Venice: November 1558, 1-15 | 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: November 1558, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, (London, 1877) pp. 1540-1546. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp1540-1546 [accessed 20 April 2024]

November 1558, 1–15



Nov. 3. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1276. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the first of the month the Constable's secretary, having been despatched from the conference by the Commissioners, returned to his Majesty, and from what the Queen told my secretary he came solely to announce the arrival at Beauvais on the morrow of the Constable, the Cardinal of Lorraine, and the Marshal de St. André; and when my secretary asked her Majesty if they were bringing the close of the negotiation, she said no, but that they were coming to report to the King the whole of the transaction, and its difficulties, and that they would then go back to resume the conference, the like having also been done by King Philip's commissioners, and that she hoped in God that He would interpose His hand, thus procuring some good result for Christendom. The Prince of Ferrara has confirmed this, with the following additional particular, that the day before his most Christian Majesty said, rather angrily, that King Philip's ministers remaining so firm in their proposals, it seemed to him as if they had perhaps inferred from the proceedings of his commissioners that he, King Henry, had too great a wish for peace; and that if sure of this inference he would show that he has no greater desire for it than such as is in accordance with the welfare of Christendom.
	Through several other channels it has since been heard that there had remained at Cercamp, on behalf of King Philip, the Bishop of Arras, the President Viglius, and the Duchess of Lorraine; the Commissioners there for this side being the Bishop of Orleans and the Secretary Aubespine; both awaiting the return of their colleagues, who, at the suggestion of the Duke of Alva, formed this resolve to go in person, to give account to their princes of what they had negotiated, so that during this interval fresh orders may arrive concerning the will of Queen Mary.
	Paris, 3rd November 1558.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 5. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1277. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	On the 2nd instant, at 3 p.m., the Constable, the Cardinal of Lorraine, and the Marshal de St. André, arrived at the Court [at Beauvais], and in Madame de Valentinois' chamber they found the most Christian King, who immediately taking the Constable by the hand (which he never loosed during the whole time they were together), led him first of all to pay his respects to the Queen, and then withdrew with him, transacting business for two consecutive hours, after which they again returned to converse with the Queen and Valentinois till the supper hour, when his Majesty chose the Constable to sup in his company; and that Montmorency might be nearer to him he had a bed prepared for his Excellency in the wardrobe adjoining his Majesty's chamber; continuing his favours to him, and the usual demonstrations of love, both in public and private, more than ever. They already write from the Court about an open division between these chief ministers and their families, and that the factions have declared themselves openly.
	With regard to the move of the French commissioners from Cercamp to Beauvais, it is unanimously admitted to have taken place because, after the return to the conference of the Constable's secretary with the most Christian King's determination not to surrender Calais, the Cardinal of Lorraine having said that he was commissioned by his Majesty's ministers to return if King Phillip's ministers persisted, as they did, in their demand for that fortress, the Spanish commissioners replied that he might do as he said, because in no other way would their King make peace; so on that day the conference would have been completely dissolved had not the Duke of Alva said very courteously that they having been so long together, and having discussed the differences of these princes, they would be put to great shame and blame before the world were they to depart without any adjustment. Before taking such a step he thought it would be well for the Commissioners to return to their kings, and give them minute account of the state in which the negotiation was, and as the only remaining difficulty was about Calais, means might perhaps be found for an adjustment. This being commended by the Constable and all the others, they determined to act