|
|
Dec. 3.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
64. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The return of the Ambassador Ven has at last followed
the breaking off of the negotiations with Sweden. Some
bitterness has been caused on both sides by the failure to come
to an agreement between the two crowns. He arrived here
the day before yesterday, and set out soon after to find the
king, who, in spite of the season, continues his recreation of
hunting and remains in the country. He left that embassy
without the appointment of any successor. To avoid shutting
the door absolutely on any revival of the negotiations, especially
with the necessity of not leaving the interests of the Palatine
altogether derelict, they have decided to instruct one Creuius, (fn. 1)
although a German, not an Englishman, to follow the royal army
with the title of Agent, with patents from this crown. But
everyone concludes that while the king certainly has good intentions
as regards his brother in law and the public cause,
yet as the sympathies of more than one of the leading ministers
are possibly preoccupied with other matters, he may be prevented
from doing anything adequate, as it is clear those are not
far from the truth who assert sadly that the advantage of the
Spaniards at this Court keeps increasing. So far one discovers
nothing absolutely authentic about the long and very secret
negotiations of Nicolaldi with the Lords of the royal Council,
but there is some evidence in support of the whisper which
reached me through the Dutch ambassadors, in conformity with
what I had guessed myself, that the Spaniards are trying to
carry the point of uniting the ships at present arming in this
kingdom with some fleet of theirs for Flanders, and although
opinions differ about the manner of the Cardinal Infant's coming,
it seems that the lords here believe that it will be by sea.
With the arrival in the port of this city of a Hamburg
ship the deputy of that city has circulated in the palace a
report of a battle between the Swedes and imperialists in
Saxony, with the defeat and flight of Volestain and heavy
losses in men and trophies ; but as they only have the news
from him, every one is eager for further confirmation.
It is believed here that Orsoi has been captured a second
time by the Dutch, and the Palatine's agent affirms not only
the recovery of Franchendal, but the capture of Beinfeld in
Alsace. The first couriers who are expected at any moment
from Germany and France will bring enlightment to clear up
contradictory advices.
Monsieur, having fled from France, has returned a second
time to Flanders. The queen mother and he met at Ghent.
The fact that Gerbier sent a special courier to his Majesty
seems to have rendered the French minister here the more
apprehensive that one or the other of them will come to England.
He has accordingly repeated his offices at Court to thwart
this intention and he has found out that while their coming
here would really not be relished, so there is little likelihood of
its happening, except with open consent or at the least some
sort of connivance.
Your Serenity's last despatches of the 4th ult. have reached
me The Lord Treasurer is eagerly waiting to hear about the
reception of the Ambassador Weston.
London, the 3rd December, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 7.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
65. The Resident of England came into the Collegio and
spoke substantially as follows :
The ambassador has received the passports, adding another
to the honours already shown to him. He is leaving to morrow
and would welcome some command from your Serenity which
would enable him to show his devotion.
The doge replied, We wish him a good journey and we shall
always be ready to gratify him.
The Resident continued, The ambassador understands that
the affair of Colonel Duglass has been taken in hand and
also that of the merchant Hider, with the recommendation for
the rest of our nation. He cannot wait to see the end, as
he has to continue his journey by his Majesty's order, but he
hopes that everything will be carried through as quickly as
possible. The doge promised that everything possible should
be done, as they were always anxious to do everything for that
nation.
The Resident then said, The ambassador has desired me to
go with him to Florence, because my presence may help him.
I inform your Serenity to have your consent, as in this journey
I must also obey his Majesty's commands.
The doge accorded the leave and said they would always be
glad to see him back again.
The Resident added, Six or eight ships are leaving for Zante
in a few days for English merchants. In order that they may
be well treated I ask your Serenity to send letters with them
to Zante and Cephalonia. The doge asked him to leave a
memorial, and he replied that the consul of the nation would
supply one. He asked the doge to receive the consul during
his absence.
He then recommended an English captain, so that he might
have his wages as officer of a regiment. He introduced him,
and the captain presented a memorial. When that had been
read and the Resident had said some more in his favour, he
took leave and departed.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
66. To the Ambassador in England.
We are waiting to hear what effect the news of the death of
the King of Sweden will have upon that king and Government.
The Ambassador Weston left yesterday for Florence. The Resident
Rolandson came two days ago to tell us that he would
do so, and to make the enclosed exposition. We forward you
the advice. Your last are of the 5th ult. We enclose a paragraph
from a letter of our consul at Aleppo. (fn. 2) You will find
out what you can in this matter.
