Letters and Papers: April 1539, 6-10 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

Citation:

'Letters and Papers: April 1539, 6-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1894), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol14/no1/pp348-359 [accessed 16 November 2024].

April 1539



6 April.	705. NORWICH CATHEDRAL.
	See GRANTS in APRIL, 30 HEN. VIII., No. 5.
[6 April.] R. O.	706. CROMWELL to SIR EDMUND KNEVET.
	Has received his letters of the 2nd inst. desiring advice touching the knights of the shire of Norfolk, wLose election shall be the 14th inst. at Norwich. Thanks for his good will. The King wishes Mr. Southwell and Mr. Wyndam elected for this Parliament. Advises him to be conformable, not that he thinks them more able for the office than Knevet, but because it is the King's pleasure. London, Easter Day. Signed.
	In Wriothesley's hand, p. 1. Add.: of Buckenam Castle, esq. Endd.: my lord and master to Edmond Knevett.
6 April R. O.	707. WM. LORD SANDYS to LORD LISLE.
	I have this day received your letter, enclosing one from the King to your lordship and another to me, much to the same effect. You also send my book, for which I thank you, as well as for your news. I think you should advertise the Council what means you have for the defence of Calais, and what store there is within the town and marches, and the lordships of Marke and Oye, of grain, beeves, muttons, and other victuals. As to the offer of Marraunt Haynes and others of the Low Country, if you think them able to supply the town and marches, it would be well to forbid the Picards, but if they failed in their engagement after the Picards were expelled, it would be a great danger. It would be well to let the English victuallers occupy as they have done, and not forbid the Picards unless you have full assurance. I return the King's letter to your lordship. Commend me to my lady. Guisnes, 6 April. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: Deputy of Calais. Sealed.
6 April. R. O.	708. GEORGE COLLYNS to WRIOTHESLEY.
	Antwerp, 5 April 1539.—Sends a letter from Mr. [Ch]arlles from Brussels "From [S]payne we hear nothing how the [amb]assadors of the Ducke of Cleve do speed. Here it is noised they went ... the marriage betwixt him [and the duches]s of Myllyn who is sick of ... at this present." The [ambassador (fn. 1) ] that came out of England remains here till after the holidays, and yet he has not been at the Court, which I think strange.
	P.S.—Crayers have come from Feyversham with corn. The Turk is making great preparation and the Venetians are in great fear and will procure peace if possible. They have sent Lorenso Gritty about it.
	"The Tartars and Turk hathe b ... against the realm of Poll and done [there] much damage by burning," and killed many men. That realm is in great disorder, for the common people insist on the priests taking harness to go and fight against the Turks, otherwise they will pay no more money to them.
	The above is written from Venice by Edmond [Harvell.]
	* * * letter to the 6 of Apryll 1539. [The] letters I wryt yow shalbe foldyn ... merchants letters for caussys."
	Hol. pp. 3. Mutilated. Add.: To the Right worshipful Mr. Thomas Wriothesley.
R. O.	2. C. H. to [GEORGE COLLYNS].
	I send you your man as the Queen will not come before Easter and Mons. de Palerme is gone to keep Easter at Enghien (? tenir ses pasques enghien), so that nothing will be done till after Easter. The men of war who were mustered are gone into Denmark, and the Emperor's army which was ready to go against the Turk is turned against Barbarossa. God grant that it be not against a Christian prince. A month will show; but it is to be doubted, as the post is despatched today towards the Emperor in haste, that it may be to the damage of the English, and certainly they have deserved it, as well for being disobedient to God's lieutenant as for having beheaded, &c. Signs: Par vre. entier C. H.
	French. Hol., p. 1. Add.: "Mon bon et singulier amy George, &c., en Anvers."
6 April. R. O.	709. THOS. BARNABE to BONNER.
	On arriving at Greenwich found the lord Privy Seal with the lord Admiral there. Delivered Bonner's letters and message about his great need money. My lord caused Sir Brian Tuke to make out letters of bank to Bonner's steward for 1,200 ducats. Sends a letter of exchange made to Delbene for the money. Sends letters by the bearer, Thaddy, who was ordered to return to England with Nicolas if he met him, as he did, but wished to see Bonner first. Tarries for an answer from Delbene and Brigges, who has to deliver Bonner 200 marks. Fears Thaddy will be "shent" because he turned not back with Nicolas. Paris, 6 April 1539.
