Venice: May 1632 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 22, 1629-1632. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1919.

'Venice: May 1632 ', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 22, 1629-1632, (London, 1919) pp. 615-623. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol22/pp615-623 [accessed 26 April 2024]

May 1632



May 6. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Signori Stati. Venetian Archives.	810. ALVISE CONTARINI, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	The Princess Palatine tells me that Wake has sent her a copy of the letters written by the King of France to the King of England. A similar one was sent by express to her husband. The Most Christian shows the most excellent disposition towards the Palatine's interest in this. I have heard from another quarter that this letter gives the title of elector to the Prince Palatine, a thing France has not done hitherto, because of Bavaria.
	The letters to the princess from her brother bring nothing new, and the business, so far as England is concerned, goes as tardily as ever.
	The Hague, the 6th May, 1632.
	[Italian.]
May 7. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	811. VICENZO GUSSONI, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	The Palatine's agent, who resides at this Court under the name of secretary to the king's sister, (fn. 1) went two days ago to a special audience of his Majesty. He handed him letters from his master from the Swedish camp. Besides the news of Sweden's progress in Bavaria, they also contained some incitement that more resolute commissions might be sent from here to the Ambassador Vane, in order to bring the negotiations which they are carrying on here with Sweden to a more stable position. In the meantime the Palatine hints in his letters that they are languishing from delay. I am assured on good authority that the secretary pressed this point very strongly, considering that the advantage of that prince, who is so nearly allied with this Crown, is essentially bound up with this, and that he intimates that in the meantime the prince is reduced to the necessity of following the fortunes of that army everywhere, like a soldier of Sweden. The agent came afterwards to the house, and in the name of the prince and the king here also informed me of the Swedish successes, with the hope of further conquests, from the Duke of Bavaria in particular. He told me he felt sure some good results would come from the offices he had performed with this Crown to stir them to more vigorous action in the help of Sweden, which amounted to help for the king's own brother-in-law. He further intimated that something had been said to him about the despatch of an ambassador extraordinary from the emperor to Venice. He told me they said at Court that this ambassador had had his first audience, and had begun his negotiations. Here he hinted at a rumour, to which he declared he attached no credit, about an alliance between your Excellencies and the House of Austria, like the one already announced between the emperor and the Catholic about the affairs of Germany. This hint is the more worthy of consideration because one knows that by the mouth of this minister it comes from the government here and possibly from the king himself. I made a reply calculated to remove all suspicion, pointing out that these were disseminations of the Spaniards, without any other basis than their usual tricks. I showed, by what I divulged to him, the excellent disposition of the republic towards the public weal, in conformity with the state commissions of the 4th and 26th March, and I think it produced a satisfactory impression on him, so that he may take back to the palace such an account as is calculated to remove any sinister opinions.
	He went on to tell me in confidence that a few days ago he had obtained from his Majesty a cession and free gift to the Princess Palatine of all his claims to the inheritance of jewels, money and property of any kind of the late Queen of Denmark. They are at present adding commissions about this to the Earl of Leicester, so that he may perform the necessary offices with the king there on this subject. He further told me that the despatch of the earl to that Court as ambassador extraordinary was chiefly due to the wish of the King of Sweden, expressed by him to the Palatine, in the hopes that his offices from this quarter would prove very helpful to his Majesty's interests, who would like good relations with Denmark, free from all anxiety and from the intrigues of the Austrians.
	A few days ago a certain Count Parella, a Piedmontese, arrived here. They say he is waiting for letters and commissions from the Duke of Savoy for negotiating some business at this Court; but I have not come across anything to bear this out. I shall keep on the alert, and no doubt I shall hear in due course if he engages in any transactions here by order of his Highness. Nothing further has been said to me about an accommodation between that prince and the most serene republic, and I shall not speak about it unless provoked, as instructed by the letters of the 2nd April. They are the last I have received, as none have come by the courier of this week.
	The king celebrated St. George's Day with the usual public ceremonies, taking part in the offices in the church and in the procession in the great courtyard, accompanied by the Knights of the Garter, all dressed according to the ancient institution of that order, in precisely the same habit and mantle as the king's. He afterwards entertained them to a state banquet in the great hall of the royal palace. They are not accustomed to issue invitations of any kind to the foreign ambassadors, but they assign them a place apart, merely to satisfy their private curiosity to see the sight. Accordingly I followed the custom, and went in company with the ambassadors of France and Holland, the proper place of each of us being strictly observed according to the usual precedence, France first, then Venice and Holland last.
