Henry VIII: March 1536, 16-20 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1887.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: March 1536, 16-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536, ed. James Gairdner( London, 1887), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol10/pp195-205 [accessed 16 November 2024].

March 1536, 16-20



16 March. R. O.	480. Thomas Parry to Cromwell.
	Ending our examinations of the monks (the comperts whereof are sent by Mr. Leigh), the prior, seeing he would be justly deprived, has this morning resigned. The convent desire your favor with the King that one of those named in their instrument made to His Grace may succeed. Amongst those is Wm. Basing, D.D., a man of learning and a favorer of the truth, who never consented to the spoils and sacrilege here committed, and who for your favor herein will give you 500l. He will raise your fee here from 10l. to 20l. yearly, and renew your patent to you and Mr. Gregory Cromwell for term of both your lives. As to the rest of the monks named to the King, some, as Avington the sub-prior, and Peterfild the sexton, were chief committers of the sacrilege, the other being unlearned. As to the prior's pension, I think you will judge him more worthy of punishment than of pension. The sexton has just confessed that Bestian, the jeweller, gave him 20 crs. as reward, and that he sold Bestian an emerald for 20s. not mentioned in the articles. I beg your favor for Dr. Basing, and trust Dr. Leigh will report his honesty, who has appointed me to tarry here for the present. St. Swithin's in Winchester, 16 March.
	Please let me know your pleasure concerning the monks who committed and assented to the sacrilege. Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
16 March. R. O.	481. John Vaughan to Cromwell.
	I sat at Newport in Wenloge three days, and found many things to be reformed. I have appointed the parties to keep "cowre" (court) the last three days of May next. The people were never so far out of frame concerning the spiritual jurisdiction, by reason of naughty bishops and worse officers. God send you as good officers for the spirituality as you have in the Marches for the temporality. I trust to end my visitation of the diocese of Llandaff on the 26th inst. I have sent my precepts to visit the diocese of St. David's. I have 10 or 12 supplications daily, and have sequestered the fruits and revenues of Llandaff into the King's hands and yours. I have set sure men to make accounts to the King, as the Bishop's officers were very busy to receive money. The country is without bread for lack of corn. It were well they had a placard to bring corn out of England. Llandaff, 16 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
Calig. B. iii. 194. B. M. St. P. v. 36.	482. Barlo to Cromwell.
	Suspects the Council, (fn. 1) which are none else but the Papistical elergy, mean to delay them without any despatch till they hear from France, and then give them a "crafty conceived answer." Rumors are spread that the French king abhorred our King's proceedings against Rome, and some have asked if he be unfeignedly our friend. Hopes the best of James's disposition, but his "spiritual unghostly counsellers" would destroy us if they could. Some think I am sent to preach, some that we come to fetch away the Queen, some that we want their aid for fear of our Popish enemies. They make great complaint of the rulers in the English borders, and praise their own,—probably to get our good officers removed. Though they pretend that James has done sharp execution on some of his borders, it has not been for love of justice, but because they were accused of favoring Englishmen, for which Mark Carre and others, now in durance, are likely to suffer. Is sure the clergy would not advise the King for due execution on thieves, else he ought to begin with them. The lying friars preach in our presence against us, but if he can obtain the King's licence to preach in answer will confute them. Until God's word be planted among them their promises are worthless. Hol. Add.
16 March. Calig. B. i. 158. B. M. St. P. v. 38.	483. Queen Margaret to Henry VIII.
	Since the departure of lord William I have made "some lawboures to zowr adwertisment." Sir Adam Otterburn has a joint credence with lord William. Since his departure James has been counselled by the churchmen to demand of you:—1, to promise not to ask him. "to take your new constitutions of the scripture:" 2, not to intercede for Angus: 3, that the meeting be at Newcastle: 4, that Sir Adam may have the credence and bring the answer again; but as to the last, he will not desire it plainly, but by subtle manner. Advises that lord William alone should bring the answer, or at least he as principal. James is very constant to the meeting, though many would dissuade him from it. Has spoken with him this day. Edinburgh, 16 March. Hol. Add. Endd. by Wriothesley.
