Title:LOUISE OF SAVOY [Wolsey’s clandestine negotiations with France have begun]
Negotiations with France
Instructions to Jean Brinon, seigneur De Villenes, president of the parliament of Normandy, chancellor of Alençon, &c., sent by her to the Cardinal of York.
Is to say that Louise is grateful to Wolsey for the good reception given by him to Jehan Joacquin, her maître d'hôtel, and for the wish he has expressed for the peace of Christendom. She prays him to continue in this holy purpose until it is accomplished, and despatches Brinon to conclude the matter for which she sent Joacquin to him, after having acquainted the King her son with the communication made by Joacquin.
Although Francis is quite prepared for war, he is willing to make peace in order to avoid shedding Christian blood. He has suffered many injuries, but is content to waive all demands which he might make on Henry, and to make peace according to the former treaties between them.
As the Cardinal may demand payment of the arrears of the moneys due for Tournay, and on other accounts, he is to be persuaded by all possible means to regard them as acquitted. If this cannot be done, he is to be urged to agree that the arrears may be remitted for the present year, after which all that is due shall be paid in future at fixed terms, as before the war; the first term to be this time next year, or, if that will not do, May next.
Joacquin has written to Louise that Wolsey demanded prompt payment of the arrears, and that the rest should be paid by instalments of 100,000 cr. yearly, as long as Henry lived, and after his death the remainder to be paid at the accustomed terms; but Francis cannot possibly pay the arrears at present, owing to his late expenses. As to the 100,000 cr. demanded by Wolsey at once, he shall be told that this would abridge the terms heretofore agreed on, and augment the amount, for Henry might live so long that more would be paid than was due. Francis is willing to pay 20,000 cr. a year. With regard to Ardres and other places in Guienne, Wolsey is to be told that Francis would never consent [to surrender them]. In case Wolsey should say that he cannot negotiate with Louise, owing to his obligation made with the Emperor, and should request an instrument from Louise to assure himself as to what Francis would give his master, on receiving which he would send to the Emperor for power to make truce or peace, he is to be told that such an instrument shall be given him if he will undertake to abandon the Emperor should he refuse. Wolsey shall receive his pension of 12,000 livres. The arrears of queen Mary's dowry shall be paid at the rate of 10,000 livres a year. Henry will find a more faithful friend in Francis than in Charles, and Wolsey shall be conductor and governor of all enterprises.
