Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 17, 1542. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1900.
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'Henry VIII: January 1542, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 17, 1542, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1900), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol17/pp1-9 [accessed 16 November 2024].
'Henry VIII: January 1542, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 17, 1542. Edited by James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1900), British History Online, accessed November 16, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol17/pp1-9.
"Henry VIII: January 1542, 1-10". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 17, 1542. Ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie(London, 1900), , British History Online. Web. 16 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol17/pp1-9.
January 1542, 1-10
1 Jan. Nicolas' P.C.P., VII. 289. |
1. The Privy Council. Meeting at Greenwich, 1 Jan. Present : Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Gt. Admiral, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vicechamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. No business recorded. |
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1 Jan. R. O. Kaulek, 376. (Almost the whole text.) |
2. Marillac to Francis I. Although the talk about the marriage of Mons. d'Orleans and Madame Marie was only between Norfolk and the writer, and the last resolution was not to proceed further because he had no special power, some days ago, this King, first by his lord Privy Seal, and afterwards personally, did not forbear to resume the subject. The Privy Seal having, before the feast (Christmas), invited him to his house, said his master marvelled that, since the common voice in France was that this marriage was concluded, Marillac did not pursue what he had commenced; for if he showed a suitable credence (pouvoir pour estre creu), the King would listen favourably to the treaty of this new alliance. Then, adding the substance of Marillac's conversations with Norfolk, he pressed him to say what he thought about the matter. Replied that this subject had indeed been put forward during the journey in the North, but they had objected that Marillac had no special power to treat, and he had answered that such a power would come soon enough when affairs were in terms to be concluded, when Francis would send one of those nearest his person of reputation and authority to take the final resolution. Said this because the preliminary discussion could not affect the parties, and therefore the power would serve for little, and because he was still awaiting Francis's reply as to whether he would send the power or not. The lord Privy Seal, perceiving that he gave no assurance touching this power, then said he would speak again with the King his master, to know if he would be satisfied with a letter of credence; praying Marillac to use his good offices, and making a long discourse of the amity between the Kings, which gave good hope that this practice would take effect. Answered simply that he would not write of it unless they gave him occasion, seeing the reply he had already received. Afterwards the lord Privy Seal twice intimated that this King wished to speak with Marillac, and assigned him the day before yesterday; but when he appeared, whether the Emperor's ambassador, who had been there all the day before, had changed their opinion, or whether they wished to dissemble the fact that they had re-opened the subject and sent for Marillac (of which, perhaps, they repented), they held very distant language. The whole Court seemed confused, the King little joyous, and his ministers pensive and melancholy. Remained with them half the day without anyone speaking to him save the lord Privy Seal, who asked whether he had anything to communicate. On his reply that he was only come at the King's command, the lord Privy Seal said it was their custom to call the ambassadors during the solemn feasts; and, after talking about trifles and going and returning twice or thrice from the place where his master was, when Marillac was taking leave of him to depart, a lord of this Court (whom he had instructed beforehand) came to say that the King wished to speak with Marillac. It was to tell the substance of the above-mentioned matter; and, receiving the same answer, the King said he wished to explain that he insisted upon a power because Marillac's predecessors had divers times proposed marriages on the strength of their general credence as ambassadors, but, instead of the matters taking effect, advantage was taken of his openness in declaring his intention to prove that he was trying to nourish discord between Francis and the Emperor. To avoid such reproaches in future, he wished to have something to build upon, but would be satisfied with letters of credence for what Marillac had