Ayes, 101. Noes, 6. Neutral, 20.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
67. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
News has come of the Palatine's death at Mayence. (fn. 3) He
leaves seven sons and four daughters ; Charles the eldest is
aged fourteen. His poor wife will be utterly disconsolate, with
so many children and at such an unlucky moment, which may
hasten some unhappy decision in this quarter.
The Resident Bosuel on hearing of the death of the King
of Sweden, sent an express to England in the interests of the
Palatine. That prince's Agent at Vienna, Rusdorf, arrived here,
left the Ambassador Anstruther at Hamburg about to embark
for that kingdom.
The Hague, the 9th December, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 10.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
68. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The report of the death of the King of Sweden in the great
fight at Leipzig has caused universal sorrow at this Court. The
place is a fatal one for battles and this last is considered
the most sanguinary that has occurred in Christendom for
many centuries. The report is general that although Volestain
succeeded in getting off with a few regiments, yet the imperial
army was completely defeated, with such immense slaughter
on both sides that the lowest estimate puts it at 30,000. Every
one concludes that the losses of the Swedish army were much
the lower, as they remained masters of the field with the baggage
and artillery of the enemy. The particulars of this great action,
which they desire here, will have reached your Excellencies.
The king here laments that no couriers have been sent to
him from Germany, though they expect them momentarily,
because his Majesty only has the first simple advices sent him
by the Princess Palatine, his sister.
Eager partisans of the right side consider that the fall of
this Hercules of the North is more important than the victory,
because of the consequences. At the palace they are preparing
to put on mourning, and they are considering what more this
crown can do to meet this great and unexpected emergency,
with respect to its own interests and the public cause, in the
turn which affairs are likely to take in Germany.
I called upon the Lord Treasurer, knowing his desire to see
me to hear something of the ambassador his son. To his great
astonishment he has no letters from him this week by the
courier, who brings those of your Serenity of the 12th ult.
My visit pleased him exceedingly and he uttered these very
words, Mr. Ambassador, we have bad news. The King of
Sweden has gained the battle but has lost his life. I remarked
that the imperial defeat on the one side and the fall
of the king on the other left one very doubtful as to what the
future course of events in Germany would be. I said that the
greatness of this crown made it more imperative than ever
that it should consider the situation. He at once rejoined,
That is certainly true. His Majesty has it at heart ; indeed
he has at once sent a despatch to Hamburg with all speed to
stay the Ambassador Anstruther, who was going to that city
from Vienna. The king has decided to send him with all speed
to the princes of the Swedish party. He will confer first of
all with the Duke of Saxony and will then go on to the
Landgrave of Hesse, to Duke Bernard of Weimar and to all
the others concerned. On behalf of his Majesty he will persuade
every one to a good union and mutual intelligence,
advising them to select among themselves a good commander
to lead the armies, who may at least follow the plans even if
he cannot equal in valour the king who has died so gloriously.
While thanking him suitably for his communication I commended
his Majesty's most wise decision and said that the
arm of this great kingdom could not only give fresh spirit
to the body, but by the interposition of its offices it could
bring about a better union, and the closer the union between
them and the better the understanding the more profitable and
necessary it would prove in the present circumstances of Germany.
The Treasurer seemed very pleased at this commendation
of their resolutions here and he amplified this by adding that
his Majesty would not make any change in the future with
respect to the contributions previously offered ; and they might
possibly be able to adjust more easily what they had not been
able to conclude hitherto in this connection. He went on to
express a special curiosity for news of his son, the ambassador,
of whom he said he had heard nothing since his arrival at
Venice. This gave me an opening to enlarge upon the particulars.
I noticed that he listened with gratification and attention.
I told him that his son had already made his public
entrance and had his first audience, and in receiving and
lodging him the republic was anxious that he should have a
worthy welcome to confirm their appreciation of this embassy,
and I was charged to bear witness to this. I could easily
see that my remarks gave him exceptional gratification. He
declared himself the humble servant of the most serene republic,
and poured out his thanks, repeating that he would carry in
his heart the memory of so many favours. He asked me whether
I had heard if the Duke of Lenos, brother in law of the ambassador,
had appeared in Venice, as by previous orders from
his Majesty he was to pass from Spain to Venice in order to
join the ambassador and so increase the noble company of the
embassy ; he also had orders to travel home to England in the
ambassador's company. I replied that I could not say anything
for certain about the duke, as no special confirmation had
reached me, but one might believe that he also had arrived,
since it was certain that the numerous and noble suite of
Englishmen had greatly increased the gratification and obligations
of the republic.
