|
|
Sept. 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
343. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
In punctual fulfilment of the instructions of your Excellencies
to get some stimulation sent to the English ambassador at
Constantinople to keep up good relations with the Bailo, I took
a favourable opportunity to go and see Vindebanch, the second
secretary of state, with whom I have intimate relations. I
gave him the essential part of the extract from the Bailo's letter,
and impressed firmly upon him the pernicious consequences involved
in that tribunal, which he admitted to be a bad precedent,
and one that might give rise to the worst results. I then went
on to tell him that I had instructions to speak on the subject
to one of his Majesty's ministers, so that after due reflection
which the nature of the subject demands, the ambassador might
be urged not to make any change in the procedure which had
hitherto been followed with advantage at the Porte, and not
allow the merchants to have recourse to the Turkish Courts,
contrary to the ancient Jus which has always been enjoyed by
the foreign ministers there, which has also proved satisfactory
to the merchants themselves ; and in addition to persuade him
to keep up a good understanding with the Bailo, which that
minister also maintains with him upon all occasions, in conformity
with the intentions of the state. The Secretary replied
that he knew this was a matter of supreme importance. He
had no information about it, but perhaps the Secretary Cuch
knew something. He expected Cuch here next week and he
would confer with him on the matter. If Cuch had no particulars
touching the affair, he would consult with the merchants
interested and if anything could be done through them, he would
do it. If not, it would be necessary to lay the matter before
the king and Council, as he did not think it good to allow
such irregularities to proceed. He told me further that he knew
the ambassador for a prudent man and was inclined to believe
that he had some plausible pretext to justify his action. I
retorted that the prejudice was greater than any pretext that
could be adduced, as they risked losing the power of adjudging
suits which arise between merchants and of worsening their
condition, if they were adjudicated by Turks, by whom they
would be sensibly fleeced. He agreed and said that he would
try to find a remedy.
After leaving him I went to find Sir Paul Pindar, another
of my intimates, who is one of the leading merchants trading
at that mart, where, moreover he was ambassador of this Court
some years ago. With as much reserve as was requisite I
sounded him superficially to see if he had any knowledge of these
particulars. Finding him ignorant I spoke to him somewhat
fully upon the essential points, well knowing that he would be
sent for by the secretary to obtain information. He heard my
account with the utmost amazement. He said it was a devilish
business (affare diabollico) that he would never approve under
any circumstances, and that it was worth anything to secure
an agreement, no matter at what disadvantage, because if this
became a precedent, it would become impossible to trade there.
It was true that the tax of three eights and a half on the
English as against two on the Venetians was out of proportion,
because in his time the trade of both nations was equal, but
that in a matter of this kind it was not becoming to be so
nice. I replied that if his countrymen considered themselves
aggrieved they could appeal to the ambassadors, from whom
they would receive better justice than from the Turk ; that time
may have made a difference in the trade and that if the English
ambassador approved the first decision to pay a soldo per lira
in proportion to the amount of trade the affair would be settled.
He admitted the force of my contention and said that if his
opinion were asked he would advise that the matter should be
settled in a friendly way among the ambassadors, at all costs.
With the secretary and with Pindar also I performed my
offices as modestly as possible, in accordance with my instructions,
observing all possible circumspection, and I feel sure
that from my account of the matter the orders sent to the
ambassador will not prejudice him in any way. It is true that
the essence of the matter makes a bad impression, but I hope,
from what the secretary said to me about his intentions, that he
himself will put it right without it going before the Council,
while the king will have no other advices from the ambassador
himself. I will send a full account of what happens.
London, the 1st September, 1634.
[Italian.] |
344. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassadors Poygni and Joachimi have had lengthy and
numerous discussions together these last days. The object has
been to mature between them the method of fulfilling the
instructions held by Poygni about the interposition of the Most
Christian to revive the friendly sentiments between this country
and the Dutch, and in proportion to the response which this
meets with, to propose a closer alliance between the two crowns
and the States of Holland, to join together their forces as well
as their interests, for more vigorous action on behalf of the
common cause. Joachimi has recently been urged by his masters
to put forward such suggestions, and further to make a most
earnest request of the king here to grant assistance in money and
men for the present extremity of Mastrich. He asked the
Frenchman to explain his commissions, for the furtherance of
his own demands and to commit France to second them. But
Poygni produced strong arguments to show him how inopportune
the moment was. He pointed out that the king was enjoying
himself in the pleasures of the chase and of the country, far
away from his Council and from affairs. Consequently the
moment was unsuitable for presenting to him an affair of such
a nature, to which many of the ministers here were unfriendly.
