Venice: January 1558, 21-31 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

'Venice: January 1558, 21-31', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, (London, 1877) pp. 1433-1441. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp1433-1441 [accessed 19 April 2024]

January 1558, 21–31



Jan. 22. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1147. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	Advices have now arrived that the French gave the assault at Guisnes and were repulsed with loss, many of them being killed, which news is the more agreeable, as it was but little expected, because a report circulated that the town had been abandoned, the troops having withdrawn into the castle, which, being small, is not considered strong. It is true that the site assists the place greatly, for it is surrounded by marshes in every direction, except where it has been battered and stormed, and there the defenders have diligently (per industria) secured it with trenches and other earthworks (ripari), so that it was able to resist the shock of the enemy. All the ministers here, nevertheless, have more fear of losing the place, than hope of maintaining it, although, besides the English and Walloon soldiery within, 50 Spaniards made good their entry, out of 100 who went to succour it, the remainder having been prevented by the enemy. But the way to defend the place would be to have a body of troops with which to harass the enemy, and to that effect the Duke of Savoy is gone to St. Omer, where he is to muster the native (militia?) cavalry commanded by Count d'Egmont, (fn. 1) which neither from its number nor its quality can be held in much, account, and three regiments of Germans, together with some companies of Spaniards and Walloons, but although the companies are many, the troops are few, as they are half empty; and most stringent proclamations have been made lately, for every one enrolled as a soldier, be they cavalry or infantry, to be within a certain time at his appointed company under pain of capital punishment. They are still expecting the English to cross the Channel, and it is said that very great provision will be made in that kingdom, but it is not yet known when they will come over; and the freshest advices thence, dated the 14th, arrived two days ago, the impediments on their passage, from contrary weather, and from the enemy, having detained them, but I hear from certain persons who have received letters to this effect, that the English will not cross until the weather become mild (fin che non si indolcisse il tempo), which might easily be true, as those folks (quella gente), from their nature, hold any hardship (incommodità), however slight it may be, in great account, so that unless some other better provision is made, the French would have time to fortify themselves in Calais at their pleasure, continuing the attack on Guisnes, and attempting some other one; for the weather, although rather cold, continues so fine, that better could not be desired, nor more to the purpose of those who have to undertake any enterprise. This is all I can learn about the provision made by this side and the progress of the French, but the advices received here are often tardy and uncertain, and the Calais undertaking (la impresa di Cales) had been public throughout France long before it was attempted, but so great was the care taken by the French not to let any notice of it arrive here, that they occupied the place before it was known that they had the design upon it.
	Brussels, 22nd January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 22. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1148. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	On Tuesday the Pope went to mass in St. Peter's, having been in chapel at vespers on Monday, on account of the new solemnity of St. Peter's Chair (Cathedra) in Rome. After mass he gave a dinner to the Cardinals and Ambassadors, the banquet being as grand and costly as any that has been made since many years. The French ambassador, who was in chapel, did not remain for the dinner, which induced many remarks; and talking with me whilst we were waiting for the Pope, he said that amongst the many benefits derived by his Holiness [from the French], were the fortifications raised at Civitavecchia, where two thousand men of his most Christian Majesty's fleets placed it in its present state, nor do others know as much as the French about that site and fortress.
	On rising from table, the Pope and Cardinals assembled in congregation, where his Holiness preached a sermon on this See of Rome (sopra questa cathedra), passing very frequently to exhortations for the Cardinals to lead good lives, and to set a good example to the rest of the world. He spoke about the universal peace, which he had sent to treat; and also of the Turkish fleet, saying that everybody must have an eye (havesse li occhi) to their own affairs, and that he should have provision made at Civitavecchia and Ancona. A personage in authority, and who understands business, says he does not comprehend what provisions can be made, without money, without troops, without ammunition, and without bread; that the garrison of Paliano is creditor for four pay-rates (quattro paghe); that the reverend Agostini, who has been appointed Nuncio to the King of the Romans, does not depart, because they are unable to find the 1,500 crowns required by him; and from the same authentic quarter it is heard that the Pope already commences speaking disrespectfully (a parlar poco honoratamente) of the King of France, and of the Duke of Ferrara, accusing the latter and the Guise family of counselling the detention of the Caraffa children, by so much the more as the Cardinal of Lorraine was the person who wrote the note; also that in the kingdoms of Sicily and Naples the Imperialists were making provision against the Turkish fleet; that on the evening before last a Neapolitan gentleman passed through Rome on his way to King Philip, to give account to him of the affairs of Bari, and that the Duchy had been taken possession of in his Majesty's name; that Ascanio Caracciolo had letters from the Duke of Alva, dated Augsburg the 4th, saying he hoped to reach Brussels in eight or ten days, and this same intelligencer was of opinion that until he arrived there King Philip would form no decision about Cardinal Caraffa's demands.
