Letters 1536. 28 Mar 1536. Vienna Archives. 575. Charles V. to [Chapuys].

We received only yesterday, the 28th, your letters of St. Matthias' Day, relating your conversations with Cromwell about the establishment of amity with us; and although you doubt, with good reason, that all Cromwell has said to you was only with a view to his master's profit with the French, nevertheless, perhaps, things being as they are at present, means might be found at this juncture to withdraw the King from his grave error, relieve the Princess from her danger and the realm from confusion, and at the same time get the better of the king of France, who is the chief cause of all this mischief. This would be all the more important now, considering the unjust attack made by Francis on the duke of Savoy, his own uncle, occupying his country beyond the mountains, except what he has instigated those of Berne, Fribourg, and the Valisiens to take. This has caused many enormities and scandals against the Church, and all has been done by Francis from dislike of the amity shown by the Duke and Duchess to us, and in the hope of obtaining Milan by force, or compelling us to dispose of it according to his wish, even while he was negociating with us, and notwithstanding that his ambassador had several times expressly assured us that his master would undertake nothing by force, especially against the duke of Savoy. And although we hope to resist them, and Milan is very well provided, yet there could hardly be a better time to bring about the above effects; and whatever may have been the past dissimulation of the king of England and his ministers, yet there is a great probability now of their coming to treat, considering what Cromwell has said to you and the great indignation of the English against the French, which his words imply. Besides, we hear from France that the French complain openly of the king of England, and say they expect no assistance from him. Moreover, Wallop has spoken lately to Likkerke, although in very general terms, in agreement with this, and likewise the English ambassador with us. For these reasons, and the other conversations hitherto held with you and Likkerke, we last wrote to you from Naples to try and find out if there was any means to renew negociations with England, so as, if opportunity offered, to hinder the kings of France and England from a closer alliance, or England assisting Francis in his enterprise. And since the overture has been made on the side of the king of England you must use all possible dexterity, seeing that it is so important to conduct this good work aright. And considering how it affects us and our said cousin, and the whole of Christendom, that you may know our mind more particularly, we take up the points of your proposals to Cromwell, on which it seems to us that his answer is not much amiss.

Letters 1536. 28 Mar 1536. In this three things are to be considered:—(1.) That in that case nothing more can be done for her advantage during her father's life, and she can take no action with good conscience against her father even for redress of the injuries done to her late mother, even if her life was "advancée sinestrement," as is suspected; and if the sentence of the divorce were pursued, to make the King give up his concubine (age 35), he might marry another, whereas it is certain he could have no issue from the concubine (age 35) to hinder the succession of the Princess. And as one of the principal points which the King will think of with regard to our said cousin, and also the concubine (age 35) and her adherents, will be to whom they will marry her, and it is important also to treat of it as a principal point in order to with draw our said cousin even for her surety, as well as for the security of further negociations, you will endeavour discreetly to discover to what match the king of England leans; and, as of yourself, and in such wise that no one can presume it is part of your charge, you may suggest Don Loys of Portugal, our brother-in-law, who was lately with us in the Tunis expedition, and do your best to recommend it either to the King or Cromwell. He is, in truth, the person who, among all others, seems best suited both for the Princess herself and for the King and his realm, and the concubine (age 35) and her adherents ought to be less suspicious of him as the Portuguese are good neighbours and not quarrelsome, as you may suggest; but it must be with a suitable dowry. (2.) By this means the Princess might be drawn out of the kingdom, rescued from continual danger of her life, and allied with a person of suitable quality; and, when the time came, might be assisted by her allies in obtaining her right; and if issue came of the marriage, especially male issue, it would be a great occasion to her father to recall her and her children into the kingdom, if he is satisfied with the treaty we shall make together, and the good offices we shall continue to do him. And (3), although it be a good thing to bring back the King to his allegiance to the Church, even though the Church forbear some of her rights and profits, and also to withdraw our cousin out of the realm, yet we cannot do prejudice in the future either to the one or to the other, and means may be found hereafter of putting the said Church in full possession of her rights, especially if our said cousin succeed to the Crown; and she also, before leaving England, cannot make any treaty which can prejudice her, since everyone knows in what fear and danger she is kept. Moreover, although the concubine (age 35) might not agree to either the one or the other of the above means (the declaration or suspension),—which she and all her adherents ought to think a great advantage, to be relieved from the fear and danger they are continually in,—and though she put forth further claims in behalf of her daughter and other children that she might have, yet you should not break off negotiations on this account, but ascertain in this also to what she will agree, and, after making such representations to her as you think fit, say you will refer to us. If you find her demands too exorbitant you may use Cromwell's help, if he can and will do what he has promised, and use all possible dexterity to make the most advantageous terms for her that you can; and if there be anything that requires to be kept secret from the said concubine (age 35) or her adherents "il s'en usera selon ce."

