|
|
Oct. 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
16. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
During the many weeks that the king has remained away
from this city, he has spent in hunting, his usual pleasant
turn in the country, which they call the annual progress here.
He is now back in London and in accordance with custom he
has received the compliments and congratulations of the Court
on his happy return, and for the same purpose the ministers
and ambassadors have also been to pay their respects. I
also performed this office in a suitable manner. I took occasion
to confirm the affectionate esteem of your Excellencies for his
Majesty By his manner and welcome the king seemed pleased
by my office. He uttered these very words, that he was sure
of the good will of the republic and rejoiced in it. He asked
me if affairs in Italy had been brought to a condition of stable
repose. I said that the Spaniards always had it in their power
to make trouble and they are not in the habit of abandoning
their designs, and meanwhile they are watching for an opportunity.
They looked with envious eyes on French troops in
Pinerolo and suffered internal pangs at seeing a French duke
in Mantua. The king made a gesture of approval, and commented
on the opinion I expressed. He then remarked, The
affairs of the Spaniards are going very ill in Flanders. Those
provinces are in imminent peril of changing their government
entirely. Taking up his Majesty's view I expressed the belief
that this might the more easily happen as the Swedes were
pushing their successes in Germany, and good results might
also be expected soon from the internal settlement in France.
That, said the king, may be hoped from what has happened to
Momoransi, but it is several days since we have heard any
authentic news from Germany. With that I took my leave and
so ended the compliments and audience for that day, which was
last Sunday.
The last courier from Antwerp who arrived at this Court the
day before yesterday, brings word of new designs of the Dutch
arms The Spaniards are anxious for Namur for which they
never had any fear whatever before, but with the present bad
turn of affairs they dread internal as much as external evils.
The ministers here discuss the proceedings of Rubens a great
deal, but more from feelings of jealousy than from any belief
in any kind of conclusion in the present very advantageous
position of the Dutch. I know on good authority that the king
here is advised that the Spaniards are making use of the
appearance of such negotiations, by the coming and going of
Rubens, to keep up the hopes of that people of some agreement,
which is earnestly desired by all there.
The condition of the Marquis Santa Croce, who is said to
have arrived at his last gasp, only helps to add to the disorders,
so they write, and the Infanta has already planned to put
the Duke of Lerma in his office, to act provisionally. (fn. 1)
The last letters of the Senate are of the 3rd September.
London, the 1st October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct 6.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Milano.
Venetian
Archives. |
17. Giovanni Antonio Sarotti, Venetian Resident at Milan,
to the Doge and Senate.
The ambassador extraordinary of England designated to your
Serenity was expected at Turin on the 2nd inst., at dinner time.
Milan, the 6th October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
18. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
By letters of the 1st inst., the Palatine announces his arrival
at Frankfort, as arranged with the King of Sweden. The
plague has made so much progress in Frankenthal that hardly
a house remains untouched. It seems that the troops are only
anxious to come out of the place with honour. The Spaniards
are again making the suggestion of depositing the place in the
hands of the King of England.
The Hague, the 7th October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
19. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
Two days ago I went on purpose to see the Lord Treasurer,
and carried out my instructions of the 10th September, which
are the last from your Serenity, arrived by the courier of the
present week. I supported the office precisely as the Senate
directed He received it with the greatest show of affection.
He said he had been most anxious to show his good will.
He then went on to tell me that letters had reached the Court
a few hours before from his Majesty's Resident at Brussels
reporting the deplorable state of those Provinces, which daily
became worse. They were demoralised by the ever increasing
success of the Dutch arms, who had recently made themselves
masters of the whole of the duchy of Limburg, so that of the
district called the province beyond the Meuse, nothing remained
to the Spaniards but the memory of having held it. He further
told me in the strictest confidence that these same letters
contained conjectures or rather well grounded opinions of some
sort of arrangement concerted between the French, Dutch and
Count Henry di Bergh, who is all ready and has taken the
field, and that we ought soon to see the results, either by a
fresh attack on Namur or some other attempt which might
be considered both easy and likely to be brought to a conclusion. (fn. 2)
He ended with this definite idea, that the Infanta, well knowing
that her people are discontented, and that the Dutch, with
arms in their hands, are no longer contemplating the capture
of towns but of whole provinces, has been obliged to agree
to the new mission of three deputies to Holland, proposed by
the estates assembled at Brussels in considerable numbers. The
Baron di Sassembourg, the burgomaster of Ghent and the
Pensionary of Antwerp have already been chosen for this duty,
and have set out together, with very definite instructions to
arrange some accommodation. For this end they practically
have powers in their hands to offer what really amounts to
carte blanche to the Dutch.