	With marginal notes by Bonner about the difficulty he had in getting the money from Paris and Thaddeus's explanation that he met Nicolas, the courier, coming out of Spain, by night, and thought best not to delay him.
	In John Bekynsaw's hand, p. 1. Add.: Mon. Seigneur de Hartford, etc. Endd.
6 April. Balcarres MS., III. 14. Adv. Lib. Edin.	710. MONTMORENCY to the QUEEN OF SCOTLAND.
	As the bearer is going to Scotland, writes the news. The King and all his company are well. The Cardinal and Montmorency will not yet go to Flanders for some time; but the amity continues between the Emperor and the King as cordial as ever. Guillefontaines, 6 April 1539. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add. Endd.
7 April. Halliwell's Letters, I. 359.	711. HENRY VIII. to LORD MORDAUNT.
	Being informed that "the most pestilent idol, enemy of all truth and usurpator of princes, the bp. of Rome," is minded to seek all ways possible to rob and spoil the realm and invert the good religion of the same, orders him to furnish 40 able persons to do duty on the sea, as many to be archers and gunners as possible, to be ready at an hour's warning, when called upon by the earl of Southampton, admiral. 7 April.
	From the Mordaunt Family papers.
R. O.	712. HENRY VIII. to _
	Twenty copies of letters missive, in the same form as the preceding, commanding the person addressed to prepare for service on the sea—(blank) persons, as many of them as possible archers and gunners, to be ready at an hour's warning, from the earl of Southampton, the King's Admiral.
	Each letter is of one page and is headed, By the King, and signed with a stamp. None addressed.
Otho E. IX. 41. B. M.	2. Another copy, signed with a stamp and without address.
	P. 1. Mutilated.
R O.	3. Two hundred and thirty-seven copies of other letters missive to be directed to the King's servants and other gentlemen, each letter desiring the person addressed (although no doubt the commissioners of musters will make a general certificate) to certify how many men he can make for the King's service in war, exclusive of mariners, who are to be at the only appointment of the earl of Southampton, admiral of England. Headed: "By the King."
	Each letter is of one page and signed with a stamp.
Egerton MS. 2603, f. 29. B. M.	4. Another copy in the same form as § 3.
R. O.	5. One hundred and sixty-six other copies in the same form as § 3 and § 4, but not signed. A number of these were originally enclosed in the cover of one of Clerk's letters to Wolsey addressed: "To my lord Legate's Grace," which is endorsed in a later hand: "Letters which should have had (sic) been signed with the King's hand."
R. O.	6. Two hundred and ninety-eight copies of letters missive in another form, requiring the person addressed (although no doubt the King will, by the sundry commissions he has sent out for general musters, be advertised of the general state of the realm) to certify how many men he can raise in time of need against such as would piratically or violently spoil the King's subjects.
	Ends: preservation of yourself and our whole natural country."
	Each letter is of one page and is signed with a stamp.
R. O.	7. Thirty other copies of the same, not signed.
R. O.	8. Fifty-eight other copies with a final clause added in Derby's hand ordering the person addressed not to meddle with mariners, who are at the direction of the earl of Southampton, admiral of England.
	P. 1.
7 April R. O.	713. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE.
	The ship Spark went in is lost upon Margate, but all the men are saved and the hogshead of wine. My chest is broken up, and what loss there is I shall not know till it come. I spoke to one of the mariners to bring the stuff hither. I think the wine is brackish and I shall be no gainer. I believe your taffeta is saved, but wet. John Tebrowe has small luck at sea, God send him better fortune a land. I know not how I shall stand for the player's garments, for by your command I am bound in 10l. for it, and they are damaged by the wet. London, 7 April.
