.

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September 1546, 21-25

21 Sept. 139. Van der Delft to Mary of Hungary.
Spanish
Calendar,
viii., No. 325.
Has just received hers of the 14th, but cannot detain this courier until they are deciphered. Wrote that he intended going to the King; and was ready to go when told secretly that the King was very ill, and the physicians gave little hope of his recovery. Hearing now that the King is convalescent, will prepare to go to Court as soon as he has read her letters. It is rumored that the French have demolished the fort they began to build near Boulogne harbour. Heard previously that the King of France sent answer to this King that he wished to maintain friendship and would refer the point at issue to commissioners; but the French continued the construction. Hertford has since left here. London, 21 Sept. 1546.
21 Sept. 140. Hertford to Paget.
R. O. This day I took shipping at Dover about 4 a.m.; but, by reason of the calm, it was 6 p.m. ere we arrived here, "which would have been a pleasant journey for you because ye are so good a seaman." Lord Gray had before my landing written of things here. Bulloyn, 21 Sept. 1546. Signed.
P 1. Add. Endd.
22 Sept. 141. Council in London to Council with the King.
R. O. Conferred with Mr. Auchier upon the letters and supplication sent from "them at Calays," and agreed that to enlarge the restraint as they desire would both cause dearth and spoil here in the realm and confound the doings of Mr. Auchier. They have already a number of purveyors of their own appointment, and we will write to them, if the King so pleases, that each soldier may make private provision in England, provided that before transportation it is entered with the customers and Mr. Auchier or his deputies. Meanwhile Mr. Auchier wall send them 200 oxen and 400 or 500 sheep. As to the 5,000l. odd for wages and labourers at Calais, your Lordships know the store of the treasurers, but we trust to despatch it by Sunday next.
The Lieutenant of the Tower came yesterday to me, the Lord Chancellor, declaring that Courtney desired to speak with me upon a matter touching his allegiance. I sent to my Lord Great Master to meet me at the Tower at 3 o'clock, and together we heard him declare as in the "schedule of his own writing hereinclosed. The young man showed himself very humble and desirous to make some amends for his late folly, if it were possible for him. We desire your Lordships that we may know the King's Majesty's pleasure what shall be further done in it. He offereth himself either to proceed with him as he shall be instructed, or to avow that he hath already said to him, or to do anything in this or otherwise that might in any wise be to the King's Majesty's contentation."
If the King like the order for Calays and you make the answer, we will put our hands to it with you. And it were not amiss to add that one cause of dearth is that the Councillors themselves are such great graziers and victuallers, and compel the poor men to buy at their own price. If these poor men complained further, it would probably be little to the contentation of the Councillors who subscribe "those letters," as Mr. Auchier can declare. We return all letters last received from you Mr. Secretary. Westm., 22 Sept. 1546. Signed by Wriothesley, St. John and Gardiner.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.: "with a letter of Courteney."
R. O. 2. Edward Courtneye to the Council.
According to your Lordships' commandment I here send certification of such things as "this other day" I related to my lord Chancellor and Lord Great Master concerning the Spaniard here prisoner who has often tried to persuade me, to break prison. As the matter touched my allegiance, considering the King's "abundant mercies and manifold goodness "to me, I thought it my duty to declare it to your honorable Lordships, which now, by this writing, I affirm to be true.
Humbly begs theirintercession with the King "to have pity and compassion on this my miserable imprisonment."
Hol., p. 1. Add.
22 Sept. 142. Petre to Paget.
R. O. Yesternight I "received, by Nychasius your servant, your letters, the copy of the French king's obligation and certain letters from the ambassador there to the commissaries, with the which Mr. May and I mind to go this day to meet again and do the best we can to induce them to assent to reason." I wrote of their overture for relaxation of this restraint of victuals, but we have heard nothing of the King's pleasure therein. From Mr. Vaughan this morning I received the letters herewith, to be signified to the King. Are just starting for Guisnes. Calice, 22 Sept.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1546. Beneath the address is written in another hand: For th'efferes of the Kinges Matie from Calles xxijo Septembr. hora ixa diei: ye wynde at East. Haste! Haste !
22 Sept. 143. Vaughan to Paget.
R. O. The packet of letters herewith Mr. Mownt wishes sent with all possible diligence, and therefore I send my servant in post with it. To-morrow I intend to finish paying the Fugger. Mr. Chamberleyn and Mr. Damesell have, by the Council's appointment, received the money of the King's merchants and paid Balbany and Jeronimo Dyodati (I mean Balbany, for Dyodati was paid 11 days ago), and will have a good lump of money remaining. Please write to them to pay the strangers the money asked for valued gold and provision. Unless so charged they will not pay it, because of the auditor. Upon receipt of that letter I shall be ready to depart homewards within an hour.