He said he thought it would be more advantageous to defer these
offices until his Majesty's return, when they can be performed
with more convenience and greater profit. He said he had
told the Secretary Botiglier about this and he hoped that the
ambassador would approve of his sincere representations.
Joachimi, on the other hand, produced his instructions which
charge him to lose no time, and he informed Poygni that he
could not put off his departure for the Court. He went, in
fact last Sunday to represent to the king the state of affairs
in the Netherlands and to petition his Majesty for favourable
assistance, in conformity with his instructions. The Ambassador
Poygni himself told me about this in confidence, as a token
of the most complete mutual correspondence. He added that
he had already touched superficially on the matter with the
Lord Treasurer and found him unfriendly, so that he merely
alluded to the present impotence of the crown. The ambassador
told me frankly that he would carry out his orders, but with
little hope of arriving at any conclusion.
The ambassador of Savoy has not yet returned from the Court,
and we have not yet learned what he proposed. But it is known
that he was received as ambassador of the Duke of Savoy,
without a higher title. He is expected back here next week.
Lord Fildin's character as ambassador extraordinary to your
Serenity has been confirmed, to remain on afterwards as ordinary.
I have not yet obtained any authentic information about any
commissions of his to France.
It is reported on good authority from Brussels that Prince
Tomaso proposes to make a levy of 6000 English for the service
of Monsieur. In effect, as was whispered to me when Pergami,
his secretary was here, who proceeded to Spain, he preferred
some request in favour of the Spaniards and of his master. I
now learn that the only time he saw the king and the Treasurer
he made some request for this levy, but received a reply that
did not please him much. I know on good authority that the
Treasurer unbosomed himself on the subject with the Ambassador
Poygni, who also had some suspicion about this of late, not
denying that this ambassador had asked for assistance, but
telling him that he had not got any decision from this Court
that met his desires. The Treasurer told Poygni frankly that he
could not prevent foreign ministers from asking what they
pleased. They gave every one a hearing but no steps will be
taken here except such as suited their own convenience.
Poygni is on tenter hooks to know whether the Marquis of San
Germano has supported these demands, in order that he may
offer such opposition as is necessary, if it is permissible to
believe that an ambassador of that Duke, who protests himself
a dependant of France and at the same time ignorant and unsympathetic
towards the steps taken by that monarch's brother,
should now be interceding for him against that crown.
I have received this week the state despatches of the 4th and
11th ult., as well as some private letters of the 26th May. No
letters from the state have arrived by the ordinary of the 11th.
London, the 1st September, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 1.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
345. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Count of Humales is appointed ambassador in ordinary
to England a gentleman of standing from whom they expect
success. (fn. 1) They are sending him although that king has no
ambassador at this Court owing to their confidence in a union
with that crown and in the unfriendly disposition there towards
France, with the idea that many of the ministers of the king
of England may receive pensions and be supported with great
advantage to them here (con opinione che molti delli ministri
del Re d' Inghilterra habiano pensioni e siano trattenuti con
molto avvantagio di questa parte). I learn that they are confidant
they will be able to originate and augment very considerably
unfriendly relations between England and the Dutch, and
to this they devote special attention. It is understood that Count
Rodiem has expelled the Dutch garrison, and upon this matter
the English Resident says that, in the peace which his king made
with the Spaniards he was bound to favour the interests of that
Count, and he had spoken to the Catholic king at different times
on behalf of his sovereign, but it will no longer be necessary
to speak about it now that the Count is free. But it may have
happened through some negotiation carried on in Flanders by
means of the Spanish ministers ; and it is clear that there are
many possible sources of discord between the English and the
Dutch, so that here they think it will be easy to encourage these
and derive advantage therefrom.