Letters 1536. 28 Mar 1536. 1. As to the withdrawal of the king of England from the Church of Rome: it is truly a matter of great importance, and it may be feared that the King will be the more obstinate from fear of the world, and even of his subjects; and the more he is wedded to his own opinions, and needs to be reconciled to the Church, as you may see opportunity, you must use such arguments as you think useful, both as to the danger of conscience, the division and confusion that might arise in his realm, and the manifest danger thereof if the Pope were to proceed further to the execution of the censures already fulminated and to deprive him of his title, demanding the assistance of Christian princes; and that whatever might occur he and his adherents could not be without continual anxiety; and even if he could maintain what he had begun it would be with great danger and difficulty during his life, and afterwards there would ensue troubles, which it would be better to avoid, securing both himself and his kingdom, either by referring the decision to the Council, or trusting to our mediation with the Pope, on which he may rely, to put matters on an honorable footing. If you could also try and discover the means which he would agree to, it would be time gained, and it is probable he would choose this last rather than bind himself either to the Council or to our arbitration. This also we should prefer ourselves, as otherwise he would do all he could to hinder the Council, and even if he consented to its convocation he would adhere to the other heretics, rendering a general remedy more difficult; whereas, by treating privately with the said King, we could the more easily negociate with the Pope. As the causes of his present perplexity are the sentence given at Rome on the divorce, and the particular interests of the kingdom as regards annates and other dues of the Church; as to the first, it might cease in treating of what concerns our cousin the Princess, and as to the second some declaration might be made touching the said annates and other dues; and even as regards the authority of the Church of England, the King might be persuaded that the matter would be determined to his honor and the weal of his kingdom. You will do in all this what you think most judicious, putting forward everything as of yourself and by way of inquiry whether such a thing can be done, without giving any assurance on our part until we know to what the King will agree, for it is a matter on which we can give no pledge to the prejudice of the Church without the Pope's consent; but you may declare that we will do our best for the honor of the King and realm. And if in the end you see no hope of withdrawing him from his error, you must still sift his intentions as to the other points to the bottom, provided you do not bind us to maintain his error; for, sooner than break off the treaty at this juncture, although it were unwillingly, we would consent to leave this point out in order to carry the others, which we think would in the end bring him right, otherwise things will go from bad to worse. You will also ascertain, as far as you can, the intention of the King as to the said Council, in which he ought to make no difficulty in case matters were discussed concerning the Pope and Princess as above.

Letters of Horace Walpole. 23 Mar 1752. Arlington Street. To Horace Mann 1st Baronet (age 45).

Mr. Conway (age 31) has been arrived this fortnight, or a week sooner than we expected him: but my Lady Ailesbury (age 31) forgives it! He is full of your praises, so you have not sowed your goodness in unthankful ground. By a letter I have just received from you he finds you have missed some from him with Commissions; but he will tell you about them himself I find him much leaner, and great cracks in his beauty. Your picture is arrived, which he says is extremely like you. Mr. Chute (age 51) cannot bear it; says it wants your countenance and goodness; that it looks bonny and Irish. I am between both, and should know it; to be sure, there is none of your wet-brown-paperness in it, but it has a look with which I have known you come out of your little room, when Richcourt has raised your ministerial French, and you have writ to England about it till you were half fuddled. Au reste, it is gloriously coloured-will Astley promise to continue to do as well? or has he, like all other English painters, only laboured this to get reputation, and then intends to daub away to get money?

The year has not kept the promise of tranquillity that it made you at Christmas; there has been another parliamentary bustle. The Duke of Argyll (age 69)²⁹⁹ has drawn the ministry into accommodating him with a notable job, under the notion of buying for the King from the mortgagees the forfeited estates in Scotland, which are to be colonized and civilized. It passed with some inconsiderable hitches through the Commons; but in the Lords last week the Duke of Bedford (age 41) took it up warmly, and spoke like another Pitt.³⁰⁰ He attacked the Duke of Argyll (age 69) on favouring Jacobites, and produced some flagrant instances, which the Scotch Duke neither answered nor endeavoured to excuse, but made a strange, hurt, mysterious, contemptuous, incoherent speech, neither in defence of the bill nor in reply to the Duke of Bedford, but to my Lord Bath (age 68), who had fallen upon the ministry for assuming a dispensing power, in suffering Scotland to pay no taxes for the last five years. This speech, which formerly would have made the House of Commons take up arms, was strangely flat and unanimated, for want of his old chorus. Twelve lords divided against eighty that were for the bill. The Duke, who was present, would not vote; none of his people had attended the bill in the other House, and General Mordaunt (age 55) (by his orders, as it is imagined) spoke against it. This concludes the session: the King goes to Hanover on Tuesday, he has been scattering ribands of all colours, blue ones [Note. Reference to being created a Knight of the Garter] on Prince Edward (age 12), the young Stadtholder, and the Earls of Lincoln (age 31), Winchilsea (age 62), and Cardigan (age 39);³⁰¹ a green one [Note. Reference to being created a Knight of the Order of the Thistle] on Lord Dumfries;³⁰² a red [Note. Order of the Bath] on Lord Onslow (age 39).³⁰³

The world is still mad about the Gunnings; the Duchess of Hamilton (age 18) was presented on Friday; the crowd was so great, that even the noble mob in the drawing-room clambered upon chairs and tables to look at her. There are mobs at their doors to see them get into their chairs; and people go early to get places at the theatres when it is known they will be there. Dr. Sacheverel never made more noise than these two beauties [Note. Elizabeth Gunning Duchess Hamilton and Argyll (age 18) and Maria Gunning Countess Coventry (age 19)].