He said something to me about their treaties here with Sweden,
but very superficial and general, without entering into particulars,
although I adroitly tried to extract some. I saw
through his purpose, however, which was to induce me to
believe that they had not been wanting here and would not
be, keeping up the thread of negotiation through the Ambassador
Vane, and that the difficulties came more from that crown than
from this one. From the conversation of Edersolt one gathers
the exact opposite. From time to time he does not hesitate
to refer to the scant satisfaction of Sweden at the long and
inconclusive negotiations of England with him. Of what the
Treasurer told me about the condition of the Spaniards in
Flanders I had confirmation soon afterwards from the Ambassador
Joachimi. He said his masters had already begun to
gather the fruits of their victories, by the contributions laid on
the whole conquered country, as far as the gates of Namur.
He calculated that in four bailiwicks alone about there the
revenues amount to 500,000 florins. Joachimi spoke very strongly
about the bad behaviour of the Elector of Cologne in allowing
the imperial troops to pass through, thus breaking his neutrality,
of which that Elector is seeking renewed confirmation to avoid
the danger from having the Dutch near. Joachimi hinted to
me that the States were very reserved in their answers about
this.
The French publish here the order given to the army of
the Count of Soissons in Picardy to advance to the borders
of Peronne, only four leagues from Cambrai. This somewhat
encourages the drooping hopes of the Dutch ministers here of
an open rupture between the two crowns.
The gentleman has arrived sent by the Duchess of Savoy
to her sister, the queen here, to inform her of the birth of
her Highnesses first male child. (fn. 3) With this occasion they
have shown letters from the Ambassador Weston, who writes
that his arrival at that Court fell out opportunely for those
congratulations as well. He adds that he will shortly get his
despatch from Turin and intends to stay a few days at Venice.
The day after tomorrow the king and Court will go into
mourning for the death of the Infant Don Carlos of Spain, (fn. 4)
but it is said that at the most they will not wear it , for
more than three days.
A report has just been brought to me that is circulating at
the palace of an accommodation between Monsieur and the
Most Christian. (fn. 5) The French ambassador has the same advice,
but he says it comes from Paris, and he is only waiting to
make sure of it by the letters which should soon reach him
from the Court.
London, the 8th October, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Oct. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
20. Antonio Antelmi, Venetian Secretary in Germany to
the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador has at last admitted his orders to
leave and has been to inform the Emperor and to take leave
of the Court. He leaves word that another will come in his
place, and the English may keep up this idea in order to
show that every thread of negotiation is not cut. I reminded
him of the delusive promises made about the restitution of the
Palatinate. He told me he thought he would be employed on
a new mission to France. He saw clearly that the Catholic
would never relax his grasp on the part of the Palatinate he
held, to keep a passage between Germany and Flanders. He
foretold fresh troubles for those provinces in the spring.
Rusdorf who stayed here as one of the ambassador's household,
is also going, although he does not like the prospect of negotiations
being utterly broken off.
Vienna, the 9th October, 1632.
[Italian ; copy.] |
Oct. 13.
Senato
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Milano.
Venetian
Archives. |
21. Giovanni Ambrosio Sarotti, Venetian Resident at Milan,
to the Doge and Senate.
The ambassador extraordinary of England arrived at Turin
on the 3rd. He has with him fifteen leading cavaliers. The
French ambassador in ordinary for your Serenity is also expected
there any day. (fn. 6)
Milan, the 13th October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 15.
Senato
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
22. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The advices about the Swedish forces arrive here late for
the most part, delayed either by the difficulties of the road
or by the uncertain sea passage. They are always interesting
and important, even though they vary and are changed by each
side according to their varied interests. However the most
authentic information that reaches this royal Council agrees
in showing, what the latest letters from Germany bear out, that
the Swedes have had somewhat the worst of it in their attacks
on Vuolestain. The thorough going partisans of the right side
are somewhat anxious for that king, fearing that the lack of
provisions may do him more harm than the arms of his enemies.
