Spain: March 1496

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1862.

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'Spain: March 1496', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509, (London, 1862) pp. 87-89. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol1/pp87-89 [accessed 24 March 2024]

March 1496

5 March.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 1.
Marriage of the Princess Katharine.
127. Henry VII. to Thomas, Bishop Of Rochester, John Dynham of Dynham, William Warham, Robert Middleton, Richard Guldeford, and John Rysley.
The said commissioners are empowered to treat with Doctor De Puebla about the marriage between Prince Arthur and the Princess Katharine, her marriage portion and dowry, the time of her coming to England, the time and mode of the payment of the marriage portion, &c.—Westminster, 5th March, 11 Henry VII
[The signature of Henry VII. is cut off, apparently with a pair of scissors. In the corner remains the signature, "Clerk."]
Latin, on parchment. pp. 2.
28 March.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.
128. Ferdinand and Isabella to Doctor De Puebla.
Have received the letter of De Puebla, dated the 21st of January. Have answered all his letters hitherto received. Salvador de Ugarte, who takes their answer, has probably already left Fuentarabia, as his vessel was ready for sailing, and was only waiting for a favourable wind. Send duplicates of the despatches, of the letters for Henry, and of the brief of the Pope.
War with France.
Have reason to believe that he has received other briefs from the Pope for the King of England through Garsilaso and the Spanish ambassador at the court of the King of the Romans. If not, the brief sent with the said Salvador will be found sufficient. As he has written that matters are ready in England for the conclusion of the treaties, as soon as the powers arrive, he must, without loss of time, conclude them in such a manner that Henry may begin war with France directly, and that nothing may remain to be arranged hereafter. A single day, now that the war has actually begun, is of greater moment than a year would have been before hostilities between Spain and France had taken place. The war is a war for the Pope and the Church. He must make haste to conclude the affair, and as soon as he has come to a definite result, write, and send couriers by land and sea ; and, if necessary, must even send a ship of any of the Spanish subjects in England.
He has written that he has somewhat retarded the treaty of Henry with the King of the Romans, and with the Archduke, in order that they may be concluded at the same time as the treaties between Spain and Henry. He is ordered to conclude whichever treaty he can first conclude.
Hope that De Puebla has by this time received the brief of the Pope.
The Archduke Philip.
Are glad that the Archduke Philip has sent his ambassadors to Henry, who, according to what Rojas has written, will concert with him what will have to be their line of action.
He has rendered them a signal service by preventing Henry from declaring war with Flanders. There could happen no greater misfortune, in the actual circumstances, than a war between Henry and the Archduke. He must be continually on the watch, as the French do nothing but study how to bring about such, and other like things.
Embassy from France to England.
He has written that an embassy from France has arrived in England for the purpose of reconciling Henry with the King of France, making him great offers respecting the pension, and promising to pay the sums which are already due, or will fall due in future. At the same time, the ambassadors made great complaints against them and against the King of the Romans.
Are astonished that he has not refuted the complaints, being, as he was, so well informed of all the injustice they have suffered from Charles. Whenever he hears anything to their prejudice, he must vindicate them on the spot. As for the promise to pay the pension punctually, Charles makes it only because he is in so difficult a position, and wishes to disturb the friendly relations existing between Spain and England. He will not keep his word any longer than is convenient to him. The alliance of England with Spain, the King of the Romans, and the Archduke must be concluded as soon as possible.
The King of the Romans has admitted Henry into the league without any conditions.
The entry of Henry into the league will be a little delayed because all the members of it must first be consulted. He must therefore first conclude the alliances.
Duke of York.
Are astonished that it is not known in England where he of York is. The same uncertainty prevails in Spain. If he has gone to Scotland, the Spanish ambassadors there will render good service.
Columbus.
"You write that a person like Columbus has come to England for the purpose of persuading the King to enter into an undertaking similar to that of the Indies, without prejudice to Spain and Portugal. He is quite at liberty. But we believe that this undertaking was thrown in the way of the King of England by the King of France, with the premeditated intention of distracting him from his other business. Take care that the King of England be not deceived in this or in any other matter. The French will try as hard as they can to lead him into such undertakings, but they are very uncertain enterprises, and must not be gone into at present. Besides they cannot be executed without prejudice to us and to the King of Portugal."
Archduchess Joana.
Intend to send their daughter to Flanders to her husband very soon, and the same fleet is to bring back the Princess Margaret from Flanders to Spain. Should they be forced to land in England, Henry is expected to treat them with the respect which is their due.—Tortosa, 28th of March 1496.
Draft. Spanish. pp. 9.