|
|
July 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
313. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassador Oxisterna left the day before yesterday on
a Dutch man of war, followed by a favourable wind. The
king's barques took him to Gravesend. He left extremely dissatisfied,
as I reported and thoroughly impressed during his
stay here with all the infirmities of the existing government and
of their policy which aims at preserving a general neutrality
and a firm determination to avoid complications of every sort.
He informed some of his intimates that he had perceived that
the views of the leading councillors of the king tended to
impress his Majesty with the idea that the representations put
forward by him that the Swedes and the United Princes were
for abandoning the Palatinate and for granting Filipsburg to
France, were merely a pretence calculated to constrain England
to do what they wanted, while at the same time they contrived
to make his Majesty believe that such succour as could at present
be sent abroad by this crown could not possibly be strong enough.
That if the Austrian party should prevail it was enough to
defend that province, as the Princess Palatine strongly urged.
Being thus inferior or equal in force every thing goes to show
that it is to the interest of the princes themselves to preserve
it by their own fortune and arms. Accordingly they conclude
that it is not possible to supply any appreciable succour to that
distressed country without upsetting things here greatly. He
characterises these ideas as execrable and rotten (concetti pessimi
per quello dice corotti), and supplied by the Spanish Resident.
He asserts that that party is so strong in the very Council, that
nothing can make head against that nation, even though the
king felt differently, being entirely ruled by them. He said he
was aware of the shortage of money even for the king's household
requirements, owing to his strained relations with his
people, and accordingly he had not urged the financial side very
strongly, but the refusal of levies, whether openly or by connivance,
as requested, showed that it was due to the efforts of
the Spanish partisans alone.
Fulvio Pergami, secretary of Prince Tomaso has returned
from the Court. Some say that he made proposals in the interest
of the Spaniards and of his own master. But I am advised on
sound authority that he only saw the king once, with whom he
conferred in a garden for the space of half an hour. There he
presented the letter and after some conversation took his leave.
He also spoke with the Treasurer and with the first secretary
of state, but only once with each likewise. He is now here
waiting for an English ship to take him to Spain, where he is
to proceed. He has certain connections here as for some years
he discharged the office of minister for the Duke of Savoy. He
has dropped a word to some of his closest intimates that he has
been sent to expedite the affairs of his master at the Spanish
Court. It is believed that he may be going to reside there as
Agent in ordinary. I have sent all the particulars to the Ambassador
Cornaro.
The other gentleman for the kingdom of Poland, embarked
for Holland after the conclusion of his audience of the king,
with whom he stayed a very short time. They say he has some
business to transact there. It is impossible to discover any
authentic information upon what he set forth here, as he spoke
with his Majesty alone ; but it is thought that the matter was
of no great consequence seeing the celerity he showed in going
away.
Anstruther writes from Hamburg on the 12th ult. acknowledging
the receipt of his instructions about going to Frankfort,
for which he was to leave on the following day. The Company
of merchants here who trade in the Levant have presented a
petition to the Council in which they ask that the departure
of Sir Sacfil Cro may be postponed in view of what has happened
in Constantinople against the merchants of this nation. This
person has already been selected by his Majesty as ambassador
to the Porte in place of the one who is now there and whose
time has expired. In the petition the Company state that as
the Grand Turk has inflicted this injury and loss upon the merchants
it is not seemly to send him a new ambassador so soon,
with the usual presents for the Sultan and his ministers, to
prevent the act being misinterpreted by the avarice of that
race, and as an encouragement to them to go even further in
the future. They add that if it is his Majesty's good pleasure,
the merchants of the Company would like to recall the ambassador
now at Constantinople in order to show some resentment at
their late behaviour, feeling sure that the ministers there will
not allow him to go before his successor arrives. In that case
they would write to him secretly to stay on, and after a year
has passed Cro might set out in that direction. (fn. 1) They feel
sure of obtaining from his Majesty what they want, both because
of the cost of the embassy, which with the exception of some
small pension paid by the king, is supported by the community of
the merchants here, and is maintained out of consideration for
the said Company, and also because the object of their representations
is to uphold the dignity of the crown and for the
benefit of trade at those marts.