accordingly, telling the English that they likewise must return to their Queen, and inform her that the differences between these two princes were all accommodated, this one of Calais alone remaining, on account of which King Philip would not come to the final conclusion, so that the pacification of Christendom was in her hands. With this decision, therefore, the Commissioners on both sides went to their kings, to return again to the conference; so yesterday afternoon the French commissioners departed hence to be at the usual place of the abbacy on the 7th, whither on that day the Spanish commissioners will likewise return, although their English colleagues did not choose to go to England, lest going thus without any decision they might (they said) be abused (esser mal trattati) by their Queen, but they performed the office by letter. Aaccording to report they made an offer of being content if for the Queen's honour Calais were dismantled; to which the Cardinal of Lorraine replied it was better for them that it should remain in its present state, as by making a good peace they might thus trade more easily and safely in this kingdom. It is supposed that after one or two conferences the Commissioners will in like manner settle these difficulties about Calais, there being now more hope of the desired end than ever, as the Constable's nephew, Cardinal Chastillon, and one of the secretaries of the Cardinal of Lorraine, besides other persons having spoken with them on the subject, they announced this as their firm intention. With regard to finding means for giving satisfaction to the English, it is said that the French are treating to give them so much a year on account of the expenses incurred for that fortress during their occupation of it, or else to pay them a certain sum of ready money at their option; but I believe this to be mere discourse and conjecture, and as yet no decision has been formed on the subject. A trustworthy person, however, tells me that he this morning saw a letter written to Marshal Brissac in Piedmont in the name of one of his most Christian Majesty's chief secretaries, purporting that King Philip has sent to tell the Queen of England that he sees no other way, nor did he know what else to do for the recovery of Calais, unless, he having nearly two thirds of his army still on foot, she on her part should for her own service send a sufficient number of soldiers to try and attempt it by force, to which effect he also offers to retain his troops for another month. This is interpreted as having been said to deprive the Queen adroitly of any hope, it being very intelligible that at present neither she nor her husband have means or time to besiege a fortress and castle so well provisioned and secured as Calais is, so that nothing more can be done than to yield to necessity, and in the meanwhile not to prevent an agreement and universal peace on account of that place, when all the other differences and disagreements have been adjusted, so much to the satisfaction of the parties. As respecting the state of Milan, I understand it has been stipulated that the second born son of his most Christian Majesty's daughter, by the son of the King Catholic, is to be free and absolute Duke of Milan, and should only one son be born to them, or if after birth they were to die, in that case each of the parties resumes the right and claims which they now have on the said State; nor will the King of France allow the cession of his rights to extend to the eldest son born of this marriage, still less to the daughters.
	I have also heard the way in which the affairs of the Duke of Savoy are adjusted, thus: his most Christian Majesty is content not only to restore Savoy and La Bresse to him, but Piedmont likewise, merely retaining ten fortresses to be selected by himself; the Duke's jurisdiction over all the rest to be as free as that of his father was in virtue of his marriage with Madame Marguerite, she to have 300,000 crowns dower, and the rental for life of the estate now held by her in the Duchy of Berri; and to honour the Duke yet more, the King created him a member of the Council of Affairs, when he is in France, and on the birth of the Duke's first son, he purposes restoring the fortresses to him. This agreement seems so advantageous for the Duke that it would scarcely be credited were it not confirmed by many of the chief personages of the Court, not only to the infinite praise of his Majesty, but with admiration of his magnanimity and true christian compassion, he having divested himself of all personal regards and interests, thus willing to confer so great a benefit on Christendom as that of removing for a long period any cause of war.
