Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.
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'Venice: February 1524', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, (London, 1869) pp. 354-356. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp354-356 [accessed 23 April 2024]
February 1524
| Feb. 1. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 251, St. Mark's Library. | 799. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory. |
|---|---|
| Has been told by Dora. Gabriel da Martinengo, that besides the other demands made by the Emperor of the Order of Rhodes for the grant of Malta and Tripoli, he requires the knights to take upon themselves the defence of Tripoli; a responsibility which Martinengo expects the Order to ponder and hold in great account. The Emperor also insists on their paying the fourth of the revenues of the priories and commanderies in his dominions, according to the concession made to him by Pope Adrian of all the ecclesiastical benefices in his realms. The knights apologize for not acceding to this demand, alleging the expenses incurred by them in the present war against the Turks, besides what they will have to disburse before they can domicile themselves in safety; but they would come to some compromise on this point, were the proposal to defend Tripoli cancelled. | |
| The Queen Germaine, now vice Queen of Valencia, has caused the arrest in that city of some 150 persons who were members of the Germanada. | |
| Vittoria, 1st February 1524. | |
| [Italian, 2 pages.] | |
| Feb. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxv. p. 271. | 800. Marco Foscari to the Signory. |
| The Pope commended the passage of the Adda by the Signory's troops. The French ambassador, Mons. de St. Marceau, has arrived at Rome. He is said to be the bearer of great offers from the King, in order to bring the Pope over to his side. | |
| The English ambassador [Clerk] told the Pope that his King's troops had retired because of the winter season, but would return. The Spaniards had retreated from Salvatierra and marched upon Bayonne. St. Marceau wanted to lodge in the Pope's palace, and. . . . . . told the Pope it was unfitting, and would render the Emperor suspicious; but that on the arrival of Mons. de Beaurain, the Imperial ambassador, they might both lodge there. | |
| The Pope told St. Marceau not to suppose that France was to have the Milanese; and the Archbishop of Capua [Schomberg] informed him (Foscari) that the affairs between the Pope and Ferrara would be arranged. The Ferrarese ambassador, Antonio de' Costabeli, says that his Duke will obtain Modena for a sum of money; which city the Emperor pawned to the Pope, to whom it seems that the King of France is willing to give Parma, Piacenza, Pavia, and Cremona. | |
| Rome, 31st Jan. and 1st Feb. Registered by Sanuto, 5th Feb. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Feb. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxv. p. 267. | 801. News from England. |
| Arrival in Venice from England, by land, of Giovanni Capello, who had been a merchant there. Says he saw all the English troops disembark on the island [from France]. He stated that a triennial truce had been made with Scotland. | |
| Note by Sanuto. —These news are bad, as the French will increase their forces in Italy. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Feb. 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxv. p. 288. | 802. Marco Foscari to the Signory. |
| The Duke of Sessa and other Imperialists suspect the Pope of joining the French. It is said at Rome that the Venetians prevented the lansquenets from crossing the Adda. Having no news from the Signory, knows not what reply to make. The Pope, however, is taking the good road (anclava a bon camin). He and the English ambassador Pace were pleased with the decree of the Senate ordering the troops to cross, and the Pope refuses to join the league for expelling the French from Italy, and chooses to have Ferrara; and it is his firm opinion that the French must quit Italy (sic). | |
| Rome, 5th and 8th February. Registered by Sanuto on the 12th. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Feb. 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxv. p. 277. | 803. The Switzers. |
| Motion made in the Senate by the Sages for a letter to the three Leagues of the Switzers, apologizing for the Signory's inability to grant their request that Venetian troops might not be sent in aid of Milan, as the State is leagued with the Emperor, and is exhorted thus to do by the Pope and the King of England; and reminding them of the love borne towards their communities by the Republic. And be it carried forthwith to give them immediately 100 golden Rhenish guilders. | |
| Ayes, 139. Noes, 8. Neutrals, 5. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| 1524, Feb. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxv. p. 298. | 804. Marco Foscari to the Signory. |
| The Pope, having been so much urged by the Imperialists, has sent an additional 30,000 ducats to Milan for payment of the troops. He praises the Signory much for the assistance given, and the Imperialists are satisfied with the Venetian army. | |
| Letters have been received at Rome from England. In the spring the King will muster a large army for the invasion of France. St. Marceau and Carpi, the French ambassadors, have been to the Pope, saying they had a general mandate from the King of France to do everything. Nothing will be accomplished. The Pope told them he meant to be neutral. The English ambassador, Pace, has also a mandate from his King, and the Pope hopes that the truce will be stipulated. | |
| Rome, 11–13 February. Registered by Sanuto on the 17th. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Feb. 23. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 253, St. Mark's Library. | 805. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory. |
| Announces the arrival of an agent from the Duke of Bourbon with letters for the Emperor, whom he advises to request the King of England to repeat his attack on France, as the King would do whatever the Emperor wished; but that he, the Emperor, on his part must not fail to prosecute the war for the sake of yet more encouraging the King, and giving support to the affairs of Italy. | |
| Several cabinet councils have been held lately in the presence of the two Portuguese ambassadors, for the discussion of the dispute between the Emperor and the King of Portugal concerning the Spice Islands, discovered by that Spanish ship [“the Victory”] which returned last year. (fn. 1) It was determined to send six individuals on behalf of either sovereign to Badajoz, namely, three doctors and three others, that they may see to whom the islands belong. It is considered certain that they will come to no decision. | |
| The King of Portugal does not cease tempting the Emperor with a good sum of money to cede this navigation to him; but the Imperial ministers are so impressed with the anticipated profits that, from what the Chancellor says, their demands have no limits. | |
| Vittoria, 23rd February 1524. | |
| [Italian, 2 pages.] | |
| Feb. 28. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 254, St. Mark's Library. | 806. The Same to the Same. |
| Last night the Emperor received a letter from the Constable of Castile, announcing the surrender of Fonterabia. The garrison, in number 1,500, was allowed to depart with arms and baggage, leaving all the artillery and other ammunition, said to be in great quantity. | |
| Vittoria, 28th February 1524. | |
| [Italian, ½ page.] | |