Henry VIII: February 1545, 11-15

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: February 1545, 11-15', 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/pp78-90 [accessed 16 November 2024].

'Henry VIII: February 1545, 11-15', 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/pp78-90.

"Henry VIII: February 1545, 11-15". 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/pp78-90.

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February 1545, 11-15

11 Feb. 175. Thomas Gower to Shrewsbury.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 136.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii, No. 403(2).
Was despatched from the Privy Council, 28 Jan., at Banardes Castell, with a letter to Mr. Stanhupp, governor of Hull, to employ the 800l. delivered by Mr. Shelley, of the "remayne" of Berwike, in victual to be sent to the Borders, and also, as Gower shall send him money, to send victuals to Berwike. The 800/. was long ago sent in victual to Robert Branlyng, of Newcastle, and the money that came of it delivered to Mr. Treasurer of the Wars by Shrewsbury's command, and Gower received from Mr. Shelley but a small sum, out of which he pays the captain of Holy Eland and Robert Rooke and also all repairs, freights and other charges. Encloses an estimate of what remains in his hands. The Council assured him that Shrewsbury would give instructions as to the decayed places of the walls and bridge here and of Warke castle. Shrewsbury has sent Archian the King's servant to view Warke; but, as yet, Gower, being surveyor of works here, has no knowledge what shall be done or where to have money for it. Begs him to send his pleasure and write to the Council of the state of this town for lack of victuals and repair. Would know his pleasure for the continuance in wages of two carpenters whom, without warrant, he has kept since Shelley's departure, for if they go away into Yorkshire no carpenter remains in the town. Berwyk, 11 Feb.
Hol., pp.2. Add. Endd.: 1544.
Ib. 2. "An estimate of the bestowing of all such money as I have received, by indenture, of Master Edward Shelley, and how much remains in my hand of the same."
Received 22 Nov., partly in bills payable at Easter, 376l. 6s. 10d. Paid to the captain of Holly Ilond for himself and retinue from 7 Nov. to 30 Jan., 42l; to Robert Rooke, by the same space, 81. 8s.; to carpenters and slaters working about the storehouse and bridge 12l. 5s.; for 100 qr. malt bought at Holly Ilond, Norfolk measure, 53l.; and received in bills payable at Easter 45l. 10s.; total 161l. 3s., leaving "in my hands" 215l. 3s. l0d.
In Gower's hand, p.1.
Lamb. MS. 3. Copies of § 1, 2.
Vol. 16.
(R 37, 67.)
Pp. 3. Dated at the head in a later hand, 1544.
11 Feb. 176. T. Gower to [Shrewsbury].
Lamb. MS.
695, Vol. II.,
D. 3.
Finds that lord Evers intends to change two of the captains of the garrisons of the East Marches. Asked for one of the captaincies, and lord Evers said he had written to Sir Robt. Constable; but if he refused and [Shrewsbury] were willing, he would appoint Gower. Begs for [Shrewsbury's] favour, and for a commission to raise men in the lordship of Sheroffe Hewton and the Forest of Gawltres. Berwick, 11 Feb.
Hol., p. 1.
11 Feb. 177. Deputy and Council of Calais to the Council.
r o. Since last letters reporting how far forth the strangers bands were furnished, the same are much increased. The captains call for conduct money, and for monthly payment beforehand, although paid for the time they have served. Most of the soldiers lack weapons. Would have written for the Emperor's licence for harquebutes and pikes, to be "bought at the costs of the strangers," but, seeing that victuals cannot be had out of Flanders, they despair of getting weapons unless the King write therein to the Emperor or the Regent. Yesterday took musters of the Albanoys and found Anthonio Stezino's company of 47 very ill horsed. Beg a warrant to Mr. Palmer, treasurer of the crews, for payment of the said strangers. Calais, 11 Feb. 1544. Signed: G. Cobham: E. Wotton: Frauncys Halle.
P.1. Add. Endd.
R. O. 2. The oath given to the "captains strangers in the marches of Calais" to serve the King against all his enemies, &c. (five articles).
"The ordinances for their soldiers" (nine articles).
Form of "the covenant," viz.:—That the—(blank) day of—(blank) in the year 1544, in the 37th (sic) year of Henry VIII., king of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on earth head of the English and Irish churches, it is accorded between lord Cobham, deputy, and the Council in the said town of the one part, and—(blank), Italian or Spaniard, captain of—(blank) of the other part, that the said captain and his soldiers will serve against all the King's enemies at the following wages, the captain at—(blank) the month—(blank space left for the rest), and he and his soldiers shall serve wherever required either here or beyond sea.