16 March. Cleop. E. iv. 34. B. M. Wright's Suppression of the Monasteries, 103. Dugd. iv., 572.	484. John [Shepey alias Castelocke], Abbot of Faversham, to Cromwell.
	Has received Cromwell's letters, dated 8th inst., suggesting his resignation of the house of which he has so long had the rule, because of his age and debility. Trusts he is not yet so far enfeebled but he can govern as well as ever, though he cannot so well perchance ride and journey abroad. Even if an abbot's peculiar office were to survey the possessions of his house, he took such pains in his younger years that he need to do less now; and his servants, whom he has brought up from their youth, have such experience in these worldly matters that they can supply this part. Thinks, however, the chief office and profession of an abbot is to live chaste and solitarily, to be separate from the intermeddling of worldly things, to serve God quietly, to distribute his faculties in the refreshing of poor indigent persons, to have a vigilant eye to the good order and rule of his house and the flock committed to him by God. Doubtless it would be, as Cromwell says, more to his ease to resign for a reasonable pension, and has no doubt of Cromwell's conscience therein, considering the benevolence he has always found in him. For his own part, he should be contented, not being ambitious; but, considering the miserable state in which the house would be left, God forbid that he should think his office irkful or tedious. The house is much impoverished, partly by the debts left by his predecessor, who was but a right slender husband to the house, partly by the necessary repairs of the church and other buildings, and the "innyng" of marshes which the sea had won, by lawsuits for the recovery of their rights, and by dismes and subsidies to the King, amounting to more than 2,000l. The house is now 400l. in debt, which I might see repaid if I continued in the office six or seven years, but if I should resign, the charges of first-fruits and tenths due to the King, added to the debt, would ruin the house. Christ forbid that I should so heinously offend against God and the King as to further the ruin of so godly and ancient a foundation, dedicated to Saint Saviour by one of the King's progenitors, (fn. 2) whose body, with those of his Queen and son, lie buried in honorable sepulture, and are had all three in perpetual memory with continual suffrages and commendations of prayers. Considering the premises I doubt not that you will continue your accustomed favor and benevolence toward our poor monastery. At our poor monastery aforesaid, 16 March 1535. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Maister Secretary.
16 March. R. O.	485. Wm. Basynge to Dr. Leigh.
	Asks his aid in moving Mr. Secretary for him. Will give Mr. Secretary 500l., and more, if required. Puts his whole confidence in Leigh for forwarding his purpose. Winchester, 16 March. Signed. P. 1. Add. Endd.
16 March. R. O.	486. [Lord Lisle to Cromwell.]
	According to the King's command, signified by Cromwell, has viewed the breach of the walls of Guisnes, and estimated the repairs. They say plainly in Flanders that the war has commenced between Francis and the Emperor, and was proclaimed on Sunday the 12th at Gravelines. (fn. 3) The captain of Gravelines has sold two of the King's horses that Parker bought, and has taken four more home with him. Barbarossa has assembled 200,000 men against the Emperor. Rob. De la Merche has laid siege to a castle of the bishop of Luke, who sent to the Lady Regent for rescue. Every man is commanded to his garrison. What with Barbarossa, the French on their frontiers, and the dread that our King should help Francis, they were never so much afeared. Calais, 16 March.
	Has written to the King to be good lord unto him, but is loth to ask anything out of his coffers; "beseeking you to help me to some old abbey in mine old days. I have no trust but God, the King, and you." P. 1. Endd.: The copy of Mr. Secretary's letters sent by Huse.
