Henry VIII: May 1524, 2-10 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: May 1524, 2-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530, ed. J S Brewer( London, 1875), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol4/pp127-135 [accessed 5 November 2024].

May 1524



2 May. R. O.	298. NIC. WEST BP. OF ELY to WOLSEY.
	Wrote on the 20th April to inform Wolsey what he had done in collecting the money from the shire and town of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely, and to ask for instructions about dealing with the University, &c.; but his servant has returned without an answer, as he is collector of the clerical subsidy, and could not wait longer. Asks for a speedy answer by the bearer. Ely, 2 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To my lord Legate's grace. Endd.
3 May. R. O.	299. WILLIAM [WARHAM] ABP. OF CANTERBURY to WOLSEY.
	Has received letters from the abbot of Boxley, offering the security of his house for the payment of money due to the King. Would not have interfered, as the place is exempt, had he not been forced by the act of convocation authorizing him and the bp. of London to proceed against such as pay not their collect. As the place is much sought from all parts of the realm visiting the Rode of Grace, would be sorry to put it under an interdict. Wishes his opinion about the matter. The Abbot is inclined to live precisely, and bring the place out of debt, "or else it were pity that he should live much longer to the hurt of so holy a place where so many miracles be showed." Otford, 3 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: My lord card. of York and legate de latere.
3 May. Add. MS. 24,965, f. 224. B. M.	300. ALBANY to DACRE.
	While waiting for the final answer which Dacre promised two or three days ago, has had news from John de Barbon, who was delayed for causes which the bearer will show. The Pope's ambassador says plainly that the French king has done more for peace than any other. Trusts, therefore, that matters will come to a good end; though, as he has reinforced his army, and obtained 12,000 Swiss, he may hold back when his enemies speak of peace. Though Francis has lost Fontarabia by treason and mischance, he has put the rest of his places in good order, and he has friends in this realm, Italy, and Almain. Thinks, therefore, it would have been better to have stopped the further kindling of the fire, which perhaps will not be so easy to staunch hereafter. Has sought all ways possible to come to a good peace or truce. Edinburgh, 3 May.
	P. 1. Headed: Copie, &c.; the principall lettre sent up by post.
3 May. Vit. B. XX. 273. B. M.	301. FREDERIC and JOHN [DUKES OF SAXONY] to HENRY VIII.
	Thank him for [his letters], dated G[reenwich, 20] Jan., delivered by his herald, and for his benevolent admonition, which is most agreeable to their minds. Would be exceedingly sorry to see errors arise against the Christian faith, especially under their patronage, or with their permission. Have no other wish than to be faithful to the Church, and would regret any injury done to Henry on account of the old alliance in blood between the English and the Saxons. Had no idea of protecting the doctrines and preaching of Luther, but have left him to defend himself.
	As to Henry's advice that it would be unseemly to dispute with such a man, the King may judge how little qualified they are to do so. At the last diet at Nuremberg, a nuncio of the Pope demanded by what means these evils were to be met, and was answered by the Emperor's lieutenant and the Electors (the dukes of Saxony being there by proxy) that the only way they could see was a free Christian council. Would have the greatest confidence in the decisions of a council, considering the promises of Christ, "Wherever two or three," &c., and that the gates of Hell should not prevail against the Church. "Et [quo]niam R. D. V. commemorat, Turchic[am] rabiem, olim a duobus duntaxat m... lonibus ortam, nunc tot per terra et maria diffundentem sese, maximam ac pulcherrimam totius orbis partem occupasse, id quod nobis, ut semper...fuit auditum, ita nunc quoque est." Must invoke God's aid, and cherish peace and concord. Hopes that when Christendom is at peace, Henry will go against the Infidels, to convert them to the Christian faith. Aldenburg, 3 May, MDXXII...
	Lat., mutilated, pp. 9. Add.
3 May.	302. OSENEY ABBEY.
	Assent to the election of John Burton, LL. D., late prior of the monastery of St. Frideswide, Oxford, as abbot of Oseney. Westm., 3 May.
	Pat. 16 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 5.
	* A second entry to the same effect appears on the same membrane, but without a date.
3 May.	303. ABBEY OF ELNESTOWE, Linc. dioc.
	Congé d'élire to the Prioress and Convent, on decease of [Elizabeth Harvy, abbess. Westm., 3 May.
