Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 12, 1610-1613. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1905.
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'Venice: November 1610, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 12, 1610-1613, (London, 1905) pp. 59-72. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol12/pp59-72 [accessed 25 April 2024]
November 1610, 1–15
| Nov. 1. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 84. Marc' Antonio Padavin, Venetian Secretary in Germany, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At the Convention of Cologne, the Princes refused to receive the Commissioners of Saxony who claimed position as a “possessioner” in virtue of the Imperial investiture. Matters were at a deadlock when the English and French Ambassadors proposed that the “possessioners” should swear to hold the two Duchies in the name of the Emperor, and to renounce them to whomsoever they might be adjudicated; that the population should recognise the Emperor as their supreme Lord; that the commanders of the forts of Juliers in particular should declare and swear that they were held for the Emperor and would be renounced to whomsoever they might be adjudicated; that the Princes of the Union should make some act of reverence to the Emperor. | |||||
| Prague, 1st November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 3. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 85. Andrea Gussoni, Agustino Nani and Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| The Duke of Ventadour drives the Jesuits out of Languedoc and destroys their College. He also burned by the hand of the hangman a pamphlet they had published about the miracle of Garnet's blood. The Jesuits reckon him a martyr. The Jesuits of that country are seriously accused, especially one Father David, of preaching the lawfulness of regicide and publishing the miracles of Garnet. | |||||
| Paris, 3rd November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 3. Senato, Secreta. Despatches from Crema. Venetian Archives. | 86. Francesco Zen, Governor of Crema, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| Yesterday evening, after twenty three o'clock, I received letters from the Rectors of Brescia enclosing a copy of the orders of the Sanitary Commissioners to place in quarantine at the first place on the frontiers of the State, the English Ambassador who was arriving, as they said, from a suspected country. As the Rectors thought the Ambassador might take this road and arrive here before reaching Brescia they forwarded this order. | |||||
| In order to proceed securely and also to be able to give some satisfaction to his Excellency if he came here, I sent off an express to the Resident at Milan to find out, if possible, the day on which th3 Ambassador would reach these frontiers, where I intended to provide him with suitable lodging; but while I was waiting a reply by my express, the Ambassador arrived before the city gates, nor could I induce him to turn back two miles where a better lodging had been prepared for him. Finally after sending my deputy to his carriage, he consented to settle himself in another lodging, a mile out of the city, lent me by Captain Andrea Roba, where he will be quite comfortable. The Ambassador, after complaining that he had been treated here as in no other place, for he had always received free passage and all courtesy, made a special grievance of the fact that he had not been warned of this impediment by any of your Serenity's Ambassadors or Ministers with whom he had spoken; he announced his intention of retracing his steps to await his orders outside the State of Venice so as not to be exposed to further repulse, although the hour was very late to go back to Lodi as he said he wished to do. Meantime I appointed two of the leading gentlemen of this city to wait upon him and I caused him to be informed that I was sending a courier express to Venice and that in two days he would know your Serenity's decision. I assured him of the constant desire to satisfy all the Ministers of the Crown of England owing to the good understanding between it and the Republic. The whole business has been extremely delicate and unexpected, for I found myself face to face with two dangers, either that he would turn back in disgust if he could not enter the city or that he would absolutely refuse a lodging outside the city, as he has his wife and other women with him. I was in great doubt what course to pursue, but thanks be to God I have succeeded beyond my expectations considering the personage with which I was dealing; I think the lateness of the hour and the Ambassador's need for repose helped me much. | |||||