	London, the 7th May, 1632.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
May 8. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Germania. Venetian Archives.	812. PIETRO VICO, Venetian Secretary in Germany, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	The English ambassador, by order of his king, has renewed his offices with the emperor for the restitution of the Palatine's dominions. The last reply given has not pleased him, because they represent that it is impossible to do anything for that prince while, as now, instead of showing submission, he has gone to join the King of Sweden, or to get the Spaniards to restore his country. The emperor is disposed to gratify the King of England, but he must not help the other side. By such fair words they keep England neutral and the Palatine deprived of his states, as the Austrians will never yield them up except to force.
	Vienna, the 8th May, 1632.
	[Italian; copy.]
May 14. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	813. VICENZO GUSSONI, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	The regiments of the army placed under the command of the Duke of Angouleme are filling up at Calais with remarkable activity. He himself is staying there for fresh commands from the king, reviewing the troops in good order. It seems that a good number of officers and soldiers are crossing thither by twos and threes from this kingdom, and we also hear that a very powerful Dutch fleet anchored in that same port a few days ago, but it is impossible as yet to discover what their plans may be. All these military preparations on the frontiers of provinces subject to the Catholic only serve to increase the misgivings of the Spaniards on those frontiers, as they write from Brussels, in proportion as the negotiations and agreements between the Most Christian and the States are kept secret. The Ambassador Fontane frankly declares that he is quite in the dark about them. When pressed by one of the Lords of the Royal Council here about the negotiator and negotiations at the Hague, both equally unknown, he said he had very authentic information from Paris that the Infanta was covertly making fresh offers and very advantageous proposals to the Prince of Orange, in order to come to some adjustment in the matter of the truces. In harmony with this it appears that the Elector of Cologne has sent Baron Horn on a special mission to the States. His negotiations with that assembly, as the ministers here also intimate they are advised on good authority, are devoted to trying to make some arrangement for granting neutrality to the fortresses of Rimbergh and Linghen.
	But whatever efforts the Spaniards and Austrians may make to stay the course of the Dutch armies, M. de Edersolt, the Palatine's agent, whom I have had another occasion to meet, asserts most positively that he has an absolute assurance on excellent authority that no flattering or specious proposals of any kind will prevent the Prince of Orange from taking the field this year. He told me as a matter of confidence that he had recently presented letters to the king here from the Princess Palatine, which confirmed that the preparations and military provisions of the States were already in good order. He added that the same letters stated that the delay in those forces coming out was thought to proceed from two causes only, one the delay of the French in the actual payment of the promised million, the other because they possibly had to wait for the return of the Ambassador Bosi. He then went on to open out more freely with some confidential complaints, informing me of the slowness of this crown and the coldness of the ministers here in the negotiations being conducted with Sweden. He told me that in these, for the good of the public cause and the Palatine also, he was making the most strenuous efforts to stir up some interest and warmth, but he ingenuously admitted that they produced little or no effect here such as he desired. I suggested, as from myself, that in a matter of so much importance to the interests of his master, the offices which he told me of might possibly prove more fruitful if they were supported by some agent or minister of Sweden, but there was no one to represent that king at this Court. He took up this idea warmly, and expressed his agreement, being so much impressed that he said he would inform the Palatine about it in his first despatch, so that for the good of the public cause no less than for his own advantage he should try and get some one sent here with the special character and rank of Swedish minister. I did not hesitate to suggest, what he also seemed inclined to do of his own accord, that he should also apprise the Ambassador Camerarius, as by acting in concert with him the affair would doubtless make better progress in every way. I also shall not fail to inform the Ambassador Contarini at the Hague.
	Before the end of our interview, it occurred to me to communicate to this Edersolt the matter of the emperor's ambassador extraordinary. I perceived that he appreciated this information the more because it will doubtless serve to confirm what I told him a few days before on the same subject. He said he would spread this good news wherever it seemed necessary; it would be the more welcome because the most serene republic had acquired this merit with the public cause, that it had been the first to set the example, which the other princes ought to imitate. The Ambassador d'Avo, at Venice, whose letters I myself have seen, writes to the French ambassador here that the Chancellor of Milan, on the ground of the opposition to his reception in the capacity of ambassador of Spain, without letters of credence from that king, has decided not to put in an appearance. A courier has arrived from the Ambassador Vane from the Swedish army, having made the journey in ten days. The news he brings of the capture of Augsburg, (fn. 2) and of the ever further successes of that king, is seconded by the unanimous desires of this Court, whose hopes extend to even greater achievements against Bavaria in particular, whose name is more hateful here than that of any other German prince.
