Henry VIII, the Reign
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Letters & Papers: Volume 1
The English army is still beside Fontarabia. The Spaniards have taken Navarre; the King and Queen have fled into Bierne. The Spaniards promise to join the English for the enterprise of Guienne. The King of Aragon always declared they could not succeed in Guienne without being sure of Navarre, and "sware as largely as any nobleman might that all that he did attempt or imagine was for the furtherance of our enterprise." He had tried to gain over the Archbishop of Burdeos, brother to Mons. de Kendall, one of the noblest of Gascoigne, and, as Ferdinand says, more inclined to Henry than the French King; and also "sent the prior of Sancti Spiritus beside the port of St. Adrian" into Guienne with bulls of indulgence, and induced the Bishops of Bayone and Acus to command all confessors to show their "ghostly children" that the Pope has assoiled them of their allegiance to the French King, advising them to recognise the King of England as their sovereign. These bishops have desired the Pope's ambassador to intercede for them that they may not be deprived of their benefices; but Knight thinks, if the English gain the country, the King had better appoint such as he can trust, especially to Bayone, though it be small in value, not passing 1,000 ducats, and hereafter shall be worth less because the army has destroyed the country "both contrary to our statutes and hindrance to our voyage." The army is idle; a large band has refused to serve longer under 8d. a day. The mutiny was pacified; but one man suffered death. Many bands now declare they will go home at Michaelmas, if they should die for it. All this comes from inaction. Martial exercises are not kept up. The army is "unlearned, and hath not seen the feats of war." They never muster for payment. Many are slain; others have died; some have deserted. They neglect their instructions, and "many of our council may suffer no counsel."
Begs Wolsey to obtain his recal, but without making his request known, as it might cost him his life. He is held in great suspicion here. Is suspected because when divers had spoken against Wolsey, he answered them as far as he durst; and they have seen also that the King has sent him a letter. Desires to know, by his servant, Wolsey's pleasure, which must be conveyed with care. They look into other men's letters. John Style will confirm his statement. Has incurred great expense, having been both with the King of Navarre and the King of Castile. Desires to be excused for not writing to my Lord of Winchester. Letters from the King of Aragon state that the King of Navarre has offered himself to abide by such bonds as he requires. His demands are to have all the towns, castle, and full government of Navarre till Gascony and Guienne be conquered; to have restitution of the lands formerly "withholden" from the Lord Marshal of Navarre, namely, from the Earl of St. Stephens, and the Lord John Beaumont; that the Prince of Navarre be delivered as hostage to the King of Aragon; and that if the King of Navarre do anything against the realm of Aragon, he shall confess himself guilty of treason. If he agree to these terms, the English will go immediately to Bayonne. If not, when the Duke (of Alva) has taken Allambure, Maya, and St. John au Pie de la Porte, they will join him. John Style is writing many things very plainly at this time, which are important. Fontarabia, 5 Aug. Add.: "To the right honourable Mr. Thomas Wolcy, [a]lmoner to the [King's] Grace of [En]gland." |