"Here is a saying that the French king aideth the Landisgrave with 200,000 cr., and that he sendeth another 100,000 cr. into Scotland." Andwerp, 22 Sept.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1546.
22 Sept. 144. Wotton to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P. xi.,
303.
On Sunday, the 19th inst., Mons. l'Admyrall arrived at Court, the King lying at Argilly, 3 great leagues from Beaulne, where the ambassadors lie. He delights so much in the forest that lie has been there four or five days, hunting every day, and will stay three or four days more. Next day, sent a servant to the Admiral with a letter asking when to resort to him for the answers appointed to be had from him; but he was gone hunting and the servant brought back the letter. Meanwhile a chevaucheur desquierye came from the Admiral desiring Wotton to be at Court at 8 a.m. next day. Although it is three hours riding and the gates here open not very early, Wotton was there before the time; and, after tarrying a good while, first at the General Bayart's chamber and then at the Admiral's, the Admiral came to him (the King being just gone to Vassemblee, as they call the place where they meet and dine). Mutual greetings described, in which the Admiral set forth his good cheer in England,— well but briefly, as being in haste to follow the King. He then said that he thought Wotton knew how Henry's men had overthrown a thing begun near Boloyne by his master, who nevertheless had commanded that the work should cease until the matter were friendly examined. Answered that of the overthrowing he knew nothing but Bayard and Laube Espine had shown him of the command. The Admiral said that Henry spoke to him only of the point of the entry of the haven, and after his departure sent word of Portet; and he had promised to do his best and had written to his master, who was content to stay it. His master heard that soldiers were assembled in England, which could only be to set upon him, and therefore commanded Du Bies to gather men; but, not liking these fashions, he (the Admiral) has assured his master that Henry was well affected to him and to the peace and would doubtless, when informed of the command to cease work at Portet until the matter should be examined, countermand the soldiers. He had thus induced his master to send to Du Bies to forbear gathering men; and he asked if Wotton did not think that Henry would thereupon dismiss the assembled soldiers; and (when Wotton had expressed pleasure that Henry's affection was noticed and belief that any such assembly of soldiers would be dismissed) he added that some of Henry's Council were not so well disposed as their master, but, although the thing done by our men at Portet might well have been forborne, he would neither in that nor anything else make the worst of it to his master. Answered that "indeed where many Councillors were it was seldom seen that they drew all by one line, for they were not all one mother's children"; and there seemed to be also such Councillors about the French king, for things had lately been attempted which might occasion greater inconveniences. He said that if present he would have had "a better eye to such things"; and that had caused him to make such haste back that he came from Parys in four days, leaving his train behind; he would do his best for the conservation of this peace, and trusted that Wotton would do the like, and at all times resort to him in Henry's affairs. Then, alleging that the King was gone and he must follow, he would have departed, but Wotton stayed him, saying that his master remitted to him the answer of two things, the forbearing of fortification at Portet, which was against the treaty, and the commission appointed to try out the head of the river of Pont de Bryke. The Admiral said the first point was answered already, and work at Portet ceased until it might be amiably tried whether the French king might fortify there, as he himself thought they might, but (and this to Wotton seemed a "secret warning") they had committed an error in not beginning the work now where it was begun before; as for the river the Commissioners should proceed according to the treaty. Wotton answered that the treaty did not specify the head; but there was an unwritten agreement that the two branches, of Kekes and Vielmoustier, should be measured and the longest taken for head. The Admiral said that he was not present at any such agreement. Wotton answered that the President and Bochetill were. The Admiral said that in treaties only what is written binds. Replied that communications indeed were nothing, but things agreed upon as part of a treaty were binding, whether written or unwritten. The Admiral said that Wotton should have answer in three or four days, when the President came. Reminded him that the Commissioners could do nothing, but he said that they might proceed according to the treaty. Wotton said that Henry's commissioners were charged to proceed according to the agreement, the treaty not specifying which was the head, and that if he were commissioner he would demand both Kekes and Vielmoustier and all other springs which went to make the river. The Admiral said that the river could have but one head. Replied that men had but one head but rivers might have more springs. The Admiral then, referring the matter to the President's coming, departed.
It seems that this gathering of men in England makes them afraid, and that they would be loth to have war again. This Court is full of a great bickering with our men about Boloyne, in which 200 of theirs are slain; but Wotton takes it as untrue, or the Admiral would have mentioned it. Messer Francesco Bernardo arrived here and came to Wotton late on Monday, and next day rode to Court. He came again this morning, and said that the Admiral had much communication with him, wondering that men should be gathered in England. Messer Francesco said that he thought it was for the fortifying at Portet. Then said the Admiral it should be well, for the King had commanded the work to cease; when in England he did not know that any fortification was meant there, but it seems that Du Bies wrote advising it, and the King directed him to do as seemed meetest.
