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1490.
Jan. (?)
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Proposed marriage
of the King of
Scots to an illegitimate
daughter of
Ferdinand.
41. Ferdinand and Isabella to Diego De Guevara and
Doctor De Puebla.
Have received all their letters up to the 23d of November.
Respecting the Scotch marriage De Puebla has certainly
acted with the best intentions, but it was not wise to say
that Doña Juana was a legitimate daughter (of Ferdinand)
by a clandestine marriage. The consequences might be very
serious. He must tell the Scotch ambassadors the truth before
they leave, because it would be better that they should learn
it from him than from stangers. "Considering the route by
which you say they are to come, it is impossible that some one
should not tell them the truth ; and even we would do so."
Doña Juana is a natural daughter born before marriage. (fn. 1) If
the King of Scots know this, and nevertheless likes to marry
her, her marriage portion might be doubled. But the Scottish
embassy must come for this Doña Juana alone, and not for
any other of their daughters. If the Scots wish to have one
of the Infantas of Spain they must be put off with false hopes,
because if a plain refusal were given them they might be induced
to reconcile themselves with the King of France. The Scots
have such a very good opinion of themselves as to pretend that
they can induce the King of France to restore the counties of
Roussillon and Cerdaña to Spain. Puebla can therefore say that
they shall have an Infanta of Spain as soon as they effect the
restoration of the said counties. They will not be able to do
it, and will lose much time in unpleasant negotiations, which
perhaps might end in a quarrel with France. At all events,
pending the negotiations, they would not assist France against
Spain. |
The demands made
by Henry respecting
the Princess
Katharine.
Have been already beseeched by the ambassadors of the
King of England, who have been in Spain for the signature
of the treaty, to send the Princess Katharine to England
before the time of her marriage, and to pay one-half
of her marriage portion within the space of four years.
These demands were denied for many good reasons. As
Henry makes the same proposals again, he must again
be refused. Can give no further security for the marriage
portion than their word, their signatures, and their oaths.
Are induced to consent to the marriage, and to conclude the
alliance, because they know "who Henry is, how many
virtues he possesses, and for what reasons he seeks their
friendship and kinsmanship." Their good opinion of him
is a better security than all the pledges they could give.
Henry must sign the marriage treaty without any alteration,
even of a single word.
If, however, he is very determined to have more security,
the intervention of the Pope might be stipulated. |
Proposed marriage
of the Infant Don
Juan to the
Duchess of Brittany.
The King of England consents to the marriage between
their son Don Juan and the Duchess of Brittany, as an act of
great kindness and friendship. But they do not like to part
with their only son, and to send him to a foreign country.
Must confess that De Puebla was ordered to speak to
Henry about this marriage. The reason, however, was that
it was said that the Duchess was bent on making a
"brilliant match with a great Prince," and some persons had
proposed one who could not be agreeable either to Henry or to
them. Other people had proposed their son Don Juan in order
to draw off the Princess from the personage referred to. Wished,
therefore, to know the views of Henry on this subject.
But now, as Spain and England have done so much for the
Duchess of Brittany, she ought to accept a husband from them.
The best thing will be to give, without delay, a master to Brittany.
Are willing to assist in Brittany any person named by
Henry with their influence, provided he be a friend to both
countries, England and Spain. Promise to see that the future
husband of the Duchess fulfil the treaty between her and
Henry. Would directly rectify the paper which Henry
has sent, if Don Juan were to marry the Duchess. But
Henry ought to continue to assist Brittany, as it is for
his own interest that France should not conquer it. He holds
security for his expenses, whilst Spain, being much less
interested in this matter, has spent as much as he, and holds
no security at all. Their honour forbids them to abandon
the Duchess. |
Embassy from the
King of France to
England.
An ambassador from France has been in England. Are
pleased to hear that Henry had been so very civil to him in
presence of the French ambassadors, and had afterwards communicated
to him all his negotiations with France, saying
that the French had proposed perpetual peace, but that he,
though commending the peace, had asked first for the restitution
of Normandy and Guienne. Think that England and
France will go to war, or, at least, that the war will be only
postponed for one year, that is to say, if France does not
threaten Brittany.
