Henry VIII: March 1545, 1-5

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 20 Part 1, January-July 1545. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1905.

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Citation:

'Henry VIII: March 1545, 1-5', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 20 Part 1, January-July 1545, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1905), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol20/no1/pp130-144 [accessed 16 November 2024].

'Henry VIII: March 1545, 1-5', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 20 Part 1, January-July 1545. Edited by James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1905), British History Online, accessed November 16, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol20/no1/pp130-144.

"Henry VIII: March 1545, 1-5". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 20 Part 1, January-July 1545. Ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie(London, 1905), , British History Online. Web. 16 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol20/no1/pp130-144.

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March 1545, 1-5

1 March. 283. Prebend of Masham.
See Grants in March, No.2.
1 March. 284. Robert Holgate, Archbishop of York.
See Grants in March, No.3.
1 March. 285. Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler to Henry VIII.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 170.
B. M.
Hamilton Papers,
ii., No. 414.
Have received a letter from the Warden of the East Marches and, immediately after it, another to the bp. of Duresme showing that the enterprise to Mewrehouse undertaken by the Warden of the Middle Marches ended in a miserable overthrow to him and his company. Suspect it has been through too much adventure, or some disorder, or else through trusting such Scots as, for fear only, entered the King's service. Knowing the forwardness of the man, had specially warned him to be wary. He being thus "piteously slain," who shall supply his office of wardenry and the keeping of Tyndale and Ryddesdale ? The garrisons and the countrymen of Northumberland being thus distressed, the power of the Bishopric which we set forward to attend the Wardens shall remain for defence of the Borders; and, to set the better face upon the matter, we will ourselves repair to Alnewyke, and will warn sundry gentlemen of Yorkshire to be ready at an hour's warning to come to the Borders to lie in garrison. If the pensioners and countrymen of Northumberland are distressed, as the letters import, it is the more requisite to have a greater number laid in garrison; and not only do we lack money but the country is utterly disfurnished of victuals, and so is Berwyke, as we have sundry times advertised.
We send letters received from Lenoux and Wharton, with others from the Lord of the Isles to Lenoux, and have despatched to Court the messenger. (fn. n1) who came from the Lord of the Isles. Upon letters of the Council requiring us to travail with the inhabitants of Newcastell to set forth ships as those of Hull have done, we have done what we can and enclose their answer. Darneton, 1 March. Signed.
In Sadler's hand, pp. 3. Add. Endd.: 1544.
1 March. 286. Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler to Henry VIII.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 174.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers
ii., No. 415.
Enclose a letter just received from the Warden of the East Marches, with further confirmation of the overthrow of his son and company. Darneton, 1 March. Signed.
In Sadler's hand, p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.
1 March. 287. Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler to the Council.
Add. MS.
32,650, f. 176.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 416.
By last letters to the King advertised the arrival here of bearer, Patrick Macklane, servant to the Lord of the Isles in Scotland, with the desire of Linoux and Wharton that he might repair to the King. Darneton 1 March 1544. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
1 March. 288. Border Garrisons.
R. O. Indenture witnessing receipt, 1 March 36 Hen. VIII., by Sir Ralph Sadleir, high treasurer of wars against Scotland, from Wm. Brakenbury, of 5,000l., sent by the Privy Council for garrisons on the Borders and other affairs in the North. Signed: Wyll'ni Braykyngbery.
Small paper, indented, p. 1. Sealed.
1 March. 289. John Wright to Shrewsbury.
Shrewsb. MS.,
A., p. 299.
Heralds'
College.
Stevenson's
"Selections."
18.
Maitl. Club.)
My lord Warden of the Middle Marches at departing from Alnewicke towards Scotland commanded me and another to look to the Scottish pledges and prisoners in the castle; and again from Warke commanded me, by letter, sent herewith, to put them safe. After being ascertained of his death we put them in straiter hold. We would know your pleasure for their "further bestowing." "All things as yet stand not at any certain stay here within the castle." I send the names of the Scots. Alnewicke, 1 March 1544.
Hol., p. 1. Add.
Ib. p. 301. 2. [The names of the Scots above referred to.]
Prisoners:— The lairds of Bemerside and Marton, Thomas Kerr, Alisaunder Hamylton, Thomas Reddell, Robert Kerr and the laird of Philiphawghe.
Pledges:— Patrick Rotherforde for the laird of Hundelee, Willie Dowglas for Bounjedworthe, Andrew Kerr for the laird of Corbett, Edie Scott for Robbie Scott, George Pringle for George Pringle, Davie Douglas for Davie Douglasse.
"Tividale prisoners which were once assured and falsified their promise":— Dandie Haliburton, Robert Hegg, John Trumble.
P. 1.
1 March. 290. Paget to Petre.
R. O.
St. P., x. 319.
