Spain: May 1553 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 11, 1553. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1916.

Citation:

'Spain: May 1553', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 11, 1553, ed. Royall Tyler( London, 1916), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol11/pp37-48 [accessed 27 November 2024].

May 1553



May 5. Vienna, Imp. Arch. E. 20.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Emperor.
	Sire: Since my last letters of April 28th were written, the King's doctors and physicians conferred with his chief ministers over his illness. They requested very earnestly to be allowed to summon others of their art to consult with them and receive the assistance of their knowledge, as the King's life was in great danger. Six more were proposed, and three among them chosen, one of whom is the Duke of Northumberland's physician, another a certain professor of the University of Oxford, the third a Londoner. They have been strictly and expressly forbidden, under pain of death, to mention to anyone private details concerning the King's illness or condition. They took a solemn oath on it, in the presence of the following lords: the Duke of Northumberland, the Duke of Suffolk, the Marquis of Northampton, the Lord Treasurer (fn. 1) and my Lord Chamberlain. (fn. 2) I have certain information that the King is declining from day to day so rapidly that he cannot last long. To-day the prisoners in the Tower were ordered to keep their rooms with one servant only, and the guard has been reinforced there by 200 men. Sir Andrew Dudley, brother of the Duke of Northumberland, and Mr. (Sir James) Crofts, lately recalled from Ireland, (fn. 3) where he was Deputy, have been attached to the Captain of the Tower. (Sir Anthony) St. Leger (or Sellinger) is to be sent in his place. (fn. 4) Crofts was once captain of some of the forts of Boulogne, and since placed himself in the service of the Duke of Northumberland.
	It is reported and believed to be true that four or five companies of infantry have been broken up in Ireland and are returning to England. Some say they are to be sent to Calais, Guinea, and Hames, and that the Great O'Neill, (fn. 5) who was a prisoner in Dublin, has been set free. The English are also said to have come to terms with the wild Irish and other rebels. However, some assert that two hundred soldiers have been disbanded at Guines, and perhaps are intended to be used elsewhere, as well as the others. No mention is made as yet of Lord Grey's departure.
	London, 5 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher. Signed.
May 5. Vienna, Imp. Arch. E. 20.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Bishop of Arras.
	My Lord: I will add a line to my letters to the Emperor, to let you know that the people are beginning to talk of the King's illness, and that it is variously discussed. Some say that the Lady Elizabeth, sister to the King, is to come to town shortly; and that the Earl of Warwick, the Duke of Northumberland's eldest son, wishes to put away his wife, daughter of the late Duke of Somerset, and marry the said Elizabeth. This does not seem likely, at least for some time, as it might cause suspicions and friction between the Dukes of Northumberland and Suffolk, over the recent betrothal (of Lady Jane Grey and Lord Guilford Dudley). Nevertheless the possibility of this divorce was spoken of already a year ago. (fn. 6) I beseech your Reverence to favour my recall, and commend myself most humbly to you.
	My Lord, I have arranged with the courier, bearer of these letters, that he shall carry them for twelve crowns.
	London, 5 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher. Signed.
May 11. Simancas, E. 807.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Emperor.