to say about this marriage. The inference is that the said letters should specify in words the marriage between the said lord and lady, which almost amounts to a special power, unless they were so put as to form a credence to speak of the matter of Mons. d'Orleans and Madame Marie without specifying marriage or new treaty, but it is doubtful whether such a credence would content them, for the King's words were that he wished something to show that an overture for a new treaty had been made to him. Promised nothing except to write about it. Asks whether to hold things in suspense or take advantage of the Emperor's affairs to proceed to a speedy conclusion. Lord William reported here all that he heard in France touching this alliance, and that Francis had decided to send a man hither. Thinks this must be he who was to bring Francis's condolences about the King's misfortune as regards the Queen. Was questioned about him, but always answered that he knew nothing; and, finally, seeing no one come, he, in pursuance of Francis's letters, prayed this King to believe that the shame did not extend beyond the delinquent, and to forget his grief, which could only hurt and no wise profit him. He gave thanks for Francis's good counsel and comfort, and said he would see that this affair hurt neither his body nor his conscience. Must add here that the Emperor's ambassador was called to Court the day after Marillac had been there, as he was the day before, and that, both days, he talked with the King three or four hours after dinner, and all the morning with the Council. Presumably either he is essaying whether this lady can be placed with the Emperor (or at least not given to Francis), or else there may well have been some discourse that the Emperor will make his loss less than it is, and they will promise marvels to make him persist in keeping what he occupies from Francis. It weighs upon them to see the Emperor so reduced (either by weakness caused by the routs which he and his brother have suffered, or by being compelled to defend themselves, the one against Barbarossa, who is already out, and the other against the Grand Seigneur, who designs to invade Hungary) that he is constrained either to satisfy Francis (de vous faire la raison) or else to waste his strength in making war in other quarters. They can see that the victory inclines to Francis when the Emperor has been put to expense, while he remains the stronger against his enemy and a no less suspected neighbour to them; which seems the chief cause of their melancholy, for they cannot refrain from often lamenting the loss which the Emperor and his brother have this year suffered. The ambassadors who were to come from Scotland arrived here yesterday, and are the bps. of Aberdeen and Orkney and the Justice Clerk, (fn. 1) with a troop of 50 or 60 horse. No one was sent to meet them, and it is not known when they will have audience; after which Marillac reckons to communicate with them. Parliament commences on the 15th inst., when Norfolk should be back, but whether in his former credit is not certain. Lord William, his wife, his sister, (fn. 2) and three or four ladies of his mother's house have been condemned to perpetual imprisonment for not revealing the Queen's incontinency before the King married her. Lord William is the least charged, and will, it is hoped, soon be released. The rest of the prisoners for this matter are reserved to be judged by Parliament, viz., the old duchess of Norfolk and the lady of Rochefort. Thinks he will then have matter to write, for it is generally held that things will soon be seen which will seem to many people very strange. Subscribed as sent by Thonyn. French. Modern transcript, pp. 9. Headed by Kaulek : 1 Jan. |
1 Jan. Poli Epp., III. 46. |
3. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Contarint. Had already dismissed the Auditor with orders to leave to-morrow morning for Rome, when Contarini's letter arrived with the reply of M. Pamphilo. There seems to be a dearth of capable men. Viterbo, 1 Jan., 1542. Italian. |
2 Jan. Nicolas' P.C.P., VII. 289. |
4. The Privy Council. Meeting at Greenwich, 2 Jan. Present : Abp. of Cant., Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Gt. Admiral, Durham, Winchester, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vicechamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. Business :— Read letter from St. Leger, Deputy of Ireland, to the King, touching submission of Oneil. Letter devised to Mr. Ant. Rows, treasurer of Guisnes, for "payment of certain sums wherewith he reckoned not himself charged." Letter devised to the Deputy of Calais to have all grain more than necessary in the marches sold in Calais market, according to the statute. Letter sent to Sir Wm. Eure certifying the King's acceptance of his late advertisements and requiring him to keep watch on the Scots. |
2 Jan. Royal M.S. 18 B. VI. 135. B. M. Epp. Reg. Sc., II. 135. |