| This gentleman has four hired carriages, and nineteen or twenty persons in all, counting men and women. Throughout his journey he has had no mishap of sickness or death among his suite. He has no baggage waggon, but in the carriages he has three cases (tamburi), one trunk (coffa), and two or three leather valises with his own clothes. He says he has been forty-two days on the journey and has been freely admitted everywhere, as the Resident at Milan particularly informs me by letter received after the Ambassador's arrival. I have sent a horse express to inform your Serenity, so that by some means you may give me your commands, as I have no orders in this matter beyond those from the Rectors of Brescia. I have reported the whole to them, and if orders come from them before they reach me from your Serenity I will give them effect, for I fear that the Ambassador if he has to stay shut up may return to Milan or elsewhere. | |||||
| Crema, 3rd November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 3. Senato Secreta, Despatches from Milan. Venetian Archives. | 87. Giovanni Francesco Marchesini, Venetian Resident in Milan, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| At eight at night I received an express from the Podestà and Captain of Crema begging me to inform him how the Sanitary Authorities here intend to treat the English Ambassador (Carleton) now on his way to Venice. I rose at dawn to find out about this, and a gentleman from the Ambassador waited on me to present his service and excuse his calling on me, as he had arrived so late the day before and had spent the remainder of the day in seeing the city. I said I would wait on him at once, but his gentleman said the Ambassador was just about to take carriage to move forward to Crema. I sent one of my household to pay my respects and he found the Ambassador in fact getting into his carriage. He has his wife and other ladies and eight carriages. He was lodged quite simply at the “Three Kings.” The Sanitary officers had taken no notice of him. | |||||
| Milan, 3rd November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 3. Collegio Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives. | 88. The English Ambassador came to the Cabinet and leaving in the Ante-chamber the Viscount Cranborne (Crambur) son of the Earl of Salisbury, and the son of the Lord Chamberlain his cousin, although he had been told that he might introduce them along with himself or after himself, spoke briefly as follows: | ||||
| “Most Serene Prince, I come this morning merely to present to your Serenity two youths who are in my company. The Earl of Salisbury writes to me commanding me to place in the arms of your Serenity Viscount Cranborne (Crambur) his son, and to recommend him to the protection of your Serenity and of these Illustrious and Excellent Gentlemen, and at the same time to make offer of himself and his services which he is ever willing to place at the disposal of your Serenity and of this Most Serene Republic. For companion, he has sent with his own son a brother-in-law, (fn. 1) the son of the Lord Chamberlain, who although by our law he does not enjoy the privileges and a fortune of a first-born is, nevertheless, very lucky in being the heir to the fortune of the Earl the Keeper of the Privy Seal. (fn. 2) I therefore beg your Serenity to graciously receive these two heirs of such great fortunes; that is my sole business this morning. I recognis3 the honour Lord Salisbury has done me in desiring that these gentlemen should arrive here before the new Ambassador, and that thus I should have the honour of presenting them.” | |||||
| The Doge replied that he would see them willingly as recommended by the Ambassador, but above all out of regard for the Earl of Salisbury, for whom he had a high esteem both on account of his lofty qualities and of his good will towards the Republic. The Doge gave orders that they be introduced, as was done. They were accompanied by several gentlemen, and on reaching the steps of the dais the Ambassador met them and presented them to the Doge, who embraced them with feeling and caused them to be seated, as had been already arranged, on his left hand above the Ducal Councillors, first the Viscount and then the Chamberlain's son. They having taken their seats said not a word, as they could not speak Italian, although, as was afterwards discovered, they understood it. The Ambassador, however, made a courteous speech in their name, and his Serenity replied with benignity, expressing his satisfaction that the Earl of Salisbury should have given this proof of his regard by sending his only son to visit their Lordships, and offering them every facility they could desire in the city. The Ambassador said that on his way through Turin Lord Cranborne had been greatly honoured by his Highness, that he had passed through Milan and the cities of the Republic and had reached Venice, where he would stay only a short time, for being married he desired to return to England as soon as possible. After a little further conversation they departed; a sum of sixty ducats was ordered for their entertainments. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 4. Senato Secreta. Dispatches from Brescia. Venetian Archives. | 89. Francesco Zen, Governor in Crema, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| After the despatch of my letters last night to your Serenity and to the Rectors of Brescia, this morning early the English Ambassador insisted on turning back and had already had his valises packed on the carriages and was only waiting till they put to the horses. I was informed of this by one of the two gentlemen I had deputed to wait on the Ambassador and I instantly sent Signor Clavello, as soon as the gates were opened, to use every means to pacify the Ambassador at least until I could receive an answer from Brescia if he would not wait the answer from Venice, for he was in a place where he had only to command and he would be instantly obeyed and supplied with everything as was natural in a city where he was so welcome; I regretted any annoyance to him but it was not in my power to change the orders of the sanitary officers, who were on this point superior to myself and to the officials in Brescia. These representations calmed the Ambassador somewhat and he ordered the horses to be unharnessed and the valises taken down. And to still further placate him I thought it well (though not to disobey your Serenity's orders, for I did it for the public not for my private service, and if it so please your Serenity, I will defray the charges out of my private purse) to offer him some refreshment and I caused some bowls to be made ready, in one of which was quince and peach ices, one with peach-paste, another with pistacchio, two jars of preserved citron; on four other dishes were thirty different kinds of salad and some salted tongue; a piece of cheese weighing sixty pounds, six pairs of cappons and a barrel of old Malmesey, and another of fresh Muscat; cost of the whole about two hundred lire. The Ambassador received all this very graciously and called the Ambassadress to be present at the act, and although it was hard upon the dinner hour, both husband and wife tasted the wine and gave a toast and also tried some of the other dainties. But all today they have been looking out for the courier from Brescia, for the place where they are commands the road, and no sooner had the courier arrived than the Ambassador sent to ask me what the Rectors had decided. They as a matter of fact made two main points; first, that they could not permit transit through either territory or city committed to their charge, and the other that I was to do all I could to prevent the Ambassador from leaving. I at once sent Signor Clavello to explain everything; he fulfilled his mission so well that he completely pacified the Ambassador, who said that if it pleased your Serenity to keep him out of Venice for fifteen or twenty days he begged that Desenzano might be assigned as the place for his quarantine, although he was very anxious to keep the appointment made with his predecessor to meet him on the evening of Tuesday in Padua, so that he might get back to his own country before the bad weather set in and the roads became worse. | |||||
| This is what I have to report to your Serenity, whose orders I await by the courier I sent and who must soon be back. | |||||
| Crema, 4th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 4. Collegio Cerimoniale, Venetian Archives. | 90. The arrival in Venice, privately, of Viscount Cranborne (Esambar) and the son of the Lord Chamberlain of England. | ||||
| The Viscount Cranborne (Clambur), son of the Earl of Salisbury, and his brother-in-law, the son of the Lord High Chamberlain to his Majesty the King of Great Britian, having arrived in Venice and being lodged with the Ambassador of England, they asked leave to come to the Cabinet to pay their respects to his Serenity. By agreement with the Cabinet both of them came accompanied by the Ambassador, who was made to sit in his usual seat, while the other two sat on his Serenity's left. | |||||
| By order of the Cabinet they were presented with refreshments to the value of sixty ducats. The Senate also authorized the Cabinet to spend up to 400 ducats to present, at various times, other refreshment and to entertain them in the arsenal, which was shown them along with all the other sights of the City. | |||||