For proceedings refers to his letters to the King. Whereas, at his last going to the Emperor, he was welcomed by one of the Council; this time (although the ambassadors there wrote in his recommendation) no man came to welcome him, and, on his suit for audience, no man came to him but a servant of the secretary's. The Emperor made no excuse of sickness, as Paget had expected, and would have accepted, save for knowing that the French ambassador and other meaner men had spoken with him. But, really, he seemed in better health than in the summer, and "I think verily he hath been no more sick than I am, but useth it for a policy; and as for the diet, he told me himself he had left a good while ago, fearing, I trow, I would have judged the same by his countenance, which is as lusty, Mr. Wootton saith, as ever he hath seen it. Mary! his feet lay in a chair afore him." Yesternight, after despatching one letter to the King, received the Council's letter and stayed the despatch till this morning in order to confer with Wotton. Doubts whether they can bring these men to demand a diet, but rather that they will "drive us to ask it that are on the worser side, having so much substance here, as they suppose." Would gladly know in that case whether to move a diet, requiring first that things stayed on both sides be released; and, especially, whether Paget "shall practise the truce or no," and whether, if they will nowise discharge the arrest wholly, he shall come away according to his instructions. Bruxelles, 1 March 1544. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
1 March. 291. Carne to Petre.
R. O. Within this fortnight the Emperor sent into France, by the steward of Grandvell's house, to divers of the French king's Council, plate worth 20,000 ducats. The King and Council should "perceive the Emperor's doing therein." Bruxells, 1 March. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: To, etc., Sir William Peter, knight, one of the King's Majesty's two chief secretaries. Endd.: 1544.
1 March. 292. Edmond Haevel to Henry VIII.
R. O. Wrote on the 10 Feb. that, by letters from Constantinople, the Turk's preparations seem to slacken. Still, he will not be idle. Learns from Ragusa that the French king sends continual messengers to him. There is no rumor of the band of men which the Bishop intended to send into France with Pole, nor of men made in Italy for the French king; but only of provision at Mirandola to prevent Henry's getting any (for which cause Strocy comes out of France to Mirandola); in spite of which, this nation being so bent to serve Henry, it will be easy to get men as soon as his commission appears. Captains resort and write daily to Harvel to offer service, "as though all Italy were under your Majesty's empire and at his commandment." The fame is constant that French galleys go from Marseilles against England; which seems incredible, considering the long and dangerous navigation, and that Provence would be left without naval presidy. The Bishop has lately made three cardinals (of whom Pole is one) legates to Trent for the General Council, which men repute to be done only to delude the world. A truce of three months between Ferdinando and the Turk's bassa in Hungary is reported. "The Germans maketh instance to have in anywise a Council provincial; which not obtaining of th' Emperor, will provide otherwise for remedy. The repudiation of the Cardinals made by th' Emperor was to the Roman clergy much bitter and sorrowful, fearing finally of the decaying of their state, for in all places men withdraweth their devotion from them more and more, and now in Italy more than ever. By the last letters from Rome the Bishop was in evil disposition." Ludovico de Larme entertains many captains at great charge, looking for Henry's commission, and evidently loves and esteems his Majesty. His father is cited to Rome on pain of 50,000 cr. for his son's cause, whose constancy to Henry much pleases his said father aud all his friends in Bononye. "It was lately showed me by a friend familiar with John Joachim dwelling now in Padoa that the said Joachim had letters out of the French Court by the which he is invited to go to France, being the French king desirous to occupy him (as he hath done other seasons) for practice of peace with your Majesty; but the man, being aged and now at rest, recuseth to tend to public affairs." This argues that the French "are greedy of peace," which is also mentioned by sundry ways. About 3,000 Imperial soldiers are wintering upon the dukes of Ferar's and Mantua's lands; which gives no small jealousy to the Bishop and the Venetians. Venice, 1 March 1544.
P.S.— "By late letters from Rome it is reported that Pole recuseth to go to Trent with the other Cardinals for fear of his life, doubting of such captains as ben bruited to serve your Majesty, whereof the fame is very great in all Italye."
Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.: 1544.
2 March. 293. Bishopric of Llandaff.
See Grants in March, No. 8.
2 March. 294. James Sutton to Lord Cobham.
Harl. MS.
283, f. 302.
B. M.
The King's Council have assigned him 1,000l. towards provision of grain for Calais and he expects another 1,000l. within 20 days. These sums shall be employed upon wheat, rye and malt assigned to him by the King's commissioners here, to be shipped partly at Lynne by Thos. Waters, partly out of Norfolk by Thos. Woodhouse, and partly from London by the writer. Lord Gray must have a convenient proportion of it for the castle of Hamnes. For any further provision Cobham and the Council there must send over money to the commissioners here. Thos. Woodhouse has already shipped towards Calais 170 qr. of wheat and 120 qr. of malt, the prices whereof, delivered at Calais, are, wheat 13s. 4d. the qr. and malt 8s. the qr. Adding thereunto the charges at Calais, Cobham shall see how to utter it to the King's profit. Westm., 2 March 1544.
Hol, p.l. Add. Endd.
2 March. 295. Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler to Henry VIII.
Add. MS.
32, 656, f. 178.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 417.
Send letters received from the Wardens of the East and West Marches, and a letter to the former from John Karre, captain of Warke. The Scots seem to intend some further attemptate within Northumberland, against which the power of the Bishopric, being now past Alnewyke, shall be bestowed in the places where the garrisons lay before. That power was not arrived when lord Evres wrote. The gentlemen in it will be good captains to order the countrymen left in Northumberland; but if the Scots invade in great number they may do much harm ere any power to resist them could come out of Yorkshire, for which also here is no victual. All the good horses in Northumberland and the garrisons are lost. Will do what they can; and could do more if they had money and victuals. Darneton, 2 March. Signed.
In Sadler's hand, p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.
2 March. 296. Charle de Riart to the Deputy of Calais.
Harl. MS.
288, f. 80.
