Books, Calendars, Letters and Papers Foreign and Domestic Henry VIII 1521

Nov 1521. Galba, B. VII. 45. Calig. D. VIII. 143, 149. B. M. St. P. I. 84. 1762. [WOLSEY to HENRY VIII.]

Perceives by the letters of the King's secretary, dated the 12th inst., that although Henry approves of the articles he had devised for a truce between the Emperor and French king, with the instructions Wolsey had sent to the ambassadors to induce both parties to consent to it, he thinks it unnecessary for Wolsey to remain here longer, as there is little hope of effecting it without great loss of time, and his presence is required in England for the administration of justice and the King's affairs, as well as for the preservation of his own health, which is endangered by this contagious air. Thanks the King, and trusts he has done everything for the establishment of his reputation throughout Christendom, so that though his object has been hindered, the blame will be thrown upon those who have refused his counsel. Has brought the matter to a narrow point, and waits only an answer from the Emperor, on receiving which, whatever it be, he will forthwith repair to the King. Finds the King objects to one article, viz., that as he is named conservator of the truce, so that it shall be lawful for him to declare himself enemy to the violator of it, he would be perplexed if a corporal oath were demanded of him for the observance of that article, for he would be compelled to break either that oath, or the oath made by Wolsey at Bruges for the stricter alliance with the Emperor, as the Spaniards will certainly endeavor to revenge themselves on the French for the loss of Fontarabia. Cannot express the joy and comfort with which he noted the King's prudence in this objection, "wherein, surely, if all your whole council had been assembled together, they could not have more deeply perceived or spoken therein." It was never intended, however, that this article should be corroborated by an oath on the King's part, as it binds only the contracting parties. Moreover, the wording of it, "quod licebit majestati vestræ," does not bind the King, even if he were sworn to it, to declare himself unless he would; nevertheless, the French have qualified the articles with such additions and apostils that the most substantial clauses are clearly wiped away, as the King will see by the copies now sent; and though the Emperor agreed that the King should be conservator according to the article first desired, the French king has put out all the clauses giving him authority either for cognition or trial to be had on any such breach, or to declare himself enemy to the violator, so that the King's scruples are completely answered. Francis will only agree to the articles corrected in that form, or else to take a simple "treux marchaun[de]," in a form also sent herewith, "being so meagre and bare that almost nothing is left therein." Has sent both of these forms to the Emperor to know if he can accept either, and will return immediately upon his answer.

When I had got thus far, the Emperor's chancellor and ambassadors brought me letters credential from his Majesty, written with his own hand, and the Chancellor showed me the original letter addressed to them by the Emperor, of which I enclose copies. Although I wrote to your ambassador in the Emperor's court, showing how advantageous a truce would be to the Emperor, of which letter I lately sent home a duplicate, yet I approve the reasons which have now induced his Majesty to delay acceptance of the truce, viz. (1.) If the wars in Italy be successful in expelling the French from Milan it would be a great pity to hinder them, as it will diminish his power in those parts, increase that of the Pope and Emperor, and cut off the Swiss from him for ever. (2.) Tournay is in such great need of victuals that the opportunity for surprising it should not be lost; and its conquest will be a great advantage to the King, when he has crossed with his army into Flanders, and so into the bowels of France, before they are aware. The Flemings are so intent upon this enterprise that if it were stopped they might mutiny. (3.) The Emperor has no certain news yet, either of the surprise of Fontarabia, or of the way the Spaniards take it, or what they will do about the realm of Navarre; and as Fontarabia is the great port for the English, either in the way of merchandise, or for any attempt to recover Guienne, it is very important that it should be retaken. (4.) The Pope will not consent to a truce till he has seen how the Emperor succeeds in expelling the French from Italy; and although he has placed a commission in the hands of his ambassador with the Emperor to accept the truce, he has ordered him not to act upon it till the success of that expedition be known.

Nov 1521. Galba, B. VII. 45. Calig. D. VIII. 143, 149. B. M. St. P. I. 84. 1762. [WOLSEY to HENRY VIII.]

As the Emperor has authorized his ambassador in England to treat and conclude for a truce when he shall see time, I have induced the French king to send ambassadors for the same purpose if the truce be not concluded here. Was lately informed of his resolution by the earl of Worcester and the bishop of Ely, so that this diet shall not now be dissolved, but only respited, that the matters may be brought to a conclusion by Henry's mediation. If the enterprise of Tournay succeed, and the Spaniards are determined to revenge the outrages of the French upon Navarre, Biscay and Fontarabia, their power will be so shaken that they will be easy enough to meddle with; so it is better "to suffer these princes to ruffle with the said French king, and infest him on all parts for the consumption of his treasure, which is almost clearly extenuate, than suddenly to take this truce now, when he can do no more harm." Sends copies of news lately come from Italy, by which it seems the French prospects proceed from ill to worse. Has seen a letter sent to Sir Wm. Compton touching the transporting of Albany into Scotland. If the contents be true, "as I cannot yet verily believe," it is necessary to look to it betimes. Although bruits were spread abroad this month about preparations being made in Brittany for his conveyance, has heard no such news from Dieppe, Havre, or the New Haven. Has sent spies to know the truth. Cannot think the French king will first break with England, or allow Albany to pass, contrary to his promise; or that Dacre would have remained in ignorance that he was expected. I have received no letter from Dacre since my coming on this side the sea, so I suppose the Borders are quiet. Nevertheless I have instructed him to be watchful, and entertain the Homes and other rebels after his usual manner, so that if Albany do come he may be put in danger. Some money spent on the entertainment of the said Homes will be worth while. Has written to the English ambassador at Rome to hinder the queen of Scots' suit for a divorce from the earl of Angus, and has caused the Pope's ambassador here to write to his Holiness to stop it, as it is only got up to procure a marriage between the Queen and Albany, whereby the destruction of the young King shall ensue.