Yesterday the French minister here went to special audience
of his Majesty. He took the opportunity to assure the king
of the safe return of his master and the flight of Monsieur
to the queen mother in Flanders. I am assured on good
authority that his office was especially devoted to preventing
any openings for either of them to come over to this kingdom.
Of the queen mother in particular a report is in circulation
to the effect that the four ships armed by the king here,
which may put to sea any day, are about to receive instructions
to serve as an escort to bring her from the shores of Flanders
to those of this kingdom.
The negotiations of the deputies of Brussels who went to
the Hague are considered here as delusions and artifices of the
Spaniards, who find it necessary to comfort their subjects at
least with the appearance of some hope of a peace or truce,
and to get all the advantage they can from gaining time.
The ministers here, who have no belief in these negotiations
leading to any conclusion, declare that England can have no
share in them and does not mean to.
Some sort of report has circulated that the French propose
to send a special embassy to prevent such negotiations coming
to a head, if ever they should progress towards any sort of
agreement ; but people believe that this will disappear in difficulties
and delays. As I am about to seal this despatch I
hear a report has come from his Majesty's chamber, that
news has reached them of the death of the Prince Palatine of
the plague.
London, the 10th December, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 11.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
69. To the Ambassador in France.
We are informed that M. de Tullerie may be impressed with
the idea that the Ambassador Weston has recently proposed
a defensive league in Italy and other matters having the
Spaniards in view, and he may even have sent to France to
inform the king. We inform you that Weston's three offices
merely passed in compliments and there were no negotiations
of any kind. If necessary you will assure the ministers of
this, and remove any credence they may have attached to
such reports, which may have been spread insidiously to encourage
discord between those two crowns and make France
suspicious of the republic.
Ayes, 133. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 11.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Firenze.
Venetian
Archives. |
70. Pier Antonio Marioni, Venetian Resident at Florence,
to the Doge and Senate.
A courier of the resident Buondelmonti at Venice brought
the Grand Duke word on Wednesday of the coming of the
English ambassador.
Florence, the 11th December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Rettori.
Venetian
Archives. |
71. To the Proveditor of Zante.
The English Resident has taken the opportunity of some
English ships being ready to sail in your direction, to ask
us to recommend to you the merchants of his nation who
are with you and manipulate the property of their correspondents.
We therefore direct you to show every favour and kindness
to these English merchants and to those who frequent our
marts, without prejudicing our orders or interests, for which
you will always have a proper regard.
Ayes, 122. Noes, 0. Neutral, 2.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Constantinopoli.
Venetian
Archives. |
72. Giovanni Cappello, Venetian Ambassador at Constantinople,
to the Doge and Senate.
Relates that by reason of disorders at the convent of S.
Maria of Galata he had Friar Giovanni Fermo of Bergamo, an
ambitious man removed to his house. The French ambassador
demanded that this friar should be handed over to him. Bailo
claimed him as a Venetian subject. The French ambassador
came to the Venetian embassy in person, followed by eight
armed men, whom he left in the street, a good many others
being placed outside armed with arquebuses etc. This disturbance
excited the whole neighbourhood, but the English
ambassador, on hearing about it, supposing some mischief might
occur, at the moment when France was departing, sent to
offer to come in person with all his Court and others of his
nation to do what might be thought necessary. Merchants and
others also came up from Galata, as the report spread. Re
monstrated with France, who has since admitted the folly of
his action. Sent the secretary to thank England for his prompt
and friendly offer. He repeated his offer to come in person
well supported whenever he was notified. He is amazed and
condemns the action.
The Vigne of Pera, the 16th December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
73. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
Some one is expected here from England to assist and advise
the Princess Palatine, who is deeply afflicted by the loss of
her husband whom she loved in an exceptional manner (unicamente).
She is not altogether hopeless now of help from England,
especially for garrisoning the fortresses.
The Hague, the 16th December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Padova.
Venetian
Archives. |
74. Alvise Valaresso, Captain of Padua, to the Doge and
Senate.
Yesterday a Capuchin came to see me, called Fra Alessandro
d'Allis, a fellow of Father Hyacinth, both of whom I knew in
England. He wore the secular habit. He wanted post horses.