B. M.
One of my soldiers whom I sent into France to learn what passes certifies that Mons. de Wandome, who was to come yesterday to Abbeville with many horses, rests this night or tomorrow in Montreul, from whence he will come to Theroanne to revictual Ardre. There is great dearth of victual as well in Theroanne as in Ardre, and the French fear the English much. I have myself heard them say here that it is not possible to revictual Ardre without a great power. When they come they will be strong and will use strategy pour leur vengier. Mons. Deschat is in Montreul with 300 horse and the provost (? "pruvot") of Paris on Saturday last entered Theroanne, coming from the King's Court. Thinks that the revictualling of Ardre will be shortly and that the Deputy should not grudge money to his spies; for he believes they are going, as usual, to take victual from the Burgundians going to Theroanne and have this morning taken three horse loads of wheat. The King of France is in Normandy near Dieppe, and all the ships in France are coming in great diligence to Dieppe. It is given out that the Dauphin is going into Scotland, but until the King of France wins Boulogne I have heard that he will not depart thence—or until he gives battle to the King [of England]. He has warned all gentlemen to be within the present month at Boulogne, and will either win it or lose his life. Some of my soldiers who have been at Brussels I expect this week, and within five days I will be ready, as I promised, to pass muster, and we will be at your bidding to serve the King to the death. I do not know why the Emperor has asked for all the captains of this side who are in Brussels. I am certain that Mons. du Reulx, governor here, has command to levy some horsemen and footmen. I think that the drum will shortly sound for men. "Ce deusieme de Mars." Signed.
P.S.—"Et se parle fort davoir la guerre contre les Franchois."
Fr., pp. 2. Add.
3 March. 297. Naval Payments.
R. O. Order by the Privy Council to the Treasurer and Chamberlains of the Exchequer, to deliver in prest to Edw. Bellingeham and Edw. Grimston, for the despatch of certain Flemish ships at Dover, 100l. Westm., 3 March 1544. Signed by Wriothesley, Norfolk, Suffolk, Russell, Lisle and Browne.
In Mason's hand, p. 1. Add.
R. O. 2. The like to deliver Lord Saint John, "in prest for the victualling of the sea," 218l. 9s. 6d. Westm.,) March 1544. Signad by Wriothesley, Norfolk, Suffolk, Russell, Lisle and Browne.
In Mason's hand, p. 1. Add.
3 March. 298. Border Garrisons.
R. O. Acknowledgment of receipt, 3 March, 36 Hen. VIII, by John Uvedale, under treasurer of the King's wars against Scotland, from Sir Ralph Sadlar, high treasurer of the same, for payment of the garrisons on the Borders and other affairs at Tynemouth and elsewhere, 3,500l. st. Signed and sealed (seal broken). Signed also by Francis earl of Shrewsbury.
P. 1.
[3 March.] 299. Cassillis to Shrewsbury.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 212.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 421(1).
Forwards a letter from the King's Council, showing his Grace's mind towards Cassillis, and begs that if Shrewsbury is gone further north than Darnton he will send the writer a letter for Lord Wharton and another to the posts and constables between Darnton and Carlel, for three post horses, for that which he has of the Council extends only to Darnton, Wodderbe, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
P.S.—Had been at Darnton by noon to-day if he had been served with horses.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.:—— (blank) Marcii, 1544.
300. The Privy Council to Cassillis.
R. O. Remembering your promise to the King, at your late being here, [as the King has heard nothing from you since your departure, and because it may chance that "this late journey in Scotland hath made some alteration in men's fantasies there,"] (fn. n2) we think good to signify "that your Lordship should do very well to advertise his Highness as often as ye may of the present state of things and of the dispositions of men's minds in Scotlande, whether they remain so affected as ye left them; who, if they be altered from that purpose which was declared by you through things that have chanced since that time, besides that their vain hope (if they have conceived any such) may and shall by God's grace deceive themself, it may also occasion his Majesty to withdraw that clemency and favour which his Highness would otherwise have extended. And therefore we think your Lordship shall do very well for the discharge of your troth and honour to signify all things truly hither with all diligence what ye have heard from thence, and after what sort they have or do embrace his Majesty's goodness towards them," often advertising his Majesty thereof.
Draft in Petre's hand, p. 1. Endd.: M. to therle of Cassells.
3 March. 301. Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler to Henry VIII.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 180.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers.
ii., No. 418.
Send letters received from the Wardens of the East and West marches and Sir Cuthbert Ratclyff; and also a letter from Parson Ogle, the bringer of which related the words spoken by the Governor, of which the said Parson writes. It seems that Vicar Ogle, a friend of the said Parson's, being taken by one of Anguisshe's servants, was asked by the Governor, after the battle, if he knew the Warden. On his answer that he did, the Governor led him by the hand to where the dead bodies lay and he identified the Warden. "God have mercy on him (quod the Governor) for he was a fell cruel man and over cruel, which many a man and fatherless bairn might rue; and, welaway (quod he) that ever such slaughter and bloodshedding should be amongst Christian men." And the tears trickled down his cheeks. Anguisshe then came up and asked the Governor if he were merry, who answered. "My lord, I am much the merrier for you"; and took him about the neck and kissed him 20 times, saying he repented having ever mistrusted him, who had that day done so much for Scotland. Whereunto Anguisshe answered that God knew his loyalty to his native country.
Such as were at the conflict report that the overthrow proceeded of the treason of the assured Scots of Tyvydale, whose advice, and chiefly the laird of Bonjedwourth's, Sir Ralph Evres followed. They killed and took more Englishmen than did any of the enemies; and yet, but for disorder among our men at the joining of the battle, victory might have been ours, for the Scots were not so numerous as is said. Hear so many sundry tales that they cannot yet write the certainty. Newcastle, 3 March. Signed.
In Sadler's hand, pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1544.
