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1632.
Sept. 2.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
1. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
I congratulated the Assembly on the surrender of Maastricht
Saturday in last week. They found a great quantity of artillery
in the town and provisions in plenty for a long time. There
was some shortage of powder. This alone induced them to
surrender and the fear of being taken by assault. This would
certainly have happened, and the attempt made by the English
excited great fear. It was indeed repulsed, but was very
dangerous. (fn. 1)
The Hague, the 2nd September, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 3.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
2. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
By way of Dunkirk alone news has come of a very fierce
attack made by Popenain's troops, putting everything to the
hazard, upon the trenches of the Prince of Orange, who bravely
met and repulsed their onslaught, when 3000 Imperialists are
said to have been slain. Soon afterwards from the same quarter
there arrived the much desired news of the fall of Maastricht.
The report has already spread throughout the whole Court,
winning the applause of those interested in the right cause ;
but some hesitate to credit it entirely as nothing certain to
confirm it has yet been received from any other quarter. I
hear that Nicolaldi and Telliur assert most steadfastly that
whether the place has been lost or not, the Dutch army, in
place of being the besieger, is certain to find itself besieged,
hemmed in on all sides, so that the Prince of Orange will
have to fight a battle at a disadvantage, in order to open
a way whenever he wishes to withdraw his army. The French,
who do not conceal their very great anxiety to keep the Spanish
arms employed in Flanders in this fashion, and prevented from
raising fresh trouble on the borders of Picardy, do not hesitate,
as the Ambassador Fontane has intimated to some of the ministers
here, to facilitate in every possible way the connivance
shown by the Liegois for the passage of food and troops for
the benefit of the Dutch forces. From what the English Agent
at Brussels sent to the royal Council on this subject, they
know that Altariva, who was sent earlier to the camp under
Maastricht, before his return to the Most Christian Court,
exerted himself with some success to get representations made
to the Liegois which would prove most helpful for the interests
of the Dutch army.
The reports of fresh disturbances among the Infanta's subjects
are repeated. They write further, and the Ambassador
Joachimi says he has the same news, that revolts and mutinies
will take place in Flanders every day when the loss of Maastricht
is confirmed. Joachimi remarked that Count Henry di Bergh
might begin to show more vigour in consolidating and increasing
his own party.
The Ambassador Weston writes to the Lord Treasurer that he
arrived in Paris (fn. 2) shortly after the Most Christian set out for
Languedoc, and he hopes to overtake him at Lyon. I am
informed on good authority that these same letters contain
advices and opinions showing great confidence that France does
not mean to weaken the expedition and the part she has undertaken
in Germany, notwithstanding the continuance of the trouble
with Monsieur. They are waiting with interest here to learn
that prince's decision, with respect to the negotiations of Guron (fn. 3)
Fontane seems to think that an accomodation in this way may
not prove difficult, but this does not at all coincide with the
opinions of the ministers here, owing to the repeated advices
they have received about the resolute application of the Spaniards
to keep alive that division in France.
The company of Scottish soldiers who are to serve as cavalry
in France under M. Gurdon (fn. 4) are now all ready to cross the
sea to Calais. The decision of the king here to recall Anstruther
from Vienna is confirmed. The Treasurer asserts that by the
last despatch to Germany he sent the royal command for this,
and many believe that he is recalled thence in order that they
may employ him for the ordinary embassy in France. (fn. 5)
Two state despatches of the 29th July and the 5th ult. reached
me together by the courier of this week.
London, the 3rd September, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 4.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
3. Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassador extraordinary from England to Savoy has
reached Paris. He is to pay his respects to his Majesty on
the way. He is expected here the day after to-morrow. They
have not yet decided how they will receive him. (fn. 6)
Lyon, the 4th September, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 6.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Aleppo.
Venetian
Archives. |
4. Pietro Gritti, Venetian Consul at Aleppo to the Doge
and Senate.
The King of Persia perceiving the great harm done him by
allowing the English and Dutch to trade at Ormus and Bandel,
their ships only bringing him Londons, tin and spices to be
disposed of in Persia and taking thence such a quantity of silk,
has decided to make peace with the Portuguese. He has granted
them Congo in the Persian Gulf and promised to dismiss the
English and Dutch from Ormus and Bandel, not allowing them
to trade at all there unless they bring ready money, which will
be impossible. He has also made the English pay 150,000
ducats and the Dutch 60,000 for duties on silk bought by
them and on goods brought contrary to the compact. This
will cause the greater part of that silk to come to this mart.
