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.
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'Venice: October 1558', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, (London, 1877) pp. 1530-1540. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp1530-1540 [accessed 24 April 2024]
October 1558
| Oct. 1. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1266. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate. |
|---|---|
| The army commenced its march early this morning, and will encamp this evening at Château Auxy, six leagues from Hesdin, and four leagues from its last encampment. The move was made in order to have greater supply of forage, and by taking that route to render the French suspicious about the Montreuil expedition, as projected heretofore; and should the weather favour it, and the peace be not made, they would attempt it. | |
| Brussels, 1st October 1558. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 8. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1267. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate. |
| The camp yesterday left Château Auxy to advance one league towards Hesdin and remain there, his Majesty also intending to go thither to inspect that fortress, which he has not yet seen. Before the army decamped from Auxy, they captured the French company of men-at-arms of d'Etamps, which came to give the alarm to the army, and without any danger they took the whole company, and also some light horse of other companies; but the French nevertheless continue their usual forays, which render the roads unsafe in every direction. | |
| Arras, 8th October 1558. | |
| [Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.] | |
| Oct. 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1268. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate. |
| On the 13th the Commissioners appointed by both sides met at an abbacy between Doulens and King Philip's camp to conclude (per dar fine a) this treaty of peace; and on the part of his Majesty they are those three who negotiated at Lille, viz., Don Ruy Gomez, the Bishop of Arras, and the Prince of Orange, and besides, the Duke of Alva and Dr. Viglius, President of the Council of these provinces. The other five on the part of France are the Cardinal of Lorraine, the Constable, the Marshal de St. André, the Bishop of Orleans, and the Secretary Aubespine. | |
| On the 14th they were to commence negotiations, and according to report the French make a great difficulty not only about restoring Calais, but also with regard to Piedmont. As to Calais, remarks circulate through the Court that it was not taken from King Philip, but from the English, who, besides not having chosen to defend it at the time, nor to admit the succour sent them by King Philip, would not even make any attempt to recover it; and that that place was heretofore part of the kingdom of France, and not of England, so the French have not taken what belonged to others, but recovered their own; which speeches, and other similar ones, merely imply a tacit apology, in case peace be made without the restitution of that place. The English Ambassadors, who arrived here three days ago, (fn. 1) are nevertheless going tomorrow morning to the camp about this matter, and have brought with them several writings of agreements made heretofore with the deceased kings of France, whereby Calais is freely ceded to the English, in exchange for other things which they ceded to the French, so that place had become their own both in right of renunciation and by uninterrupted possession during two hundred years and more; but the French remain at any rate firm in not choosing to restore it. | |
| About the affairs of Piedmont great difficulty was made so long back as when these Commissioners were at Lille, and one of the causes for which they were on the point of breaking off the negotiation was that Ruy Gomez by order of the King chose to ascertain whether the French had authority from their King to treat about the restoration, of the Duke of Savoy; thereupon the French withdrew together, and finally said they had authority; so the negotiation was continued, and it was hoped that the matter would be adjusted thus, that certain fortresses were to remain in the hands of the French, and some others in those of King Philip, for reciprocal security, and the rest to be restored to the Duke; but the French would not condescend even to these conditions, which these lords regret, not so much perhaps on account of the Duke, of whom they are weary, he having satiated them (del quale sono stracchi et satii), in like manner as his Excellency is dissatisfied with all the Spaniards (siccome sua Eccza ê mal contenta de tutti loro), as because they would seem to lose repute, were they to make peace, leaving St. Quentin and Han to the French, the latter giving back nothing of importance but Thionville, which is of little account as compared with those two places so far in the interior of France and which constitute so wide a gate whereby this King might enter at his pleasure and invade that realm. Concerning the affairs of Tuscany, it