French with headings in English. Draft, pp. 3. Endd.
11 Feb. 178. Stephen Vaughan to Lord Cobham.
Harl. MS.
283. f. 227.
B. M.
I have sold all your plate, viz., 45 oz. gilt plate at 5s. 2d. Fl. and 105 oz. white plate at 4s. 11d. Fl., in all, for 371. 11s. 3d. Fl. The plate new made for you is 6 bowls weighing 15 marks 5 oz. 10 esterlins, and 6 candlesticks weighing 15 marks 5oz. 14½ esterlins, total 251 oz. 4½ esterlins, which, at 5s. 5d. the oz., is 681. 15d. Fl. or 301. 10s. Fl. more than was made of the old. As you see what trouble we are in here, you should speedily send for your plate. "The saying is that th'Emperor intendeth to take the new diet, but I hear that he is not sick at all." Andwerp, 11 Feb.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: deputy of Calais.
ii. On the back Vaughan writes: "I pray your lordship send my packet of letters to London with diligence."
Also a note: That there remains to Mr. Vaughan, 9 March, in full payment of 6 bowls and 6 candlesticks, as appears in the letter, 22l. 9s. 6d. st.
11 Feb. 179. Arran to Cardinal Carpi.
Epp. Beg. Sc.,
ii. 236.
The copy of the schedule read from His Holiness, together with Carpi's letters of last November, reached him on 5 Feb. Does not think that he has dealt rudely. Where Carpi writes that His Holiness, now when occasion offers, must keep a promise made long before, reminds him of the promise by indulgence, renewed by Pope Clement, that the kings and governors of the Scots shall have twelve months wherein to nominate to all elective benefices. The nature of this people is obstinately to defend its rights. Such men as the blind theologian (fn. n1) who lays blind hands on the rights of the Crown ought not to be favoured there. Begs him to inform his Holiness of this national characteristic and obtain expedition as soon as possible for the writer's brother. (fn. n2) Edinburgh, 11 Feb. 1544.
Lat.
12 Feb. 180. The Privy Council to Shrewsbury.
R. O. The King thanks him for his sundry letters; and, God having given a notable victory against the Frenchmen, has willed, the writers to discourse it to him, to be notified as occasion shall require. The French king, in his desire to recover Bulloyn, thought to begin the siege betimes, and, to cut off victuals from coming thither by sea, sent Mons. de Bies, with 10,000 or 12,000 (bruited to be 15,000), to encamp on "the slant of a hill foranempst the town on the other side of the water that runneth in from the sea, making the haven." They made great and deep trenches and bulwarks and planted their artillery, 10 or 12 demycannons, culverins and bastard culverins, besides small field pieces, faucons and bases, and there lay 13 or 14 days, issuing out only when the water was high, and our men could not come to them, to view where to make some bulwark to beat the haven, — in doing which some of them were slain with ordnance from the fortress which the King makes beside the Tower Dordre. The lord Admiral, being then the King's lieutenant there, considering it necessary to remove them before they were reinforced, consulted the captains there and also the earl of Hertford, Great Chamberlain of England, who was at Guisnez, lord Graye and others; and thereupon Hertford and Graye, with 1,500 footmen and 400 horsemen from the crews in the marches of Calais, repaired to Bulloyn. Thereupon, after one day's respite, about 2,000 footmen and some horsemen of the Bulloyn garrison issued out to a place a mile above the town where the marshal of Bulloyn had made a bridge for the passage of the army. To defend the passage the Frenchmen sent all their horsemen and two pieces of artillery; but the said marshal won it and put them to flight; "whereupon their army began to shrink from their camp, and our horsemen coming there found that they had left behind artillery, munition, victual, &c. and were flying. Our horsemen pursued and, after a hot skirmish, in which Du Bies yielded but was afterwards rescued, and 600 or 700 Frenchmen were slain and taken, and all their horsemen hurt (whereas not one of ours was either taken or slain), the approach of night saved the rest, or "there had been defeated undoubtedly three or four thousand more of them."
(Continued in Paget's hand.) In answer to his letters, the King commands them to signify that he is not to press the Warden of the Middle Marches to take other hostages of Bonjedworth and Grenehede than he has taken, unless there be more against them than appears. They are to be holpen and relieved as much as possible, or they will revolt and deter others from entering. Although Mewrehouse cannot, for the difficulty of victuals, be kept, it shall not be defaced except it appear that it may be fortified by the enemy. The archbp. of York shall be despatched hence incontinently with the commissions which Shrewsbury desired, in his late letters, concerning the Benevolence. His last letters will be answered shortly. Westm., 11 Feb. 1544.
