Chapter 33

Desires her to act kindly towards his friend William Nevill in the matter of the lands belonging to her monastery. Nevill does not wish to sue her though he has good cause so to do.

Madame, after my right harty recommendations vnto you, thiese shalbe like as here tofore I have writen vnto you, todesire you to be good lady and frynd to my lovyng frynd william Nevell about the Ferme of Chalke and do such reparacions as belongithe vnto the same according to yourgraunt therof made and that ye will suffer hym to have and enioy such copy holdes as he of right shuld have and holde of your Manourof Semley belongyng to that yourMonastery, as by sufficient writyng and copies therof it dothe more at large appere, in suche wise as he may have no cause farther to complayne oueryou therfore. I cannot persayve any reason iust cause or meanes wherby[846]ye may or shuld deny hym thesame. he hathe been, and yet is all wayes redy to paye his rent and do that which ought or shuld[847]apperteyne vnto hym to do in that behalf according to his wrytyng therefore. Which ye refuse and will not suffer hym to do[848]. I persayve the honestie of the man to be suche, that he is veray lothe to vexe or sewe you by the order of the common lawe or otherwise[849], although he hathe good cause even so to do, whiche if he wold he may do right well to yourinquietacion for thadvoydyng [wher]of I desire you the rather at the contemplacion of thiese my letteres and for[850]yourowne quietenes and ease to graunt hym his right yn the premysses[851]. Wherby besidesthat ye shall shewe and declare yourself to be one that will do no persone wronge, and kepe yourselfe in quyetenes and rest, ye shall admynester and do vnto me therby right thankfull pleasure. The whiche I will not forgete semblably to requyte. And thus fare ye hartely well. At Wolfall the fourthe day of September.

Cooper’s Annals, i. 372; Cal. ix. 278. Sept. 5‹1535›.

As Chancellor of the University desires that all differences between the town and the scholars may cease. Requests the Mayor to permit the University to continue in the enjoyment of its privileges.

After my moost harty commendacions, Understanding that the body of that the Universitie of Cambridge hath elected and chosen me to be their hed and Chauncelor, and that there is question at this tyme betwene you touching the exposition and qualifieng of the Decre made the last yeer by the kingscounsail, for an order to be had without contencion betwene youe and the Universitee in Sturberige fayr, whiche decre ye have already commaundement for this yere to observe and kepe, contending on your part nothing to be comprehended under the name of Vitaill, but that whiche shuld be presently spent in the said faiier, and calling Salmon in barrel, musterde sede, fishe, and suche other, with an exempcon from the terme of vitaill by the name of merchandise, denyeing in like maner the said Universitie to appoint two of their body to ioyne with two of youe in the serche of merchandises there, sayeing ther shal non other serche this yere for their parte, but those that being of their congregacion the last yere were thenne appointed for that purpose, whiche be nowe departed from them and ioyned to youe in the libertie and freedom of the towne. Bicause ye knowe that I have been ever desirous to establish a quiet order betwene youe, and that with as moche favour towards your parte as I might with indifferency and justice, And that I doubt not but that ye will at my contemplacon remembre the preservacion of the Kings peax, and use suche a temperaunce in yourprocedings, as with the saufgards thereof I may have cause to rest in your love and kindness towards me, Being again for myn owne parte, moche desirous nowe at the entree to the said Chauncelorship (which office with the kings contentacion and pleasure I accepted not so moch upon any respecte as to be the rather a meane to set a quietnes betwene youe) to have al contencions and controversies ceasse on eyther side, tyl direction and final order may be taken therein, In the whiche I assure youe I shal with such celeritee and indifferency travyll, as ye shall not perceyve me a partie, but a personage holly bent without al respects to the advancement of the common weal; I have thought good to addresse my letteres unto youe and by the same to desire and praye youe, al vayne and frivolous qualificacons set aparte, to permyt and suffer the said Universitie for this yere, according to the mynde and entent of the said decre, to use and exersise their privileages in the things specified, and also to use at their libertie the comen prison of the Tolbothe as they have doon and as by their charters they clayme to doo, soo as their procede on yourpart no cause of breache of the peax, wherin ye shal serve the king as appertayneth, and administer unto me suche thankfull pleasure as I shall be gladde to deserve and requite towards youe, in like maner most hartely desiring and eftsones prayeing youe, touching their Civile courte to be kept in the fayr or any other thing that may com in to question, so to use yourself as I may perceyve you remembre yourduetiestowards the king in the keping of his peax, and shewe yourselves gladde to doo unto me gratitude and pleasure. And thus fare youe hartely wel. From Whofall the fifte day of September.

