Henry VIII: August 1521, 12-19 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: August 1521, 12-19', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523, ed. J S Brewer( London, 1867), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol3/pp610-616 [accessed 5 November 2024].

August 1521



12 Aug. Vit. B. IV. 143. B. M.	1486. CLERK to [WOLSEY].
	"Pleaseth your grace to understand that this cor[rer should] have departed eight days ago, but there is such b ... and misintreating of corrars now daily, and marchan[tis] stond in such fear thereof, that many of them be content rather to suffer for a season than to jeop ... to their losses; albeit this corrar hath such s[afe]conducts and passports that I trust he shall pass. Fr[om] henceforth, there is no remedy but to send by Almain; wherefore it may like your grace to cause Master Tuke to provide that there may be some w[ay] taken for the sure transporting of the King's letters by Almain.
	"The Pope's holiness showed me yesterday, how t[hat he] hath letters from his ambassador of your voyage [over] the sea, about the latter end of this last m[onth] of July, and how that in secret communication your grace hath had many good words unto [the] said ambassador, concerning his Holiness's affairs against the Frenchmen; which words his [Holiness] said was greatly to his comfort, and instantly desireth your grace to continue in that good manner and purpose. His Holienss showed me also, that his camp hath been within the duchy of Milan and within the French king's territory these eight days, and how that the Frenchmen keep themselves close together in Parma, and come not forth. His Holiness said also that there were 6,000 lanceknights sent him by the Emperor, at the duke of Bari's petition, and how they were already arrived at Trent, which is a city in the confines of Italy; and whereas the French king looked for 6,000 Swiss, the Nuncio (?) hath so wrought that there is none come unto him, except a few adventurers under the number of 1,000. Here is a saying that there is rebellion begun already in certain mountains of the duchy of Milan, specially about Tortona and Vogera. Here is none other tidings now occurrent. In my most humble manner, I commend me unto your grace, whom I beseech Almighty God to preserve, and send you safe and soon home again [wi]th honour, and accomplishment of that that your noble heart and courage doth intend." Rome, 12 Aug. 1521.
	Hol. In cipher, undeciphered.
13 Aug. Pet. Martyr, Ep. XXXIV. 734.	1487. PETER MARTYR to the MARQUIS A. M.
	Letters have come from the Emperor, dated Brussels, the 10th. The convention at Calais. The deputies: sc., Hieron. Ghinucci on the part of the Pope; Gattenara for the Emperor; Du Prat for Francis. The disputes on both sides. Unsuccessful attempt of the papal galleys on Genoa. Those who come from the Emperor say that he has now got a beard, and is of a manly and majestic countenance. He is now in his 21st year. Though the house of Austria is slow in reaching maturity, those, who know the Emperor well say that he has the vigor of a man, though he is no more than a youth. Valladolid, idibus Aug. 1521.
14 Aug. R. O.	1488. [WOLSEY to HENRY VIII.]
	I perceive by your secretary's letters, dated 10th instant, which I received today, that you find some difficulty in my last letters about the preparation of 6,000 archers, &c. (1.) Saying that you suspect Calais will be besieged when the Emperor has put the French to flight. (2.) That the knights of Kent are to be reserved for yourself and the defence of Calais. (3.) The default in ordering the halberds to join the archers, and (4.) the division of the archers into wards, with the Almains, at the Emperor's assignment, (5.) the delay in sending your letters for the preparation of the archers, and (6.) the difficulty made for lack of victuals and shipping for them. (7.) "Supposing your declaration against the French king to be sufficient for this time," in avoiding expense, considering the season of the year. (8.) "Your purpose to an enterprise" against the French harbors and navy, under Fitzwilliam, which you desire the Emperor to assist, by sending some of his Spanish navy; and, finally, thanking me for my policy in treating with the ambassadors of the Pope, Emperor and French king at Calais.
	As you have taken your resolutions in these difficulties, I will not oppose them, but still will give my opinion. I do not think there is any danger of the French assaulting Calais, as the Emperor is now in France, and daily advancing. If the French left their garrisons and besieged Calais, it would be a good opportunity for the Emperor to fight them. His army has two months' wages, and after that time it will be too late to commence a siege. Nevertheless it is well to prepare by assembling the men of Kent, and they can be either sent to the Emperor, to Calais, or kept in England. The halberds were appointed to "garnish" the captains of the archers and keep the baggage. It is thought that it will be hard to divide the archers, and that they will not like it, but I have spoken with some who have been with archers sent in former times to give similar assistance, and they say they were thus divided, and never made any obstacle. 6,000 archers in a body could do but little.
