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|
Nov 4.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
208. To the Ambassador in England.
Your letters of the 30th September were welcome as usual.
We note this proposal of the Earl of Arundel that on the
conclusion of your embassy the republic should only keep a minor
representative there. We direct you to find out if this is merely
the earl's private opinion or if the king and Council incline
decidedly that way and if he spoke by the royal command.
You will also tell us all that you can find out in the matter.
You will also advise us if his Majesty's ambassador to Venice
is chosen, or if the selection is altered without anyone being
appointed in his place; what the leading ministers say on the
subject, and whether your insistance on the subject is acceptable
or no ; awaiting our orders as to whether you shall continue
or no. You will also continue to observe what impressions
the Duke of Savoy seeks to promulgate by his book to gain
advantages, which must always be evanescent.
Ayes, 100. Noes, 0. Neutral, 0.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 4.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
209. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
In his satisfaction at the birth of his son, the Duke of
York, the king has decided to remain longer in this city on
purpose to afford convenience for the general congratulations
which every one offers, the Lords of the Court and all the
foreign ministers here. In the audience appointed for me at
my request I expressed the delight with which your Excellencies
would hear the good news, and as there was not time for this I
thought it my duty to forestall my instructions, by wishing him
every prosperity. The king received this most graciously and
in reply uttered these words in the most friendly manner. I
know well that the Signory of Venice are pleased. I also preserve
my warm friendship for the republic. Be so good as to
assure them of this and to thank them. He went on at once
to ask me if I had any news of Italy by way of France. I
told him that as the route was longer the letters by that way
arrived later than by Antwerp, whence the courier for the
present week had not yet arrived. The king observed, smiling,
Has the pope announced the dispensation for the Duke of
Mantua at last. I have heard as much myself, Sire, I replied,
and it is only necessary for some formal act to come first for
the better establishment of everything. Still smiling the king
went on, Two marriages, one to make and the other to unmake
supply a lot to talk about. I understood at once that by the
last he meant to infer that between Monsieur and the Princess
of Lorraine. I replied adroitly, intimating that good arguments
might be found to justify making the one and undoing the other.
The king seemed almost to check himself, and soon after,
of his own accord he uttered these very words, I do not know
what to believe, and was at once silent. From his gesture as
he said it I could see well enough that at bottom his Majesty
felt no real approval for it. With this the interview terminated,
and I went out from the audience, the deputy Brasser entering
after me for the same complimentary office.
A certain Marquis Corsini, who professes to be a servant
of the queen mother, has come to this Court from Brussels.
So far it does not seem to be for any business, although he
brought letters from the queen mother. It does not seem,
however, that they were letters of credence, but merely to assure
him a welcome from the king as her particular servant. He
had some private audience and I know that he told the king that
the queen mother had informed the Infanta and her Council of
Monsieur's marriage with Lorraine.
Bottard, the French secretary who arrived recently, informed
his Majesty of the successes of his king in Lorraine and of
the reasons which moved the Most Christian to make sure of
the intentions of that duke, reducing him to such a state that
he will no longer be able to refuse the satisfaction which he
owes to France. He is now supplying fuller information to
the Lords of the Council here. Meanwhile he has sent a despatch
to the Court, and says he will remain until further orders, as
it seems he does not know if he is to stay here beyond the
space of four or six weeks. He says nothing about the coming
of the Ambassador Guron, having merely intimated to some
confidant of his that Guron was last engaged at Monbigliard,
following the Marshal La Force.
The queen gains health and strength daily. To the astonishment
and remark of many she has persuaded the king to agree
to her choice of a lady who openly professes the Catholic faith
to act as nurse to the baby prince. There was much to say
about the oath to be required of her, but in the end the queen
overcame everything and induced the king to agree to an ordinary
oath of fealty, such as is taken by the other Catholics, including
ecclesiastics, who take part in the queen's service.
The last letters from the Senate are of the 29th of September,
the subsequent despatches, which should have arrived by now,
being delayed. With regard to the announcement in Germany
that a passage was granted through the state of the most
serene republic to the Spanish forces on their way to the Tyrol
and thence to Alsace, I may say that it is known here by
everyone and by the ministry in particular, who have spoken
about it to me several times, that Feria's passage was through
the Valtelline, and the erroneous report in question has never
arrived here.
A certain Frenchman who recently came to this realm declares
that some master weavers of gold cloth have moved to Lyons
from Venice and have introduced their art there as it was never
practised before, the work being highly esteemed. He indicates
here a more easy way, so he says, and less expensive for the
conveyance and purchase of such goods. I have told those
who have spoken to me on the subject that the goods might
be got up and christened according to his fancy to dispose
of them more easily. However that may be I hear from several
quarters that he is getting on. The truth will probably reach
you from the proper source.