is difficult and perhaps impossible to adjust them as desired by the Duke of Florence, who, as written by me some days ago, desired his Ambassador to remind King Philip that in this treaty of peace he has to make the French vacate the Siennese towns held by them; as it seems that according to the treaty with the Duke when he conceded him Sienna, his Majesty bound himself, in case he made peace with the French, to compel them to deliver up all those places to his Excellency, and should peace not be made, to assist him with cavalry and infantry for their recovery. This matter being now proposed at the conference gave the French an opportunity to demand the restitution of liberty to Sienna, which thing, as these lords are dissatisfied with that Duke, who is very openly abused at the Court, does not seem to be distasteful, and I am assured that if the other obstacles are removed King Philip will easily consent to the will of the French in this respect, although it seems monstrous (gran cosa) to believe that so great a king can entertain this wish to deprive others of what he has once given them; yet the hatred of this entire nation against the Duke of Florence is so great as to warrant the belief that if in their power they would do this and yet greater things to the detriment of his Excellency, and persuade his Majesty that he committed an act of great injustice in depriving that poor city of its liberty and subjecting it to that Prince, than whom no one could be more odious and offensive (ingrato) to that population (a quelli). | |
| Bethune, 16th October 1558. | |
| [Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.] | |
| Oct. 18. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1269. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate. |
| These lords have hope and are almost certain that peace will be concluded, although there are some who believe that the French do not intend to make peace, but to keep the King at his present great cost without producing any effect. His Majesty, being convinced of this, wished a few days ago to make the expedition against Doulens, which was considered practicable, and he continued of this mind for two days, but the negotiation for the peace becoming closer and closer, the Duke of Alva reminded his Majesty that should he take Doulens, he would have to give it back were any agreement made, thus incurring the toil and cost fruitlessly; and what mattered yet more was that Doulens remaining as at present without being rendered stronger than it is, his Majesty could take it at any time, but to take it now to give it back would merely serve as a warning to the French to fortify it in such a way that he could never again think of capturing it; which caused the King to change his opinion. | |
| Should peace be made through the restoration of the Duke of Savoy, his Majesty going to Spain, and that Duke to his Duchy, a Regent (un Governator) must be provided for these provinces; so it was settled to send to Spain for Queen Maria, (fn. 2) she being deemed more opportune for this need than any other person, although some of these Flemish lords would not wish for her, and the Count d'Egmont told the King, more openly than the others, so to provide that, should Queen Maria return, he be not under her command, as he would rather resign all the honours and offices held under his Majesty, than be subjected to that Queen's commands. But as there is some doubt of her choosing to return, in which case some other regent must be provided, and the Duchess of Lorraine not suiting (non piacendo) as she lacks the vigour (vivacità) and experience of Queen Maria, the Duke of Alva desires to obtain this post for himself, and that he may the more easily succeed, he has familiarized and humbled himself with all these Flemish nobles, and performs every possible office, nor is he without hope, most especially from his being in greater favour with the King than he was some months ago, as whilst his Majesty was with the army the Duke's opinion in council was always acknowledged to be more prudent and judicious than that of any of his colleagues. | |
| In the meanwhile King Philip's army suffers much from the bad weather, owing to which many horses and many soldiers have perished, most especially Germans, there being also an infinite number of invalided soldiers owing to the cold, and to the heavy and incessant rain which for the last month has never stopped day or night, and all the roads are broken up, so that with the utmost difficulty and in very small quantity can victuals reach the camp, where there is great scarcity of provender likewise. Many members of the Council are of opinion that the artillery should be removed and taken into some town, lest they deteriorate, or, should the roads become worse than they are, lest it become necessary, with loss and shame, to abandon the guns. To-day, which had been appointed for a foraging expedition, the weather is execrable; and as it is impossible for the army to remain long in this fashion, it may therefore be considered certain that whether the peace take place or not, it must very soon dissolve. | |