Aleppo, the 6th September, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
5. Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
The nuncio extraordinary complains openly that no house has
been assigned to him and he has no treatment as is usual.
This is the more remarkable as they have been lavish with
the English ambassador extraordinary in both respects. The
ordinary nuncio told me that they would accept no presents,
because nuncios ought not to be treated in the manner shown
with other princes ; now they would not ask for them. All
do not go so far, but the generality is not satisfied at the
English ambassador being apparently better treated than the
pope's nuncio. I have paid my respects to the English ambassador.
He arrived here by the post and his audience was
secret. I will try and see both him and the nuncio before they
leave.
Lyon, the 9th September, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
6. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
Although England has some suspicion that the King of
Sweden has arranged with the French to hand over to them
the fortresses of the Palatinate, the States do not believe it,
as the King himself, in the presence of many persons, promised
that he would never dissociate his interests from those of the
Palatine until he saw him restored to his state.
The Hague, the 9th September, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 10
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
7. To the Ambassador in England.
Last week we had your letters of the 6th August, and to-day
we have those of the 13th. The advices about their jealousy
of the French arms in Germany are essential and help us
to understand their aims which is very essential in these days.
We send you the news for similar occasions. You will express
to the Lord Treasurer our appreciation of the courtesy shown
by his son in calling upon you before starting on his four
embassies, and say that if he comes to us he will be received with
the honour due to him, as the representative of so great a
king and as the son of one whom we esteem so highly.
Ayes, 70. Noes, 0. Neutral, 2.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 10.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
8. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
A courier sent by Gerbier, the English Resident at Brussels
has brought his Majesty the articles of capitulation of Maastricht.
He also brought news of great confusion among the people there
and of the great concern of the Infanta herself at the loss
of that place. They also add that all the efforts of the Spaniards
are now directed to do everything in their power, with three
armies posted at the passages of the Meuse, to prevent the
return and the withdrawal of the Prince of Orange from that
place. But the Dutch, fully aware of their intentions, and by
the hurried equipment and arming of shallops at Dordrecht,
and the ready despatch of 8000 burghers to their frontiers,
gave signs of new movements and of fresh designs possibly
for some further enterprise.
The Spaniards here denounce an attempt made by the French
troops of the garrison of Peronne, who came out with designs
on Cambrai. In this they failed utterly, but were partially,
successful at Buchin, a place of importance near Valenciennes,
where a much larger force of the Infanta's soldiers barely
arrived in time to reduce the place to obedience ; while the
French were able to withdraw without suffering any harm.
Meanwhile the apprehensions of France on those same borders
of Picardy become constantly greater ; whither, as I reported
the ministers here were advised, it seems that the queen mother
wishes to send Valanze, if the Spaniards incline to assist
them, in such a way that he may facilitate the plans of Monsieur,
by a good diversion.
Two days ago the Ambassador Fontane went to a special
audience of the king, who is still engaged in his country
recreations. He expressed the appreciation of the Most Christian
of the refusal given here to the proposals made by Valanze
in the interests of Monsieur and the Queen Mother. Fontane
took this opportunity to inform the Court of his Majesty's hurried
journey to Languedoc. He enlarged upon the quality and
numbers of the royal forces, who were capable of forming a
formidable army, he said. But the Lords here, in their discussions
among themselves, attach considerable importance to
the advices they receive of a considerable increase in the forces
of Momoransi and Monsieur.
News has reached the Agent of the Prince Palatine by express
letters from Germany of the defeat of a relief force which
the Court of Isembourg intended to throw into Treves. (fn. 7) The
French minister confirmed this news to me soon after ; adding
that the Marshal d'Etree, having beaten these imperial forces,
had come very near capturing the town itself ; from another
quarter they write that it has already fallen into the hands of
the French.
Some of the Lords of the royal Council here speak very
positively about the union of Saxony with Sweden, declaring
that everything done by Volestain to give the opposite impression
is very artificial. They are eagerly waiting to hear that the
Chancellor Oxerstern has joined the king with the remainder
of the body of the army which he is leading, to strengthen his
Majesty against the attacks of the Imperialists. A report comes
from the Treasurer's house that the ambassador, his son, intends
to go to Venice last among his embassies to the other princes
of Italy, as being more convenient for the return journey,
which, he says, he intends to make through Switzerland.
The last letters of the Senate are of the 13th August.
