Henry VIII: June 1516, 26-30

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

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'Henry VIII: June 1516, 26-30', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518, ed. J S Brewer( London, 1864), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol2/pp631-640 [accessed 29 November 2024].

'Henry VIII: June 1516, 26-30', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518. Edited by J S Brewer( London, 1864), British History Online, accessed November 29, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol2/pp631-640.

"Henry VIII: June 1516, 26-30". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518. Ed. J S Brewer(London, 1864), , British History Online. Web. 29 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol2/pp631-640.

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June 1516

26 June.
Er. Ep. App. 494.
2094. JOHN SIXTINUS to ERASMUS.
Was happy at seeing the One-eyed, who brought him news of the return of Erasmus. Is sorry to hear of his sickness, though Peter tells him it is but slight. Is employed in law cases, as usual; "molestas illas quidem sed tamen ab quæstum minus graves." Is glad Erasmus has met the Bishop of Chieti and the Chancellor (Tunstal), who has lately been made Master of the Rolls. Wishes well to his country, but feels more deeply attached to England. London, 26 June.
26 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 135. B. M.
2095. [SIR ROB. WINGFIELD] to [HENRY VIII.]
Wrote from Trent the ... of this month, in which [he informed the King] that he intended to depart thence the next day ..."which I observed, and hath continued riding by ... confected with marvellous great heat and diverse ille ..." that yesterday, after riding all night, he reached this city about eight in the morning, where he found the Emperor and Pace. Soon after Hanz Reeynner came to him from the Emperor, and shewed him a long process accusing Mr. Pace of divers things, saying that the Emperor was informed that Pace and Lord Galias had written letters to the King and Wolsey against the Emperor, which have quite alienated them from him. This the Emperor is the more inclined to believe from Pace's late refusal to provide for payment of a month's wages to the Swiss now in the common army. Hans said that the Emperor was much grieved at this, as he had been informed that Pace had sufficient money ..." by exchange to the Fukkers," and Pace himself had said to the Emperor that he had a commission not only to pay 15,000 Swiss, but also to give them 60,000 flo[rins] as a reward if they served faithfully. From all which, he can conclude nothing but covert treason. For i[u conside]ration that the allied army is reinforced, and in the field ready to seek the enemy, and the enemy "with ... they which ben feared, wasted, and weary, and ... lack of payment, the same must needs fall[e] ... discourage the remnant of Swyssers, w ... the same would not only be sufficient to beard the [enem]ys, and they will abide, but rather to pursue them with in ... yble victory." And to advance the same the more assuredly, the Catholic King's army of spears and the light horse of Naples are coming, and 4,000 or 5,000 more Swiss might be raised and directed to another point; and by sustaining the Swiss now in the army, a month's pay might be saved.
If he had not waited for the coming of Wingfield, the Emperor would have ordered Pace out of all places in his jurisdiction on pain of death, but he had sent Hans to inform Wingfield of this, and to ask if he had heard of late from the King, or could devise any remedy for the imminent danger. Wingfield answered that he was sorry the Emperor's affairs were in such perplexity, and that he was angry with Pace, who desired nothing but the Emperor's honor; he was sure Pace had not any money in his hands; for since his own arrival he had received two letters of Sir Th. Spinelly, one stating that he had sent a bill of exchange on the Fukkers for 48,000 Rh. fl., and the other revoking it, which he could show the Emperor if he wished. No communications had been received from Henry since the Emperor left Trent, nor was there any remedy for the danger they were in. About "twayne afftyr noone" the Emperor sent for him, and in the presence of many of his council " ... Mr. Hanz Reynner to purpose divers th[ings]," and sent them into a chamber to discuss the five articles following:—(1.) That the Emperor had sent to the five good cantons, asking them to hold a [diet] next Sunday at Rosthak two miles from Trent, whither he would send some of his Council to answer their demand for 5,000 fl. a month for the defence of their frontier toward Milan, and gaining over the eight French cantons. (2.) That he had sent to all the cantons desiring them to assemble a general diet at Zurich to treat with certain of a his Council touching important affairs and the conclusion of a treaty [between the] Pope, the Emperor, Henry, the [Catholic King] and them. (3.) To treat with all the cantons for mutual reconciliation, to appoint captains, and decide the numbers and plans best calculated to forward the enterprise. (4.) To have speedy provision for a month's pay for the 5,000 Swiss, whose first month expired last Saturday, and who call for the second month's pay "much impetously." (5.) That Pace and Wingfield should accompany him to a place near Rosthakke, whither he was going, to be in the way in case of difficulty.