| Bethune, 18th October 1558. | |
| [Italian, partly in cipher; the portions in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.] | |
| Oct. 18. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1270. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
| Last night the equerry (il scudier) Carnevalletto arrived here postwise, having been despatched by the most Christian King's Commissioners to his Majesty, who sent him hither immediately to the Queen (fn. 3), who told my secretary this morning that she had advices from the King, that at the second meeting of the Commissioners, to remove any cause of confusion, they had agreed to a suspension of hostilities for only 20 days, that the negotiation might be more conveniently continued; the armies on both sides being bound to retreat a distance of four leagues into their own territories, from the spot where they now find themselves; and that concerning the chief points, two articles had been already proposed and agreed to, the one about the marriage of the Princess Isabel, his Majesty's eldest daughter, to Don Carlos, the Catholic King's son; the other, that each Crown was to give up five fortresses. They then commenced discussing the restoration of the Duke of Savoy, to which the Spanish Commissioners would not consent without the restitution of Piedmont, which not being conceded, the Queen feared that the agreement to all the other demands would likewise be excluded. When the Secretary told her that it was nevertheless said that the Duke of Savoy was content with the compensation, and that his most Christian Majesty for the attainment of peace consented to give it, she confirmed this, saying, “It is true the King would give it, but you know the obstinacy (la durezza) of these Commissioners, who were also again to confer together this day, and we will wait to see what fruit this other discussion may produce.” From this it would appear that the affairs of the Duke of Savoy are not in the state represented of late by many persons here, including even chief ministers, and those of greatest authority. | |
| My secretary did not omit to ask the Queen likewise if anything had been said about Italian matters, and those of Metz and Calais, Her Majesty replied negatively; but I am informed by an eyewitness that two English personages were present at the conference with King Philip's Commissioners, sent by Queen Mary for the interests of that kingdom, and especially for the restoration of Calais, which will greatly increase the difficulties of the agreement, for his most Christian Majesty will not surrender Calais, as told me plainly by the Cardinal of Lorraine, who confirmed the like to me about the city of Metz. I have seen a letter from a person of quality, purporting that should it be necessary to form a matrimonial alliance with the Duke of Savoy, it will be made with his Majesty's second daughter [Claude], whom he promised to the Duke of Lorraine, rather than with the King's sister Madame Marguerite, for whom the Duke has no fancy (non pensa), though here it is believed otherwise. | |
| A courier from Portugal has brought news of the death of the late Emperor, which took place on the 20th September, his body having been taken and interred at Granada, near the Catholic Kings [Ferdinand and Isabella], the Empress, and others of his lineage (del suo sangue). | |
| Paris, 18th October 1558. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 21. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1271. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
| After the Commissioners met for the third time, the Cardinal of Lorraine went postwise to the King, remaining the night, and then went back immediately with his Majesty's ultimatum and decision. | |
| Yesterday the Queen departed hence suddenly with the Queen-Dauphin and Madame Marguerite, they having been called by the King to the city of Beauvais, whither he prepared to go to see the Queen (she having most strongly urged him thus to do, three months having already elapsed without their seeing each other) as also to enjoy the fruit of the 20 days' truce. The agreement is already thought to be quite settled, though either to give time for disbanding the troops, and procuring their pay, or for some other purpose, its proclamation is delayed. Of this there are more certain and manifest signs daily, not only by the King's retiring, and by his sending for the women (non per il retirarsi che fa S. Mtà, chiamando a se le donne), as because the disbanding of the troops, and the breaking up of the camp, have commenced in earnest; the like being also done in King Philip's camp. But what matters more is, that the Papal Legate here has been informed on very high authority that all the disagreements and differences between these Kings are already settled and at an end; and the only obstacle being caused by the Duke of Savoy's still insisting if not on the whole of Piedmont, at least a part of it, it remains to find some means more to his satisfaction than those suggested hitherto; but should they not be found, and he still obstinately refuse the compensation offered him, this side will not fail on his account (per lui) to carry into effect all the other things (cose) concluded and to publish the agreement; these two Kings having quite determined to be friends, and to make peace together. From the affirmation of the Legate here, your Serenity may be no less assured that the peace (for such is it called, and not truce) is concluded, than you would be by its proclamation. | |