Your lovying freend,

ThomsCrumwell.

Add.To my loving Frends the Mayre and his Brethern of the towne of Cambridge, and to every of them.

Vienna Archives; Cal. ix. 326. Sept. 10‹1535›.

Reports the joy of the King at hearing of the success of the Emperor in storming Tunis. Hopes on his return to give Chapuys satisfaction in his request to visit the Princess Mary. Cf. Letter121.

Magnifice atque observande Domine orator plurimam salutem et commendationem. Quem admodum D. vestra, felices et christiano cuique principi speratos cesaree matissuccessus non grauatur crebris suis litteris Serenissimo domino meo regi significare ita sepe antea ab eius regia mateconceptam toto pectore letitiam, suis nunc recentioribus litteris eadem vestra D. ingeminauit et quam pulcherrime adauxit. Ex lectione namque tum cesaree matistum domini de granuell litterarum, que toti christiano orbi saluberrimam diuinitusque concessam Tunisii expugnationem describebant tam solido gaudio inuictissimus dominus meus rex affectus est, ut si sue ipsi matigloriosa hec obuenisset victoria, maiori neutiquam affici potuisset nec alium vllum quam qui a deo nunc concessus est, tam sancte a cesare suscepte expeditionis euentu sibi vnquam pollicebatur. Hanc igitur victoriam omni quidem dignam laude, cesaree matiiterum atque iterum gratulatur salutaremque rei publice christiane precatur, cui sic ex corde fauet, vt si vlla vnquam occasione, vllane sua opera, quicquam addi poterit, experietur cesarea matasme nihil de Serenissimi domini mea regis in se affectu, amicoque animo meis antea litteris vestre D. frustra, aut parum sincere totiens affirmasse. Ad id vero quod in suarum litterarum calce vestra D. addidit, vt scilicet, quantum intelligo, bona regia Matisvenia, sibi liceat illic Dominam mariam inuisere iuxta regia pollicita impense rogo D. vestram, vt istud suum desiderium velit in meum reditum defferre, tuncque futurum spero quod tum hac in re, tumaliis omnibus presenti meo sermone vestre doisexpectationi plurimum satisfiet siue feliciter valeat. Ex aula regia apud Wolfal die x. septembris.

v. D.Ex animo amicissimus

Thomas Crumuell.

Add.Magnifico atque observando domino Eustachio Chapuysio Cesare matisoratori.

R.O. Cal. ix. 470. Sept. 29‹1535›.

The King desires him to pay half the last year’s rent of the bishopric of Worcester to the Bishop, and the remainder to M. Gostwick for the King.

[853]I commend me vnto you. Aduertisyng thesame, that the kyngespleasure and commaundement is, that ye withconvenyent spede after the receyt herof, shall content and pay vnto my lorde the Busshop of Wissetour the halfe yeres rent of the hole Busshopriche due this last yere, and the rest to retayne yn yourowne handesto the kyngesvse Wherfore I require you furthewithso to do without any delay, as the kyngestrust and expectacion is yn you. Thus fare ye hartely well. At Wynchester the xxix day of September.

Postscript.

I Commend me vnto yow aduertysing the same that the kyngeshighnes pleasure is that of the holle yeres Rent dew to his highnes and levyable at this Fest of Saynt Mychell of the yssews reuenews and proffecttesof the Busshoprych of Worcesterye shall Content and paye or Cause to be Contentyd‹and›payde vnto my lorde the Busshop of Woorcesterthe hole half yeres proffyttesevynlye to be deuydyd and the residew For the Fyrst hallffe yere to be payd to the handesof Maister gostwyke to the kyngesvse and this ys expresslye the kyngesplesure and so Fare ye well at Wynchester

R.O. Cal. ix. 485 (i). Sept. 30‹1535›.

Desires her to restore Mr. Tirrell to the possessions from which she has wrongfully expelled him. The King wishes to have justice done in that cause.