| Orders were also sent to the Governor of Palma that if they went, as they intended, to see that fortress he was to lodge and entertain them to the amount of sixty ducats. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 4. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 91. Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| On Saturday the Prince of Anhault arrived in this kingdom, with a small following and without any previous understanding with the King. Sir Lewis Lewkenor was at once sent to meet him and to bring him to the City in the Royal barges. The following day the Prince went to visit Lord Salisbury, and he is now awaiting the King's return from Royston (fn. 3) on Wednesday next. The Prince would have been better pleased to go to see the King out in the country, so anxious is he to conclude his business here. He started from Düsseldorf and came through Holland, where he stayed four days on business. He has come on the pretext of a mere visit, as this Court had shown some resentment that he should have been sent twice to France and not here. I am, however, assured that, besides returning thanks for the aid lent in the attack on Juliers, he is specially charged by the Protestant Princes to deal with the affairs of Germany, and to urge the despatch of the terms of the treaty. On this last point he will not have to trouble, for before his arrival, the articles, signed and settled, were sent to the Ambassador of his Majesty at Cologne Every day the suspicious of the Princes of the Union are strengthened with regard to the Bavarian league and the armaments in the Duchy of Milan, nor does the agreement between the Emperor and Mathias trouble them little, nor yet the successes of Poland in Russia; they are, therefore, doing their best to support their general and their particular interests, and especially to fix the mind of Neuburg and divert him from any step which does not suit the needs of the times. Neuburg's claims to the guardianship of the young Count Palatine are well founded in the Imperial Constitutions, nevertheless the generality of the Princes are inclined to support the Duke of Deuxponts, who is at present in possession, declaring that the Edict does not touch cases where there is a will, nor was the testator's faculty restricted in this case; and so already the majority have sent to congratulate him, and perhaps they will try to secure the same in the name of the King of England, as has happened with France in order to damp the aspirations of the other party. | |||||
| At Cologne they are engaged on the subject of Cleves and the whole business reduces itself to two points; the “possessorio” in which the Emperor claims that the Princes should hold Juliers in his name and admit his representative, and the “petitorio” in which the question arises whether the claims to the Duchies are to be considered by the Emperor and all the Princes or by the Emperor in more restricted Council. These points might easily be settled were it not that the prestige of the Emperor and of Spain are at stake. It is thought, therefore, that the capture of Juliers is likely to bring more harm than good, and this I have from the lips of the Prince of Anhault, who also added that it had always been his view that they should accept the Duke of Saxony for the Duchy of Cleves and that now the other Princes began to see that he was right. | |||||
| There is not a thorough understanding between Brandenburg and Neuburg, though they jointly enjoy the State. They are at some places hard by Cologne so as to be able readily to send their Commissioners and to consult with their agents. While the general points are under discussion their particular claims remain undecided. | |||||
| With the Archduke Albert all goes quietly. His last summer's levies are disbanded. He devotes his whole attention not only to the peace but to remove any shadow of warlike ideas. | |||||
| Moris, (fn. 4) sent to the Margrave of Brandenburg with a present of horses and dogs, is only waiting fair weather, and I am assured that the mission does not extend beyond formal compliments. | |||||
| Lord Wotton, returned from his Extraordinary Embassy to France, speaks in the highest terms of the King and gives clear indications of his satisfaction at the way he was treated. He professes himself particularly oblige3 by the courtesy of the Illustrious Ambassador Foscarini and of the gentlemen of his suite. Wotton ran great risk in crossing the sea and had to take some days' rest before coming on to London. He has not seen the King yet. | |||||
| The King is quite restored in health. He will keep All Saints' in London and then return to Theobalds and Royston for the chase. | |||||
| Parliament has begun to meet; owing to the absence of many leaders nothing has been done this week. I hear that they will have no less difficulty among themselves than they had in their negotiations with the King; for many wish to be exempt from the payment of the eight hundred thousand ducats voted to his Majesty and many claim damages for loss by the abolition of wardships. | |||||
| By the King's orders the sentence of death on Captain Tomkins has been suspended. He is not without powerful supporters, as he is of excellent blood. I have been approached on the subject but I excused myself and will continue to take the course indicated for the dignity of the State and the service of the interested parties. | |||||
| I have discovered from an excellent quarter that the reply on the subject of the damages claimed in the case of the “Corsaletta” is not pleasing here. I will keep a watch and will not fail to make some suitable representations to remove the evil impression. | |||||