Madrid, the 1st September, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 1.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
346. The Resident of England called yesterday at the house
of me, Anzolo Correr and I received him, as I had obtained
leave. After exchanging courtesies we sat down and he said
he had heard of my approaching departure for England and he
thought it his duty to come and see me first and wish me a
pleasant journey. He did so the more readily because he could
assure me that your Serenity's ministers would always be welcome
at the English Court as representing a prince esteemed and
loved by his Majesty above all others. I could go sure of a
warm response from his Majesty to the affection always shown
by the republic. He had experienced this during the many
years he had served your Serenity, as he had not failed to
inform his master. The ambassador for your Serenity would
certainly reach this city in this season. He is a person of the
highest condition that has ever left England as an ordinary
ambassador, who would make up for the shortcomings that
might have been observed in himself, though for no lack of
good will. He then went into particulars about the new ambassador
into which I need not enter.
I thanked him for the courtesy. I said that I took up my
charge in the hope of increasing the confidential relations between
the republic and that crown, which were better based than
ever, upon a uniformity of interests. I would show his Majesty
the perfect esteem of your Excellencies and your desire for the
continued prosperity and greatness of that crown.
The ambassador to your Serenity would be welcomed and
honoured both in his public and his private capacity, as you
wished to demonstrate your unalterable affection, to which the
resident could bear witness, and I could assure him of the
satisfaction with which your Excellencies had always received
his offices, and I would inform his Majesty so.
He thanked me warmly and said I should oblige him greatly.
If his humble services deserved recognition it was due to the
exceeding kindness of the Senate and the help of God. All his
offices had been directed solely to the right service of the
republic, as he knew that in that way he would please his
king best. Although in the affair of the merchant Obson he
had laboured hard and made so many requests in the Collegio
without ever getting an answer, he had laid the case before his
Majesty in a favourable manner, so as not to create bitterness
or disturb the friendship between two princes whose interests
were so closely allied. He repeated, your Excellency knows
that this affair has been strongly recommended to me by the
Council of State, so that if it turns out ill I am to be pitied.
Believe me, these delays will create a bad impression at Court,
and when his complaints are represented at Court by persons
of influence, they will make a great impression upon his Majesty,
so that he may come to some final decision, as nothing but
justice is asked.
To put a stop to these lamentations, in which he was waxing
warm, I said that I knew but little about the affair, but I
knew that proper orders had been given at his last instances
and he might be sure that your Excellencies would administer
justice as always, especially as it was to please his Majesty,
but where things are great and involved it is not easy to
finish them quickly.
At this the Resident said, I will not trouble you any more
with this disagreeable business, as my object is to wish you
joy and felicity, but I cannot help grieving at seeing this
merchant so buffeted by Fortune to such an extent that if he
asks for a copy of his sentence and offers 50 ryals for it,
they will not give it him for less than hundreds, so that he
is necessarily obliged to grope in the dark about his affair.
I told him that after sentences had been pronounced by one
of the public representatives, they were published for the benefit
of all, and that there was a regular price for copies, and for
this the merchant could easily get what he wanted if he made the
proper requests. We went on to speak of English affairs, upon
which he wished to give me some definite information. I expressed
my indebtedness and after some mutual courtesies, he
took leave, nothing else of note having occurred at the interview.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 2.
Consilio di X
Capi
Lettere Secrete.
Venetian
Archives. |
347. The Heads of the Council of Ten to the Secretary
Zonca in England.
Instructions to hand over to Pietro Dolci, notary in ordinary
of the ducal chancery, who is going to serve as secretary
to the Ambassador Correr, all the ciphers in his hands, and to
take a receipt from him.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 5.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
348. Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
I have learned the truth about the journey of the English
Resident. His colleagues assured me that he had gone to his
home in Jersey on private affairs, and I have confirmation of
this from other quarters, so that the suspicion falls to the ground
and the rumours have died away. There is no more confirmation
than before of the landing of the English at Calais or
of an understanding between the English, Monsieur and the
Spaniards.