In my most harty maner I commend me vnto yourgood ladishippe. And wher as ther hathe of long tyme dependedbetwene you and this berer Maister Tirrell certayne contrauersies, aswell concernyng his clayme to the parke and Bailliswike of Camps, as a certayne copie Holde Whiche he bought in the same Towne, from all the whiche ye haue expulsed hym, I shall most hartely desire and pray you at the especiall contemplacion herof, to restore hym agayne to thesame. Whiche request I make not only vnto you bycause I thinke ye haue vpon displeasures conceyved agaynst hym, parcase in some part by the mysvsyng of hymselfe towardesyou, done vnto hym, in his expulsion from the same park Bailliwike and copie hold and yourdetynewe therof all togither wronge and Iniurye, but because it should be dishonourable to you, to haue the same in open Court of Audience tried agaynst you, and likewise displeasaunt to be, that way disapoynted of yourwill and pleasure, whiche as I nowe frendly and frankly write vnto you, bicause that I wold be glad, ye shuld without constraynt do as shall apperteyne to your honour, and iustice. So I am enforced to aduertise you, as yourpoore frende, that the kingeshighnes like a prynce of honouris mynded to haue iustice procede without respect in that cause, Eftesones therfore requyryng your good ladiship the rather for my sake without any extremyte to be good lady vnto hym, who I dare affirme wilbe glad to do vnto you during his liffe that seruice and pleasure that shall lye in his litle power. As knowethgod who send yourgood ladiship long liffe and well to fare. From Wynchester the last day of September.

Your ladyshyppis assuryd

Thomas Crumwell.

Add.To the right honourable and my good lady my Lady Anne Countes of Oxford by this youen.

Endd.A lettere directed from my master to the Lady Anne Countes of Oxford.

R.O. Cal. ix. 486. Sept. 30‹1535›.

Requests him to allow John Crede to retain possession of certain lands in Cromwell’s manor of Rumney in Monmouth to which he has a deed, until reasonable cause can be shown for his ejection.

DatumperCopiam

I Commend me to yow. And for Asmoche As I haue seene the Deed made‹to›John Crede for certeyn Landesin my mannourof Rompney called the SplottesAnd otherLondesthere. WhichI take to be a goode Deade. And that Notwithstanding the said Crede Saithe that ye entend to putt hym From the Same. Wherefore I Requyre you to permytt And Suffre hym to holde And kepe the possession thereof According to the tennourof his Deade Vntill Suche tyme as Apon youre Aduertisement thereof I maie knowe A Reasonable Cause . Whie he shuld be putt from the same. Att Wynchester the Laste daie of September.

YourLoving maister

Thomas Crumwell.

Vienna Archives; Cal. ix. 484. Sept. 30, 1535.

Reports the King’s joy at the news of the Emperor’s success at Tunis. Desires Chapuys to postpone a little longer his visit to the Princess Mary. Cf. Letter117.

Magnifice et observande domine orator plurimam salutem et commendationem. Litteras quas vestra D. antea ad me dedit grato hilarique semper animo accepi, non mediocremque animi letitiam ob id presertim semper attulerunt, quod cesaree matissuccessus vt sperandum et christiano reipublice salutiferos, vberrime nunciabant; recentiores vero iste eo nomine gratiores acceptioresque extitere quod succinte atque distincte totius expeditionis rerum, temporum atque locorum seriem et euentum ab ipso initio in hunc vsque diem sic describunt et ob ipsos oculos ponunt vt eas legendo rebus gestis prope modum mihi videar interfuisse, tantaque Serenissimus dominus meus rex animi attentione de hiis me referentem audiebat vt fraternum eius erga cesaream matemaffectum et propensum quoddam erga publicam quietem Studium quam facile fuerit agnovisse. Ad id porro quod per ministrum suum vestra dominatio mecum agit et de quo statuendo iniectis comperendinationibus se protrahi suspicatur, non possum pro mutue nostre coniunctionis sinceriorisque amicitie vinculo, eam non summopere rogare, et pro innata sua prudentia et animi equitate, boni consulere velit, quicquid in hoc Dominationis vestre desiderio deffertur quum nihil interim omittatur quod ex Serenissimi domini mei regis honore et dignitate, simulque illustrissime domine marie securiori salubriorique educatione esse posse videatur, quum maiori cure nemini sit quam ipsi Serenissimo patri, qui regie sue humanitatis nimisesset oblitus nisi carissimam filiam paterno complecteretur affectu et aliorum vigilantia sibi in mentem redigi expectaret, quod salubritati, atque solatio filie esse posset. Itaque quam possum ex animo dominationem vestram obsecro, vt suum istud illustrissimam dominam mariam inuisendi desiderium ab amico pectore potius quam vlla necessitate profectum in aliud commodius tempus defferre non grauetur, et enim vt fieri facile potest de huius illustrissime domine neglecta valetudine falso aliquid ad vos deferri, ita a dominatione vestra peto, vt affirmanti mihi velit certam habere fidem nihil scilicet cure studii, atque diligentie omitti quod ad illustrissime domine Marie conseruationem expedire posse videatur. Pestis deinde sic londini, locisque vicinioribus seuit, vt inofficiosus videri posset, quicunque illinc veniens dominam mariam in aere alique temperie agentem, quam saluberrima, officii gratia nunc temporis vellet inuisere. Non grauetur itaque dominatio vestra hoc meum responsum benigne amiceque, vt solet interpretari nilque a me prospiciet pretermissum, quod ex huius regie matisdignitate, Cesaris honore et domine marie conseruatione esse potuerit. Sed de hiis in proximum congressum colloquemur vberius, et felix valeat vestra dominatio cui ex animi sententia, optima queque euenire precor. wintonie die vltimo septembris 1535.