A certain rumour has circulated at the Court that the Cardinal
Infant, now that he is married, as reported from all quarters,
will resign the Archbishopric of Toledo to the Cardinal of
Savoy, though reserving a substantial pension for himself.
The latest news from Brussels reports a most sumptuous banquet
given by the Abbot Scaglia to Prince Tomaso and to the
Marquis of Aytona, at his own house. Also that after the
banquet the Marquis mounted his horse to follow the army
which had already set out by his orders towards the Province
of Limburg.
Some extracts of letters have appeared here which were sent
from Brazil to Spain and intercepted by the Dutch en route. I
enclose them as the contents seem to me worthy of the notice
of your Serenity.
The barque which was taking the courier of this city from
Dover to Calais with the despatches of the past week, fell in
with four Dunkirkers at sea and was plundered, the letters
being torn up and thrown into the sea. The Master of the Posts
has just informed me. (fn. 2) I will gather further information and
do my utmost to recover those of your Serenity.
I received yesterday the state despatches of the 16th ult.
London, the 7th July, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
|
| Enclosure. |
314. Extract from a letter of Captain Salvador Pinero, late
governor of Tamaraca, from Pariba, the 18th December, 1633,
to the Count of Monte Santo.
Blockaded at Pariba for two months by the enemy's ships and
unable to sail for Portugal. Arrival of Dutch troops and munitions
and the capture of Rio Grande. Every place is left at
the mercy of any small reinforcements of the enemy that may
arrive. The Dutch are already doing a great business in the
country.
[Italian.]
|
315. Extract from a letter of Battista d'Asylva of the 15th
February, 1634, from the port of Basirette, to Pasqual Goelso,
at Lisbon.
The Dutch have taken everything ; nothing is safe. Only alive
by a miracle. Captures made by the enemy, who are now before
Pariva, which will doubtless fall.
[Italian.]
|
316. Extract from a letter of Francesco Perveca at San
Antonio di Capo San. Augustin, Fernambuco, on the 18th February,
1634, to Don Lopes di Alveda, at Lisbon.
Distress caused by the war with the Dutch, who have taken
Tamaraca and Rio Grande. This place is the only one left. If
it is taken the Dutch are masters of all Brazil. Complete
blockade.
[Italian.]
|
317. The same to Emanuelo Cauelo.
Military movements.
[Italian.]
|
July 11.
Senato,
Secreat.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
318. Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
Difficulty of adjusting the affairs of the Count of Cesi. The
English here make a great outcry and declare that if they
cannot have justice they will recoup themselves by plundering the
Marseillais.
Paris, the 11th July, 1634.
[Italian.]
|
319. Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Sieur de Poigni has left for England as ambassador in
ordinary. (fn. 3) From what I hear he will exert his efforts in support
of the Lord Treasurer.
Paris, the 11th July, 1634.
[Italian.]
|
July 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
320. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
In consideration of the offices performed by the Ambassador
Gussoni, and continued by me after his departure, about the
appointment of a new ordinary ambassador to reside with your
Serenity, in place of the deceased Cari the king has declared
Lord Fildin, eldest son of Earl Denbigh and of a sister of the
late Duke of Buckingham, and consequently born a baron of
this kingdom. As it is unusual to employ persons of this
quality as ambassadors in ordinary anywhere soever, and not
often as extraordinary, the royal will was heard with general
wonderment and commented upon as a clear argument of his
Majesty's affection and esteem for your Excellencies, as some
of the lords here have remarked to me. I replied that it would
be highly appreciated at Venice where you would show a corresponding
regard. I added that the ambassador would be welcome
and worthily received as was the custom of the republic
towards the ministers of this crown. He is a young man of
about twenty six, of good manner and the best education and
capacity. He is clever for his age and much esteemed at
Court, for his own prospects as he will be an earl after his
father's death, and as the son in law of the Lord Treasurer, which
means favour with the king. From these circumstances we
may predict an excellent success in his appointment.
