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April 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives.
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132. To the Ambassador in England.
We see from your letters of the 18th February, received with
those of the 11th, that Anstruther has told his Majesty that
he had informed the States that he was to offer the Princes
of the Union 10000l. sterling a month. As we have no advice
of this from the Hague, and consider it a matter of some
importance, we shall be glad to know if this payment is really
made ; and if the matter is discussed it will be advisable to
listen to their opinions ; or if it is doubtful, you will adroitly
bring the matter forward, as it will be most helpful to the
cause for Germany to see that England is not abandoning her.
Ayes, 82. Noes, 2. Neutral, 8.
[Italian.]
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April 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives.
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133. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
For the affairs of Germany, in which their sole object here
is to re-establish the Palatine's heir in his dominions, the king
here desires not only the interposition of France but some
closer union as well, by means of some fresh alliance with that
crown with special regard to the said affair. The Ambassador
has already sketched this in outline in the first proposals made
by him at that Court, in conformity with commissions from
here. These extend to a statement that for the service of
Germany they will contribute money in the place of English
troops ; if it should not be considered advisable to send out
any more, after the experience of those who went under the
Marquis of Hamilton, at great expense with little advantage,
who were finally dissipated and dispersed in Germany.
As they lent a favourable ear to these proposals in France,
Weston has sent their answer to this Court by express courier.
In substance it represents the readiness and excellent disposition
of France to co-operate about the dominions of the
Palatinate. He adds that with regard to the provision in question
they will send the necessary instructions to the Ambassador
Fontane for treating of this matter in the way best calculated
to please this crown. Upon this reply they recently sent forthwith
the royal commissions to Weston to take leave and return
to this kingdom, where his return is daily expected.
From the account of the above particulars related to me in
confidence by the Lord Treasurer himself at a long interview
which he had with me the day before yesterday, I could see
quite well that they are more eager than hopeful about the declarations
and interposition which they desire, not openly, but
in essence, in a matter of such importance and of such great
interest to Italy.
Seeing the opportunity afforded me by his remarks and by
the confidential nature of his conversation, I drew his attention
to the treaties for peace in Germany through the proposals
and missions of the King of Denmark to Cæsar and Wallenstein.
He remarked very gravely that in this matter a friend of the
public cause was bound to feel great apprehension. Upon this
point they had in these last days sent numerous cautions and
instructions to Anstruther to make every possible effort to
keep the Princes of Germany united. From their union more
than from anything else, he told me, they recognise here that the
disapproval and refusal of such treaties may depend. These have
been placed on the carpet by Denmark for his own interests
with tho emperor, so he assured me, and more particularly for
the question of the Hamburgers, who have already obtained in
the imperial Court some declaration prejudicial to the fortifications
of that monarch on the River Elbe as being in the
jurisdiction of the Duke of Holstein and subject to the empire.
He added that so far the Swedes had not given their assent
to these negotiations of Denmark ; the Chancellor Oxestern was
going to take part in the diet of Heilbronn in person. The
moment Anstruther has completed his negotiations at Keisershuten
with the Duke of Symeren, he is to proceed to that
diet with all speed in order to perform the necessary offices
with all those princes for a sound union between them and
for the common cause. As regards England he is to make the
same offers as were recently laid before the Court of France
from this quarter.
He told me that the intention and attempt of France to
obtain possession of the places in Alsace was a very difficult
matter, since they know here that the princes of the party
are not at all inclined to see the French plant their feet so
far in Germany. From this I gather that he is very doubtful
about Fichiers, the French minister to the Princes, bringing
back any satisfactory conclusion. At this point he remarked
that the Spaniards and Austrians could not suffer the presence
of the French at Treves and on the borders of Germany, and
with the special object of shutting out the French they would
close their ears to other difficulties in the peace negotiations.
He wound up by saying that these were so numerous and so
inextricably interwoven and entangled with each other that one
might count on any accommodation in Germany being a long
way off until it was seen what the fortunes of war would produce
by fresh operations.
It came out that he held precisely the same opinion about
the negotiations of the Spaniards in Flanders, in spite of the
deputies of Brabant staying on at the Hague. But in this
particular I observed that he was more reticent and more sober
in speaking to me, as being a matter to which they have not
chosen to pay attention here. While we discussed other matters,
I had an opportunity, before the interview ended, of carrying
out my instructions about the ordinary ambassador as well.
