Venice: March 1591

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 8, 1581-1591. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

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'Venice: March 1591', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 8, 1581-1591, (London, 1894) pp. 526-536. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol8/pp526-536 [accessed 25 April 2024]

March 1591

March 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1019. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
Here there is but little preparation for an expedition to France Nevertheless it is arranged that the Duke of Parma is to go back again into that kingdom at the beginning of summer; and it is hoped that he will effect more than he did last year. His enemies declare that he has gone back to Flanders without really relieving the city of Paris, for which purpose he was sent with an army into France; and that his bad treatment of his troops is the cause of mutiny among the Spaniards, and of Count Mansfeldt's discontent which has caused him to abandon his command; they also accuse the Duke of spending too much money in Flanders. However, it would seem that for want of anyone suited to supply his place the Duke of Parma will still remain in his Majesty's service.
Don Juan d' Aquila writes to say that the position he occupied has been fortified towards the sea only, as the French absolutely refused to allow any walls to be built round the land side, in order that they might remain perfectly free to keep or to expel the foreigners as they thought fit. But as the sea route to Brittany is now open, they are discussing a project for sending German troops to join the others, with a view to establishing there a strong corps d'armee which can with case be supported and reinforced from the sea. Nothing has been done as yet, however, except to raise one thousand infantry, who are to be sent to Brittany under Don Diego Brochiero, Knight of Malta, highly esteemed as a naval commander.
Madrid, 2nd March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
March 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1020. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
It would seem that the formation of the fleet, which was proceeding slowly, must now be fully approved, for the Genoese ships which were dispensed from service were once more detained at the moment when they were leaving the port of Ferrol. This advantage will be gained that from the day of their discharge to the day of this new embargo no hire will be due.
Meantime the English buccaneers near Barcelona have seized a Ragusan ship with one hundred and fifty thousand crowns on board, the larger part belonging to Florentines and Genoese.
Some days ago a Spaniard arrived in this Court from England, where he had been sent to spy the condition of the Queen of England's affairs. He has received money and presents. He reports that Drake, in command of forty ships, has gone out to lie in wait for the fleet from Havana; and that when reinforcements reached him from England he would attempt something bigger still. He further adds that English booty in West Indian produce is so great that sugar is cheaper in London than it is in Lisbon or the Indies themselves. (Afferma anco che Inglesi hanno fatto tanta preda de robba che si sogliono condurre dalle Indie, che li zuccari sono a menor precio a Londra di quello che siano a Lisbona, et ne i luoghi medesimi da i guali si cavanó), and so as the English are so powerful at sea it is unlikely that the West Indian fleet will be able to sail, or if it does its arrival is surrounded with danger; and to meet this danger an embargo has been laid on certain merchantmen in Lisbon, in addition to the fifteen which have already been detained, and it is proposed to despatch these, accompanied by thirty ships from the Armada, towards Havana to protect the flotilla.
Madrid, 2nd March 1591.
[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
March 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1021. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
The King has been much disturbed with gout and fever. But after the doctors had drawn eleven ounces of blood both left him, and he is much better, though not up yet. The merchants, seeing the age and the infirmity of his Majesty, are alarmed for their money, which is secured to him for his life only; and they accordingly refuse to advance any more unless the interest due in Seville and Andalusia is raised.
A Commission to examine titles to property, and in cases where a good title is wanting the land will be confiscated; arrears, also, are to be exacted. In order to save themselves from the action of this Commission the people of Seville have sent to offer to pay to his Majesty five hundred thousand crowns; it is thought that this will be accepted.
The people of Seville are in the greatest discontent with the Government, They demand from his Majesty full liberty to introduce merchandise from any country whatsoever, especially from England, otherwise they declare that customs dues will be reduced to nothing.
The fleet that ought to sail in March for the West Indies and Peru will not be able to put to sea, not so much because of the buccaneers as because it is still deficient in many necessaries. It is also doubtful whether the other fleet which usually sails for New Spain during the summer, will be ready in time, as all arrangements are in confusion and disorder; and the difficulty which the English corsairs are causing is likely to increase, for they hinder the accumulation of money, which is the chief concern of the Spanish at present.