E. v. D.Ex corde amicus

Thomas Crumuell.

Add.Magnifico Domino Eustachio Chapuysio Cesaree matisoratori plurimum observando.

R.O. Cal. ix. 240. Sept. 1535.

Explains, for the Pope’s benefit, the reasons for the executions of More and Fisher, and describes them as men proved guilty of high treason. Wonders at the Pope’s indignation at their just sentence.

Magnifice Domine Gregori plurimam salutem et commendacionem. Quae tum ex ferraria tum ex bononia vestris letteris nuper ad me scripsistis, sigillatim omnia (ut mei est officii) Serenissimae Regiae Maiestati significaui, in quibus, ut multa erant, publicarum rerum cognitionis gratia lectu non iniucunda, et vestri cum Domino Parisiensi habiti sermones ipsi probantur, ita non satis demirari potuit, Episcopi Roffensiset Thomae Mori mortem, pontificis, illiusquecuriae animumadeo grauiter offendisse, ut ex hac re conceptam indignationemhaud facile possint concoquere, licetqueInuictissimae Regiae Maiestati mortalium nemini, praeterqueDeo (cum quo actiones, consiliaquesua habet quammaxime coniuncta) ulla sit factorum suorum reddenda ratio, ne tamen maleuolorumcalumniis, ac ueritatis obscuratione, Regium suum nomen istic traducatur, quid ea in re actumfuerit succincte ad vos perscribam: Postquamigitur Regia Maiestas bene fauente, ac promouente Deo, causam suam publicam eruditissimorum, probatissimorumquetotius christianitatis virorum, qui nullis passionibus, seu affectibus essent obnoxii, consensu, et authoritate tandem terminasset, et ad ipsam ueritatem omni ex parte firmasset, coeperunt isti boni viri, quibus res praeter expectationemceciderat, et spes moliendi noua (ut iam animo agitarant) praecisa fuerat, in alias cogitationes, syncere parum, animum intendere, quumqueoptimus Rex ex uigilantissimi principis officio (quod a Deo acceptum sustinet in terris) sui Regni quieti, et commodo prospicere, hominumquemores multa iam parte collapsos in melius corrigere conaretur, istud etiam publicum bonum, quoad fieri per eos potuit, simulatae integritatis praetextu adnissi[855]sunt, sed nullo cum fructu impedire, atquepraeuertere, huius eorum sceleris indicia Rex habebat perquammanifesta, sed ut vana semper floccifecit, et nihili habuit, sperans aliquando futurum quodhac sua indulgentia, hos viros (quos ut non penitus cognitos nonnunquamantea in precio habuisset) ad aliquam frugem, ac mentis sanitatem reuocaret, At ipsi, quibus genuina ambitio, sui ipsius amor et sapientia quaedam singularis diuersum persuaserat, optimi principis benignitate, ac mansuetudine pertinaciter sunt abusi, et ubi publicum Regni concilium (quod parliamentumuocant) pro Regni quiete stabilienda, ut ad certa tempora haberetur, indictum foret, ceperunt undecunquesollicita cum sedulitate clanculumexquirere, qua de re tractari, quidquein hoc parliamento, ut expediens rei publicae agi oporteret, quicquid uero aliorumdelatu ex re praeterita rerum usu, uel coniectura usquecollegissent id statim communibus consiliis trutinabant, omnia secus interpretantes, queRegni quies ac utilitas exposcebat, eo quidem argumentorumet rationum apparatu, ut rudi plebeculae non multo cum labore potuisset imponi, quumqueex conscientia parum sana, Regis animum sibi offensum suspicarentur, ueriti ne parum commode, audacterque, quod tacite animo moliebantur, tractare possent, ex hiis nonnullos delegerunt, quos audaculos aut linguae uelocitate promptiores, aut sui studiosos existimarunt cum his antiquioris amicitiae occasione agebant familiaribusquecolloquiis excipiebant, ac si quos morbo animi laborantes suae opinionisreperissent, in horum sinum iam antea conceptumpectore uenenum euomebant, suae erga claementissimum Regem fidei, et obseruantiae, atquein ipsam patriam charitatis prorsus obliti, Haec dum in uulgus haberentur passimque sparsa promiscue essent, haud somnulenter solertissimus princeps perscrutari coepit, quibus fundamentis tam impia coniuratio niteretur, quibusqueenutriretur authoribus, luce clarius perspexit, ab hiis integerrimis iuris tantam iniquitatem deriuari, quam redarguebant non obscuri testes, ultro, citroquemissa chyrographa, ipsorumqueoris confessio, haec et alia que multa iustissimumprincipem adegerunt, ut hos rebelles, ac degeneres subditos, in patriam ingratos, communi bono aduersos, publicae pacis turbatores, tumultuosos, impios, seditiososqueviros in uincula carceresqueconiecerit, nec id praetermittere poterat, nisi patefacta iniquitate, sui officii consulto immemor permittere uoluisset, huius sceleris contagionem publica cum pernicie in quammultos