| Paris, 21st October 1558. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 25. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1272. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
| By my secretary's letter from Beauvais the Queen told him that down to yesterday the Commissioners had formed no decision about the affairs of the Duke of Savoy, it seeming on the contrary that this matter had rather increased the difficulty which existed between them previously, his most Christian Majesty awaiting news of its settlement very anxiously. It is supposed that on the part of King Philip the delay has for object to seize in the meanwhile some other fortress in Piedmont besides those already taken, and especially Casale. | |
| After the affairs of the Duke of Savoy there remained for discussion those of Calais, and the Queen told my secretary that until the 24th not a word had been uttered by the Commissioners [the Earl of Arundel, the Bishop of Ely, and Dr. Wotton] from the Queen of England. Concerning the marriage of the most Christian King's daughter to Don Carlos, I have also heard on good authority that as to dower his Majesty refers himself to the King Catholic, knowing that regard will thus be had for the merit (merito), condition, and grandeur of his daughter, she being born of such a father, as, also for the qualities of the husband to be given her; and when King Philip goes to Spain, Don Carlos will come to reside in Flanders. | |
| I have also ascertained who told the Legate that the peace was agreed to and concluded, and although he is entitled to all credence, being in fact (after the Cardinal of Lorraine and the Duke de Guise) the greatest of the King's ministers, nevertheless I am of opinion that he may have been deceived, either from the natural tendency of this nation not only to believe whatever they desire, but to assert and consider it a fact, or else because it suits him to say so, and have it thus believed, in order more easily to execute the charge assigned him, he having remained here to speed the exaction of pecuniary supply, so that every one, when convinced of peace, anticipating a long cessation of turmoil, may the more willingly accommodate his Majesty; a result so auspiciously obtained by him, that during the last few days he has got (cavato) from the treasurers and receivers of the provinces, though the greatest amount was derived from the inhabitants of this city, upwards of 900,000 francs, which, within three days, will all have been sent to the paymaster and to M. de Guise, who has remained at Amiens, and still continues breaking up (disfacendo) the camp, having disbanded the two cornets of “Blacksmiths” of the Duke of Luneburg, who is however still under custody at Amiens, the Duke de Guise urging his most Christian Majesty to make some demonstration against him for his having insulted his Excellency. The Duke de Nevers, with an escort of light horse, has been charged to conduct the rest of the said “Blacksmiths,” with the exception of those of the Duke of Saxony, to the extremity of the confines towards the Duchy of Luxemburg, to prevent them from ravaging the country on their march, as they would have done. These men were dismissed, but as they only journey four leagues per day, before arriving at the frontiers (were the agreement not to take place), they might be re-engaged. | |
| The Duke of Saxony in person will conduct his “Blacksmiths,” but it is already reported that he will remain in the French service with an annual provision of 12,000 crowns. The men-at-arms have been almost all partitioned (repartita) in the frontier garrisons of Calais, Boulogne, Montreuil, and Abbeville. The six regiments of German infantry, each regiment numbering 10 ensigns, will be reduced to five, and quartered in frontier garrisons, the other five ensigns being dismissed entirely. The Switzers are being marched between Champagne and Burgundy, where they will be paid, but the King has not quite determined about keeping them, to send a part to Piedmont, or to dismiss them completely. The French and Italian gentlemen who followed the King's cornet, departed all together after his Majesty left the camp; and those who brought that large amount of mules from Lyons and Auvergne have been told to depart, and are doing so. Thus at present there is no longer any form of army; and the like having been done on the other side by King Philip, it is supposed that the agreement cannot but take place, and for a long while. | |
| The Legate and all the Ambassadors have been told not to move hence as the King will be here in eight or ten days. | |
| Paris, 25th October 1558. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1273. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