As the matter of the hay carried off by them of Arde had been referred to the Chancellor, to whom Wotton had given a written memorial, he sent to the Chancellor's lodging, a league from the Court, to know what was done. "Why!" quoth the Chancellor to my servant, "hath it not been declared to him to-day?" "If it had," quoth my servant, "there is no cause why he should have sent me hither for it now." The Chancellor said that General Bayard should have declared it; and willed Wotton's servant to come again this morning, when he sent commendations and bade Wotton think no more of the matter, for he would send word what was done. Mons. de Morette (upon whom entertainment is well bestowed for the good report he makes of it) sends humble recommendations, rejoicing much to have seen my lord Prince, "of whose praises he cannot speak enough." Beaulne, 22 Sept. 1546. Signed.
Pp. 10. Add. Endd.
22 Sept. 145. Wotton to Paget.
R. O. The Admiral is not pleased with a letter which Paget has written to him. Seigneur Francesco Bernardo says that he (the Admiral) doubts lest the King should have conceived an ill opinion of him, because Paget would not so write without the King's knowledge. As the Admiral seemed to suspect that divers of the Council sought to break the amity with France, Wotton said that as for the letter he knew not what it was, but he was sure that no man considered better than Paget that the amity between their masters was convenient and necessary; he was sorry that any unkindness should fall betwixt them. "If he be so," quoth the Admiral "it is well, and I pray God he may show it, but I would never have thought he would have written such a letter unto me." Thinks that, he being in such great credit with his master, "it were not amiss that you two were friends."
Divers letters report that King Ferdinand having demanded men and ordnance from the city of Vienna, probably for the Emperor, met with a refusal; and thereupon beheaded three of the citizens and carried away the ordnance. Whereupon the town is in insurrection and will, it is feared, submit to the Turk. Important news if true; for what other town in Germany is able to abide a siege of the Turk's power? Signor Francesco Bernardo sends commendations. He was gently welcomed by the French king, and the Admiral will have him lodge among his train. Doubtless he will either write or let Wotton know anything he may learn. Beaulne, 22 Sept. 1546. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
23 Sept. 146. Carne to Paget.
R. O. No occurrents from the Emperor's camp since the 16th inst. Yesterday the Lady Regent had letters from Maguntia signifying that the Count du Buyre was arrived with the Emperor; also letters dated Amberg, the 13th, from Mons. Barbanson, being with Du Buyre, who, by the Emperor's command, should take "four or five days' journeys farther in compassing the country, to come to the Emperor, and to avoid the Landsgrave's army, than the next and the common way lieth." At Norimberge he lost 18 men in a little bickering with 10,000 Almayns from Holste and the East parts, who were going to reinforce the Landsgrave but had to withdraw into the town of Norimberge, which is for the Landgrave and strongly fortified. Of this Du Buyre wrote. Yesterday came letters to the French ambassador resident, from the French king, "that the Emperor hath the Landsgrave prisoner." The ambassador showed this to the Queen, but the Court take it to be a mockery, as there is no such advertisement from the Emperor. About Norimberge, Du Buyre was reinforced with 3,000 horsemen and now has 12,000. For this sevennight here has been a great bruit that the French king renews war with the King. Sent Mr. Damesell a passport for 9,000 kyntalls of copper. Has a promise that Mr. Dymocke shall be restored, and will sue diligently to get it out "under seal." Bruxelles, 23 Sept. 1546. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
23 Sept. 147. Frederic Elector Palatine to his Ambassadors in England.
R. O. Received their letters describing their journey and honorable reception by the King. In confirmation of what they have said, writes to the King as in the copy herewith. Requires them to seek diligently the two articles of amity and marriage; and sends a copy of their instructions which they say are burnt. If the King will consent to more tolerable conditions, especially to those which he formerly proposed to you, our kinsman, we will send ambassadors fully authorised to conclude. The liberation of King Christiern, our father-in-law, is held as in our letters. You will again approach the King in accordance with your commission and instructions; and certify us as soon as possible. Germersheim, 23 Sept. '46. Signed: Fridericus Elector.
Lat. Broadsheet, p. 1. Add.: Illustri principi, consanguineo nostro charissimo, generoso ac doctissimo viro, fidelibus nobis dilectis, Domino Philippo Comiti Palatino Rheni, utriusque Bavarie Duci, Philippo Francisco Sylvestri Rheni ac Salmorum comiti, et Eustathio Ouercentano, oratoribus nostris in Anglia, conjunctim et divisim. Sealed.
148. The Privy Council.
Sept. 24.
Dasent's
A.P.C.
533.