Paris, the 5th September, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
349. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Marquis of San Germano, recognising the repugnance
shown here to making any change in the forms practised in
the past with the ministers of the duke, his master, notwithstanding
his supposed claims, which appeared in his book upon
the kingdom of Cyprus, and dissuaded, so report says, by the
Master of the Ceremonies from any idea of making essay on
the matter at Court, contents himself, without preferring any
further request, with being received as ambassador of the Duke
of Savoy, simply. In that character he receives all the most
conspicuous demonstrations that have ever been shown to his
predecessors, who have as a matter of fact always been welcome
and made much of here. He was defrayed there in the king's
name and entertained by the leading nobles practically every
day, with banquets, the recreation of hunting, dancing and
other pastimes. He had his first audience on the 27th ult at
Hombi, a pleasure resort of the king outside Nortanton. (fn. 2) It
passed in the usual compliments and in thanks to his Majesty
for the mission of the Ambassador Weston to his master, and
informing the king of the recent birth of the duke's second son.
He paid his respects more particularly to the queen in the
name of the duchess, her sister, after the proper offices with
his Majesty on behalf of the duke. He received gracious and
most friendly replies from both their Majesties.
He afterwards saw the king privately and told him summarily
of the reasons which induced the duke to assume the arms and
title of King of Cyprus, adding that in order that his Majesty
might be better acquainted with these he was instructed to
present him with a book, in which the duke's strong and substantial
claims, according to him, were set forth at length. As
a sequel to this he further pointed out the rights which his
master has to the Provinces of Flanders, which devolved to him
after the late Infanta. A statement about this, contained in
another book, printed in French, he likewise presented to his
Majesty. (fn. 3) He also presented both these works to various members
of the Council, declaring that his Highness wanted his
claims to be made known at this Court also.
The king's reply was limited solely to thanking him, as I am
advised by my correspondents. I have not yet learned that
he set forth anything else essential. We shall know more about
his negotiations when the Court comes nearer. It is going
to Hampton Court, twelve miles from here, and there the
ambassador will take his leave the day after to-morrow, to
return to Piedmont. In the mean time he has returned here,
and because he claimed that the French ambassador should call
upon him first he will leave without seeing him, as the Sieur
de Poygni would not make this advance although the Savoyard
tried to work it. He also tried very adroitly to induce the
Spanish resident to call upon him first.
The book in French presented to the king touching the claims
of his Highness to the Netherlands has come into my hands
through my confidant, and I enclose it herewith. I do not send
the other in Italian, as it will have come to the state's knowledge
from another quarter.
Joachimi has also returned to London, after staying a few
days at the Court and discharged the commissions which he held
from his masters. From the account which he has given to the
French ambassador it seems that he is not altogether hopeless
of obtaining some succour in support of the Dutch. He says
that the answers given by his Majesty did not display that aversion
which he has previously observed, but he referred the
decision to Hampton Court in his Council. Joachimi accordingly
urged the Sieur de Poygni to support his demands and
has induced him to leave for the Court as well. He is going
to day to support the offices of the Dutch ambassador with the
ministers, as opportunity offers he will speak about the suggestion
of the Most Christian for a better union, just as I
reported.
The Secretary Vindebanch has also set out for the Court. Before
he left I went to see him to remind him about the affair
of Constantinople. He told me that he had it in mind and
would not forget to take the proper steps in the manner agreed.
Meanwhile he commended the zeal of your Excellencies for
the common service. I am assured that the English ambassador
at Constantinople has not sent any account to the governor
of the Company trading in the Levant of this matter, to the
astonishment of all of them. I also know that the merchants
here among themselves admit that it is not reasonable to make
the subjects of your Serenity or the Dutch pay for the trouble
which arose over the fight between the two English ships and
the Turkish fleet or for the extravagancies of the Ambassador
Marscieville.
De Vich, one of the Agents of this crown with the Most
Christian, has arrived here and gone on with all speed to the
Court. The suddenness of his coming has given alarm to the
French and Dutch ambassadors here. But their apprehensions
are somewhat assuaged by hearing that it is for his private
affairs touching some office held by a brother in law of his,
who is at the point of death. (fn. 4)
The bad news which comes from Germany about the Protestant
party staggers its adherents here, and correspondingly raises
the spirits of the other side. It makes the ministers here anxious
about the safety of the Lower Palatinate and the Spanish Resident
spreads reports that the troops from Italy have already
entered there, and that they will reach Flanders by the 24th
inst. This is confirmed from that province, with the addition
that Piloran has been appointed general of the cavalry of
Monsieur ; that the Marquis of Aytona has withdrawn, under
certain conditions, the embargo laid upon him over the recruiting
of his troops, but this is progressing very slowly, both from
scarcity of money and from other disorders.