16 March. R. O.	487. Thos. Warley to Lady Lisle.
	Received her letters, dated 3 March, by lady Whetall, on March 13, and the same day delivered her letter to Antony Berry, gentleman of the Middle Temple. Sends by the bearer, Jas. Roberts, a mariner of Calais, a velvet frontlet, lined with black satin, for which he has promised Mrs. Burley Ss., and 1 oz. of damask gold, price 4s. 8d. A bonnet will shortly be sent of the same velvet as the frontlet, and will cost 26s. Has paid the whole "dewty" to Mrs. Burley, 13s. 4d. Since coming to London has only received 6s. 8d. from all his debtors, and has spent more than 6l. 6s. 8d. Is a continual suitor to the Lord Chancellor, not having an hour's respite all day. Yesterday he took him to the King, when going to his closet, and spoke for him, so that he hopes to obtain his purpose. Asks lady Lisle, if she or her husband write to the Lord Chancellor, to thank him for this. Begs her to get for him from lord Lisle a blank warrant towards his charges. Has been to Dr. Tregonell about her letter, but can get no answer. Is promised many letters to them at his return. Hopes she will be mean for him that lord Lisle is not displeased at his long absence. London, 16 March.
	Asks her to send him some money. Hol., pp. 2. Add.: At Calais.
16 March. R. O.	488. Thomas Warley to Lady Lisle.
	Encloses a letter given him by Leonard Smyth, who says he had it from Mr. Waytte. Lives now by hope and comfortable words, and his purse waxeth light. Hastynges is the most subtle and crafty fellow he ever met. Hopes soon his craft will little avail him. Sent a letter by Buck, lord Edmund's servant, with a gold cramp ring in it. Is uncertain whether it has been received, as he has heard nothing of it. Has written the news to lord Lisle. God send my Lord a good abbey or two for a commendam. London, 16 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: At Calais.
16 March. R. O.	489. Mayor and Council of Youghill to Cromwell.
	Have written to the King that for fault of good rule, and by force of unkind neighbours, they have no cattle nor corn to victual the town. Understand that certain aliens are preparing to invade the land, and beg for a provision of ordnance and powder. Have men enough for the circuit of the walls. Youghill, the eve of St. Patrick, this instant year. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd. Sealed.
17 March. Vit. B. xxi. 102. B. M.	490. Henry VIII. to the Consuls and Senate of Bremen.
	In behalf of Geo. Wolweuer (see No. 285). Complains that instead of his being released, he is every day treated with greater cruelty. Hears from his ambassadors that it is reported at Bremen that his previous letters were obtained by their fraud. Denies that his ambassadors are guilty of this. Threatens retribution. Our palace, near London, 17 March 1535. Lat. Corrected draft. Mutilated, p. 1. Add.
17 March. R. O.	491. John Whalley to Cromwell.
	Received Cromwell's letter by the master of the Masondewe. Has paid out the 400l. in the master's presence, and with his signature; there still remains near 40l. owing for ironwork, and there are other arrears. Perceives by Cromwell's letter that he is to meddle no further than to pay the wages.
	Hears that all abbeys under 200l. a year are to be "suppressed into the King's hands." Asks Cromwell to grant him the abbey of Burneham beside Wyndesore, at the present ferme of 51l. 10s. (a kinsman of his wife's is the vicar), or to let him have the priory of Folkestone at a reasonable rent. Dover, 17 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Cheff Secretary. Endd.
17 March. R. O.	492. [Lord Lisle] to the Captain of Gravelines Castle.
	Complains of his having imprisoned a servant of the king of England, named Deric, and another who accompanied him, and taken from the former certain writings, in violation of the amity with the Emperor. Calais, 17 March. No signature. Fr., p. 1. Endd.: Copie.