Meeting at Chobham, 24 Sept. Present: Privy Seal Lord Chamberlain, Essex, Browne, Wingfield, Paget. Business:— Upon letters from Mr. Stannop, governor of Hull, showing that the townsmen grudge at the placing of such an officer there, letters were sent for him to deliver to the mayor with commandment to him and some of the best burgesses to appear before the Council, and himself to send up one or two substantial persons authorised to act for him.
24 Sept. 149. The Privy Council to Wotton.
R. O.
St. P. xi., 309.
The King thanks him for letters by Francis the courier and, lastly, by this bearer. As the French king and his ministers there have proceeded doulcely, so has their ambassador here, who was yesterday at Court and confirmed what they had said, with a friendly complaint of lord Gray's overthrowing the works at Portet, which was not done by the King's command. The answer made to the ambassador, which Wotton. shall declare to the French king, thanked that King for his reasonable conformity as to the works at Portet and upon the hill at the entry of the haven against Tour d'Ordre, and prayed him to continue in the brotherly affection which, by negligence of their ministers, had been for a little time out of square. It was added that the King took kindly that the French king was content to deface the work begun at Portet; which Lord Gray, seeing it was not agreeable to the treaty (for the King sends copies to all his frontier rulers), rashly enterprised to do without command. Here Wotton may say that ministers, especially "frontierers" will give occasions which might breed inconveniences but for the wisdom of their masters; and therefore his Majesty prays the French king to "temporise his governors upon his frontiers as no sharpe occasions be by them ministred." The fortifications at Bullenberg are out of all doubt, as may be shown by Mons. de Bies's letters and by the French Admiral and the rest of the commissioners during the treaty offering to cease their works at St. Estiens if those at Bullenberg ceased; yet, as the French king seems to doubt whether these works are lawful, his Majesty has ordered them to be stayed until the question may be settled. If there be bruits of men of war sent from hence, Wotton may tell the French king that on the conclusion of peace almost all the garrisons were revoked at their own suit to see their wives and children for a time, and they now return thither, and indeed were hastened by a report that St. Jermyn, Captain Moyen and others came down to the frontier with their bands, and the garrison of their new fort was increased. The King would have also sent more pioneers over to finish the works but for the reasonable proceeding of his good brother, which, Wotton may assure him, "hath tyckled his Majesty at the hart."
If they speak of their galley, you may say that the King only heard yesternight, from the ambassador, that she was not sent home, and at once sent to the Admiralty (for my lord Admiral is gone for a month in the country) to know the cause, and command her despatch. Forget not to set forth the agreement between you and your colleagues and the French commissioners for the measuring of the two branches of the river, from Villemoutiers and from Kekes; and, if need be, call Sir Francis Bernard to witness. Chobham, 24 Sept. 1545.
The order for sending letters by ordinary posts is at your liberty, and you may send express men as often as you list.
Draft in Paget's hand, pp. 6. Endd.: M. to Mr. Wootton.
24 Sept. 150. Otwell Johnson to [John] Johnson.
R. O. London, 24 Sept. 1546. For your payments to Mr. Brudenell and others, on Wednesday last, before receipt of yours of the 20th, I borrowed 100l. of Bart. Fortuna, of Joan Carlo delli Affaytad's account, payable 23 Nov. Has since borrowed another 100l. from Wm. Rawlins, grocer, payable at Antwerp. Harrysone's demands and other payments. His (John's) wife's proposed going over to Calais. My cousin Helierd and brother B. Warner. "[Le]tt [notj the strange news of [your] wife's letter herewith sent astonie you, for my wife saith that all women w . . . . . . this year and I pray God that my doings with her prove no worse."
Pp. 2. Very mutilated. Add.: at Calais.
24 Sept. 151. Hertford to Paget.
R. O. Was commanded to view what danger the haven and other pieces might be in from the Frenchmen's fortifications, and also what places were most meet for the King to fortify. As the Frenchmen have surceased their fortifications and departed, and the pioneers appointed to come over are stayed on that side the seas, Hertford forbears his declaration until his return, trusting to-night to put things in order here, to-morrow to go to Newhaven and Blacknesse, and thence to Guysnez and Calais, and on Tuesday to depart homewards if not countermanded. As Lord Graye is advertised that 4 000 men lie ready in villages about Abvile, who may be here within 24 hours, the garrisons here should not be dis solved before Hertford speaks with the King, by which time the Frenchmen's intent will be known. Bulloyn, 24 Sept. 1546. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
24 Sept. 152. Nicasius Yetsweirt to Paget.
R. O. Here, for your sake, I receive most gentle entertainment of all men, "and specially of Mr. Secretary, my lord Deputy, my Lady, and Mr. Wallop and my Lady"; and it is exceeding joy to see him of whom I received all I have so universally esteemed and loved. My suit, which it pleased you, not like a master but like a loving father, to commend, promises success; for after my delivery of your letter to Mr. Bourchier he ended our communication by saying that he "would do therein as should both please him and me, and as for the party, she hath wholly determined herself towards me." To-morrow I go into Flanders to visit my friends, and will advertise you what is done there. Humble commendations to my lady. Guisnes, 24 Sept. 1546.