It would be superfluous to say anything about the perpetual
peace, as Henry is not likely to conclude it.
Do not object to a truce with France for one year, provided
that they are included in it, and that the party which the
King of the Romans has formed remain in favour with the
Duchess ; that England retain the fortresses in Brittany which
she holds ; and Spain be permitted to have as many troops
in the duchy as are necessary for the defence of the Duchess.
The English army in Brittany has occasioned so much fear
to the King of France that he has made humble requests to
the King of the Romans, his old enemy, and would have
done the same to Spain if desired to do so. The truce
may, therefore, be kept as long as Charles keeps his promises
respecting the Duchess of Brittany. Nevertheless Henry
ought first to communicate the conditions of the truce to
them, and wait for their answer. |
Meeting between
Henry VII. and
the King of the
Romans.
The meeting between Henry and the King of the Romans,
before the King of the Romans goes to see the King of France,
can be nothing but profitable to all parties. The King of
the Romans, however, has not mentioned this interview in any
of his letters, or spoken of it to their ambassadors, or to the
Archdeacon Fonseca, who has been sent to him since. Nor
have his ambassadors in Spain alluded in a single word to this
affair. The interview seems, therefore, to be a very uncertain
thing. If, he, however, should be desired by Henry to
accompany him to the interview, he must go.
The King of France has made a communication to Henry,
pointing out that the alliance with Spain is of little value,
because she is fully occupied by the war against the Moors, and
almost impenetrable mountains separate her from France. As
for the impenetrable mountains, the answer of De Puebla is
exhaustive ; in fact, Spain is very well situated for a war
against France by land and by sea. The war against the
Moors is almost finished.
Letters for Henry and for the Lord Privy Seal are enclosed.
He must, at all events, remain in England till the interviews
of the King of the Romans with Henry and with the
King of France shall have taken place. Will send further
instructions. |
Complaints of
Spanish merchants.
Spanish merchants have complained that they are obliged
to pay higher duties than before. Laboured under the false
impression that all imports had been increased during the civil
wars in England, when they signed the clause stating that the
customs were to be what they were thirty years ago. Ask
Henry to interpret the clause in question according to the true
intention, which was to diminish and not increase the imposts
on Spanish commerce. |
English troops in
Brittany.
Have inquired into the matter respecting the English troops
in Brittany. They are sorry to say that the Duchess, who is
in the power of Frenchmen, and dares not say what she wishes,
but speaks in the interest of the King of France, desires that
the English army should leave Brittany. |
Marriage of the
Princess Katharine.
After this had been written, the letter of De Puebla dated
the 25th of October had arrived. Learn by it that the English
Commissioners no longer insist on having the Princess
(Katharine) sent to England, and one half of the marriage
portion paid within four years. Nevertheless, the English
think that some more favour ought to be shown to them for
their generous consent to the marriage between the Infante
Juan and the Duchess of Brittany. Have already written that
it was never intended to conclude such a marriage, which was
only proposed in order to divert the Duchess from marrying
a person who would have been distasteful both to Spain and
to England. He must conclude the treaty of alliance and
marriage as it had been agreed to at Medina del Campo. |
Duchess of
Brittany.
When the dispatch had been written as far as this, letters arrived
from the Spanish ambassadors in Brittany. The ambassadors
of the Duchess to the King of France have returned, and
persuaded her to sign the treaty between the King of the
Romans and the King of France without any alteration. It
contains a clause, according to which the English are immediately
to be turned out of Brittany ; and the Duchess desires
them to give up the fortresses they hold, even before they
leave the country. The whole business is to be definitively
settled when the Kings of France and of the Romans meet.
The intention of the King of France is to disunite the
Duchess from her friends, in order to take her duchy. This
new friendship must be disturbed for the honour of Spain and
England. |
Efforts to be used
with the Duchess
to disunite her
from France.