	I have kept this three days for lack of conveyance.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
7 April. R. O.	714. SIR THOMAS CHEYNE to CROMWELL.
	According to your last letters received yesterday, I sent two boats to sea. While despatching them Fletcher came from Rye in his boat, which he thinks has no fellow in England, of his own mind to serve the King. All yesterday and last night they were in the gut of the sea as far as Gravelines, in the trade where all great ships must pass, and this morning came home again. By their report all ships that pass through the Narrow Seas will be sooner descried here out of the dongeon in the castle than by any boat or ship at sea. I have men that watch night and day all along the coast and need but a short warning to resist a landing, but I can hear of no such preparation against this realm. Moreover since my men brought me word out of Holland, the wind has been as fair for them as could be, and all the masters say the wind that is good for them will not suffer them to remain in the Downs, i.e., between E. and N.N.E., so that everyone thinks if they come not to-day or to-morrow they will not come at all, and then my tarrying here can do no service. I wrote in my last of a gentleman who came from the Card. of Lorraine and said he had nothing to do with the King and would not speak with him. I have spoken with him and he says he is the Cardinal's receiver of his bpric. of Albye, and that he cones to seek one who was his under-receiver and call him to a reckoning. He is a Florentine, has lain some time at Calais and been in company with my lord Deputy, so I let him go. Notwithstanding the leave your lordship gave me to depart, yet by reason of this stay I will not do so till I hear the King's pleasure, though I am sure I might live as cheap in Spain or Africa as I do here. Dover Castle, 7 April. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: Privy Seal. End'd.
7 April. R.O.	715. BP. ROLAND LEE to CROMWELL.
	Divers matters depend at Chester before the justice. This Council intends to be there on Tuesday before Pentecost, which is the great shire day, and stay a month. Yesterday I did marry Anne and Johan my nieces. No news, but all quiet. 7 April, at Wygmore.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
7 April. R. O. St. P. I. 607. Ellis 3 S. iii. 241.	716. RIC. [WHITING] ABBOT OF GLASTONBURY to CROMWELL.
	Asks to be excused, attending Parliament on April 28, in consequence of ill health. Glastonbury, 7 April. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. Sealed with a winged horse.
7 April. R. O.	717. RICHARD LEE to CROMWELL.
	The suggestions of my lord of Hertford and others commissioners are forward and shall be "put in ure" if he may have six score brick-layers from the King's works, and lead, shovels and other things specified in his book given to my lord of Hertford. As to the commissioners' order that the retinue should work by course in the Braies for repairing of the Doves there, never saw men more willing or take more pains. Calais, 7 April. Signed.
	P. 1. Add: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.: Mr. Lee, Surveyor of Callys.
[8 April.] R. O.	718. W. EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON to CROMWELL.
	This day arrived and has been with me a merchant of London, who, as he told my lords of the Council and me, was in Spain within these seven days. As he has told some "pratie" news thence, we charged him to repair to you with it. The Court, this Tuesday morning. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
[8 April.] R. O.	719. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	This day Mr. Wriothesley is ridden into Hampshire and will not return this 20 days, so that for preferment of your affairs I must attempt others. Mr. Polstede is come home and says my lord's determinate pleasure shall he known at the end of this week. Here is great preparation to set things in readiness; if we have war there is no trust for the 400l. Moteley was here while I was at Calais; I am told he marvelled that my lord Privy Seal had not taken possession of Painswick. Perhaps he is in haste to have a new master. I know not whether he wrote to your Lordship; but it should have stood with his honesty to let you know of his being here. I marvel what he had to do with my lord Privy Seal, unless it were to offer him the rent. Mr. Brian comes not this three weeks. Mr. Browne promises to deliver your letter. After the holidays you should know how your doings here proceed. Henceforth I shall trust your causes to God (for there is no hope in fair behests). London, Easter Tuesday.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Deputy of Calais.
8 April. R. O. C.'s Letters, 366.	720. CRANMER to CROMWELL.
	Asks him to sign the enclosed letter or write a fresh one to the earl of Shrewsbury that now is, who has dipossessed Fras. Bassett, the bearer, Cromwell's servant, of the granges of Musden and Caldon. (fn. 2) Croydon, 8 April. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
8 April. R. O.	721. MAYOR, ALDERMEN, and SHERIFES OF NORWICH to CROMWELL.
	Have received his letter desiring them to favour one Hen. Warde, who is well learned in the law, concerning the gift of the office of town clerk, and another for the preferment of their neighbour Robt. Watson to any vacant room. Think it more meet to prefer Watson than a stranger, to the office of town clerk, and, as Leonard Spencer, the present holder, is aged, they will, with Cromwell's favour, give the office to Watson at the next election. Norwich, 8 April. Signed by Thos. Pykerell, Mayor, Wm. Layer, Austen Styward, and 10 other aldermen, and Nic. Osburne, and John Homerston, Sheriffs.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal.
