17 April 1461: Remember that such opportunities do not occur often

A brief letter from Francesco Coppino. In it he notes that the situation in England presents a rare opportunity for the Milanese, without elaborating in this correspondence as to what these are. 

Remember that such opportunities do not occur often

87. Francesco Coppino, Bishop of Terni, Papal Nuncio, to Ciccho de Calabria, Secretary of the Duke of Milan.

We have written to the Duke, as you will see. When it has been read, see that such measures are taken as the case requires, and for which we trust to you. Remember that such opportunities do not occur often; but what need to go into long explanations with you. However, as these affairs are weighty and may lead to great results, we trust to you to see that the chance is not lost.

St. Omer, the 17th April, 1461.
[Italian; copy.]

‘Milan: 1461’, in Calendar of State Papers and Manuscripts in the Archives and Collections of Milan 1385-1618, ed. Allen B Hinds (London, 1912), British History Online

Related Content

This letter is part of our series on the Road to Towton as told by the Milan State Papers. These letters cover the period from the Battle of Wakefield to the reporting of the Battle of Towton. They include references to the Second Battle of St. Albans and the proclamation of Edward as being King of England.

Image Credit

Engraving of Edward IV extolls his troops to fight their Lancastrian foes at the Battle of Towton (29 March 1461). This was first published in: Grant, James (1880) [1878] “Chapter XVI” in British Battles on Land and Sea, Volume 1, London, Paris and New York: Cassell Petter and Galpin, pp. p. 91 Via Picryl.