I did not forget to point out that a definite decision on the
subject would be the right thing, so that this mutual interchange
of ambassadors might be seen as soon as possible. He answered
me in these very words, The king will certainly send the
ordinary ambassador to Venice. When I asked him to see
that when the nomination was made the good results of it
might be carried into effect in the shortest time possible, he
said he would speak to the king about it. I tried to urge
this on him.
Cholb, a gentleman of the Duke of Symeren, arrived here
recently. After a long audience of his Majesty he is pursuing
his offices with the ministers here. He says that the
duke, his master, has accepted the administration moved chiefly
by the persuasion of the King of Great Britain, and in the
confidence of prompt assistance from this quarter to obtain
relief for their common nephew. In such a matter I fancy that
he is pressing them hard and insisting strongly in order ,to
obtain the most speedy resolutions, representing that the present
state of affairs does not admit of further delay. He has been
to pay me a purely complimentary visit. He hinted to me that
he had found them very well disposed in these matters and
added that he would redouble his efforts in order to obtain some
satisfactory resolution.
At this moment letters have reached the palace which relate,
I hear on good authority, that a numerous fleet of warships
of the King of Denmark has sailed for the Baltic, giving rise
to all sorts of comments about his planning some enterprise.
According to the general talk the queen is again found to
be pregnant. This increases the content at the Court and the
king, in particular, seems very happy about it.
My last despatches from the Senate are of the 25th of
February.
London, the 1st of April, 1633.
[Italian ; the fart in italics deciphered.]
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April 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives.
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134. To the Ambassador in England.
After we had closed our despatch of last week yours of the
27th ult. reached us with particulars of what is being done
for Germany. The enclosed will show you the representations
of Colonel Holch to Wallenstein in the name of the King of
Denmark, proposing that that sovereign shall mediate a peace
in conjunction with the King of England and the opinion of
the emperor thereon. You will find out all that is passing at
Court in this matter. So far we have no letters from you
this week.
Ayes, 122. Noes, 2. Neutral, 2.
[Italian.]
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April 8.
Senato,
Secreta
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives.
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135. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassador Weston has returned recently to the Court
from the round of his embassies. Before I had an opportunity
of going to see him as I was trying to do, as courtesy demands,
he chose to make a special visit to this house. He told me
he had given the king a full account of the entertainment he
had received from the most serene republic, to whom he expressed
himself as supremely obliged. I assured him of the
esteem of the state for this crown and his own personal merits.
I then proceeded to fulfill my instructions about the release of
Hyder's chests. In thanking me for this he said he had received
from the Resident Rolanson a copy of the letter written on this
subject to the Proveditore of Zante and he had already made the
requisite report. With regard to his negotiations at the French
Court, and the proposals for a union for the affairs of Germany
and in particular for the restitution of the Palatinate, he intimated
to me that matters remained in the position which I
have indicated in other letters, since the French incline on
the one hand to satisfy England while on the other they point
out that they must be governed in the matter in accordance
with the negotiations of Fichiers. While this confirms that
the instructions to be given to Fontane on the subject will
have to depend upon this, I also perceive that he also, has
come to the opinion which I have discovered in the ministers
here, who show me that they have little hope of the interposition
and a declaration from France such as they would like here for
the interests of England in the Palatinate.
At the palace they are waiting with interest and anxiety for
news of the Ambassador Anstruther, since they are apprehensive
lest the Austrians, in promoting negotiations for peace in Germany,
may be aiming at winning over the Elector of Saxony,
and by an armistice or in some other way to dissociate him
somehow from the party of the other princes. For a close
union and understanding between them they will keep up their
offices from this quarter, and renewed royal commands upon
this have been sent to the Ambassador Anstruther. I also
gather on good authority, that in addition to this, if he happens
to find that the negotiations with the Imperialists for the establishment
of some adjustment in Germany are progressing, he
is to make the most strenuous efforts so that the interests of
the Palatine's heir shall not be excluded.
The son of the Chancellor Oxestern has been to take leave
of me on his departure. Although he had no commissions to
show in the capacity of a minister, yet the members of the
government here, and the king himself, who has seen him and
entertained him several times, have tried to impress him thoroughly
with the good intentions which they have here, ready to
be made manifest in deeds, for the service of the common cause
in Germany. Upon this Oxestern uttered these words in the
course of the conversation with me, England promises much,
but is tardy in fulfilment. He told me that in France he
would find letters from the Chancellor, his father, to whom he
proposed to return with all speed, since he had no business at
that Court, except to pay his respects to the king and cardinal
to take leave.