Draft, pp. 3. Endd.: To therle of Shrewesberie, xjo Februarii 1544.
Shrewsb. MS.
A., f. 273.
Heralds'
College
2. Original letter of which the above is the draft. Dated Westm., 12 Feb. 1544. Signed by Wriothesley, Suffolk, Russell, Essex, St. John, Gage, Browne, and Paget.
Lodge, i. 104. Pp. 3. Add.
12 Feb. 181. Suffolk to Shrewsbury.
Shrews. MS.
A., p. 271.
Heralds' College.
As the King presently sends his servant Saunder Pringle to serve in those parts I beg you to favour him so long as he shall serve truly, and to advertise the King of his service; "who, I think, will be an occasion that I shall oftener write unto you in his favour." From my house beside Charing Crosse, 12 Feb. Signed.
P.S. — You shall receive by bearer letters of credit from us of the Council and certain "devices which he lately put up unto us in the Council here."
P. 1. Add.: lieutenant general in the North parts.
12 Feb. 182. Richard Browne.
R. O. Warrant to pay Richard Browne, who, by the writers' appointment attended at the Rolles a quarter of a year making provision for their diets, wherein he laid out 110l. 10s. 9d. (whereof he received of "you" by "our former warrant" 50l. 10s. 9d.) the sum of 60l. in full payment. London, 12 Feb. 36 Hen. VIII. Signed; John Bakere: Edward North: Robert Sowthwell.
P. 1. Not addressed. Subscribed in another hand "Warr. Consil."
12 Feb. 183. Walter Bucler to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P., x. 284.
On arriving here learns that Mont is at Argentine, 60 miles beyond Spiere, "which will hinder my journey somewhat. There is difficulty in the passage." Will make speed. The Emperor proceeds in his purpose concerning the new diet, and sends Granvellus to the Diet at Wormes in his place. Bruxells, 12 Feb. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.. 1544.
R. O. 2. The Same to Wriothesley.
Begs pardon if he troubles him only with trifles; and repeats the substance of the above letter. Bruxels, 12 Feb. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Sealed. Endd.: 1544.
12 Feb. 184. Walter Bucler to Paget.
R. O. Has nothing to write of but his arrival here and certainty that Mr. Mont is at Argentyne, which will hinder his journey somewhat. Occurrents here Paget knows more surely than he can write. Bruxels, 12 Feb. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
12 Feb. 185. Mary Queen of Scots to Paul III.
Royal MS.
18 B. vi. 176.
B. M.
In behalf Robert Keith, as in the letter following. Stirling (signed by the Governor) pridie id. Feb. 1544.
Lat. Copy, p. 1.
12 Feb. 186. Mary Queen of Scots to Cardinal Carpi.
Royal MS.
18 B. vi. 176b.
B. M.
Epp. Reg. Sc.,
ii., 235.
Robert Keith, to whom she gave letters to his Holiness for the commendation to him of Deir monastery, complains that it is by negligence obtained only for one year. Desires it given for life to the said Robert, a noble, modest and not illiterate youth, who also is to obtain in the Roman Rota the suppression of certain pensions with which the monastery is unjustly burdened. Stirling, pridie Id. Feb. 1544. Signed by Arran.
Lat., copy, p. 1.
13 Feb. 187. The Privy Council to Shrewsbury.
Shrewsb. MS.A., p. 277.
Heralds'
College.
The King, liking a device exhibited in writing by Sandy Pringhill for the annoyance of his enemies, has despatched the said Sandy to execute it. Send the device herewith that Shrewsbury may commune with him thereupon. The King has given him 100 cr. reward and appointed him a yearly pension of 25l. Orders is to be taken "for his safe passage unto such places as he shall desire" and for advertisements to be conveyed from him. Westm., 13 Feb. 1544. Signed by Wriothesley, Suffolk, Russell, Westminster, Browne, Paget and Petre.
In Mason's hand, p. 1. Add.
Ib. 2. "Articles to subdue the realm of Scotland and specially the frontiers of the same which do make all the war against England."
