Henry VIII: December 1524, 1-8 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.

'Henry VIII: December 1524, 1-8', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530, (London, 1875) pp. 393-398. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol4/pp393-398 [accessed 24 April 2024]

December 1524



1 Dec. R. O.	896. CHRISTIERN II. to WOLSEY.
	Desires credence for Danmarck king-of-arms, whom he is sending to the King. Mechlin, 1 Dec. 1524. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Add. Endd.
Nero, B. III. 85. B. M.	897. DENMARK.
	"Articuli pro D. Dannemarckiæ Rege armorum ad serenissimum Regem Angliæ et Franciæ, etc."
	1. That Henry would send letters to Christiern, allowing his friends free access to the ports of England. 2. To allow the King-of-arms free passage through England to Scotland. 3. To allow English subjects to exercise piracy against his enemies. 4. That the king of Denmark shall grant them his letters for that purpose in perpetuity. Signed: "Cristiern."
	Lat., p. 1. Endd.
Nero, B. III. 84. B. M.	2. Memoranda for [Wolsey]:—
	(1) To write to the lady Margaret and other councillors of the Emperor, to assist the king of Denmark, according to the Emperor's writing; (2) also to the Lubecques to help the king of Denmark, and leave the duke of Holstein; (3) and to the lady Margaret, for the letters and composition relative to the Queen's jointure; (4) to consider the king of Denmark's extreme necessity and great expences; (5) to give him a safe-conduct to pass into Scotland; (6) to write to the king of Scots desiring him to assist him for Henry's sake; (7) to aid him with 5,000 men, or money for their pay, to be repaid within a year of his recovering his kingdom.
	Pp. 2.
R. O.	898. The DANISH AMBASSADOR to WOLSEY.
	Four years ago he was promised full restitution of the losses suffered by his King and subjects, if he could obtain confirmation of the league. He accordingly had been incessant in his efforts, and at last obtained it, but found he had lost his labor. He complains that his ship and goods were seized by the English; and now, his loss being of the value of 2,604 florins, he has only received 500 nobles, with a promise of the remainder when he shall bring about a peace. Begs Wolsey to obtain for him the remaining 1,600 florins.
	Lat., p. 1.
[Cal. E. I. II. ?] I. 219. B. M.	899. [ALBANY to the CARDINALS at ROME.]
	Sends a copy of the letters which he has written to the Pope touching the affairs of Scotland. Has written at length to the cardinals of Ancona and Carpi and Hotavien, with the letters of credence of the king of Scotland and his mother. Begs them for no earthly respects to forbear their aid to orphan princes.
	Fr., p. 1, mutilated.
[Cal. E. I. II. ?] I. 210. B. M.	900. [ALBANY] to _
	Understands by Octavian that, at the request of the king of England, the Pope, notwithstanding his promises, has declined to give the bishopric of Murray to Master Thomas, and the abbey of Melrose to the Chancellor, his nephew. Has written to him and the Pope to know if this is the fact, and urging him to fulfil his promise.
	Fr., pp. 2, mutilated.
2 Dec. Add. MS. 15,387, f. 150. B. M. Theiner, p. 546.	901. HENRY VIII. to CLEMENT VII.
	Asks the Pope to grant the request of James V. that John Stewart may be appointed abbot of Dundrennan, vacant by the promotion of John Maxwell, late abbot, to Melrose, and that a pension may be reserved for the Queen. Desires the Pope to wait for eight months after the vacancy of a benefice, to know James's pleasure, according to the ancient custom. Hertford, 2 Dec. 1524.
	Lat., pp. 8, copy.
2 Dec. Rym. XIV. 29.	902. CLEMENT VII. to CARDINAL CAMPEGGIO.
	Appointing him to the see of Salisbury on the death of Edmund. Rome, 4 non. Dec. 1524.
[2 Dec.] Calig. B. I. 299. B. M.	903. DACRE to NORFOLK.
	The earl of Cassellis came to Berwick on St. Andrew's day, at night. As no other ambassador came with him, did not inform Norfolk, for fear any stop might have happened, as he could not say when the other ambassadors would come. Yesterday he came to Holieland, and stayed there all night. Today, Friday, he is at Alnwick. On leaving Iland, he said on his honor that the other ambassadors would be in Bolton this night, and that they would come by Kelso or Caldstreme. As he has come so far, doubts not that they will meet him, and all be here at Morpeth tomorrow. Knows that they had come as far as Haddington, 12 miles this side Edinburgh. The abstinence expired yesterday, and the earl of Cassellis wrote to the marshal of Berwick, hoping to have met some one there to conclude a new abstinence. Wrote to him to say that an abstinence for two months should be concluded when he came. Asked him to make proclamations in Scotland, as if it had been concluded, offering to do the same in Berwick, if he would consent; which he did, and stood in the market place at Berwick while the proclamation was made.