London, the 4th November, 1633.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
210. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Palatinate is in great danger. The Chancellor Oxensterna
has given some instructions to the gentleman, who came
here lately, on his way to England, urging the king to do
something not only for the Palatinate, but for the common
cause. He used to be secretary to the Ambassador Ven, and
resided at Frankfort as agent of that king. (fn. 1)
The Hague, the 7th November, 1633.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
211. Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
Mr. Gorin has arrived from England to inform the king of
the delivery of the queen, his sister ; and they recently sent
from here to those parts Bottard, secretary of the ordinary
embassy, until M. di Guron goes, who is designated as ambassador
in ordinary.
Paris, the 8th November, 1633.
[Italian] |
Nov. 11.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
212. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
I have had the good fortune not only to discover the substance
of the offices upon which this French minister who arrived recently
is engaged, but even to see the very sheet of his instructions.
The reason for his mission although they wanted
to make it appear as a mere measure of confidence to impart
the operations in Lorraine and the Most Christian's disapproval
of Monsieur's marriage, is really intended to do more, as it
seems that while the French, by justifying the necessity of the
operations against the duke wish to keep the king here favourably
impressed, they are also trying to induce him to do something
for the common cause ; that it is no longer the time to give
way to further delays ; that France makes advances to England
and even shows her the way in which she will be received.
In addition to these offices Bottard is expressly charged to
oppose all that the Spaniards may try to obtain here to their
advantage, and he is particularly under obligation to work with
all his might to prevent if possible the levies for Spain in
Ireland. He has already begun his representations about this
to the lords here privately, but they answer with reserve, and
while in general they seem well disposed to gratify the Most
Christian, yet they do not enter into particulars such as would
allow Bottard to promise himself the fruit which he desires.
Meanwhile he does not neglect the most insistent offices to
such an extent that at his last meeting at Court the Lord
Treasurer asked him if he had specific orders from France upon
this matter of the levies for Spain in Ireland, whereupon he
thought fit to read him on the spot the substance of the passage
on the subject. By this it seems he has produced a greater
impression than by his urgent offices, and he therefore hopes,
at least to some extent that he will be able to prevent such
ample liberty for similar levies in this kingdom for the service
of the Spaniards.
With the withdrawal to their own quarters of the Spanish
and Dutch armies the ministers here are advised from Brussels
that they consider they have achieved a great deal at that Court
by rendering vain the proposed operations of the enemy. But
on the other hand it is known that the French, by inducing
the Dutch to take the field, have prevented any succour from
that quarter for Lorraine, which the Lords here are assured
would have been sent in conformity with instructions from
Spain to the Infanta, if they had been able to do so without
too manifest danger to Flanders.
Nicolaldi spreads reports of the successful progress of Feria's
plans in Germany. He says he is advised from Antwerp of
the relief of Brisach and of a defeat of Brandenburg's troops.
As they consider both items of great importance, so they withold
their full credit at Court here until they receive further and
more authentic information from a less prejudicial source, because
they have no letters from Germany this week.
The king, followed by the Court, is ready to start any day
for Windsor, the place appointed for the ceremony of confirming
those chosen for the order of the Garter, among whom the
Earls of d'Embi and Murton have been recently numbered. (fn. 2)
On the completion of that function they say that his Majesty
will return to this city, in order not to be too far away from
the queen. She keeps improving in health and is recovering
from the trials of her delivery.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will have the honour which
he desires of christening the Duke of York, a ceremony which
will take place in the early days of next month. He will be
held at the font by substitutes, who will act in the names
of the Princess, his Majesty's sister, the eldest Prince Palatine
and the Prince of Orange, to whom letters have already been
sent asking them to be godparents.
The change of Mayor was celebrated with costly show and
a numerous attendance in the usual way, he being the one who
acts as a very important magistrate in this city. I took part
by invitation, as ambassador of the most serene republic, at
the head of the procession, the Dutch minister and the Lords
of the royal Council taking their places behind mine.
The Senate's letters of the 6th of October reached me in a
torn packet which had suffered from robbery in the Bassano
district. Those of the 13th arrived soon after.
London, the 11th November, 1633.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov 16.
Senato,
Terra.
Venetian
Archives. |
213. That in response to the request of Colonel Duglis,
made through the Proveditore General in Terra Firma to our
Savio alla Scrittura for leave to return to Holland for six
months on important affairs of his, he has permission to go to
his native land for four months only, to begin from the day
he leaves our state, during which time he shall receive half
his present pay, and if he is recalled within the period, he
must return forthwith.
Ayes, 109. Noes, 8. Neutral, 5.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 18.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Costantinopoli.
Venetian
Archives. |
214. Pietro Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador at Constantinople,
to the Doge and Senate.