There are two wretched women that just now are as much talked of, a Miss Jefferies¹ and a Miss Blandy (age 32)²; the one condemned for murdering her uncle, the other her father. Both their stories have horrid circumstances; the first, having been debauched by her uncle; the other had so tender a parent, that his whole concern while he was expiring, and knew her for his murderess, was to save her life. It is shocking to think what a shambles this country is grown! Seventeen were executed this morning, after having murdered the turnkey on Friday night, and almost forced open Newgate. One is forced to travel, even at noon, as if one was going to battle.

Mr. Chute (age 51) is as much yours as ever, except in the article of pen and ink. Your brother transacts all he can for the Lucchi, as he has much more weight there³⁰⁴ than Mr. Chute. Adieu!

Note 299. Archibald Campbell (age 69), Duke of argyll, formerly Earl of Isla.

Note 300. For Lord Hardwicke's notes of this speech, see Parl. Hist. vol. xiv. P. 1235.-E.

Note 301. George Brudenell, fourth Earl of cardigan (age 39), created Duke of Montagu in 1776; died in 1790.-D.

Note 302. William Crichton Dalrymple (age 53), fourth Earl [Note. Mistake. He was 5th Earl] of Dumfries in Scotland, in right of his mother. He also became, in 1760, fourth Earl of stair, and died in 1768.-D.

Note 303. George, third Lord Onslow (age 39); died in 1776.-D.

Note 304. With the late Mr. Whithed's brothers, who scrupled paying a small legacy and annuity to his mistress and child.

Note 1. Elizabeth Jeffries was to have received her uncle's estate but as a consequence of her bad behaviour he stated he would change his will. She, with accomplices, murdered her uncle. She was executed at a temporary gibbet at the Sixth Milestone Epping Forest on 28 Mar 1572.

Note 2. Mary Blandy (age 32) who was found guilty of poisoning her father and executed on 06 Apr 1752.

Greville Memoirs. 28 Mar 1832. There appear to have been as many differences of opinion as of people on the discussion in the House of Lords when the Bill was brought up, and it seems paradoxical, but is true, that though it was on the whole satisfactory, nobody was satisfied. Lord Grey complained to me that Lord Harrowby was too stiff; Lord Harrowby complained that Lord Grey was always beating about the bush of compromise, but never would commit himself fairly to concession. Melbourne complained last night that what was done was done in such an ungracious manner, so niggardly, that he hated the man (Harrowby) who did it. The ultra-Tories are outrageous 'that he gave up everything without reason or cause;' the ultra-Whigs equally furious 'that he had shown how little way he was disposed to go in Committee; his object was to turn out the Government;' and what is comical, neither party will believe that Harrowby really is so obnoxious to the other as he is said to be. Each is convinced that he is acting in the interests of the other. What a position, what injustice, blindness, folly, obstinacy, brought together and exhibited! If ever there was a man whose conduct was exempt from the ordinary motives of ambition, and who made personal sacrifices in what he is doing, it is Lord Harrowby, and yet there is no reproach that is not cast upon him, no term of abuse that is not applied to him, no motive that is not ascribed to him. No wonder a man who has seen much of them is sick of politics and public life. Nothing now is thought of but the lists, and of course everybody has got one. The Tories still pretend to a majority of seven; the Government and Harrowby think they have one of from ten to twenty, and I suspect fifteen will be found about the mark. The unfortunate thing is that neither of our cocks is good for fighting, not from want of courage, but Harrowby is peevish, ungracious and unpopular, and Wharncliffe (age 55) carries no great weight. To be sure neither of them pretends to make a party, but then their opponents insist upon it that they do, and men shrink from enlisting (or being supposed to enlist) under Wharncliffe's (age 55) banner. However, notwithstanding the violence of the noisy fools of the party, and of the women, there is a more rational disposition on the part of practical men, for Wharncliffe (age 55) spoke to Ellenborough yesterday, and told him that though he knew he and Harrowby were regarded as traitors by all of them, he did hope that when the Bill came into Committee they would agree to consult together, and try and come to some understanding as to the best mode of dealing with the question, that it was absurd to be standing aloof at such a moment; to which Ellenborough replied that he perfectly agreed with him, was anxious to do so, and intended to advise his friends to take that course.