The Bishop of Constance and Hanz Reeynner being sent to them for an answer, Pace and Wingfield replied that they approved of the first three, but as to the fourth they could make no provision, having neither authority from Henry nor money in hand; but they trusted to hear from England in a few days. To the fifth "we would ... oure self to obey his desire and plea[sure]." On the Bishop and Reeynner asking what the Emperor should do to satisfy the Swiss, seeing he had no money, they advised him to allow the Swiss to return, intimating to them that it was much necessary that his army should "be dissolved, (except the presydy of Verone,)" until a new arrangement be made to bring the enterprise safely to the desired end. The conversation then closed. When they were present [with] the Emperor, Wingfield showed him Spinelly's letter above-mentioned, in excuse of Pace's refusal. Today the Emperor sent to them, offering to pawn to them certain jewels if they would help to pay the sum required for the Swiss. Their former answer was repeated. When Wingfield had written thus far, he received the King's letter, dated Greenwich, 14th inst., with a letter to the Emperor; the former containing an answer to be made to three articles which Wingfield wrote to Henry at the Emperor's desire. Had audience yesterday evening.
When the Emperor had read Henry's letter, which was a letter of credence, "a lokyd a longe while uppon the subscription," and then said that he perceived by the subscription, without hearing more, that the contents were not so pleasant as he hoped; he nevertheless requested Wingfield to declare his credence. Was much troubled at these words. In the 1st article, which required him to "animate the Emp[eror] to use his power and strength for the recovering of [his good] fame, which is sore blemished by his return," [Wingfield] qualified the King's expressions a little, considering the feeble state of the Emperor's army, specially through the default of the Venetians ... "which your highnesse esteemed to be separate and absent ... theeym." In the opinion of impartial judges, he is more to be praised for his wonderful ability and putting so many things in execution, than to be blamed for lack of courage, in having so "cawtely" withdrawn himself from such imminent peril. In the 2nd and 3rd articles Wingfield followed Henry's letter, except in one clause. As to the article which follows and depends upon that which he wrote to Henry touching the ambassador of Savoy, did not think it right "to touch him too nigh the quick," after the Emperor had declared himself so much opposed to a peace with France, as Wingfield lately wrote. Would make those blush, if he were confronted with them, who suggested to the King that his money was spent rather in saving Brescia and Verona than in promoting the war against the French. If Henry will examine well the letters of Sion, he will see how the money has been spent or rather cast away, except the sums that came to the Emperor's hands. This was has cost him above 20,000 florins.
Desired the Emperor to provide for the repayment of the 60,000 fl. [advanced by] Leonard Friscobald, and further declared the "pith of the last article" in the best way he could, concluding with the King's desire that the Pope should be well entertained. The Emperor having made a long pause, after his custom, said he could not perceive that the king had repaid the 60,000 fl. to Friscobald, or that he intended to provide the 100,000 fl. desired by way of exchange, one [half] on the other side of the [mountains] at Bononia or Florence, the other half in Germany. He regretted that ill tongues had diminished Henry's affection for him, as appeared in the subscription, in which the name "father" was changed to "cousin." He would reply about the Venetians at some future time, both to his own ambassador in England, who had written to him about it, and to Wingfield. "And without mo words at that time he caused me to depart and take your letter with me."