| On the 27th, a secretary from the Constable presented himself to his Majesty [at Beauvais]; and the Prince of Ferrara told my secretary as a great secret, imparted to him by the Cardinal of Lorraine and also by the King, that at the conference nothing was any longer said by the Commissioners about the affairs of the Duke of Savoy, they being considered agreed to, although not published; but with regard to those of England, mentioned three or four days previously by King Philip's commissioners, when they spoke about the restitution of Calais, the Cardinal of Lorraine replied that that cord must not be touched, as it would break the whole thread of the negotiation, nor at the moment was anything more said on the subject, but on the 26th when it was resumed, King Philip's commissioners declared clearly that their King had firmly resolved not to conclude peace without the said restitution; with which resolve the aforesaid secretary having been despatched, his most Christian Majesty sent him back with an express order for his commissioners not to consent to the said restitution. Then this morning, in confirmation of the fact, I was assured that the Commissioners had already taken leave to depart entirely, and return to their Princes without any conclusion, but it seems that subsequently they resumed the conference and the negotiation, so there is no less fear of exclusion than hope of conclusion; in one way or the other the result will be ascertained shortly. In the meanwhile France does not fail to provide with all diligence for the affairs of Piedmont, two regiments, viz., those of the Rhinegrave and Fustenburg, being destined for those parts, and 18 ensigns of Switzers, together with three of the Gray League. The Duke de Guise, the Duke de Nemours, and all the other lords of the camp, arrived at the Court [at Beauvais] yesterday; and today there arrived here the Duke of Saxony, to wait for his most Christian Majesty with the rest of the Court, whose departure from Beauvais depends on the close of the conference, where endless loving demonstrations are exchanged between the Commissioners, even the Duchess of Lorraine having willed to give a banquet to the wife and daughter-in-law of the Constable, who went thither to see him. | |
| Paris, 29th October 1558. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| Oct. 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1274. Michiel Surian, Venetian Ambassador with King Philip, to the Doge and Senate. |
| A few days ago his Majesty received news from England that the Queen was grievously ill, and her life in danger (che la Regina era aggravata dal male, et non senza pericolo della vita), which intelligence, most especially at the present moment, being of very great importance, so disquieted his Majesty and all these Lords that it was immediately determined to send the Count de Feria to visit the Queen in the name of her consort, and to treat another affair which I will narrate hereunder, but, as when the Count was about to depart, a fresh advice arrived that her Majesty's health had improved, he therefore delayed his departure for three or four days longer, and in the meanwhile his household at Brussels is preparing to cross over with him to England, a sign that he will not return hither so speedily. | |
| Now the matter to be treated by him is the marriage of “Miladi” Elizabeth, to keep that kingdom in any event in the hands of a person in his Majesty's confidence. Last year King Philip gave an order to this effect to his Confessor, (fn. 4) who is very dear to the Queen, he laying before her all the considerations both of religion and piety, and of the safety (salute) of the realms, and to prevent the evils which might occur were Lady Elizabeth (quella Signora), seeing herself slighted (sprezzata), to choose, after her Majesty's death, or perhaps even during her lifetime, to take for her husband some individual who might convulse the whole kingdom into confusion. For many days during which the Confessor treated this business, he found the Queen utterly averse (alienissima) to give Lady Elizabeth any hope of the succession, obstinately maintaining that she was neither her sister nor the daughter of the Queen's father, King Henry, nor would she hear of favouring her, as she was born of an infamous woman, who had so greatly outraged the Queen her mother, and herself. Notwithstanding this, the Confessor, assiduously and adroitly persevering in this design, effected so much that her Majesty consented to do what the King wished, he expressing great satisfaction at this, but two days later the Queen changed her mind, and the Confessor lays the blame on Cardinal Pole, who, as the project had not been communicated to him, may have performed some contrary office, ignoring that such was the will of the King. (fn. 5) | |