| London, 4th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian, the part in italics deciphered.] | |||||
| Nov. 4. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 92. Marc' Antonio Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| Father Baldwin is still in the Tower. No resolution has been taken about him as yet. Perhaps they are waiting for the King's return. | |||||
| Along with Lord Wotton there is come from France Casaubon, late Librarian of his most Christian Majesty. This is he who began to write in favour of your Serenity during the late controversy with the Pope. The King of England begged for him very earnestly and has given him a Canonry at Canterbury worth eight hundred crowns a year, and intends to employ him in many ways as Casaubon is versed in the sciences. He was born in Geneva, but I hear that he holds opinions not very far removed from the doctrine of the Roman Church. He has a son who publicly professes himself a convert of Cardinal du Perron. (Con il Baron Wotton é venuto di Francia il Casaubon già Bibliotecario del Christianissimo, et é quello che communicò a scriver in favore delle ragioni di V. Serenità nelle passate controversie con il Pontefice. E. Stato ricercato da questa Maestà con molto instanza, la quale gli ha destinato un canonicato in Canturberi di 800 sdi di rendita con pensiero di valersi di lui in molte cose per esser versatissimo nelle scienze. Nacque egli in Ginevra, tuttavia intendo che non é di opinione molto lontano dalli Dogmi della Chiesa Romana, et ha un figlio che fa publica professione di Catholico convertito dal Cardinale di Perona.) Casaubon had an interview with du Perron before leaving France, and I hear that the Queen gladly gave him leave to go, as she held that his visit would do her prestige good rather than harm. | |||||
| There have arrived from Flanders at the house of a very important person about 1,500 copies of a book printed in Latin and English attacking the King'3 book and the King's person. But this personage discovered it in time and burned them all; not so secretly, however, but that it reached the ears of Lord Salisbury. Another book has also fallen into Lord Salisbury's hands; it is in French and deals with the same subject and is directed with infinite scurrility against the King. It is apparently printed in Cologne, but is held for certain to be from France. The French Ambassador has sent his Secretary to Paris to use all diligence to find out the author. | |||||
| London, 4th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian; the part in italics deciphered.] | |||||
| Nov. 4. Senato Secreta. Despatches from Brescia. Venetian Archives. | 93. The Governors of Brescia to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| This morning we have received letters from the Podestà and Captain of Crema informing us that late last night the English Ambassador arrived outside the town. The Podesta refused him leave to enter, and sent to ask us whether, if the Ambassador came on to Brescia, we would admit him there and whether, if the Ambassador wished to retrace his steps, he should let him do so. We replied that we were bound to obey the orders of the Sanitary authorities, and advised him to beg the Ambassador to await instructions from Venice. | |||||
| Brescia, 4th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Enclosed in preceding dispatch. | 94. Copy of a Letter to the Podesta and Captain of Crema. | ||||
| Approving his action. He is to endeavour to keep the Ambassador in the lodgings prepared for him, and to find better if need be, so that he may be thoroughly satisfied. Not to let him depart on any consideration. Meantime are waiting orders by express. Enclose the orders of the Sanitary Commissioners as to quarantine. We expect that as a gentleman of sound judgement he will submit. At the conclusion of the quarantine or on receipt of other orders he may continue his journey. You will report to us. Until his quarantine is finished we cannot admit him to this city or territory. | |||||
| Brescia, 4th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 5. Minutes of the Senate. Terra, Venetian Archives. | 95. To the Podesta and Captain of Crema. | ||||
| In reply to your letters of the 3rd which reached us this morning we, along with the Senate, order that as soon as this comes to your hands you are to see the English Ambassador and to say to him that the delay occasioned about his entry into that city is caused by the usual orders issued by the Sanitary authority and not from any desire to cause him annoyance or inconvenience. You will express this in such a way as to pacify his Lordship, and will say that we, having heard from you, have instructed you to remove all impediments and to allow him to proceed hither at once, where we will welcome him gladly and treat him in such a fashion as our respect for his Master the King requires. That in a matter of such moment as the public health he ought to agree, as indeed he must, that, with the exception of his personal effects and those of his suite, his other luggage should be left behind to be aired (sborate), and they will be sent on by you as soon as possible. We send these orders back by your messenger so that his Lordship may see our readiness to serve him in all that we properly can. These orders you will transmit to Brescia and other cities, so that he may be allowed to pass freely. | |||||