	The Earl of Leicester, destined as ambassador extraordinary to the King of Denmark, being advised of the departure of two ambassadors from that quarter to the King of Sweden, hopes that this will tend to facilitate the negotiations which he is to conduct at that Court by his Majesty's command, with the object of cherishing the best of understandings between those two crowns.
	A Hamburg ship, which has reached this kingdom from the banks of the Elbe with a favourable wind, brings confirmation that Firburgh on that same river has again fallen into the hands of the garrison of Stade, which sallies out for constant skirmishes with Colonel Else, a Swede, who proposed to lay siege to that fortress with his regiments.
	London, the 14th May, 1632.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
May 20. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Signori Stati. Venetian Archives.	814. ALVISE CONTARINI, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	The Princess Palatine tells me that a gentleman has been sent express from England with dispatches from the king. For greater safety he has orders to go to Calais and to enter Germany through the territory of Metz. He is going to the King of Sweden.
	The Hague, the 20th May, 1632.
	[Italian.]
May 21. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	815. VICENZO GUSSONI, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	One of the members of the Royal Council declares that they have absolutely decided here to make an immediate contribution of 100,000 crowns in cash as an instalment of the 300,000 which they have offered before in the negotiations which they continue to conduct with Sweden. It is considered less difficult to get this sum together, because the king has given up the idea of going to Scotland, as he proposed, merely for the ceremony of a solemn coronation in that kingdom, and so a very considerable cause for expenditure has ceased. Yet the Earl of Dorset, whom I met again recently, while confirming the very great eagerness of the king here to embrace every means that may unite him more closely with the King of Sweden, remarked to me that for this purpose their intention here was to employ the remainder of what France owes for the dowry. But Burlamacchi himself writes that he meets with difficulties and delay in collecting this, upon the assignments made to him, while here they would like to see it all turned into ready money. The earl further told me in the course of the conversation that in order to facilitate the negotiations with which the Ambassador Vane was charged, they proposed to send someone else, expressly, who would be more acceptable, as he put it, to the King of Sweden, and Sir Thomas Roe was already a strong favourite for this. In order that he might appear with more acceptability, they might send the remittances for the money after him, as that sovereign seems anxious to see that settled and assured before everything else. He then went on, as if speaking for himself, to tell me in a confidential manner that the king had recently renewed the proposal of sending an ordinary ambassador to Venice at the earliest opportunity. I remarked that his Majesty would recognise that such a step was proper and even necessary, especially as the vacancy had now lasted a long time. He answered in these very words: The king is quite determined that the one chosen a long time ago or some one else in his place, shall go without further delay.
	Nocoladi, the Spanish resident, has intimated to the ministers that fresh instructions and powers have reached him from Vienna enabling him to act here as minister for Caesar also. Those who see to the bottom of this crafty declaration are aware that its object is to prevent any attempt to join in helping Sweden, by indulging in unsubstantial hopes of negotiation and in delay. It is whispered to me on good authority that this may cause some further postponement of the recall of the Ambassador Anstruther.
	They attach the more importance here to the Most Christian's journey to Picardy, because they daily see more troops massed by the French on the frontiers of Flanders and Artois, while some believe there is a secret understanding with the Dutch. In their alarm at this the Spaniards, so well authenticated advices from Brussels state, are devoting themselves with more than their usual ardour to the matter of the truces. Meanwhile the Infanta has sent her commanders to inspect and repair the fortifications at Dunkirk with all speed, and the same is being done at Gravelines, where the French are making a place d'armes for the troops which the Duke of Angouleme is to command.
	The correspondent of the States writes from Calais to the Ambassador Joachim here that Vosbergh has passed that way from France to Holland. Report says that he is going back thoroughly satisfied upon the negotiations he has conducted. So the universal opinion here is that the States are in a very advantageous position at present, with the assistance of France on one side and the proposals of Spain on the other.
	The stay of the Abbot Scaglia at Brussels does not pass without notice. Even there it is said that he still keeps up a constant correspondence with this Court.
	The king left yesterday, accompanied by the queen, to betake themselves to their country pleasures. (fn. 3)
	No letters have arrived from Italy this week, either public or private.
	London, the 21st May, 1632.
	[Italian.]
