Venice: March 1551

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.

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'Venice: March 1551', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 336-337. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp336-337 [accessed 23 April 2024]

March 1551

March 2. Senato Terra, v.xxxvii.p. 100 tergo. 698. Embassy to England.
As it is necessary to dispatch our noble Giacomo Soranzo, ambassador elect to the most Serene King of England, and give him the means for preparing to go on his legation:
Put to the ballot, that of the moneys appointed for the ambassadors there be given to our aforesaid noble, 600 golden ducats on account of his expenses for four months; and 150 ducats, at the rate of six livres and four soldi per ducat, for the purchase of horses; and 30 ducats for coverings and trunks; and as a donation for his secretary, 50 ducats; and for two couriers 40 ducats, at the rate of 20 ducats for each; he being allowed to take with him, at the Signory's risk, silver utensils to the value of 400 ducats, to be estimated by the office for the new accounts according to the Signory's orders.
Ayes, 127. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
Read to the whole College on the 17th February.
[Italian.]
March 13. Parti Comuni Consiglio X., v. xx. p. 1, tergo. 699. Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
That of the moneys appointed for the ambassadors, there be given to the nobleman Ser Jacomo Soranzo, ambassador elect to the most Serene King of England, 600 golden ducats on account of his expenses for four months; and 150 ducats at the rate of six livres and four soldi per ducat, to purchase horses; and 30 ducats for coverings and trunks; and 50 ducats as a donation for his secretary; and 40 ducats for two couriers, at the rate of 20 ducats each; as carried in the Senate and College; and be he given 200 ducats for couriers, and the dispatch of letters, and to spend, if requisite, in boats, escorts, guides, and safe-conducts, with the obligation to render especial account of them.
Moreover be the treasurer of this Council and his successors enjoined—out of the limitation fund set apart for ambassadors,—to give said ambassador's agents, on the expiration of the three months after his departure hence, at the commencement of the fourth month, the salary appointed him for one month, namely 150 golden ducats, so that he may always have the money for one month in advance, and thus successively from month to month.
Ayes, 26. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
[Italian.]
March 28. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxvii. p. 101. 700. Embassy to England.
Motion made in the Senate for the commission to be given to Giacomo Soranzo, ambassador to the King of England instead of their most beloved Noble Daniel Barbaro, LL.D., elected Patriarch of Aquileia.
To proceed with speed to England to the King's Court, and after obtaining all necessary information from his predecessor's secretary, who has remained there, to present the credentials to the King, and congratulate him on his welfare. To tell his Majesty that persevering in their ancient friendship and goodwill, they have appointed him ambassador resident there, in the room of Daniel Barbaro. To recommend the Venetian merchants in England to his Majesty, and to render them always all necessary assistance and favour in his power, for the benefit of their traffic and merchandise.
To visit all his Majesty's councillors, presenting credentials from the Signory and performing such offices with them as shall make known to them the Signory's goodwill and affection, and he is to apply to them about all such business as he may have to negotiate there.
The Secretary, after remaining with him a few days, and having given him all necessary information, to return home, but to leave such writings as required, according to the accompanying letter, addressed by them to him.
Is not to omit paying such visits as becoming to the other personages of the Court and Lords of the Council, according to their respective grades and authority, so as by these civilities to render them well inclined towards the affairs of the Signory and of their merchants.
Whilst at that Court is to endeavour, by all possible application and vigilance, to endeavour to learn its negotiations, and the events of the realm, giving especial notice of them daily.
If on his way to England he should find himself in any place with any prince or personage whom he might, for the interests of the Signory, think it fit to visit, he will not fail to perform such offices with them as becoming, according to their respective grades.
Have appointed him for his expenses 150 golden ducats per month, and give him four months salary in advance; also 150 ducats, at the rate of six livres and four soldi per ducat, for the purchase of horses; 30 ducats for coverings and trunks; and 20 ducats for a courier, as usual.
Ayes, 196. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 3.
[Italian.]
March 28. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxvii. p. 102. 701. The Doge and Senate to Alvise Agostini, Secretary from the Signory with the King of England.
Are sending their nobleman Giacomo Soranzo to reside as ambassador at the Court of the King of England, and to visit his Majesty's councillors and other lords. To give him such information as necessary for the Signory's interests, and leave him the writings required for the Embassy. To return to their presence, they being satisfied with his diligence in writing to them since the departure of their ambassador [Daniel Barbaro].
Ayes, 196. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 3.
[Italian.]