He told me he was going to Germany, having recently come
from Spain after some months, having gone there from England,
where he had stayed a long time, carrying on active negotiations
in the emperor's name about the Palatinate, perhaps in the
hopes of delaying help from that quarter, but the successes
of Sweden stopped all the transactions. He assured me that
the King of Sweden had received a lump sum secretly from the
King of England.
Padua, the 16th December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 17.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
75. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The latest advices about the battle of Leipsig differ greatly
from the first, although there is no difference about the most
important item, the death of the King of Sweden. The contradictory
reports about everything else leave the ministers at
the palace here doubtful as to what judgment they shall form
about them. Anstruther arrived here unexpectedly two days
ago, a favourable wind having brought him straight from Hamburg
to this kingdom, (fn. 4) and he has thus come too soon to permit
of the royal commissions of which the Treasurer told me reaching
him. With respect to his being sent on a fresh mission
to Germany I hear on good authority that they propose to wait
a little here until they can obtain more authentic particulars
about what has happened in that country, and so form a better
judgment of the direction in which affairs are likely to move there.
From what one hears the death of the Prince Palatine seems
to have grieved his Majesty deeply, more particularly with
regard to the protection of his sister. To comfort her he at
once sent M. di Edersolt, who takes a promise that they will
continue in the future to pay her the same yearly contribution
of 20,000l. sterling which they have paid so far from this
quarter.
The Spanish Resident here has already intimated that in the
future his king will have a more easy means of obtaining
every satisfaction for England in what concerns the Princess
Palatine's interests. The truth is, and I gather as much from
one of the Council, that the Spaniards want to seize upon this
opportunity also to encourage hopes, with their usual artifice,
and to forward their interests at this Court. Meanwhile they
are trying to have the ships recently armed by this crown sent
to Spain, pretending that with the provisions and money for
Flanders, to be transported here with the return of that shipping,
this kingdom will have an opportunity of making a profit, since
of necessity and by the laws of the country a good part of the
ready money which is brought must remain, to be remitted
from this mart to that of Antwerp either by letters of exchange
or in some other way.
The French minister here, by order of his king, has made
strong representations to his Majesty to thwart the designs of
the queen mother. He has at last obtained a very ample
promise that they will do everything possible here to prevent
her from coming, as she has seemed anxious to do, by her
various instances. With this intent they have sent the Sieur
dolla Murrey (fn. 5) to Brussels, to convey to the queen mother the
fullest assurances of the admirable intentions of this crown, with
apologies and dissuasions to prevent her from coming. There
are some who assert on good evidence that if he finds that
her Majesty has any intention of going to Spain, he has
further instructions to offer her the very men of war of the
king here to serve as an escort. But most people agree in believing
that if she cannot come here she is still less likely
to leave Flanders.
A ship has arrived from Zeeland in a few hours bringing
his Majesty a despatch on the affair of Rimbergh, a place
which the Spaniards apparently wish to render neutral. This
is confirmed by the two Dutch ministers, who add, however, that
their High Mightinesses are quite willing to agree to this if
the Spaniards will consent to place that fortress in the hands of
the Elector of Cologne ; that of Linghen is not valued, seeing
the despatch of the two deputies with protestations that they
intend to demolish all the fortifications.
With regard to the truces in Holland they adhere to the resolution
I reported, that England will not intervene in any way,
either to persuade or prevent it. In this connection the last
advices from the English Resident to the royal Council assert
that in the opinion of everybody both sides are prolonging the
negotiations because they wish to see first what the consequences
of the battle of Leipsig and the fall of the Swedish king
may be, which change the face of affairs, what new dispositions
and revolutions will happen in Germany, and also what effect
the return of Monsieur to Flanders will have.
After the king had suffered some slight disturbance spots
appeared on his face and neck, indicating either smallpox or
over heating of the blood, so the physicians here say. His
Majesty does not believe the first and will not hear a word
of it, and he thinks nothing of the second. He declares that
he feels very well in himself. He is with difficulty persuaded
to take care of himself in the warmth of a small room and
he will not stay in bed. Meanwhile he has suspended public
audiences and affairs.
The report of the welcome given to the Ambassador Weston
has roused warm feelings towards the most serene republic and
afforded great pleasure to the Court, but above all to the
Treasurer. I will make ever greater efforts to prove the sincere
esteem of the state for his Majesty.