On the other hand as the difficulty about supplies is thought
to be common to both armies, the successes of the Elector of
Saxony in Silesa serve to keep up their hopes with respect to
the fruits of such a considerable diversion. They write that
Horn is usefully employed in Alsace against the Commissioner
Ossa and Montecucoli. On the other hand they contend that
the return of Papenain to Germany has saved Paderborn from
the hands of Baudessin and Volfenbuttel from those of the
Duke of Luneburg. It was decided that the royal army, which
contains so many men, should begin to separate to some extent
under good commanders, so as to facilitate taking it to other
enterprises, and notably that of Saxony, and to escape the
necessity of supporting such a large body of troops together.
It is asserted that Volestain will be forced to a similar separation
likewise in the end.
The negotiations of this side with Sweden have cooled off
more and more, amid the numerous delays, and at present are
entirely suspended, indeed abandoned altogether. The Ambassador
Vane has received orders to retire to Ulm and they say
he may return thence to this kingdom very soon. This sort
of breaking off of negotiations grieves right minded men, and
it is pronounced unbecoming for England and most hurtful for
the Palatine. Although the constitution of the government here,
owing to the rise of ministers who are the more interested for
other respects the greater their influence is such that the
hope of any improvement in the direction of this important
affair is sufficiently feeble, yet I hear that the wishes of the
king here are thoroughly stunned (e seben la constitution di
questo governo per la salita di ministri quanto piu autorevoli
altretanto per altri rispetti maggiormente interessati e tale che
assai debole rimane la speranza di alcun miglior radricio nell
importanza di quest affare tuttavia sento esser molto bene intronata
la volonta di questo Re). From what I gather on good
authority it seems very strange to him that his offers and
proposals have not met with any acceptance whatever from
Sweden, as they led him to expect. A person who seems zealous
and who is unwilling to see a matter of such consequence
ruined, but would like the negotiations taken up again in some
way, remarked that some tactful consideration put forward on
the part of the most serene republic either through the Ambassador
Weston, if by chance he has not left there, or in
another way, might have the more credit and influence with
his Majesty because, as this person remarked, it is known that
Venice has no relations of passion or interest with this crown
except precisely so far as the greatness and reputation of this
crown concur with advantage and zeal for the public welfare.
For the confirmation of this laudable idea, when it was reported
to me, I avoided entering into particulars about ways and means,
the more so because I was told that they have not so high an
opinion of the disinterestedness and candour of the French and
Dutch as of that of your Excellencies, owing to the rivalry with
the former and to the pretensions of the latter.
London, the 15th October, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
23. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The two declarations of the Dutch to the Provinces of Flanders
subject to the King of Spain have appeared here. (fn. 7) The ministers
here attach the highest importance to them because of the
results they may produce of fresh combinations and revolts,
of ruinous augury to the rule of the Spaniards, of the effect
of which Joachimi says they are very sanguine, and which
the States are doing their utmost to produce. He adds that
the deputies from the Assembly of Brussels, who went to the
Hague, will always have the conclusion of the agreement in
their hands whenever they wish it, in the manner of the declaration
already published, namely by expelling the Spaniards,
which agrees with what the English Agent writes from Brussels
that those deputies brought back on their return from Holland.
For the rest not only are the districts which can be scoured
by the cavalry of the Dutch Lieutenant General Stachembruch
all completely subject to contribution, but even from those
further off the people come of their own accord to submit to
it, and it seems that the inhabitants of the very suburbs of
Brussels are compelled to contribute to their enemies. News
had reached that city by the last letters, of very recent date,
shown to me by a courtier, that the Prince of Orange was
about to take the bulk of his army to Dist, formerly a barony
of his a place which they say could only hold out a few days
if it did not have immediate and powerful succour. People
write from various quarters that in the cities of the infanta
in all the private houses, a quantity of notes have been scattered
warning persons of every condition to consider whether
they wish to become French or Dutch, asserting that there
seems no sign that the Spaniards can hold out.