Colonel Hebron has arrived here to make a levy of 3000
Scots for the service of the Most Christian. (fn. 1) The French minister
here is at present labouring at this, as a royal decree was
published shortly before forbidding in general levies of troops
which are to be taken out of this kingdom. They seem to
be observing this so strictly that they refuse to the Dutch even
a small number of recruits for filling up the English regiments
who are in service in Holland.
By the preparations made up to the present and which are
still in progress the king's journey to Scotland remains as
they say, irrevocably established. I enclose a list of the great
lords and officials who are appointed to attend his Majesty's
person on the journey.
The ship of war commanded by the English admiral, (fn. 2) when
it was bringing the Ambassador Weston to this kingdom from
France, fell in with a fleet of eight Dutch merchantmen of
the India Company. Requiring these to lower their topsails
as a sign of obedience and respect, such as the English claim
without distinction from everyone, especially in these waters,
it fired two guns with shot at the ships in question. They also
replied with shot, and also prepared to put themselves in battle
array The Englishman, realising that the odds were too heavy
against him, as indeed they were, was obliged to abandon
his pretensions, stand off on another tack and retire. One
already hears murmurs at Court about the offence received,
and the deputy of Holland here is labouring to smoothe matters
and excuse the incident.
The last state despatches to hand are of the 3rd ult.
London, the 8th April, 1633.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
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Enclosure.
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136. List of lords and officers appointed to attend his
Majesty on his journey to Scotland, May, 1633.
The Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery.
The Lord Treasurer, Viscount Weston and Earl of Portland.
The Lord Marshal, Earl of Arundel and Surrey.
Lords of the Bedchamber.
Duke of Lennox.
Marquis of Hamilton.
Earl of Carlisle.
Earl of Holland.
Earl of Monmouth.
Sir [Robert] Carr, Keeper of the Privy Purse.
Nobles.
Earl of Northumberland.
Earl of Rutland.
Earl of Southampton.
Earl of Salisbury.
Earl of Northampton.
Earl of Newcastle.
Four Bishops.
The Vice Chamberlain.
A Secretary of State.
A Secretary of State for Scotland.
Treasurer of the Chamber.
Master of the Wardrobe.
Gentlemen Ushers of the Privy Chamber—two.
Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber—nine.
Assistants of the Bedchamber—six.
Gentlemen pensioners who guard his Majesty's body—thirty six.
Keepers of his Majesty's body. Gentlemen—two.
Gentlemen ushers of the Presence Chamber,—three.
Gentlemen of the Chamber,—three.
Assistants of the Chamber,—three.
Cup bearers, 2.
Carvers, 2.
Sewers, 2.
Assistants of the Privy Chamber,—four.
Chaplains,—six.
Master of the Requests.
Chief of the Ushers.
His Majesty's Jeweller.
Physicians,—two.
Surgeons,—three.
Barber.
Apothecary.
Great Wardrobe,—twelve.
Master of the Couriers.
Couriers, 8.
Ushers, and others under them,—twelve.
Messengers,—eight.
Guard,—sixty.
Trumpets,—twelve.
Drums,—six.
[Italian.]
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April 13.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Constantinopoli.
Venetian
Archives.
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137. Piero Foscarini and Giovanni Capello, Venetian Ambassadors
at Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
We have thanked the English ambassador as instructed for
his friendly behaviour over the improper visit of the French
ambassador to this house. He received the office with an
expression of friendly obligation and much modesty. I, Capello,
saw him afterwards and fully confirmed the appreciation of
your Excellencies for such a token of his perfect friendliness
and your great esteem for his merits, of which your representative
could not fail to speak at the Court of his king. This
seemed to please him greatly.
The Vigne of Pera, the 13th April, 1633.
[Italian ; deciphered.]
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April 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives.
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138. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
In the diet at Helbrum the deputies of the Administrator
have been recognised not only as ministers of the Princes
of the Palatinate, but as those of an elector, although the
French Ambassador Ficchier would only visit them as deputies
of the Administrator, thus giving offence to the Palatine House
and the English ministers. The course followed by the Chancellor
Oxenstierna in this particular has pleased every one
and gives great satisfaction to Germany, from his readiness to
restore the Palatinate. Anstruther was going to confer with him,
and advices of the result are expected very soon.