I humbly pray you in next letters to thank the persons above named. I am so bold as to remind you of the reward which "th' ambassador's secretary so prettily craved of me."
Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.: Nicasius to Mr. Seer., Mr. Paget.
24 Sept. 153. Petre to Paget.
R. O. This packet of letters coming by Guisnes, Petre was bold to open Paget's letters (being addressed to both of them); but there was no delay, for the packet reached Guisnes at 2 a.m. and was despatched to Calice before 3 a.m., "and the tide served not in a good time after." Spent (fn. n1) yesterday afternoon with the French commissaries and met with more sophistications than reason. Meet again to-day, and will write when it is seen to what they will descend, which will not be much more than nothing. Conjectures, by their fashion yesterday, that "they mind nothing less than to come to any point." Guisnes, 24 Sept. at 2 a.m.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
24 Sept. 154. The Antwerp Loans.
R. O.
Rymer, xv.
101.
Acknowledgment by Anthony Fugger and Nephews, Germans, of Augsburg, that they have duly received from Henry VIII, by the hands of Stephen Vaughan, at Antwerp, 152,180l. gr. Fl., which the King and the city of London, by 16 public rescripts, were bound to pay in the payments of the Mart of Pentecost, in money valued according to the Emperor's statute. Antwerp, 24 Sept. 1546. Signed and sealed.
Notarial certificate by Antonius a Mala that this was acknowledged before him by Chr. Wolf, the Fuggers' factor in Antwerp, the same day, in presence of Wm. Damisel, English gentleman, and Reginald à Busdale, a householder at Antwerp.—Signed: Amaleus.
Lat., pp. 2. Endd.: Thacquitance of Fuggers.
Galba B. x. 336.
B. M.
2. Duplicate of the preceding from which it is printed in Rymer.
Pp. 2.
25 Sept. 155. Council in London to Council with the King.
R. O.
St. P. i ,
876.
The King's resolution concerning Ireland reached them on Thursday night, (fn. n2) and for speedy expedition they have made notes (herewith) of the articles with "tottes on the mergyn" to show which should be sped here and which at the Court. Find a difficulty in committing the authority and name of vicegerent to three persons, viz., the Deputy, Chancellor and bp. of Nethe (sic); and suggest omitting the name. Have written to the Lord Great Chamberlain their communication with the French ambassador and his gentle answer. The merchant strangers, for their profit, desire the bargain of alum to continue; and we, considering that the King shall have on his hands more than, if peace continue, he can utter in seven years, and that at a loss, as Sir John Gresham, Sir Roland Hill and Mr. Judde affirm, have made an entry to break it if the King will. Spoke with Mr. Chidley, touching the Chancellorship of Ireland, and he very humbly alleged want of knowledge, and much more want of substance, saying, among other specialties, that he twice fined with the King for the office of sergeant, which cost him 300 mks., and entered into a purchase for which he owes more than he is worth, and "to maintain his wife and children cannot spend 120l. by year." Have not dismissed him but appointed him to appear again on Monday. Henley is sick and has lost one of his eyes and the other is in danger, which makes him unmeet to be spoken with; and yet he is more fit than Chidley, "which wanteth already both the eyes that we would have." Have appointed that one of the Admiralty shall repair thither with the names of the captains, to receive the King's full resolution. Forward a letter from Mr. Vaughan, closed as they received it. Mr. Cofferer has to-day declared his lack of money for the Household, and that above 12,000l. is owing to the King's subjects, besides 2,000l due this Michaelmas for wages. We desire your lordships to consider the declarations of the treasurers which we send weekly, and help that for a time every treasurer may be chargeable to the present relief, without such allegation as Mr. Carewe makes "of other commandment, whereunto we be not privy;" for if the conduits be stopped we must tarry for water. Have taken order with Dr. Taylour and Mr. Shaxton according to the King's pleasure. Taylour promised to openly acknowledge his error and travail to relieve such as he has led astray. Enclose a note of the hospital at Norwich for which Mr. Shaxton sued. Despatched the post with Mr. Wootton's letters and those to Callays to my lord Great Chamberlain. We return the four letters sent with that packet, and the copy of your letters of the 18th. Have likewise sent forth the letters to the sheriffs; and will despatch Brooke as soon as possible, "though not with all, with somewhat onward." Westm., 25 Sept. Signed by Wriothesley, St. John and Gardiner.
In Wriothesley's hand (not Gardiner's as stated in St. P.), pp. 5. Add. Endd.: 1546.