London, the 17th December, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 18.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Firenze.
Venetian
Archives. |
76. Pier Antonio Marioni, Venetian Resident at Florence,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassador Weston entered Florence on Thursday evening.
Prince Don Lorenzo met him at the gates, the Grand Duke
awaited him at the Pitti and met him at the palace gate,
taking his right hand and leading him in. He asked audience
of the Grand Duke and princes yesterday, the Cardinal (fn. 6) having
withdrawn three days ago to avoid the meeting. He attended
the comedy in the evening with his Highness. Today he has
been hunting pheasants and has been in the preserves near
the city. Tomorrow they are preparing for him the game of
football (calcio) in the piazza of Sta. Croce as usual, and so
they will go on every day while he stays here. (fn. 7) They are
preparing a galley for his departure, to take him from Leghorn
to Marseilles. It is thought that his Highness will accompany
him to Pisa.
His offices so far have merely been complimentary and friendly
from what is said uniformly. I have not yet been able to see
him, but I sent to pay my respects and I hope to do so
personally to-morrow. I hear that he speaks most highly of
the favours he received from the most serene republic.
Florence, the 18th December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Ceffalonia.
Venetian
Archives. |
77. Gasparo Querini, Venetian Proveditor of Cephalonia,
to the Doge and Senate.
After various experiments with the English merchants to
help the people here in the sale of their currants, and having
reduced the price to 20¾ reals the thousand, with the assent of
the syndics and leading men, and seeing the very scanty supply
of money in the chamber, the large stock of currants, the
petitions of the people to export them, induced by their need of
grain, and considering the advanced season and the hardness
of those merchants, I made up my mind to fix a price, more for
the general relief of this island than in accordance with my
judgment. I have bargained that the merchants shall take away
everything before the end of March, or shall pay as if they
had received the goods. I have thus approximated to the prices at
Zante, where currants are 22½ reals, as they are always worth
2 or 3 reals more there, but this year the difference is only
4/7ths. In this way I was able to arrange for a loan from
the English of 20,000 reals, to be made good by the duties of
the new impost, and I paid that sum forthwith to Sebastiano
Veniero, the Captain designate of Candia.
The troubles of this island are due to the presence here of
Simon Vitcombe, an English merchant, a man of great sagacity
and artifice. He has lived here for many years and being
most versatile he is better acquainted than any one else with
public and private interests, and takes advantage of this for
his own benefit. Thus this year he delayed until this moment
the arrival of ships to lade, and by reports of their going
away he is always able to lower the price at his pleasure.
The delay hurts the people and reduced the price 4¼ reals
last year, and some year he will delay the export of currants
so long that they will be spoiled, with serious loss to your
Serenity and the people here.
Cephalonia, the 12th December, 1632, old style.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 23.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
78. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The gentleman sent about the Palatine's affairs (fn. 8) has arrived
from England. He reports the goodwill and readiness of the
king, but it is feared that the signs thereof will be sparse.
They say here that the Ambassador Anstruther will come to
proceed to Germany again, to the Princes of the Union. Owing
to the offices passed in the interests of the late Prince Palatine
with the States, his people hope they will be included in any
peace or truce that may be made.
The Hague, the 23rd December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
79. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The despatch of his Majesty's ships is still undecided ; they
are all fully equipped and armed for war. It does not yet
transpire whether the delay proceeds from the offices of the
Spaniards, who want to use them for their own purposes on
the pretext of advantage to this kingdom, or if, as seems more
probable to many, they are waiting here for the reply, which
cannot be long delayed, to the negotiations carried on at Brussels
by Murey, a gentleman of the king's bedchamber, recently
sent to the queen mother. Although she greatly desires to
come to this kingdom, as she herself has expressed it, for
quiet and an asylum, they are just as strongly opposed to it
here, as the ministers intimate, owing to the expense and inconvenience.
They will be glad to prevent it by representations
from this quarter, since the French continue to exercise pressure
to prevent her Majesty's design. The Ambassador Fontane has
so much in hand with the assurances of the crown and ministers
here that he has the fullest confidence in the respect which
they tell him they will show for the wishes of the Most Christian
in this matter.