8 April. R. O.	722. BISHOP ROLAND LEE to CROMWELL.
	On the 18th and 20th of March this Council received the King's commission concerning the "monsters" (musters) and for the surveying of the ports and havens in Wales, and issued commands accordingly. I have since received your letters by lord Ferrers, whose diligence you shall perceive by his letters enclosed. This Council was, on Tuesday after Palm Sunday, upon the mountains of Wales, on the borders of Meleneth, where I saw many tall men and good hearts, but little armour, as I have heretofore signified to you. If the King would command them to provide harness, I would do my best. I am commanded to be at the Parliament and I dare not depart hence without the King's leave. What shall I do? Wygmore, 8 April. Signed: Roland Co. et Lich.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Crumwell, lord Privy Seal. Endd.: bishop of Chester.
8 April. Poli Epp., II. 150.	723. CARD. POLE to CARD. CONTARINI.
	Wrote on the 25th ult. from Carpentras, what he had been able to get from the Emperor, the cause of his stopping here at Carpentras, and how he had sent the abbot of San Saluto to the French king. Yet, to declare all that has passed, he sends in post to Rome the said abbot, who having been with him in Spain and since gone to the Court of France, is well informed of the course of this cause and familiar with these two courts. The Abbot is to discuss everything with Contarini before negociating with the Pope, who, when he despatched Pole, imagined from the Nuncio's letters and for other reasons, both public and private, that the Emperor would be most ready to make this enterprise. The Emperor, nevertheless, has given no hope of his being able to attend to this, considering the war of the Turk and the Lutherans; saying that he would first hear the opinion of the French king, who, as the Abbot will inform you, has spoken about it at great length and seems willing to prosecute the enterprise. Now the Emperor must be moved to join with the French king and to make a truce with the Turk and attend to the Lutheran affairs — a most holy work, in which the King offers his assistance—and His Holiness must find a way to manage these negociations. Perhaps now God will find the way of salvation of Christendom in the concord which these two princes appear about to make. If His Holiness will treat with the Emperor to confer with the French king, there seems no necessity that Pole should go to the Emperor for this; but the said Abbot might treat it; and when their majesties had resolved to make this enterprise jointly, Pole could go to them to make the capitulation in His Holiness' name regarding those people of England. Will await, here at Carpentras, His Holiness' commands and look to his own safety which, as Contarini will hear, is more than ever assailed (oppugnata) by that tyrant (Henry VIII.) Their expenses are above their means through the cost of these couriers to Toledo, and France, and Rome. Asks him to move the Pope to provide for this.
	Asks favour for a worthy bishop whom he met at Girona in Catalonia, some of whose priests made themselves exempt from their ordinary when Card. Jacobacci was in Spain and have gone to Rome to accuse and calumniate him and put him in suit before the auditor of the Chamber. Such prelates ought to be favoured, not oppressed, by the Holy See; and should be aided in doing their duty, as this one does by residing [on his benefice] and doing the office of a good pastor. Monsignor Carlo da Fano can inform him of the business. Carpentras, 8 April 1539.
	Italian.
8 April. Vatican MS.	724. CARD. POLE to CARD. FARNESE.
	Wrote, first from the Court of Spain and afterwards more largely on his arrival here at Carpentras, the 25th ult., what he had been able to draw from the Emperor about the affairs of England, and the cause of his staying here, and how he sent his gentleman, the abbot of San Salute, to the French king to explain his delay and ask him to favour the cause of England for the honour of the Apostolic See and the salvation of that kingdom. The Abbot having now returned with answer from the French king, with whom he has had sundry conversations about the impediments which the Emperor finds to the immediate prosecution of this enterprise, thinks it necessary to send him on to Rome. He has been with Pole in Spain, and has since been in the Court of France, and is a person of intelligence and experience in these courts, a worthy man and eager for the honour of the Holy See.. You will learn from him all that has occurred, and what he has heard from Scotland, and all that would appear necessary for the management of this enterprise, which now appears likely to take some good form; which God grant. I beg you to forward his business and send him back as soon as possible to me who am here awaiting his Holiness' further pleasure. Since I left Rome I have had no letters from you except on last Holy Saturday yours of 6 March, which M. Alex. Guidiccioni, your master of the house, sent on to me from Avignon; and which I have sufficiently answered already. Carpentras, 8 April, 1539.
	Italian, pp. 2. From a modern copy in R.O.
April. Galba B. x. 95.* b. B. M.	725. The VENETIANS and the TURKS.
