Henry VIII, the Reign

Letters & Papers: 1539 Volume 14

Date: 13 December 1539

No. 677

Title:Earl of Southampton and Nic. Wotton to Henry VIII

[​Anne of Cleves at Calais on her way to England]
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13 Dec.[1539]
677. EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON and NIC. WOTTON to HENRY VIII.
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Yesterday, at the Lantern Gate, showed my lady the ship prepared for her passage and the other ships trimmed with streamers, banners and flags, and men on the tops, shrouds and yard arms. Ordnance was shot off, and she and all the strangers commended the sight. After a banquet, she saw the jousts. The weather did not permit the passage this morning. States his arrangements, viz. that Sir Thos. Spert, Sir Chr. Morrys, Wm. Gonson, Bartlet, John Taborough, Cowchie, Maye, Justice and Steward, of Dover, are to lie outside the walls and give immediate notice of fair weather.

Thirteen trumpets and a man who "plays upon two things as drums of a strange fashion," sent by the Duke of Saxe, are desirous of coming into England, to which he has consented.

Yesterday Hoghesten and Olisligier brought him letters and a present from the Duke which he refused. Next day they brought a horse, with black harness and a steel saddle which he accepted. Their charge was to ask him to advise my lady as to her behaviour, to which he replied by expressing his satisfaction at the marriage and his intention to promote love and affection between the parties. Sends the Duke's letters. Has entertained the young court of Nuenare who is thankful for his reward and plates. He sent his governor Rossenberch, this morning, to offer his services and two horses and a young gentleman.
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Does not write about the seditious sermon at Dunkirk when my lady was there as it is not dangerous. This afternoon my lady asked him, by Olisligier, who was her "troucheman," to play cards with her at some game the King used. Taught her to "play Sent" which she did with a good grace and countenance. She asked Southampton to come to supper and bring with him some noble folks to sit with her after the manner of her country. Told her it was not the usage of our country so to do, but complied on her repeating her request. Lord William, Lord Hastings, Lord Grey, Lord Tailbois, Messrs. Bryan, Seymour, Knevet, and Gregory Cromwell were at the board's end and Morrison would have sat there, but there lacked room. Her manner was like a princess. Calais, 13 Dec., 10 p.m. Signed.