5. James V. to Cardinal Carpt. In favour of the bearer, John Steinstoun, a Scot, who has a case before the Rota, about a vicarage and other business. Edinburgh, 4 nonas Januarii, 1541. Lat. Copy, p. 1. |
3 Jan. Nicolas' P.C.P., VII. 290. |
6. The Privy Council. Meeting at Greenwich, 3 Jan. Present : Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vicechamb., Wriothesley. Business :—Letters received from Sir Harry Knevett, declaring the Emperor's "loss in his voyage to Argelle." Commission sent to certain gentlemen of Devon to enquire for land in Dartmoor Forest, thought to appertain to the Prince. |
4 Jan. Nicolas' P.C.P., VII. 291. |
7. The Privy Council. Meeting at Greenwich, 4 Jan. Present : Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vicechamb., Wriothesley. Business :—One Pasqual, a stranger, proved to have spoken lewd words to the watch, and ordered to leave the realm by 1 Feb. |
4 Jan. R. O. |
8. The Late Abbey of Hailes. Depositions taken at Winchecombe, 4 Jan. 33 Hen. VIII., afore "Sir Bruggez, knight," Ric. Tracey, and John Stratffourd, the elder, by commission of the Court of Augmentations, "concerning spoils done at the late dissolved monastery of Heiles." Depositions of a great number of persons as to articles which they carried away from the abbey (or knew others to have carried away) and which were bought of servants of Robt. Acton. The articles are glass, lead, locks, hinges, woodwork, &c., and the sums paid for them small. One of the first witnesses deposes that he heard two men say that they heard another say that he had said to Mr. Acton, at London, as they rode in a boat over Temys, towards Sowthewark, that two of his (Acton's) servants had sold iron and lead; also that a serving woman told him she saw one come by night from Hailes, to her master's house with certain locks. She said to her master, "Alas! why do you receive thus this stuff ?" and he replied, "Hold thy peace, for it is there now catch that may catch." Amongst the deponents are the parsons of Battashere, and Condicote (both named Nic. Wike), Kenelm Deane, parson of Stanton, and men of Sto Saint Eduard, Langbarough, Condicote, Todington, Chirchestannay, Winchecumbe, Wodstanway, Stanley, Pynnocke, Didbroke and Heiles. Many of the depositions are followed by notes by the commissioners, who conclude, "Item, there be many divers spoils daily done within the said late monastery to a great substance over and above these above written, but by whom as yet it is unknown" Signed : John Bryggys, Rycharde Tracy, John Stratffard. ii. Commission for taking the above. Westm., 11 Nov. 33 Hen. VIII. iii. Certificate by Nic. Wykes, parson of Bachesore, of the amount of glass he bought. iv. Similar certificate by Nic. Wykes, parson of Condicote. v. Certificate by Ralph Parse, one of the deponents, as to articles bought by him in January and February 31 Hen. VIII. Parchment roll of five membranes written on both sides and stitched together at one end, with which are also stitched § § iii.-v., which are small slips of paper, and § ii., a small parchment. |
4 Jan. R. O. St. P., VIII. 647. |
9. Paget to Henry VIII. Has of late received a letter from the Council containing a declaration of certain persons committed to ward, with an abridgment of the cause and instruction how to answer if questioned about them. The Privy Council here have dissolved their continual sitting; but, since he last wrote, some of them have sat harder than before, for, for four or five days after the coming of "him of Liege," those of the Privy Council attending on the King at his dinner talked only of their secret matters, the ushers setting the meat upon the table and departing. Every day after dinner, the four captains (fn. 3) (who were to be despatched the day before he last wrote, and were stayed) sat with the Privy Council, "and he of Liege with them," of whom none but the Council knew "whence he came nor whither he would." Those who before informed Paget of the enterprise of Liege said nothing of his being here. "Well entertained they were, secretly, and great cheer was made unto them and also to them of Denmark," and, since their departing, there has been little or no sitting at Council. War is looked for immediately in Flanders, Navarre, and Italy, "which the French king saith he counteth his own, and to have the Bishop of Rome at the least neuter," whose nephew, Signor Horacio, although but 12 or 14 years old, is admitted to the King's service, with chamber, wardrobe and kitchen in the Court, much honoured here and accompanied by Fregosa's two sons, to whom the King has given two abbeys vacated by the death of the bp. of Limoges. Paris has granted the King 100,000 crs.; and 700,000 fr. are appointed to be levied in the rest of the kingdom, with three-tenths of the clergy; all to be levied before Easter, the Cardinals paying first, for an example. The common boxes of the churches are to be brought to the King's treasurers forthwith, and all money that can be got at Lyons is forestalled at 