Have instructed their ambassadors in Brittany to persuade the
Duchess not to dismiss the English, but to reconcile them with
the Marshal and the other Bretons. Have often written to their
captains, who are in Brittany, asking them to be on good terms
with the English. But the reply was, that the captains did
not think it advisable to show much friendship to the English,
lest the Duchess should suspect them, as she already suspects
the English, of too great partiality for D'Albret and the
Marshal, and of acting in the interest of France. Have now
given imperative orders to their captains to concert everything
with the English. The greatest efforts must be made
to prevent the Duchess from being influenced by France. A
truce may be concluded, but only for one year, on conditions
that France respect the frontier of the duchy, that the
English retain the fortresses they hold, and that the Spanish
do not leave Brittany.
All the aforesaid had already been written in cipher ; but as
Don Martin is so trustworthy a servant, he will take this
paper, written by Fernan Alvarez in common writing.
There are different parties in the court of Brittany contending
with each other. The Duchess is now on the side of
D'Albret and the Marshal, who have made peace with, and
are in the interest of France. The Prince of Orange and the
Count Dunoys exercise too much influence over her. They
are decided partisans of France, and it might even happen that
the Duchess would put herself under the protection of Charles.
Have written to the Count Salinas and to Rojas to counteract
the French intrigues. Henry is desired to order his ambassadors
in Spain to combine their efforts with those of
Salinas and Rojas. |
Spanish ambassadors
in Brittany.
Have told the ambassador of the Duchess, who has lately
come to Spain, how little the party of D'Albret and the
Marshal can be trusted seeing that they entirely depend on the
Prince of Orange and the Count Dunoys. The ambassador proposed,
not in the name of the Duchess, but on his own account,
that she should place herself under the protection of Salinas
and Rojas. Have introduced their ambassadors into Brittany
to induce the Duchess by all the means in their power to place
herself under the joint protection of Spain and England ; or, if
that meets with difficulties, under the sole protection of either
England or Spain. Promise that, in case she should choose
their protection, they will not permit her to marry a person
who is disagreeable to Henry, and ask Henry to give a similar
promise to them. These reciprocal promises must be put
immediately into writing, and signed by both parties ...
Written by Fernan. Alvarez, Secretary of State. Incomplete.
Spanish. Draft. pp. 22. |
25 Feb.
Fr. R.
5 & 6 Hen. VII.
m. 16. (29.) |
42. Henry VII. to S. Duarte.
Licence to Saubat Duarte, merchant of Fontraby, in Spain,
to trade between Gascony and England.—Westminster, the
25th of February.
Latin. p. ¼. |
6 March.
Fr. R.
5 & 6 Hen. VII.
m. 8. (37.) |
43. Henry VII. to All Persons.
Letter of safe conduct and protection to Fernando de
calante, of Saint Andere (fn. 2) in Spain.—Westminster, the 6th
of March.
Latin. p. ¼. |
13 March.
Fr. R.
5 & 6 Hen. VII.
m. 40. (5). |
44. Henry VII. to John Beltran.
The King (at the request of Diego de Guejoara, ambassador
from the King of Spain to him) takes under his protection
and safe conduct John Beltran, of Rentery, in Biscay, a
subject of the King of Spain.—Dated at Westminster, the
13th March.
[A repetition of this document on mem. 41. (4.) Westminster,
the 6th of November.]
Latin. p. ¼. |
6 May.
B. R.
3686. f. 108. |
45. Ferdinand and Isabella to the Bishop Of Badajoz,
their Ambassador in Rome.
Have heard that the Prothonotary Flores accompanies the
Legate whom the Pope has sent to the Kings of France and
England. This Flores is the most implacable enemy of Spain.
He endeavours to reconcile the King of France with the
King of England, not because he is a friend of peace, but
because he thinks that peace between England and France
would be prejudicial to the interests of Spain. |
Intentions of the
Pope with regard
to a peace between
France and England.
Believe that the intention of the Pope has been good,
and do not object to peace being made by his intervention.
But the Pope ought to consider well whether the peace
between France and Spain, or between France and England,
is of greater importance. If France and Spain were
reconciled, peace between France and England would be
the natural consequence thereof. But, on the other hand, a
peace between France and England would not bring the war
between Spain and France to a conclusion. It is quite out
of the question that Spain should make peace before France
has restored to her the counties of Cerdaña and Roussillon.
