Cotton MS Vespasian C VII

Language(s): primarily Latin, English and Spanish, partly in cipher, with occasional items in French, Portuguese and Italian

Codex chartaceus, in folio, constans foliis 487.

• 1. A printed tract, entitled, "Considerations necessaires sur un traicté de paix avec l'Espagnol." 1587. 3.
• 2. Edward IV; his inspeximus and confirmation of a treaty between Richard II. and John K. of Portugal, concluded at Windsor, May 9, 1386. This inspeximus being dated Westminster, May 11, 1471. (Lat.) 15.
• 3. Charles V. (before he was emperor) his oath confirming a treaty with Henry VIII. concluded April 19, 1516? (Orig. Fr.) 23.
• 4. A letter in cypher, a small part decyphered; being a dispatch of an English ambassador in Spain. Toledo, March. 24.
• 5. Charles V, to Henry VIII; concerning his intended voyage, and hopes of a speedy interview with Henry. (Orig. Fr.) Corunna, April 29, 1520. 34.
• 6. A paper of intelligence from Spain, said to be from the Constable; chiefly touching the rebellion of John de Padilla. 1521. [30 March 1517] 35.
• 7. Charles V, to Henry VIII; by the Bp. of London (C. Tunstal) and Dr. Sampson, on their being recalled; in commendation of them. (Orig. Fr.) Toledo, Jan. 24, 1526. 38.
• 8. Charles V; his answer to the cartel sent him by the Fr. king. (conf. IV. 67.) (Spanish.) March? 1528. 39.
• 9. The Bp. of Worcester, to Card. Wolsey; about the Emperor's opposition to the king's divorce; the death of the Pope's orator. (Lat.) Valladolid, Feb. 12, 1529? 40.
• 10. Henry VIII, to Lewis (D. de Beja) brother to the K. of Portugal; strongly recommending Don Diego Roi&zmacron; Pinto and his brethren. (Lat.) Greenw. Sept. 25, 1532. 41.
• 11. Th. Bantock, to Wm. Prat merchant of London; intelligence brought him by one Biston, about the Emperor's motions, &c. (Orig.) In the Rendre, July 13, 1533. 42.
• 12. A Spanish paper, relating to some operations before Barcelona. [May] 1533. [1535] 43.
• 13. Denys Harrys, to Wm. Castelyn in London; on commercial affairs. (Orig.) Cales, July 2, 1534. 45.
• 14. Th. Batcock, to Th. Cromwell; intelligence about ships fitted out by Spain. (Orig.) In the Rendre, Dec. 13, 1534. 46.
• 15. A statement of facts, and a charter relating to the privileges of English merchants trading into Spain. 48.
• 16. A charter of Henry VIII, granting certain privileges to the English merchants trading into Spain; dated Westminster, Sept. 1, 1531: and several other instruments relating thereto. 54.
• 17. Wm. Pepwell, to Th. Cromwell; intelligence about the Emperor's preparations against Barbarossa; two Irish emissaries, &c. (Orig.) Cadiz, Nov. 21, 1534. 62.
• 18. Th. Batcock, to Th. Cromwell; intelligence of naval armaments in Spain, &c. (Two originals.) In the Rendre, May 8, [21] and June 22, 1535. 64.
• 19. Intelligence [Charles V. to Mary of Hungary] from the Emperor's army against France. (Fr.) July 5, 1536. 68.
• 20. Th. Batcock, to the Ld. Privy Seal (Cromwell) intelligence about the practices of the Turks, the motions of the Emperor, an allowance of corn to himself, &c. (Orig.) In the Rendre, April 8, 1527. 69.
• 21. Henry VIII; his instructions to Phil. Hoby, sent with orders to sir Tho. Wyat ambassador in the Emperor's court; a rough draught with many corrections, and several passages in Henry's own hand. Oct. 16? 1538? 71.
• 22. John Ratlef, to T. Cromwell; concerning his endeavours in the King's service. (Orig. Spanish.) Toledo, Nov. 29, 1538. 85.
