Catalogue description CHARLES V. and the EARL OF DESMOND.

Instructions given by the King of Spain to his chaplain, Gonzalo Fernandez, sent to treat with the Earl of Desmond.

You shall proceed with all haste to the place where the Earl is, and give him the letter which you carry for your credence. Some time ago an official of his household, named Galfigidus, came to our court, and delivered us a letter from him. He acquainted us with the Earl's desire for our friendship, and stated that his friends would be friends of our friends and foes of our foes. He requested us to send thither a trustworthy person, to learn the Earl's intention and power, and the means with which he could treat with me. Accordingly I send you to the Earl for these purposes. He will find me disposed to do all I can for him and his friends. You shall learn what are his forces, and how he can employ them; and what he desires me to do on my part.

As to his request that we should comprehend him in any treaty between us and the King of England, you shall inform him that, although we have always endeavoured to continue in friendship with that King, he has nevertheless declared himself against me, in favour of the King of France, my enemy, and has sent us a defiance; and that beguiled by evil persuasions, he is endeavouring to divorce himself from the Queen our aunt, his lawful wife, and to give the duchy (ducado) of Ireland to a bastard son of his; which we can in no wise suffer, as it is to the prejudice of the Princess, his only daughter and heir. We shall oppose it by all possible means, and trust the Earl will aid us with all his forces. We promise to include him in any treaty we may make with the King of England.

Toledo, 24 Feb. 1529.--"Yo el Rey."--"By command of his Majesty, Alonso de Valdes."

Copy.

Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73), vol. I, document 33.