	Pat. 16 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 5.
4 May. R. O.	304. WM. COLLYNS.
	Licence to Wm. Collyns, blacksmith, to retain in any city, town, &c., as many men as he thinks necessary for his trade as blacksmith or lorimer, at the usual wages. Greenwich, 4 May 16 Hen. VIII.
	Copy. Endd.
R. O.	2. Draft of the preceding, in Cromwell's hand.
	P. 1. Endd.
5 May. Lanz, I. 134.	305. ADRIAN DE CROY LORD OF BEAURAIN to CHARLES V.
	Has received the Emperor's letter of 15 April. Dr. Pranter will have informed him of the state of affairs. In the said letter the Emperor instructs him to persuade Bourbon to remain here until the French have departed, and then to enter France at the most convenient place, without awaiting the preparation of fresh armies either in England or Burgundy. Before the arrival of that letter the Duke had intended, as soon as the French left these parts, to follow them into France, where, with the assistance of his friends and servants, he hopes to perform some notable exploit. If the king of England fulfil his part, the Emperor will triumph over his enemies. It is necessary that the Viceroy should remain in Lombardy, to render such aid to Bourbon, when in France, as he may need. The 100,000 ducats which the Emperor has sent by exchange shall not be touched without great necessity, for the French are now considered as routed; but the Emperor should hasten the other 100,000 ducats. The Viceroy will do his best to obtain money from Naples and Sicily, and repay Bourbon what he has advanced, with the Emperor's gift of 10,000 ducats.
	Is glad that the Emperor has written to Madame (Margaret) to supply the king of England with the 3,000 horse and 3,000 foot, which he desires for the assistance of his own army. Hopes this will cause the King to make a descent upon France. Sends Chasteau to Madame and to England to induce this result, and advise them of the retreat of the French, which may incline the King to pay the 100,000 crowns promised to Bourbon.
	With regard to the charge of Bernardino, the Pope's chamberlain, respecting the willingness of the Pope to arrange a peace or truce, the state of affairs has altered, and the Emperor can afford to leave the suit for peace to those who have greater need of it than himself. Desires the arrival of the Chancellor. The mission of Messire Jehan Bartholeme (Gattinara) to the Pope would retard the Emperor's affairs, especially as the duke of Sessa would not take it in good part. It is better to await the Chancellor's coming. Will content the Pope by letters, and by fair words to the count Bosquet, his ambassador here.
	The Emperor has well provided for the army on sea. The Viceroy and Beaurain have written to the Duke and community of Genoa to place their fleet in readiness.
	Four thousand Swiss came to succor the French on 25 April. Bourbon, using for the first time the authority which the Emperor gave him, lodged his camp near the enemy, who lost many men in a skirmish, but captain Jean Durbin was wounded. In crossing over the river Seze, to join their succors, many of the French were wounded, and the marquis of Liscare (Pescara ?) took some of their artillery, and killed 200 of them in a sharp skirmish. They retired to Gattinare, where the Admiral (Bonnivet ?) was severely wounded. The enemy kept up their flight all the night, and were pursued by the light horse and Spanish foot, who killed 200 of the Swiss, and defeated the band of Scots (deffirent la bend des Escochois). Captain Bayart, in returning to regain two pieces of artillery, was slain. News is come that the Swiss have retired into their own country, and the French into France. and the French never to trust the Swiss. From the camp at Briouse, 5 May.
	French.
5 May. R. MS. B. II. 324. B. M. Ep. Reg. Sc. I. 346.	306. [JOHN DUKE OF ALBANY] to CLEMENT VII.
	Has already written to the Pope to prevent any derogation to the primacy of St. Andrews. Is anxious that the injury done under the last Archbishop should be repaired as soon as possible. At the time of Albany's entry into the kingdom, John prior of St. Andrews endeavored to prevent the Archbishop, who was returning from Rome, from obtaining possession of his see until a pension was assigned to him out of the archbishopric, and exemption granted to himself and other ecclesiastics, some of profligate lives. The Archbishop agreed, because he had many enemies, and the Prior had great influence. The church of Kirklistoun and lands adjoining, which are important to the Archbishop as being near Edinburgh, were given to the Prior along with the desired exemption, the Archbishop always hoping that the arrangement would be easily rescinded, as the Prior had not a particle of right. The priory was thus endowed as largely as the archbishopric itself. The late Archbishop applied to Leo X. to restore his see to its former rights, and had almost prevailed, when the Pope died. Begs Clement to consider that these injuries were done at the beginning of Albany's rule, when he had just been called out of France, and was not well acquainted with the affairs of the kingdom. Edinburgh, 5 May 1524.