This kingdom is left without letters from Italy this week, as
the valises did not reach Antwerp in time for the ordinary
of this city for here.
London, the 8th September, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Svizzeri.
Venetian
Archives. |
350. Andrea Rosso, Venetian Secretary with the Swiss, to
the Doge and Senate.
The decision to deposit Filipsburg in the hands of the Most
Christian constantly receives fresh confirmation. This resolution
of the Swedes is by no means agreeable to England,
which does not want to see France so much advanced, especially
in Germany, where, as mistress of Filipsburg she will be
practically absolute in the Lower Palatinate. This has moved
the Resident of Great Britain here to say with some emphasis
that it will cause complications and very soon they will hear
his sovereign declare openly what has so far been kept dark.
He did not express himself more definitely, but those who
have most experience of that kingdom give no credit to such
remarks owing to the pacific principles of the king there, and
because he can do nothing by himself without parliament,
which, so far as one can learn is not going to meet.
Zurich, the 9th September, 1634.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
351. To the Secretary Zonca in England.
Your letters of the 18th August reached us to day with information
about the claims of the Savoyard ambassador. You
have acted correctly and you are to maintain the reserve which
has been prescribed to the representatives of the republic in
this matter. We enclose the usual sheet of advices. Letters
have been sent by way of Zurich, for some weeks past, and
have been despatched to you every week.
Ayes, 96. Noes, 2. Neutral, 11.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
352. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
When the Marquis of San Germano was all ready to start for
his final audience, already fixed for Sunday last, a gentleman
reached him from the queen to signify her desire that the function
should be postponed until the day after to-morrow, to take place
at Nonsuich ten miles from here. He obliged her Majesty,
although restless about staying on here after having discharged
all his appointments, in which he never went beyond the terms
which I have reported, as confirmed to me on good authority.
In the mean time the queen herself has had various amusements
arranged for him, and the day before yesterday, in particular,
he dined here in London with her Majesty, entertained by Lord
Gorin, her Master of the Horse, when they represented comedies,
dancing, music and other agreeable pastimes.
At the Court, where the French ambassador is also staying,
the Savoyard employed the Earl of Carlisle to try and induce the
Frenchman to visit him first. To gratify him the earl tried
very hard, but in vain, as the Sieur de Poygni maintained that
the Marquis must acknowledge his position, in which case he
would receive every satisfaction, in a becoming manner. But
the Marquis produced a paragraph from his instructions forbidding
him to call on any ambassador, without exception, unless
they first called on him. He claimed that this excused him
and it rested with the Frenchman to take the first step. That
minister was mistaken, as it would not alter the use of his
predecessors, and he would give a detailed account of these
proceedings in France. Abandoning this point he raised another,
namely, if they should both happen to be at Court whether
the Frenchman would make any difficulty about speaking to him.
To this the latter replied that being in a place of respect he
would make no further remonstrance. Taking courage from
this the Savoyard went twice to see the queen at a time when
the other was there also. But no special compliments passed
between them, merely mutual salutations and conversing by
turns with her Majesty. While there the Marquis intimated to
the Sieur de Poygni, as he was leaving the palace, by the Master
of the Ceremonies, that he particularly desired to converse with
him, seeing that by the terms of his instructions he could not
meet him elsewhere. The reply came that he desired it equally,
but that was not a proper place, and he would not confer with him.
Joachimi called upon the Marquis, who returned his visit.
Their meetings were purely complimentary without the slightest
reference to the royal claims of the duke or those to the Netherlands
This is usually the case when anyone goes to see the
Marquis, who presents them with the two books printed on the
subjects of which he has circulated a considerable quantity.
Nicolaldi who in externals is treated as an ambassador, although
he only has the character of Resident of Spain, to
avoid calling first upon the Savoyard, at least this is the conclusion,
has gone off these last days to a distance of 80 miles,
under the pretence of taking the waters.