transferri. Carceribus autem mancipati tractabantur humanius, atquemitius quampar fuisset, pro eorum demeritis, per Regem illis licebat proximorumcolloquio, et consuetudine frui, ij fuerant illis appositi, praescriptiqueministri, quos a uinclis immunes antea fidos charosquehabebant, id cibi genus eaquecondimenta, et uestitus ei concedebantur, quae eorum habitudini, ac tuendae sanitati, ipsi consanguinei, nepotes atqueaffines, et amici iudicabant esse magis accommoda, Coeterumtanta Regis mansuetudine, fides, obseruantia, ueritas, amorquerecti apud rebelles istos, proditoresquehomines usqueadeo exoleuit, ut constanter iniqui esse maluerint, quamsui sceleris poenitentia Regis bonitatem atqueclaementiam experiri, et enim postquamcertae leges, statuta, atquedecreta, re prius multa deliberatione in omnempartem discussa, publica parliamenti authoritate, assensu atqueconsensu condita praescriptaquefuere, et ab omnibus nullo discrimine, repugnante nullo, ut sancta necessaria toti Regno utilia, et cum uera christi religione potissimumconsentientia admissa, atquerecepta sunt, soli isti repugnabant, suae impietatis praesidium semper aliquod fortuitum sibi ex tempore pollicentes, nonnunquamomissa rerum humanarumcogitatione se totos diuinarumcontemplationi egregie simulabant addictos, interim studia, uigilias, cogitatusque, suos omnes utcunquecarceribus obnoxii eo intendebant, ut quibuscunquepossent fallaciis, praestigiosisqueargumentis tam sanctas Regni leges, tantaqueauthoritate firmitas ac rectissime stabilitas, soli ipsi perniciosissimae seditionis principes in commune malum eluderent, refellerent, atqueturbarent, huius autem tam impiae, perfidae ac iniquae affectae uoluntatis extant manifestissima indicia extant chyrographa ipsa eorum manu carbonibus, et creta (siquando deerat atramentum) depicta, ultro, citroqueclam ab ipsis destinata, nequeipsi ibant inficias complures mutuo acceptas missasquelitteras, fuisse in ignem coniectas ut tacitum, tutumquesuae iniquitatis seruatorem, aliud nihil hiis litteris conscriptum erat, quamquod ad publicam seditionem potissimumspectaret, sustinere diutius non potuit mitissimus Rex istorum culpam tam atrocem, legumqueexamini publico foro et aperto iudicio illos commisit, Laesae Maiestatis, ac rebellionis rei reperti sunt, atquedamnati, supplicium de eis sumptum est longe quidem mitius quamleges, ac iudicia praescribebant aut eorum culpa exegisset, ex quorumexemplo ad sanitatem, ad fidem quammulti rediere: Quicunquesano defecatoqueest iudicio non obscure huic perspicere potest quodpraecipitanter pontifex, et curia Romana ullam ex hac re animi offensionem conceperit, per Regiam Maiestatem non stat, quominus pontifex in suos Cardinales Episcopos eosque omnes, in quos ius ullum sibi uendicat, iure suo utatur, non eorum causam suam aestimat, nec offenditur, si pontifex, aut quiuis alius christianus princeps ullum de male mentis subditis aut rebellibus supplicium exigat: Iterum igitur, atqueiterum miratur, pontificem ex hac re tantum indignationis animo concepisse, sed hanc indignationem, quam tantopere exacerbare uidetur curia, tunc depositam iri putat, quum desierint maleuoli suggerere quae falsa sunt, quumquementiendi uia fuerit illis praeclusa, quibus quum nil aeque graue, atquemolestumsit, quamquod suorumconsiliorumtam strenua fundamenta deiecta fuerint, id operae precium non exiguum esse ducunt, ut hoc uelamine suas technas callide contegant priuatamqueoffensionem, si quae sit, pontificis causam faciant. Non grauetur itaquepontifex, si Regia Maiestas suo Regniquesui iure, si quando expedit, uicissim utatur: Haec itaque omnia tum pontifici, tum coeteris omnibus, qui ex horumrebelliumsuscepto supplicio quicquidoffensionis concoeperint sedulo enarrabitis, ut quam ex falsa auditione animi molestiam imbiberunt, hanc uera audiendo, multa mentis tranquillitate quandoquedeponant, nihilqueomittetis, in eorum qua superius commemoraui enarratione, etenim Regiae Maiestati gratissimumerit, ne ipsa ueritas, ut se habet, maleuolorumcalumniis obscuretur, quiasi tantum increbuerit mendax paucorum delatio, ut nullus hac in re amplius apud illos sit locus ueritati relictus, falsas eorumcalumnias quantumcum Deo poterit Regia Maiestas sustinebit, quae sic Regni sui statum, resqueomnes undequaquefirmitas, stabilitasquehabet, sic suorum fidem, pectora, et obseruantiam compertam tenet, ut iniuriam omnem, si qua alicunde inferatur, queat non multo cum labore deobene iuuante, refellere et propulsare. Et bene valete. Ex Aula Regia apud Brumham Die SeptembrisMDXXXV.