Madrid, 2nd March 1591.
[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
March 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1022. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
The Silitar (Silihdari) Agà had his Majesty's word that he should be made Agà of the Janizaries, but Sinan, Grand Vizir, bribed by twenty thousand crowns from Imbraur (sic) Pasha, who had given to the Sultan also fifty thousand crowns' worth of jewels, and ten thousand crowns to the Sultana, succeeded in making the Sultan break his word.
The Silitar, in private conversation, used very violent language about the Sultan, declaring that this expedition which he is preparing is calculated like a merchant not like a prince. In his opinion the expedition to Spain or to Fez is almost an impossibility on account of the length of the voyage and the necessity to winter in foreign lands with all the fleet. He accordingly advises the Sultan to break his word which he has given to the King of Navarre, the Queen of England, and Don Antonio of Portugal. He discussed the condition of Malta and of Crete; the monks of those islands are to be sent to the Seraglio very soon. In short, it is to be feared that the Sultan will choose that enterprise which will bring most pecuniary advantage to his Crown. He will consider that Crete is the key of the Archipelago; that the Maltese who were at Rhodes this winter could not leave reached that island unless they had touched at and re-victualled in Crete; and though both Malta and Crete are considered of equal importance yet the enterprise against Crete is as easy as that against Malta is difficult The fleet will take one hundred thousand men, and after landing them will proceed to plunder the shores of Italy on the one side or the other of the Pharo of Messina, that is to say, if the war is in Candia all the coast of Apulia and the Adriatic, if the war is in Malta all the shore of Calabria as far as Naples. The famine which has been tormenting Italy all this year makes it likely that the coming year will be pestilential, as these things usually follow one another.
Talking of the avarice of the Sultan the Silitar said that if he continued in this course he would leave behind him a worse name than any of his predecessors. For a hundred bales of skins he had changed his mind about the Polish war; a couple of clocks and a few thalers had prevented him from attacking Hungary. Silitar advises the Republic to send that casket which the Sultan has frequently asked for, as soon as possible, without delay, and he reminds me that when despots ask they intend to receive.
The five Moors are much made of by the Grand Vizir, who has obtained from them detailed information about Valencia and Catalonia, to which parts his mind is now chiefly directed, both in order to create a diversion in favour of Navarre and England and to help Don Antonio of Portugal, to whom he has written the enclosed; and also because he thinks that the fame of his past victories will cause the peoples to rise and open the way to him in any country to which he may direct his prow. His Secretary, however, is much opposed to Sinan's conduct of the expedition in person, declaring that it is one thing to be head of all the affairs of this Empire, and quite another to be commander of a part only of its forces.
Dalle Vigne di Pera, 2nd March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
Enclosed in preceding Despatch. 1023. Translation of a Letter from the Grand Vizir, to Don Antonio.
After compliments. We tell you in all affection that David Passi, your agent at the Sublime Porte of our most puissant Lord the Emperor, has frequently and quite recently given information about your case, how that the King of Spain, when unmolested by the Emperor, has expelled you from your kingdom of Portugal; you desire to recover it by the help of the Queen of England, and at the same time you sought the assistance of the King of Fez; to him you sent your son as hostage, and from him you obtained promises of men and money. But the King of Fez at the request of the King of Spain, not only did not fulfil his promises but up to the present moment has retained your son. Thus your campaign in Portugal failed to reach that successful issue which would have been secured had the forces of the King of Fez been conjoined with the forces of the Queen of England.
Now relying on that clemency and support which has been extended to so many others, you desire to place yourself under the protection of this Sublime Porte, counselled to take this course by the Queen of England; and, by the favour of the most mighty Grand Signor, to recover your son in the first place, and in the second by the assistance of the Queen of England to regain your throne in Portugal, which you and your ancestors always held in alliance with the Sublime Porte.
All this and much more has been explained to us by David Passi, and by us reported to the Grand Signor, who now deigns to take you under his protection and to grant you the aid you ask. And seeing that the King of Fez may raise some difficulty in the way of restoring your son to you, his Imperial Grandeur has sent to charge him to send your son at once to this happy Porte; these orders are absolute and positive and the King of Fez will not dare to disobey them.