• 23. Rich. Abbis, to the Ld. Py Seal (Cromwell) reports the evil disposition of the Spaniards towards England, &c. (Orig.) Cadiz, Sept. 25, 1538. 87.
• 24. Charles V; his commission to his sister Mary, dowager Q. of Hungary, to treat with the plenipotentiaries of Henry VIII, about the renewal of treaties and marriages. (Fr.) Barcelona, July 26, 1538. 89.
• 25. Tho. Perry, to Rich. Field, merchant in London; a statement of the matters relating to his accusation for having maintained that Henry VIII. was no heretic, and of the proceedings thereupon in the inquisition at the castle of Tryana, where he was put to the rack. 1539. [Pr. II Ellis ii. 139] 91. b.
• 26. A statement of certain articles relating to the navigation and trade between England and the Low countries, which the Spaniards pretend to have been agreed upon at Bourbourg and Calais, Ao 1545, but not duly observed. 96.
• 27. Requests of the Spanish ambassador, relating to the commercial intercourse between England and the Low countries. 97.
• 28. A brief declaration of the grievances the merchants of the Low countries complain of, touching their commerce with England. 98.
• 29. Requests of the Spanish? ambassador, concerning the intercourse between England and the Low countries. 99.
• 30. Sir Thomas Chaloner's cypher. 99. b.
• 31. Privilege granted by Henry VIII. touching the commerce into Spain, confirmed by the Emperor; also a privilege of the D. of Medina Sidonia. 100.
• 32. A duplicate of Tho. Perry's statement of his persecution; addressed to Ralph Vane gentleman to the Ld. Privy Seal. [Pr. II Ellis ii 139] 102.
• 33. A memorial of such answers as the visct. Montague [Anty Browne] and sir Tho. Chamberlain made to some objections that may be offered to them on the part of Spain. Jan. 1559. [1559/60] 107.
• 34. Instructions of the charge committed to the visct. Montague and sir Tho. Chamberlain, sent by Q. Elizabeth to the K. of Spain; a draught in Cecil's hand. Jan. 1559. 109.
• 35. Articles meet to be declared to K. Philip II on Q. Elizabeth's behalf: a draught in Cecil's hand. 1559. 115.
• 36. Minutes of letters from lord Montague and sir Tho. Chamberlain, during their embassy in Spain. 1560. 120.
• 37. Lord Montague and sir Tho. Chamberlain, to Q. Elizabeth; a long report of their negociations. (Orig.) Toledo, June 20, 1560. 127.
• 38. Sir Tho. Chamberlain, to Q. Elizabeth; an original dispatch. Toledo, Nov. 3, 1560. 133.
• 39. ........ [Sir W. Throckmorton] (English ambasador in France) to sir Tho. Chamberlain; various intelligence. Orleans, Nov. 21, 1560. 136.
• 40. Q. Elizabeth, to sir Tho. Chamberlain; instructions. Dec. 13, 1560. 139. b.
• 41. Sir Tho. Chamberlain, to Q. Elizabeth; an original dispatch. Toledo, Feb. 11, 1560. 141.
• 42. The substance of a long letter from Q. Elizabeth, to Ld. Montague and sir Tho. Chamberlain, of April, 18, 1560. 145.
• 43. Transcripts of several Spanish state papers, consisting of orders and powers given by K. Philip II. to his son, concerning the government of Spain during his (Philip's) absence; copied out of a book belonging to D. Diego Samiento [Gondomar] de Alcu&nmacron;a Spanish ambassador in England, who lent it to sir Robert Cotton in the year 1615. 153.
• 44. A treaty for the marriage of princess Mary (dau. to Hen. VIII.) with Philip count Palatine, brother of the elector Otho Henry. achiephi 1535? 177.
• 45. The treaty of marriage between queen Mary and Philip of Spain; with two copies of the Queen's ratification. (A draught.) Westmr. March, 1553-4. 183.
• 46. Articles agreed to by Philip II. on his marriage with Q. Mary, concerning the government of her dominions. 1553. 192.