	Yesterday, before daybreak, the Bishop of Terracina [Ottaviano Rovera] arrived here from Brussels, having been sent by Cardinal Caraffa, and was followed shortly afterwards by a courier from France.
	The Duke of Paliano told my secretary that the Bishop left King Philip's court on the 6th, with letters from his brother the Cardinal, telling him of his Majesty's excellent will towards peace, and towards the Reformation [of the Church], and also with regard to the private interests of his family, though as yet they had come to no conslusion. That the courier despatched by Cardinal Triulci on the 10th brought letters announcing that he had been honourably received, and well greeted by the most Christian King; that in the matter of the peace, fair words were given him in general terms; and with regard to the lads (i putti) he was told of the intention to send them, but had not yet got the licence (la licentia), although the French ambassador here told the Duke of Paliano yesterday that they had had leave, which by these last advices is known to be untrue. This confirms the Duke's opinion that these advices are composed here to cajole them, and that the like may be said of the marriage to be proposed to him by Don Francesco da Este. (fn. 2)
	The Legate Triulci also writes that on the 9th his Majesty heard that on the 7th his army had taken the castle of Calais by storm, and that the town was treating a capitulation which had not yet been received; that the King had gone to church on foot to return thanks to His Divine Majesty for so great a victory. The Duke added, “This is good news for the See Apostolic and for the Signory of Venice, it being for the benefit of Italy that the affairs of those Princes should be counterbalanced (contrapesate), and that they should break each other's heads in those countries over there (et che si diano sopra la testa in quei paesi di là) until they tire themselves, as then some agreement might be hoped for; and, to tell you my secret opinion, I am most extremely glad of it, having always wished the Pope not to incline more to one side than to the other.”
	A congregation was held this morning in the apartments of the Cardinal of Pisa [Scipione Rebiba], which was attended by two other Cardinals of the Inquisition, the Bishop of Terracina [Ottaviano Rovera] being present, to report what Cardinal Caraffa had done at the court [of King Philip] in the matter of Cardinal Pole, which was one of the principal causes of said Bishop's coming hither.
	Rome, 22nd January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 23. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. (1st letter.)	1149. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	These States, who were convoked about pecuniary supply, have given their answer, which, although not entirely to the satisfaction of the King, was ratified, as His Majesty did not choose to give opportunity for longer delay, and especially because, three or four months hence, he can again convoke the States, and make such fresh demand as required by the events of the war. The decision is that during eight months the States will pay 60 ensigns of infantry and 8,000 cavalry, at the rate of five crowns per month for each horse, and two crowns and a half for each foot soldier; but as troops are not to be had at that price, the number of men will be diminished, so as to give them higher pay. The States will also pay 25 ships in these seas as long as the war lasts, and besides will give 800,000 crowns ready money, on condition that the soldiers at the frontiers, and those of the territory, who are creditors for many months in arrear, be paid; and to raise this sum they will increase all the duties, and sell the surplus, which will yet more augment the price of commodities, although it is already exorbitant beyond measure. By this undertaking Flanders contributes three-sixths, Brabant two-sixths, Holland and Zealand, each, one-sixth. The counties of Artois, Hainault, Namur, and Luxemburg are exempted, they being frontier counties, and therefore suffering more than the others from the ravages of the war, but they likewise will contribute something, it being already said that they will defray the cost of the ammunition. Friesland, by its ancient privilege, is exempt, and does not contribute with these provinces, but will however give 100,000 or 150,000 crowns as usual in necessitous times, and Guelders will do the like. But all these contributions will be somewhat later than required by existing circumstances, though they do not fail to solicit them with all possible diligence.
	The Duke of Alva arrived here yesterday, being met by all the Lords of the court, both Spaniards, Italians, and of these provinces, with the single exception of Don Ruy Gomez, who from indisposition, real or feigned, did not go out of doors; so that the King went to mass, accompanied solely by two gentlemen of his Majesty's chamber.