The Hague, the 14th April, 1633.
[Italian.]
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April 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives.
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139. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
So far as one can gather the negotiations of the Ambassador
Anstruther are in good train in the opinion of the ministers
here. They think here that a great point has been won for
the interests and reputation of this crown in what Anstruther
in his last despatch says he has been assured, with regard
to the decision of Saxony and Brandenburg, who are united
and steadfast in the common cause, not to accept any settlement
unless the adjustment of the affairs of the Palatine house
is included therein. Owing to its very important consequences
this news was, by his Majesty's order, immediately communicated
to Cholb, who has recently arrived here with commissions from
the Princess Palatine and the Duke of Symeren. In order to
send him off again at the earliest possible moment, for which
he is most anxious, they have informed him that the king has
decided to send letters of exchange, payable at Frankfort, which
will be consigned by Anstruther to the duke, his master. He
is to employ it for the administration which he holds in such
way as he considers most profitable for the service of the
Palatinate.
Cholb expressed himself to me as well content with such
a response to his offices. He intimated to me in confidence that
he intended to stay here until the letters of exchange were
carried into effect, in order to obtain by the speed of the provision
the largest sum and the most advantageous terms possible.
He confirmed in a long conversation what I had gathered
in a private and confidential interview with one of the lords
of the government.
Although these lords are not without some uneasiness about
the negotiations for an accommodation which seem to be on
foot in Germany, yet they seem for the most part to be all
of one mind that an adjustment is most difficult and all but
impossible in the present state of affairs, and the numerous
conflicting interests involved, and the point which is more
essential than all the rest, about inducing the Imperialists to
disarm, without which the Protestants will not be able, according
to the talk among the ministers here, to have any security
in any sort of negotiation or imperial promise. With regard
to the promised interposition of Denmark in such a transaction,
they interpret it as prompted by a consideration of the special
aims and interests of that king with the emperor. Accordingly
the ministers here do not seem to attach great importance to
them, and they do so the less since the last despatches received
from Anstruther. He writes that he found the princes perfectly
united and agreed in their determination to uphold their
party. It is upon this that they base their most solid
hopes here, since they recognise that negotiations of any kind
of England either at Vienna or in Spain always prove vain.
Accordingly the general opinion among the ministers here is
that the recovery of the Palatinate can only be looked for at
the hands of the enemies of the House of Austria. For this
reason they seem to make little account here of a closer understanding
and union with the Spaniards, who, for their own ends,
desire to press their advantage with this crown in every possible
way.
Reports have reached this Court of the preparations going
forward both in the kingdom of Naples and in the state of
Milan for the coming of the Cardinal Infant. Various opinions
are expressed about the manner in which he may travel to
Flanders, and they do not consider as devoid of mystery the
stay he has to make in that peninsula, while they observe with
remark and astonishment the way in which certain of the Italian
princes vie with each other on this occasion, in announcing so
openly their dependence on the crown of Spain.
The despatch of the Count of Ognati to the emperor is attributed
here to some more recondite end not disclosed as yet,
since for the diet of king of the Romans they consider present
circumstances unfavourable for that which the Austrians and
Spaniards wish to attempt in the matter of that election.
The latest despatches of the Senate to reach me are of the
11th of March.
London, the 15th April, 1633.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
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April 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Constantinopoli.
Venetian
Archives.
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140. Piero Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador at Constantinople,
to the Doge and Senate.
My predecessor left yesterday. The ambassadors have rivalled
each other to honour him. On the morning shortly before
rising England sent his secretary to say he had orders
from his master to accompany his Excellency to the sweet
waters, and in spite of his courteous resistance, England would
not hear a word of abstaining because of the command he
said he had.
The Vigne of Pera, the 16th April, 1633.
[Italian.]
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April 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives.
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141. To the Ambassador in England.
We have written before that notwithstanding the efforts made
at Court and with the King himself for sending an ambassador
to us, no one has been sent though an appointment has been
made, and we do not know the reason. You will find out
what is going to be done in this matter, because every one
knows that this correspondence is necessary and what discredit
and discontent will be caused if it is not kept up.
Ayes, 71. Noes, 0. Neutral, 0.
[Italian.]
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April 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives.
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142. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The ministers here hold fast to their opinion that the negotiations
set on foot for an accommodation in Germany will lead
to no result. They remark indeed that the Spaniards are eagerly
encouraging every idea of bringing peace to the empire, possibly
with the notion of having the emperor's forces, as well as
their own, free and united for their designs in other quarters.