3 March. 302. Paget and Wotton to Henry VIII.
R. O. On the 2nd inst. came to us President Schore, Mons. Skepperius, and the secretary Bave; and the President said that, whereas we had declared my credence to the Emperor and required a resolute answer, the Emperor, being diseased, could not well carry away all the matter by me, the Secretary, declared, and therefore sent them now to hear the effect of it. I replied that, by the Emperor's pertinent answers, he seemed very well to perceive everything, and he had said that he would depute either the Queen or some other of his Council to confer with us and give a resolute answer; howbeit, as the Emperor wished them to hear the matter again, I would repeat it; and so did. The President said that the Emperor had indeed had some communication thereof with the Queen, and had showed her, by the way, that the declaration of the French king to be enemy was debated when Hertford and Winchester were here, and reasons alleged that the Emperor was not bound thereto, and even if he were it was expedient not to make it now, especially so soon after making peace with the French king, and when the Turk threatened not only Germany but England and all Christendom ("whereupon hangeth not the loss of a few towns, or one realm or two, but of the whole Christian Faith; for though the Turk would suffer men to continue in their belief, yet, wheresoever he hath ruled and been in possession any while we see that the Christian Faith is in a manner extincted"), for the Emperor cannot resist the Turk and the French king too, and would lose the great aid which he shall now have of the French king. Thus the Emperor held that he was not bounden, nor was it expedient, to make the declaration; and, although Hertford and Winchester could not be so persuaded, he had since declared the reasons to you, by his ambassadors, desiring to know if you were satisfied with them, but, hitherto, he could get no answer, which was the thing he looked to be answered in before he could answer touching the declaration. The arrest was made, not upon one or two complaints, but when his subjects' ships generally, wherever bound and whether laden or empty, were taken and his fishermen robbed continually (and here the President complained of one of your sea captains "that hath but one eye"); and the cause that the arrest was not yet removed was that it was not fully done in England. And, besides, new complaints were come that, on the 22nd of last month, you arrested nine ships laden with merchandise out of Zelande for Biscaye, worth 500,000 cr., and the owners require that the arrest here be not dissolved till they are at liberty too. Yet, seeing some ships come home, the Emperor had caused the ships and mariners of your subjects to be put at liberty, and would put the rest of the goods at liberty when the like is done in England; requiring that it might be done, and order taken for the future, for Holland, Zeland and Flanders complained that it were better to be in open war than be so handled, for then they "would go so as they were like as well sometimes to get as to lose."
To this I said that there were two things, obligation and consideration. When you were required to declare against Dennernarke you alleged considerations why it was not then expedient, but offered to do so within a certain time if the Emperor still persisted. So, in this case, the obligation was evident, by the treaty, and they must be assured that we could never understand the treaty otherwise; and, even if they had made peace with France with our consent (which we grant not) the French have since attempted such new invasions that, by the treaty, the Emperor is bound to declare the French king enemy again, who "in his pretensed treaty with th'Emperor hath reserved our treaty and included us in this peace." Mary! if the Emperor will confess the obligation and show considerations why it is not now expedient, but shall be done hereafter, the matter might be weighed as reason would. Although one of your Council, I knew not that the Emperor's ambassadors had moved any such thing to you as he said, or had required any answer which was refused or delayed. Mary! you would never confess that the Emperor was not bound to it. And here I repeated how you were induced to enter the war when you needed not, "for I knew (I said), as he to whom it was offered, what composition you might have had with France, also how you might have had great conditions when the Cardinal du Bellaye was with your Majesty at Boulloyn, how Arras proceeded with you, and of your answers, how long you had been a friend to the Emperor and how you had done for him. And so entered to rehearse all his unkind touches sithens this peace, as his entertaining your enemies, th'arrest in general, th'arrest of your agents and factors and goods, the refusal of passage for your soldiers, of draught horse, restraint of victuals, the calling im of their own passports, the victualling of your known enemy, the leaving of you alone in the war, the matter of the Françoize of Diepe; so as (I said) it appeared he cared not for us, sink or swim your Majesty it was all one to them; now they have that they desired, they reck not what becometh of your Majesty, nor devise no means for you, how to come to that they be in, as you were contented to come to that they were in, you being then as they be now and they as your Majesty now is." Though their Prince might be somewhat given to his own will, they could use means to let him know how it touched his honor to proceed thus. "And, faring as one astonied at this strange and unkind dealing, I paused." Then I said that the ships were stayed in England upon reasonable considerations (as they carried Frenchmen's goods, and because the goods were French the ships were good prize, for so the Emperor's subjects use yours, and I had their vice-admiral's hand to show, who pretends the Franchoise of Diepe to be good prize because she carried certain goods of Scots, being the Emperor's enemies) and your Majesty, knowing the men to be the Emperor's subjects, forthwith liberated them: yet, learning by Mons. de Tourcoin that the Emperor pretended the goods to be his subjects', you took a certain order for their restitution and relaxation of ships and goods; and, in case they would show me anything else to be done, doubtless, if reasonable, it should be done. And yet they still kept your subjects and agents as prisoners and their goods under arrest, notwithstanding the agreement taken between the Emperor's ambassadors and my lord of Winchester and me, and against the treaty, by which they ought to have required a diet therein before attempting the way of arrest; and, as for their saying that they were not advertised that the arrest was yet fully discharged in England, their ambassadors had shown me that they advertised it and I had seen their letters. As for the nine ships stayed lately, I knew not certainly thereof, but supposed that, because the French king takes up ships at Genes and other places of Italy, you also intend to provide a good navy, and, having commanded your Admiral to retain ships meet for that purpose, the said ships may be in that manner stayed. As for how the Emperor's subjects should traffic in future, that was a matter apart, and depended upon the declaration; for to condescend to their trafficking with Frenchmen would be to grant that there was no enmity between them and France; and I had no commission therein.