	Paris, 5th November 1558.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 12. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives	1278. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	After the return of the Constable and the other two personages to Cercamp, his Majesty with the most Christian Queen, and the rest of the Court, went from Beauvais to St. Germain, where they arrived yesterday, with the intention of awaiting there the total conclusion or exclusion of the agreement, they having sent back the aforesaid lords with the firm determination not by any means to consent to the restitution either of Calais or Corsica. Although nothing farther was heard subsequently, greater signs were nevertheless seen from day to day, giving not only hope but certainty that the adjustment was already concluded, and that it implied peace and not truce. Orders were given for all the men-at-arms, after making the musters, to depart from the frontiers and return to their old garrisons; the companies of light horse also, who had been destined for Piedmont were recalled that they might be disbanded, and all the others likewise; leave being given to all who have the wish—either gentlemen or captains—to return home. So the proclamation of this peace was expected from hour to hour, it being not only believed but affirmed by all the great and chief personages of the Court who have come hither, and especially by the Prince of Ferrara, who is here for the cure of his diseased leg. But today on the sudden and quite unexpectedly, on the return from the conference of the Bishop of Limoges, the brother of Secretary Aubespine, whom the Commissioners sent back in haste, it is heard not only that the difficulties have not been removed, but that they are increased by King Philip's commissioners, who, on their return to this second conference again insisted on the restitution of Calais, adding that of Corsica and Tuscany, to which they had never alluded until now; and they also moved a difficulty about the fortresses to be retained in Piedmont by his most Christian Majesty, urging the entire restitution to the Duke of Savoy. All this confirms what was told me, on the authority of the Cardinal of Lorraine, by the Prince of Ferrara's secretary, who was kept by his Excellency at Cercamp for his own personal interests, (fn. 1) to complete the bargain about the towns of Tuscany, the decision being delayed until the conclusion or total exclusion of this treaty of peace, although the poor delegates from Sienna who are here do not fail advocating to their utmost the conservation of those few relics of liberty which have remained under the protection of France, for the sake of not passing into the hands of any other Prince, still less into those of the Duke of Florence, as must necessarily come to pass should the bargain be made. To return, however, to the peace, immediately on the return of the Bishop of Limoges the King convoked the members of the Privy Council, that they might decide with what answer he was to be sent back to the conference, and Giordano Orsini having lately arrived most opportunely from Corsica, and being now here, his Majesty immediately called him to St. Germain to have his opinion likewise about the affairs of that island. It will soon be known what decision was announced by the Bishop to the conference.
	Paris, 12th November 1558.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 12. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1279. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	I arrived here on the 8th. Two days ago his Majesty, having left Arras when I did, reached the abbacy, (fn. 2) two leagues hence, where he will remain in retirement until preparation be made for the obsequies of his father, which will be followed by those of Queen Maria, who, according to several advices, died eight days after her brother the Emperor, precisely at the time when she was expected to come to Flanders as Regent.
	There are also advices from England that the Queen is not well, and the ambassador from Florence has said to me and many others that she is at the point of death, as known throughout the Court, much to the regret of these lords, who for their own reasons (rispetti) would not wish it to be known that she was even indisposed, but the truth is that her malady is evidently incurable, and will end with her life (et con quella finirà la sua vita) sooner or later, according to the increase or decrease of her mental anxieties, which harass her more than the disease, however dangerous it may be. The King has therefore sent to England the Count de Feria, who, being a most perfect gentleman (gentilissimo cavalier), and agreeable to his Majesty, is also in great favour with the Queen, he likewise fancying himself popular there; but may God grant (in case of her Majesty's death) that he do not experience to his detriment the perverse nature of those people, and their most inveterate (ostinatissimo) detestation of foreigners, and above all of Spaniards. He took with him a Portuguese physician (fn. 3) who has a very great name in these parts, so as not to fail in whatever could conduce to the Queen's health. He will at any rate attempt to carry into effect the design, about which I wrote on the 29th ultimo, for marrying “Miladi” Elizabeth to some personage in the King's confidence, in which he hopes to succeed, but I have not yet been able to hear who will be proposed. She herself inclines towards a Scottish lord, her kinsman, a handsome and noble youth, son of a sister of Henry VIII., who was married in Scotland; he being of the same mind as this lady in the matter of religion; so were the crown to pass into her hands with that husband, it might be well nigh surely prognosticated that the country will relapse into its former state and worse, unless the Lord God, of His mercy, interpose His hand.
	Brussels, 12th November 1558.
	[Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.]
Nov. 13. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives	1280. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate.
	The night before last the Duke of Savoy arrived, and yesterday he went to his Majesty at the abbacy to condole with him on the Emperor's demise, so as yet I have been unable to confer with his Excellency, but the Duke of Alva and the Prince of Orange went back to the site of the colloquy [Cercamp], and were expecting the reply from England, to enable them to form some decision. The day before our departure from Arras, all three of the English ambassadors together (fn. 4) had a long audience of the King, and I have heard that his Majesty determined that if it does not suit that kingdom to make peace without the restitution of Calais, they must deliberate about waging a brisk war next year, and carrying it on with due vigour, as, if his Majesty be made sure of being assisted, he will break off the negotiation; but if not certain to receive effective aid, he will make peace in the best way he can. This alternative will, I am told, make the English consent to peace, rather than continue the war.