Fontane still remains uncertain about the result of the negotiations
between the Most Christian and his Brother. He asserts
that Monsieur is surrounded by the royal forces and is no
longer able to withdraw to Spain. Meanwhile we are waiting
with interest for more authentic news.
The queen here desired to have special rejoicings over the
birth of the little prince of Savoy. She herself danced in a
masque, which was arranged and studied by her Majesty for
this purpose in a country village, a pleasure resort not far
from this city. She invited to it Buonporto, the gentleman
sent on purpose to this Court with the news by the duchess
to her sister. Another gentleman has been unexpectedly sent
thence to go to the Most Christian Court. (fn. 8) The fact that he
is one of the ordinaries destined for the service of the queen
here has given rise to the report that he has been sent to
her sister in law, reigning in France, as a special compliment
to her. But it has been whispered to me that the motive, was
different, and possibly the object was to obtain milder terms in
the accomodation with Monsieur. I will keep on the look out
to obtain authentic information and I will not forget to inform
his Excellency Soranzo about it, as well as the Court of the
Hague
Having written thus far I receive the last despatches from
your Serenity dated the 16th ult.
London, the 15th October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 21.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
24. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
We hear that the Ambassador Ven has proceeded from Nuremberg
to Strasburg, when his people say that he is awaiting orders
and despatches from England. There is a report however, that
both he and the Marquis of Hamilton, by way of France, are
about to return to England, so all hope of any good from
that quarter has practically disappeared.
The Hague, the 21st October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni,
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
25. To the Ambassador in England.
We send you what we hear from the Imperial Court about
the Ambassador Anstruther. This will serve to compare with
what you hear at that Court. We have your letters of the
17th and 24th ult., the last arrived to-day. We have only the
report of the English resident here that Weston has reached
Chambery. You will continue to observe the attitude of that
Court to the proceedings of France, which will be very helpful
to us. It will help you to cultivate a continued confidence
with the Ambassador Fontane, as shown by his coming to tell
you of his king's successes.
Ayes, 74. Noes, 1. Neutral, 0.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
26. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
Fabroni, a gentleman of the queen mother has arrived unexpectedly
at this Court, having been sent from Brussels with
all speed. The less he has allowed to get abroad about the
motives for his despatch, the more curiosity has been excited
as well as attention, in order to find out. The knowledge that
both the ministers Nicolaldi and Teller accompanied him to
his first audience, and that in the few days following he has
had several private and secret interviews with his Majesty
apart, has aroused the jealousy of the French and Dutch ambassadors
equally. Fontane hopes that by his counter operations
he has thwarted anything he may have taken up that would offend
France and help the queen mother. In talking about this
subject with me recently he remarked confidentially that the
present policy of England aimed at keeping themselves unembarrassed
by all affairs and especially from those which
might involve additional expenditure. He further remarked that
as it was only their too careful circumspection in the matter
of subsidies which had left their negotiations pending for so
long and caused them ultimately to be entirely broken off, so the
same consideration is more than sufficient to ensure that all
that is sought here on behalf of the queen mother, whether
it be to come to this kingdom or for any other thing of the
same kind, which will occasion expense, will be labour thrown
away and mere loss of time.
On the other hand the Dutch ambassadors who came to this
house with their usual intimacy, let slip something about the
fresh negotiations of this Fabroni more than once. In substance
I perceived that the same whisper had reached their ears
as had come to me shortly before, to wit that this individual,
although in a private capacity and under the cloak of a simple
gentleman for the conduct here of some affairs of the queen
mother, has on the other hand more secret commissions from
the Infanta, and more especially to induce the English to provide
some assistance with their armed ships for the defence and
safeguarding of the ports and shores of Flanders. Although
he would inevitably encounter many difficulties and delays,
owing to the considerable consequences, as the Spaniards did
when they made a similar attempt, yet if he should succeed
it would prove most harmful not only to the navigation but
to all the other enterprises of the Dutch, and for this reason
Joachim and Brazzer expressed to me in confidence their very
great apprehensions.