The union between the princes of the party is considered
thoroughly established, and they have listened with approbation
here to the proposals of the diet of Heilbronn. It seems that
the Chancellor Oxestern has got the most necessary resolutions
in good train at that assembly also, where they have granted
to the representatives of the Administrator of the Palatinate
the usual prerogatives of those of electors. They have specially
remarked this at the Court here and it has much gratified them.
Meanwhile everything here goes to indicate their increasing
disposition to make effective contributions. Cholb is working
hard for this, in the determination not to leave without security
for the fulfilment of the intentions and promises he had obtained.
He intimated to me in confidence that he considers the fulfilment
the more sure and near at hand because it is unquestionable
that these last days they have sent news of it to Bosuel, the
minister in Holland, with definite orders to communicate it to
their High Mightinesses, for the purpose of finding out what
England may with certainty expect from their assistance, by
joining their efforts with those made here in the service of
the Palatinate.
For those interests the government here would wish to
see better progress with the negotiations already instituted
by the Ambassador Weston in France, about a closer union
with special regard to the relief of the Palatine's heir.
The Treasurer does not fail to incite Fontane and smoothe
the way for the overtures made by his son in France on the
subject. The ministers here consider that the French by their
plea that they must be governed in this matter by the course
of the negotiations of Fichiers in Germany, are merely introducing
delays, and the English call this delay coldness on the
part of France, which in a matter of so much importance to
them here, serves to give greater vigour to the intention of
the Spaniards. These on the other hand endeavour to secure
all the profit they can with this crown.
The Dutch deputy, at several interviews which he has recently
had with the lords here, has tried to dissipate the impression
caused by the report that the truces in negotiation with the
States were nearly adjusted.
They speak here about the visit to Italy of the Cardinal
Infant as of something mysterious, the move being taken for
the purpose of giving a direction to events according to what
the Spaniards consider most advantageous for themselves. The
lords here say that this direction will be decided by the trend
of events in Germany.
His Majesty's departure is definitely arranged for next May.
They have despatched special orders and couriers to have the
necessary quarters prepared in every place where the Court
and the king's suite will have to pass. His Majesty seems to
be leaving in a more contented frame of mind now they are
assured that the queen is enceinte.
A paper with the articles and proposals laid before the diet
of Heilbronn has arrived here together with a list of the princes
and others taking part in that assembly. The enclosed sheets
will at least serve to show what is published at this Court,
and as a check.
The latest letters to arrive from the Senate are dated the 18th
of March.
London, the 22nd April, 1633.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
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Enclosure.
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143. Articles proposed to the Princes and Estates assembled
at Heilbronn by the Chancellor Oxenstern, after a long harangue.
Dated at Heilbronn on the March.
[French ; 2 pages.]
|
144. List of the Princes and Estates assembled at Heilbronn.
[French ; 3 pages.]
|
April 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives.
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145. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Prince of Orange set out yesterday. Princes Charles
and Rupert, sons of the Princess Palatine, accompanied him
as adventurers, in order that they may learn military discipline,
so she says.
The Hague, the 28th April, 1633.
[Italian.]
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146. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
No advices have arrived about any operations or proposals
of the Ambassador Anstruther at the diet of Elbrum, although
they announce that it terminated satisfactorily to every one. I
am assured that the ambassador made no proposals here except
in general terms, saying that the king would supply what was
necessary in money or men for the service of his nephews.
I am the more certain of this because a person who declares
that he saw his commissions told me that they contained nothing
about the 10000l. sterling, although Anstruther, on behalf of
England recognised Duke Louis as minister of the Electorate
as well as of the Palatinate, a point to which they attach
importance
The Hague, the 28th April, 1633.
[Italian.]
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April 29
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives.
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147. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
Anstruther's commissions to the Princes of the Party in
Germany extend to offering contributions from this quarter up
to the amount of 10,000l. sterling a month. Working from
this and with the power of such an offer he has already begun
his negotiations. These are directed to asking for the places
which the Swedes hold in the Palatinate ; in trying to get
them from their hands and then consigning them to the Administrator.