	Will conclude the abstinence with them when they come.
	Copy, pp. 2.
	Mem. by Norfolk: This abstinence was taken by virtue of the commission directed to Dacre, Carlisle, and Norfolk, as there was none other yet sent.
2 Dec. R. O.	904. CLEMENT VII. to QUEEN MARGARET.
	Congratulates her on her son's assumption of the government. Hopes she will persevere in her efforts to treat for peace. Rome, 2 Dec. 1524.
	Lat., copy, p. 1.
3 Dec. R. O.	905. CLEMENT VII. to HENRY VIII.
	Thanks him for the influence he has exerted with the Emperor in Ghinucci's behalf, that he may obtain possession of the see of Mela (Milevitana). Requests him to urge the Emperor again to grant it. Rome, 3 Dec. 1524.
	Lat., vellum. Add. Endd.
3 Dec. R. O. St. P. IV. 271.	906. NORFOLK to WOLSEY.
	Since he sent Magnus's last letters to Wolsey, has not heard from him till today. Thinks the posts have been intercepted by the Queen's command. The ambassadors have come to England, and will this night be at Morpeth, as Wolsey will see by a copy of a letter from Dacre to Norfolk. Begs Wolsey not to blame him for detaining certain letters, until he has heard his reasons. Will venture to say it is not the fault of himself, Magnus, or Ratcliff, that things have not succeeded to the King's pleasure. It is only the Queen who is to blame, she is so blinded with folly. Believes, however, that all things will come well, in spite of her. Has been doing divers pilgrimages hereabouts these five or six days, hourly expecting the ambassadors' coming. Will come forward tomorrow towards the King, and ye may be assured with right good will. Desires the safe-conduct for Alexander Myll, abbot of Camskynnell, and 30 persons with him. Wishes to be informed what Robert Lord, who is still at Newcastle, is to do with the King's money. Dernton (Darlington), 3 Dec.
	Add.
4 Dec. R. O.	907. JAMES V. to WOLSEY.
	In July last sent Patrick Sinclare to the King, and informed him that James, at the beginning of his own authority, commended John Maxwell, abbot of Dundranane, to the Pope, for promotion to Melrose. The abp. of St. Andrew's has since surreptitiously procured James's letters in favor of his nephew, Andrew Dury, whom the Pope has accordingly appointed. Requests the King and Wolsey to write to the Pope to revoke the appointment. Edinburgh, 4 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.
4 Dec. R. O.	908. CHRISTIERN KING OF DENMARK to HENRY VIII.
	Desires credence for Danmarck, king-at-arms, whom he is sending to England. Mechlin, prid. non. Dec. 1524. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Add. Endd.: vj^th of December 1524.
5 Dec. Vit. B. VI. 243. B. M.	909. RUSSELL to [WOLSEY].
	Received on 26 Nov. his letter, bidding him transfer the money by exchange either at gain or no loss. There would be a gain if the bankers might have a longer time than ... months, but no gain and shorter time were better, as it is dangerous to leave money long in the bankers' hands. Clerk and he will do the best they can, but must not be too hasty. Clerk sent Wolsey's letter, and wrote himself to Weston, to come to advise him in this matter, but he answers that he is so ill with gout that he can neither go nor ride. Has had the money in his custody this month, having brought if from Veterbe, which the Pope told him is the most dangerous town in Italy, on account of the two bands of Coullons and Orsyns, the latter of whom are good French. They had expelled the others from the town, and were talking much of the King's money. Would have given it to Clerk, but he did not wish to have it, as he had told the Pope he had no charge of it. It is said the people of Naples much desire the coming of the French, on account of the exactions and ill-treatment of the Spaniards, and if they do come, will not resist them. Does not write more, as Clerk is sending a letter. Rome, 5 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1, mutilated.