Vester bonus amicus

Thomas Crumwell.

Add.Magnifico Equiti, Domino Gregorio Casalio etc.

R.O. Cal. ix. 241 (ii).‹Sept. 1535.›

The King thanks the recipient for his letter, and for the articles of the charge he has given to the inquests, and desires him to act further according to his discretion.

After right harty commendacion, ye shall vnderstand that I have resceyved yourlettere of the xxvithday of August withthe articles of the charge that ye haue geven to thenquestes ther the whiche lettere and articles I have at large shewed and declared vnto the kingeshighnes who[856]consideryng yourpayne and travaill takyn therin right well allowithe and acceptithe yourgood procedyngesand doyngesin that behalfe, yevyng vnto you therfore right harty thankes, requyryng[857]the same farther like as ye have alredy begonne So to procede therin withe suche acceleracion and spede as ye convenyently may do, accordyng to thexpectacion and trust that his highnes hathe in you. And touchyng the enquestes that ye have charged for that purpose all though they be the kingesseruauntesand sworne for that purpose, yet for asmoche as many of theym in some poyntesperchaunce may be offendours will therfore conceyll and not fynd the truthe in euery poynt. Wherfore the kingespleasure is that ye well consideryng the same may order and devise euery thyng after yourdiscresion, and as ye shall se cause besidestheffect of the verdictes of thesame enquestes.

Cooper’s Annals, i. 373; Cal. ix. 615. Oct. 15‹1535›.

As the King has approved his election as Chancellor of the University, he desires them to appear at the two yearly leets held by the University, and not to deny to the University the use of the King’s prison called the Tolbooth.