Schore answered (for the other two spake nothing at all) how the Emperor esteemed your friendship, and all his Council minded nothing so much as the continuance and confirmation of this amity, and "he knew what ado the Emperor had in making the peace with France to bring them to any conformity for your Majesty," and yet would do further if you wished it and would trust him. (And here I could have taken good occasion to talk further in that matter, but I stay till your next advertisement.) Then, passing over all my doleances, Schore leapt over to the arrest made in England, saying that the ships stayed were freighted in the names of the Emperor's subjects, and therefore it was to be presumed that the goods were theirs, but, if found to be Frenchmen's, they should be good prize and the culprits punished. But that was no reason that other men should lose their goods; and, whereas in England their subjects' goods were taken from them and their ships spoiled, here your subjects should "miss neither anchor nor cable nor anything else." As for the other things; they were not come to give any answer, but only to make relation to the Queen and Council.
And so, repeating briefly your discharge in England, and requiring the reciproque here or else a resolute answer, we departed. Bruxellz, 3 March, 1544. Signed.
Pp. 11. Add. Endd.
3 March. 303. Paget to Petre.
R. O. As yet I have not mine answer, as you will see by our common letter to the King, but I think we shall have it tomorrow or next day. "My heart giveth me it shall be good. I pray God it be so." I find that the goods which our merchants brought last hither with the remain of the last mart are worth, as I wrote, not past 60,000l. st., whereof they have shifted away some by stealth in the night and sold some for ready money and some for a fifth part, the buyers giving caution to the Emperor for the money (method described), and others have sold the bills of debts owing to them here. The marques' (fn. n3) of Barrow offers to be bound for them all; and I see no danger in that and giving bond for delivery of the things last arrested in England and the others stayed last of all at Fawmouth, for, thus, your merchants would get away their substance and leave them their own parchment; "yea! and, rather than fail to give her or any of th'Emperor's subjects here leave to be bound as generally as they would, what shall we lose by that, whether things continue well or grow to ill?" Does not well see what is intended at home, and declines to advise the merchants here. Notwithstanding all their shifts, and accounting the debts which they owe (which are to Italians and other neutrals, who will look to be paid howsoever the game go between the King and the Emperor) they will lose here about 40,000l. Some will win, as Wm. Lok, Sir Ric. Gressam and his son and Wm. Gressam, and most of those that occupy silks, for they owe more than they have here; but Mr. Warren, Mr. Hill, Chestre and many others are like to have "a great sweep by it," having much here and owing little. "But we do all agree here that keep our cloths hence, so that none at all be brought hither, and cut the throats of this country and specially of Andwerpe." Let me know the King's pleasure touching this caution.
The French make great bruit of an overthrow that the Scots have given us about Candlemas. I think they mean the raid at which Sir George Bowes was taken. I would be glad to have the copy of the exploits, to the intent that De Morret may have a book to pass his time with. I would have it turned into French, Dutch and Spanish. Commendations to my lords Chancellor, Great Master, Great Chamberlain, Privy Seal, the Master of the Horse and the rest of the Council. Bruxelles, 3 March 1544. Signed.
P.S. in his own hand.—I forgot in my letters to the King to write how I answered Scory for the Spaniards that claim part of the goods taken in Wight, viz. that they were sworn subjects of the French king, and that, upon the first arrest of their goods, Quyntynado's factor and other Spaniards married and naturalized at Roan and Guillaume le Gras, of Paris, made suit to me, being in France, to recommend restitution of their goods, and after my return, when a certain Spaniard made suit for one ship of the same, I answered him that they were French denizens' goods.
"Read first the letter with the cross. (fn. n4) "
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
3 March. 304. Paget and Carne to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P., x. 323.
Yesterday, after the departure of Score and the others, Paget, taking Kerne with him, as ambassador resident, went to his appointed audience with the Queen, delivered Henry's letter to her and signified that, being sent to the Emperor for matters of importance, he was commanded to require her to help that things here ill handled might be amended. Showed how altered things were since he passed this way to Spyres in the summer, when the affairs of both Princes were one, and both took the French king for enemy; whereas now Henry, who entered war for the Emperor's sake, continued the war and his mortal enemy was embraced of the Emperor, cherished and banqueted, and the Emperor (to show how little he cared for Henry's amity, and to please Henry's enemy) had taken prisoners Henry's agents, factors, goods, and subjects with their goods. And here Paget engrieved to her the refusal of passage to Henry's men of war, the calling in again of passports granted to his subjects for horses and munitions, &c., as rehearsed before dinner to Score; adding that, as the alleged cause of the arrest here was taken away in England, it ought to be discharged, for Henry's subjects in England made such complaint that he must either have it forthwith discharged or provide otherwise for them. She replied, declaring her affection to the amity, and alleging that the cause of the arrest was not clearly discharged, and also that, even now, the Spanish fleet with the Emperor's soldiers and divers merchants' goods were arrested. Paget answered her with Turquoy's proceedings and the ambassadors', upon whose credence Henry had discharged all things, and put what was not claimed into the keeping of the factor (fn. n5) of one of the strangers merchants here, and had done all that could be done; and, as for "their Spaniards of a year ago," they were French naturalised, &c. (as spoken to Scorie); and, as for the ships now last of all arrested, Paget answered her as he did Scorie. She then called Scory, who said that to discharge the arrest here, while the Emperor's own ships with his ordnance and artillery were kept in England, stood not with the Emperor's honor. Paget was sure that they were not arrested, but retained to serve. Scory asked, how then should the soldiers go home, how should the artillery intended for use against the Turk be conveyed, and what would become of the merchandise? Paget replied that, albeit he had no commission in this matter, which happened since his coming away, all would be well if the arrest here was discharged. The Queen then said that, the Emperor being here, she had no authority, but would report all to the Emperor, and do what she could for a good answer. "If you do so, Madame (quoth I), I trust we shall speed the better. And herewithal gave us leave to depart." Bruxelles, 3 March 1544. Signed.
Pp. 4. Add. Endd.
3 March. 305. Paget and Wotton to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P., x. 321.
Were despatching their other packet when Schore, Skepperius and the Secretary arrived, saying that the Emperor (having heard their conference with the writers and that of the Regent with Paget and Cam) had sent them with his resolute answer. Then, after a long repetition of the cause of the arrest here, alleging nothing new but the arrest of the Spanish fleet, Schore declared that the Emperor's answer was that he would release the whole arrest, provided that caution was put in here that Henry would cause frank and free relaxation to be made of all ships and merchandise, with satisfaction for things already sold, and the Spanish fleet that carried the soldiers to be set in plaine mer, without his retaining any of the soldiers in his service, that the Spaniards of Burgus were satisfied for their merchandise taken at the Wight and Jaspar Douche for his herrings sold in England last year, and that the Emperor's subjects were allowed free navigation into France with all merchandise; requiring also that a diet might be appointed for commissioners on both sides to determine all quarrels. This they said was the Emperor's answer, but he meant not to stay Henry's agents or his munitions provided here. Showed them that this answer was unreasonable; and Paget said that, having always been desirous to serve the Emperor he was sorry to depart with such an answer, and prayed them to desire the Emperor, in his behalf, to consider the matter better and give him a better answer. After consulting apart, they said that they would eftsoons speak with the Emperor and repair to us again. In their answer they added that Henry might take good caution from such ships and merchandise as he pretended to be good prize. If the Emperor persist in this answer Paget will depart, first getting at liberty as much as he can. Bruxellz, 3 March 6 p.m. 1544. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
4 March. 306. The Privy Council to Shrewsbury.
Shrewsb. MS.,
A., p. 313.
Heralds'
College.
Lodge, i. 109.
Understanding what misfortune has chanced to the late Warden of the Middle Marches and others "at this late voyage into Scotland," the King sends Sir Robert Bowes to be lord Warden of the Middle Marches and have the rule of Tynsdale and Redesdale, with such retinue and commodities as Sir Ralph Evre lately had. Where Shrewsbury writes that, for want of victual, the men of the Bishopric and Yorkshire who are, or must shortly be, on the Borders will not be able to remain there; money is sent to Mr. Stanopp at Hull to forward relief with all diligence, and Shrewsbury shall also send into all parts of Yorkshire for victual. More money shall be sent out of hand; and order is taken with the abp. of York "(who taketh his journey tomorrow from hence northwards)," for the money levied by the Benevolence to remain with Shrewsbury for the garrisons, &c. The King approves his diligence in bestowing the Bishopric men and others upon the Borders. For better defence, order is taken for——— (blank) Spaniards to be sent thither, who are "already in their journey towards you." Westm., 4 March. Signed by Wriothesley, Suffolk, Russell, Essex, Lisle, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Browne, Petre.
P. S.—The Spaniards, being footmen, will be very long in coming to the Borders, and it is now thought best to employ them otherwise. The King would have you "search for a perfect knowledge what is done in this voyage, how many be slain and taken of either side."
In Petre's hand, pp. 3. Add.
4 March. 307. St John's Hospital in Coventry.
R. O.
Rymer, xv. 67.
Surrender by William Wall, clk., master or keeper, and the brethren and sisters of the hospital of St. John Baptist in Coventry, of the said hospital with all its possessions in cos. Warw. and Leic., and elsewhere. Dated in the said hospital, 4 March 36 Henry VIII. Signed by William Wall and Ric. Fulgeam. Sealed.
Parchment, See Eighth Rept. of Dep. Keeper of Public Records, App. II. 17. Enrolled, Cl. Roll, p. 5, no. 28, withtout mem. of acknowledgment.
[4 March.] 308. Cassillis to Sadler.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 213.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 421(2).
Wrote last night to the Lord Lieutenant, as Sadler will see, but the post came not until tonight. Prays him to see the answer despatched, as Cassillis would be at Carlel to despatch a servant into Scotland; for he himself will tarry there until he knows the King's mind and has word out of Scotland. Begs to know who were the principals at "this business against the King's servants," whether any of the West country were there and what Scots are slain. Darnton, Wednesday, at night.
Hol., p. 1. Add.
4 March. 309. Sir Thomas Hylton to Shrewsbury.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 193.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 422(2).
Whereas the King is making two bulwarks at Tynmouth and intends to make it a "house of force," Hylton, being farmer there and having his chief house near, desires to be captain of it. Will do as good service as any man of his degree—and at less charge to the King. Begs Shrewsbury to move the King therein. 4 March. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd. 1544.
5 March. 310. The Privy Council to Paget and Wotton.
R. O.
St P., x. 326.
To their letters of the last of February, which the King takes in good part, the answer is that, where the Emperor said that he was enforced by the King's doings to make the arrest, etc., his Majesty would have them (the Emperor's Council) plainly shown the injustice of their proceedings and therefore requires Paget and Wotton to consider the following places (detailed) of the treaty, viz., the 9th, 12th and the end of the 16th articles, and such other places as conduce to this purpose, and so to arm themselves that, at next access to the Emperor or conference with his Council, they may prove that no such manner of proceeding ought to have been used. They must endeavour to obtain a general discharge of the arrest; and, that done, the King is pleased that a diet may meet where all demands may be friendly ended, and order taken for traffic in time to come. If they cannot obtain the general release, the release of the King's own agents and goods is to be procured, and, with it, the release of all merchants, and their goods, who received money and made provision to discharge the King's debt there. Where the Emperor seemed to charge the King with not keeping the treaty, the full opening of that point is to be left for the present; only noting generally that the King may easier abide other injuries than this and would be sorry to be forced to declare to the world how things have proceeded since the beginning of this treaty. Touching the Scottish ambassador good espial must be had to know with what commission and for what purpose he comes, without charging the Emperor for admitting him without the King's consent. Nothing is to be said of the peace or truce, or of the rest of the matters debated in their last conference, until the answer comes from Hipolito, when they will hear eftsoons from the King; and till then Paget shall remain there. The articles sent heretofore to Wotton are neither to be repeated nor a copy of them given. The King also reminds them of the 14th article (described) of the treaty by which it appears that no breach of the capitulation made with the Viceroy can affect the treaty. As to the King's contentation that the Emperor should make this peace with the French king they know the answer, it resting upon the bare saying of the bishop of Arras, and Paget is privy to all that has been done in it. Because offer has been sundry times made there to release the arrest upon caution; if the general release cannot be obtained, it is to be asked whether a caution of 40,000 cr., 50,000 cr. or 60,000 cr. would suffice, so as all who have claims make them within one year before such as the Princes shall appoint to hear those things.
Draft corrected by Petre, pp. 22. Endd.: M. to Mr. Paget and Mr. Wotton, vto Marcii 1544.
5 March. 311. Petre to Paget.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 185.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 420.
As his letters are answered by those of the Privy Council, will only tell some of the chances here which may perchance be reported there worse than they are. Last week, upon advertisement out of Scotland that the Governor, Angwishe, Bothewel, Glencarn and others were amassing men to set upon Jedwourth, Kelsoo and the Scots who have entered bond to serve the King, Sir Ralph Evre, warden of our Middle Marches, assembled the power of the East and Middle Marches, and (leaving his father at home and refusing aid of the Bishopric), marched on Wednesday, 25 Feb., towards Jedworth and thence on Thursday night towards Mewrehouse where the Governor and Scottish lords were. He drove them out of Mewrehouse and burnt the town, but in his return on Friday was so pressed by the Scots that, within two miles of Jedworth, our men were forced to alight and fight on foot; in which fight Sir Ralph Evre and Sir Brian Layton were slain and our men worsted. Many were slain on both sides. Whether any treason was used or what caused this overthrow is not yet known, but we lost 1,300 or 1,400 slain and taken. Sir Robert Bowes is appointed Warden of the Middle Marches and is this day sent thither. About the same time our men had better luck at Guisnez "where they took 350 horses laden with wheat, certain wine, took xl. prisoners and killed xx."
Of Hippolit we have yet no answer; but after your departure came other letters showing that he desires this journey and is gone. "As soon as answer cometh you shall hear, I doubt not. Unto which time my lady is like to remain a widow here, who is (thanks to God) very well amended and this day was in her utter chamber, beginneth to savour well her drink and is past all danger. This bearer Francisco brought commend [ations] which he can declare unto you at more length. The King's Majesty would you should practise secretly as you shall think best to know what was meant by the same, and further use that matter as ye shall think good."
Copy, pp. 4. Endd.: M. from Mr. Secretary Mr. Petre to Mr. Secretary Mr. Paget, vto Marcii 1544.
5 March. 312. Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler to Henry VIII.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 182.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii.. No. 419.
Send letters received from the Warden of the East Marches and the laird of Farnyherst. By the Warden's letter it appears that the Scottish army is about to disperse; which seems owing to the arrival here of the power of the Bishopric and the bruit that Shrewsbury was following with a great power out of Yorkshire. And so the Scots (having left certain garrisons and caused such Tevidales and others as had entered bond to the King to revert to the Scottish faction) have now scaled their army; but, considering their pride, through this success and their expectation of aid from France, it seems requisite to lay strong garrisons (for this country cannot make 500 men, and all the horses are lost) and here is no money to furnish garrisons, who, besides wages, must have coat money and conduct money. Beg the King to consider the scarcity of grain. Have written of it sundry times and now themselves find it such that they must return to Newcastle. Part of the occasion of this utter disfurniture of grain will be seen by the petition herewith of the mayor and brethren of Newcastle, which the King might well grant. For the repairs of Barwycke and Warke, beg that some expert man may be sent down with money; as Thos. Goure, who had charge of the works here, is captive in Scotland, and here is no man meet for that purpose, or for the charge which Mr. Shelley lately had at Barwycke. Enclose a schedule showing what gentlemen were slain and taken at this journey to Mewrehowse. By all men's tales the occasion of the overthrow was disorder, and partly the treason of the Tividales, "which, at the loss of the field distressed and took many of our men and horses." Hear not of any number of the enemies slain. The Governor, earl of Angwyshe, lord Bortwyke, the lord of Yester, lord Seton, lord Hewme and George Douglas were there and they were under 2,000 men. Alnewycke, 5 March 1544. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
Ib. 2. Petition of the mayor and aldermen of Newcastle to the earl of Shrewsbury, lieutenant in the North, setting forth that they have previously written of the scarcity of grain, especially malt, hereabouts, by reason of the evil harvest last year; so that they have had to supply the country round besides furnishing ships and the King's workmen now at Tynemouth. And whereas they have been used to get grain from Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Holderness, there is now a restraint made to the contrary. If "any forrayne repair shoulde arryve here,' grain must be obtained out of the counties aforesaid; and they beg his Lordship to write to the Council to grant them licence for that purpose.
Pp.2.
5 March. 313. Lennox to Shrewsbury.
Add. MS.
32.656, f. 191.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 422(1).
Hears of a "fortune of war" betwixt Arran, Angus and others of Scotland and the Lord Warden of the Middle Marches of England not so fortunate as he would like. Was sent to Carlisle to practise with Angus, but, as Angus has shown himself a detestable enemy, such practice is now impossible. Desires revenge upon the King's enemies and those who slaughtered his father (fn. n6) and oppress his house, and would wish the King to send him with a force by sea to the west of Scotland to invade Stirling or other parts, retaining men of the Isles to serve the King. Prays Shrewsbury, with whom he is unacquainted, to further this suit, as he will not trouble the King with letters at present. Carlislie, 5 March. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1544.
314. The Laird of Tullibardine to Shrewsbury.
Shrewsb.MS.,
A., p. 145.
Heralds'
College.
Finds it strange that he is with my lord of Westmurland (fn. n7) during the King's pleasure and Shrewsbury's, and desires that "I ma haf spekg of zowr lo., sua yat I ma deklar me on to zowr lo. gyf yar be hone helfe report mad to ye Kengis Magaste and zowr lo. on me, ye quilk grefis me wender sor on to ye tyme yat I ma haf knauledg of ye saumen; not, my lord, yat I am tiret of my gud lord of Westmurland cumpane, quelk tratis me as ane gantyllman; God thank his gud lo., and fardar desiris zowr lo. gud ansur her in tyll." Signed: Willi' Mrray of Toliberd'.
P. 1. Add.: To my lord erell of Sroisbare, lutanand to ye Kengis Magaste.
5 March. 315. M. Corenbeckius to Paget.
R. O. The cause of his sudden departure from Brussels was that the lord of Olderstain, a German sewer of the Emperor, and the writer's old friend, much desired his company to Antwerp, and he hoped to learn some secrets by the way. Describes how they had the ill luck to have their coach upset in the mud, scarcely a mile out of Brussels; but, after spending the night at Wilford in drying themselves, they next day continued their journey to Antwerp. Olderstain is sent to conduct 2,000 of the Spaniards who lie near Metz into Hungary, to Busonium alias Bresburg. The Emperor (since he cannot himself go against the Turk, because of the shortness of the time and his disease) will in the beginning of May send other 10,000 soldiers at his own expense, to meet the attack of the Turk, who however is not coming in person. Nothing of the marriage of the duke of Cleves and the King of Romans' daughter has been treated at Brussels, as the writer was assured last night, at supper, by Olenschlager, the Duke's chancellor, and Carolus Harstus, formerly ambassador in England; and this Olderstain confirms, saying that none of Ferdinand's daughters was ever promised or even proposed, the four eldest of them being engaged, viz., Anna to the Duke of Orleans, Mary to the son of Duke William of Bavaria, Elizabeth (fn. n8) to the duke of Mantua, and Margaret (if I remember rightly) to the Duke of Savoy's son, and the rest too young (ejus sunt actatis ut periculum (fn. n9) sit in mora). Had letters yesterday from Cologne declaring that the duke of Brunswick had secretly left; because the city had received warning from the Duke of Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse not to suffer their enemy to stay there longer, and, as the time approaches for merchants to go to Francfort fair, the city warned him privately to look to himself. Where he now is is uncertain. Yesterday proclamation was made here for Gaspar Tuchs to appear within eight days and stand to his defence. Paget knows the cause. Sends commendations to Mr. Vachan, and salutations to Mr. Tsamberlein, Damasellus, Nicasius, and all the rest. Antwerp, 5 March 1545.
Lat. Hol, pp. 2. Add.: at Brussels. Sealed. Endd.: Doctor Marten to Mr. Secretary, Mr. Paget, vo Marcii 1544.
5 March. 316. Cardinal Ceevini to Cardinal Pole.
Poli Epp.,
iv. 184.
Not to delay his journey, has not passed by Sienna or Florence, but has sent a man to learn from friends if anything more is known about Pole's affairs. Does not find that hitherto much money has passed, but promises and hopes, with which men have been engaged in several places, it being always given out that men are required to take him to Bologna. Ludovico is said to be in Venice and the Count of San Bonifatio coming to Rome. Has informed Cardinal Farnese of all. Desires that Pole may come soon to bear his share of the burden. The nearer his approach, the more he desires Pole's company. Bologna, 5 March 1544.
Ital.

Footnotes

  • n1. Patrick Maclean See No. 287.
  • n2. Cancelled.
  • n3. The Margravine.
  • n4. Meaning No. 302, on the back of which is a small cross.
  • n5. Salvago.
  • n6. In 1526
  • n7. It appears by a later letter (15 April) that be was committed to Westmorland's custody about the 5th March.
  • n8. Elizabeth was already married (1543) to Sigismund Augustus, son of the King of Poland, and died, according to Anderson, on the 15th June 1545. There seem to be other errors in this report, though the engagements, of course, may have been altered.
  • n9. A negative seems to have been omitted here; or perhaps parvum.