	The Count de Feria departed the day before yesterday for England, and went to embark at Dunkirk, because the Spanish fleet was unable to put to sea immediately, having suffered terribly (sinistramente) in two violent storms that took place lately.
	Brussels, 23rd January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 23. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. (2nd letter.)	1150. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	At this hour, 10 p.m., advice is come that Guisnes is taken.
	Brussels, 23rd January 1558.
	[Italian, in cipher; deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 25. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1151. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Cardinal Legate despatched a courier to France, having obtained a reply from King Philip about the peace, purporting that His Majesty will not be averse to it, provided fair terms be proposed to him, but he shows himself more difficult since the taking of Calais, lest it be supposed that its loss has alarmed him. The Legate Caraffa exhorts Cardinal Triultio to perform a like office with the King of France, but does not enter into particulars, because he chooses to wait for further assurance from France that King Henry is desirous of negotiating the peace. The father confessor is also writing in conformity with what he wrote heretofore to the French King's confessor. The peace is apparently desired by Cardinal Caraffa, though I hear on good authority he is endeavouring to effect the continuation of the war against Ferrara. I am told that the affair is to be decided today in King Philip's council chamber.
	Brussels, 25th January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 26. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1152. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	I announced the capture of Guisnes, which was so well defended, that had the like been done by Calais, that fortress would never have been lost. Guisnes was garrisoned by 1,500 men, (fn. 3) the greater part of them English and Walloons, and some few Spaniards. The Captain, Lord Grey, (fn. 4) an Englishman, showed incredible valour, for although he had been badly wounded in the assault, he nevertheless with very great courage stood firm to the defence, until be found himself fainting; and even then, rather to avoid alarming the soldiers than from any other personal consideration, he had himself carried all bleeding (tutto sanguinoso) into a house near at hand; but scarcely had he got there, when he was told that the enemy had taken the ravelin, and were attacking the bastions (li ripari); then, half dead as he was, he made his men take him on a chair to the scene of action (al loco del contrasto), where he so increased the courage and resolution (ostinatione) of the soldiery, that the French were doubtful of victory; but the assault becoming more vigorous, Lord Grey, seeing that all his men were worsted (maltratatti), and that there was no remedy, demanded terms, and it having been granted him that his soldiers might go out free with their arms and what they could carry, he surrendered himself prisoner; the glory he thus obtained exceeding the infamy of those who, through negligence or treachery (ò per inganno), lost Calais, which is close to Guisnes.
	The French are said to be marching upon Gravelines, a place which, as written by me, cannot be considered very secure, and should it be lost, they might ravage Flanders without opposition. There would be a secure remedy, if in the town, which is very large but not strong, they were to put a considerable body of troops for its defence, to prevent its being occupied by the enemy, but there are no other troops embodied (in esser) than those of the Duke of Savoy, in number from 8,000 to 10,000 infantry, including Germans, Walloons and Spaniards; and these would suffice for this purpose, but the Duke will perhaps beware of shutting himself up in that place with all his forces, which would too much imperil his own person, and leave the territory at the mercy of the enemy; nor has any farther decision been made here about this matter, save that everything is referred to the said Duke (nor do I know what counsel he may have), to whom they have sent 200,000 crowns, obtained from the merchants, under promise of these provinces.
	With regard to the affairs of the court, the Duke of Alva came, as written by me, but was not met by Don Ruy Gomez, who was, or pretended to be, indisposed, and is now well. The Duke went to visit him, a compliment which was held in very great account, and the dependents of Don Ruy Gomez go proclaiming it (lo vanno publicando), but nevertheless one cannot believe that between these two such great rivals, there can be any true union. The Duke has told the King that he has served much, and is now old, and has need of repose, and wishes, with his Majesty's leave, to pass the rest of his life on his estate of Alva, although Alva no longer exists, thus implying that he has sold and mortgaged everything for his Majesty's service, so he requires to be assisted, and aspires to the Duchy of Bari. He very openly promised Marco Ascanio Colonna, Ascanio della Cornia, and the Count di Bagno, to have their estates restored to them, but the Legate Caraffa seems of a contrary opinion, most especially about the affairs of Ascanio della Cornia, nor do I know how these disagreements will be adjusted. As yet the Duke has not been to visit the right reverend Legate, although on two days, one after the other, he sent to say he would go to him, and the Cardinal waited for him, but he never went, so Caraffa considers himself affronted.
