Henry VIII, the Reign
Margaret (of Austria) Habsburg Governess of Netherlands Election Advice to Her
Nephew Charles to beat Francis I of France and become Holy Roman Emperor
9 March 1519
Sire,
The matter is of your election has long been discussed by our self and the Lords Nassau and de la Roche and in effect we find that there are two ways by which you may arrange the election in your favour: the first is by cash... and the second,Sire, is by force. The French have plainly stated that they will win the Empire by way either of the affection in which Francis is held there or of money or of force. As regards the last we are advised that they are preparing on all sides. Charles of Gelders is gathering a great number of horse and foot amassing an armed contingent from Lower German. In the other direction, the king of France is infiltrating small companies into Italy in order as rumour has it to have himself crowned in Rome whether he is elected or not. Also, Francis is incessantly negotiation with the Swiss as to have these join forces with the Duke of Wurttemberg.
Since Francis wishes to employ force, he must be resisted by the same means. We believe, Sire, that you should order a large army to Roussillon and another to Navarre. Besides this, you should find ways by which to retain the army of the Swiss. By doing this, Sire, your renown and reputation will increase throughout Germany which will advance your affairs and inspire fear in your enemies.
On the one side maintaining the army of the Swabian League and on the other having a good Captain General in Franz von Sickengen you may prevent the electors choosing any prince other than yourself.
The matter is of your election has long been discussed by our self and the Lords Nassau and de la Roche and in effect we find that there are two ways by which you may arrange the election in your favour: the first is by cash... and the second,Sire, is by force. The French have plainly stated that they will win the Empire by way either of the affection in which Francis is held there or of money or of force. As regards the last we are advised that they are preparing on all sides. Charles of Gelders is gathering a great number of horse and foot amassing an armed contingent from Lower German. In the other direction, the king of France is infiltrating small companies into Italy in order as rumour has it to have himself crowned in Rome whether he is elected or not. Also, Francis is incessantly negotiation with the Swiss as to have these join forces with the Duke of Wurttemberg.
Since Francis wishes to employ force, he must be resisted by the same means. We believe, Sire, that you should order a large army to Roussillon and another to Navarre. Besides this, you should find ways by which to retain the army of the Swiss. By doing this, Sire, your renown and reputation will increase throughout Germany which will advance your affairs and inspire fear in your enemies.
On the one side maintaining the army of the Swabian League and on the other having a good Captain General in Franz von Sickengen you may prevent the electors choosing any prince other than yourself.