5 Dec. Vit. B. VI. 244. B. M. St. P. VI. 372.	910. CLERK to WOLSEY.
	Received on the 27th his letters of the 11th, and one of them is the King's pleasure concerning the bishopric of Sarum. The Pope is grateful to Wolsey for his exertions in behalf of Campeggio. The appointment is very popular at Rome, and therefore Clerk, in his last letters, had spoken in Campeggio's favor. Will not fail to urge the truce, for which the Pope himself is very anxious. Gives an account of an interview with his Holiness, in which he had urged the arguments in this behalf, and of the terms in which it should be taken. On the point advanced by the Bishop, touch ing arrears of the King's pension to be paid by the French king, the Pope thought it would be very difficult, "saying that if the French king, being at a far more after-deal than he now is, would not hear of that matter proponed unto him by the Imperials for their indemnity in very earnest manner, it is to be thought now, being at this advantage, he will be much further from that purpose."
	Details the arguments which he used to combat this objection. He thinks that the French king will make no concessions, for he demands the whole duchy of Milan. The Imperialists are obstinate, and will not yield him a foot of ground. Urged the Pope of the dangers that would ensue, not the least to himself, if the truce were not made. On his asking what should be done with the King's money, answered that Wolsey commanded it to be sent back into England, considering the charges to which the King is exposed for the invasion next May, and that the Pope and the Emperor will be able themselves to maintain the war in Italy; "whereat his Holiness fell into a laughter, shook his head and said nothing, saving that as touching the invasion of France this next year, he said that the King's highness should have very slender concurrence of the Emperor."
	The Pope receives very contradictory news from the French king and the Viceroy. Bourbon is at Sonsino, near Cremona, and has been reinforced by 8,000 lansquenets. The Imperials have called upon the Venetians to send forward their contingents, but they have not yet moved. Francis makes a great boast that he will invade Naples, and had despatched the duke of Albany with 500 men-at-arms and 4,000 foot across the Po; but he has since returned, hearing of the reinforcements of the Imperialists. The Pope would be sorry for the French king to take Naples, and, as far as words go, will prevent him; but when it comes to deeds he will endure it, and perhaps make arrangements with him. The French king is at Pavia, which still holds out. The Pope has not been successful, and thinks there is no likelihood of truce. The Datary has left the French king, without effect. The Pope told Clerk that the Venetians were slow in setting forwards, and never joined till the Imperialists had the upper hand. He said also that the Emperor was unwell, and that his nobles were disaffected. From Clerk's conversation with him, he infers that the Pope had better hopes for the French than of the Imperial party in Lombardy. There has been so much rain, and the roads are so bad, that the French have been much distressed for victual at Pavia. The Pope says the nature of the ground is such that the enemy, though less in number, may forbear giving battle, except the other party will fight at a manifest disadvantage. He thinks that Hungary will be lost this next summer.
	Moved the Pope to write a letter to the king of Scots, congratulating him on his accession to the crown, by Henry's advice and help. There is another brief to the Queen. Sends copies. Is disinclined to commit the King's money to the Roman bankers in consequence of the hazard. The Turcopolier is ill of the gout. He and Russell will do the best they can. Has bespoken Wolsey's caps according to the pattern desired. Rome, 5 Dec.
	Add.
Lambeth MS. 245, f. 234.	911. WOLSEY to PACE.
	Since he wrote last, has received letters from him, dated at Mantua, Verona, and Trent, the last being 24 Sept., and containing a message from Bourbon. The King has heard that Francis, who is still at the siege of Pavia, intends to send Albany towards Naples, "after whom it was first said that the Viceroy and other the Emperor's folks, leaving Lody, were passed" to defend it, and that the French king had sent after them the count of St. Paule. Hears also by letters from the duke of Milan to the ambassadors resident with the King, dated 22nd of this month, that if the French king expects the Viceroy to abandon Italy to defend Naples, he will be "greatly frustrate of his said own opinion," as the Viceroy intends to fight as soon as his force is united. If the French king drives the Imperialists from Milan, and gets the upper hand in Naples, he will be further from peace than ever, but if the Emperor's armies are joined he will probably repent of his enterprise. If by remiss dealing they should not be strong enough to resist him, some "politic order" should be provided rather than that Milan and Naples be in danger.
	The King has signified to the bishop of Bath, who is with Pace, three devices by which a remedy may be provided. One is, to fight with the French king, allowing the Duke to pass into Naples. The second, an enterprise to be made upon the duke of Milan and his company in his passage towards _. The third, a composition to be made of such parts as either the Emperor or the French king have in the duchy of Milan, into the Pope's hands, per viam depositi. The Bishop is going to Venice to solicit the speedy advancement of their army. Pace also is to do his best in the same cause, showing them the danger of the French obtaining Milan and Naples. The league made by the late King with the Pope, the Emperor, and king of Spain is an example. He is also to say that the King knows how cruelly the Spaniards have behaved in Italy, causing the people rather to favor the French, but that he hopes to persuade the Emperor to give the investiture of the duchy of Milan to the Duke, whereby Italy may be delivered from both French and Spaniards. If the Venetians do not assist in the expulsion of the French, they will be the first sufferers. If by breaking their bonds and conventions with the Emperor, they assist the French to gain Naples, Henry will consider them his enemies. He is to remind them of the long friendship between Venice and England, and to advise the Duke to send an ambassador to reside in England.