• 47. Hen. Ratcliff, to the E. of Sussex his father; inclosing a letter from Q. Mary, &c. (Orig.) Court, Dec. 23, 1555. 196.
• 48. Q. Mary's instructions to the E. of Bedford and Ld. Fitzwaters, sent to the prince of Spain (Philip II.) about the marriage. 1553. [Harl. 289 art. 70] 198.
• 49. John Masson, to Pet. Vanne English ambassador at Venice; about his (Vanne's) recall; the recantation of Cheke, Carew, and others, &c. (Orig.) Lond. Oct. 12, 1556. 200.
• 50. An account of the K. of Spain's revenues and expenditures. 1560. 202.
• 51. Q. Elizabeth, to Ld. Montague and sir Tho. Chamberlain, ambassadors in Spain; a long dispatch, the end in Cecil's hand. May 10, 1560. 204.
• 52. Ld. Montague and sir Tho. Chamberlain, to Q. Elizabeth; a long original dispatch. Toledo, May 19, 1560. 210.
• 53. An account of the revenue and expenditure of the K. of Spain. 1561. 216. b.
• 54. Philip II, to Q. Elizabeth; complaining of the seizure of divers sums, persons, ships, and goods belonging to Spain. (Orig. Lat.) Madrid, July 20, 1569. 218.
• 55. Minutes of letters from and to sir Tho. Chaloner. 1562 and 3. 219.
• 56. Tho. Mason, to sir Tho. Chaloner; about some compalints of the latter. (Orig.) London, May 10, 1562. 220.
• 57. Minute of the letters from sir Tho. Chaloner, to Q, Elizabeth, of June 9, 10, 12, and 14, 1562: and on the back, articles of intelligence from Spain, by another hand. 221.
• 58. Sir Tho. Chaloner, to Q. Elizabeth; an original dispatch. Madrid, Sept. 2, 1561. 222.
• 59. Wm. Cecil, to ........ various intelligence about the affairs of France, the Low countries, &c. (Orig.) Oct. 11, 1562. [Pr. II Ellis ii 26 .6] 224.
• 60. Sir [Sir deleted] Nic. Wotton, to sir Tho. Chaloner; intelligence from court. (Orig.) London, Oct. 13, 1562. [Pr. II Ellis ii 26 .6] 227.
• 61. Sir Tho. Chaloner, to Q. Elizabeth; an original dispatch. Madrid, Oct. 14 1562. 228.
• 62. Philip II; his order concerning the shipping goods in foreign bottoms. (Spanish.) Madrid, May 31, 1563. 233.
• 63. Sir Tho. Chaloner, to Q. Elizabeth; an original dispatch. Madrid, Oct. 24, 1562. 236.
• 64. A list of persons released, absentees, and penitents, in the inquisition of Seville. Oct. 28, 1562. 238.
• 65. Sir Tho. Chaloner; his remonstrance to Philip II. about some goods of his, seized at Bilboa. (Lat) 240.
• 66. Sir Tho. Chaloner, to Q. Elizabeth; two original dispatches. Madrid, Nov. 16, and Oct. 19, 1562. 242.
• 67. Sir Tho. Chaloner, to Wm. Cecil? an original dispatch. Madrid, Nov. 16, 1562. 248.
• 68. A summary of a remonstrance made by the English Ambassador to the K. of Spain. (Spanish.) Nov. 27, 1562. 251.
• 69. Sir Tho. Chaloner? to Q. Elizabeth; a long dispatch, not signed. Madrid, Dec. 20, 1562. 253.
• 70. A rehearsal of certain matters declared by the Spanish ambassador to the lords of the Queen's council, touching some infringement of his privileges; and of their answer thereto. Jan. 7, 1562. 258.
• 71. Minutes of state papers, chiefly letters from Madrid, of the year 1562. 261.
• 72. Philip II; his order for the restitution of some English persons and effects, seized at Seville. (Orig. Spanish.) Madrid, Feb. 3, 1562. 266.