When the Ambassador Poygni returned to this city yesterday
he received despatches from the Court expressly charging him
not to put off any longer his first overtures to his Majesty
about a better understanding with the Dutch, and definite orders
to propose immediately an alliance between the two crowns
and the States for the common benefit, performing the offices
in concert with Joachimi. Poygni himself told me this in confidence,
from the mutual understanding which exists between
us. In a quiet and tactful manner I will try and find out the
particulars. So far I have not succeeded in discovering anything
except that as France knows that in the present state
of England she cannot get much out of her, they would be
content if they could deprive the Spaniards of the power of
receiving any advantage from her. The ambassador is to go
and see the king soon, and I will keep my eyes open and report
all particulars to your Excellencies.
Anstruther writes from Frankfort that in spite of his offices
to countermine the negotiations of the French touching Filipsburg,
that fortress has been granted to the Most Christian
to the serious prejudice of the rights of the Palatine. (fn. 5) He
adds that they attached no importance there to his remonstrances
in the name of his Majesty, the condition having grown worse
since the arrival of the ambassador extraordinary Oxisterna.
It seems that some rumour of a postponement of the departure
of Lord Fildin for the Venice embassy is circulating among
some of the dependants of his House, who say, though under
their breaths, that it cannot take place before next spring.
They are adding fresh clauses to his instructions for the Court
of France as well, where he is also to have the character of
ambassador extraordinary, as he himself has recently made
known.
I have received the state despatches of the 17th ult. with instructions
which I will carry out when I have the opportunity.
At present all the nobility are dispersed in the country. When
the Lord Treasurer is in London, I will tell him of the approaching
arrival of the new ambassador.
London, the 15th September, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
353. Francesco Corner, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to
the Doge and Senate.
The alliances of England are not announced, and there are
no signs which indicate an assurance of success, or which
go to show whether they ought to make the attempt.
Madrid, the 16th September, 1634.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 21.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
354. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador designate to
England, to the Doge and Senate.
After having overcome the principal difficulties of this mountainous
country, I have arrived to-day in this canton of Solothurn.
I propose to proceed to Lyon and then to take the
straight road to Paris, in order to avoid all those difficulties
which may easily be met with in parts that are not so frequented.
I shall start again to-morrow to reach my destination as soon
as possible.
Solothurn, the 21st September, 1634.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
355. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Savoyard ambassador having completed at Nunsuich all
the functions of his final leave taking both with their Majesties
and with the gentlemen of the Court who were staying there,
returned again to this city and after paying his respects to
those who remain here, he has set out to-day for the coast.
In addition to what I wrote about his negotiations I have found
out through my excellent source of intelligence, that he sounded
the king's sentiments to discover whether he leaned more to
the Most Christian or to the House of Austria, and whether, in
case of need his Highness the duke might promise himself any
assistance from this crown. He only spoke superficially about
it to his Majesty, but he unbosomed himself more freely to
the Earl of Carlisle, with whom he was more intimate than
with any one else, although he did not enter into any details.
But while the king answered him ambiguously and tersely the
earl tried to persuade him not to press the matter any further.
The ambassador informed the queen that he had instructions
from the duchess to return by way of Brussels and pay his
respects to the Queen Mother and Monsieur, but he will avoid
that route in order not to arouse the suspicions of France on
account of Prince Tomaso. However he sent a gentleman of his
household across the sea secretly who is supposed to have gone
there for the same offices.
He spoke to the Earls of Arundel and Carlisle, to whom he
was directed with letters from the duke, as being the most
friendly to that House, about keeping an Agent for his Highness
here, seeing that this crown maintains one in Piedmont. They
both agreed, possibly in concert, in dissuading him, declaring
that there was no need and no business, and that it signified
nothing that England kept one there. Accordingly he intimated
that his Highness would be guided by their opinion.
He praised to the skies the kindness shown to him by the
king, queen and gentlemen of the Court by the favours generally
bestowed upon him, but he could not hide his mortification at
the objections he encountered in respect of the desires of the
duke, his master, for royal prerogatives. This was the principal
motive for his mission, as was clearly betrayed by his
own statements. Thus he let slip that this crown might easily
be more liberal with titles which were quite lawfully due to
his Highness, especially as, so he asserted, after the king had
seen the books already mentioned, he told him that the duke
had very strong claims but that circumstances were inopportune.