	Copy, pp. 11. Begins: "Mr. Secretary."
R. O.	2. Two modern copies.
6 Dec. Vit. B. VI. 251. B. M.	912. PACE to HENRY VIII.
	Wrote last on the 27th ult. of the communication he had with Bourbon at the village of Lengr ... in the Venetian territory. Today the Duke arrived on his way to the Archduke, who is at Isebroke. He sent for Pace, and told him that, since they last met, the Pope had sent Victorius Paulus to him and the Viceroy, to tell them that Francis would make a truce, putting into the Pope's hands all that he has gained since coming into Italy, if they will do the like with the part of the duchy of Milan which they hold; on consultation, it was thought that Francis would then return to France, and the Pope be left duke of Milan, and, with the help of the Venetians, master of Italy, and they therefore refused to put one foot of the Emperor's land into the Pope's hands.
	The French king is still before Pavia. The Duke hears from the garrison, by letters dated 1st inst., that they are merry within, and will not fail to do their duty while victuals last. His purpose in going to the Archduke is, first, to hasten the succours he is preparing, viz., 6,000 Almains and 12 guns, which will start tomorrow with 1,000 men; 2, to hear what word he shall have from the King; and, 3, that the report of his going thither may benefit the Emperor's affairs in Italy. He will not stay more than nine or ten days, unless he has other orders from Henry. He says a servant of the Viceroy who came from Venice reported that they did not refuse aid, but wished to know what the Pope would do; that the Viceroy sent back word that they must keep their treaty with the Emperor, even if the Pope were his enemy, as he is not a contrahent in that league; that the abbot of Nagera, who was sent to desire the Pope to declare for the Emperor according to the treaty, could have no answer but that he had sent Paulus Victorius about a truce.
	The Duke desires Pace to say that he will continue to serve the King, and to show his true opinion, remitting the rest to his wisdom. He added that, unless some help was given, the Viceroy would be obliged to take a truce more profitable to the French than to the Emperor. Francis, hearing of the arrival of 7,000 lanceknights into the Emperor's camp, recalled Albany. He has obtained 4,000 Swiss and Grisons, and is fortifying his camp. Trent, 6 Dec. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
6 Dec. R. O.	913. DUKE OF MILAN to HENRY VIII.
	Writes to Augustin Scarpinello an account of what has been done since the retreat of the Imperial army from France, and the preparations here in Lombardy. After the taking of Milan the enemy found conquest more difficult than ever. For whilst the army in Pavia has cheerfully borne the siege for 40 days, the French have taken no places but what our men have destroyed, and have not got much money from Milan, though they need it greatly. Our army is daily increasing, and if money does not fail (which can be easily supplied by the King's help and a contribution), the war will be carried on with little danger, and the French king will suffer for his boldness in invading Italy. His return to France will be rendered very difficult, or, if he does return, his forces will be so reduced that the Emperor and the King will easily crush him. Begs him not to diminish his interest in him and in Milan. Soncini, 6 Dec. 1524. Signed.
	Lat., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
6 Dec. R. O.	914. THE SAME to WOLSEY.
	To the same effect. Soncini, 6 Dec. 1524. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Add. Endd.
6 Dec. (fn. 1) R. O.	915. RIC. THORP to PETER BEKQUYT.
	Help "me and my poor tenant in such affairs as he shall show you of in writing of his letter as touching the marsse (mares ?) that he hasse lost." Requests Bekquyt will write for him, and my Lord sign the letter. Marke, 6 Dec.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: Deux jumens, une rouge, l'aultre une grise, le nuyct de St ... a vieille eglise.
8 Dec. Add. MS. 15,387, f. 154. B. M.	916. DUKE OF ALBANY to CLEMENT VII.
	Writes to the cardinal of Ancona, and to his secretary Octavian, concerning the detention of the archbishop of St. Andrew's, chancellor of Scotland, and the bishop of Aberdeen. Requests him to disregard the persuasions of the English, who are the enemies of the Scotch king and himself. The French camp before Pavia, 8 Dec. 1524.
	Ital., pp. 2, copy.