Wingfield excuses himself for having consented to the loan of the 60,000 fl. by Leonard Friscobald, without which he says both Brescia and Verona would have been lost, the passes into Italy have fallen into the hands of the enemy, the enterprise crushed, and the kingdom of Naples lost. He trusts that ... has explained many things to Henry, and that he has perceived by Sion's letters, which is a man of another "sort than the Viscounte Galias, whose arms need not to be blasond, for he is known well I now (enough) and shall be every day more and more." As to Wingfield's differences with Pace, "now your secretary," for the plain dealing of the former, disclaims any feeling against him, but says. that Pace does not like to hear the Emperor praised. Thinks him ill qualified for the position of principal secretary to the King, for the "name of secretary hath the fowndation upon the knowledge of such thinggis as ought to be kept secret," in which he knows Pace has erred, for he communicated to the Duke of Bari secret proposals which Wingfield had written to Henry from the Emperor, persuading him that they were of the procurement of the Cardinal and Wingfield. Supposes the Cardinal has written to the King. His letters deserved more consideration than those of Galias, who not only abused Pace, but caused Pace to abuse others. The Duke hereupon accused the Cardinal. Pace's preferment and high remuneration, with his known dislike of the Emperor, have given rise to the idea that Henry has cooled towards the Emperor. Nevertheless Wingfield has always defended Pace in public. Constance, 26 June 1516.
P.S.—Sends letters from the Governor of Verona to the Cardinal Sion, two letters from the Cardinal, one to Wingfield and one to the Cardinal, from Switzerland, with the copies of two letters sent by the Cardinal to the Emperor, which he sent to Wingfield, also a letter from ... to the King.
Hol., mutilated, pp. 13. Add.
26 June.
P. S.
2096. For SIMON MYLBORNE.
Wardship of John, son and heir of Th. Hakelnyt. Greenwich, 21 June 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 26 June.
27 June.
R. O.
2097. JERNINGHAM to WOLSEY.
Received on the 19th his letter dated Westminster the 16th. Immediately went to Calais, which he reached on the 22nd, and received of John Jenyns 8,400l. in groats and half groats, gold, and plaks which are not current at Tournay for 4d. sterl., as Sir Rob. Dymok, the late treasurer, can show him. The charge of the works is now great, and will be for two months coming. Trusts that "the danger of the foundation of the waterworks shall be clearly won." Calais, 27 June. Signed.
P.1. Add.: My Lord Cardinal of York.
27 June.
P. S.
2098. For JOHN VAVASOUR.
Livery of lands as son and heir of Henry Vavasour,—and to Sir Wm. Skargill, Sir Wm. Gascoigne jun., Jas. Roos, Th. Fairfax, John Scrope, Sir Hen. Boynton, Th. Beverley and John Pulleyn, as trustees of the said Henry Vavasour, &c. to his use. Greenwich, 19 June 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm, 27 June.
Pat. 8 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 23.
28 June.
Galba, B. IV. 81. B. M.
2099. TUNSTAL and SIR RIC. WINGFIELD to [HENRY VIII.]
Received yesterday the King's letters of the 23rd, enclosing copy of one from Pace. Immediately sought an audience of the Council, and this morning made overture to them of this new expedition of the Swiss against Milan, telling them that the King, being informed by his ambassadors with the Swiss that they were quite ready to serve the confederates and drive the French out of Italy, was willing to contribute to their wages, as the Council had formerly solicited, though the expedition was mainly for the benefit of the Emperor and the King Catholic. The Council said they had not desired Henrys assistance to invade the French, but only to keep their own; that they had given the Emperor all the help they could, and did not mean to make a new invasion. Replied, that the King did not propose a new war, no peace having yet been made, but only to repel French invasion, and enable the Emperor to redeem his losses. Touching the new league, the Council said they had despatched instructions to their ambassador from Heyver, and sent him powers to conclude it yesterday. On telling them they understood that the French King had offered Charles his daughter for the title of Naples, they acknowledged it; but said no conclusion should be taken without England's privity, and that they had told the French not to expect their friendship longer than they remained friends with England; that this offer, and that of the [sister]-in-law [of Francis], promised long ago, were equally unlikely to come to effect by reason of disparity of age, and that their only object was to gain time till Charles was peaceably settled in his dominions. Have heard that one article of the alliance is that Charles shall pay Francis 100,000 ducats. Berghes thinks the alliance will fall to the ground. Brussels, 28 June. Signed.
P.S.—The Council have asked them to tell them any rumor that they hear, and promise to be candid.
Pp. 4, mutilated.
June.
Vit. B. XIX. 162. B. M.