1. To send for the chief men of the Davysons, Pryngelles, Taytes, Yonges, Trumbulles, Robsons, Rotherfordes and Halles in East and West Tevydale, and those that will be sworn to the King to lay in pledges, and put out of Tevydale the Carrys and all others that will not be sworn to England. 2. In like manner to send for the chief of the Dyxsons, Trotters, Bromefeldes, Redepethes and Crawys in the Marce and cause them to expulse the Hoimes and others. And to give those that cause these two countries to obey England part of their (the others'?) lands. 3. Lay 500 of the garrisons in the Middle Marches at Jedwourth and Kelsey in Tevydale, and other 500 of the East March garrisons at such holds as belong to the Hoimes. These, with the surnames abovesaid, will subdue the King's enemies adjoining the East and Middle Marches, so that all unto Edenborowgh must become subject or else flee over the Scottish sea. 4. The wardens of the East and Middle Marches, "with counseill with them," daily to see justice administered. 5. When this is done, send an army by sea, and "these countries to come by land," and win the castles of Dunbar and Temptallyn, expelling "the Douglais" and garrisoning them to keep the haven of Forth, so that Edenborough and all Lowdyane must come in, 6. "Item, the surnames of the Hoimes, Hebbournes and Carrys did kill the King of Scots' grandfather because he would have done justice amongst them; and for the same cause the duke of Albany, the King's nephew, did put the lord Home in execution, and the King of Scotland that died last did banish the earl Bothwel and did keep the chief of the Houmes and Carrys in prison; so that he made Lowdeane, Marce and Tevydale the chief peaceable countries of Scotland, and all by this order of justice."
Pp. 3. Enclosed in the preceding. Numbers not in original.
Add. MS.
32,653, f.299.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
II., No. 174.
3. Another copy of § 2.
Pp. 3.
13 Feb. 188. Van Der Delft to Charles V.
Spanish
Calendar,
viii. No. 11.
Received his letters of 20 Jan. touching the merchandise of citizens of Burgos seized at the beginning of the late wars. Describes surprise of the Council at this matter being raised now; to which he replied that, although the Emperor and Queen of Hungary wrote often about it, the matter was, at the request of the English, as he understood from Chapuys, not pressed while more important things demanded attention. On obtaining audience, presented the Emperor's letters of credence and stated the claim. The King made a wry face and began to re-open matters that happened at Boulogne (as he did when Chapuys and the writer first arrived), but, coming round to the credence, said the capture was his first exploit in the alliance against the French, and the sailors in the ships declared that the property belonged to French subjects; and now that his subjects were under the Emperor's embargo the demand seemed strange. He then called the Chancellor and Suffolk, who, after presenting the writer, had gone to the other side of the room, and repeated what he had said; adding that according to the treaties an agreement should be reached without this formal demand. Reminded him that the Emperor meant to adhere strictly to the perfect friendship between them, and pointed out that in this case it was not neccessary to adopt the procedure under the treaties, as the justice of the matter was so clearly proved. He replied that he would write to his ambassador to intimate that when his subjects were disembargoed he would see that the Emperor's had every favour; showing much annoyance at the delay, and saying that he would refer the case in question to commissioners and do justice. London, 13 Feb. 1545.
13 Feb. 189. Sir Michael Stanhope to the Council.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 141.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 404.
On 6 Feb. were seen riding off Flamebrough Hedde two Scottish topmen of war of 60 and 100 burthen, with two French pinnaces. They chased ships of Hull and Beverlay into Skarbrough road but were put off by gunners sent thither by Stanhope, who shot out of the castle at them. They captured and took away with them the Antony of Hull, of the burthen of 80, laden with coals. On 7 Feb. two small boats of Hull at their own adventure went out of Humber and took one of the French pinnaces which carried 24 men and was well ordnanced. The captain said that he came lately out of the Fyrth, where were 8 Scottish ships laden with salmon and salt hides for Burdewxe. Has persuaded his neighbours of Hull to set forth at their own adventure three handsome ships, of 100, 80 and 80, two small crayers and the captured pinnace. They will be ready for sea within seven days. If Newcastle would do the like the King should be well served on the North Seas; and the better if the Council could help the lack of ordnance and powder in these parts. Hull, 13 Feb.
Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1544.
13 Feb. 190. Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler to Henry VIII.
Add. MS.
32,656, f. 134.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 403.