156. Ireland.
R. O.
St. P. iii.,
580.
Deliberations of the Privy Council concerning Ireland, with the King's decisions apostyled in the margin.
[1] The Lord Deputy and certain of the Council there to be chief commissioners for the mines. The King to grant an incorporation for this matter according to such articles as be devised, and miners and necessary ministers to be speedily sent over, as by a bill made. There must be a prest of l,000l. (In margin: The King likes these articles "and desireth you to go through with them.")
[2] A mint, for the King's profit, with like establishment as here, Thomas Agard, vice-treasurer, Martin Pirry, comptroller, and such other expert men as will go thither. We consult with the officers of the mints here. This also needs a prest of l,000l. and provision that they carry no money, plate nor bullion, out of this realm, and coin gold of the standard current here. (In margin: The King will have this likewise perfected "and the gold and silver to be money here.")
3. A new chancellor, who must be a mere Englishman and of "some good behaviour,"—in which case the King must augment his living 200l., and the office shall be worth 400l. "as we esteem it." Divers spoken with for this, as Sergeant Moleneulx, Broke, the Recorder of London, Sir Leonard Bekwith and Sir Philip Draicot, are all unwilling to go, save Draicot, who answered that he would serve wherever appointed, "trusting that he should have honestly whereupon to live." (Margin: The King resteth upon Chidley or Walter Henley.)
4. "A new patent for the Deputy, because the old is void, by Statute by his coming out of Ireland." (Margin: The King is pleased.)
5. Leighlin, Ravilla, Calestoune, Airtlowe and Durberdes Island to be exchanged with the Earl of Ormond for lands in England. The King's farmers (sic) of Duncannon, Ballehake, and Old Rosse now in occupation of the said Earl and his brother to be resumed, upon recompense. The said Earl's patent for "such Irishmen's lands as he can get" to be resumed. If the said Earl's claim to the prize wines of all Ireland be good, he should nevertheless pay 20s. for every tun; but as the Earl of Desmond claims a part, which may breed further trouble, it is thought meet to divide the prize wines into three parts, one to the King, one to Desmond and the third to Ormond, who, on consenting to this, may be acquitted the arrears of the 20s. a tun. "The cantred of Clomell, wherein the said Earl now meddleth, as it is thought, without right, to be under the Baron of Chair;" and in like manner the Middle Third to be under the baron of Donboyn. To see that the Earl's liberties in the county of Tipperary are reasonable and convenient. (Margin: The exchanges, the farms and the rules "the King liketh,"but as for the prize wines he will have the right determined, either as his or the Earl's.)
6. Commission to be granted to the bp. of Meth "and some other" to dispense for pluralities, etc., as my lord of Canterbury does, the lack whereof drives many to seek them at Rome. (Margin: A vicegerent for the clergy is thought best, having a temporal man joined with him, "whom his Majesty hath named to be Mr. Doctor Rede".)
7. Augmentation of the justices' fees, which are so little that they cannot serve as were expedient. What they have and what they desire appears by a schedule. In this matter 200 mks. would do much; and in it is remembered the Clerk of the Council and Remembrancer of the Exchequer. (Margin: Liked by the King "and proporte(?) (fn. n3) sett upon every mans head for the same").
8. Three of the Council should be continually resident with the Deputy, who now in vacation times remains alone, and towards their horsemeat and servants' board wages the King should allow each 5s. by the day during their attendance in vacations; "and my lord Deputy would for his part give them their diets for their own persons" and arrange their times of attendance. (Margin: liked.)
9. As the law is continually kept in Dublin, and none dare pass the 120 miles thither from Limerick "without some strength, which poor suitors have not," it may please the King to establish a Council at Limerick of a president, four councillors and a secretary, the president having 200l. a year for their diets each councillor 50l. and the secretary 26l. 13s. 4d., for entertainment, with such fees as the country may bear. The abp. of Cassells is thought meet to be president; the councillors and secretary to be named by the Deputy and Council. (Margin: "It is thought good that the Deputy should either go with or send certain of the Council for a time, having "fees as the justices have here for riding of the circuit".)
10. Whereas soldiers of the retinue are sometimes punished by the Law and sometimes by the Marshal's Court ("cannot" in MS.)it is thought meet that they should be punished by th'one only ("by them onely" in MS.), viz., by the Marshal, with appeal to the Lord Deputy. (Margin: Liked.)
11. The bp. of the Isles and Patrick McLane who have remained at Dublin ever since they left England, to the King's great charge, should be despatched with some reward. (Margin: Liked; reward at Deputy's discretion.)