The Bishop of Badajoz is to tell the Pope, in as strong
language as he thinks fit, that they resent very much the
negotiations carried on by the Pope with respect to a peace
between England and France.
Indorsed : "This letter was sent in cipher to the Bishop of
Badajoz from Seville, on the 6th of May 1490."
Draft. Spanish. pp. 2½. |
4 July.
B. R. V. 3686.
f. 111. |
Proposed marriage
of the Duchess of
Brittany.
46. Ferdinand and Isabella to Rojas, their Ambassador
in Britany.
Have received the sealed letters of the Duchess of Brittany
and of the Prince of Orange concerning their consent to the
marriage of the Duchess. Have afterwards received his
letter of the 2d of June, and learn by it that the Duchess
wishes to be married to their son (Infante Juan). Are pleased
to hear it, and will, without loss of time, procure the consent
of the King of the Romans to the marriage. Meanwhile he
must continually speak to the Duchess and to the Prince of
Orange of this affair, and remove (sanear) all the doubts they
may have. Intend, if the marriage between their son and the
Duchess should prove to be impossible, to marry her to the
King of the Romans. Know it from a very reliable person
that, although the King of the Romans is publicly treating
this marriage for himself, secret negociations are being carried
on to marry her to the Duke of Gueldres.—Cordova, 4th July
1490.
Spanish. p. 1. |
11 July.
Fr. R.
5 & 6 Hen. VII.
m. 8. (37.) |
47. Henry VII. to B. De La Forse.
Licence to Barnard de la Forse, of Spain, to ship goods in
Spanish ships to England, and that the same ships, having
discharged their cargoes, may return in safety.—Westminster,
the 11th of July.
Latin. p. ½. |
July & Aug.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
5 & 6 Hen. VII.
m. 3. (42.) |
48. Henry VII. to Spanish Merchants.
Three licences granted to Spanish merchants to come over
to England with Spanish ships laden with cargoes of different
kinds, unload, and return, &c.—July and August, 6 Henry VII.
Latin. p. ½. |
15 Aug.
B. M.
MS. E. 616. f. 2. |
Brittany.
49. Henry VII. to F. Rojas, Ambassador ; Count De Salinas,
Captain-General Of Spain ; and Peter
Carillo in Brittany.
Has received their letter of the 17th of July, through the
Spanish ambassadors in England, who have informed him
that they had been ordered by Ferdinand and Isabella to
combine their forces with those of England as soon as they
arrived in Brittany. For certain reasons they have not
executed this command. Is not offended at their disobedience,
because he loves their King and Queen so much,
and because their reasons have been explained to him. Is
ready to write to this effect to Ferdinand and Isabella. The
captains must act to the best of their judgment.—Eltham,
15th August 1490.
Indorsed : "To the magnificent and excellent Lords,
Francisco de Rojas, Ambassador ; Count de Salinas,
Captain-General ; and Peter Carillo, Commissioners
of the King and Queen of Spain in Brittany."
Latin. pp. 1½ in print.
Printed in Gairdner's Letters, &c. of Richard III. and
Henry VII. ; vol. I. p. 97. |
25 Aug.
Fr. R.
5 & 6 Hen VII.
m. 29. (16.) |
50. Henry VII. to A. Delatorre.
Licence to Alonso Delatorre, merchant of Spain, to trade
in England.—Westminster, the 25th of August, 6 Hen. VII.
Latin. p. ¼. |
7 Sept.
B. R.
3686. f. 112. |
51. Queen Isabella to the Cardinal Of Valencia in
Rome.
Has sent, in conjunction with King Ferdinand, instructions
to the Bishop of Badajoz (6th May 1490) respecting the
negotiations of peace carried on by the Pope. The Bishop of
Badajoz will communicate them to him. Begs him to regard
the said instruction as if the despatch were written to him.—
Cordova, 7th September 1490.
Draft. Spanish. pp. 1½. |
12 Sept.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
5 & 6 Hen. VII.
m. 22. (23.) |
52. Henry VII. to R. Mahewe and R. Rydon.
Appointment of Richard Mahewe and Rob. Rydon, to treat
with the King and Queen of Castile on behalf of the King
of England.—Okyng, the 12th of September, 6 Hen. VII. |
20 Sept.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
6 Hen. VII.
m. 21. (24.) |
53. Henry VII.
Ratification of the treaty with Ferdinand and Isabella of
27th March 1489.—Okyng, 20th of September 1490.