Send letters received from the Wardens of the West and Middle Marches and others from Thos. Goure and Archane, the Italian, with a platt of Warke. Those of the Warden of the Middle Marches describe his conference with George Dowglas, and those of Thos. Goure show that the Council's order for the better victualling of Barwycke is disappointed for lack of money. Think it their duty eftsoons to notify the great scarcity of grain in this country and the utter disfurniture of Barwycke. Touching necessary repairs at Barwycke and Warke (for which they were lately advertised that the King's servant Petit would shortly be sent hither), ask whether to have them done forthwith, for which purpose and the other charges of the Borders they lately advertised the Council what lack of money is here, and are now forced to remind his Majesty of it because pay day for the garrisons passed on Tuesday last. Darneton, 13 Feb. 1544. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
13 Feb. 191. Wotton to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P., x. 285.
I was, on the 10th inst., with Granvele for the two points which the Emperor remitted, viz. the release of the arrest and the passport. He "made somewhat strange at the beginning, saying that the Emperor had told him that I would communicate none of my matters with any of his Council." Told him I thought that he mistook the Emperor, for, although, having letters to the Emperor, I wished to deliver them, and indeed declared my credence, the Emperor had remitted me to him for these two things. He answered that the Emperor talked with him indeed touching the arrest, but not of the passport — he would speak with the Emperor and then answer. Could not gather from this whether they would release the arrest or not, and therefore did not declare the rest of his instructions received from the Council. He said that the Emperor's ambassadors had not yet reported the matter as I declared it, but letters were looked for shortly.
Could not speak again with him until the 12th; when he said that the Emperor could do nothing in these two points until letters came from the ambassadors. Wotton thereupon declared the rest of his instructions. Granvele said that the matter was of very great importance and, if a resolute answer was required, it should be declared to the Emperor; but he would answer as far as he knew, and (laying his hand upon his breast) swore that he knew not but that the Emperor intended to observe the amity, although earnest suit had been made to the contrary from divers places. In proof of this he cited the labor made by the Frenchmen to have the Scots reconciled with the Emperor; who would not listen, although he had no quarrel against them. As for himself he was suspected without just cause, "for, as for the French king, he said, it was well known how he had kept him in prison and how he had pursued him by sea to have slain him and his children and therefore any man might gather of what mind he ought to be towards him "; and whereas some maliciously said he had received rewards of the French king he had not received the value of his spectacles (holding them up), and his son of Arras had refused benefices and great promotions offered by the French king. Henry once took him for an honest man; and nothing could change his affection to Henry. None of the Emperor's Council sought to break the amity, albeit some "would be content to see some good order taken in some things"; and they did only as the Emperor commanded, as Hertford and Winchester, when here, might well see. As for the matters wherein Henry found not that kindness that he looked for, the answer to two of them depended on the answer given to their ambassadors, and for the rest Wotton had been with the Emperor himself.
In this answer, Granvele would fain have called the answer made for the passport not a refusal but a difficulty. It seems that the Emperor intends no breach of the amity, and, in case they mean anything else, it will be perceived from their ambassadors, or at least when the ambassadors' next letters come. Some ambassadors have asked Granvele the Emperor's resolution concerning the election of the marriages and are told that the matter is not yet determined, nor will yet be published. Mons. de Laval lately complained that the hostagiers were kept longer than they should be, and was answered, by Granvele, that they might thank the King their master for it, " who did not fulfil that he should do" and had Councillors who, it seemed, cared not though the peace continued not long. Bruxelles, 13 Feb. 1544. Signed.
Pp. 4. Add. Endd.
13 Feb. 192. Wotton to Wriothesley.
R. O. Granvele says that the Emperor intends the conservation of the amity, and that he himself was in Burgundy when the arrest was made, without his privity, nor is it his device to say that the Emperor is not bounden to grant the passport, but the Queen's Council say it; "and asketh me what hindrance it shall be to him to have th'arrest here dissolved or that the passport be granted? So that, as for these things he would fain wash his hands and say with Pilate, innocens sum, etc." The ambassador of Ferrara shows me that the Emperor wrote to the viceroy of Sicily, intending to depart from Mantua towards Sicily, not to depart, as he might shortly be needed. The same ambassador says that Ludovico de Liarmi, a gentleman Boloignese, the King's servant, is much spoken of in Italy and may have 6,000 Italians to serve the King if he will. Bruxelles, 13 Feb. 1544. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
13 Feb. 193. Wotton to Paget.
R. O On the 10th inst., when I came to Granvele, I saw on his table the King's letter which, the day before, I delivered to the Emperor; whereby, and by the strangeness of his manner and his saying on the 12th that he perceived that the King was not content with his son of Arras, "I somewhat doubt whether th'Emperor hath declared th'effect of th articles by me read unto him to the said Granvele." Granvele then said that had their ambassadors known when you despatched your courier hither the Emperor might have been further certified of things; but they will never let me know when they send, nor, hardly, will give my men post horses. I send herewith copy of the bull calling the General Council. John Honnynges shows me that, yesterday, while Granvele was swearing to me that he had not received any rewards of the French king, a servant of his told Honnynges and another of my servants that, when in Burgundy, Granvele received a present from the French king of plate worth 10,000 cr. "Look you now, what faith may be given to such men's words or oaths if this be true?" Bruxelles, 13 Feb., 1544.