12. John (sic) Bath to be solicitor in place of Cowley. (Margin: Liked.)
13. Fynglas to be justice of the city of Wexford. Effort to be made to abolish galloglasse and kerne with coyne and livery, and to increase the English tongue and habit. In doing this the "heads" must be persuaded, and it must be foreseen that the King may have forces at need and the lords a convenient number about them, according to their estate, and yet the poor man who provides for this not spoiled of all he has, "as now he is once in the year." (Margin: This requires a letter of instruction from the King or the Council. Mr. Oliver Nugent to be discharged against the Baron of Delvin "for coin and livery other than after the common cessment of the country.")
14. The Deputy and Council to see to the reformation of Leinster as time serves. (Margin: Liked.)
15. The bp. of Armachan to be of the Council, with Mr. Wise and Fraunch Herbert. (Margin: Liked.)
16. Mr. Ketung, who has been captain of the kerne, to have lands to the yearly value of 10l. Irish, with remainder to such as after him shall have the office, until "the matter of the kerne be reformed." (Margin: Liked.)
17. Two auditors to reside there to take accounts of the treasurer, etc., each having 100 mks. yearly. (Margin: One auditor will serve.)
18. "Certain private suits there be contained in another paper which it may please the King's Majesty to consider. We think by the report of my lord Deputy that the parties deserve to be remembered."
My lord Deputy thinks that Ochonour and Omulmoy should have for life some small things near Dublin worth 20 nobles yearly. (Margin: Liked.)
"My lord Deputy referreth himself to the King's Majesty's goodness for some augmentation." (Margin: The King has given to him and his heirs 100 mks. by the year.)
The l,000l. for the mines, 1,000l. for the Mint and 6,000l. for payment of the garrison will be ready within this sevennight. (Margin: Liked; and thereof must be 1,000 mks. sterling money.)
"Memorandum, it is thought that the profit of the Mint and mines will bear the main charges and, as we trust, a great part of the rest wherewith his Majesty now standeth charged." Signatures copied: Thomas Wriothesley, Chancellor: W. St. John: Ste. Winton.
Modern copy (with note, at the beginning that it is taken from an original with apostyles in Paget's hand), pp. 6. Headed: For Ireland.
25 Sept. 157. Selve to Francis I.
Corresp.,
No. 34.
Receiving the despatch of the 12th, repaired, the day before yesterday, to the King, who was hunting 18 miles from London; and there received the despatch of the 16th. The King expressed satisfaction that the French had completed the demolition of the fortifications of the Portel, and discussed the date of the beginning of the works at the Portel and Bulemberg, saying that in the demolition the Englishmen acted without orders; lord Grey, who was ordered to guard against enterprises by the French, seeing the work progressing and very prejudicial, destroyed it, but without conflict. Selve replied that if there was no conflict it was owing to his King's express orders, whose demand for reparation was only answered by an assurance that the act was not approved. Paget asserts that his King said on hearing of it that he had thought Lord Grey too wise a man to act so rashly. As to the hay carried off by M. de Blérancourt, this King maintains that the ground is English, but approves Francis' offer to refer the matter to commissioners. London, 25 Sept. 1546.
Fr.
25 Sept. 158. Selve to the Admiral.
Corresp.,
No. 35.
Has yet no reply to his despatches to the Admiral. Spoke yesterday with Paget about St. Blancard, who remains prisoner no one knows where, and the poor soldiers of the galley who are dying daily in the prisons of this town. Paget declared that his King had only agreed to deliver the vessel in exchange for the ship le Sacre, and was keeping the prisoners, the Admiral having said nothing about exchange while here. Explains why he desires to have a rate fixed for couriers going between London and Montreuil, mentioning Neufchasteau as the first post beyond Boulogne. London. 25 Sept. 1546.
Fr.
25 Sept. 159. Selve to Du Bies.
Corresp.,
No. 36.
Has received Du Bies' despatches of the 17th and 20th. Explains the King of England's attitude with regard to the fortifications of the Portel. Francis' letters do not mention demolition but only stoppage. Couriers to Montreuil. London, 25 Sept. 1546.
Fr.
25 Sept. 160. Petre and Maye to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P. xi.,
312.
Having received from the Council a tranaumpt of the French king's obligation, with a letter from the Ambassador there affirming the sight of the original, we met the French commissaries on Thursday (fn. n2) in the same place as before. After reasoning of the credit to be given to the transumpt, they agreed to proceed; and, as on the first day, we eftsoons alleged this 500,000 cr., etc., to be due because, 1, These letters of the French king confessed receiving it; 2, They have not paid the two millions yearly payable by the treaty of More which is part of the treaty of Perpetual Peace; and, 3, They have neither paid the salt nor the money due by the treaty of Perpetual Peace. Their answer was that this money was freely given to the French king; and they used conjectural arguments whereupon we have debated, with much talk, two whole afternoons. In the end they said that as we could not agree, and the treaty provided "another mean to end this matter," they would next day depart and therefore prayed us to subscribe a writing which they had devised, "containing that we had met according to the treaty and could not agree." We answered that it seemed better first to advertise our masters of our doings; but they said that the distance to their Court was too great. We then told them that we could not subscribe the writing; for the treaty would have had us meet and end this matter before the 7th inst. and it was the 8th before we heard of their coming, and we never heard of commissaries who met without doing anything making any writing. Parted with very good words. Seigneur du Pre, the chief commissioner, took Petre apart and asked him to do what he might to have this doubtful matter friendly ended. Will now repair to his Highness. Guisnes, 25 Sept. 1546. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