	Lat., copy.
6 May. Add. MS. 24,965, f. 222. B. M.	307. DACRE to ALBANY.
	Has received by Unicorne his writing dated Edinburgh, 3rd inst., giving news of John de Barbon, who was almost sped in his business, and retarded for causes which Unicorne explained to him. Albany thinks things will now be arranged, as the French king so far condescends to reason that the Pope's ambassador with him says he does more than any other; seeing also that the Emperor's army has won Fontarabia, and the French king has furnished the rest of the strongholds in that country. He thinks also that if good ways had been taken at first, the further kindling of fire might have been stopped. Part of his news is much to Dacre's comfort, namely, that there is good hope of peace. No man is more anxious for it than Dacre; and if the Scotch ambassadors come, Scotland may have peace, to the advantage of both realms, and be the occasion of further peace in Christendom. Has sent off the answer Albany was waiting for two or three days since. Hexham, 6 (fn. 1) May 16 Hen. VIII., 1524.
	P. 1. Headed: "Copie of a lettre to the duc of Albany sent with Unicorne pursevant, answer to his lettre herunto annexed. Mem., the principal lettre was sent up by poste."
Add. MS. 24,965, f. 227b. B. M.	308. SCOTLAND.
	The contents of the packet sent up at this time by post to my lord Legate's grace.
	The copy of Dacre's letter to Albany, dated Hexham, 30 April; a letter from Albany to Dacre brought by Unicorn; copy of Dacre's answer, dated Hexham, 6 May; copy of a letter from Dacre to Q. Margaret, dated Hexham, 30 April, to be delivered in presence; and another letter of the same date, to be delivered apart; copy of a letter from Dacre to divers lords of Scotland, dated Hexham, 30 April; copy of Dacre's commission of the West Marches; a letter from Dacre to Wolsey.
	P. 1.
R. O.	309. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY. (fn. 2)
	Master Comptroller and others my fellows of the Household have made an estimate of beefs, muttons, lings and other fish, for victualling 1,000 men for six weeks in garrison at Guisnes and elsewhere, with the costs of transport to Calais, all but the butter and cheese, of which they cannot make an estimate. Wolsey may think the charge is somewhat large, but must consider that the transport of each ox will cost 2s., and of each sheep 4d. Would have sent in the estimate before this, but that he expected Wolsey here today at dinner. Richmond, this Monday.
	P. S.—Atcliff will receive and disburse the money, and the King's purveyors provide the victuals, according to the device arranged by Fitzwilliam with Wolsey at their last interview. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.
6 May. R. O.	310. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	On arriving here found that all the ships of war had been driven into the Cambre by the north-east wind of the last six or eight days. Has sent to them to come hither, and will cross when he can without danger of the enemy. Has heard nothing of the news Wolsey had about the French. No one has crossed for four days, though the wind has been fair. Thinks the said news is not true, for if the French had been as far as Bapalme they would have come further over before this, and news of it must have reached the King. Thinks it was only a bruit got up to revictual Therouenne. Dover, Friday after Ascension Day. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.: 6 Maii.
6 May. R. O.	311. SURGERY.
	Licence to Roger Smyth, citizen and grocer of London, to practise physic and surgery in all parts of the realm. Greenwich, 6 May 16 Hen. VIII.
	Draft, pp. 2. In Cromwell's hand.
7 May. Vit. B. VI. 40 (fn. 3). B. M.	312. PACE'S COMMISSION.
	A copy of the commission to Russell, dated 2 Aug. 1523 (Vit. B. V. 197), with Pace's name substituted for Russell's, and the date altered to 7 May 1524, 16 Hen. VIII.
	Lat., p. 1.