With respect to the affairs of Germany, from what one hears
the decisions of the royal Council are not fully matured about
what they can do and contribute after the death of the King
of Sweden. His Majesty shows resolution and firmness in his
wish to give what support he can to the princes of the party
that was once Swedish, by supplying advice and help and
sending one of his ministers on purpose. To this end, although
Anstruther was previously destined for the ordinary embassy
in France, the Lords here say that he will certainly go to
Germany, chiefly in order to go to Saxony, and then wherever
it may be necessary in order to encourage the movements and
cement the union of that party. But while his commissions
are not drawn up and while this despatch has not been carried
into effect, it seems impossible to state anything for certain,
or that they will not alter any decisions which have been disclosed
up to the present according to the measure of events and
the trend which resolutions in that province may take.
The Princess Palatine, who is most popular at the Court
and in the whole kingdom, has the sympathy and grief of everyone
in her sorrow at the loss of her husband. Some of the
ministers have already approached his Majesty about her coming
here, but so far as appearances go his Majesty does not seem
very inclined to this.
The Dutch ministers here speak of the negotiations of the
deputies of Brussels with great reserve. This makes some
suspect that the affair may lead to some sort of composition.
But it is certain that here they will not take a hand or interpose
in any way whatever.
The king is already recovering from his slight touch of the
smallpox. He is already without fever, but the physicians
make him take a slight purge. This will postpone public
audiences of his Majesty for some days longer. When a suitable
opportunity occurs I will avail myself of the instructions which
reach me in the latest from the Senate, of the 25th November.
London, the 24th December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 25.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Firenze.
Venetian
Archives. |
80. Pier Antonio Marioni, Venetian Resident at Florence,
to the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador is still here. He is waiting for
a reply from Genoa about a free passage by land that way. If
he does not get this he will have the use of the duke's galley.
His stay restricts the Grand Duke and the Princes more than
they like. His baggage has already been sent to Pisa. I
have been too unwell to see him. He sent a gentleman in
response to my offices, expressing his appreciation of the honours
done him, and the English resident at Venice has since been
to do this in his name. He said he would go back to Venice
immediately the ambassador left Florence.
After the football game played in fine, showy liveries, the
ambassador has had no passtime except to see the sights of
the city. The Grand Duke has invited him twice to his table.
Florence, the 25th December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
81. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
Duke Lewis has informed the Princess Palatine that he will
undertako the guardianship of her son's dominions. She has
announced her husband's death and begun to receive visits.
Accordingly I went to pay my respects. She said that nothing
would console her for the new and unexpected blow so long
as she lived. Speaking for herself she would rather never have
an inch of land than have lost her husband. But she had
to consider her children and took consolation from the hope
of their restoration. She commended them to the republic
and me, knowing that her husband had always loved the republic
greatly. It was a great misfortune that none of them was
old enough to rule, with more to the same effect.
She told me afterwards that the King of England had written
her a most courteous letter, assuring her that he would be a
father to her children and try with all his strength to restore
them to their dominions. He made her a most loving invitation
to go and live in England, but she could not do so so soon,
and she ought not to leave this country before she saw her
sons established in their dominions so that she might not seem
to abandon them at such an emergency. When that was done
she would not fail to please his Majesty. I understand that
she has written to England to this effect. (fn. 9) A gentleman named
Edersolt has come thence, who took this letter. He has seen
the Prince and the States. He leaves a report that Anstruther
will arrive here in a few days on his way to the Princes of
the Union, and will take this opportunity of treating with the
States about the interests of the Princess. It has been observed
with remark, that she has never been invited by the king to
England since she has been an exile from her dominions.
Although that sovereign shows this warmth and good will, yet
there is some doubt about his coldness, as the ministers in
writing here have shown an utter ignorance of what is required
and ask for information. This was given with the reply to
the letter, and it would have been despatched by me, had not
the wind been contrary.
The Hague, the 30th December, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Ceffalonia.
Venetian
Archives. |
82. Gasparo Querini, Venetian Proveditor of Cephalonia,
to the Doge and Senate.
Price of currants reduced by quantity produced. Plantations
limited by law but this is not observed. Sentences of confiscation
not carried out under predecessor. The abuse is aggravated.
Has had the law enforced since his arrival, and will
do the same with previous illegal plantations if empowered.