2100. [PACE] to HENRY VIII.
The Emperor arrived in this city ... and gave him an audience on matters touching the honor of himself and the King. The new expedition must be commenced more cautiously and carefully. The Emperor takes it ill that an expedition against the French should have been attempted without his knowledge; to which Pace told him he knew the King was entirely opposed, and discussed with him what was to be done with the Swiss in both their names. Prays the King to write to the same effect to the Emperor ... (A line lost) ..."[quæ per majestatem] vestram est habitura, ad Gallos ab Ita[lia expellendos] ..." on which he is so intent that he has moved to this city, which is near the Swiss, to treat with them, "ne Gallis ad ... ant, sed majestatis v. partes perseverant sequa[re] ..." The Emperor has done so much that nothing is wanting but money to bring together the army under his command, and invade Italy. Since the King Catholic has commanded the Neapolitan Viceroy to send to the Emperor 800 heavy and all his light horse, and will put into his hands money for the support of 5,000 foot, it will be impossible for the French to resist. Henry is asked as speedily as possible to provide for the urgent necessity of the case. The Emperor desires nothing more than a continuance of the alliance with the King. Constance, [28 (fn. 1) ] June.
Hol., Lat., mutilated, pp. 3. Add.: S. Regiæ Majestati.
28 June.
P. S.
2101. For ELIZ. CRESSENER, Prioress, and the HOUSE OF PREACHERS, DERTFORD.
Annuity of 16l. out of the customs of London, in lieu of four tuns of wine a year, granted by patent 1 Sept. 31 Edw. III. because the citizens of London claim to be exonerated from prizes of wines, and the Monastery has received very little wine by reason of the war with France. Greenwich, 25 March 7 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 28 June. (fn. 2)
Pat. 8 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 21.
28 June.
P. S.
2102. For SIR EDW. CROFT.
To be receiver general of the earldom of March, lately belonging, to Ric. Duke of York and the late Earl of March, in cos. Heref. and Salop, in Wigmore and Wigmoresland, Rodnour and Moleneth, with members in Clifford, Glasebery, Wynfreton and Ewyas Lacy; and keeper of Gateley park and adjacent woods in Wygmoresland: on surrender of patent 13 July 1 Hen. VIII. granting him the same, during pleasure, vice Sir Ric. Croft his father. Greenwich, 23 June 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 28 June.
Pat. 8 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 16.
28 June.
P. S.
2103. For ROB. LYTLE, groom of the Wardrobe of Beds, and ROB. PALMER of Morton Henmershe, Glouc.
Licence to buy 50 sacks of wool within ten years, and make it into cloth or sell it. Greenwich, 19 June 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 28 June.
Pat. 8 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 12.
29 June.
Vit. B. XIX. 164. B. M.
2104. [SIR ROB. WINGFIELD] to HENRY VIII.
Wrote last on the ... of the present month ... from this towne by Leonard Friscobald ..."same to his brother Philip." [The Emperor] yesterday, "betwixt one and twaine [in the after]noon," sent for Pace and Wingfield, and in the presence of the Bp. of Constance and others [asked] Hanz Reeynner to make the following declaration to them: (1) To Wingfield, that the Emperor can make no reply to the credence delivered to him [by Wingfield], which appeared ambiguous, "in resolving the payment of [the sixty] thousand florins:" (2) To Pace, that the Emperor having heard that he has been slandered by the Duke of Bari, Pace and Galeazzo, to the "refrigeration" of Henry's friendship, is yet content that Pace shall leave his court when he pleases on the King's business. He requires him, however, before leaving, to pay the 2,588 fl. which he is said to have received from the Friscobalds on account of the 60,000 fl. Wingfield replying that the Emperor's declaration to him needed no answer, Pace denied the accusation of slander, and refused to pay the required sum, on the ground that he had spent great part of it on the King's affairs. "Which words finished, and the Emperor ... out of that chamber." Wingfield begged the Emperor to allow [Pace] a private interview; "and I doubted not but he should s ... his majesty should have cause to be less displeased with h[im. But he told] me expressly that he would neither speak or m ... in no wise he could or would favor ony such [as strove] to make dissension between you and him. And so de[parted] ... day his majesty came to a place of Saint John's, where I do lo[dge], and there heard mass, and caused me to be present; and the n[ext day] I moved him again in that matter, but in no wise h[e would] speak of him;" saying that Pace, "by the counse[l of his] schoolmaster Galiaz," had endangered the common enterprise. "For now I see well," said the Emperor, "the ... of the same will into France, and I have in manner ... myself by forcing me to the contrary; and where I [had] appointed that certain of the Council shall meet with th[e Swiss] at their diet, and had made instructions meet for the advancing of the common enterprise, I must now [withdraw] them clean; for I am sure the return of the 5,000 [Swiss] without payment shall not only put Veroone in [great] hazard, but also cause all the Swissers, as well the g[ood as] the ill, to have little hope in any offer that may [be made] by my brother and me, but rather join themselves with [the French] as desperate."