Latin. |
20 Sept.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
6 Hen. VII.
m. 17. (28.) |
54. Henry VII.—Additional Clauses to his Treaty with
Ferdinand and Isabella.
1. In the treaty of the 27th of March 1489, a clause is
contained that, in case of a common war against France, the
King and Queen of Spain are at liberty to conclude a peace
with the King of France if he restore to them the counties
of Roussillon and Cerdaña. This clause is to be altered, and
neither party is to make peace with the King of France in
any circumstance whatever without the consent of the other
party.
2. In the treaty of the 27th of March the time is not
specified when the Princess Katharine is to be sent to England.
It is, therefore, agreed upon by both parties that she
is to be sent to England as soon as she has completed the
twelfth year of her age, and the Prince of Wales the fourteenth
year of his age. Of the marriage portion of the
Princess 100,000 crowns will be paid within four days after
the marriage, and of the remaining 100,000 crowns 50,000
crowns will be paid during each of th two following
years.
3. The Princess of Wales shall have the third part of Wales,
Cornwall, and Chester, as her dowry.
4. The treaty of the 27th of March 1489 remains in full
force, excepting in such respects as are altered by this convention.
—Given at Okyng, 20th September 1490.
Latin. pp. 2, in print.
Printed in Rymer. |
20 Sept.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
5 & 6 Hen. VII.
m. 27. (28.) |
55. Henry VII.
Ratifies the treaty between England and Spain, concluded
in Medina del Campo on the 27th of March 1489, concerning
the marriage of Prince Arthur with the Princess
Katharine and the war against France.—Okyng, 20th of September
1490.
Latin. pp. 12.
Printed in Rymer. |
23 Sept.
P. R. O.
Fr. R.
6 Hen. VII.
m. 29. (16.) |
56. Henry VII. to R. Mahewe and R. Rydon.
Commission to Richard Mahewe, Master of Magdalen
College at Oxford, Robert Rydon, Doctor of Law and Vice-Admiral,
to convey the ratified treaties to Ferdinand and
Isabella, and to receive from them similar ratifications.—
Okyng, 23rd September 1490.
Printed in Rymer.
Latin. pp. 1, in print. |
| 1490 (?).
(Winter.)
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. |
Marriage of the
Duchess of Brittany.
57. Christopher Mosquera, Spanish Ambassador in
Brittany, to Henry VII.
Thanks for the letters he has received from Henry.
The Duchess of Brittany has concluded a marriage with the
King of the Romans. Had always urged the Duchess
first to ask the advice of Ferdinand and Isabella and of
Henry ; to which she had answered that she had their consent.
It is not necessary to say much of the behaviour of
the Duchess. Her marriage would not have been long
delayed (if she had asked the consent of Ferdinand and
Isabella and Henry VII.), for they would not have raised any
difficulties.
Ferdinand and Isabella are recalling their troops from
Brittany, because there is a truce now with the King of France,
and winter has begun. They intend to send them back next
spring. As Henry thinks that it would be dangerous to recall
all the Spanish troops from Brittany, one portion of them,
picked men from the whole army, is to remain in the town of
Redon, on condition that the Duchess pays the expense.—From
the town of Redon. No date.
Indorsed : "Copy of the letter which was written to the
King of England."
Latin. Copy. pp. 5½. |
| (Winter.)
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Spanish troops
recalled from
Brittany.
58. Christopher Mosquera to the Grand Master Of
England (Magno Magistro Angliæ).
Ferdinand and Isabella have ordered a portion of their
troops in Brittany to be sent back to Spain, because a truce
has been concluded with France for the space of six months.
It is intended to equip them in better style, and send them
back next spring.
According to the wish of Henry a considerable number
of picked men are to remain in Redon, if the Duchess will pay
the expenses.—From Redon. No date.
The same letter to the Queen of the Romans, Count D'Albret,
Countess Naval (Laval ?), and Prince of Orange.
Latin. Copy. pp. 2. |