	"And whereas your grace thought the preparation of the archers should rather have been called upon to be in readiness in time," I do not doubt that you know I have lacked no diligence in advising you to prepare them, and in devising a book for the purpose. If I had been near you, as much diligence should have been used in sending forth the letters. Though it is rather late in the year for sending the archers, it is well to have them ready, as the report thereof will make foreign princes more inclined to peace. It would be a good thing if the whole power of the realm could be placed in readiness. Victualling and shipping for the archers and their horses can soon be provided, for they must land at Calais. Many horses are not requisite, except for the captains, and only a few ships will be required to transport them. The Emperor will probably send hoys when he hears they are ready. They need not be sent till you declare yourself on the Emperor's side, which is not necessary yet. When I see the Emperor, will do all I can to induce him to respite it till you are better prepared. You should not break with France, nor should the archers be sent this year, if it can be avoided. The destruction of the French harbors and navy will be the best means to subdue Francis, if it can be effected. Will speak to the Emperor about it, but it cannot be done before March, as the French are too well prepared to allow of any secret attacks, and the time is unseasonable for setting a large navy on the sea. The Spanish ships also cannot be ready till then, as there are none in these parts. Will try the Emperor's mind about it, and report to you. Considering that no such enterprise can be set forth, I have not sent for Fitzwilliam, because, if he were recalled, there would be no ambassador at the French court, which would be thought strange. Odynborow, 14 Aug.
	Pp. 9. Draft, corrected by Ruthal.
15 Aug. R. T. 137. R. O.	1489. ADMIRAL BONNIVET to the CHANCELLOR [DU PRAT].
	Has received the copy of his letter to the King, touching his meeting with the Cardinal of York, with his replies to every point. Thinks that he has forgotten nothing. The terms proposed by the ambassador of the King Catholic, stated in the said letter, seem to be very high; and seeing that the King had well provided for his affairs, before Bonnivet's departure, considering the lateness of the season, does not perceive how the King Catholic can execute his purpose. Matters must be going bad with England, as it appears, when they stick at such trifles as the finding of La Bastye's page on the wall at Calais, the delay in the payment of the 50,000 francs, and the alleged capture of an English ship at the mouth of the Thames, which Du Prat mentions in his letter. Does not believe the last statement. They want to find some pretext for quarrelling.
	The journey of the card. of York to the King Catholic seems strange and suspicious, and the words of that King's party show that they count upon England. Still, things are better as they are than if they were more outspoken. Advises him to do all he can to entertain the Cardinal until some resolution be take upon the affair for which he has gone. Desires him to send a courier straight to him, without passing by the court, if there is any news which he ought to know. The son of the marshal of Navarre has sent to him to ask that, if any agreement be made, his father may not be forgotten. Du Prat knows that that is the King's intention. Will send word of his success. Chasteauneuf, 15 Aug.
	Fr., copy, pp. 2. Add.: "Mons. le Chancelier."
	Endd.: "Lettres de mons. l'Admiral, de Chasteauneuf, le 15 Aout, receues le 24."
15 Aug. R. O.	1490. WM. PRIOR OF ROCHESTER to TONYS.
	Has been paid the money he laid out for the monastery of St. Alban's at the time of his ministering there. All his creditors will be paid what is due for the same period. Desires my Lord's grace may be informed of this. Rochester, 15 Aug.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
16 Aug. R. O.	1491. CHARLES V.
	Commission to Margaret of Savoy and John de Bergis to arrange the articles of a marriage treaty between himself and the princess Mary, engaging to ratify whatever stipulations for war with Francis I. shall be made by the same. Bruges, 16 Aug. 1521. Signed and sealed.
	Lat., on vellum.
18 Aug. Mon. Habs. 242.	1492. GATTINARA to CHARLES V.
	Barzia, the bearer, arrived here the same time as Gattinara, with news from Spain, which he will tell the Emperor. It seems that the extract of the cipher from Tournay, about their need of assistance, was true; for La Palice left Calais the day before yesterday, and 300 horse and a good number of foot came from Boulogne to accompany him. The passages must be guarded, and the bridges broken. Wishes for the despatches of which he left a memorandum with the Audiencer. Will acquit himself with his companions as well as he can, and return as soon as possible. Has a bad attack of gout in his foot. Dunkirk, 18 Aug. 1521.