17 March. R. O.	493. [The Captain of Gravelines] to Lord Lisle.
	I have received a letter from you complaining that I have detained a servant of the King your master, with another, his vassal. The fact is that I arrived from Court between 3 and 4 o'clock, and heard that the porters of this town had arrested two Germans. The one, who you say is called Dericq, said he was from Cologne, the other from Hamburg. As the latter had been proclaimed a disloyal subject of the Emperor, both were arrested before my coming, and placed in a hostelry called the Couronne. Small books of Martin Luther and his adherents were found upon them. I asked them if they had brought such books, and ordered them to be restored to them. I have referred the matter to the Queen; for, as you know, she and the Emperor have ordered us to keep watch on such persons. Your reproach that we illtreat English subjects is unfounded; and I wish you had done as much to preserve the amity as I have done to counteract malicious inventions on your side. I need not write at greater length, as you have made no answer to other things I have written, by which I wished to confer with you, and show you personally that I do nothing unworthy of a knight descended of blood royal like myself, though you do. Gravelingen, 17 March 1535. Signed: "Vostre bien amy, dysamys de l'Empereur." Fr., copy, pp. 2. Endd.
18 March. Vienna Archives.	494. Chapuys to Charles V.
	Informed the Emperor by his last letters of the 7th how desirous Cromwell was to speak to him. Thinks the English were afraid of some agreement between the Emperor and Francis, and that they must since have received news that there was great probability of such agreement. This must have been the cause why Cromwell has cooled; nevertheless, he sent to me again today to say that he should be glad to come to me when I was at leisure, if it were only to know how I was. I will wait a day or two to see what he will do, and if he does not come I will go to him to ascertain all the news, and continue to divert them from making any treaty with France to your prejudice; with which alliance, so far as I can see, they are every day more disgusted, and will hardly hear speak of it, not even the duke of Norfolk, who has hitherto several times said to the ambassador of France and his brother that one of the best things his master could do would be to give him leave to levy 10,000 Englishmen for the service of France beyond the mountains. Yet of late, when the French ambassador spoke to him of his master's preparation for war and the advantages of a joint enterprise, the Duke answered abruptly that he and the other councillors of the King his master had enough to do in the current affairs of this Parliament without troubling themselves about the said war. And today again Cromwell has strongly affirmed to a man of mine that they would not lead the King their master such a dance for all the Frenchmen could do; whereupon he began to censure the said Frenchmen severely for their inhumanity to the duke of Savoy.
	The French ambassador was a long time today at Westminster only to discuss the injuries which the French king says have been done to his subjects against the treaties. This is a very disagreeable and troublesome thing for the English, especially as Francis seems to have taken it to heart, and has written so strongly to his ambassador; and, as it could not be determined here, it has been this day advised that the King should send to France four doctors to discuss it. It is well to note that if the French hoped to treat anything with the English, they would have avoided troubling them in this.
	Today a courier returned from Scotland, who says that it has been determined that this King and the king of Scots shall meet at York immediately after Easter, and that the duke of Richmond and the eldest sons of the duke of Norfolk and of the Marquis shall be made hostages for the security of the king of Scots.
	It has been determined in Parliament that monasteries not worth more than 1,000 crs. annual rent shall be suppressed, and I think some beginning has already been made in the work, by which the King will greatly increase his revenue; with which, however, not being satisfied, nor with innumerable other means he has found of getting money, he has proposed to Parliament a law that every one shall be bound to offer at the holy sacrament according to the value of his goods; which offerings would be collected by men deputed by the King, in order therewith to feed the poor and impotent, and even to support robust mendicants, whom, for the good of the realm, he will employ in public works like the harbour of Dover. The King has also determined to forbid the greater part of the religious from hearing confessions, but that this should be done merely by the curates, who are to be ordered not to absolve any one who does not hold the Pope for Antichrist, and the King for head of the Church, confessing the other articles in conformity with these.
	Cromwell, finding that the cross which he re-demanded of the Princess, as stated in my penultimate letters of 25 Feb., was not so rich as he thought, and had only the relic, to which these men attach no importance, has sent it back to her; but yet they have given her nothing of what the good Queen left for her. London, 18 March 1535. Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 3.