• 73. The Lords of Council, to sir Tho. Chaloner; concerning some outrage committed by the Bp. of Aquila (the Spanish ambassador) in the queen's house, which he inhabited. (Orig.) Westminster, Jan. 9, 1562-3. 267.
• 74. A protestation of D. Louis de Requesens, [Governor of the Low Countries] that the K. of Spain ought to have precedency before the K. of France. (Spanish.) 1562. 271.
• 75. A relation of a conference held between D. Alvaro de Quadra, Spanish ambassador in England, and the lords of the Privy Council; concerning an outrage committed in the said ambassador's house. (Spanish.) Jan. 7, 1563. 272.
• 76. A Spanish paper, addressed to the K. of Spain, concerning the release of some English ships. 277.
• 77. Philip II, to Q. Elizabeth; credential in favour of D. Guz. à Sylva, who is ordered to remonstrate against an outrage committed by Capt. Tho. Stude in the port of Bayonne. (Orig. Lat.) Jan. 23, 1564. 279.
• 78. Minutes of letters from Madrid, of the year 1563. 280.
• 79. A message from the K. of Spain, to the English ambassador; concerning an affray in the Spanish ambassador's house in London. (Spanish.) 281.
• 80. Minutes of letters from and to Madrid, of the year 1563 and 4. 282.
• 81. Q. Elizabeth, to sir Tho. Chaloner; an original dispatch. Westm. May 1, 1563. 287.
• 82. Q. Elizabeth, to Philip II; remonstrating against the seizure of English merchants and ships. (Lat.) Windsor, March 17, 1563-4? 289.
• 83. Q. Elizabeth's instructions to John Man, dean of Gloucester, sent ambassador into Spain. (Orig.) Greenwich, Feb. 20, 1565-6. 291.
• 84. Articles exhibited to the K. of Spain, by Mr. Man, in his first coming; with the king's answer to the 1st art. (Lat.) 1566. 293.
• 85. Jo. Man, [Dr. John Mann Dean of Gloucester] to Q. Elizabeth; reports his having delivered her letters to the K. of Spain, &c. (Orig.) Madrid, May 18, 1566. 297.
• 86. The English ambassador in Spain (Man?) [Dr. John Mann Dean of Gloucester] to the K. of Spain; claiming the privilege of having an English chaplain. (Spanish.) 299.
• 87. A petition of the English merchants detained in Spain, to the K. of Spain; and a letter from Q. Elizabeth, to the said king, in their behalf. (Lat.) The latter dated Greenwich, Feb. 17, 1565-6. 301.
• 88. a. Three draughts of letters, and one cypher, not decyphered; probably from Mr. Man [Dr. John Mann Dean of Gloucester] to his secretary sent to England. June? 1566. 303.
• 88. b. A passport for post-horses to be supplied to Godf. Chapman, from Madrid to Bilboa. (Orig. Spanish.) Madrid, Dec. 27, 1567. 308.
• 89. Minutes of several letters between Q. Elizabeth, the K. of Spain, the D. of Parma, but mostly between the queen's ministers, and Andreas de Loo; being an abstract of the said A. de Loo's negociations with the D. of Parma for a peace between the Queen and the K. of Spain. 1586, 7, 8. 310.
• 90. A paper in Cecil's hand, indorsed, "A private consultation of the Q. Majesty with the Ld. keeper, E of Leicester, &c." relating to instructions to be given to sir H. Norris, sent into Spain. March 14, 1569-70? 326.
• 91. Instructions to sir Hen. Cobham, sent into Spain; 2 copies. July, 1575. 328.
• 92. Q. Elizabeth, to Philip II; conciliatory. (Spanish.) Hampton-court, Dec. 29, 1576. 342.
• 93. Instructions to sir John Smith, sent into Spain. Nov. 15, 1576. 343.
• 94. Sir John Smith, to sir Fr. Walsingham; a long report from Spain, not signed. Feb. 5, 1576-7. 351.
• 95. Sir John Smith's memorial to the king Catholick. (Lat.) 1576? 354.
• 96. ........ Escovedi, to the K. of Spain; about raising money in the Low countries. (Spanish.) Antwerp, March 27, 1577. 355.