	From Venice, ... April, 1539.
	Lorenzo [Gritti] arrived here the 8th inst., having left the [Tur]k's court on March 20. He there obtained truce [as well] by sea as by land for three months, and [arri]ved at Spalato in time; for the Bassa had taken a castle, and would have taken that place in 5 days. When the Turk's pleasure was known, all was stayed.
	We are sure to have a general peace with the Turk and others, and the other princes will at least have a long truce with him. Messer Pyero Zen will leave to conclude the truce with him in 20 days. Lorenzo Gritti returned yesterday to the Turk's court with money and other presents, and with a commission to entreat for a truce for all our League. As the Turk appears inclined to peace, there is good hope that he will obtain it.
	It were too long to tell how the Emperor, the French King, the bp. of Rome, and the Turk are all willing to have peace, which is for us a miracnlous thing, for without God's help we could never have obtained peace with the Turk with the good will of the other princes.
	P. 1. Mutilated.
9 April. R. O.	726. W. EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON to CROMWELL.
	The King requires haste in setting forth his affairs and navy at Portsmouth, and yesternight appointed the captains, so that within 15 days 1,400 men shall be there under my rule, who can bear no such rule without commission under seal. Therefore I have sent herewith a copy of my lord of Norfolk's commission when admiral and chief captain of the war, that you make get my commission after such effect. To-day I leave for Portsmouth. The Court, 9 April.
	In things concerning thè sea, in my absence, give credence to my fellow William Gonson. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
9 April. R. O.	727. JOHN HUSEE to [LORD LISLE].
	This very hour I received your lordship's letter of the 7th inst. I hear nothing as yet of the King's coming to Dover: if it shall so be, I shall procure your licence to come over. I have written you since my coming over, by Tyson and by Hugh, late Mr. Porter's servant. I can do no more but wait "at the barge," where, if I find no conveyance I have no further remedy; but from thence no man can pass without your knowledge. If I stood in like case here, you should lack no letters when occasion served. This day Mr. Browne delivered the King's letter, which, he says, his Grace read through. He brought away the letter in his hand, and said the King wished Mr. Comptroller and him to read it; which they did, calling me to them and saying they were glad the poor man was satisfied, who made unreasonable exclamations daily upon the King for redress of his wrongs. Mr. Browne said the King accepted the letter in good part, and both said they were your friends, that the King favoured you, and that I should write you to beware of the danger of such importunate wrenches as Wickes. I showed them the information was false, and that you only took this last order at the King's writing, in order that his Grace might be no more troubled. They both commended themselves to you, and Mr. Browne rode forthwith to my lady his wife, or he would have written to you. He spake nothing of the annuity. I spoke also with my lord Admiral, who rode this day to Portsmouth, and says he will learn the yearly value from James Hawkesworthe, and at his return, upon St. George's Eve, will go through for Porchester and Bere, provided you will send over your last will how you will part with it, and name a sum, and whether he shall bear the fees that go out to James Hawkesworthe and others; sending therewith your patent. I then chanced to meet Mr. Hare, and declared to him how you conceived great unkindness towards him for procuring such letters as Wykes brought, without first writing himself to your lordship. He answered that the King commanded him to do justice, and he knew the man had wrong, and when the King's and my lord Privy Scal's letters took no effect it had been folly in him to write, but if you bare him any malice for this he should be able to abide it. I said there was no such matter, but unkindness. He was very hot, but is glad the matter is stablished; for I perceive by Mr. Comptroller that the King was earnestly bent in the cause, and heinously incensed against you by Mr. Hare's information. My lord Privy Seal is determined you shall have the 400l. As far as I can see, Mr. Polstede comes not over, but I think my lord's mind is to get your licence to come to Dover. However you need not speak of this. For the Freres, he says you shall have it, but will assign no time. Mr. Polstede is come home, and will speak in this matter in a day or two, but says it shall not be good to be hot in it. "I do well see they doth not construe other men's necessity and indigence." Here all things are prepared, and setting in a readiness as well by land as by water. London, 9 April.
	Hol., pp. 2.
[9 April] R. O.	728. SIR THOMAS CHEYNE to HENRY VIII.
