Henry VII,the ReignTimeline 1524Wolsey Insists Bourbon be on 'this side' of FranceJanuary 1524
In January 1524, Wolsey sent new instructions to Sampson and Jerringham at Vitoria. They were to propose to Charles that he should invade Guienne by May at the latest, and that if he did so Henry would again send an army to Calais in June which would march on Paris. Henry would also pay for Bourbon's mercenaries. But Wolsey insisted that Bourbon should invade France from ‘this side’, and not at the head of Charles's armies from Italy or Spain. He suggested that Bourbon should be placed in command of Margaret of Austria’s forces in the Netherlands and that he would be the ideal general to lead the march on Paris in June. In any case, he argued, Bourbon should be sent to England to discuss future operations with him and Henry. Otherwise Call a TruceIf Charles would not agree to these proposals it might be better to make a truce with France rather than continue incurring the expense of an unprofitable war.
But Bourbon Stays on 'that side' of FranceCharles gave no definite reply to these proposals. Instead he appointed Bourbon commander in chief of his armies in Italy. When Henry and Wolsey invited Bourbon to visit England,Bourbon replied that he would like to come,but could not leave his post as the emperor's general in Italy.
Secret French Approach to Wolsey
|
Link to Quick Facts Timeline |