Letter of Margaret Beaufort to Thomas Butler, Earl of Ormond
[Source: Life of Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby, by Caroline Amelia Halsted]
Michael K. Jones and Malcolm Underwood, Margaret Beaufort's most recent biographers, date this letter to April 1497, following Butler's return from an embassy to Burgundy. They point out that the remark about the "great ladies" is probably a snide reference to Margaret, Duchess of Burgundy, who had given aid to the pretender Perkin Warbeck. Butler was chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth of York, Margaret's daughter-in-law.
My Lord Chamberlain,
I thank you heartily that ye list so soon remember me with my gloves, the which were right good, save they were too much for my hand. I think the ladies in that parts be great ladies all, and according to their great estate they have great personages. As for news here I am sure ye shall have more surety than I can send you. Blessed be God, the King, the Queen, and all our sweet children be in good health. The Queen hath been a little crased, but now she is well, God be thanked. Her sickness is so good as I would but I trust hastily it shall, with God's grace, whom I pray give you good speed in your great matters, and bring you well and soon home.
Written at Shene the 25th day of April,
M. Rychemond. " To my Lord the Queen's Chamberlain."