| Ayes | 75. | Second votes | 61. | ||
| Noes | 26. | 31. | Not carried. | ||
| Neutrals | 52. | 53. | |||
| Put again:— | |||||
| Ayes | 101. | ||||
| Noes | 22. | ||||
| Neutrals | 29. | ||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 6. Collegio, Lettere. Venetian Archives. | 96. To the Rectors of Brescia. | ||||
| Before we received your despatch of the 3rd about the passage through our territory of the English Ambassador we had already, on notice from the Captain and Podestà of Crema, voted that he was to be allowed free passage, without let or hindrance; these orders were sent express yesterday evening to Crema. These orders were repeated to the Rectors of Brescia. | |||||
| The same to Verona, Vicenza and Padua. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 8. Senato Secreta. Despatches from Florence. Venetian Archives. | 97. Giacomo Vendramin, Venetian resident in Florence, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| The Earl of Warwick has built at Leghorn a galleon of his own design for the Grand Duke. From Leghorn a ship has been sent to bring the rest of the English. | |||||
| Florence, 8th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 9. Senato Secreta. Despatches from Brescia. Venetian Archives. | 98. The Rectors of Brescia to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| Yesterday evening the English Ambassador arrived at a village three miles out of Brescia on the Crema road. He took lodging there as the hour was late, owing to the bad roads. This morning he sent his courier to announce his passage which he wished to make outside this city, and begging that orders be sent to Desenzano for his free passage and lodgement in that place. We at once assented, and told the courier that his Lordship could freely enter Brescia and use it as he might require, as it would be a favour to us to be allowed to visit him and serve his Excellency; and in the presence of the courier we at once sent our Vicar out of the city to wait on the Ambassador at his passing; but at the very moment the courier reached us the Ambassador had suddenly set forward and there was no time to pay this compliment. | |||||
| We have informed the Rectors of Verona, as the Ambassador may arrive there on Friday or Saturday next. | |||||
| Brescia, 9th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 9. Collegio, Lettere, Venetian Archives. | 99. To the Podestà of Bassano. | ||||
| The Master of the Imperial Post resident in Bassano has complained that, contrary to ordinary usage, you have kept the courier with despatches from England and Germany waiting a whole night outside the gates. We order you to open the gates, and give free passage to the courier at any hour of the night; for so the public service requires and so you will act. | |||||
| Ayes | 22. | ||||
| Noes | 0. | ||||
| Neutrals | 1. | ||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Covered by preceding dispatch. | 100. Complaint presented by Ferdinando de Tassis, Imperial Post Master for Venetia, that the Podestà has threatened the Post Master of Bassano with prison and cord if he dares to wake the Podestà out of his sleep to open the gates and to let the mail from England and Germany through. | ||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 11. Collegio, Lettere. Venetian Archives. | 101. To the King of Great Britain. | ||||
| Credentials for Antonio Foscarini. | |||||
| Ayes | 21. | ||||
| Noes | 0. | ||||
| Neutrals | 0. | ||||
| The same to the Queen and to the Prince of Wales. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 11. Collegio, Lettere. Venetian Archives. | 102. Passport for Antonio Foscarini. | ||||
| Ayes | 21. | ||||
| Noes | 0. | ||||
| Neutrals | 0. | ||||