| Now that things have been in such danger, owing to the Queen's malady, they are sending the Count de Feria that he may try and revive this project, and realize it, but I do not yet know whether with the Duke of Savoy or others, nor can it be known for certain until this peace is concluded or excluded (conclusa ò exclusa); but the Count's instructions purport that he is to try and dispose the Queen to consent to Lady Elizabeth (quella Signora) being married as her sister, and with the hope of succeeding to the crown (et con la speranza del Regno), this negotiation having to be treated with the greatest possible secrecy, because these Lords suspect that were the French to come to know it, they would easily find means to thwart the project, as the greater part of England is opposed to the Queen, and most hostile (inimicissimo) to King Philip and his dependants, and much inclined towards “Miladi” Elizabeth, who has always shown greater liking (più sangue) for the French faction than for this other, being thus habituated in the time of her brother King Edward, when at the summit of her grandeur (nella sua maggior grandezza). | |
| I heard this thing from a great personage who took part in this consultation, and had a hand in the business heretofore, and he bound me to secrecy, as should it be known my informant would be put to shame and perhaps to loss, nor would it be for your Serenity's advantage nor for the honour of your representatives; but I am certain that nothing which ought to remain secret ever issues from the Senate, although that rogue Pero, the Florentine Secretary (in Venice?), does not cease performing his usual offices, and the more now that Vargas is absent; he thinks to do himself honour by writing your Serenity's secrets, or such as he himself fabricates. | |
| Arras, 29th October 1558. | |
| [Italian, partly in cipher; the portion in italics deciphered by Signor Luigi Pasini.] | |
| Oct. 31. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 1275. Giovanni Michiel, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
| What I wrote two days ago about the affairs of England at the conference, concerning the restitution of Calais, was subsequently confirmed to my secretary by the Duke de Guise, who desired him to let me know that when the Commissioners assembled at the conference it was with the firm intention of not departing without some good resolve, for which purpose they deemed it well not to come to any particular negotiation, but merely to discourse in general about the differences existing between these Princes. They found in fact that about making the marriages, restoring the fortresses in these parts, adjusting the ancient claims, and finally with regard to satisfying the Duke of Savoy, it was not difficult to make arrangement, as the most Christian King, being well minded, would not look so much to his own individual profit and interest, as to the universal benefit and advantage. But the English have since insisted on the restitution of Calais, and King Philip's ministers say clearly that unless this take place they will not come to any agreement, thus increasing the difficulties, and causing matters to remain undecided. He nevertheless hoped in God that some way would be found to effect their good settlement. | |
| Beauregard, one of the four chief secretaries of the King, then stated the rights alleged by the English to the town of Calais, which were founded principally on a cession made to them by King John of France, when made prisoner by their King, Edward the Third, who took him to England, where he was subjected to a heavy ransom, and to procure it, and to free himself, having been allowed to come to his kingdom, he freely and voluntarily ceded the said fortress; but subsequently being unable to find means to pay the ransom, he, in order not to break faith, returned to England, and at length died there; they adding to this cession, the “prescription” of the period of 200 years and upwards, during which they have been masters and peaceable possessors of the place. They make this additional offer, that either the Pope, or your Serenity, with the most excellent Republic, should decide who is to be its legitimate possessor, and that in the meanwhile Calais should be placed in deposit in the hands of a trustworthy person, meaning King Philip. His most Christian Majesty's ministers answered the English, that the cession made by King John neither could nor ought to be of any value, as made by a person who was not free, but a prisoner, and the prescription of time was invalid, they having been in possession in virtue of the said cession; and with regard to depositing Calais in the hands of anyone, his most Christian Majesty would by no means consent to it. To find a remedy for these difficulties the truce was prolonged during the whole of such time as the Commissioners have to remain together, and for eight days afterwards; so the longer this decision is protracted, the more is the opinion confirmed that King Philip's ministers will not insist further on the restitution, but incline towards some other form of adjustment, to try and give satisfaction, as well as they can, to the English, though it is considered difficult (per veder di dare nel miglior modo che potranno satisfactione agli Inglesi, se bene è reputato difficile). | |
| Paris, 31st October 1558. | |
| [Italian.] | |