London, the 10th September, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 17.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
9. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
They are not going on with the levies for Holland in this
kingdom. The king was urgently pressed to grant them and
did so in the amplest manner, but seeing them desist from
carrying them into effect, he said this was a very clear sign
that the Dutch do not mean to undertake any further enterprises
this year. When this was reported to the Ambassador Joachimi,
it led him to inform the ministers here, so as adroitly to have
it conveyed to his Majesty's knowledge, that the recruiting of
these levies was suspended for the present owing to some defect
in the conditions made with the troops, but new orders would
arrive before long to go forward with the business, if the
time of year allowed. But the French minister, who has
certainly sent the company of Scots to France, remarks somewhat
suspiciously upon this suspension, as he does not approve
of anything which would lead to the conclusion that the Dutch
had put a full stop to any further movements of their forces
in the present year, since the object of the French is to
keep the Spaniards as busy as possible in the presence of the
Dutch armies, in order to prevent any assistance they might
supply to Valanse or other members of the party of the queen
mother and Monsieur, in order to make trouble on the borders
of Picardy.
Both Dutch ministers visited this house the day before yesterday
as a sign of esteem and honour towards the most serene
republic, informing me of the success obtained in the fall
of Maastricht. A few hours before they performed the same
office with the Ambassador Fontane. I responded in order to
confirm their friendliness. They told me that for the sake
of their prestige the agents of Spain and Flanders announced
at this Court that the Prince of Orange found himself besieged.
They told me that events would soon prove the contrary, because
their masters were devoting their attention to clinching the
victory by another diversion. At this point they referred to
the orders issued for enlisting fresh troops, and they did not
conceal from me that as regards those of this kingdom it was
a matter of much importance to take into consideration the
unsuitableness of the approaching season.
A gentleman of Vane has arrived from Germany. He went
at once with despatches and instructions to find his Majesty,
who is still engaged in his country recreations. (fn. 8) From what
has transpired so far he let some of the ministers here know
that the ambassador in question had not been able to conclude
anything with Sweden on behalf of the king here. The Agent
of the Prince Palatine, who now believes that the slender thread
which still remained to some extent, has now been completely
cut, in this ill managed affair, makes no effort to repress his
feelings. He complains that his master has to look for help
to every quarter but this, and in the end he will have to look
to the King of Sweden alone for any relief that he may one
day receive. As a matter of fact they are trying to gain
time here, and any delay that occurs to postpone the payment
of their monthly subsidy, they consider so much to the good,
as keeping further away from this crown such circumstances
as may constrain it to summon parliament, which one may
say is more hateful to the ministers and to the king also
than any other thing.
M. di Sansciomon has got back to Calais from his journey
to the Most Christian. He writes to Fontane that the king
has charged him to assist in the government of that place
owing to the apprehensions which exist with respect to Picardy,
but he repeats that everything is so well disposed in that province
that there is no occasion to fear any disturbance or attempt
on the part of Monsieur's followers. He adds that his Majesty's
affairs in Languedoc are in excellent train.
The latest from your Serenity are of the 19th ult.
London, the 17th Semptember, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
10. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
Carleton, the English resident, and Bosuel arrived here last
week, the former to take leave and the latter to be introduced
to the service.
The Hague, the 16th September, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 23.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
11. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The English residents Carleton and Bosuel have been to call
upon me. They let it be understood that they consider the
treaty of the Ambassador Ven with Sweden for the benefit of
the Palatine as practically concluded and that the king will
have no reason to complain either of the Ambassador or of
England.
The Hague, the 23rd September, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
12. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassador Weston, who may by this time have arrived
in Italy, has sent a courier to the Lord Treasurer here with
news of the cordial welcome given him at Lyon by the king,
as in spite of his Majesty's preoccupation with the affairs of
Languedoc he had honoured him with his first audience without
any loss of time. The same letters give a clear account of
the defeat and capture of Momoransi, and another and no less
decisive rout of Elbeuf's troops. This serves to supply the
Court here with something to compare with what Fontane
went a few hours before on purpose to communicate to
his Majesty. He told him with the utmost assurance that
these two victories rendered the position of Monsieur's supporters
absolutely impossible, and he supposed that by this
time they will have submitted to the king's clemency. He
speaks everywhere to the same effect, making use of these
happy events to encourage hopes about affairs in Germany. He
asserts that now France has settled her internal affairs, she will
devote her attention to foreign affairs as well, with so much the
more vigour because, as he puts it, the king will not feel himself
driven by urgent necessity or by the interest he has in the
maintenance of that party.