	The Holland fleet would have come to the Downs, where I was ready to receive them with 1,500 men and 8 pieces of ordnance, but the wind blew so sore S.S.W. that they could not double the South Sand Head and were constrained to go a-seabord the sands. They are now at anchor at the North Foreland, 68 sails, all great ships. All their boats are now aboard and none hoised over. I have despatched a couple thither to board them if they can, and another couple to bring me word if they fail. There lie in the Downs a ship of 300 tons, one of the said fleet, and 4 "yawstes." I sent the bailey of Dover and Coche thither in a boat to speak with them but they "wefte" them away and would not let them come aboard. The said ship has the Emperor's arms painted on the stern, with the cross keys on the left side and the Burgundian cross on the right. As I was in the Downs yesterday beholding the said ship, I charged three of the great pieces to have shot at her and make some of them come aland and speak with me, but they set a banner of truce in the poop. Meanwhile a false report was brought me, that a number of them had landed in Thanet. Both I and Sir Edward Ryngeley, Thomas Wynkefeld, and the rest here, think there is not so indifferent a place to make with them whichever way they go as this is. Two men whom I sent into Thanet say there was a boat manned from the shore to have gone aboard one of the said ships "which was decked with pavases round about and 10 port pieces in a side and netted afore and aft," but the wind was so strainable they could not get aboard. I have warned them of the Isle to keep sure watch and bring me word what way they take when they make sail again. They seem marvellous warlike and I like them the worse for the cross keys, but I shall light no beacons till I know more. If they land I trust you shall hear of some broken pates, albeit I lack gunners for my great pieces. Sandwich, Wednesday in Easter week. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add. Endd.: The L. Warden, Tuesday in Easter week.
9 April. R. O.	729. RICHARD PYMOND to CROMWELL.
	Sir Richard Gresham made request to Cromwell for a small farm of the prior of St. Oswald's. The prior is come to London. Desires remembrance when the prior shall come before Cromwell; for the prior promised Pymond his good will, "so far forth as that" he might attain Cromwell's. Wakeffeld, 9 April 1539.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
9 April. Wake's State of the Church, App. 227.	730. For the YORK CONVOCATION.
	Procuratorium of the Chapter of York, constituting Edw. Kellet, LL.D., precentor of York, Cuthbert Marshall, S.T.P., and Edmund Worsley, canons of York, and prebendaries of Hustwhent and Bugthorp, John Collman, under-treasurer of York, Thos. Farrehere, LL.B., their auditor, and Chr. Ashton, custos of the church fabric, as their proctors in the convocation to be held at St. Peter's church, York, on the 2nd May. Dated 9 April 1539.
	Lat.
9 April. R. O.	731. NORFOLK to CROMWELL.
	Thanks for his letter by the bearer received last night. Hopes the two great princes therein named will keep their promises. Since he wrote last, has been at Carlisle and made plats of the town and castle after a thorough survey. Though the whole town cannot be strengthened without great expense so as to be held against a siege royal, the castle could, with reasonable cost, be made tenable against all enemies for a longer season than the Scots can remain, unless mines hurt. A small citadel could be made within the town at a reasonable charge, so that if the town were won none could remain there. Since his last letter written from Naworth with the reports of Wharton's spy, has sure knowledge that general musters are already taken throughout Scotland. Many say it was for fear of his coming. Does not believe it, for they have been long making ready their ordnance, repairing their pavilions and making things through the realm called credills, "which be great baskets covered with leather to carry victuals in" used in time of war. Still, believes they will not dare to break without France. Is glad to find the King will provide for the worst and that his wise preparations cause both princes to look before they leap. Richmond, 9 April. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