	Sire: I received your Majesty's letters concerning Pinteado, the Portuguese pilot who has fled to England. I offered my good offices to the bearer of the letters, (fn. 7) in accordance with your orders contained therein, and declared to him that two months ago certain Portuguese merchants told me how the King of Portugal had sent a special messenger carrying a pardon for the said Pinteado, to get him out of this country. The said pilot made a malicious use of the pardon, and showed it to the Council of England, to increase his own reputation; whereupon the Council put the messenger and a certain merchant in prison. The Portuguese merchants requested me in the name of the good friendship and sincere alliance between the two sovereigns (the Portuguese and the Emperor) to solicit the Council to send the said Pinteado back to Portugal, together with the messenger and the merchant. I declared to them that the messenger should not have been so ready to deliver over the pardon, but ought to have exhibited it first, and sought every means to win Pinteado over; and I added that it was said the Council wished to employ him on a certain new voyage, and it would therefore be difficult to get him away now by other means. As to the prisoners, I expressed a fear that they had overstepped their limits in some way. However, considering the friendship referred to above, I would do my very best in the matter, as I was quite certain of your Majesty's desires; but in my opinion it was necessary that they should themselves present a request to the Council setting forth the true aspect of the case, and the manner of its happening, thus giving me something definite to go upon, according to their wish. A few days later the prisoners were set free without anybody having been mixed up in the matter. I offered them once more my good offices, as your Majesty ordered me to do, and took the opportunity to ask them if they knew how matters stood, where Pinteado, who was absent at the time, could have gone to, and whether he might not perhaps have something to say in the matter of the three vessels that were to set sail within five or six days. If this were so, the business would be a hard one, as the preparations were far advanced. He (i.e. the messenger) told me that he had heard the same report; and on his asking me if the expedition looked as if it might be intended for piracy, I replied that I did not think so, as the provisioning and outfitting, the numbers and quality of the people who were to take part in it did not bear out the idea, and the said vessels were being fitted out by the Londoners. I took care to speak of the enterprise in general terms, and to point out that it was variously spoken of. I did not mention the pilot Cabot. (fn. 8) I said it was rumoured that they would follow a north-easterly route, or possibly a north-westerly one. Some said they would steer to the north-east and pass the Frozen Sea, and others that their plan was to follow a westerly course and enter the Strait of the Three Brethren, or pass Cape de las Parras, (fn. 9) and proceed thence to the Great Cham's country or the neighbouring places. Cosmographers and mathematicians doubt if this passage be practicable, and cannot agree whether it can or cannot be accomplished. Gemma Frisius, (fn. 10) n his last chart, published in '49, discourses on that point. Three more vessels are said to be in process of equipment in the port of Samua. (fn. 11) They belong to the King, and are larger craft. Some say they will carry merchandise and will be well-armed, to go to New Guinea under the command of Captain Wyndham, (fn. 12) an Englishman, and of the said Pinteado. They are to be ready by the end of July. Some again affirm that these last-named vessels will join the other three and all sail together to the discovery of new lands. If their object fails, they will return by way of New Guinea; which does not appear probable, as the King's vessels will not be ready before the time stated, and the others were removed yesterday from Greenwich to Margate.
	London, 11 May, 1553.
	Translation into Spanish of a lost French original.
May 12. Vienna, Imp. Arch. E. 20.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Emperor.
	Sire: The King is still indisposed, and it is held for certain that he cannot escape. The physicians are now all agreed that he is suffering from a suppurating tumour (apostème) on the lung, or that at least his lung is attacked. He is beginning to break out in ulcers; he is vexed by a harsh, continuous cough, his body is dry and burning, his belly is swollen, he has a slow fever upon him that never leaves him. A rumour was spread recently that the King was on the way to recovery and his illness was decreasing, to appease the people who were disturbed; and such things were being said, that three citizens who were accused of saying that the King was dead or dying had their ears torn off. The Marquis of Northampton, under colour of going to hunt and of carrying out a bet, has gone to Windsor, one of the principal fortresses in the kingdom, to set it in order and make it safe. It appears that my Lord Cobham has gone to a place called Romney Marsh, between Dover and Rye. He is to get it provisioned. It is a place of easy access and a convenient spot for landing troops.
	This Whitsuntide the marriage of the Duke of Northumberland's son to the eldest daughter of the late Duke of Suffolk is to be celebrated. They are making preparations for games and jousts. The King has sent presents of rich ornaments and jewels to the bride; moreover, by means of the Duke of Northumberland's intercession, the Earl of Pembroke's eldest son, who is at present very ill, is to marry the said Duke of Suffolk's second daughter, (fn. 13) and the third (fn. 14) is to wed Lord Grey's son. The Duke of Northumberland will give his daughter to the son (fn. 15) of the Earl of Huntingdon, Knight of the Order, and a member of the Council. These lords were not of the Duke's following and party. On every side, then, plans and preparations are being made to strengthen and consolidate the position. All dues are being collected wherever it is possible to do so, even to the smallest sums and fines owing to the Treasury and Court of Exchequer. The church furniture and ornaments have all been sold for cash. They have laid hands on plate and revenues, and it seems that the bells will be taken soon. The French ambassadors went to Court two days ago. They were received middling well, and according to what some people say, admitted to make their reverence to the King. M. de Boisdauphin (fn. 16) took leave of his Majesty. The ceremony was so lightly gone through, I am told, that they did no more than go in and come out. This might have as an object to quiet the common people. It is believed that those in power are making attempts to induce the Lady Mary to come to Court to visit the King, her brother.