After returning from the palace the ambassador came to
this house to inform me, after he had first sent his secretary,
showing me every sign of confidence. I responded fully. In
the course of the conversation he gave me some hint of what
I could clearly see he was well aware, that they are not
altogether sorry here for France to be occupied with internal
matters, so long as it does not cause them to give up helping
Germany altogether, because they like to see French action
there in so far as it serves the Palatine's interests in any way.
Apart from this Fontane is not far from the truth in his
opinion that any success which may augment too much the
footing and control which France desires and looks for in
Germany does not accord with the principles of the government
here or with the wishes of the king and his ministers.
Both Dutch ministers are celebrating the capture of Maastricht
with festivities and bonfires. They say jestingly that they
wish to keep up these rejoicings so that the end of these may
serve as the beginning of others which will take place for
the success which is expected from another new enterprise.
This conceit pleases the king here the more because he knows
that it has come to the ears of the ministers of Spain and
Flanders and has mortified them. As a fact it is perfectly
true that all the advices from every quarter, and from Antwerp
and Brussels in particular, agree in representing the universal
disorder and alarm in the Catholic provinces of Flanders. Limburg
has already surrendered. The example is expected to be
followed very speedily by other places. At Antwerp they are
extending the fortifications. At Brussels they are assembling
the estates, with proposals distasteful to the Infanta, as while
professing zeal for the king's service and a readiness to support
the burden of heavy contributions, they demand on the other
hand that the money shall be employed for the troops alone
and that they shall not be commanded by native Spaniards.
Count Henry de Bergh is arming powerfully, and claims that
he will make himself felt in the field. Other leading commanders
are on the point of throwing themselves into his arms. At
Amsterdam they are openly enlisting troops for his service.
Some say that if he wished to take any from here, by twos
and threes, he might easily do so by a process of connivance.
A confidant has shown me letters bearing this out which arrived
with the last despatch to this Court from Gerbier, the
English Resident with the Infanta.
Edersolt is racked with curiosity over the advices which
arrive from Germany, so late and also so conflicting and uncertain.
The common report current here gives the advantage
to Sweden in the actions which are understood to have taken
place, and which they consider here as the prelude to a general
sanguinary conflict between the two armies, which they believe
must either have occurred by now or it must be very near
at hand.
The courier of the present week, has just arrived with the
state despatches of the 26th August. I humbly thank your
Excellencies for the rank conferred upon me.
London, the 24th September, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 25.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
13. The Resident of England came into the Collegio and
spoke substantially as follows :
I have no doubt that your Serenity is advised of the extraordinary
embassy which my king is sending to you, but I
have thought it my duty to tell you, and to add that I hear
the ambassador is at Chambéry and is hastening his journey
in order to arrive as soon as possible and avoid the rigours
of the winter. The ambassador belongs to a great house,
is versed in affairs of state, beloved by his Majesty and a
blood relation of his. (fn. 9) Knowing full well how your Serenity
is accustomed to welcome his Majesty's ambassadors, I bring
you this news, and I will let you know the progress of his
journey from time to time, and when he will arrive.
The doge replied, We heard of the ambassador's departure
and that he was to come here. We thank you for the information.
He will be very welcome as the representative of a
prince for whom we have such esteem and regard. It was
asked if he would travel by the Po or by land, and when
he would arrive. The resident said he did not know, but when
the ambassador reached Turin, he would have all particulars
and would come and report them.
The doge remarked that they would wait for the information
before giving the necessary orders for the honours to be rendered
to the ambassador. The resident agreed and departed.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 25.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
14. Pietro Vico and Antonio Antelmi, Venetian Secretaries
in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
We hear for certain that Anstruther has orders from his
king to take leave and return home, although he denied it. (fn. 10)
It is supposed that that king has been brought to take this
step from realising that the English cannot receive satisfaction
from the Austrians about the Palatine. Perhaps the scant
satisfaction he has received in London from Valanze's negotiations
in the name of the Catholic has hastened the decision, or
possibly the idea of removing Ven from the Swede, owing to
the unsatisfactory way in which he has handled the negotiations
with that King, may have persuaded the King of Great Britain
to recall this embassy also. With his departure your Serenity's
ministers will lose one of their most trustworthy confidants,
and they will therefore need to show the greater application.
Vienna, the 25th Septemebr, 1632.
[Italian ; copy.] |
Sept. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
15. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
Ven has again sent his secretary to England. (fn. 11) When everything
seemed concluded the ambassador begins to make new
proposals and to raise fresh difficulties, so that he is staying
there at great expense and with little result, while the Palatine
is far away.
The Hague, the 30th September, 1632.
[Italian.] |