	His Majesty's army is not yet disbanded, but pecuniary supply for its payment has been obtained from Antwerp, under promise of the Genoese, who will get from Spain the money disbursed by them here, at such rate of interest as agreed to heretofore. The greater part of the German Blacksmiths (Ferraroli) and infantry is disbanded, but some of them are retained, together with the native cavalry and infantry, that they may garrison the frontiers, where there is the greatest need of them. So for this winter, whether the peace be made or not, there is no expectation of any stic of arms in these parts, and the like will be the case in Piedmont also.
	Brussels, 13th November 1558.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 15. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1281. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Since the return of the Bishop of Limoges to the conference the result of his message is unknown, though all persons think it improbable that the King will in any way alter his first conditions, which are moreover openly blamed by many persons, and more especially by the favourers and dependents of the Guise family, as dishonourable; but I am nevertheless told on the best authority, that the Constable having lately written an autograph letter to his Majesty, and another, in accordance with it, to the Duchess of Valentinois, knowing what her influence can effect with the King, and above all at present, when there is an open rupture and enmity between her and the Cardinal of Lorraine, she being so united with the Constable that they are one and the same thing, the Duke de Gaise is therefore much afraid lest the King's intense desire for the agreement, he being thus persuaded by the Duchess, and also by the Constable, on the two occasions when he came hither, (fn. 5) will cause his Majesty at any rate to accept the conditions of King Philip. On this account Guise is much grieved, and so dejected that he has not the heart to perform any sort of office to the contrary, in demonstration of the great shame to which (in his opinion) such an agreement would put his Majesty, and, besides the infinite and universal discontent of this entire kingdom, the hatred to which it would likewise subject him. His brother-in-law, however, the Prince of Ferrara, to whom for his own designs and personal interests the peace is very distasteful, encouraged him by saying that his position with the King would expose him not only to blame and reproof but also to punishment, were he on such an occasion to fail telling the King his mind freely about whatever he deems for his service, or detrimental to his konour, and dissatisfactory to his subjects, regardless of any sort of disfavour; and that should Guise not choose or not dare to do this, on receiving his permission, he the Prince, although indisposed, will go to the Court in person in his stead, considering himself the King's servant, and interested in the grandeur and repute of this crown, whose fortunes he shares; and the result will soon be known, as this affair cannot be long delayed. The same authority told me that the Duke de Némours showed him an autograph letter from the Duke of Savoy, telling him he was content that the most Christian King should restore his own to him, retaining four or five fortresses in Piedmont at his option. Concerning Calais and the English, he told me also that when the Commissioners departed hence this second time they went with the intention, and it may be said determined, to agree to a five years' truce with the kingdom of England, should the Queen refuse to be a party to the general peace; Calais, in the meanwhile, remaining in the power of France, as it is at present. All which things be your Serenity pleased to have kept with such secrecy as they deserve on account of the persons mentioned.
	The Florentine outlaws here, to effect the restitution of their liberty, sent to the conference one of the sons of the late Luigi Alamanni, (fn. 6) with letters of favour from the King and Queen Catherine de' Medici, to lay before the Commissoners the promises made to them by the Emperor on their surrender, to preserve that Republic without the slightest alteration of its form; demonstrating the great wrong done them 28 years ago, under this promise, and insisting on being restored, and that they likewise should return to their usual rule as heretofore: an office of charity towards their country, and indicating natural love of liberty, rather than from thinking that it can bear any fruit, although they trust greatly in the goodness and commiseration of King Henry and Queen Catherine, and of their ministers.
	Paris, 15th November 1558.
	[Italian.]