	London, 12 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher. Signed.
May 13. Vienna, Imp. Arch. E. 20.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Bishop of Arras.
	My Lord: I presume that his Majesty the Emperor has already received my letters of the 5th of this month, which I sent by special messenger. I will refer you to the news contained therein and in the letters I am sending with this. Your Lordship will hear from another source the offices I have been able to do for M. Gaspar de Casada, who brought me his Imperial Majesty's letters touching the Portuguese pilot, Pinteado, who fled to England. My Lord Don Fernando (fn. 17) is here. I have offered him my good offices and will render him all the assistance in my power, as I have said in my letters.
	The Count of Ferrara (fn. 18) is still here, but he is to leave shortly. He has been keeping up a pretence of coming merely to have a look at the kingdom of England and obtain a passport for four hackneys. He had letters with him for this purpose from Francesco d'Este (fn. 19) to the Duke of Northumberland. As he sees the Venetian ambassador every day, and goes sometimes to the French ambassador's house, perhaps he is commissioned to treat of a marriage, as I have written to his Majesty. This matter is all the more suspicious to me because Mr. Sidney, the said duke's brother-in-law, (fn. 20) has taken him to Court on several occasions. It is said that Sidney will go to Italy shortly to visit it; and it is rumoured that he will be entrusted with some mission. Perhaps the King's illness may interfere with this plan.
	I am informed that these personages (probably Gaspar de Casada and Don Fernando) find it rather strange that their audience has been so long delayed. If an opportunity is given me I will not fail to say something about it. I have been assured by several people that the (French) ambassadors have written home that his Majesty the King is very ill and suffering from a violent and dangerous fever.
	London, 13 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher. Signed.
May 13. Vienna, Imp. Arch. E. 20.	Advices sent by Jehan Scheyfve.
	The Scots are said to be quarrelling and fighting among themselves, some taking the Queen (Dowager of Scotland's) part, others the Regent's. The Queen appears to wish to supersede the Regent and place the eldest of the bastards of Scotland (fn. 21) in his place. Letters arrived in London from Edinburgh on the 11th of May, from which it appears that the disorders are being quieted. It is said that the Regent asked for assistance from the King of England on the ground of the new religion. The Scots who are here now, and particularly the Earl of Bothwell and others, are to leave for Scotland shortly. The English have been robbed again near Berwick; and some say that it may all lead to unexpected events.
	A Hungarian captain named Saurer, bearer of letters from France to the King of England and the Duke of Northumberland, arrived here recently. He fled to France with Plauch, (fn. 22) the Bohemian, and has charge of a few companies under the Rhine-grave. (fn. 23) The said Saurer had several interviews with the Duke of Northumberland; after which he had a Hamburg vessel made ready to put to sea, and departed in it, disguised as an Easterling. By what I have been able to ascertain it appears that he has orders to raise troops in Northern Germany (Oistland), having asked for letters from Courtpennick for this purpose, and provided himself with a passport by applying for one through the French ambassadors, in case he were caught at sea with the troops.
	News have been received here that M. de Vendôme is hastily collecting men and seeing to the condition of the frontiers; that M. du Bye (fn. 24) has gone to Piedmont with a number of men; that the Duke of Ferrara is to side with France, wherefore Peter Strozzi has been despatched to raise men at Ferrara; and that a good number of galleys from Algiers are to join forces with the Turk. Some say all these moves have the object of making his Imperial Majesty consent more readily to make peace. There is a general opinion, especially in France, that peace will be made.
	Dr. Ploninges, commissioner for the Hanseatic towns, has been dismissed; and it seems that the whole question is put off until the coming of fresh ambassadors, to be sent after the Diet is held at Lübeck. He was granted permission to continue to import into this country goods and merchandise according to the privileges of the said towns, by payment of the usual duties and customs, until next Christmas. Their privileges were to have expired this coming St. John's day (June 24th). The same right is to be given over there to English subjects. But the English would not hear a word about any permission to export and carry goods out of this kingdom. The commissioner at first refused to accept the terms offered to him; but eventually he did, though he duly protested, and had to be persuaded into it.