• 97. Don John of Austria; copies of three letters from him: 1. to Ant. Perez, secy to the king of Spain, April 7, 1577; 2. and 3. to the K. of Spain, Louvain, April 7, 1577. 357.
• 98. ........ Escovedo, to the K. of Spain; four letters, the last without the name: 1. and 2. April 6, and 8; 3. Antwerp, April 19; 4. Antwerp, April 6, 1577. 359. b.
• 99. Jo. Barker, to the E. of Leicester; about commercial matters; the purchase of pipe staves, &c. (Orig.) St. Lucar de Barameda, April 28, 1578. 362.
• 100. Articles to be accorded between the Queen and the K of Spain. 364.
• 101. Articles concerning a loan demanded of Q. Elizabeth by the states of the Low countries; also about auxiliary troops, and for a league. (Lat.) 368.
• 102. Jo. Barker, to the E. of Leicester; two original letters. St. Lucar, June10, and April 12, 1578. 371.
• 103. Q. Elizabeth, to Philip II; requesting that the wife of Boreman, an Englishman, who had been detained by the inquisition, might be allowed to come away with her husband. (Lat.) Greenw. April 8, 1578. 375.
• 104. The Pr. of Parma, to the D. de Terra nova; about the progress of a siege, &c. (Lat.) Camp before Tractatum Mosae (Maestricht?) May 21, 1579. 377.
• 105. Roger Bodenham, to the E. of Leicester; intelligence about preparations in Andalusia, the Cath. king's motions, &c. (Orig.) St. Lucar, June 2, 1580? 379.
• 106. Don Antonio (pretender to the crown of Portugal) to Henry Knowles; about sending soem troops to the D. d'Anjou. Deax (Dax?) Oct. 2, 1581. 381.
• 107. Geo. North, to Wm. Herle; news from court. (Orig.) Lond. Jan. 3, 1581. 383.
• 108. H. Knowles, to the E. of Leicester; complains of delays in the navy, probably of Portugal. (Orig.) From on board, Nov. 7, 1581. 384.
• 109. Edw. Pryn, to the E. of Leicester; reports the state of the island of Tercera, which held for D. Antonio. (Orig.) Angra in Tercera, Nov. 16, 1581. 386.
• 110. Don Antonio, to Hen. Knowles; about the seizure of some Portuguese ships going to Spain, &c. 1581? 388.
• 111. The heads of the causes of the dismission of the ambassador of Spain (Mendoça) with the answer to his objections. 1584? 390.
• 112. Another paper on the same subject; directed to Mr. Waade, sent into Spain. March 8, 1584. 392.
• 113. Minutes of two state papers about the trade in the Netherlands. May 14 and 27, 1564. 394.
• 114. Sir Tho. Chaloner, to Q. Elizabeth; an abstract of his dispatch from Madrid. May 9, 1564. 394. b.
• 115. Sir Tho. Chaloner, to the K. of Spain; a memorial concerning the merchants detained, &c. (Spanish.) Madrid, June 6, 1564. 396.
• 116. Abstracts of two letters from sir Tho. Chaloner, to secy Cecil. Madrid, June 9 and 15, 1564. 397. b.
• 117. Sir Tho. Chaloner, to the K. of Spain; a memorial concerning four ships detained at St. Sebastian. (Spanish.) 1564? 398.
• 118. Minutes of letters from sir Tho. Chaloner, to the Q. and secy Cecil. Madrid, June, 1564. 398. b.
• 119. Heads of a treaty of peace between Q. Elizabeth and K. Philip II. (French.) 1586? 400.
• 120. Articles likely to be propounded to the United Provinces. Jan. 17, 1586. 400. b.
• 121. Q. Elizabeth, to Ld. Buckhurst; instructions concerning a peace with Spain. [? Aug. 1587] [v. Galb. D. I. f. 293.] 401.
• 122. A passport signed Alexander ....... in favour of the E. of Derby, and others, sent by Q. Elizabeth to negociate a peace. (Fr. the beginning wanting.) Almiera, Dec. 22, 1587. 403.