| [Latin and Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 11. Collegio, Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives | 103. The English Ambassador came to the Cabinet and when he had taken his seat the Doge enquired after the health of the “Viscount of Salisbury” and of his brother-in-law. The Ambassador replied that the Viscount was well and that his brother-in-law had had four paroxysms, but it was a simple tertian fever, without any bad symptoms, and so it was hoped he would soon be well. The Viscount, knowing that the Ambassador was to have audienc3 that morning, had charged him to present his thanks for his kind reception by the Cabinet and for the visit of the Illustrious Sig. Guistinian, a gentleman of such excellent qualities, and so beloved at the English Court and so justly esteemed in Venice. Of all this these two gentlemen, although young, take count and are fully alive to the honours; they have written to Lord Salisbury. The Ambassador also feels a part of the obligation for the favours shown to gentlemen of his nation and will always insist on the courtesy received whenever occasion offers. The Doge replied, declaring that he hoped these gentlemen would recover their health entirely so that they might depart with full satisfaction. These courtesies did not merit such thanks; they were quite usual in the case of foreigners and were most willingly offered in the case of Lord Salisbury, who has displayed such affection towards the Republic. The Government desired to lend their assistance if anything further were required. The Ambassador said he had other thanks to offer, those of his successor for being relieved from the rules of the Sanitary Commission. The new Ambassador would be in Padua this evening or to-morrow, and Wotton was sending his secretary to wait on him. Tired with his long journey he had resented the prohibition imposed on him in Crema, as he had met with nothing like it in other towns. He wrote a letter of some heat to Wotton, but Wotton will inform him of the great favour shown him by his exemption from the Sanitary rules, and will point out that the rules themselves are good. “I am sure that as he has kept silence till now he will feel, as in duty bound, obliged by the favour.” | ||||
| The Doge replied that he regretted the incident at Crema, but as a matter of fact the Rector could not have acted otherwise than in execution of the orders of the Sanitary Officers, whom all obey. The Ambassador had arrived at the gate of Crema without any warning and without any of the usual certificates from Milan and Turin, through which he had passed, and this was the cause of the check. Nevertheless the Rector had seen to his lodging, service and all his need, so that his brief delay would really have served as a rest; nor can he have felt annoyance while waiting the reply of the Senate, which was that the rule should be relaxed and that the Ambassador should be free to come on at his pleasure. The Doge is informed that the new Ambassador is content, and, like a prudent man, has taken the episode at its true value. | |||||
| The Ambassador went on to say that as the time of his departure was approaching when each Ambassador is wont to ask for favours from the princes whom they have served, he has been entreated by many to intercede for them. “I have examined these petitions and have excluded all immoral and infamous crimes. I have chosen one and I make myself suppliant therein, namely that your Serenity be pleased to set free Conte Benedetto Lombardo of Verona, condemned to prison for a pistol found on him. He was not sentenced directly by the Council of Ten but by the Rectors of Verona. There are many circumstances in his favour. He hurt no one, there are no civil or criminal suits against him; his habit of life is good. He is ill, as the medical certificate proves. As Theologians tell us here the greatest sin is disobedience; Adam was not punished so much for eating the apple as for disobeying the order. I trust your Serenity will cast a element eye on the disobedience and take pity on the case. Should you not think fit to set the prisoner free yet I beg you to commute the punishment from imprisonment to one or two years' exile from Verona and the Veronese, which would meet the ends of justice. I earnestly implore your Serenity, and trust to be thus honoured as this is the last petition I shall present. Will your Serenity think of what I can do to serve you and honour me with your commands?” | |||||
| The Doge replied that all were sorry for his departure, but since such was his wish they would preserve a loving memory of him. As to his petition it would be forwarded to the Ten. He must remind the Ambassador, however, that such commutations required a unanimous vote; one hostile vote upset them. Besides, three of the Ten were at present absent from the city. Anyhow, their intention was good and the desire to do him a pleasure. As to the actual case, his Serenity recalled that it happened recently, at night; if the gentleman had done no harm, all the same the pistol was loaded. The case was tried at Verona, but with the delegated authority of the Ten. | |||||
| The Ambassador returned thanks and said he was not aware that in a case where no harm had been done unanimity of votes was needed. | |||||