That such claims ought to be promoted in times of profound
universal peace, seeing that it was necessary to consider the
interests of many princes, and that it would open the doors wide
to other similar claims.
When meeting the leading gentlemen of the Court privately he
said the same thing. Some of those reputed the wisest among them
spoke to him roundly on the subject, telling him that they found
the book faulty in two points, though truthful enough in the
rest. One was that in the attempt to prove the ancient precedence
of the House of Savoy before the most serene republic
in the Court of Rome, no mention is made of when and how
that House was excluded from the Sala Reale and your Serenity
admitted. The other that in representing a free and voluntary
cession by the House of Savoy to the republic of the precedence
with the reservation of the parity of titles, no reason is advanced
why the duke's ancestors had neglected this and admitted the
disparity, quietly receiving honours inferior to those which they
had given.
It was said to him by more than one that the idea of obtaining
the first approbation here was a mistake. That if France
or Spain had made a beginning it would have been an easy
thing to have followed their example here, but the surest way
was to apply to the pope or the emperor. To these objections
the ambassador made no effective reply, but shrugging his
shoulders indicated that he did not entirely approve of the
steps taken by his prince.
He left Nunsuich with a present from the king of a very,
fine diamond, worth 1600 crowns. The queen also gave him a
jewel of equal value. The Earls of Carlisle, Holland and Pembroke
and Lord Gorin each presented him with two hackneys,
with which he departed well satisfied, so far as he personally
was concerned.
The news of the decision to hand over Filipsburg to the
Most Christian has caused no small commotion in the Court.
Creutius, the Agent here of the Palatine Administrator, gives
out that as they refused to believe the genuine representations of
the Ambassador Oxisterna, and would never make up their
minds about the assistance so many times promised to the
Palatinate, they now see the results, after all the protests made
by him, and that very soon, as the result of this cession they
will hear of others, especially if the news is confirmed of the
defeat of the troops of Horn and Weimar by the army of the
King of Hungary, which has already arrived here. (fn. 6) He declared
that the country, so long exhausted by war, can no
longer support the armies which are required to oppose the
forces of the enemy, and that the princes there are compelled to
have recourse to foreign assistance to avoid falling into the
hands of the Austrians.
London, the 22nd September, 1634.
[Italian.] |
356. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
In fulfilment of the instructions of the 15th July last about
writing matters pertaining to the Court of Rome in separate
letters, I have discovered on good authority that the Savoyard
ambassador informed the king by order of the duke that the
movements of the Cardinal of Savoy for the Court of Rome,
although under colour of the protection of France, of which
he is desirous, and of the quarrels of the Cardinals the brothers
Barberini, have really been decided by his Highness with the
object of inclining the pope to favour his royal titles. He declared
that the duke would bend all his efforts to this end,
with very confident hopes, so he said, of attaining them.
London, the 22nd September, 1634.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
357. Franceso Corner, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to
the Doge and Senate.
They assert here more than ever that they have England
favourable. In the very playhouses they applaud the English
nation as one allied with the Catholic. However one sees no
solid foundation such as articles of agreement or settled undertakings,
and the secretary of England resident here continues
to deny that there is any engagement. It appears however that
their idea here is only to publish what serves their purpose,
and they are very prone here to anticipate the intentions of
other powers in affirming something which those powers have
not decided, all intended, it is supposed to alarm France and
prevent her from pressing forward or contemplating advances
in other directions.
Madrid, the 28th September, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 29.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
358. Francesco Zonca, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The offices performed by me with the Secretary Vindebanch
about the affair of Constantinople were communicated by him
to the king, as he did not think it right to do anything in the
matter without the king's order. His Majesty recognised the
request to be modest and intended for the common benefit and
ordered that it should be acted upon. In conformity with my
request he has charged the English ambassador at Constantinople
to continue his friendly relations with the Bailo, and to
prevent the merchants, when there is litigation, from appealing
to the Turkish Courts, but that the disputes shall be adjudged
by the ambassadors of their nations in the ordinary way.
Cuch, the first secretary of state, to whom foreign affairs are
entrusted, sent one of his gentlemen to this embassy on purpose
to inform me of this royal order. He further told me that he
would write to the ambassador, perhaps in this very despatch,
but with tact and persuasively, as I had asked should be done. (fn. 7)
The Sieur de Poygni has been to Court at different times.