P. S. in his own hand. — I send herewith two commandments of the Emperor, one that none of the Empire shall go to serve any foreign prince or potentate in war, the other that all the Princes be at Wormes on the last day of this month, when the King of Romans will be there.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
13 Feb. 194. Wotton to Lord Cobham.
Harl. MS.
283, f. 299.
B. M.
Has nothing to write "but that th' arrest can by no means be yet resolved." The hostagiers labour for leave to depart, especially Mons. de Laval, but cannot attain it. Pray send over the letters herewith by next passage. Bruxelles, 13 Feb. 1544. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: deputy of Calais.
13 Feb. 195. Carne to [Paget].
R. O. Since my last letter to your mastership, by Blewe Mantell, on the 10th., I can hear of no occurrents. The arrest is not discharged; which sets the King's subjects here in no little fear. Either the Emperor's ambassadors are very slow to certify the discharge there or those here "very loth to be known of it." Bruxells, 13 Feb. Signed.
P. 1. Fly leaf with address gone.
13 Feb. 196. Vaughan to Wriothesley and Others.
R. O. Lately received their letter describing two men, an Italian and a Norman, but could not get knowledge of any such here, till he remembered the being in the English house of a man "clothed in a cloak, girded abouts him, of sad russet mantle frieze which had a square cape sewed behind to the same of yellow buckram, or some other thing that was yellow. This yellow was patched on behind the cloak poorly, as the cloak also was very poor. He had a black beard growing the breadth of iij. fingers beneath his chin; his face somewhat broad and lean; a pair of black hose worn asunder above his shoes; a black cap, double turffed, worn threadbare and greasy." This man, on the 5th inst., asked alms in the English House, speaking English like an Englishman, and rested there three hours during which he told the host, this bearer, that he was married in Venyce and fled thence "for a blow that he had given," and that in Italy Poole "caused him to be whipped with cords." He said he was going to England to seek service as a gunner; and is of good height and broad set, with a good voice. He said that he had dwelt in Portsmowthe; and he is, by conjecture, 45 years old. An Irishman, who speaks French well, servant to my lord of Hertford, chanced to be in the English house, being sent after a young man that ran away with money; and told him to haste to Calles and he could not want service there or at Bulleyn. Never mistrusted the fellow with the cloak until this day, hearing "one suspect him to be a Frenchman," it struck him that this was the man described in their lordships' letters. Thereupon despatched the host of the English House and a servant who had also talked with him, the one to watch for him at Calais and the other to go straight to their Lordships. He seems a witty fellow to go in such disguise. Has delivered bearer, named Gower, 15 cr.; and begs them to return him with somewhat for his charges. This day Michael Dyodaty, of the Bonvice house, brought a number of letters of the Merchants Adventures and said that he had received their bills of exchange. Delivered the letters and willed each to pay their money. Many of them make great moan that they have it not, as they can neither sell cloth nor recover debts. Andwerp, 13 Feb.
P. S. — Bearer is warned that if he finds the fellow by the way he shall dog him into the King's dominions and there have him apprehended. The fellow meant to go by sea, but the wind has been so evil and men of this country so loth to go in to England that surely he is gone to Calles.
Hol., pp. 3. Add.: "To, &c., my lord Chancellor, my lord of Suff. grace, my lord Pryvey Seal, Sir Antony Brown, and Sir Wm. Paget, or to any one of their lordships." Endd.: 1544.
[13] Feb. 197. Vaughan to Wriothesley.
R. O. Certain brokers of Andwerp go about to bargain with Englishmen for their cloths, saying that they have the Emperor's licence therefor, with a condition that the Englishman shall put in surety for the amount, so that if the Emperor should hereafter seize the cloth the sureties or else the buyer "shall be bound to answer the Emperor." This shows how craftily they seek to bring Englishmen into extreme danger, for, either way, they will be quit of the cloth and never be paid. Some young men had already bargained with these conditions before Vaughan heard of it, and warned them. "A great number of fullers, shearman, dyers and such other as live by dressing of cloth in this town be like to go a begging for lack of work, and at their suits it seemeth th'Emperor hath made this grant."
"Men talk much of the coming down of the b. of Rome's excommunication against the King's Majesty and his subjects, and say that is daily looked for." The Merchants Adventurers have many letters of Michael Dyodati of the house of the Bonvice; to whom they will pay their bond, but many of them have not the money, not being free to sell their cloths or receive their debts.