	I went to visit his Excellency, and was received with kind words, and after the first compliments, he commenced talking about the affairs of the world, and of the need which Christendom would have of a good peace, and he said what has always been said, that the King will embrace it, when assured of it's security, and if the terms be fair (siano honeste); and it seemed to me that he wished to say something farther, but the Archbishop of Toledo (fn. 5) having come to visit him, that conversation was interrupted.
	Brussels, 26th January 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Jan. 26. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1153. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	Was told by Don Francesco of Este that the Pope said that he had never desired anything but peace, to effect which he had sent a legate to each of the two kings; that he hoped in the Lord God and in the goodness of the nature of these princes to obtain this his wish, as he knew it to be the sole remedy for the ruin of Christendom, as news had been received of the great forces and preparations of. Sultan Soliman. Don Francesco replied that he had never spoken about peace with his Holiness, because King Henry charged him, unless the Pope broached the topic, to be silent on the subject, but if his Holiness spoke about it, Don Francesco was to assure him that the King will never refuse fair terms of peace, and that even should some difficulty remain, he would refer it entirely to his Holiness.
	These words quite soothed the Pope, who embraced him again and again, resuming his praises of King Henry; and with regard to the importance of the taking of Calais, the Pope said that perhaps the Lord God had permitted it as an equilibrium to the late victories of King Philip, so that these kings, being almost on a par, might the more easily agree.
	Rome, 26th January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1154. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The King has been rather ailing of late, his whole frame, most especially his shoulders and legs aching, so the physicians, thinking it was a cold, did not pay much attention to it; but the night before last his Majesty was attacked by a violent fever and head-ache, which lasted all yesterday and throughout the past night, so that he had no rest until towards daybreak, nor could he even lie down at full length (star disteso) from the great pain in his thighs; until when he was obliged to continue walking about, and he then at length took a little rest. Subsequently, this morning, having less pain, and being almost without fever, the physicians bled him, and he apparently derived much benefit from it, and until this present hour of nightfall he has felt no more pain. Some of the physicians are of opinion that this was an ephemeral malady (una ephemera), and they are doing everything possible to prevent it from assuming another form.
	Having written thus far on the 27th, and the courier not having yet departed, I will add that neither to-day, nor last night, has the King felt further pain, with the exception of a slight uneasy sensation in his legs, but much less than he had, so should he not have fever to-night, as is hoped, he will be quite free from the malady.
	The French have not yet left Guisnes, and will dismantle it, which will have greatly facilitated the provisions to be made for the defence of Gravelines and those other frontiers; about which provisions all I can learn is that the Spaniards are expecting horse and foot from several quarters to strengthen the camp of the Duke of Savoy, who, of the troops now with him, has quartered part in Gravelines and part in Bourbourg, between Bourbourg and Guisnes, but it is not strong, and according to report the Duke, when he has a greater amount of troops, will encamp between one place and the other.
	Brussels, 28th January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 29. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1155. Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	Some persons have said that the Bishop of Terracina spoke (in congregation) about the affairs of the Cardinal of England [Pole], and of Cardinal Morone, but the particulars are unknown; though several congregations have lately been held by the four Cardinals appointed for Cardinal Morone's case, with a junta consisting of the Cardinals Araceli [Frate Clemente Dolera] and Trani [Bernardo Scoto]; and a Cardinal who can know the fact says Araceli was present to enable him to give account of the proceedings to King Philip's confessor, (fn. 6) who is a friar of his Order of St. Francis, most especially about those relating to Cardinal Pole, it being known that his Majesty defers greatly to the said confessor.
	Rome, 29th January 1558.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 29. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives.	1156 Bernardo Navagero, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Chiefs of the Council of Ten.
	The Cardinal Alessandrino [Michele Ghislieri, afterwards Pope Pius V.] sent me the enclosed today, (fn. 7) and the agent of the Bishop of Bergamo (fn. 8) tells me that he cannot ascertain that any farther steps have been taken against him, nor has he as yet been cited “ad sententiam.” The cardinals of whom I write in the public letters, that they said many things about the Bishop of Terracina are Fano [Bertano] and Sforza. The “Camerlengo” also said that the Pope cannot do less than give Paliano, because Carbone, who is in the citadel, swore he would consign it to whom the King shall order him, provided the Duke receive suitable compensation from his Majesty; the which compensation, in case of difficulty, is to be referred to your Serenity's arbitration.
	Rome, 29th January 1558.
	[Italian.]