16 per cent. Armourers and furbishers work day and night. The duke of Orleans sets the arms of Milan on his armour. The Emperor's ambassador says that in speaking to the Admiral for restitution of a Spanish carvel taken at Rochelle he asked the meaning of the levying of so many men. The Admiral answered that it was "to rescue the Emperor if need had been"; and caused the carvel to be delivered at once. The chancellor of Alançon, who is in great favour with the Queen of Navarre, is sent to this Diet at Spire. Cannot learn the cause, for the person who can tell best, and whom he covertly mentioned in his last letter to Mr. Secretary, is lately "more stranger" to him. Is credibly informed that he goes to accuse the Emperor of the death of Fregosa and Ryncon, and insinuate to the Princes that the Emperor has "given an occasion of the breach of the truce." It is said that the Grand Seigneur makes a greater army than ever, to invade Hungary this summer, and that Marillac, ambassador in England, shall be recalled and sent to him. The bp. of Yvree, fearing to go to Rome and coming hither, was countermanded by the King, who accuses him of conveying away the six Spaniards, and has taken from him an abbey in Piedmont; so he is out of favour both with the King and the Bishop of Rome. Two ambassadors were lately here from Genoa, to thank the King for restoring them to freedom of merchandise; which is granted, not for the constancy which he expects to find in them, but because the prohibition, which was aimed against the Genevoys (Genoese), was found to cost the King, at each of the four annual marts of Lyons, 30,000 fr. for pickage, stallage and awlnage and 14 cr. for each mule load of silk. Mons. St. Pierre, bp. of Dade, (fn. 4) brother to Mons. de Guyshe, who was ambassador in England, is sent, with a maître d'hotel of the Queen, to the king of Portugal, to demand her daughter, Lady Marie, whom she had by King Emanuel, upon pretence that she shall be bestowed upon the duke of Orleans; for in the marriage which was bruited here to be with Lady Marie of England the French king will proceed no further until he knows the king of Scots' mind, to whom he has sent Mons. de Morvillee, as Paget wrote before. The Portuguese ambassador says that his King, having an inkling of Mons. Dade's coming, who was kept waiting at Bierne for his passport through Spain, will be guided by the Emperor; for he thinks the French would set little store by the lady if they once had the money her father bequeathed her. Don Loys goes this spring to Africa, to make war upon one Sheref, who has driven the king of Phese out of a city called Caput Ege, on the sea coast. President Gentile, who has been long in prison here, is promised pardon, partly at the suit of Signor John Paulo, now in Rome, son of Signor Renzo, dec., and partly upon his promise to show the King how to win much money of his treasurers. Upon rumor that Grandvele's son and others should, this feast, be made Cardinals, Mons. de Ravy is sent to Rome to purchase a Cardinal's hat for the Chancellor. Upon Christmas eve arrived, at Fontainebleau, Mons. Jeronimus, servant to the Prince of Salerne, to purchase his master's safe conduct through France, which it is thought he shall scantily obtain. Saw letters, received from Italy on Sunday last, showing that Grandvela had been in great danger by a sudden commotion at Senes, caused by the Emperor, at his being at Luke with the Bishop of Rome, promising to bestow Senes upon the duke of Camarin, the Bishop's nephew, son-in-law to the Emperor. The letter mentioned other agreements which probably Henry already knows of, the effect of which was that the Bishop promised the Emperor all the country of Romagna, Bologna, all the signory of Signor Ascanio de Cologna and country of Count Petylan with a great sum of money, and, in return, the Emperor would give to the duke of Camarin all Tuscania, Senes, Florencia, Pisa, Parma, Placenza, and Aquila in Neapoli. Thus the Bishop intends to advance his own family, "and to leave the Church (as they call it) in his primitive poverty." To win the French king's goodwill, he will offer him Avignon. The bp. of Valence, who was stayed at Lyons, is now in Castel Galyard by Rouen. Humble thanks for the augmentation of his diets. Will return, as a tree of the King's own grafting, all the fruit he can. Paris, 4 Jan. Signed. Pp. 7. Add. Endd. : 4 Jan. 1541. |
Caius College MS. 597, p. 19. |
2. Letter book copy of the preceding, in the hand of Paget's clerk. Pp. 7. |
7 January. Vit. B. xiv., 265. B. M. |