Wingfield replied, that there was not a word in his credence which showed any coolness on the part of the King, and that he expected to have news, which would show that the King was still determined to aid him within four days. He seemed contented with this, and said that for four days he would not despair; that the enterprise had never been in so good train for success; that the army of Naples was coming; that Prosper Colonna had sent word he still retained the 1,000 spears and light horse beyond the Po, and that nothing was wanting but the entertaining of the said 5,000 Swiss, which he had desired of Pace, "as he would have desired God." He wondered Henry should commit such a charge to such "a proterve and dyssymulyng persone; for whatsoever he saith now, within an hour he turneth it of another, or rather into twenty divers fashions. But he hath gone to school with that ballyd Gallias, which betrayed and sold his master that brought him up, and therefore it is a less marvel and he with his disciple would have served [me o]f the same." On the way to the Emperor's lodgings Wingfield repeated "that he was encly ... what thanks your grace doth maa ... liked his majesty to give you so large a ... how that your highness would gladly ... and also to have his mandate, so that quick ... be made in the same." He replied that he would give an answer in four days, for by that time he trusted to hear more. The town of Ove[rlingen], 29 June 1516.
Hol., pp. 5, badly mutilated. Add.
29 June.
R. O.
2105. MAXIMILIAN to SUFFOLK.
Credence for John de Hesdin, maître d'hotel of the Lady Margaret, whom he is sending to England. Uberlingen, 29 June 1516. Signed: "Per Regem."
Flemish, p. 1. Add.: Den hochgeborne voerst onser lieve nebe, de Hertoghe van Sulfoque.
29 June.
R. O.
2106. PACE to WOLSEY.
In favor of Hesdyn, the bearer sent by the Emperor to England to remain as ambassador. Uberlingen, 29 June.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Tho. [Card. E]boracen. Endd.
29 June.
P. S.
2107. For RALPH SYMONDIS, fishmonger of London.
Exemption from serving on juries, &c. Greenwich, 4 June 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 29 June.
Pat. 8 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 12.
30 June. 2108. For the TOWN OF BOSTON.
Assent to the election of John Meres of Kirketon in Holland, as mayor and of John Houghson and Th. Mayhewe as constables, of the Staple. Westm., 30 June.
Pat. 8 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 22.
30 June.
P. S.
2109. For ROGER WYGSTON and JAS. CHAPLEIN alias CRUSE.
To be receivers, in survivorship, of the possessions of Wm. late Viscount Beamount, in all counties except Norf. and Suff.; with 20 marks a year as receiver, 100s. as surveyor, 10 marks a year for expences, and 20s. on every 100l. collected by them: on surrender by John Mounson of patent 20 July 7 Hen. VIII. appointing him to the above offices vice Alex. Quadring and Th. Louth. Greenwich, 6 June 8 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 30 June.
Pat. 8 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 6.
R. MS. 13 B. II. 259.
B. M. Ep. Reg. Sc. I. 237.
2110. ALBANY to CHRISTIERN KING OF DENMARK.
Has received his letter dated 10 March, from James Scot. Does all he can to preserve peace. Angus and his party have come to themselves, and faithfully serve the King. Has offered the Queen, who is now at London, more than justice would demand. Has sent ambassadors to England, to meet the French ambassadors there, and treat for a peace. If these negotiations are not successful, will defend themselves, trusting to the peaceful state of the kingdom, a good cause, &c. Wishes to know what force Christiern can send by next June, as he has before asked by Marchmonde Herald.