They already talk of his having the title of ambassador extraordinary
to all the princes where he will pass on his journey,
and it is believed that his father in law has procured this
charge for him as a good means of introducing him into the
Council.
The satisfaction felt by the Resident Nicolaldi at the success
of his operations against the negotiations of Oxisterna is not
a little dashed by his annoyance at the judgment delivered
about the ship, after such a long litigation. The chief ground
for his dissatisfaction is his being deceived, so he claims,
in the promises made to him by the king himself and the
treasurer as well, who assured him several times that the sentence
would be favourable, and that the ship and cargo would
be placed at the disposition of those interested. He goes about
telling this to every one with the utmost freedom. He complains
that the result has been quite different, and laments that in
the mean time he has pledged himself to the Court of Spain,
where, on the strength of the assurances given him here he
had assured them of the victory, which was so greatly desired,
both on the point of honour and because of the advantage
therefrom that would result to the Catholic, if the ships captured
from the Spaniards by the Dutch could not enjoy the benefit
of the ports of this kingdom. He has sent due notice of all
this to his king, representing to his own advantage the ill
success of Oxisterna's mission in particular, and the mutual
dissatisfaction, of the ambassador because of the refusal given
to all his demands, and of the Court because of the ambassador's
refusal of the present offered to him.
After the most strenuous efforts to find out about the letters
intercepted at sea, I learn that the ship which seized the barque
with the courier was a Dutch one. The reason as said to be
that the barque in question was being carried by the tide and
wind very strongly towards the coast of Flanders, and the
Dutch suspected that it meant to enter Dunkirk. Their
suspicions were increased when in the valise of the courier
they found a great packet for Nicolaldi. This was seized with
all the other letters, except those which were directed for
France. These they sent with the barque and the crew to the
Governor of Calais, who had asked for them. My packet for
your Serenity was directed as usual to the Master of the Posts
at Antwerp, so it will be detained.
The king and the Court have expressed great annoyance and
I know that the secretary of state has orders from his Majesty
to speak forcibly on the subject to the Ambassador Joachimi.
They declare it is a most pernicious example and not to be
borne However no remonstrance has been made to the ambassador
yet. This much is quite clear that both the Spaniards and
the Dutch abuse to excess his Majesty's patience, and the former
with words and the latter with deeds contemn this crown more
than is seemly. They know full well its present weakness and
this renders them bolder than is right. Nicolaldi makes a greater
outcry than anyone else, asserting that he has lost most important
despatches for Spain, Germany, Italy and Flanders.
The Agent of Florence complains similarly. I have sent the
necessary information to the Ambassador Contarini at the Hague,
so that, if possible, he may recover my packet.
Pergami, secretary of Prince Tomaso has left. He had no
further negotiations at this Court beyond what I reported.
He embarked on the first ship to hand intending to land at any
point in Spain that he could, to proceed thence to the Court
with all speed by the posts.
Bosuel also has gone to Holland, with the instructions reported
and orders in addition to make forcible remonstrances
about the seizure of ships and about the intercepted letters
in particular. The Agent Douglas writes from Frankfort on
the 24th ult. that the deputies of the Elector of Saxony have
disseminated various ill offices in order to stir up disputes between
the Princes there, by the publication of some paper and other
crafty inventions. But they have not succeeded owing to the
beneficial influence of the Landgrave of Hesse in particular.