	Fr.
Vit. C. XI. 191. B. M. St. P. I. 38.	1493. WOLSEY to [HENRY VIII.]
	The same day the Emperor and my Lady came to my lodging familiarly. The latter, with great and eloquent persuasions, required that declaration should be made forthwith by England against France; to which the writer replied, and they admitted themselves to be vanquished; the Emperor saying he was contented to defer the declaration till his coming into England towards Spain. The Saturday following was appointed for deliberation between Wolsey and my Lady touching the marriage and indemnity; to which many difficulties were made, specially in the traduction of my lady Princess (Mary), requiring the same to be when she is ten years of age. Wolsey, after long debating, prevailed that it should be respited till she is of perfect age. They demanded 1,000,000 ducats as dowry, saying that so much was offered with the daughter of Portugal. Wolsey arranged for 80,000l., and her dote to be 10,000l., in the Low Countries and Spain; the debts due by the Emperor to England to be paid out of the 80,000l. Charles agrees to pay a_sum in case the French king withholds the payments due from him.
	On Sunday Wolsey went with the Emperor to St. James's Church, dined with his Majesty, and entertained the Emperor and my Lady in his own lodging at supper. "This Monday we shall, God willing, make perfect all the other treaties;" sc., how and when the Emperor shall come to England, the ships to be lent him, &c. Though all is concluded, yet, "for the contentation of the ambassadors of France now being at Calais, I trust to have commissioners to be appointed to treat with them, for a color." Praises the "delicate, plenteous and sumptuous manner" in which he has been entertained by the Emperor.
	Hol., draft, mutilated, pp. 9.
Galba, B. VII. 42. B. M. St. P. I. 36.	1494. [WOLSEY to HENRY VIII.]
	*** "In which reasoning he coldly and circumspectly used himself as a right discreet prince [in] pondering and regarding his affairs. And to the same reasons I replied and made such an[swer] that at that time he did forbear further to debate the matter till on the morrow." At his lodging found an archbishop and two right discreet personages sent from the king of Denmark, "showing that the same King would gladly speak with me, so that I would meet with him in the garden which is by the Emperor's lodging and mine. Whereupon, I, considering that I was your lieutenant, and [in] regard to your honour not intending to give unto him any advantage in superior[ity], made strange to speak with him unless he would come unto my said lodging, where[unto] was made some difficulties. Nevertheless, forasmuch as this pursuit to speak with me proceeded [from] him, I remembering that better it were to entertain him with good manner than so to entreat him that he might take disdain, I having occasion eftsoon to resort to the Emperor, thorowt the garden, which was in my way, showed myself agreeable to meet with him there." He said he would be glad to treat with Wolsey as the King's lieutenant, for the augmentation of peace and amity. Wolsey professed willingness to do so, stating that he had the King's authority for it; leaving it to him whether he would treat with Wolsey himself, or Wolsey should send some of the King's council for knowledge of his mind.
	Next day the said King came to Wolsey's lodging, and said that, seeing this good intelligence between England and the Emperor, he was the more inclined to continue in good peace with England, "touching the y[oung] king of Scotland, and trusting that ye would be good uncle unto him, without a[nything] attempting against him during his minority." Made him such answer that he was well contented, and promised to devise certain [articles] in writing, and send them to Wolsey, ["like as he did"]. (fn. 1) The day following he sent unto me the said articles, "and forasmuch [as I was] busied with the Emperor and his council that day, I could not have leisure to [show my] mind to the said King, but deferred it till the morrow, at which time he sent unto me [one of] his council, showing that such news were comen unto him out of his [kingdom], that of necessity he was enforced to speed him thither, intending that day to depart like [as he] so did, leaving one of his council behind to know my mind upon the articles by him devised, wherein I shall take some convenient order before my departing from hence. And surely, Sir, the said king of Denmark, though in appearance by outward countenance he should be judged to be a rash man, yet he is right wise, sober and discreet, minding the establishing of good peace betwixt Christian princes, wherein he right substantially declared his mind at good length, in the circumstance whereof I shall advertise your grace at my coming to your presence."
	Draft in Ruthal's hand, mutilated, pp. 2.