18 March. Vienna Archives.	495. Chapuys to Granvelle.
	Knows not what to add to what he has written to the Emperor, except that he has been informed that of late the King said triumphantly at a full table how the Pope, fearing the Emperor's approach to Rome, had furnished the castle of St. Angelo to withdraw into, and was raising foot soldiers for the same reason. He also said that the marquis of Guasto had killed the marquis of Villa Franca, which was a very awkward thing for the Emperor. These are all French inventions, which this King has no great difficulty in believing. You will see by the letters I write to his Majesty, the gentle device of this King to extract money on pretext of charity by means of the offerings. If it succeed, as no doubt it will, he will gain an immense sum of money, for he will impose a tax according to his will which everyone will have to offer, and not engage to do so for once but for all the other innumerable inventions that this King daily puts forward in order to get money, at which the people is terribly grieved and almost desperate, but no man dare complain. The new amours of this King with the young lady of whom I have before written still go on, to the intense rage of the concubine; and the King 15 days ago put into his chamber the young lady's brother. (fn. 4) London, 18 March 1535 Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 2.
18 March. R. O.	496. Lady Fitzwilliam.
	On the 18 March 27 Hen. VIII. Thos. Portre, late servant to my lady Fitzwilliam, intending to leave the realm, did confess before the persons subscribed that John Denham, of Ethrop, Bucks, being in peril of death, did call to him one Sir Ric. Smythe, curate of St. Thomas the Apostle, in London, to hear his confession in Sept. 27 Hen. VIII., when he devised all his goods to dame Jane FitzWilliam, his mother, immediately after declaring the same to Thos. Cooke, his servant. Signed by Porter. Present, Will. Barreth, curate of Gravesend and others, and attested by Seth Traves, public notary. P. 1. Endd.
18 March.	497. Knights of St. John. See Grants in March, Nos. 30, 37, and 38.
18 March. R. O.	498. Lord Lisle to Cromwell.
	Sends a letter from Dr. Boner and Master Caundissh, received yesterday from one who came with Deric the King's servant. He told me that Deric was arrested at Gravelyng, and all he had taken from him by those in the castle. Wrote immediately to the captain, and encloses a copy of his letter; and the captain's answers, of which he has kept a copy, as he will have to reply again. Will do nothing till he hears the King's pleasure and Cromwell's. Calais, 18 March.
	Asks that the captain's letter may be kept safe, as it is in his own hand. Whereas he says that if Lisle and other of the King's servants would do as he does to keep concord and amity, if he can prove that Lisle and any here to his knowledge have done any injury or wrong to any of the Emperor's servants or subjects, "I will be ready to make answer and amends to my shirt." Signed. P. 2. Add.: Chief Secretary and Master of the Rolls. Endd.
18 March. R. O.	499. Thos. Warley to Lady Lisle.
	Has attended at the Court for the kirtle which she has long looked for, and this morning had a token from Mrs. Margery that it should be delivered to him in the Queen's wardrobe, where upon sight of the token he received it. It is of cloth of gold paned like the paper enclosed. Showed Mr. Blunt one of the sleeves that he might certify you of the same.
	Went back to the Queen's chamber to thank Mrs. Margery, but she had gone into the privy chamber, so that he could not speak with her. Will be at Court tomorrow, and send word what she says by the next messenger. Asks what he shall do with the kirtle. Suggests that lady Lisle should write letters of thanks to Mrs. Margery and Geo. Tayllour, and remember those of the Queen's wardrobe. Mr. Raffe Sadler confirms what he wrote previously, that all abbeys of the yearly value of 300 marks and under shall be put down. When Sadler can come by any of the names, he will send them to Lord Lisle. The King has given to Mr. Blunt and his heirs the tenement that Thos. Knight of Calais dwells in. London, 18 March.
	Wrote to lord and lady Lisle by Buck, lord Edmund's servant, to lord Lisle, by London, archer on horseback, and to both by Thos. Audesle, of Devonshire, and has heard nothing from them since his coming. Hol., pp. 2. Add: At Calais.
19 March. R. O.	500. Ric. Pate to Cromwell.
	Received on the 16th inst. his letter dated 25 Feb., exhorting him "to pluck my sprites unto me" to do the King's affairs.
	His "sedulity" will, he trusts, appear from the Emperor's answer, which he will despatch from Rome shortly after his coming. Asks Cromwell to interpret his access without Gregory Casali to the best part. Was moved thereto by divers reasons, and could not do otherwise, their journey being daily deferred. There were other things also that might meantime have succeeded to the small "prevayllement" or regard of their commission Naples, 19 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
[19 Mar.] R. O.	501. William (fn. 5) Prior of Bridlington to Cromwell.
	According to the King's letters received by Cromwell's visitors for the province of York, I have sent up the charters of our foundation and grants of appropriation to our poor house, with all our papistical muniments and bulls. As we are unable to thank you for your goodness to us, please to accept our poor hearts with the poor fee of our house which I send you, begging you to be good master unto us, and let the bearer know your pleasure. We are much troubled by gentlemen in our country for the denial of such farms as we may not forego casefully, fearing upon their wrong information to your mastership to have your letters directed to us in their favor. Begs his protection. Bridlington, the third Sunday in Lent. Hol., p. 1. Add.. Secretary.
R.O.	502. George Browne to Cromwell.
	Begs for his assistance in meeting the necessary expenses of his promotion (fn. 6) in Ireland. Wishes to speak to him about his matter with lord Rochforde. Hears that Agar and other of those parts are despatched with favor. Beseeches him to consider his case. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
19 March. Harl. MS. 6989, f. 40. B. M.	503. G. Lilius (fn. 7) to Starkey.
	Writes by the bearer, John, who was brought up for some years with Starkey, and will give him full particulars of their health and state. Supposes he has heard of his patron's (fn. 8) work, which will be a glory to the country and posterity. Venice, 14 Cal. April. Lat. Hol., p. 1. Add.: D. Th. Starkeio, Londini.
20 March. R. O.	504. Antony Barker to Lady Lisle.
	I have received your letters of 15 Feb., which I should have answered long ago if I might have spoken to any of the couriers. Your son Mr. James is with Mr. Raynoldes, who has had the governing him since he came to Paris. As he is not letted by so many troubles as I, your son will profit more under him than me. I see him every day. His bringing up is sober and virtuous. Suggests that money for him should be paid to Nic. Hardye. Thanks for news of my lord of Harford. (fn. 9) Commendations to lord Lisle. The bishop of Paris is come from Rome suddenly and secretly, and glad that he so might escape. Paris, 20 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.. At Calais.
20 March. R. O.	505. The Town of Southampton to Cromwell.
	Since you were last here we have lived in hope that we should be relieved of the great burden hanging upon us in the King's Exchequer for the arrears of the farm of the town. This has been increased by a yearly sum of 40 marks above the 200 for the fee-farm, in the Exchequer. Many writs are out against the late sheriffs of the town for the arrears, and we are undone without your help. If that were discharged we would set men to work for repairing the walls, keeping out the sea, and providing ordnance. Hampton, 20 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
20 March. R. O.	506. Will. Waldegrave to Cromwell.
	I have received your letters of the 2nd Feb., by which I perceive that John Peyntwyne has complained that I have discharged him from a copyhold he had of me of my manor of Wendon. I discharged him because he was the principal cause that Will. Barly, Esq., entered a piece of land of mine and took away my farmer's crop of corn to the peril of disinheriting me and my heirs. This is found against him by the whole homage of my tenants at a court where neither I nor my servants were present. He made himself similarly busy in my grandfather's time. The value of it was not more than 6l., and his pretended poverty is feigned. But I shall be content to be ordered by you in this matter. 20 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
20 March. Cleop. E. iv. 230. B. M.	507. Ric. Southwell to [Cromwell].
	On Friday night at Newmarket, your servant, my friend Mr. Bestney, lying in wait lest my son (fn. 10) should escape without his knowledge, furnished us with meat and fish sufficient for our entertainment, and in the morning gave us some to carry to my house. He offered to discharge our whole charges there, and convey us out of town without charge; which we refused. In requital, I asked him if I could send any message to you from him. He asked me to remind you of the priories of Lygyn and Syverneye, a cell to the house of Ely, for which he lately wrote to you. He desires his suit for the latter to be secret. Your pains will not be unremembered.
	"Your son and mine" on Saturday last arrived all healthy, pleasant, and in good point, at my most poor cabin and cottage, where he seems better content than there is cause for. I have written to my brother certain remembrances for you. 20 March 27 Hen. VIII. Hol., pp. 2.
20 March. Vit. B. xiv. 241. B. M.	508. Antony Guidotti to Cromwell.
	"Al mio hoservandissimo singniore, conosciendomi inabile a sadisfare alle obrighatione et d . . . . . . . . . la Maesta regia vostro et mio singniore giornalmente conl . . . . . . . . . vo pensando in eche modo potrei inqualche parte a quello . . . . . . . . . . alli pasatti gierni a Messina mivene per fantassia depar . . . . . . . . maestri tessittori di drappa de setta. Quali sono quelli che . . . . . . . anno benefichatto tallemente essa cipta che destrutta, che era . . . . . . . cipta del regnio di Cicillia et li cittadini dessa terra sono t . . . . . . . maraviglia a vederllo et tutto derivante da tale mestiero, . . . . . la terra d'Antona per manchamento de sercizio de homini et tra . . . . . . destrutta. Et inoltre quanto direbbe bene davere tale mestie[ro] . . . . . d'Antona, primamente per la chonmoditta de sua Maesta, e simile p . . . . . . sua suditti che ampliandossi la detta artte indecta terra co . . . . . pure che da voi il neghotio sia favoritto. Li Normandi et B[rettagni ?] vanno a Lione 300 ho 400 miglia per drappi de setta, aranno p . . . . . de venire in Antona per potere portare delle loro merchantie p . . . . . . a Lione non lo possano fare, et alsi averrano de ogni sorta drapper . . . . . . . merchatto che a Lione, donde consideratto honnia miresolve segre . . . . . . capitolare con uno de migliori maestri dessa cipta de Messina pure . . . . . facciendoli pero buono partitto. Talmente che col nome de Dio alli x . . . . . . . passato con xxiiij. persone homini et donne utilli per tale mestiero . . . . . . sopra una nave Rangiea per lavolta da Antona che vene otto . . . . . . con le loro mogliere e figlioli. Et anno portatto tutto l'artifitio . . . . . . . delche vi prometto non e statto con poccho mio dangiero della vitta . . . . . . per levarlli et condurlli con tutte le appartenezie dell mestier[o] . . . . . mi parra avere bene inpieghatto. Quando intenda V. S. tengh . . . . che abbi facto bona determinazione si chome io mi persuado . . . . . . . . per che jo vorrei sappere parte della mente de V. S. sopra q . . . . . . . . . cioe se siatte desiderosso che detto mestiero, se aplichi grande . . . . . . . si chome sarrebbe la mente mia. Dacto che adesso e lapi . . . . . . . . che fusi o sara mai consitt che queste preparazionc . . . . . . . . . . fano perdere il choraggio a questi poveri homini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . se macienerette la mette vostra * * * omini ma bisognia avere le loro mogliere servitori pratichi . . . . . . . tutto l'artifizio che e de grande volume et de gran travaglio . . . . . . . sa loro, tutta volta semichoraggiatte alfarllo la fatte da poy . . . . . anoctatte, che questo e troppo gran peso alle mie spalle che arsi . . . . . qualche pocho da tutto, sichome ne schrivo a mio suociero ad lungho . . . . . [vostr]a singnoria siresolla e sidegni respondermi o farmi respondere . . . . . gratia sopra questo e ffare domando a V. S. che sia intermediattore [che sua M]^ta midia previlegio che per xv. o xx. anni persona non possa in cotesto [regno] vocare et fare la vocare de questa artte, se non sotto mio nome, che questa . . . . . e domanda defforma a vendoci io presso tanto travaglio et spesa . . . . . . . o quando vedrette questa artte in Antona, et che sua maesta vedra . . . . . . . delli homini condotti costi che sarette intercessore a fare che sua [Maesta] me porgha qualche aiutto per ampliare questa artte, quale io non fo . . . . . . . alchuno che in brievi anni non abbia daessere in Inchilesi si chome . . . . . . [q]uesti che mando de costa. La maesta dello imperradore dua anni . . . . . . ando fu qui in Napoli dete grandissimi previleggi sdoni a dua fratelli . . . . . . tti Francisco et Achostino Cordes Millanessi per che andassilo a levare l'artte . . . . . . . sa et chosi intendo anno fato che in fatti et gentile artte et de buon profitto [et de g]ran reputazione. Et de gratia piacia a V. S. schrivere quatro versi . . . . . . . nere d'Antona che abbi per rachomandatto le persone xxiiij. che la . . . . . . . ndatti, et che non siano angheriatti anzi previleggiatti in che parte del . . . . . . che stano. Et quando e fusi conmodo alli detti de Antona per qualche . . . . . . vere dato loro 8 et 10 chasette de bando pure de dua o tre nobli . . . . . luna sarebbono bene impieghatti per che essi schriverebbono dello . . . . . . . . Si bene visti che intermine de pochi mesi sanza spesa alchuna . . . . . . . . verebbono a abbitare in Antona, tamen paressere povero la villa . . . . . . . . voglio desiderare a voi che lo desideriatte a essi, tamen sarebbe . . . . . . . mente a propoxito, et alla villa d'Antona sara de grande refreschamento . . . . . . . xxx. o xl. famiglie de questa (?) artte, et perche meglio de me intende . . . . . . . [n]eghozio faro sanza altro dire sopra cio.
	"[Se sua Mae]sta o V. S. volessi che io chonduciessi uno maestro che lavori dero . . . . . . . . . . o altro avertitemene et notate che mero altri homini de quelli . . . . . . . . . . . . ia che a a intendere V. S. lho maestro che e venutto con le . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ermisini et taffatta tuta * * *
	"Simile se V. S. desegniassi avere per sua maesta, o per V.[S.] . . . . . . . c uno murattore, da fare uno palazo et chasa et qualche . . . . . . . . qualche giardino almodo de Italia o grande commoditt . . . . . . . . Et etiam uno depintore optimo pure Fiorentino giov[ane] . . . . . . . . vertuossissino et maxime alle cose naturalle. Et laresti per . . . . . . . e viparebbe da altra qualitta de totto. Adunque se in . . . . . . viposso servire fattemello intendere che non bramo altro . . . . . . . Avutto la reposta de questa impartiro per Alpaese de costa . . . . . . Napoli o Roma, Firenze o Vinegia judichatte possa servire la V. [S.] . . . . . . in che conto che fusi comandattemi che vi obediro chome et mio . . . . . . per che jo so che V. S. intende piu dormendo che io vegliando non . . . . . . piu avanti baciando laman de V. S. suplichando quella . . . . . . de rachomandarmi umillemente a sua gratia per la qua . . . . . . . deverse gentilezze, e alsi per la regina et de V. S. non mi s . . . . . . estimo pure per Santo Giovanni essere Alpaese. Rachoman . . . . . . . il mio quore il mio suociero, suplichandovi alchontinouare . . . . singniore che ciertamette appattito pure assai per me, tamen con . . . . . . . . et la solitta benignitta de su maesta. Spero che a tutto sabb . . . . . . . . . fine che cosi piacia a nostro singniore conciedere gratia et felice . . . . . . Data in Napoli addi xx. de Marzo 1536 et bincharnazi . . . . . ." Mutilated. Add. Endd.: Anthony Guidott.