In my right harty maner I commende me unto youe. And whereas it hath pleased the kings highnes, uppon an election passed by the universitie of Cambridge wherin they chose me to be their hedde and Chaunceler, to condescende that I shuld accepte and take the same, to the intent that all matiersdepending betweene you and them, in contencon and variaunce, might be rather by my meane and mediacon be finished, and soo determyned, as eyther parte myght enjoye such privileages as shuld be thought conveniente for them, with the advauncement of justice, the quiet and tranquillitie of the common weale, Wherin I purpose with suche dexteritie to travayl, as youshall have good cause to think that all respects and affecttions laide aparte, I only mynd that which appertayneth to the office of a faithfull counsailor. Ye shall understande, that forasmoche as I am credibly advertised, that notwithstanding the said universitie hath hertefor had not only the serche of vitail and the correccon of waightes and measures there, and may by the kings Charters (as they doo and of long tyme have doon) kepe two letes in the yere, to be furnyshed with the townesmen, for the punishment and amerciament of suche as shuld be founde offenders in that behaulf, but also the use of the kings prisonne there called the Tolbothe, for the punyshment of all such other offences, as they may by their said Charters correct and punish, the rather of perverse mynd than otherwise, doo from tyme to tyme, when the said letes be summoned, as wel make slender appearance in the same, ne being theer charged, present and amerce the offenders, as by virtue of yourothe you be bounde, wherby the good order to be observed therin is utterly confounded, to the great detryment of the publique weale of the hole towne, with the inquietacon of the kings subgiectts abiding within the same, As utterly deny them the use of the said prisonne; I have thought good, by these my lettres, to desire and praye youe, and nevertheles on the kings behaulf for the better preservacion of his graces peax, to commaunde youe, not only to mak yourdue appearance in the said letes, and their to enquire, present, and amerce the offenders, as hath been accustomed, but also bothe to permytt and suffer them to have the correction of waightes and measures, and the use of the said prisonne at their liberties, as they have had, without yourdenyal or interrupcon to the contrary, untyl suche tyme as the kings highnes shal take finall order and direction in all things depending in variaunce or question betweene youe, whiche his Majestie wil not fayle to do with al speede and celeritie. And thus fare youe hartely well. From Stepnay, the 15th daye of Octobre.

Your lovyng freend,

ThomasCrumwell.

Add.To my hartely beloved Freendes the Mayre, Bailieffs, and Burgesses, of the towne of Cambridge, and to every of them.

B.M. Titus B. iv, ff. 114–115; Cal. ix. 647. Oct. 20, 1535.

Finds that Gostwick is charged with the sum of £16,032 16s.8d.due to the King from divers persons, for conveying corn out of the realm. Desires him to collect as much of it as he can.

Mr Gostwyck. Where ye stande Charged in the Bookesof Specialties Betwene you & me made at your furst entrie into your Office subscribed withour handesfor the Receipt of Sixtene Thousande thirty & two poundessixtene shillingesand eight pence, due vnto the KingesMaiestie by diuerse & sundry personnes, for the Conveyaunce of Corne & other thingesout of this Realme contrary to the KingesLawes, as appereth by the condicions of their obligacions, remaynyng in yourCustodye, And forasmuche as I do vnderstande and perfitely knowe that a grete parte of the said summe of xvimlxxxii li xvi s viii d ys vnlevyable, desperat & cannot be had nor recouered by reason that certain of the saide personnes haue certificaths, somme other fallen in vtter decay, by occasion of the grete losses & hynderauncesthat they haue susteyned as well by See, as Lande, And somme of theim dedde, & not knowing of whome to be aunswered Whereby I haue Considered the same to be mattier of Conscience, not intending nor mynding to charge you further than shall stande with the same, nor withnomore sume or summes than hath or herafter shall comme vnto your handesHave therfore thought it good, aswell for your Discharge, and myne, As also for the spedy Recoueryng and Receipt of the Rest of the Money due by the saide specialties, this to devise & wryte, By the same in the KingesMaiesties name Auctorizing you, to call all the said parties before you, withall seleritie & spede, And by yourdiscrescion, so to vse them, That the kingeshighnes may be aunswered of the money, that by your saide discrescion shalbe thought of verey right & Conscience sufficient. Further in the kingesname Auctorizing you by vertue herof, to take newe composicions of suche as hath not their money in arredynesse. And also by the same to deliuerall suche specialties vnto the parties or ther deputies, as shalbe proved of right either to haue Certificate or other sufficient Discharge. And this Subscribed with my hande shalbe vnto you your heires executours& deputies sufficient Discharge at all tymes hereafter, for your so doing. Wrytten the xxtiday of Octobre the xxviitiyere of the Reigne of our Soueraigne Lorde king Henry the eight.

Endd.A minute of a lettre to MrGostwyke, towching a newe ordre and composicion to be taken withcertayn persons standing chardged in grete sommes of monaye vnto the kingesMaiestie whiche be vnleviable and desperate by reason the parties by casualtes be brought to greate pouertie

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 110; Cal. ix. 848. Nov. 19‹1535›.

Urges him to work diligently in France for the delivery of the ships at Bordeaux. Sends a dozen of Gardiner’s orations and a dozen of those of the Dean of the Chapel Royal also, for him to distribute according to his discretion.