Lat.
Vit B. XIX. 158. B. M. 2111. A FRAGMENT in the handwriting of PACK.
"... the Emperor's ambassador resident there hait[h cansed] all mischief to the said Emperor against [the] Lord Galiace, at the instance of my [lord]e the Cardinal Sedunensis, wherefor I am right sorry, for he hath utterly destroyed himself, whether the duchy of Milan be [re]covered or not." If not, he will live like a beggar; if it be, he is likely to be "[to]ren in pieces" by the nobles of the city "[bein]ge all his enemies for the Lord Galiace's [sak]e."
"Conque[ritur] (fn. 3) Cæsar, quod Carli Sedunensi ... ior adhib[etur fi]des in Anglia quam sibi."
Hol., p. 1, mutilated.
Vit. B. XX. 11. B. M. 2112. [WOLSEY] to _ (fn. 4)
"which thing, if it be tre[we] and ... French King the duchy ... wisdom and policy sha ... dissevering them from the ... said French King shall not recov ... without their assistance: wherefore the King thinketh h ... [that they should] be treatid with, and inducyd w[ith] ... the Emperor, and at this present time by great deman ... and the King hath so labored the matter as well with the ambas[sador] ... here as by his orator there, that in case they may attain u[nto] ... conditions peace with the said Emperor, they will not only show themselves ... thereunto, but also bind themselves not to take part with the French King, directly or indirectly, in the me ... like as the orator of Signory here resident hath expressly affirmed to the [King's] highness and the Lord Cardinal. This matter, therefore, being of so great consequen[ce], is not to be slacked, but set forward with all speedy diligence, in the advance[ment] whereof the King and the said Lord Cardinal shall do as much as they can."
In Ruthal's hand, p. 1, much mutilated.
June.
R. O.
2113. LEONARD FRISCOBALD.
A declaration made to the King by Leonard Friscobald.
On the Emperor lacking money, and being without any provision, he sent for the English ambassadors, and told them that unless he had money he must lose his cities in Italy, and his nephew would make terms with the French. The ambassadors requested time—but the Emperor was urgent to have 60,000 fl.,—on which Friscobald was sent for, and was desired "with good words and afterwards with great threatenings" to provide that sum. Accordingly, on 23rd and 26th May, Friscobald despatched 60,000 fl. from Inspruck to Trent; writing first to his factor to delay the payment as long as possible, desiring to have an answer of the letters written by Copyn, which Pace commanded him to send to the King and Cardinal. Received a reply from Anth. Cavalary that Wolsey agreed he should advance the sum, and be repaid in England or Calais, and he should provide more money. Received a bond from the ambassadors for repayment. He and his father declined to have any business with the Emperor in money matters, and only dealt with the King, whose ambassadors received the sum. Begs 10,000l. may be remitted to Th. Fuller (Fowler), at Calais. Has received notice from Hosburgh (Augsburg), the 6th inst., that 100,000 fl. are ready. Is to know what he is to do with them.