May 22. Senato, Mar. Venetian Archives.	816. That the decision of the Council of the 15th May, 1631, be upheld delegating to the Five Savii sopra la Mercanzia and the Superintendents of the exaction of public money the demand of the owners of the seven ships hired in England for our service in the year 1617, (fn. 4) the fiscal advocate of the Magistracy of Accounts assisting the fiscals of the state to represent the state before those magistracies, who are to decide the matter finally. Meanwhile the seal for what concerns the portion of Vanufle will suffice instead of a deposit, the goods sealed being three times the value of what Vanufle could claim.
	Ayes, 106.	Noes, 1.	Neutral, 6.
	[Italian.]
May 22. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives.	817. FRANCESCO CORNER, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	I have seen letters of Don Gonzales of Cordova from Brussels of the 1st inst. He has hopes of doing something in the Palatinate, but if so so he must have further supplies. There is some idea, more talk than anything else, of some sign of a union between France and England, and that the French want to incite the English to help them and damage the House of Austria.
	Madrid, the 22nd May, 1632.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
May 23. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Francia. Venetian Archives.	818. GIOVANNI SORANZO, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	On my arrival here I found that his Majesty had left for Calais. The Garde des Sceaux remains at Paris, and so do the English ambassador, the Count of Druent and Mazarin, and they will not move until they know where the king means to stop.
	On hearing of the king going to Calais, Wake sent his secretary to England to advise them, a step dictated more by formality than by jealousy. That minister feared that Lorraine might have dismissed his troops and gone to serve the emperor. He complained greatly about it, and threatened that the King of Sweden would be avenged. He generally speaks in very decisive fashion, and seems to make no distinction between the arms of that king and those of his own master, so very frequently his remarks expose him to ridicule.
	Amiens, the 23rd May, 1632.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
May 28. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	819. VICENZO GUSSONI, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	A report circulating here that the Most Christian had moved towards Amiens and had afterwards come on to the coast at Calais, excited the greatest curiosity at this Court and in the king himself, to know the real reason for such a journey. The Ambassador Wake was the first to supply the news, by a special courier sent with all speed, who, favoured by a good wind, crossed the sea in a few hours, and brought letters of very recent date. A confidant of mine, who has a seat in the Royal Council, let me know that the English ambassador could only send conjectures of the French being uneasy about that place. As Valance the governor there belonged to the party of the queen mother and Monsieur, he and his government were not above suspicion, which had only increased since his secret visit to England and his carefully concealed return to his post. When the Ambassador Fontane heard about it, he sent the information to his master on the spot, with all speed. Some say that this journey to Calais is intended to encourage the Dutch. The Ambassador Joachim and his colleague, the Deputy Brasser, who recently paid me a visit, told me that what they wanted now was the essence and not the appearance of a rupture between the two crowns. Upon this they seem to base their chief hopes of striking successes to be achieved by their arms in concert with the French and assisted by them.
	The ministers here assure me that letters have reached his Majesty from Brussels, reporting no little stir among the people and troops there, because, as they write, the Dutch army has already taken the field, it being supposed that it may make some attempt upon the province of Brabant. Accordingly, they are hastening their efforts and military provisions at Antwerp. From the same quarter comes well authenticated news that the correspondence between Lorraine and Monsieur is still going on, with an understanding that the troops amassed by that duke shall be at Monsieur's command and help him.
	The reports of the great conquests made by the arms of Sweden excite both applause and admiration. We hear that they extend up to the neighbourhood of the passes which lead towards Italy. Here they seem very much afraid that the Spaniards with their army will recover the places lost in the Palatinate without much difficulty. Accordingly, they buoy up their hopes in the meantime on the diversion which the Prince of Orange is about to make.
	A printed list has been published in this city giving the number and description of the places at present held by the King of Sweden in Bavaria. His Majesty's esteem and favour for the Lord Treasurer seem to grow ever greater. So much is this the case that a sister of the Duke of Lennox, who is not only a cousin but of the king's very house, is destined as the bride of his son, already selected as ambassador to Savoy. The thing that has astonished everyone is that they say, to remove all objections to the marriage, in other respects a very unequal one, the young duchess being very much above him in fortune and birth, that the king himself desired to act as the mediary and manager by his personal interposition.
	The state despatches of the 23rd and 30th ult. reached me this week, together with those of the 7th.
	London, the 28th May, 1632.
	[Italian.]
May 29. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Francia. Venetian Archives.	820. GIOVANNI SORANZO, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the DOGE and SENATE.
	The king returned to-day from his journey to Calais. Before he left he sent M. de Sansciomon to England with the title of ambassador extraordinary, with no other object than to pass compliments when he was so near.
	Amiens, the 29th May, 1632.
	[Italian.]