Cephalonia, the 30th December, 1632.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 31.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
83. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
During the days of this week the king decided to receive
private visits for the congratulations of ministers and ambassadors
on his recovery. In conformity with my request I had
an audience assigned to me in the most privy chamber. I
duly performed this office and went on to offer condolences on
the death of the Prince Palatine, for whom his Majesty is
wearing mourning. In reply to the first office he expressed
his friendship and thanks ; for the second I observed that he is
really much grieved about the death of his brother in law, and
I omitted none of the remarks that the occasion required. In
thanking the king especially for the sending of an ambassador
extraordinary I told him of the manner of the welcome accorded,
in confirmation of the republic's esteem. The king, with a
much more happy and jovial expression than usual, answered
in these words, I have already received from my ambassador
a full account of the cordial welcome afforded to him at Venice.
He writes that no other ambassador has ever been better treated
than he. This puts me under great obligations. I thank the
Signory, and, he added, be so good as to write this. I replied
that all that had been done could not nearly express the regard
felt for his Majesty and the ambassador, and I would write
and tell the Senate what he had said.
Before dismissing me the king asked if I had any fresh news
about the affairs of Germany. I said I imagined that the letters
of his Majesty would be more recent. The king replied that
the couriers had been delayed of late, but there is a report of
some fresh defeat of Volestain, though he could not state it
for certain. He then said, I hope, in spite of the harm done
by the death of the King of Sweden that affairs in Germany
will take a good turn and that the princes there will unite
and have a good understanding together. Knowing that the
Ambassador Anstruther is about to leave for Germany soon,
I thought it opportune to remark here, Your Majesty will have
a large share in the good that may arise from the union of
those princes in Germany, by your despatch thither to them
now of an embassy extraordinary, which will have the advantage
of the skill and knowledge of Mr. Anstruther, a minister of
much experience and ability. The king immediately replied,
I am certainly doing it for some good end, and I venture
to hope for it. Anstruther is on the point of setting out. He
will go first to Holland and then proceed to Germany. He
will confer with the Duke of Saxony and will then go on to
all the other princes of the party. From this I gathered that
by sending the ambassador to Holland they may possibly intend
to unite their offices with those of the Dutch. I will send
word of this to the Ambassador Contarini.
With the present state of affairs in Germany after the death
of the King of Sweden, they are watching closely and with
interest here what steps France will take, where their decisions
so far have not been carried out or are suspended owing to
the illness and absence of the Cardinal, whom the ministers here
call the primum mobile in the firmament of the royal authority.
One of the Lords of the Council has intimated that he has
heard from a confidant at the Most Christian Court that the
French army will march towards Metz, so as not to lose an
opportunity of fishing in troubled waters.
Gentlemen sent on purpose by the Princess Palatine arrived
recently at Court. They represent her as inconsolable in her
grief at the death of her husband. This has moved his Majesty
deeply, owing to his sympathy for his sister, so much so that
he has decided to invite and beg her to return to this kingdom,
so that he may relieve her excessive grief by the consolation of
his presence. For this purpose the king has sent the Vice
Admiral of the sea with orders to stop in port the ships recently
armed (fn. 10) suspending all previous decisions about their voyage,
as it seems they were destined for some other part. The Earl
Marshal of the kingdom, has already received the royal commands,
and together with a number of lords and cavaliers, is
preparing to cross the sea, escorted by these ships. For the
fulfilment of all this it seems that nothing is wanted except
the consent of the princess herself to this sudden resolution
of his Majesty. A gentleman has already set out to inform
her and also to make arrangements for her coming over. We
shall very soon know her answer and what she means to do.
If she comes, as from the common talk people seem to make
sure she will, I will observe the same style as the other ambassadors
in paying my respects, and for anything further I will
await instructions from your Excellencies.
The decision of his Majesty to go to Scotland to be crowned,
which has frequently been announced in years gone by and
always postponed, now receives more confirmation every day
that passes. The people there seem to desire it. Apparently
the arrangements and preparations of the Court, which are truly
great and make a stir, have never been so advanced in the
past as they are now. Some are of opinion that if his Majesty
goes there this city may not see him again for little less
than a year, owing to the time spent over the function and
over the pleasures of the chase.
When the Earl Marshal called at this house recently he informed
me of the decision given above. He told me that
the king could not postpone any longer this coronation and
the satisfaction of his subjects there in that way. I hope that
I may be excused from such a long journey, which is likely
to be superfluous rather than profitable to the state, even if
his Majesty is followed by the other ministers, since it is
known that the constant occasion for negotiation in the interests
of their princes is very different and in no wise comparable to
what can at present be done for those of your Serenity. However
this is a question which must be decided by the state.
No courier from Italy has arrived in this kingdom during
the present week.
London, the 31st December, 1632.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |