Appendix: Miscellaneous 1526

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 4, 1527-1533. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Appendix: Miscellaneous 1526', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 4, 1527-1533, (London, 1871) pp. 488-495. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol4/pp488-495 [accessed 26 March 2024]

Miscellaneous 1526

June 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xli. (Original.) 1057. Domenico Venier, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
The Pope says he has received letters from France [urging him ?], together with (in conformità con) the English and Venetian ambassadors , to request (richieder) the release of the most Christian King's sons.
Rome, 7th June. Registered by Sanuto 16th June.
[Italian.]
June 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xli. (Original.) 1058. Domenico Venier to the Signory.
This morning, Don Ugo [de Moncada] had audience of the Pope, who subsequently sent for the ambassadors of the League, namely France, England, and him [Venier], desiring them to be at the palace at the 19th hour, when he told them that Don Ugo de Moncada had been to him, saying that the Emperor will make peace with Italy; that he is formidable; has 15,000 infantry, 800 spears, and 1,500 light horse, an army familiar with victory (exercito uso a vincer).
Rome, 7th June. Registered by Sanuto 16th June.
[Italian.]
June 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xli. (Original.) 1059. Defensive League in favour of Clement VII.
The Signory having sent for all four of the ambassadors of the League, (fn. 1) the Doge on their entering the College, caused to be read to them the reply made by the Signory to the Imperial ambassador, which did not please them. First of all, the Legate said that the Imperial ambassador should have been told that it was already concluded and admitted of no reply, as the Pope had written to him, the Legate, to announce this League to —, [his legate ?] in Switzerland. The Bishop of Bayeux was reserved (andò risolvado) but nevertheless said it would be well to tell him, etc. The English ambassador (quel di Anglia) said openly, they ought to tell him of the League. The Milanese was yet more decided.
[Italian.]
June 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xli. (Original.) 1060. Domenico Venier to the Signory.
The ambassadors of the League have had another audience of his Holiness, who told them Don Ugo had returned, persuading him to make the agreement with the Emperor, by whom he [Don Ugo] was commissioned to leave the duchy of Milan as it is, and to make terms with the Signory. The Pope answered him that he can make no separate agreement unless it stipulated a general peace. Don Ugo rejoined that Italy ought not to care for anything but remaining at peace with the Emperor.
Rome, 18th June. Registered by Sanuto 16th (sic) June.
[Italian.]
June 19. Summaries of Advices, Library Archives, v. i. p. 197. 1061. Summary of Letters from Secretary Rosso, dated Angoulême, 19th June.
The Chancellor [Duprat] having dropped a hint to learn from the English ambassador (fn. 2) whether he was content to have his King named as Protector and Conservator in the proclamation of the League, he consented, and insisted that this should be done.
The Chancellor added that he had recent letters from England from Mons. de Morette, who hoped soon to induce the King to declare himself.
(Sent to the Ambassador at Rome.) (fn. 3)
[Italian.]
July 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1062. Domenico Venier to the Signory.
Today had audience of the Pope, who told him the League might be sworn to on Thursday as an act of deference for the most Christian King (per accordarsi da far un atto al Re Cristianissimo) and be then proclaimed on Sunday. He has spoken with the ambassadors of the League, who were of opinion that the whole [ceremony] should be performed on the same day, which would be one of great solemnity.
Rome, 2nd July. Registered by Sanuto 5th July.
[Italian.]
July 5. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1063. The Same to the Same.
This morning the Pope swore to the League in the presence of its ambassadors, and of the English ambassador. (fn. 4)
Rome, 5th July. Registered by Sanuto 10th July.
[Italian.]
July 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1064. The Same to the Same.
The Pope attended chapel this morning; the Cardinal of Trani said mass, after which, the ambassadors of the League went to kiss his Holiness's feet; and an oration was delivered in praise of the League by a very learned Roman, by name El Grono, lauding the Pope, the most Christian King, and the Signory.
Rome, 8th July. Registered by Sanuto 10th July.
[Italian.]
Aug. 2, 5, 6. Summaries of Advices, Library Archives v. i. p. 205. 1065. Summary of Letters from Secretary Rosso, dated Amboise, 2nd, 5th, and 6th August 1526.
Whilst talking with the King, the English ambassador (fn. 5) came on a summons from his Majesty, who told him that on that morning he had received letters from his ambassador in England dated the 30th June, informing him that the King and Cardinal, to their very great regret, communicated to him and to the agents of the Pope and the Signory, letters from the Lady Margaret, with an advice from the Archduke [Ferdinand], that the armies of the League had been routed by the Imperialists near Milan; the most Serene English King exhorting his most Christian Majesty, as well as all the other powers of the League, if this intelligence was true, not to distress themselves, but to rally; and that he will assist them, as he does not choose by any means to permit the ruin of Italy.
(Sent to Rome 18th of August.)
[Italian.]
Aug. 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1066. Domenico Venier to the Signory.
When talking with the Pope about what was to be written to England, his Holiness said the “powers” must be sent, authorising the reform (reformation) of the articles.
Rome, 10th August. Registered by Sanuto 16th August.
[Italian.]
Aug. 23. Summaries of Advices, Library Archives, v. i. p. 214. 1067. Summary of Letters from Secretary Rosso, dated Amboise, 23rd August.
The King has written to Guienne and Languedoc ordering inspection of the men at arms and infantry in garrison there, and that they be marched as near as possible to the Spanish frontier, so that this move may induce the Emperor to delay the despatch of the fleet (armata); and in the meanwhile, the messenger sent to Spain 26 days ago by the King of England will return, (fn. 6) whereupon his most Christian Majesty will attack the borders in earnest.
[Italian.]
Aug. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1068. Domenico Venier to the Signory.
His Holiness told me today that he has made the agreement with the Colonna faction (con Colonesi) whom he pardons, they promising to cease hostilities and to restore Anagna; and in case war be waged in the kingdom Naples they are at liberty to go and defend it in person (con le persone) but not “li stadi” [query, against the Papal States]; and respecting the Cardinal Colonna, who wished to remain as a baron, the Pope would not grant it, but pardons him his offences.
Rome, 24th August. Registered by Sanuto 27th August.
[Italian.]
Aug. 25. Summaries of Advices, Library Archives, v. i. p. 215. 1069. Summary of Letters from Secretary Rosso, dated Amboise, 25th August.
When the Milanese envoy withdrew from the Council chamber, entered it to acquaint the ministers with what the Signory had written to him about the articles of the League which are to be remodelled in England.
With regard to the first, they answered him, that they considered the demand of the King of England fair, but that the following words should be added:
“His Majesty joining the League as a principal party, and he likewise contributing to the expense”
Respecting the second, that it be admitted; his most Christian Majesty, whom alone it concerns, having already given his consent.
They consent to the third, provided his most Christian Majesty be merely pledged to the effect for which the present League is made; videlicet, that Italy being freed, he be not bound to render any assistance for the future.
They admit the fourth.
Touching the fifth, they refer themselves to the Pope and the Signory, as it relates to them alone, and they think the King of England will not hesitate, when this reason is assigned him, having already heard it from his most Christian Majesty, to whom he made no further reply.
[Italian.]
Sept. 19. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1070. Domenico Venier to the Signory.
Communicated to the Pope the advices from Hungary received this morning in the Signory's letters. His Holiness was much distressed by them, saying, “We must no longer delay uniting the Christian princes,” and that he would this day call consistory, impart this intelligence to the Cardinals, and ask their opinion, offering to go in person and march against the Turk; and it was settled to discuss the matter more at length in the afternoon. His Holiness complained that Cardinal Colonna was mustering his forces at a place near Rome, where there were but 100 horse and 200 infantry, and that the Colonna faction had broken faith with him.
In the afternoon went again to his Holiness, who was expecting all the ambassadors of the Christian powers now in Rome, to acquaint them with the news from Hungary; and on their arrival his Holiness told them of the peril of the Christian commonwealth, and what should be done, uniting the Princes of Christendom, etc. All the ambassadors commended this, but he (Venier) said nothing, on account of the Turk. In conclusion, the Pope told the ambassadors that they were to write to their Princes to provide against the ruin of Christendom, his Holiness offering to go in person against the Turks, and, as the vicar of Christ, offer himself as a victim. The ambassadors recommended the suspension of hostilities in Italy, and that the Princes should be united against the Turk, Cardinals-Legates being sent here and there, and that, if necessary, the Pope should go in person to the Emperor to make peace between him and the most Christian King and the others, as he had offered. It was settled to wait until tomorrow, when they would determine what should be done.
Rome, 19th September. Registered by Sanuto 16th September.
[Italian.]
Sept. 21. Summaries of Advices, Library Archives, v. l. p. 219. tergo. 1071. Summary of Letters from Secretary Rosso, dated Blois, 21st September.
Sanga returned from the Court last evening. The most serene Madame (Louise) gave him a positive reply about the offer of the duchy of Milan, a matter into which his most Christian Majesty cannot enter at present, on many accounts, et imprimis from fear of losing the King of England, and rendering him his enemy.
[Italian.]
Sept. 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1072. Letter from Rome to—.
On the 21st, the Pope held consistory, and sent also for “Don Ugo, and finding himself in very great need, there being no garrison in the castle nor troops in the town, and the people determined not to take up arms, his Holiness made such agreement as he could; viz., he is content, provided the enemy [the Colonna faction] retire from Rome into the kingdom of Naples, and cease hostilities, to withdraw his army from Lombardy and his fleet from Genoa; the truce to last for four months, etc., etc.
Rome, 21st September. Registered by Sanuto 24th September.
[Italian]
Sept. 23. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1073. Letter from Rome narrating the assault by the Colonna faction.
The Pope now says that he has been brought to this pass on account (per causa) of the King of France and the King of England, and that they must assist him to avenge this injury.
Rome, 23rd September. Registered by Sanuto 26th September.
[Italian.]
Sept. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1074. The Colonna Insurrection.
The Senate assembled in the afternoon for the purpose of writing to France, England, and to Rome.
Letters were also read from Sir Gregory Casal, ambassador from the King of England, dated Rome the 21st, to the English ambassador here, Prothonotary Casal, narrating the whole affair, and how it took place, and he also states the Pope's opinion; so the Cardinal [Wolsey?] should be written to.
[Italian.]
Sept. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. (Original.) 1075. Domenico Venier, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
On the 21st, announced the agreement made by the Pope with the Colonna faction, and the truce with the Emperor for four months, and [its ?] prolongation for another two months.
Today went into the Castle to the Pope, who told him he believed the most Christian King and the King of England would never endure the injuries done, not to him, but to the Apostolic See; and he said he would send two briefs, one to France by Paulo da Rezo, the other to England by the Papal Auditor; and he holds that, for a certainty (et tieu) those Sovereigns will not bear the perpetration of such iniquity; but that he would pardon them all, were they to unite for a general peace, and go against the Turk. Sadoleto read to him (Venier) the said two briefs; and the one which the Pope is sending to the Emperor, complaining much of what has been done, was not completed. The brief for the Signory will contain few words, as his Holiness well knows the Republic's mind.
Rome, 24th September. Registered by Sanuto 26th September.
[Italian.]
Nov. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xliii. (Original.) 1076. The Same to the Same.
Today in consistory the Pope determined to proceed against Cardinal Colonna and his brother, sending them the monitory, and giving them nine days time for three terms (per tre termini) to appear and make their defence for the insult on the Church.
Communicated to his Holiness the descent of the Lansquenets into Italy. The Pope told him the Signory should look to Vicenza, and urge France not to fail sending more money than has been sent, and what she is bound to send. He says that the King of England had promised him (li havia dà parola) and had sent him, 25,000 ducats.
Rome, 9th November. Registered by Sanuto 14th November.
[Italian.]
Dec. 20. Summaries of Advices, Library Archives, v. i. p. 229. 1077. Andrea Rosso to the Signory.
When speaking with his most Christian Majesty about the negotiation with England, he said that if the King would forthwith (de præsenti) send him his daughter, who is only 11 or 12 years old, or give him security of such a sort that he can rely on having her in two years, he would immediately conclude everything, and that otherwise he should fear being deluded, and compelled subsequently to consent to whatever the King of England might choose, he having once for all barred the road to his most Christian Majesty so that he could no longer make peace with the Emperor.
Poissy, 20th December 1520.
[Italian.]
Dec. 30. Summaries of Advices, Library Archives, v. i. p. 227. 1078. Paragraph in a letter from Domenico Venier, Ambassador at Rome, to the Signory.
His Holiness, when speaking to him about the letters from France, said it surprised him that his Nuncio and the Venetian secretary had utterly rejected the terms of the general peace, making a difficulty about referring the judgment (judicio) of the duchy of Milan to the English King; because, as the Emperor accepts his arbitration concerning Milan and the other towns, they ought not to make so much difficulty about consigning Cremona and Lodi; and his Holiness, being anxious for peace, would wish some means to be found for commencing it.
(Sent to France.)
[Italian.]

Footnotes

  • 1. As seen in vol. iii., Venetian Calendar, entry 1312, p. 56G, the league had been stipulated between the Pope, France, Venice, and Milan, place being reserved for England, and therefore Prothonotary Casal was already considered to be one of the ambassadors of the League.
  • 2. Doctor Taylor. (See State Papers, vol. vi. part 5, p. 542, foot note.)
  • 3. This extract being destined for Rome, had apparently for object to encourage the Pope by assuring him of valid support from Henry VIII.; and as Sanuto calendared Rosso's letter in the sense rendered by me in vol. iii., Venetian Calendar, entry No. 1321, I now print the two versions thus :—
    Summario d'Avvisi, v.i. p. 197. Summario de lettere del Secretario Rosso, date in Angalem, a 19 Zugno 1526.
    Che havendo toccato di intender se l'Orator Anglico era contento che nela publication el Re suo fusse nominato per protettor et conservator, era sta contento, et instò che cosi si facesse.
    Che Thavea lettere fresche di Anglia da Mons. de Moreta, ch'el sperava che presto si tireria quel Re a scoprirsi.” (Missa ad Oratorem Romæ.)
    Sanuto Diaries. v. xli. pp. 570–571. Di Franza di Andrea Rosso, Secretario, date in Angulem, adi 19 Giugno. . . Et quì il Gran Canzellier disse la voleno pubblicar [the League] zioba adi 21 di questo solenemente, e voleno parlar col Orator Anglico, per causa di nominar quel Serenissimo Re, qual ancora non è intrato in la liga.
    Sono lettere di Anglia come Monsignor di la Moretta doveva zonzer
  • 4. II Papa questa mattina jurò la liga, presente li Oratori di quellà et quel di Anglià.
  • 5. Dr. John Taylor? In a letter of Clerk's to Wolsey, dated Blayse (Blois), 12th of August 1526, he mentions his arrival there on the preceding day, having been met by Taylor; and that he purposed going to Amboise, on the day of the letter's date. (See State Papers, ut ante.)
  • 6. The messenger was Osborne Echingham. (See State Papers, vol. vi., part v., p. 547, foot note.)