7 May. Add. MS. 24,965, f. 137. B. M.	313. SIR NIC. RIDLEY.
	Bail of 300 marks given to Thos. lord Dacre by Sir Nic. Ridley of Wollemontswyk, Northumberland, Wm. Carnaby of Halton, John Ridley of Cosley, Henry Wallas of Knaresdale, and John Blenkinsop of Blenkinsop, for the appearance of Sir Nicholas at the next assize to answer for having allowed a felon to escape. Hexham, 7 May 16 Hen. VIII. Signed by Ridley, &c.
8 May.	314. For SIR THOS. MORE.
	Wardship of Giles, son and heir of Sir John Heron. Westm., 8 May.
	Pat. 16 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 20.
8 May. Calig. B. III. 305. B. M. Mrs. Green's Lives of the Princesses,* IV. 522.	315. ANGUS to HENRY VIII.
	Hears from one of his servants, who was taken at sea on his way to him in France, and carried before Henry's council, of Henry's good will towards him, and that Henry wishes him to escape from France if possible.
	Has tried in vain to find a way of coming to Calais through Picardy, and has therefore sent his brother through Bourgonnois to find some way by which he could go into Franche Comté. Will do what he can; and if he is taken, trusts the King will remedy it, either in England or in Scotland. Would have sent his brother with this letter, but he has a suit in Rome about a benefiee, and must be there on July 10; (fn. 4) "et sys last faist il sem viendras devers vous en bonne grase en bonne deligense." Hears that Albany (le doust d'Arbanie) has asked for peace with Henry. Doubts not the King and his council know better what to do in this matter, for he wants nothing but power to do Henry all the harm possible. He wishes for peace, because he sees he can do nothing against England, and Francis will give him no more assistance. If he wishes to make war, he will be forced to leave Scotland before he has been there six months; and if he comes back here, (fn. 5) he will not be welcome, for the French king gave him at his going into Scotland 3,000 fr., 100 lances, (fn. 6) 4,000 adventures with ammunition, which they understand were not employed, and did no service to France. There is no other news here, except from beyond the mountain, (fn. 7) which the King knows better than he can write; "car nous aultre Fransoys son bien estonne pour le prese[nt] quy nous vendrat (fn. 8) mal sestan deponsige et le plus toust serat meleurs." Recommends his brother in Scotland, who is in disfavor with Albany. If Albany wishes to harm him, he has no resource but to come to England. Paris, 8 May. Signed: "Archebald Dougulas erl of Angus."
	Fr., pp. 2. Add. Endd.: Ex Gallia, &c., reddit. 5 Junii.
8 May. Calig. B. I. 82. B. M.	316. RO. ABBOT OF PAISLEY to WOLSEY.
	The English ambassador at Rome has solicited the Pope for his promotion to the bishopric of Murray, but as the king of Scots has asked the abbacy of Paisley for a bastard son of Arran, the Pope defers compliance. Begs Wolsey to write to the Ambassador in his favor, and to give safeconduct to his servants going upon his affairs into Flanders, if need be. Magnus can report his faithfulness to the king of England. Edinburgh, 8 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's good grace. Endd.
8 May. Calig. D. VIII. 294. B. M.	317. RICHARD DE LA POLE to LOUISE OF SAVOY.
	I believe that Vendosmes and Bryon have informed you about the King's affairs here. I am sorry our enemies have not awaited us, for I and my band have the best desire to live and die in the King's service. All I have in this world is owing to you. From the camp, 8 May. Signed: Richart de Suffort. Add.: A Madame.
	Fr., p. 1, copy, mutilated.
Ibid. f. 295.	318. THE SAME to FRANCIS I.
	Begs him to hasten the pay of the lanzknechts, as they have not a denier. Begs to be informed if he means to reinforce the bands of lanzknechts which are not complete. At the [Camp,] 8 May. Signed as above. Add.: Au Roy mon seigneur.
	Fr., p. 1, copy, mutilated.
8 May. R. O.	319. ITALY.
	Extract from the letter of the duke of Milan, 8 May.
	Heard, by a letter he received on the 4th, that the enemy had been driven out of all the Milanese, with no small loss in men and artillery, and that 5,000 Swiss who had remained in their camp were going towards Susa, on their way to France, pursued by our troops. Hears now that the Swiss have gone home, and the French crossed the Alps, leaving all their artillery at Setto in Savoy, where it has been captured by the Imperialist Alarcon, numbering more than 30 pieces. They are waiting to hear the King's decision about prosecuting the victory; in doing which he should make no delay. Bourbon expects from the King the signal for invading France, than which nothing will be easier, as the army is eager to do so. In the meanwhile he will attack Lodi and Alexandria, which are still held by the enemy. The garrison in the former town, under duek Federico de Bozoli, has offered to surrender the town, if they are allowed to depart with their arms, which has not yet been granted. His correspondent must ask the King to use his influence to gain the Swiss; which will not be difficult, if they are attempted at once, for they have quarrelled with the French.
