In this letter dated 27 April 1461 Francesco Coppino discusses the opportunities that the Yorkist victory in the Battle of Towton presents. From his perspective, the advent of the Yorkist regime is good news. It presents him, personally, with the prospect of advancement which, he says, will be advantageous to the Pope and the Duke of Milan.
Things are disposed in favour of a change for the better, and never was there a better opportunity for his Holiness and your Lordship, if things are properly understood
The bishop also demonstrates that the scenario requires diplomatic efforts to be made regarding England that include him making representations to the Dauphin of France and Duke of Burgundy, putting the events in England into a wider international sphere.
96. Francesco Copino, Bishop of Terni, Papal Nuncio, to Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan.
I have sent your lordship word of the events of England by a footman of my own, who should reach you in 12 or 14 days. I now enclose copies of letters from England, principally from this Chancellor, brother of the Earl of Warwick, and from two other bishops, from which you will learn of the final and marvellous victory of the Earl of March, who is made the new king, of Warwick and the cruel battle, in which the total loss amounted to 28,000 men, including ten of their greatest lords, truly our king only lost one baron and 800 others. Things are disposed in favour of a change for the better, and never was there a better opportunity for his Holiness and your Lordship, if things are properly understood (sono le cose disposte ad reformarsi et mai fu il pui bel tempo p N.S. et per V.J.S. se ben sentende la cosa). Since the letters show that my return will be welcome, I am on the way back thither to do my part and more. It remains for those on your side to do what is necessary, for which every hope rests upon your authority and in your hand. I am in despair at seeing such exceptionally glorious things prepared while I am not assisted or understood. However, my confidence in your Lordship consoles me, and encourages me to risk utter discomfiture. (Resta che decosta si facti il bisogno del quale tutta la speranza e vestra auctorita et in vestra mano Io mi dispero J.S. mio che veggo apparechiare troppo gloriose cose et non sono aiutato ne inteso. Ma pur mi conforta la fede che ho in vestra J.S. che mi fa mettere ad ogni sbaraglio).
With this come letters to Messer Falcone, and I am writing to his Holiness. I beg you to forward them. I was advised by a letter of M. Antonio de la Turre of the 4th March of what was arranged there, and I answered by the messenger aforesaid. Most Illustrious Lord, non qui inceperit sed qui perseveraverit salvus erit. To-day I am to see the Most Illustrious Dauphin at Brussels to confer upon high and worthy affairs connected with those of ours and within three days I shall be at the council of the Most Illustrious duke, whence I will advise your Lordship. For God’s sake help this enterprise, and quickly, if you wish to see worthy, great and just things.
Malines, the 27th April, 1461.
Kept back to the 1st May; and I have found here letters of your Lordship about Master Antonio dalla Torre going to Rome. Do not tarry for God’s sake; you see the fortunate events here which may be turned to many good purposes if they have assistance. See that this is not lacking. To-morrow I am going to the duke’s council, where I hope to find your messenger, and I will write again. I will then go to England to uphold their hands as they need. Let your Lordship do what is required without having to be asked.
[Italian.]‘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
Prologue by Gilbert de la Porrée (ff. 2r-3v); Apocalypse (Revelation) in prose with glosses (ff. 3v-58v). 4th quarter of the 15th century. French. Add MS 17399. British Library.