The French minister here has not yet chosen to communicate to
any one at the palace the summary settlement with Monsieur,
which they say here is for the simple enjoyment of his own
property with pardon to his domestic servants alone, the affair
being referred from Sciampigni to Tours. He declares that the
royal commissions about this have not reached him, and as they
have been delayed until now, he seems to think that no further
orders on the subject will come for him.
Buonporto, the gentleman of the Duke of Savoy, is about
to leave, very well content, as he shows everywhere from what
I hear, with the treatment and presents he has received at
this Court.
Although the season seems hardly suitable the king has again
begun to stay away from the city. He remains attracted by
the pleasure of hunting the stag in the country, from time
to time. (fn. 9)
No letters from Germany or Italy either have arrived in this
kingdom during the present week.
London, the 22nd October, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Oct. 27.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Milano.
Venetian
Archives. |
27. Giovanni Antonio Sarotti, Venetian Resident at Milan,
to the Doge and Senate.
Two days after my last despatch the son of the Lord Treasurer
of England arrived from Piedmont. He is going on various
embassies extraordinary for the gratification of his father, who
is in high favour with the king. As he is a relation, of Feria (fn. 10) ,
his Excellency decided to meet him with the largest number
of six horsed coaches that he could collect, four miles
outside the city. He lodged him in his own palace, took him
to the Castello himself and gave him a present at his departure
of two most noble horses, variously caparisoned, showing him
every imaginable sign of esteem. He is a young noble, accompanied
by fifteen leading gentlemen. I went to pay my respects
at once, and so did all the other foreign ministers. He responded
through his secretary. He left for Bergamo on Monday
and I have sent word to the Rectors there and to the Proveditore
General, having first ascertained that the ambassador meant
to take that route. He speaks French, and as for business
he told me he was merely going to your Excellencies to confirm
the friendship between his king and the republic.
Milan, the 27th October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct 29.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
28. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The chief attention of the ministers here is at present devoted
by his Majesty's express command to the provision and equipment
of a number of armed galleys for use in war, to increase
the ordinary squadron of the Admiralty of the sea. (fn. 11) The
motive and pretext for this appears to be to scour the coasts
of Ireland with a fleet sufficiently powerful to remedy the
damage and piracies of which they are beginning to hear more
than usual in the neighbourhood of that island. Whatever
the truth about this may be, both the Dutch ministers are
rendered very apprehensive about this armament, which is true
enough and carried out with proper celerity. They keep their
eyes and ears open and are most anxious to get to the bottom
of this sudden step, owing to the interests which they consider
of the greatest importance, of navigation, fishing and commerce,
through the passage to these shores and the frequent necessity
they have to make use of them. For these same reasons also
subjects for quarrels are daily multiplying between this kingdom
and the United Provinces. The Dutch also continue to
suspect that the Spaniards, owing to the advantageous position
they enjoy at this Court from the nature of the present government,
may possibly attain success in their incessant intrigues
to induce England in some way to declare herself or supply
help in ships for the defence of the ports and coast of Flanders,
although I do not find anything altogether to justify the fears
about this which the Dutch ambassador and deputy do not
trouble to hide.
The Marquis of Hamilton arrived two days ago and went
straight to find the king at Newmarket. He left a report that
the Palatine, although he has little or no hope of any help
from this quarter, is about to go in person with a large force
for the recovery of his own dominions. He brings with him
patents of the King of Sweden to levy 12,000 infantry of this
nation but he has no provision or assignments for the money,
and there is no sign here that he is likely to get any just
now. The professional soldiers here although the Marquis is
so closely united to his Majesty by blood and favour, renew
very openly the maledictions and complaints against him ; taxing
him with being the chief cause of the total loss and
destruction of the force which previously left these shores under
his command. With respect to the designs of the Imperial
army he states that Volestain, after the losses near Norimberg,
aims at capturing Suinfurt, but Colonel Dubaldui has thrown
thirteen companies into it for its defence and they are expecting
Duke Ernest of Weimar.
The Ambassador Fontane is advised from France that the
Most Christian will return by Guienne. He seems to have
gone to Richelieu and saw his brother in the Cardinal's own
house. Momoransi also expected pardon from the royal
clemency, in spite of the order for his detention in the Bastille
and in spite of the rigourous measures which are still pursued
against those who followed Monsieur's party in Languedoc.