	Pp. 2, Lat. Endd.. Extracts and copies of certain letters.
9 May. Vit. B. VI. 42. B. M.	320. CLERK and HANNIBAL to WOLSEY.
	Wrote last about the retreat of the French from Vegevanno to Navarra. When they had been there nine or ten days, they came forward in good order, as our army thought, with intent to fight; as they might have done without much disadvantage, as Pescara had gone with part of the army to attack 6,000 Swiss, who had arrived on the confines with a good number of horse to succor the French. The Imperialists fortified themselves, and waited, but the French went to join the Swiss. They pursued, but slackly, because the men are ill paid, and will not go forward. The war would have been finished long ago but for that. They intended to attack the French while crossing the Cessia, but the water was so low that they were over already. Pescara, however, attacked their rear, killed 300, and took seven pieces of artillery, and many carts of powder, wine, &c. Captain Bayarde was killed, the Admiral hurt with a hand gun in the arm, and several prisoners taken, including a Swiss captain. They reckon here that the French have fled from Milan, and that their army is destroyed; but the French say the retreat was only to join the succors, which they have done, and they consider this skirmish a victory. Their army is still upon the confines of Savoy, and it is thought will tarry there in some strong place till more succors arrive. The Imperialists are not far from them; whether they will follow if the French go homewards is not fixed. The Emperor's ambassador has promised that they will, and says the Emperor has just made exchange here for 200,000 ducats for the army. Half is now in Genoa, and it is hoped the rest will come before that is spent. The Pope says that at the passage of the Sessia, the general proveditor of the Venetian army told Bourbon and the Viceroy that they were only bound to defend the duchy, and that now the French had left it they desired license to return. At this time the generals were sore abashed, as the Venetian army is 700 or 800 men-at-arms and 9,000 foot, all well paid; and they urged him not to leave, showing him what danger would ensue; they knew by spies that the Swiss would go home, but if they heard of this diminution of the Emperor's army, they would tarry. Finally the proveditor agreed to go forward with them one day's march. The Pope says if there is a battle soon all will be well, but if they reach some strong place, this defection of the Venetians and the arrival of 400 spears to the French will cause more difficulty.
	The Pope has letters from Spain, of April 10, that the Emperor takes' very well his Holiness's profession of neutrality; and that, being informed by the Pope of the poverty of Italy, he has made exchange for 200,000 ducats. The English ambassador has left the Emperor, ill pleased, not at the want of good will in the Emperor, but at the impotence and disorder he saw there. He intends to send his Chancellor to Italy with 5,000 lanceknights, whom he has had all this winter in Spain. The city of Cayre, which had rebelled from the Turk, has returned to its allegiance, and the leaders of the rebellion are beheaded, so that there is now nothing to prevent his attempts against Hungary. He had prepared a large army against Cayre, which can be employed elsewhere. The Pope is alarmed, and wishes for peace in Christendom. He said that the Emperor's chancellor is only waiting for the arrival of the archbishop of Capua, who left the French court on the 7th. The Emperor must, therefore, have some correspondence with the French court, as no courier hence could have yet brought him word of it. There is no mention of a person to be sent to England from France, without which, they tell the Pope, no practices will be of avail. Rome, 8 May. Signed.
	P.S.—Today, May 9, the Pope has news that the [Swiss] have gone home, taking with them, as pledges for money due to them, the Admiral and all the artillery that is not taken. The rest of the army is totally dissolved. The horse have gone into strongholds in Savoy, every man shifting for himself. The Imperialists are pursuing, and have taken many prisoners, standards and artillery. The French army had about 12,000 Swiss and 700 men-at-arms. The Pope is much pleased, and says Bourbon is going straight into France, and that his force is 8,000 Spaniards, 6,000 or 7,000 lance- knights, besides light horse and Italian foot, whose numbers he did not know. He said also that Campeggio writes that the matters of Lu[ther] in Almain do very ill, especially in the Franke cities; he thought the only remedy was that other nations should show that they abhor Germany for it; and he wished Clerk to write to Wolsey that some demonstration might be made in London about it. Advises him to threaten "the hedds of Steeds and of that fellawship in London" (Hanse merchants) with the loss of their privileges unless they extirpate this heresy from their cities. Wolsey could do nothing more beneficial nor more grateful to the Pope, who is very good to Wolsey, and has promised that Hanibal shall not return vacuis manibus. Rome, 9 May. Signed by Clerk.