10. News From Rome. "Ex literis Rome [datis] die vij Januarii. "Ex rebus tum in Hungari[a tum in Algeria] parum feliciter gestis, (fn. 5) suas co . . . . . ciunt homines, Turcam irrita . . . . . . audaciam illi accrevisse, puta[nt] . . . . . . . multas impendere difficultate[s] . . . . . expellendas, rebus pluribus o . . . . . pecuniis præcipue. "Ut Imperator Regi Christianissimo r[econcilia]retur, (fn. 6) quicquid hactenus pon[tificem Romanum] videmus frustra fecisse, nunc . . . . rerum status requirere videtur . . . . . . alias, Cesar Serenissimi Regis vestri . . . expetat. "De Cesaris successu in exp[editione] sua, plura vos istic potuist[is intelli]gere, hic enim fama est, o[ratores] ab illo ad serenissimum Regem v[estrum esse] missos. "Horatius nepos Pontificis, (fn. 7) fu[it] . . . . . exceptus a Rege, hilari . . . . . de ea re sua manu Re[x Christianissimus ad] pontificem scripsit. "Galli an quieturi h * * * [duc]em Urbini ad sua stipendia [adm]odum honorifice conduxisse dicatur. [Quid di]cam de duce Urbini, ut ex vobis [ips]is aliquid amplius consyderetis. [D]ux iste, feudatarius est ecclesiæ Romanæ. [Hu]ic ademptus fuit Ducatus Camerini [e]t traditus Octavio Farnesio, privatusque [f]uit titulo præfecturæ Urbis Romæ et [h]abet aliquot civitatis suæ ditionis, [e]x quibus Pisaurum ad littus civitatis maris Adriatici situm, et optime muni[t]um est, vivente patre, et post ejus obitum ab hinc triennium, Venetorum stipendia meruit, et consobrinus est Ferrariæ et Mantuæ ducum. [I]gitur quod Gallis adheserit, mirum est [n]isi Pontifici et Cæsari displicet. Nam si comes Mirandulæ solet [es]se magno usui Gallis in Lombardia [du]x Urbini ad res novandas potest ............ are majores commoditates ............... mutavit modum gubernationis ......... quod accidisse non" Mutilated. |
8 Jan. Nicolas' P.C.P., VII. 291. |
11. The Privy Council. Meetings at Greenwich, 5 and 6 Jan. Present :—Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vicechamb., Wriothesley. No business recorded. And likewise on the 7th (present, Mr. of Horse, Wriothesley, Vicechamb.) and on the 8th (present these three, with Winchester and Sir John Baker). [*** The next date on the Register is 13 Jan.] |
8 Jan. R. O. St. P., III. 358. |
12. Council of Ireland to the Council. The land is in such peace as has not been seen these many years. Praise the Deputy's liberality in entertaining Desmond and O'Neill, his policy in war, dexterity in framing peace, and diligence in protecting the King's subjects. Any sinister report to the contrary is not to be credited. Maynooth Castle, 8 Jan. 33 Hen. VIII. Signed by Alen, Abp. Browne, the bp. of Meath, Brabazon, Aylmer, Bath, Justice Houth, Cusake, Robt. Castell, dean, and Edward Basnet, dean. P. 1. Add. Endd. : The Chancellor, &c., in Ireland. |
9 Jan. Add. 11,041, f. 35. B. M. Wright's Supp. 287. |
13. Robert Burgoyn to John Scudamore. Commendations to his wife. Has perused the copy of the Council's letters, and sent abstracts of the arrears since last audit; viz., of rents due between Mich. 32 and Mich. 33 Hen. VIII. Desires him to execute the Council's letters. As to the King's lead in Worcester Castle, if the walls be close it may remain; if not, it might be laid into the great belfry in the New College in Worcester, where it would be safe. Thanks him for two baked salmons. His wife shall have the table at Worcester. Excuses the detention of his servant. His horse died at Dunstable, and the writer delayed him "till Monday after the 12th day," to make the said abstract of arrears. Send my letter to Mr. Brougham when you send for the table. Watton at Stone, 9 Jan. Hol., p. 1. Add. |
Add. MS. 11,041, f. 37. B. M. Wright's Supp. 284. |
14. Robert Burgoyn to John Scudamore. (fn. 8) Commendations to Mrs. Soudamore. Has sold such of the stuff of the late priory of Worcester which remained in the custody of the Dean as is appointed by Mr. Chancellor's note in the inventory. Has received the money, except 13s. 2d. for things bought by Scudamore's servant Baston. The counterboard in the great chamber was bought before he came to Worcester. He has another in manner as good. There is stuff remaining at Batenhall, which Mr. Borne hath in ferme, appraised at 58s. 10d. Old Borne has asked time till Candlemas, to see whether his son will have them. He is bound to pay for them then, or else to bring a discharge. Sends a list of other parcels in the custody of Mr. More, quondam prior of Worcester, whose chaplain has promised to give Burgoyn an answer about them to-day, at Evesham. He claims them by his patent, but Burgoyn told his chaplain that one of his best beds and coverlets had been sold, and that he intended them for Scudamore. Will send the chaplain to Scudamore, to take an order for them. Carries with him 144 ozs. of plate, which he has received for the King's use. Has reserved for the King 10 copes of green velvet, a cope of needlework, wrought with gold, and "a coope, priest, decon and subdecon" of red velvet, embroidered. The Dean has required to have the delivery of them to Mr. Chancellor himself, hoping to obtain them again for the use of the Church, as they are but coarse. He is bound either to deliver them to the Chancellor before the Purification of Our Lady or to produce a discharge for them from him. The Dean is still charged with all articles appointed in the inventory for him, the church, or the body of the house, until the college is fully established and commissioners appointed to set it in order. As to Lorrymer's daughter, Mr. Packyngton thinks that she cannot claim by her grandfather, because of the feoffment, and she cannot be heir to her sister Margery, because of the half-blood; and that if there are none of the whole blood, it will escheat to the lord. Mr. and Mrs. Packyngton wish they could have seen Scudamore at their house, and had provided a fat swan for him. My lord Suffragan (fn. 9) sends commendations. Wednesday, at my departing from Worcester. Hol., pp. 2. Add. : John Scudeamore, esq., one of the King's receivers of his Court of Augmentation. |