• 123. Fran. Cor..... to the E. of Leicester; concerning some private concerns; the writer appears to have imprisoned in London. (Orig. Spanish.) 1586? 404.
• 124. An Italian letter signed Emilio ........, to his father; about some military operations. (An intercepted letter.) Breche? May 4, 1586. 406.
• 125. Alex. Farnese, to Q. Elizabeth; conciliatory. (Orig. Ital.) Campo sopra Venello, June 20, 1586. 408.
• 126. Licendo Calderon, to Philip II; a report on Indian affairs. (Orig. Spanish.) Panama, March 18, 1586. 410.
• 127. A paper, indorsed by Cecil, "Doubts moved by the commissioners for the Low countries;" concerning Don Antonio, &c. Nov. 29, 1587. 412.
• 128. A rough draught, corrected by Cecil, defective at both ends; being probably instructions for the commissioners at the treaty of Bourbourg. 1587. 414.
• 129. A catalogue of writings that are to be inserted in the report of the Queen's commissioners negociation. 440.
• 130. Part of a letter of And. de Loo, touching a cessation of arms. (Ital.) 441.
• 131. The duke of Parma (Alex. Farnese); his safe-conduct for the E. of Derby, and others. (Lat.) Ghent, Jan. 25, 1588. 442.
• 132. Q. Elizabeth's commission to the E. of Derby, sir Wm. Brooke, Ld. Cobham, sir James Croft, Dr. Val. Dale, and Dr. John Rogers, to treat with the commissioners of the K. of Spain. (Lat.) Greenwich, Feb. 2, 1587-8. 444.
• 133. The Presid. Richardot and advocate Maes, to the Lords Commissioners; about the place and time of the meeting of the congress. (Fr.) Brussels, April 15, 1588. 448.
• 134. The D. of Parma's commission to the count d'Aremberg, Card. Granvelle, Pres. Richardot, Dr. Maes, and Flam. Garnier, to treat with the English commissioners. (Fr.) Brussels, March 4, 1588. 449.
• 135. A report of ........ Morris, to the Lds. Commissioners; touching the negociations. April 25, 1588. 451.
• 136. A project of a cessation of arms, brought by Morris. 1588. 453.
• 137. Articles which sir James Croft proposed to the D. of Parma, in behalf of Q. Elizabeth. April, 1588. 454.
• 138. Presid. Richardot's answer to the above articles. (Fr.) May 10, 1588. 456.
• 139. Philip II; his commission to the D. of Parma, to treat with Q. Elizabeth. (Fr.) St. Laurens, April 17, 1588. 459.
• 140. 1. The Queen's commissioners, to the king of Spain's commissioners, May 30; 2. the K.'s commissioners, May 31; 3. the Queen's commissioners, June 1; 4. the King's commissioners, June 11; 5. the Queen's commissioners, June 4; 5. the last writing given by the King's commissioners, touching a cessation of arms, June 15, 1588. 461.
• 141. A new proposition for a cessation of arms, proposed by Richardot, June 13: and an answer thereto, by the English commissioners. June 15, 1588. 468.
• 142. Postulata legatorum ser.reginae Angliae (a draught.) Bourbourg, June 17, 1588: and an answer to the same, exhibited June 28. 471.
• 143. Questions meet to be considered, touching the intended treaty of peace. 476.
• 144. The French Ambass. in Spain, to the K. his master; concerning the negociations, &c. Madrid, Jan. 22, 1587. 478.
• 145. The prince of Parma's passport for the English commissioners. (Fr.) Brussels, Sept. 21, 1587. 480.
• 146. Another similar passport. (Orig. Fr.) Sluys, Aug. 6, 1587. 484.
• 147. The D. of Parma, to Q. Elizabeth; conciliatory. (Fr.) Brussels, Nov. 9, 1587. 485.
• 148. Tho. Leighton, to the E. of Leicester; about the preparations of the Spaniards. (Orig.) Guernsey, Feb. 7, 1586. 486.