He reports that they have confirmed again the union between
four Circles and those of Lower and Upper Saxony, for the
maintenance of the war. That they have already taken in hand
the accounts of the contributions paid, and that the Landgrave
of Darmstadt turned out to owe a great quantity of corn. They
had sent him a reminder to provide this at once, otherwise
they would proceed against his dominions, in accordance with
the agreements. He states in addition that they are sending
from that city under suitable convoy provisions for those armies
where there is a shortage, and in particular to the army of
Duke Bernard.
Letters from Brussels of the present week report a rumour
circulating through all Flanders that the Catholic proposes to
maintain a perpetual garrison of 12,000 Spaniards in that
province. This has caused a great sensation among the people
there and they are afraid of a general revolt if the intention
is carried out. The familiars of Prince Tomaso say that a
patent has reached him to levy 1000 horse and that he will
command the troops which come from Italy with the Cardinal.
But here they hold fast to their opinion that the Cardinal
will not be able to force the passage and consequently that
his route will not be through Lower but by Upper Germany.
I received yesterday the state despatches of the 23rd ult.
London, the 14th July, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
|
July 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Costantinopoli.
Venetian
Archives. |
321. Piero Foscarini, Venetian Bailo at Constantinople, to
the Doge and Senate.
On the 28th ult. the disputes between the merchants of the
four nations were finally adjusted, the expenses, amounting to
72,500 reals being apportioned as follows : out of eight parts,
three to the English, two to the French, two to the Venetians
and one half to the Flemings the remaining half being divided
into eight portions, three to England, two each to Venice and
Flanders and one to France. As the reckoning and expenses
were arrived at by a majority of votes and not by a judgment,
2000 reals were remitted from the impost laid on the deputies
of Marseilles, who were not of the number of merchants who
had a written agreement among themselves, as well as 1000
reals for a sentence against the Secretary of England, who
was not included either.
The Vigne of Pera, the 15th July, 1634.
[Italian.]
|
July 17.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
322. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The ships of war of these States have captured a barque
coming from England with various packets of letters of the
Spanish Resident at that Court. The letters were opened.
Among other things that minister, in writing to the Catholic
about the sentence in favour of the States for the Portuguese
ship laden with sugar, which the Dutch took, complains saying
he had been promised that the sentence should be in his favour.
He considers that the example will prove most harmful because
henceforward the ships of these States will be able to betake
themselves safely to the ports of that island with the ships and
goods taken from his Majesty's subjects.
The Hague, the 17th July, 1634.
[Italian.]
|
323. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Resident Bosuel and the Secretary Dingli have arrived
a short while since from England. It is thought that they can
bring but little good for the Princess Palatine here. The arrival
of the Ambassador Anstruther at Frankfort is known. Owing
to the absence of the Chancellor Oxensterna, he will not yet have
made his proposals. An express messenger, who passed this
way, has been sent to him with letters.
The Hague, the 17th July, 1634.
[Italian.]
|
July 21.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
324. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The arrival of the Sieur de Poygni, the French ambassador in
ordinary to this Court is as opportune as it is necessary. (fn. 4) The
Spanish Resident has made the most of the opportunity afforded
by the long absence of any royal ministers to spread abroad
the most injurious ideas of the ambitious intentions of that Court,
according to his version. He has also availed himself of the
recent mission of the ambassadors extraordinary from Holland
to the Most Christian to draw fresh material to increase the
suspicions of this nation, already very strong, declaring that
they are taking proposals prejudicial to the House of Austria
and not less so to Great Britain, according as circumstances
may decide. He points out that they ought to look to this
and, for the common benefit, try to prevent any further and
closer union between France and the Dutch. This is designed
to make the king think it necessary to unite with the Spaniards
and to offer a strenuous opposition to the progress of those
arms. These crafty notions were put forward by his partisans
in the Council at favourable opportunities and enlarged upon
at the Court without any one speaking out in favour of the
French, for whom, indeed, there is no affection among the
generality here.