Meantime do you be comforted, and abide firm in your purpose; acting always in concert with the Queen of England, and soon your son will arrive here at the Sublime Porte, where he will be received, esteemed, and carressed.
The year that is coming it is the firm resolve of our Sovereign to make a vast armament, which will be in your favour; for it is one of his objects to restore you to your throne. Have no doubt on this score; you will be further informed of everything in greater detail by David Passi. On your side see that you make all necessary provision, and keep the Sublime Porte fully informed of all that occurs.
Constantinople; the end of the month Rebindieoel 999, that is 2nd February 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
March 2. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1024. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
From an English merchantman which was passing Santa Maura, two hundred pieces of cloth were taken by force. The Grand Vizir is very angry and has sent a Chavass to obtain the restitution of the goods and also to bring here the guilty.
France and England have both had an audience of the Grand Vizir on one and the same day. The Frenchman told him that in a short time a M. Dufin would arrive as Ambassador from Navarre with a suite of one hundred men; the Englishman, on the other hand, says that M. Dufin is a prisoner, and no Ambassador at all is coming. The Vizir laughed at these contradictory stories. An English agent is on his way here via Danzig.
Dalle Vigne di Pera, 2nd March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
March 5. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1025. Giovanni Dolfin, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
Letters, dated Dresden the 28th February, have arrived announcing that on the evening of the following day the Viscount of Turenne and Horatio Paìlavicini, the agents for Navarre and England were expected to reach the city. The elector was preparing to receive them with all honour, and wished to go outside the city to meet them.
Prague, 5th March 1591.
[Italian.]
March 5. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1026. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
While the King was conducting the seige of Chartres, and had made himself master of a ditch under a revèlin, where he was stationed the nearer to observe the operations, he was struck on the forehead by a splinter of stone detached from a wall by the violence of the musketry fire.
Tours, 5th March 1591.
[Italian.]
March 12. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1027. Giovanni Dolfin, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
Three days ago the Secretary of France, resident here, returned to Court. He says that the Viscount of Turenne and Horatio Paìlavicini were with the elector of Saxony for seven days. After receiving many honours from that Prince and discussing their business with him and four of his colonels, they left for Brandenburg, intending subsequently to visit Casimir. One of the favourable signs is that the Elector of Saxony sent along with them the second son of the Prince of Hainault to interpret to the other Princes the Elector's views. Everything will be concluded before the Frankfort fair.
Certain merchants here have received letters from Holland, dated February 18th, by which it would seem that three thousand English have disembarked there. Two thousand German horse are to be raised; and all this force is to be employed in holding the Duke of Parma in check and compelling him to remain in Flanders.
Twelve days ago two Englishmen arrived with a considerable suite of servants. They are said to be gentlemen of rank. Yesterday they left for Poland on their way to Constantinople. They have with them several cases and some bales of goods, most probably presents for the Porte.
Prague, 12th March 1591.
[Italian.]
March 12. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1028. Giovanni Dolfin, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
The French Secretary came to visit me, and told me that in Dresden, Turenne, Pallavicini and the Elector had discussed whether it was advisable to send an Agent expressly to your Serenity to ask in the name of France, England, and the Protestant Princes for help for Navarre, by furnishing a considerable sum every month towards the payment of the troops which it is proposed to raise. After a long discussion it was settled that they should write to Venice for the opinion of M. de Maisse, and should also take the advice of Brandenburg and Casimir.
I, knowing that such an Embassy could not be acceptable to your Serenity for many reasons, took upon myself to say that for my part I thought the Embassy would prove futile, for though all your Excellencies were as much concerned for the welfare of France as any Prince in Europe, yet now that the peace between Persia and the Turks was concluded, and a Turkish armament was being prepared, it would be impossible for Venice to spend money. My arguments convinced him that it would not be of service to Navarre that this Agent should be sent; and he determined to despatch an express that very day to Turenne to dissuade him from taking this step.
Prague, 12th March 1591.
[Italian.]