| He went on to say that he must impart an affair which he considered important, and which at least can not be displeasing to the Doge. An Englishman was captured and taken to Tunis, where there is a nest of pirates and ruffians. This man is a capable navigator and a person of note. He was compelled by the pirates to continue his profession, and he did so, and took out one of the ships and returned again to Barbary. He does not wish to continue this life, and writes to an English merchant here in Venice that he means to put out with his own and other ships from Tunis, and to sail for your Serenity's islands, and so place in your power the whole fleet. He asks for nothing but a safe conduct and security for his person, of all else your Serenity's officers shall dispose as they please. He has asked the merchant to inform me so that I may let you know. The merchant will be here to-morrow; I will have the name of the buccaneer and all particulars, and I will place them in the hands of the Secretary for your Serenity's full information. | |||||
| The Doge replied that this was an important affair, and that the Savii would take it into consideration. It required maturity of council. | |||||
| The Ambassador then asked for news of the King's health, as he had received no despatches that week. The Doge communicated Correr's despatches on that point. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 13. Minutes of the Senate, Venetian Archives. | 104. Commission to Antonio Foscarini, elected Ambassador to the King of Great Britain. | ||||
| To go straight to England. To seek audience and to assure his Majesty of the continuance of good will. To visit the Queen and the Prince of Wales, the other Prince, and the Princess. As requested by Pope Clement VIII., where expedient Foscarini shall support the Catholics, but very cautiously; the present Pope has renewed the request. Foscarini is to take care not to disgust the King, and to confine himself to general terms, and then only when he is sure of benefiting the cause. | |||||
| On the point of mutual reduction of customs Foscarini is referred to despatches of Dec. 30th and Feb. 5th, 1604. | |||||
| Leave to keep in addition to the usual staff a chaplain and an interpreter of English. The chaplain to have for salary and board 186 ducats a year and the interpreter 100. | |||||
| Foscarini's salary 200 ducats of gold, in gold a month worth seven lire each, without obligation to present accounts. He is to keep eleven horses, including the horse of his secretary and of the secretary's servant, and four grooms. Four months' pay is anticipated. Further, 1,000 golden ducats as donative in terms of the resolution of June 2, 1601. Further, 300 ducats of lire 6 soldi 4 for outfit. | |||||
| The Secretary shall have 100 ducats as a donative and each of the Couriers 20 ducats. | |||||
| One hundred and fifty ducats shall be anticipated as pay for couriers and messengers; of this an account shall be presented and the names of the couriers specified and the dates, as by resolution July 28th, 1609. For all extras of any sort soever forty ducats a month, four months anticipated. Plate may be taken to the value of four hundred ducats, at the risk of the State. | |||||
| Order to pay all above sums to Foscarini's legal representatives. | |||||
| Ayes | 125. | ||||
| Noes | 0. | ||||
| Neutrals | 1. | ||||
| Omitting clause about chaplain and interpreters as the members present did not reach 150. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 14. Senato, Secreta. Despatches from Padua. Venetian Archives. | 105. The Governors of Padua to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| Yesterday evening the English Ambassador arrived. He has his wife, his sister and some young ladies. He was lodged in a Palace of the Signori Boltari at the Eremitani. We sent him game, sweets and wine to the value of about 30 ducats; and after dinner went to visit him. The Ambassador met us at the foot of the staircase. He will wait here till his predecessor has cleared out of the Embassy. | |||||
| Padua, 14th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 15. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 106. Marc' Antonio Padovin, Venetian Secretary in Germany, to the Doge and Senate. | ||||
| The question between England and the Hanseatic towns is deferred to a meeting to be held six months hence. If they cannot come to an agreement then the matter will be referred to an Imperial Diet. | |||||
| Prague, 15th November, 1610. | |||||
| [Italian.] | |||||
| Nov. 15. Collegio, Lettere. Venetian Archives. | 107. To the Rectors of Verona. | ||||
| We send you copy of a memorial presented by the English Ambassador, in which he begs for the liberation of Count Benedetto Lombardo, of Verona, condemned to prison by you on the charge of carrying a pistol. You will send us the sentence and also your views on the liberation of Lombardo or the commutation of his imprisonment into banishment for one or two years from Verona and its territory, so that we may come to a resolution on the said petition. | |||||
| Ayes | 21. | ||||
| Noes | 0. | ||||
| Neutrals | 1. | ||||
| [Italian.] | |||||