10 Jan. Harl. MS., 368, f. 104. B. M. |
15. Enfield. Decree for commoners of Enfield chace and lordship, made 10 Jan. 33 Hen. VIII., upon the report of Wm. earl of Southampton, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Regulations for the pannage of swine in the chace, the title of certain men of East Barnet who have cots within the chace, keeping of horses and cattle, sale of wood, keeping of sheep, &c. Pp. 6. |
10 Jan. Spanish Calendar, VI., I., No. 225. |
16. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary. Acknowledging her letter of the 29th ult., with enclosures relative to the departure of the English ambassadors from her Court, and her resolution on the business for which they were sent. Can offer no observation on the last point till after communication with the Privy Councillors. Commends her prudent words to the ambassadors, and can add nothing to his despatches of the 29th and 30th ult. Remonstrated with the Councillors, who replied (as he reported 30 Dec.) that he was right, but the people of the Low Countries had been the first to make of the accessory point a principal one by joining it with others reflecting on their King, such as the allegation in the Edict that he had framed statutes contravening the treaties. To these arguments Chapuys made answer, and they said no more. It is quite true that Henry, before accepting the offer of marriage made by the French ambassadors, told them he wished to be sure of the payment of the sums the French owed him. It is also true that he has occasionally lent an ear to the offer of a marriage between his daughter the Princess and Francis's son—he calculating by that means to get back part of the money due to him, and the French thinking, through the Princess's dowry, to diminish their debts to him or obtain a respite for the remainder. This is evident from Francis's letters to his ambassador here, of which Chapuys sent copies, the aim being to deceive Henry and prevent him joining the Emperor. This is proved by the fact that the ambassador is half in despair of the negociation, and is already preparing to leave. Indeed, my confidant says he has applied again and again for his recall, and says that, at his last audience with the King, he complained bitterly of his treatment at Court; also that on Sunday last, when he wished to speak only about a French merchant ship, the King refused to see him, and he could only speak with the Councillors. Thinks the commission this King last gave to his ambassadors (fn. 10) and the revocation that ensued were called forth by the ill-success of the Emperor's expedition against Algiers; yet neither the King nor his Councillors have been more arrogant in the pending negociations. If they were at all influenced by that event, they dissembled and are dissembling still till they see the turn of affairs between the Emperor and Francis. If war is threatened, it will be very difficult to get them to make a new league, which they have only pressed for when they feared the Emperor and Francis would combine against them. Ten days ago the ambassadors of Scotland that were expected came to London. The chief is the bp. of Aberdeen, who came here about nine years ago; and with him is another bp. (fn. 11) and a secretary named Valentin. They have been twice to Court, conducted by the bps. of Winchester and London, and have been well received; but nothing is known of their charge. The duke of Norfolk has been sent for to be present when they officially declare it, as he was lately governor of the North. But, for all their good reception, the King has within these three days sent to the Borders the same master engineer, (fn. 12) who some time ago began a line of defence on the Borders. London, 10 Jan. 1541. Original (partly in cipher) at Vienna. |
10 Jan. Spanish Calendar, VI., I., No. 224. |
17. Chapuys to Charles V. Encloses copies of the Queen of Hungary's letter to himself and of his reply, on the subject of her resolution touching the edict of Navigation. London, 10 Jan. 1542. Original at Vienna. |
10 Jan. Add. 28,593, f. 121. B. M. |
18. Granvelle to Charles V. Italian matters. The league is no longer practicable, as the Pope refuses to join it. Pietra Sancta, 10 Jan. 1542. Spanish. Modern copy from Simancas, pp. 10. See Spanish Calendar, VI. Pt. I., No. 226. |