Henry VIII, the Reign

Letters & Papers: 1540 Volume 15

Date: 28 March 1540

No. 289

Title:​Marillac to Francis I

[​The bruit of war has ceased, no more preparing of ships, device
​
forts slowed]

3 March.[1540]    

289. Marillac to Francis I.

(Abstract.)    [London], 3 March:—Norfolk arrived the day before yesterday, well satisfied with his reception in France and the success of his mission. This King being too occupied elsewhere, Marillac has communicated to Norfolk and the chief ministers the Emperor's reply to Wyat, and Francis' advice, which was received with gratitude. The ministers promised to reply to Wyat in the most suitable way, and have been two days consulting upon the answer, to be sent by a gentleman of Wyat's who came about this affair.

This King leaves to-day for Hampton Court, ten miles off, where he will be until the beginning of Parliament, which is appointed for the 26th April. The bruit of war has ceased and there is no more preparing of ships or interdicting of navigation. The work of the ramparts where an enemy could land is not hastened, but continues slowly, especially at the port of the Chambre near Rye, where, of late, Captain Claude put in, awaiting a fair wind to continue his voyage. Merchants of Flanders were lately, in all haste, withdrawing their goods and the English doing no less to secure themselves; but now a contrary opinion prevails and there is as much commerce between them as ever.

This King, four days ago, despatched a gentleman named Mr. Ray to Scotland in all diligence, and lately a gentlemen of the Long Robe is [gone] to (et vers) the duke of Cleves. It is understood that duke Philip of Bavaria, whose departure Marillac has before written of, having gone by sea with two ships well armed, had landed in the confines of Gueldres at a place(Harderwick) little frequented and rather dreaded by mariners, rather a roadstead than a port, and had gone towards Cologne, where he has now arrived and continues his journey homewards.

Two days ago a master of requests of this King ( Nicholas Hare, the Speaker.) and two most distinguished ministers of justice (Sir Humphrey Brown and William Coningsby. See Wriothesley's Chronicle, I. 116.) have been put in the Tower for having counselled a private affair to the prejudice of the King's rights and revenues.