25 Sept. 161. Petre to Paget.
R. O. Their letters to the King tell the small success of their journey, wherein both Mr. May and Petre did their best and were neither answered in reason nor in law; but they could not make the French commissaries say as they wished, who remarked that when appointed they marvelled that this matter should be referred to an even number of commissaries and brought in a "civil text" that arbiters should be chosen in numero impari.
Intend to-morrow to ride to Bulleyn, which they have not seen since its conquest, and on Monday to see the King's pieces, more for their comfort and strengthening against the seas than for any skill to judge of such things. Will then hasten towards Court as fast as the writer's "ill back" will suffer, which has so troubled him these six days that it will be painful to ride, and were he not one of the worst of seamen he would rather come by long seas. Guisnes, 25 Sept.
Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1546.
25 Sept. 162. Mary of Hungary to Charles V.
Spanish
Calendar, viii.,
No 327
Secretary Strick has returned from Scotland but his report is so prolix that only an abstract need be sent. He could not obtain restitution of the ships and goods plundered from Flemish and Spanish subjects, but only of prizes taken contrary to the agreement made with Secretary Paniter last year. Strick thinks that nothing will be restored, as the Regent and other great personages share the plunder. The Scots contend that they are not at peace with the Emperor by their inclusion in the recent peace between France and England. They declare, however, that they will renew their treaties with the House of Burgundy, not mentioning Spain, only on condition that their peace with the Emperor shall be independent of their peace with England. Expects that meanwhile the robberies at sea will continue; and it is even said that the French will cooperate, and that a society is being formed for the purpose of plundering vessels from the Indies. There will be no difficulty in fitting out ships to stop this, but the owners will expect to have the cost deducted from their taxes. Desires instruction upon the following points:—
1. Whether to instruct the Ambassador to broach the matter of negociations with the Scots to the King of England, who would probably resent negociations undertaken without him, although the Emperor, remaining at war alone, ought to be able to make peace alone.
2. Whether to make peace with the Scots if they persist in excluding Spain.
3. Whether to negociate at all prior to their restoring the ships and merchandise.
4. If the King of England concludes a peace with the Scots, including the Emperor in the treaty, will that be sufficient?
25 Sept. 163. Harvel to Henry VIII.
R. O. This day, by another letter, has certified that the Frenchmen in Piedmont have taken Henry's servant Captain Bua, Albanois, who is in peril of life; also that Countye Bury joined the Emperor on the 16th inst. witli 6,000 or 7,000 horsemen and 10,000 or 12,000 footmen. The Emperor intends to go against Augusta and Ulmo but the foul weather may constrain him "to habandon the feldes and herborow his oste, being winter at hand." Between Augusta and Ulmo the Langrave waits to see what the Emperor will do. To him were coming a great band of Swiches and 2,000 horsemen who were appointed to resist the countye of Burye. There is mention that the Langrave has newly offered battle, notwithstanding the increase of the Emperor's power. Venice, 25 Sept. 1546.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
25 Sept. 164. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal [Sforza].
Poli. Epp
iv. 182.
Hears from the Abbot of S. Soluto, in accordance with what the Cardinal wrote to him on the 31 Aug. and 3 Sept. how it has pleased the Pope to order him, both as to attending to his cure and as to informing him by writing of what occurs to him about the matter now treated of. (fn. n4) As to the first, you will have learned by my other letters that I do attend to it with all diligence, because I am here at Padua, though I do not find myself as yet relieved; but I will follow up my cure in obedience to his Holiness. As to the second, finding myself again in the position that I am, as I ought to obey his Holiness in prosecuting my cure, I do not see how I can write on this most important matter, which seems to me full of serious difficulties. Yet I think I did in great part what I could in writing, before the abbot left, the letter to Card. Morone which he communicated to his Holiness through Card. Ardinghelli. Padua, 25 Sept. 1546.
Italian.

Footnotes

  • n1. This passage about the French commissaries is printed in St. P. xi., 312.
  • n2. Sept. 23rd.
  • n3. For "proporte" the St. P. read "imposts," which does not seem correct.
  • n4. The question of removing the Council from Trent?