My veray good lorde aftre my moost harty commendacions by maister brian whom the kingeshighnes at this tyme sendeth vnto his good brother the frenche king sufficiently instructed to certain purposes, as by his instructions wherunto ye shalbe participant and make him again the semblable to yours, ye shal perceyve, ye shal receyve his highnes letteres, touching matiers of importaunce, whiche as his grace doubteth not but ye wil setfurth withsuche dexteritie as shal best conduce his desire to effecte Soo his pleasure is ye shal withsuche stomak and courage travail withthe frenche king and his counsail in that pointe touching the delyueraye of the shippes as ye maye not onely obteyne the same but also declare and shewe therwithhowe ingrately his highnes is handeled therin specially being at this tyme soo secrete and freendly treatie betwene him and his good brother as there is for matiers of soo high consequence, amongeswhiche thingesalso his grace desireth youe to remembre the declaracion of the french king of tharticles sent by Melancton, luthers epistle in the same, withthother circumstances conteyned in the copies lately sent vnto you. Ye shall also receyve herwitha dosen of yourorations and another dosen of the deanes, whiche the kingespleasure is ye shall by thaduise of Mr. brian and Maister Wallop destribute to suche persounes there as amongesyoue ye shal think convenient. In whiche treatie to be had concernyng the shippes ye may not forget to inculce what Joye the subgietteshere conceyved for his recouerye in the procession, and howe they bee again sithens stayed vppon this staye of the shippes whiche hath indede soo contrary a countenaunce to ourdoingesas it is no mervayl thoughe they be abasshed at it. And this matier the kingeshighnes woll haue you chiefly prosecute, leving to Sir John Wallop only the sute for the moneye, bicause the promyse therof was made vnto him. And thus I pray god sende yourlordshipp well to fare. From the Rulles the xixthdaye of Nouembre

Yourlordshippis assuryd

Thomas Crumwell.

Add.To my veray good lorde my lorde of Winchestre the kingeshighnes Ambassadorat this tyme withthe french king.

Endd.From the Roulles the xixthof Novembre. Mr. Secretary

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 232; Cal. ix. App. 8. Dec. 7‹1535›.

Desires them to discover the real inclination of the French King, and to ascertain whether they have any secret plans on foot. Gives a list of the sums of money due to the King.

Aftre my moost harty commendacions withlike thankesfor yourgentle letteres and aduertisementesof the Occurrantesthere, ye shal at this tyme receyve the kingeshighnes letteres answering to yours of the xxviiithof Nouembre The contenteswherof as his highnes doubteth not but ye wil duely consider and accomplishe tempering neuertheles the same in suche sorte, as yourwisedomes shall think maye best serue to thentertaynement of thamytie betwene his grace and the frenche king, and the conducing of his graces desire to effecte. Soo his highnes specially desireth youe to endeuouryourselfesby all the meanes ye canne possibly deuise and excogitate to explore serche and knowe the veray inclynacion of the frenche king and whither the frenchemen haue any pryvie practises in hande, and of the lightlywod of the successes of the same withsuche other occurrantesas shall chaunce to comme to yourknowleage to aduertise his highnes, as I shal for my parte desire youe to doo to me the semblable as the tyme and hast of yourdispeches wil give you leave. The treatie belli offensiui ratified at Amyans I sende vnto youe herwith, And as concernyng thaccompt of the money due to the kingeshighnes First there is due to his grace 1Ml[858] crownes lent to the duke of Bavier for the whiche the frenche king standeth bounde by obligacion. Item 1Ml[858]crownes lent at his request for the assistence of the duke of Wittenberge, for the whiche they haue non acquietance, but were bounde by promyse to repaye it in cace there ensued no good successeof themployment of the same whiche condition and convenaunt is without question determyned.

Item there is due vnto his grace the hole pencion and salt moneye for the last yere ended at Nouembre.

And wheras the kinges highnes in these his letteres nowe sent vnto youe hathe commaunded youe Mr. wallop to presse themperours, Ambassadourfor your declaration to the denyal of thouertures, like as I writing by his graces commaundement vsed the same terme, for declaracion of yourself, to thintent ye shal not thinke that anything is further ment therby thenne to haue youe vse that worde to him to extorte what ye canne in that matier, his highnes commaunded me in this sorte to expounde the same vnto youe. And thus moost hartely fare youe well. From Richemont the viithof decembre.

The kingeshighnes specially desireth youe to remembre his commandement touching the delyuerance of the shippes

Yourassuryd Freend

Thomas Crumwell.

Add.To myn assured frendesMy lorde of Winchestre and sirJohn Wallop knight the kingesAmbassadours in fraunce.

Endd.From Richemonde the viithof decembre. Mr. Secretary.

B.M. Add. MSS. 25,114, f. 234; Cal. ix. App. 9. Dec. 7‹1535›.

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