R. O.	1495. [PROPOSITIONS to be made by the EMPEROR.]
	"The two kings shall swear" *** 2. [Not] to deceive or take advantage of each other. 3. To defend each other against all aggressors. 4. The king of England to be bound to aid the Emperor (l'Empercur) if any attempt to molest him in the reception of the imperial crown (a la reception et assecution, &c.), according to the treaty made in Oct. 1516. 5. The Emperor faithfully to promise the king of England not to treat of any other marriage than the present within the said year, England being likewise sworn to accomplish the marriage of his daughter. 6. As to the differences between the Emperor and France, when the former has communicated the demands of the latter to the Electors, he will make such answer as ought to be satisfactory.
	Fr., p. 1, in Ruthal's hand, mutilated. Endd.: "Instructions in secret matters."
19 Aug. Mon. Habs. 243.	1496. GATTINARA to CHARLES V.
	Wrote yesterday by Barzia from Dunkirk. Finds what he stated is true. The Cardinal, hearing that Gattinara could not visit him, owing to his góut, sent word that he had received a letter from the English ambassador returning from France, stating that he had met La Palice, who told him as a secret that although he gave out that the King had sent for him, his chief purpose in quitting Calais was to join Vendome, and assemble 10,000 foot, under color of going to the camp of the King, when they would take the passages of Tournay and succor the town, which was in great necessity. Wolsey has promised the bishop of Badajos and count Cariati that he will send Charles a copy of the letter. Is starting immediately for Calais by litter, and will enter the town on his mule with the Legate, as well as he can. Is waiting for the despatches. Gravelines, 19 Aug. 2 p.m. 1521.
	Fr.
19 Aug. R. O.	1497. The NUNCIO AT VENICE to [VANNES].
	We were lately in doubt about the coming of the fresh German troops, but are now informed by a note from the Nuncio with the Archduke to the Pope, that they will not come without the Emperor's permission, which cannot be obtained, as all the roads into France are stopped. The said note came with great difficulty, as all the roads are blockaded, and every one passing is examined. A few days ago a junction was effected by the enemy (certa illorum unio) near the Valle Camonica in the diocese of Brescia, and Camillo Ursino has accordingly gone thither with a strong force. They are willing enough, "sed non habent bona crura propter defectum pecuniarum."
	Letters from the Nuncio in Hungary, dated Buda, 4th inst., state that the Turks are assaulting the citadel of Petra Varadin, which is not far from Belgrade. After repeated failures the great Turk himself assaulted it with artificial fire and divers engines, and succeeded in destroying the castle. Ninety only escaped, whom the Turks spoiled and let go. He has now sent for workmen to rebuild the place, and intends to attack a neighbouring fortress. The King of Hungary was encamped at Tonna, waiting for aid from Bohemia. He will then have a large army, and may defeat the Turk. Gauricus, the astronomer, said the other day to the Doge, that he would forfeit his head if the Turk was not either defeated, killed or taken. He has often divined, but I put no faith in him.
	Lat., pp. 2. In Vannes' hand. Headed: Literæ Nuncii S. D. N. Venetiis die xviiij. Aug. ad me.
19 Aug. Le Glay, Négoc. II. 483.	1498. ANTOINE DU PRAT, Chancellor, to LOUISA OF SAVOY.
	Has received her letters of the 12th and 15th. She will have understood, from letters of the 11th and 12th, what has passed since the 9th. Since the Cardinal's departure has heard nothing of him, except the honor shown him on his arrival at Bruges. He promised to send them news, directing his letters to the treasurer of England. (fn. 2) The latter, however, has heard nothing yet, but hopes to do so today. If he is acting candidly, perhaps the Flemings are waiting for news from the Pope. He told Du Prat, before leaving, that the Pope would do the worst he could; but if Francis had put Italy in good order his Holiness would be induced to join. He added, "It is a great misfortune when one blind man leads another;" "veuille ou non, il se fera." Perhaps he is only telling the King Catholic that the French are ready to come to terms with him. Has endeavoured to find out where the King Catholic's money comes from, as his revenues are taken up with his various armies. Thinks some is supplied by the estate of the late lord Chievres. Does not believe any is furnished by England. Wishes very much for further instructions. The greatest difficulty will be about the marriage. The news expected from the Admiral about Guyenne, if good, will make them consent (?) to the restitution of Navarre. The Cardinal says that the King Catholic will be obliged to give it up in a certain time, or to content the king of Navarre, according to the treaty of Noyon. The other difficulty is the payment of the 200,000 cr. Calais, 19 Aug.
	Fr.