March 15. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1029. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
The King has again been suffering from gout in the shoulder; in order to mitigate the pain, and to prevent the disease from attaching more dangerous places, the doctors have again drawn four or five ounces of blood.
In these circumstances, being unable to have an audience of his Majesty, I have communicated to Don Juan d'Idiaquez the news from Constantinople that a great armament is being prepared there. He pointed out some difficulties in the way of the Turks, but admitted that it was necessary to be on one's guard.
Talking of other matters, Don Juan said that he was informed that a fleet was being prepared in England, and that its destination was surmised to be either the Indies with a view to capturing the Indian fleet or France with a view to supporting Vendome, for so they call the King of France in this Court I pointed out to him that as England was so near to France it was hardly necessary to prepare so great a fleet; and he agreed in this view, assuring me that he had himself remarked in Council upon the fact that Vendome held Dieppe, where he could easily receive English support, and therefore the destination of this English fleet must be other than France. As regards the preparations here there is nothing going on beyond what I have already reported to your Serenity.
The news of the loss of fourteen ships has been received here with universal sorrow. They were bound for Spain, fell in with a furious gale, were all wrecked and sank.
Madrid, 15th March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
March 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1030. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
Men have been sent to the shores of the Black Sea and into Anatolia, to cut wood for shipbuilding and oars. Five hundred camels, with wrought iron, have arrived from Samakowo (Samaco), three days distance from Philippopolis; the iron consists of screws, bars, and nails.
The models of Malta and Crete, which were entrusted to Christian slaves to construct, have resulted in a failure. Perhaps one of the main reasons why matters are proceeding with less warmth is the fact that David Passi has fallen into disgrace with the Grand Vizir, for he wrote to the Grand Chancellor of Poland, saying that Sinan Pasha had written the letter of accord and reconciliation on his own authority only, without binding the Sultan, and this with a view to deceiving them, and drawing money from them. Sinan, on learning this flew into a violent rage, and having obtained leave from the Sultan to avenge himself except on the life of Passi, he could not wait to catch David quietly, but must send for him at midmight, at a time when he happened not to be at home. The result of this haste is that David has taken refuge in the house of the new Beglierbey. Sinan, they say, hoped to be able to secure the drowning of David. The lapse of time and the intervention of friends, however, will, it is thought, cause the Sultan to spare his life, and perhaps to reinstate him. Sinan considers that he has been accused of treachery, and nurses his anger, though he dissimulates for the present The Sultan's Secretary said to me that the Republic ought to consider Passi's removal as worth a million in gold. But seeing that he is supported by people of the highest authority, who assure the Sultan that he is the only truthful and well-informed spy against Christian powers, I will watch the issue of events, and see that your Serenity's interests are not affected.
I will continue to urge through the Secretary of the Grand Vizir, that it would be a wise policy for the Sultan to take all the money he collected for the armament, and to enjoy peace rather than risk a doubtful victory. The contract for biscuits is not complete, and it is certain that the storage of corn will take place in the Morea. The Sultan shows more thirst for gold than for Christian blood.
This I gathered from the Secretary to the Grand Vizir.
Dalle Vigne di Pera, 16th March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
March 16. Original. Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1031. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
I have instructed a trustworthy agent to keep me well informed as to the progress of the shipbuilding in the Black Sea, and all that relates to the preparation of the fleet.
Dalle Vigne di Pera, 16th March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
March 17. Original Despatch, Venetian. 1032. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
The Spanish Ambassador, in obedience to orders from his master, has frequently endeavoured to induce the Parisians to call in Philip as their lord and protector, a thing he has never succeeded in doing on account of the particular odium in which the Spanish name is held. But he has attained this much, that the council of sixteen, a popular assembly which he has bought with Spanish gold, went to Madme de Monpensier to complain that the Duke of Mayenne paid as much attention to his own convenience as the King, who never takes his armour off, paid to the war; and that being so it was necessary for them to discover some prince great enough to protect them, alluding almost openly to the King of Spain.