That prince will then place the garrisons and
pay them as well as everything else required for the defence of
the Palatinate and the service of the common cause in Germany,
with the help of the monthly assistance indicated. This is the
most important point among the numerous articles which are
proposed together with this offer, with regard to what they
want the negotiations of Anstruther to secure here. His last
letters report an increase in the hopes of successful progress
in the matter, since he writes that by the general union and
by the good resolutions taken by the last diet held at Heilbronn
he has found them all of one mind in their desire to uphold
their party and the interests of the Palatinate firmly and steadfastly.
He adds that his offices have produced an advantageous
impression, particularly upon the Chancellor Oxestern, who expressed
himself as favourable to handing these places over.
But he also adds that the Swedes claim that the war expenses
in the capture of the fortresses in the Palatinate must be taken
into consideration.
Such is the present state of the affair. Their intention here
seems to be to proceed to the actual payment of this monthly
contribution in proportion as progress is made in the future
with Anstruther's negotiations. But the gentleman of the Duke
of Symeren and of the Princess Palatine, who still stays on
at this Court for the same interests, aware of the delays that
may prevent the effectuation where he requires despatch and
promptness, in accordance with his instructions, never ceases
to urge strongly the most speedy conclusion. In the end he
has obtained something that seems to promise a successful
issue to his efforts. He has certainly brought the despatch of the
money, which is to be made from here in letters of exchange
upon Frankfort, to what there seems good reason to believe
a very speedy arrangement, which the ministers here are at
present trying to make with the merchant Burlamachi. He
offers to undertake to forward any amount of money by means
of his letters, either of exchange or of credit upon Germany ;
but he states very definitely that he means first to have full
security for the assignments, according to the practice in
commerce.
Foster, a gentleman of the household of the Treasurer has
left unexpectedly and with all speed for France these last days.
There are various opinions about this despatch, as they whisper
that he took secret commissions. Although many, not without
a good show of reason, conjecture that it will have something
to do with Sciateonuf, sometime French ambassador in this
kingdom and now a prisoner in France ; yet we learn on good
authority that he takes with him orders to use in case he finds
them well disposed and has an opportunity, to suggest the
taking up with greater vigour of the proposal already broached
by the Ambassador Weston for a closer understanding between
France and England with respect to Germany and the Palatinate
in particular. I have notified his Excellency Soranzo of this.
The ministers here say that France promises a great deal for
the joint support of the great interests which England has in
the affair in question, but they add that they do not know
what to believe, seeing the delay introduced from that quarter
to the proposals made from here. This Court also has taken
very ill what they call the excessive reserve shown by Fichiers
towards the representatives of the Palatinate Administrator, since
he refused to recognise them in the capacity of representatives
of an elector at the diet of Ailburgh.
The Earl of Holland, notwithstanding his credit in the royal
Council and the favour and protection of the queen, has been
on the verge of utter ruin owing to a quarrel with the Treasurer's
son, and a challenge to a duel. The latter after being expelled
from Court and placed under guard in a house in his
own village, (fn. 3) has since, to the earl's mortification, been declared
a member of his Majesty's council, thus affording a fresh
demonstration of the king's regard for both father and son.
For the rest they attribute to the queen's intercession the process
begun against the earl by five commissioners by the king's order.
The earl was subsequently reconciled with Weston and two
days later obtained his Majesty's pardon, who received him
into favour once more.
News having come that two very rich Dutch ships returning
from India, have cast anchor near the port of Plymouth, orders
were immediately sent to his Majesty's armed ships to put to
sea and compel those two ships to enter the port, where they
will have to remain sequestrated owing to the pretensions advocated
with much bitterness, by the English merchant companies
against the Dutch ones for debts amounting to a large sum.
But the deputy Brasser, being forewarned opportunely, contrived
to get information conveyed to the ships in time, and
this enabled them to escape from the English by putting to
sea at once, while the warships were on the way to surprise
and seize them. (fn. 4) This incident has been published everywhere
and only serves to increase the ill feeling between the two
nations, which already runs very high. There are some who
say that although this step was apparently taken at the request
of the English merchant companies and to satisfy them, yet it
received a strong impulse from the incident I wrote of, when
some Dutch ships refused obedience to the English Admiral,
who was flying the royal standard, and was taking back the
Ambassador Weston to England.
The reports about the Cardinal Infant's visit to Italy have
changed, and it seems that the Spaniards mean to postpone it
until a more favourable opportunity occurs for their service.
As I am about to despatch these letters the last from Your
Serenity of the 1st inst. reach me. I will go on as I have
done until now, to the end that the general interests and the
service of Germany may not be abandoned by England.
London, the 29th April, 1633.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
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