Before Vaughan received the Council's letter, a tall fellow with a black beard came to the English house, saying that "for a blow that he gave in Venyce, he was constrained to fly the town, where, he said, he was married and left his wife." By his tongue he seemed an Englishman; and he said that he was a gunner and minded to serve the King. After resorting to the house about a day he departed; and afterwards, receiving "your letter with a declaration of ij men whereof th'one should be an Italian and th'other a Norman that could excellently speak th'Englisshe tongue," and being told that he had dwelt at Portismowthe, I "conjectyd he should be the Norman"; and sent two [men] after him, one to watch for him at Calles and the other to go straight into England to the Council. Both had seen and talked with him in the English house, where he asked alms and got about 20 stivers. The messengers are not to meddle with him in the Emperor's Countries but wait "till they have dogged him into the King's dominions." They went after him this morning. He cannot have gone by sea as shipping into England is not to be had during this arrest. At Andwerp ut supra. (fn. n3)
P.S. — Begs to have some money upon his warrant. Has received nothing but 501. of Mr. Treasurer of the Augmentations at his departure. Has already taken up by exchange 50l. of his own and now "can get no money."
Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.: v. Februarii 1544.
13 Feb. 198. Vaughan to Lord Cobham.
Harl. MS.
283, f. 234.
B. M.
I send bearer, my servant, towards Calles to search by the way for a man that I am charged by the King's Council to search for. I have no certain marks of him, but guess that he was lately in the English house in Andwerp and was there seen by two whom I now send after him; one of whom is Gower, the host of the English house, whom I have appointed, if he find not the man between this and Calles, to go straight to Court. My servant is to return in two or three days, after seeking for him in Calles, and should "see every man that goeth into any passage"; but it must be done secretly or we fail of our purpose. This is a weighty matter and the King will take great pleasure if the man be found. I wrote lately of your plate. "I pray you send for it, for it is not in my power to send it, being in this arrest as I have written you." Andwerp, 13 Feb.
P.S. — I beg you to keep this matter secret. I hope to be with you within 14 days.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: deputy of Calais.
13 Feb. 199. Vaughan to Lord Cobham.
R. O. If he whom I now send to seek be found let him be searched for letters or papers and safely kept "that he kill not himself," and the King informed with all diligence; "for his taking is weighty." If not found, my folks will show you his marks, so that, coming by Calais, he may be taken. Let it be done secretly. He may be in Calais. "By sea he is not gone from hence, I am sure, for no ship dare go into England and the weathers have been very evil." Andwarp, 13 Feb.
Copy in the hand of Lord Cobham's clerk, p. 1. Subscribed as addressed to Cobham, deputy of Calais.
13 Feb. 200. Mary Queen of Scots to the King of Sweden.
Royal MS.
18 B. VI 177.
B. M.
Epp. Reg. Sc.
II. 238
Desires that James Rollok and his fellows, Scots whose ship and goods are detained, and John Wardroper and Alex. Josse and several other Scots who are in prison there, may be restored to their goods and liberty, in accordance with the ancient league and amity between their nations. Stirling, id. Feb. 1544. Signed by Arran.
Lat. copy, pp. 2.
14 Feb. 201. The Navy.
R. O. Warrant by the Privy Council to the Treasurer and Chamberlains of the Exchequer to deliver bearer, John Wynter, treasurer for the sea matters, 1,000l. st. Westm., 14 Feb. 1544. Signed by Wriothesley, Suffolk, Russell, Westminster, Gage, Browne and Paget.
P. 1. Add.
15 Feb. 202. Sir George Douglas to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P., v. 411.
Has spoken with Sir Ralph Everis declaring affairs here. Dared not write, being informed that the King was sore displeased with him, who is innocent of any crime towards his Highness and ever remembers the honor and gentleness shown him by so royal a prince. Writes now, because Sir Ralph said that he trusted that the King was not so miscontented as was reported, to know what service his Highness will command. Edinbruchg, 15 Feb. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd.: "Sir George Duglas to the Kinges Matee, xvo Februarii 1544; wt articles inclosed."
R. O. 2. [Sir George Douglas to Sir Ralph Evers.]
St. P., v. 412. [1.] Has been so long in sending the laird of Blaketer because two French ships came in this Friday, 11 (fn. n4) Feb. 2. Writing is come out of France to the Queen, Governor and Cardinal that a gentleman called Lacrois who departed lately out of Scotland returns in a Scottish ship called the Layon (Lion) bringing the Order of France to the Governor and 40,000 cr.; and now he is here. 3. Captain Lorge Mongommere comes in March with 6,000 men, waged and victualled for six months, and 400,000 cr. 4. An army of 40,000 under the Duke of Gweisse shall land in England. 5. The Emperor and French king are agreed in all things and the Emperor will be your enemy. The French king has been sick but is better, and has gone from Fontayne Blewe to Amboyss.
6. Caused his brother the earl of Angus to deliver up his commission of lieutenantship on the ground that promises to him were not kept. When no man would accept the office, the Governor and Council asked the writer how the country should be defended; who answered that that was the Governor's duty, being "a lusty young man and meet to be exercised in warfare." Angus could not be discharged of the office, but the writer will cause him so to exercise it as to give England no cause of complaint, the the King being gracious to them and their friends. 7. Has written a letter to the King, and begs that he may have an early answer and that it may be kept secret. 8. The Governor and lords declare that the Scots prisoners shall not enter; but they are content that commissioners may meet to entreat of that and other matters concerning the quietness of both realms. They would send a herald for safe-conduct to ambassadors, but would not have my lord Lieutenant see their commission and articles first. Shall I solicit the Queen, Governor and lords to send such a. herald ?
9. It were good that the King should make proclamations on the Borders and send a herald to declare that all who will favour the peace and contract of marriage (made at London by fully authorised ambassadors of Scotland and afterwards falsely broken by evil Scots) shall be favoured and defended by the King, and the contrary party persecuted with fire and sword. This article wisely set forth should bring most of Scotland to favour the King's opinion, "he performing this same indeed;" for he has been so cruel both upon friends and enemies that all believe that if England be master, man, woman and child shall die. It must be shown to be for the common weal. "Wisdom mixed with force will help much in great affairs." 10. I am slandered for speaking with you, both by Queen and Governor, but while the King handles these matters wisely he shall have my service, "God not offended, my poor honesty saved, and that it may stand with the wealth of both the realms and the safety of Christian people."
11. Be good to my poor friends. I and they have had more hurt by England than any in Scotland, "I never offending to his Majesty as I take God to my record." 12. I desire you to write to the King for a letter directed to my lord your father and you to deliver me my cupboard of plate which his Highness gave me in reward when I was last ambassador at London, with the letters, raiment, money and other stuff which I shall prove mine. Such a lewd fellow as has married my hostess ought not to have my goods. I have not written to the King touching this sober affair but refer it to your wisdom, desiring you to do in my affairs as in your own, "and I shall do no less to you.''
Pp. 4. Not signed, nor addressed.
15 Feb. 203. Robyn Ker to Shrewsbury.
Add. MS.
32.656, f. 148.
B. M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No. 406(2).
The Governor, Cardinal, Argyll, Angus and most of the lords are in Edinburghe and, if they agree, will "quarter Scotland" and send to the Borders. The laird of Cesfuyrd is in Lowdiane and I have not spoken with him since I departed from your Lordship. I trust there is no tenderness between Bucclewich and him, but his brother Andro, after being with my lord Warden, rode to him in Lowdiane. Many of his friends will go the way he goes, but Greinhed says that he will keep his bond to the King. Pray comfort my father, who is very "crasit and seiklie," by allowing John Ker, my brother, home upon sureties, whose solitary keeping "dullis and spyllis his ingyn, that he is the mair unable to do guid service." Bucclewithe and other the King's enemies have done great "heirschipis" upon my father and me; and Bucclewithe has wages of the lords of Scotland for our destruction and lies at A wik with great garrisons, while Mark Ker lies with his garrisons in Melros. Unless we be helped right hastily they will do us great displeasure and many of the countrymen may turn to them. The Governor has summoned my father and many other gentlemen of this country "to Edinburgh, of treason, to the vj. day of March." Farnyherst, 15 Feb.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.
15 Feb. 204. Vaughan to Paget.
R. O. "I beseech you, for the friendship and love that hath been between us, be good to my poor children, which be babes and cannot help themselves." Desires to know what to do here for payment of the King's debt. Things are very "suspiciously handled" here, as he has often written. Begs to hear shortly from Paget; for "the time runneth fast away." Andwerp, 15 Feb.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.

Footnotes

  • n1. Rob. Wauohop.
  • n2. John Hamilton, abbot of Paisley, to be bishop of Dunkeld.
  • n3. The date, however, which was intended to conclude the paragraph before this, was not written.
  • n4. But Friday was the 13th.