The last letters from Flanders report that the Infanta is very
hopeful of arranging some accomodation, although the Dutch,
in their reply to the Assembly of Brussels ask for the total
exclusion of the Spaniards. Meanwhile the Prince of Orange,
taking advantage of the negotiations by the actual employment
of arms, has sent a part of his forces to Viert, and a report
is already in circulation that they have taken that place also.
Fresh confirmation is awaited.
Buonporto has left here for Holland. He leaves word that
he is to perform there the same office as he did here about
the birth of the little prince of Savoy.
Your Serenity's last letters are of the 24th of September.
London, the 29th October, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Oct. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni,
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
29. That for the worthy reception of the Cavalier Weston,
ambassador extraordinary of Great Britain, and for his reception
at the house appointed for him, the necessary orders be given
to the magistracy of the Rason Vecchie for the furnishing of
that house, and for the defraying of that ambassador and his
Court, conformable to the decision of this Council of the 11th
September, 1630, and in case of fire his Serenity shall be
called upon to make good the damage, as has always been
done in such cases.
Ayes, 69. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
30. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Palatine, by the last letters, was going to see his sister,
the Duchess of Deuxponts, and then proceeding to Mayence, proposing
to stay there until he had a reply from the king off
England, to whom he has written as well as to the Prince
of Orange. He will act according to the advice they give
him. What is practically the total dissolution of the negotiations
between England and Sweden for his advantage is confirmed
on every hand and it is also verified that he has no
troops of any kind.
The Hague, the 28th October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 29.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Verona.
Venctian
Archives. |
31. The Rectors of Verona to the Doge and Senate.
The ambassador extraordinary of England has arrived here
this evening and is lodging at the hostelry. He will continue
his journey to Venice to-morrow morning by way of Vicenza.
He has sixteen gentlemen with him, who eat at his table,
and his suite numbers about sixty, including the servants and
others of different rank. Twenty five others have embarked
by the Po. We have not performed any office with him as
we have no commissions from your Serenity.
Verona, the 29th October, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 29.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
32. The Resident of England came into the Collegio this
morning and spoke as follows :
Your Serenity must excuse me for not coming before to
inform you of the progress of the journey of his Majesty's
ambassador, because until yesterday evening I have been in
doubt about it. Since then a gentleman has reached me, sent
by his Excellency from Bergamo, and I have come to bring
word and report that the ambassador does not wish to cause the
slightest inconvenience to your Serenity, and he has hastened
his journey from his desire to pay his respects to you.
The doge replied, We are glad to hear of the ambassador's
coming, out of respect for the sovereign he represents, and
his own qualities, of which we are fully informed. We are
sorry that we have not been informed in time to allow us
to give orders for such demonstrations as are usual for such
distinguished representatives, as the Senate desired, the reason
for this being a report that the ambassador was going to take
boat at Turin and to descend the Po. The resident replied,
The ambassador did not wish to cause the slightest inconvenience
to your Serenity. The doge asked him when the ambassador
would arrive ; he answered, He will be here on Monday, and
took leave and departed.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 30.
Senato,
Terra.
Venetian
Archives. |
33. That the Proveditori in the Mint for the gold and
silver chest give to the officials of the Rason Vecchie such
money as shall be necessary for the lodging of the Ambassador
extraordinary of England.
Ayes, 89. Noes, 0. Neutral, 2.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
34. Franciso Corner, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to
the Doge and Senate.
It has come to my knowledge that there is a Capuchin friar here,
who dresses as a layman. This shows that he has some business
which he wishes to transact secretly. He brought letters from
London of the 10th August, which have certainly been seen.
In these letters he is called Father Alessandro Rota, an Italian.
They say he has seen the king and the Count Duke, and will
proceed to Italy. I am aware that it does not seem likely on
the face of it that a Capuchin should transact business in
England and have to wear secular dress in Spain ; but seeing
that he certainly brought letters from London and that his
appearance gives credit to his being a Capuchin, I could not
refrain form informing both Gussoni and your Serenity. It
may be that his first business will be about Bavaria. I will keep
a sharp look out to learn particulars. (fn. 12)
Madrid, the 30th October, 1632.
[Italian ; deciphered.] |