The Ambassador made his state entry last Sunday evening,
the 16th inst. with all the most honourable demonstrations and
ceremonies usual upon such occasions, being met, accompanied
and the rest. The queen who was here in order to celebrate
the Holy Jubilee, seemed anxious to speak with him in private,
although he had not yet seen the king. When this was reported
to him he went on the following day to kiss her hand.
Yesterday he went to his first public audience at Tibols, 12
miles from here, where their Majesties are at present staying
for the usual pleasures of the chase, scouring the country.
From the information which reaches me from the Court, his
offices were merely complimentary, although mingled with certain
phrases well calculated to clear away the clouds of sinister
impressions which prevail here. He asserted that the king, his
master, would always display the most fraternal affection towards
this crown in the punctual fulfilment of the peace solemnly
sworn to with every regard to the mutual good feeling and the
relationship between their Majesties.
The reply expressed a complete appreciation of the good
intentions of that king to which they would fully respond on
this side, with every testimony of friendliness and neighbourliness,
together with similar compliments, while his Majesty expressed
his great satisfaction at the employment of M. de
Poigny in this embassy, who afterwards turned to the queen,
there present and handed her his letters of credence, as he had
done before to the king, and thus did his duty by her in the
usual way, in accordance with his instructions.
When the ambassador has come back to the city I also will
perform the usual offices required to win his confidence, followting
the use of the Court.
The Ambassador Anstruther writes that he has arrived at
Frankfort after six days of hard travelling. He says he set
forth his first offices in the Diet in accordance with his instructions,
and that commissioners have been deputed to treat with
him. He also reports that he observes he is in great discredit
with the princes because of the notion which they formed of
him in their last diet at Haylbrun. There, in addition to the
60,000 reichs thalers to be paid down by England, when the
Palatinate should be restored, he further promised, with his
Majesty's approval, a sum of money, though not much, for the
maintenance of the garrison there, and the princes are already
complaining to him that they have never been able to get anything.
He goes on to say that they attach little importance
there to his advent, especially as the feelings of the Chancellor
Oxisterna and of some of the other princes are greatly excited
by the ill satisfaction received here by their ambassador, who
left a little while ago. They say openly that they have made
the last trial of what they may promise themselves from England,
a country which in many respects is as much beholden as any
of them to co-operate for the common cause.
Orders have been issued at once to prepare instructions for
the Ambassador Fildin, recently chosen to reside at Venice.
He is busy with his preparations and announces his departure
for about the end of next September. He will take his wife
with him, so it is not considered likely that he will wait any
longer, so as to avoid the discomforts of a winter journey. In
the mean time he has been confirmed in his capacity of ambassador
extraordinary to the princes of the places on his way.
There has been some talk recently of the passage incognito
this way of a secretary of Monsieur, who embarked for Spain,
after the example of the secretary of Prince Tomaso. In spite of
every effort I have been unable to discover anything certain about
this, beyond the assertions of certain individuals who maintain
that it is so. This much at least I am sure of, that if such a
one has been here he has not seen either of their Majesties
or any of the leading ministers of state. The confirmation which
has come from Brussels about the negotiations between Monsieur
and the Marquis of Aytona makes one inclined to credit
the passage of such a secretary, sent for the establishment of
the conditions, which have not yet transpired. I have sent the
requisite information to the ambassador in Spain and I will
inform him about the secretary in my next despatch to that
Court.
On the subject of the army of Flanders they write from
Brussels that the Marquis of Aytona, after the capture of
Argenteau, (fn. 5) in addition to building bridges over the Meuse and
a few forts to deprive Maastrich of the commodities it was
receiving from the city of Liege by that river, proposed to
besiege the fortress of Maastrich. But the advices which arrive
about its being well provided and able to sustain a long siege,
while he will have the army of the Prince of Orange on
his flanks, make it likely that the report or the event will
come to nothing. But others reputed to be very wise argue
that this is a trick to keep the attention of the Dutch fixed
on the defence of that place, and that his plan is to hasten
to assist the passage of the Cardinal Infant, always supposing
that he succeeds in getting as far as those frontiers.