	Pp. 7, mutilated. Marginal notes. Add.: To my lord Legate's good grace.
9 May.	321. GILES TALBOT, clk.
	His will. Proved, 9 May 1524. Printed in Nicolas' Testamenta Vetusta, p. 615.
10 May. P.S. Rym. XIV. 15.	322. For THOMAS CARDINAL OF YORK, legate à latere.
	Inspeximus and ratification of a bull of pope Clement VII., dated 3 April 1524, authorising the conversion of the monastery of St. Frideswide, Oxford, into a college, and the transfer of the canons to other monasteries. Greenwich, 3 May 16 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 10 May.
	Pat. 16 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 31; also on m. 1, under date of 19 April.
10 May. Calig. D. VIII. 290. B. M.	323. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	Since writing yesterday, learned from three sources that the French still lie in camp on this side Terouenne, which they have not yet fully revictualled. It is supposed, when they have done so, they will come hither, than which there is nothing we desire more, "for tho[ugh this] house be not the best nor strongest in the world, yet I tr[ust there] be men's hands that shall supply that thing which lacketh." If they only delay their coming till ... night, I care not how soon they come after, for by that time we shall be quite ready. Wishes the King knew how desirous his subjects are to serve him. Would not lose Simon, the gunner, for anything. It is positively stated that the band of Mons. le Grand Maitre was defeated on Sunday last, as mentioned in his last letters. My adventurers have come home again, to my great satisfaction. Shall I give them wages, and for how long ? For if you give them none, I must pay them myself, as I have promised it; and I cannot do so long, as they are upwards of 200. The French are sore grieved at this garrison, which has done them great annoyance, and say they will be revenged. I understand my lord deputy of Calais informed you who were the chief of the Frenchmen, before [my] coming over. Neither the officer of arms, nor any of the trumpets sent to the French camp, have returned, and it is supposed they will not let them leave till they get to the place they intend to go to. Guisnes, 10 May. Signed.
	Pp. 2, mutilated. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.
10 May. Calig. D. VIII. 292. B. M.	324. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	I enclose copies of letters which I have just received from De Fynes, by Calais pursuivant, and of letters from Ric. De la Pole to Francis and his mother, intercepted by the Burgundians. Though the Burgundians and French were within gunshot of each other, they did not venture to fight. Although Fynes and the go[od men] of the Burgundian party were resolved to fight, the Flemings' hearts failed them; and when the Burgundians were gone, the French would not pursue, but pitched their camp beside Terouenne, where they still remain, victualling the town. Calais says that they consume the victuals as fast as they come, and have made small progress as yet. Fynes is looking every hour for Mons. Deystayn and Bevres, who bring with them 8,000 foot and 2,000 horse. I wish the King had some more men on this side the sea. If we were but 15,000 English besides these I have here, with 1,000 Spaniards and 1,000 Hennewers, which they have already, and 1,500 Almains, who are said to be within two days' journey of St. Omer's, with the band of Burgundian horse, we should make them a good breakfast, though all the Flemings were in heaven. By all that I can hear, the French are not more than 18,000 men, and, except a few Almains led by Ric. De la Pole, are no soldiers. Considering that this wretched traitor is in the field, haste over some men to give courage to the Flemings, who are men enough, if their hearts were good; and let me know what [I] and this band shall do, if the French come not to lay siege to this house, as I fear they will not do in spite of their cracks. Intended to have sent Calais to you with these news, but he is the only officer of arms on this side of the sea, and I must send him again to the said Monsieur [de Fynes] for further news. I, by you, will send the pursuivant or some other officer of arms back with all diligence, also Benydyk the Trumpet. G[uisnes,] Tuesday, 10 May.
	Pp. 2, mutilated. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.