Dissatisfaction with the Vicar Patriarchal. The Perotti think
of driving him out, even by appealing to the Caimecan. Pointed
out objections to this and instructed dragomans to prevent it.
Tried to induce vicar to resign voluntarily, and this he did to
the general satisfaction. But there is danger to these poor people
involving the loss of their churches and other misfortunes as well
if the Ambassador Marchievile does not bridle his tongue.
The English ambassador called some days ago and declared
positively that if his Excellency repeated his speech only once
he was quite determined to have recourse to the Caimecan and
tell him that some speeches were being made ad pompam for
the glory of the King of France, with these words. Rex noster.
The English ambassador claims that the same terms may be
used for his king who is no less friendly to this crown, as
his dragomans, after the Sultan, recognise no other for their
king than England. This will certainly lead to the greatest
trouble and inconvenience. In spite of every effort and pointing
out that this would hurt others without any conceivable
advantage to him, I could not dissuade him.
The Vigne of Pera, the 18th November, 1633.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 18.
Senato,
Secreta,
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
215. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The more I have conversed with the ministers here the less
have I been able to find in any one of them opinions agreeing
with those expressed by the Earl Marshal to Biondi with respect
to the embassy. Accordingly I have insisted the more in representing
that they should put an end to procrastination in this
matter of mutual correspondence and appointing an ordinary
ambassador to your Serenity, remarking that it is an advantage
at any time to make this relationship apparent to the world, but
especially in the present circumstances, for the sake of the
public cause and the decorum of both states, as well as the
interests of this crown. I said all that I could and through
the effect of my offices I almost believe that they are near
breaking the ice of this long delayed mission, since I really seem
to have aroused the king and the ministers here to a more
diligent and proper consideration of the matter. I have already
heard from a sure source that the matter was recently taken up
again in the Council, and the proposal was again carried that
they should send some one to the ordinary legation at Venice
at the earliest opportunity. They are already discussing the
acceptance of the excuses or objections of the one chosen for
the post a long time ago. They are now purposing to select
another person in his place, and from what I hear on good
authority, they are on the point of announcing the nomination
of a son of Lepinton, a man of respectable and highly respected
condition. Such is the position to which I have succeeded in
bringing the matter so far, although I have encountered some
other opposition, due, as I have discovered, to some private
interests of the Agent Rolandson. (fn. 3)
The queen has completely recovered her health at the end
of three weeks from her delivery. In accordance with the
custom of the Court she received requests for audiences for
the offering of congratulations from all the foreign ministers.
She at once announced that she would be pleased to see them
all and sent word to the Master of the Ceremonies that the
Venetian Ambassador should come first. I went on Sunday
last, and on that day they did not allow any one else to be
introduced except the Dutch minister. I offered my congratulations
in suitable terms, rejoicing that Heaven had conferred
this Blessing upon her in this fresh pledge for the succession.
The queen received the office graciously, answered me in a
friendly manner and courteously thanked the republic.
The Spanish Resident, after receiving from Brussels in letters
from the Infanta an account which they believe here to be
much exaggerated, of the operations of Volestain in Silesia
and of Feria in Alsace, went to a special audience of the
king. He gave him a very long account of the particulars
mentioned, rejoicing over the event which may turn to the
advantage of the Imperialists. The office did not please his
Majesty, who indeed received it very ill, and in the opinion of
the ministers it was too audacious and too much affected by
amplification. As a matter of fact I have an idea that they
fear more harmful successes here with prejudicial consequences
to the afflicted country of the Palatinate. They are expecting
shortly a person sent express by the Administrator there, who is
to come to this Court. He will bring much information as well
as the usual instances for some assistance, for which one sees
little or no preparation in this quarter so far.
They propose to send word to France and Savoy of the birth
of the Duke of York, but they have not yet quite decided how
this shall be done, whether by sending persons there on purpose
or merely by sending letters.
Botard never ceases opposing with all his might the sinister
offices and exaggerated disseminations of Nicolaldi. He publishes
at Court the generous resolutions of the king, his master,
both for the support of the princes and Swedes in Germany,
and also in collecting a most powerful army in time to begin
operations in the spring, to number from 40,000 to 50,000
combatants.
The letters from Italy of the 21st ult. have arrived, but none
have reached me during the present week from the Senate.
London, the 18th November, 1633.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 19.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Aleppo.
Venetian
Archives. |
216. Pietro Gritti, Venetian Consul at Aleppo, to the
Doge and Senate.
Our merchants here have laded 136 bales of pistachio nuts,
52 of textiles, six of drugs and other goods, 194 in all and
123 sacks of potash on the English ship Hercules which left
here on the 15th inst. for England, touching at Zante ; this
lading is of double advantage to our merchants, who would
have had to wait much longer if they had had to wait for
the return of the unfortunate Cicala.