Monsieur and Prince Tomaso are busy with their preparations
to follow the army, according to the reports they have had
spread, but so far we do not see that anything has come of it.
Don Carlo Coloma has left Flanders for Milan, where he is appointed
custodian of the Castello, according to more correct
information, and not governor of the state as they wrote by
mistake.
Having written thus far I have just been informed that there
has been some slight miscarriage over the ceremony of the
French ambassador. It is usual to send an English earl for
such functions, but the order was changed, with what object
is not known, and the duty was performed by a Scottish
earl. The ambassador noticed this and would not allow it to
pass without remark, speaking about it to the queen rather than
suffer any prejudice. Accordingly he told her, though with the
utmost moderation, that he had been invited here to serve
her Majesty, and that without her advice he would not suffer
himself to be dealt with by a person of quality inferior to those
who had been employed with his predecessors. The queen considered
it the wisest course to advise him to pass it over and
accept what had been done, so he calmed down and was accompanied
by this Scottish earl. The Scots took exception to this
action of his, but he made it good, telling them that if he
had been in Scotland he would have asked for a Scottish earl,
who would have precedence there, but that being in England
he had desired an English earl, who has precedence here.
I have received this week the state despatches of the 29th ult.
London, the 21st July, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
|
July 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
325. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Resident Bosuel called on me to-day after his return from
England. In talking about the interests of the Princess Palatine
he said that they will first try to obtain a good and safe
peace. If they could not get this, they would then decide upon
the best means for supporting the war. The Ambassador Anstruther
was to speak to this effect at Frankfort, and before resolving
upon anything in England they would await the decision
of that diet.
A gentleman of Poland is here from England. (fn. 6) There is
some talk of it being because of some intention on the part
of that king to take to wife the eldest daughter of the Princess
Palatine, but many put no faith in such a report.
The Hague, the 24th July, 1634.
[Italian.]
|
July 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
326. To the Secretary Zonca in England.
You will receive with these a copy of the despatches from the
Bailo at Constantinople touching the action of the English ambassador
there in the common interests of the merchants in
that place. These are to serve for information with the other
advices. As the Ambassador Correr is ready to start immediately
for his post we believe that the appointment of an ambassador
in ordinary to Venice will not be long delayed, as a
matter of correspondence. If this does not occur you will
tactfully raise the question where it may be advisable, as on
your own responsibility, so that the appointment may be made
without delay, but without committing yourself to anything
in the name of the Senate. There is nothing else to add.
Your letters of this week have not yet arrived.
Ayes, 101. Noes, 1. Neutral, 4.
[Italian.]
|
July 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
327. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
After the French ambassador had returned from his audience
of the king, I went to pay my respects, congratulating myself
on his safe arrival in this kingdom in good health and on
his introduction to his new appointment. Here I took a favourable
opportunity to remark to him upon the mutual and admirable
correspondence in every place between the ministers of the
Most Christian and those of your Serenity. I promised to observe
this. He approved my office with very courteous expressions.
He asserted the good will of France towards the
republic and ended by saying that in fulfilment of special orders
which he has he would preserve a warm friendship with the
ministers of Venice. He admitted that in the present crisis of
the world's affairs it was most helpful that those of the right
side should have a good understanding among themselves, in
order to co-operate better in the service of the common cause.
He is a cavalier of mature age and of admirable and open
nature, from what has appeared hitherto, well adapted to win
the confidence of the members of the government here. The
queen makes much of him, and in fine his behaviour meets with
general approval.
It is true that observers at Court have remarked that he is a
minister of better intentions than of proved experience in matters
of state, since this is the first ambassadorial appointment that
has passed through his hands. They therefore argue that this
noviciate of his cannot prove strong enough to counteract
Nicolaldi, who is well supported here, and a skilful and most
sagacious Spanish minister but this is the talk of idle folk
who are governed by the defects of their own passions.