	Several French gentlemen, and Frenchmen not of noble birth, arrive daity, seeking refuge because of their religion. Among others, the Baron d'Angeles, (fn. 25) with his wife, who were seized and condemned in Paris, but found means of escaping. Madame Dampierre arrived with her son a few days before, accompanied by a certain doctor in theology and canon of Paris.
	It is said that the Order of England is to celebrate a chapter at Whitsuntide; and instead of Saint George, they have chosen (as a badge) the figure of a knight in armour, as is shown in the accompanying drawing. (fn. 26)
	The King and his Council have recently signed and sanctioned certain articles concerning religion, some of which are even more exorbitant than those observed up to now. If we may judge by the confusion that prevails in religious observances, the principal ministers, doctors and preachers must be following on the same road. The object of these laws is to set some limit to the diversity of sects that spring up everywhere and every day, because of the numbers of refugees, and for other causes. Nevertheless, some say another object is aimed at.
	London, 13 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher.
May 17. Brussels, L.A. 63.	The Queen Dowager to Edward VI.
	I have very willingly consented, in accordance with the contents of your letters of the 28th of April last, that Mr. (Sir) Thomas Chamberlain, here resident at my Court as your ambassador, shall return towards you. I have been pleased to hear that he is being recalled to fill a higher post, as he is a deserving man, whose services have been agreeable to us and who has diligently fulfilled his mission, and has received my assistance, wherever I have been able to give it, to enable him the better to despatch his business and so foster our mutual friendship and good neighbourliness. I will do the same for Sir Philip Hoby, who has been chosen by you to discharge the duties of the same post. He has been and will always be agreeable to me, like all whom you may choose to send; as I have more amply declared to him, requesting him also to declare to you on my behalf that I desire nothing so much as to perform all good offices to preserve the mutual friendship; and that his Majesty (the Emperor) will always reciprocate to the best of his power.
	French. Minute.
May 20. Vienna, Imp. Arch. È. 20.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Emperor.
	Sire: The King of England is still in the same condition as I described to your Majesty in my last letters of the 13th of this month. He sinks very low from time to time and his condition becomes desperate; such is the current rumour, and it is becoming more persistent. On the 17th of this month, the French ambassadors had another audience, and M. de Boisdauphin definitely took his leave, which he did not do on the last occasion, when he introduced the new ambassador. (fn. 27) It is believed that an audience was granted them to reassure the people, and that the doctors and physicians were persuaded to allow it for that reason. Some say that although the Duke of Northumberland was not present at Court when the audience took place, yet he may possibly need the support and assistance of France. At all events, when the coming celebrations and solemnities are over, the Duke of Suffolk and the Marquis of Northampton are to go to Essex, about 12 or 15 miles from the house where the Princess of England is lodged. Several other gentlemen of the Duke of Northumberland's party will join them; and among them the Lord Chamberlain, (fn. 28) who will go to a house of his on the sea, that once belonged to the Princess, who exchanged it seven or eight months ago with the King, who in his turn made an exchange and conferred it on the said Lord Chamberlain. The Earl of Warwick is to go to Warwick Castle and keep open court there. The Earl of Pembroke will go to Wales, and my Lord Warden (fn. 29) will have charge of Hampshire, with a goodly following of men. The Earl of Shrewsbury and my Lord Dacre, Warden of the Northern Marches, are still here, and it appears that they will not be allowed to leave. Somebody will also be chosen to go north. The Earl of Westmoreland is restored to favour, and his son is to be betrothed to the Earl of Pembroke's daughter, and then go to Westmoreland. In spite of all I have just said, the Duke of Northumberland still continues to send news, and has offered his good offices to the Princess of England on several occasions.
	The King of England's ambassadors had audience of the King of France at the beginning of the month. They declared the object of their mission in general terms, without proposing means to appease the two sovereigns (the Emperor and the King of France). Some explain this by the fact that the Bishop of Norwich and Sir Philip Hoby had not yet had access to your Majesty. Others opine that an attempt is being made to lengthen the negotiations. I hear that the above-mentioned ambassadors have written to the King and his Council for commissions to negotiate with the Queen (Dowager). They have been granted, as their audience was being delayed so long, and as the Cardinal of Imola (fn. 30) was expected (at the Emperor's Court). It appears that the ambassadors in France have, since their audience, begun to negotiate more in detail with certain ministers; and that the King gave them a very gracious answer, professing his desire to comply with the King, their master's, wishes.