Letters from the King of Spain to his Ambassador have been intercepted. In them the King instructs his Ambassador that if he finds it impossible to advance the claims of the Infanta, daughter of the King of Spain, he is to propose the son of the Duke of Loraine, always with the understanding that if he acquires the kingdom of France, Loraine is to be ceded to his Catholic Majesty. The Duke of Mayenne is aware of all this, and it causes him no small trouble.
The Queen of England is going to send a force of infantry into Brittany to oppose the Spanish. She has sent to the King to ask where they are to land.
Tours, 17th March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
March 26. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1033. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
The Duke of Mayenne, who has just received some money from the King of Spain, tried to corrupt the Governor of Coucy, a very strong place in Picardy. He succeeded at the price of eighteen thousand crowns. This has embarrassed the King's position in that province.
There is a rumour that the Duke of Parma will arrive in France with fourteen thousand men and four thousand horse. This has caused the King to hurry on the fortification of all the places round Paris, especially St. Denis.
Tours, 26th March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
March 26. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1034. Giovanni Dolfin, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
As the report runs that the Protestant Princes are amassing troops their various States, the Emperor, at the request of the Spanish Ambassador, has sent to Saxony and Brandenburg to induce them to keep the peace, and to stand neutral without mixing themselves up in other people's affairs.
A week ago, while the Emperor was reading a book upon fireworks he suddenly conceived the idea to try an experiment with some spirits of wine and gunpowder. As he was leaning over the the boiling spirits, which had been boiled and re-boiled, and was therefore almost pure spirit, it flamed up and burned a part of his beard, both his eyebrows, and his cheek. Thank God he has suffered very little, though the danger was great. He is in retreat at present.
Prague, 26th March 1591.
[Italian.]
March 29. Senate, Venetian Archives. 1035. To the Queen of England.
We wrote to your Majesty recently upon the subject of the restitution of the cargo of the ship “Salvagna,” and though we entertain no doubts as to the friendly disposition of your Majesty, still we are advised that the question has been referred to three doctors (in law), and as they will follow the ordinary course much time will probably be lost, to the total ruin of the owners, our subjects. We therefore beg that these our subjects may be entirely indemnified for the ship, the merchandise, and all their goods at once by your direct orders, in accordance with the friendly relations which have always existed between us.
Ayes 154
Noes 0
Neutrals 14
[Italian.]
March 30. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1036. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
Since this last attack of gout the doctors have bled his Majesty three times, and purged him once. He is better now and out of bed, but so weak that he cannot walk; he transacts some business, but gives audience to no one.
His Majesty is continually asked by the members of the League in France to furnish help; the Duke of Joyeuse asks for men to make head against Montmorency; the Duke of Mercure implores the despatch of a Spanish garrison to Brittany; the Duke of Mayenne demands money to pay his troops; the Duke of Parma seeks to secure the money which will pacify his mutineers. All receive kind words and promises; and it would seem that there is a desire to oblige them up to a certain point Money is being raised, partly on the security of the eight millions voted by the Cortes, partly by the sale of part of the royal revenue in Naples, partly by prolonging the life interests in the Indies to the other life.
The need of gold which was extremely felt by his Majesty and his Ministers, has been sensibly lightened by the arrival of the gold and silver from Havana, which has reached Lisbon in safety. The flagship parted company in a gale, and some disaster was feared; but now we have news that she has arrived safely in Seville; and so, although they suffered some damage from the storm, yet the storm saved them from the English buccaneers, who were compelled to abandon their posts of observation, and to return to England without their prey, to the Queen's great disgust. The fleet has brought six millions of gold.
Madrid, 30th March 1591.
[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
March 30. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 1037. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
A Secretary from England has arrived by way of Poland, he brings the title of Ambassador to the Agent, who has been resident here for so long a time. He says that a ship is on her way with valuable gifts for the Sultan and his Ministers. Requests have been preferred to the Sultan, in writing, that he would fulfil his promise as to help with a fleet; and that he would allow the King of Navarre to purchase horses in Barbary. The rising of the Moors and the continuance of war in that part will make it impossible to grant that request.
With the English Secretary came a brother of the Polish Ambassador. The rigours of winter will delay the Ambassador.
Dalle Vigne di Pera, 30th March 1591.
[Italian; deciphered.]
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