Aleppo, the 19th November, 1633.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 21.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
217. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The English resident has received orders by a special messenger
from England, to invite to the christening of the Duke
of York, the Princess Palatine, the Prince of Orange and Prince
Charles. He has also performed a special office with the States
upon the birth of that prince. On behalf of the Princess
Palatine a leading lady of that kingdom is to act, (fn. 4) for the
Prince of Orange, the Earl of Arundel and for the Prince
Palatine, the Lord Treasurer Weston.
The Ambassador Joachimi, who has been staying several
months in these Provinces on his private affairs, has left for
England, where he is charged to urge that king strongly to
help Germany. The Ambassador Langarach has received similar
instructions for France.
The Hague, the 21st November, 1633.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Svizzeri.
Venetian
Archives. |
218. Andrea Rosso, Venetian Secretary with the Swiss, to
the Doge and Senate.
As the usual courier has not reached St. Gall from Strasburg
it is not possible to write with much certitude about German
affairs. They say that England, Spain and Denmark are negotiating
a league against the Swedish party, believing in this
way that they will touch France also, of whom the first two, in
particular, are very jealous.
Zurich, the 24th November, 1633.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 25.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
219. Vicenzo Gussoni, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
They have finally come to a satisfactory decision about the
ordinary ambassador to the most serene republic, deciding against
the one already chosen a long time ago and selecting another
qualified person, namely Thomas Cari, son of the Earl of Lepinton,
announced by his Majesty two days ago. Cari is a man
of real repute for his character and very noble birth.
In addition to his qualifications he holds a high place in his
Majesty's favour, being of the same age. The king has loved
him from early childhood and has always kept him at his side
in long and intimate service. His intimates say that he intends
to get away from here as soon as possible, in order to set
out the more speedily to that legation. They add that this
very day, by the ordinary of Antwerp they are sending letters
from him to the Agent Rolandson, so that in the interval
he may set to work and make provision and prepare a house.
Cuch, the secretary of state, has similarly received orders to
prepare the usual instructions for him. Yet there are some who
believe, not without a show of reason, that to avoid the inconvenience
of travelling in the depth of the winter, his departure
may be postponed until the early spring. Thus the affair is
brought to this happy pass, and I have not spared my efforts.
One Baronis, sent express from Savoy has arrived in the city
this week. He brings with him a jewelled sword to the value,
I am told of from 5000 to 6000 crowns, as a present in the
duke's name to Lord Weston, son of the Lord Treasurer, who,
on his recent embassy to France and Italy, left that Court without
the usual present. His Highness has desired to make this
good by a special messenger. If the individual is charged with
other commissions, no one has yet been able to discover them,
since he certainly has not so far had or asked for any audience
at the palace, indeed he circulates a report that he has no
letters either from the duke for the king or from the duchess
for the queen, her sister. However this may be, if he brings
any proposals or other secret commissions either with his Majesty
or with the ministers he certainly will not be able to keep
it so secret that something does not come out and that some
information and particulars are not discovered.
Botard is postponing his return to France, whence it seems
fresh commissions are to reach him, which may, perchance,
keep him at this Court until the arrival of the Ambassador
Guron or some one else. The king, attended by the Knights
of the Garter in the habit of the Order, has chosen to take
part personally in all the functions and ceremonies performed
at the same time for two funerals together, in memory of the
King of Sweden and of the Palatine.
Four magnificent Dutch ships, two of which were carrying
strong reinforcements of soldiers and plentiful provision of munitions
to Fernambuco, have perished during these last days in
a furious gale in this part of the Ocean near the coasts of
Flanders and Calais, some being broken and some sunken. A
few, who succeeded in escaping somehow, were taken prisoners
by the Dunkirkers, who came out to plunder what remained
of that rich and unhappy shipwreck.
This week also this kingdom is without advices or letters
from France, Germany or Italy, the passage of all the couriers
being prevented by the extraordinary nature and persistence
of the winds and by the changeable and wretched weather.
The latest despatches from your Serenity are those which reached
me last week.
London, the 25th November, 1633.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
220. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
Dingli, secretary of the Princess Palatine arrived here from
England some days ago. He came to see me and showed that
little or no help could be expected from that quarter. He said
there never would be any lack of goodwill, and with respect
to the princess's hopes for next spring, according to what she
herself has several times remarked to me, he repeated the
idea that there would be no lack of goodwill. With respect to
the threat of the Spaniards in Luxemburg to enter the Palatinate,
he asserted that they had renounced their claims to that
country, but he did not know what decisions they might take.
The Hague, the 28th November, 1633.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 28.
Consiglio
di X.
Parti
Comuni.
Venetian
Archives. |
221. That the jewels of the sanctuary and the halls of arms
of this Council be shown to an English cavalier and to others
of his company.
Ayes, 17. Noes, 0. Neutral, 0.
[Italian.] |