	I have no fresh news about Scotland; but it is said that about 120 Scots and Frenchmen have arrived at Dieppe, M. d'Oisel (fn. 31) being of the company, and that more will follow.
	London, 20 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher. Signed.
May 20. Vienna, Imp. Arch. E. 20.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Bishop of Arras.
	My Lord: These few words shall accompany my letters to the Emperor. It seems that these folk are better pleased with the welcome given to their ambassadors in France than at his Majesty's Court. They acknowledge the failure to grant audience to be attributable to his Majesty's indisposition; and what is more they have recently had news that his Majesty is in poor health, and cannot recover, so that there has been a rumour current that his Majesty is dead. I do not know if they have a motive of their own for spreading the news. M. de Pinerin, (fn. 32) a Piedmontese, was dismissed on the 18th of this month. He made his reverence to the King after the French ambassadors withdrew. I understand that the King said to him that as he was going on to Spain, a special messenger should be despatched to his master, the Prince of Savoy, (fn. 33) with a reply to his mission. This is not supposed to be a matter of business or in any way connected with affairs.
	I beseech your Lordship to send my man back with an answer as soon as possible concerning my private affairs; especially considering that he has now been away a long time.
	London, 20 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher. Signed.
May 30. Vienna, Imp. Arch. E. 20.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Emperor.
	Sire: The King of England is wasting away daily, and there is no sign or likelihood of any improvement. Some are of opinion that he may last two months more, but he cannot possibly live beyond that time. He cannot rest except by means of medicines and external applications; and his body has begun to swell, especially his head and feet. His hair is to be shaved off and plasters are going to be put on his head. The illness is judged to be the same as that which killed the late Earl of Richmond. (fn. 34)
	On the 25th (fn. 35) of this month were celebrated the weddings of my Lord Guilford, son of the Duke of Northumberland, to the eldest daughter of the Duke of Suffolk; of the Earl of Pembroke's son to the second daughter; and of the Earl of Huntingdon's son to the daughter of the Duke of Northumberland. The weddings were celebrated with great magnificence and feasting at the Duke of Northumberland's house in town. The Order of the Garter was not called together on Whit Sunday; the meeting has only been postponed.
	During the Whitsuntide holidays, M. de L'Aubespine, (fn. 36) First Secretary to the King of France, who, as I hear, besides occupying this high position, enjoys the full confidence of the King and Constable, arrived here in a coach drawn by four horses. He went to Court with M. de Boisdauphin on the 28th. They were very honourably received and entertained; almost all the members of the Council were present, even to the Duke of Northumberland, who had been absent from Court for a few days. L'Aubespine's mission is surrounded with the greatest mystery; so much so that the English ambassadors in France have written to say that he was believed to have gone towards Italy. All I can find out here is a report that the Queen of France has given birth to a daughter and that the commission was sent to ask the Lady Elizabeth to hold her at the font. Some say that M. de L'Aubespine has been sent to visit the King and take the same opportunity to offer the King of France's services to the Duke of Northumberland in the event of the King's death; so that the French may know what to look for and how to conduct themselves, and whether it would not be possible to make some close alliance with England by means of a marriage with the said Elizabeth. The Duke's and his party's designs to deprive the Lady Mary of the succession to the crown are only too plain. They are evidently resolved to resort to arms against her, with the excuse of religion, among others; it is believed that they would rather give up Ireland to the French, or at least hold out hopes of it, than allow the Princess to mount the throne. As to the said Elizabeth, they are not too particular about her, and reasons for excluding her from the succession might easily be found. It is said that if the Duke of Northumberland felt himself well supported, he would find means to marry his eldest son, the Earl of Warwick, to the Lady Elizabeth, after causing him to divorce his wife, daughter of the late Duke of Somerset; or else that he might find it expedient to get rid of his own wife and marry the said Elizabeth himself, and claim the crown for the house of Warwick as descendants of the House of Lancaster.
	The said gentlemen, Boisdauphin and L'Aubespine, took their leave of the King and Council on the date mentioned, the 28th, and they are to go away in a day or two. They will cross, it is said, from Dover to Calais, under escort of four English pinnaces. Boisdauphin has received a present of 1,000l. and gold plate to a higher value. Courtpennick's (fn. 37) son, twenty to twenty-two years old, arrived here recently. He is a gentleman of the Duke of Northumberland's suite. It is affirmed here that the King of France is collecting men in great numbers to go to the assistance of Thérouanne.
	London, 30 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher. Signed.
May 30. Vienna, Imp. Arch. E. 20.	Jehan Scheyfve to the Bishop of Arras.
	My Lord: I presume that your Lordship will have received my letters of the 20th of this month. Since then nothing fresh has happened, except what I am writing to the Emperor.
	The English complain very much because his Majesty has not given audience to their ambassadors; they are very angry about it, it seems, especially because the French have conducted themselves quite differently in several ways. M. de Boisdauphin was invited to the weddings and banquets, to which he went on the first and second day. The new ambassador was not asked; but M. de L'Aubespine and the Venetian ambassador both went on the second day. The King of England has decided no longer to give lodgings to the ambassadors in any of his houses; (fn. 38) but they shall hire a house at their own expense, as his own ambassadors are expected to do. M. de Boisdauphin had chosen a house for his successsor; but it seems that after all he will live in the same house occupied hitherto by Boisdauphin. As for the house at Bridewell, where I am, the King gave it recently to the citizens of London to lodge the poor in it, or use it as municipal offices.
	The marriage between the Duke of Northumberland's son and the daughter of the Duke of Suffolk has taken place, but is not yet to be consummated, because of their tender age. Nevertheless they are fast bound per verba de presenti according to the customs of the country.
	My Lord, I hear that the Princess of England is in great trouble and perplexity, because of the illness of the King, her brother. It seems strange to her that she has heard nothing yet from his Majesty. I have made every excuse I could think of, and performed all the good offices in my power, on the grounds of his Majesty's ill-health, and for other reasons, and have assured her of the sincere and true affection and goodwill of his Majesty, who would never forsake her, as events should prove in due season. I added that I was expecting every day the arrival of my secretary. I beseech your Lordship again most humbly to assist me and further my private business, especially in the matter of my recall at a timely hour; my man has been absent now for some time without obtaining any visible results.
	London, 30 May, 1553.
	French. Cipher. Signed.
1553. May 31. Simancas, E. 1321.	The Emperor to Francisco de Vargas. (fn. 39)
	(Extract.)
	It has been said here that Titian is dead; but as the report has not been confirmed it must be false. However, you will inform us of the truth of the matter, and whether he has finished certain portraits he undertook to execute when he left Augsburg, or how far he has got with them.
	Brussels, 31 May, 1553.
	Copy. Spanish.
May [?]. Simancas, E. 807.	William Hunter to Prince Philip.
	I, William Hunter, a gentleman of the King of England, my sovereign lord, and purveyor to his fleets, kiss you Highness's hands and feet and beg to tell you that I set out from London some time ago with a ship, Matea Enriquez by name, belonging to the King of England, with the intention of proceeding to Messina, Cerigo and Candia in the Mediterranean Sea, by my master's orders. On my way I touched at Cadiz, and the officers there, under the orders of Francisco Verdugo, purveyor to his Imperial Majesty's fleets, seized my ship with its crew, and threw into the public prison my captain, named—(illegible), saying that the ship and its crew was to go to Málaga to serve his Imperial Majesty by transporting men and provisions to Goleta, Bugia and other ports. Beyond this the officers have shown me and my people bad treatment. His Imperial Majesty and your Highness will certainly not be pleased to hear this, because of the friendship, peace and alliance existing between you and the King of England, my master. There are plenty of ships lying idle in Seville river that might be taken for his Imperial Majesty's service, if the purveyors cared to look for them, and my ship has on board a number of merchants and great store of goods, so that great loss and heavy expense would be caused by its further detention. Also the King of England would be displeased, for he ordered me to return with all possible despatch, so that the ship might once more take her place in the royal fleet, where she is sorely needed. I have now been detained at Cadiz since the day before Shrove Tuesday, wherefore I implore your Royal Highness to give orders that I may be allowed to continue with my ship and company on the voyage which my master, the King, has ordered me to prosecute. The King of England is not undeserving of such consideration at your Highness's hands, for he always causes favourable treatment to be meted out to the subjects of his Imperial Majesty and your Highness, whose kingdom may Our Lord prosper and increase.
	Copy. Spanish.