"When I took my leave of the Emperor he brought me to a window, where was none but we twain, and said to me, Leonard, recommend me to the King's grace, and show him that I shall never fail him of any promise made unto him, and that I woll live and die with him, and woll do for him as I would do for myself. I woll set all things apart to do this thing I am about for his grace." He said he had sold part of his lands, and pledged the rest, and if they gained Milan Italy would more than pay all expenses; and he would look sharply after his nephew's governors, and make them contribute money for Sicily and Naples. On his way to the Emperor he met a merchant who owed his father 200l. Fl., but had now fallen into poverty. On demanding his debt, the man said he would soon repay him, as he was now steward to Edmund De la Pole's brother. He made him good cheer, and wormed out his secrets, and learned that De la Pole had been ten weeks past with the French King at Lyons. "So upon a day it fortuned that his master was with the French King, and the Queen and the King's mother, and made his lamentation unto them, weeping, saying that he was utterly cast away, and wist not what to do, and that he had no help of nobody. The French King said to him with good comfort, be we not here all three cousins? Think you that we will see you cast away? Nay, nay; but I shall bring you to your right, and help you as much as shall be in our power to do. And bade him make good cheer, and said to him, That man that keepeth your realm hath dealt so traitorously with me, that I promise you that I shall die for it, but I will put him down and set you in your right. And so gave him large money, and bade him be of good cheer, and that he should be in areadiness whensoever he should call him." And so De la Pole departed to Amelse, (fn. 5) in Lorraine, a free town belonging to the Empire. There Friscobaldi made inquiries about him, and found that he kept only four servants. He drew the Emperor's notice to his being there, and asked him what he was doing. "He answered me, he could not tell, seeing he cared not if he were hanged, for that he is belonging unto the French King. And at my coming homewards again I did inquire if that it were possible to get him, and I was informed that to have him alive it is impossible, and to destroy him is no mastry." Certain disputes have arisen for a mine of silver on the borders of Lorraine. Great spoliation in the country. The Duke is waiting in the town of Naunce for succors from France. It will cost the French much, as they will be opposed by the Burgundians. Hears that Bourbon has left for France, fearing to be betrayed. Galias is on good terms with the Swiss. Pace has sent Copyn for an answer to his letters and inquiries about the money.
Pp. 8. Endd.
June.
R. O.
2114. LEONARD FRISCOBALD.
"Hereafter ensueth all such instructions as Master Pase hath advertised me Leonard Friscobald by writing to show unto the King's highness and my Lord Cardinal, and all such things as the Emperor hath commanded me, with such things as I know myself."
Heard that 6,000 Swiss, adherents to France, entered Milan to help the French when the Emperor entered the suburbs. As the Emperor had not their wages, he returned and crossed the Adda with 6,000 lanzknechts and all his horse, fearing to be betrayed, as was the Duke Lodwick. He refused all overtures from them. Cardinal Sion and Galeazzo are on bad terms, the Cardinal wishing to be glorified, and have the sole conduct of the enterprise. He is very unpopular with the Swiss, who have greatly enriched themselves by plunder. If the enterprise is renewed, the number of Swiss anxiliaries must be concealed from the Emperor, and 200,000 crowns sent to Basle for pay, under Pace's entire control, and not spent as heretofore. Proposes the Duke of Milan should be the King's lieutenant, and Galeazzo captain of the Swiss. The Emperor must be treated with kind words;—2,000 horse to be provided in Flanders.
"The weight of this matter is thus, that if the King's highness will take upon his grace this enterprise, the sums of money afore rehearsed must be provided immediately." The Duke of Milan must enter the field, for when they [the Swiss?] entered the suburbs of Milan, nobody joined the Emperor. When his brother went thither they surrendered, and for the love the people of Milan had to Forsisca, they drove the French out of Italy. The present Duke is much better than his brother. The Duke, out of consideration for the King, to whom he is much bound, will surrender his state and his privileges, as he has showed Pace. He is aware of the proposal of the Emperor to give Milan to the King, with a promise to make him King of the Romans. Is sending a commission to England for that purpose. The Lady Margaret has shown me, Leonard Frescobald, that the King may be sure of the spears of Naples. Mutio Colonna and Leonello da Carpi are in the country of Bologna. When he was at Trent with the Emperor, the latter refused the overtures of peace with France made by the Duke of Savoy. Thinks the King should write to the Emperor and consider his poverty.
Pp. 5. In two sheets found apart. Endd.
June.
R. O.
2115. LEONARD FRISCOBALD.
A minute of Leonard Frescobald, touching the sum of 60,000 fl. advanced by him at the request of the English ambassadors resident with the Emperor at Trent, of which 10,000 were carried off by Pace for the Swiss. Propositions how the King is to be repaid. Will sustain a great loss unless the King see that he is reimbursed. Considers that the Emperor should be held accountable for the 25,000 fl. intercepted at Brescia.
Lat., pp. 2.

Footnotes

  • 1. Supplied from marginal note before the fire.
  • 2. There is another copy of this grant on the Patent Roll. It is dated 8 June q. v.
  • 3. Faded.
  • 4. This is an insertion to some letter.
  • 5. Apparently corrected from Metz.