Two days after his return from his first audience he went
again to a private conference with their Majesties at Tibol.
According to the information supplied to me by my confidant,
who follows the Courts, he told them that the king, his master,
intent by observation and application on serving the public
cause, will be sending an ambassador extraordinary to Poland
and to Sweden, to negotiate a perpetual peace or a prolongation
of the truce between those two kingdoms, which is on the
point of expiring. He pointed out the disservice which would
result to their common friends in Germany if Sweden was
occupied elsewhere and diverted from rendering the assistance
she contributed to an enterprise which has been launched so
successfully. In a very sound office he said that as Great
Britain had been the mediatrix of the first truce between those
two crowns, she was invited by the Most Christian to continue
this good work, by sending another ambassador as companion
to the French one, so that by negotiating in concert they might
more easily achieve this point which is so necessary to the
common interests.
This sign of confidence from France pleased the king extremely,
so my informant asserts. He thanked her warmly for
the suggestion and said he would give the matter due consideration
and would then let him know his views through the
ministers.
The ambassador is at present paying his respects to the members
of the government who are staying in this neighbourhood,
and also to the foreign ministers, thus employing the proper
means for the best service of his sovereign.
Brasser, who was sent here five years ago by the Dutch
India Company in the capacity of deputy of the Provinces of
Holland, in order to assist the three commissioners to adjust
the inextricable difficulties which have arisen between their
Companies and those of England after a practically fruitless
sojourn at this Court of twenty eight months, has at last,
by permission of his masters, taken his final leave of their
Majesties at Tibol, always in the company of the Ambassador
Gioachimi. He will leave for the Hague with the first favourable
wind. The commissioners remain here under the direction of
this same ambassador to continue the affair, which is not even
yet ripe, but subject to many disputes and delays on one side
and the other. This Brasser was dubbed knight by his Majesty,
it being adroitly suggested to him as the envoy was taking
leave. As the king was not wearing a sword, he borrowed one
from a gentleman who was present at the function.
The Ambassador Joachimi made an amusing mistake when he
took leave of the queen, as he paid his respects to her little
dwarf, (fn. 7) who happened to be there under the impression that he
was the young prince. Becoming aware of this error too late,
he apologised, which only made her Majesty and the others who
were standing by, laugh the more.
The last letters from Brussels speak of the departure of
Monsieur for the army, and of some fear among the citizens
that while the Spanish forces are employed in the neighbourhood
of Maastrich, the Prince of Orange may make an incursion
to that city and sack it.
They add, though this is uncertain as yet, that according to
some reports, provision of money has reached prince Tomaso
from Spain for raising levies of cavalry and infantry for the
service of the Catholic League in Westphalia, where he is to
command in the capacity of general.
No preparation is being made for the arrival of the Cardinal
in Flanders, indeed a report is circulating that his army is to
join with that of the King of Hungary and that he is to proceed
to Vienna to perform his marriage.
Last Monday their Majesties began their ordinary progress of
the present season, which will end at York, 100 miles from here,
visiting the most charming places of the country there, where
they will spend six weeks of the time, and on their return they
will pass the rest of the summer in places in this neighbourhood. (fn. 8)
All the gentlemen of the government, except a few of the
royal Council, who stay here to deal with matters that crop up,
have kissed their Majesties' hands and withdrawn to their own
villa residences.
Your Serenity's commands of the 26th May reached me yesterday
with letters of the 6th inst. As regards the appointment
of an English ambassador to your Serenity, that is already
settled.
London the 28th July, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
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July 31.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori
Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
328. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Princess Palatine has gone with Prince Charles, her
eldest son, to Renem, a pleasure resort, because he has been
ailing for some time and so decided on a change of air.
That is why he has not joined the Prince with the Army, as
was decided.
The Hague, the 31st July, 1634.
[Italian.]
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