9 April. R. O.	732. SIR RICHARD BULKELEY to CROMWELL.
	I received, on S'aturday before our Lady Day the Annunciation, the King's commission under his great seal, directed to me, Edward Gruff, John Pylston and John Salesbury, squires, to survey the sea coasts, provide bulwarks, trenches and beacons, and keep vigilant watch within the principality of North Wales. This we have done, and the King's subjects in the three shires are willing and ready to repel any invasion of the King's enemies. I have since received a command from the King's council in the marches of Wales, to put the King's subjects in readiness to do his service at an hour's warning, and to bring before them, before the 24th of April next, a full account of the numbers and names of all archers, horsemen, and footmen in the three shires, above the age of 16 years and able for service. The Council have commanded the same, verbatim, to the three sheriffs of North Wales, which seems to me unnecessary. Since the said commands came to me I have never been two nights in one place, but have ridden about to see their execution. I am waxed so poor, with the payments to Lord Beauchampe and others, that I cannot do the King service as I would like The King's castles in North Wales are wholly unfurnished with means of defence, saving only 8 or 10 small pieces in the castle of Bewmares, with 2 or 3 barrels of powder and some shot for them; I have also 40 bows, 40 sheaf of arrows, and as many coats of fence, saletts and splents at my own cost. Conwey, Caernarvon, and Hardlagh castles could not be defended an hour. If the King's enemies should chance to land here and take these castles, it would cost 100,000l. and many a man to recover them. Moreover this Isle of Anglesey lies open upon all countries; it is but a day's sail from Scotland. Breton lies open on it, and the men of Conquet know it as well as we do; so also the Spaniards know every haven and creek; and Ireland and other countries lie open upon it. There are but three passages between Caernarvonshire and Anglesey, the least of them further than a man can shoot over with a flyer, and the boats will carry but 12 or 16 men; so that the men of Caernarvonshire could not send succour to those of Anglesey, who have only 600 or 700 men able to make defence. The bearer, a gentleman of 100 marks lands within the Isle, can assure you of this. I beg I may have a couple of gunners and some good ordnance and powder sent me, for the defence of the King's house of Bewmares which stands in most jeopardy. I have sent a copy of the names of all the creeks and havens in North Wales, and will send a certificate, as soon as I get my associates together, and our advice as to the best place to have a fortress made. Bewmares, 9 April. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.: 13 April.
[10] April. Harl. MS., 283, f. 168. B. M.	733. RIC. MORYSINE to LORD COBHAM.
	The King perceives by a letter from the lord Warden of the Ports that there are many sails at the North Foreland. As he does not know what they intend, he commands you to be ready with a good company of soldiers to defend Tylberye and Graveshend. This must be done with all diligence, but without making any fires unless you see it very needful. Out of the King's chamber.
	Hol. p. 1. Add. Endd.: Received on Thursday, 10 April.
[10] April.] Otho E., IX. 42. B. M.	734. [SIR] THOS. CHEYNE to [CROMWELL].
	* * * brought me word ... lere hed a bote byn a bourd the [admiral of the] Holland flyt and the seyd admy[ral made] them very good chyre and sh[ot] of ordnance at there goyng a lan[d again], and sent two of the beste with ... seyd shyp savyng the Admyrall who[o said] that he wold com a land hymselffe [yf the] wynd wold suffyr hym, and more ... there was nat a bove 20 men within the s[ayd] shyp, good and bad, and there is 45 say[le of] men-of-war wych by there saye[ng are] bownd to themperowr and so to Consta[ntinople]. They be vytteld for a yere as they saye, the [rest] of the shypes go to the Bay. I have here a ij [m.] men redy to receyve them, yf they com as en[emies] as by any thyng I can parceyve they be na[t]." Wishes to know the King's pleasure as to what he shall do further in this business. If he saw any chance of an enterprise, would not leave this place. Howbeit, if the wind continue they must come to some harbour or else drown; "and albeyt that I receyvyd" * * * "shalbe able to deserve ye ... g that I see or here of theys shy[ps] ... [th]ey remayne here within syght of la[nd. I] wyll never departe from thys coste unty[I such] tyme as I shall here from your lordshyp ageyne."
	Has sent to prevent any more men coming to him. Has put the King to no charge till yesterday, but now he will be charged with the men Cheyne has here in readiness. The Small Downs by Sandwich Haven Mouth, Thursday, 11 o'clock.
	Hol., pp. 2. Mutilated.
[10 April.] Otho E. IX. 43. B. M.	735. [SIR] THOS. CHEYNE to CROMWELL.
	Apparently a P.S. to the preceding.
	(One line, or perhaps two, lost of the beginning). * * * thys lettre I saw a creye[r] ... the flyte wych I sent th ... abowt ij of the clok and so I ... commyng aland, and they brog[ht me] word that the wynde blew so st[rong] that they could nat burd them he ... wold very fayne have hed them in ... shypes and they harbysyd (?) them and ... they veyewyd the moste part of the F[lemings] that ly by the shore the moste part [doth] ly withowte the North Sounde Hed they [ly far] a soundyr and thys wynd blow up a ly-[till] they wyll ly further assounder or yt be ...'. to. Thys creer brynges me sewer word [that] they be more lykyr marchant men [than] lyke men of war, for they saye that they have syne them móch better appoyn[tyd] whan they have gon to the Baye then they [be] now." Where I wrote yesternight that they be wondrous warlike and the Admiral had 10 port pieces on a side, these men say they have not above two "port [pieces] * * * ... men wych I s ... [moste] substancyalste men an[d the w]yssyste within all the towne of ... and morover they sey that they sa[w] them send a bot alland in to Tenet." They say there are few men on board. These men and my men whom I sent into Holland agree in one tale. The master of the ship that I wrote of to your Lordship yesterday, that lay in the Downs, came a-land today of his own mind. The bailey of Dover and Cochye said he would not suffer them to come aboard; which I think was untrue, for he, and six of his men with him, say they would have landed yesterday if they could. He says the greatest of their ships is not above 300 (tons ?) and the largest crew 42, "wych be all * * * ... that they ... monthes wagys by ... [cr]ownes of the son and as I ... wych was gevyn the burgo[master of] Tyrwyn. Morover evyn now ... cam to me owt of Tenet and [showed me] how that the boot that was a bou[rd the] Admyralle hed meerveylus gr ... and how that the seyd Admyrall[e] ... to the Kynges Majestye and how [he] wold fayne spek with me and ... that he myght have quyet har[bour] in the Downes, where he thynkes to ... assone as the wynde and wether wy[II suffer] hym: and the lord of Bever ys nat ... amonges them, for they dyd ask for ... wherfor yt symes they know nat wh[ere he] ys, and by Herry Crypes sayeng the sey[d] Admyrall semyth to be a goly fellow. And there he mad them that wer a bourd to look in all partes of the shyp, and made all bys men to com owte of there cabbans My lord, they be vyttelde for a hole yere as they say, and they saye * * * ... ryd by the advyce ... es Sir Edward Ryngel[y] ... [gent]yllmen herre I dyspechyd all my [m]enne to there dwllynges places af[tyr] such a sorttes with good wordes that every man was as well content as coul[d] possyble with owt callyng for on peny of mony but some bred and drynk and so now I have no mo here but only my nowne men, the workmen and the laberars." Still, I will not depart hence till I have answer by bearer.
	* * *
	... w^t all the go ... sh[a]lnat gretly nyd for thy ... Antony Ager, yor servaunt fay ... came to me yestyrnyght ... I promes you he ys a very honest [and] dylygent man and browght ... number of men with hym. [My lord,] I hope all thys entyrpryse ys at [an end] for thys tyme; for by any thyng [I can] pareeyve they be moche aferde of [us], and so ys nor was no man here of th[em]." From Delle this present Thu[rs lay] at 3 p.m.
	Holograph. Mutilated, pp. 5. Add.: Privy Seal.
10 April. R. O.	736. NICHOLAS THORNE to CROMWELL.
	According to the King's command, the ships of Bristow have been ready to depart for Portsmouth this 10 days, and only tarry for "weathering." Among which is the Saviour, wherein I have appointed 60 mariners besides officers, with the flags and streamers of your Lordship's colours and arms. I would wish the soldiers she shall receive at Portsmouth to be appointed by your Lordship. Bristow, 10 April. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal, in London. Endd.
10 April. Cleop., E. v., 242. B. M. Strype, Eccl. Mem., I. II., No. 102.	737. PHILIP MELANCTHON to HENRY VIII.
	Has given letters to Francis [Burgart], going to England, though he requires no testimony from him of his devotion to Henry. Many can witness that he has always sounded Henry's praises. His business relates to the common weal of the Church and the preservation of sound doctrine. Hopes he will be soon despatched and be useful in other councils. 10 April 1539.
	Hol. Lat., pp. 3. Add.
10 April. Harl. MS., 6,989, f. 82. B. M.	738. MEYNARDUS DE HAME to _
	Your Lordship's servant, John Durtzman, has told me, on the part of the king of England, that he wishes men expert in war; but as he brought no letters nor authority from the King I could send none at this time. The King may have 10 or 12 immediately at his choice, and the writer would gladly come himself. Your Lordship can show the King of the great armies in the Emperor's countries and the ships in Holland and Zealand, which rumour here in Gueldres says are preparing against the king of England. The number of soldiers about Bremen is 12,000. John Durtzman can tell the rest. Thursday after Easter, 1539.
	Latin. Hol., p. 1.