He intended to lay before the king the proposals of the Most
Christian for a closer alliance between these two crowns and the
States of Holland. He always found his Majesty either far
away hunting or else engaged in other recreations, so that he
has not yet found a suitable opportunity to discharge the repeated
instructions he has received in the matter. He grows
ever more and more confidential with me, and he told me that
since the king does nothing, however slight it may be, without
the Council, by which he allows himself to be governed entirely,
it would serve no purpose except to make public his negotiations
and give time to Nicolaldi to operate in the contrary
direction for the successful conduct of his attempts. On this
account Poygni had decided, with good reason, to suspend his
attack until his Majesty's return to London, where the whole
Council will also be gathered, being quite sure that until then he
will obtain no categorical answer, such as is desired by France.
In the mean time he will not forget to ask the king for
permission to raise a few recruits in Scotland for the regiment
of the Scot, Lord Gordon, which at present is serving in France. (fn. 8)
In order to raise these that noble has sent his own brother
here. From the royal response the ambassador perceived that
he was not disposed to gratify him, but he said that he would
let him know his decision. These last days he sent the first
secretary of state to inform the ambassador that seeing that
Scotland was almost depopulated by the quantities of troops
that had left it and were scattered, his Majesty had firmly
resolved that he would grant no more permits to levy troops
from his dominions, whether in large or in small numbers,
to any one soever. The secretary told him that the king
had refused the United Princes in Germany, the Dutch and
others as well, and he hoped that the Most Christian would
approve of his decision, both because it was general and was
proper for the service of his crowns. In the common opinion,
and I have it from a sure source, the misfortunes of the Lorraine
princes, for whom sympathy is universal at the Court owing to
their connection by blood and sympathy with his Majesty, the
union of Filipsburg to France, on account of the interests of the
Palatine, added to various other, considerations, as well political as
due to ancient rivalry, will place formidable difficulties in the way
of any instances preferred by the Most Christian. The ambassador
is aware of this and says that it will satisfy him if
he prevents England from declaring for the other side, against
which he knows he must be on his guard, as the principal object
of his diligence.
The complete despatches of the Court were handed to the
Ambassador Fildin on Monday. He will take leave of the king
the day after to-morrow, and he proposes to make his first move
towards Paris towards the end of next week. There he will set
forth his commissions, but it does not appear that they are
more than compliments. For the Duke of Savoy he has a charge
of a similar nature, which he will fulfil in passing, and then
proceed to Venice. I have had an opportunity of seeing his
letters of credence for your Serenity which only declare him
ambassador extraordinary, as to France and Turin. He was
actually nominated as ordinary at first and the other quality added
after for the reasons reported. He will certainly do his three
years with your Excellencies. In order that for the whole of
the embassy he may enjoy the salary of an extraordinary,
which amounts to 30 ducats a day, they have not announced any
other title for him. The Treasurer, who is in charge of the
affair has arranged this for the benefit of his son in law.
The king, who is more anxious than ever to please him approves
of everything, and the rest, though well aware of the irregularity,
do not dare to offer any objection, seeing that minister's powerful
influence confirmed and in no wise diminished by the
recent experiences.
The latest letters from Flanders, arrived this morning, bring
confirmation of the victory gained by the King of Hungary
over the Swedes. (fn. 9) They report that when Monsieur heard the
news of this defeat it was observed that he turned pale and
stood irresolute, betraying his sorrow. From this it is concluded
that his feelings did not lead him to desire the success of the
House of Austria. They state further that the Abbot Seaglia,
who is accustomed to fish in troubled waters has profited greatly
amid all these troubles and accumulated a considerable sum of
money. Foreseeing from afar the evils that may overtake him
he is arranging to put under cover 30,000 crowns in the hands
of the merchants of this mart, on deposit, which may serve him
for a retreat if the intrigues which he is always weaving do
not turn out well for him.
The levies of Monsieur and of Prince Tomaso make imperceptible
progress. Money is short, the organisation badly managed
and circumstances very unfavourable to their plans, so
they report.
Letters from Frankfort, from a reliable source report that the
princes there, after the news of the recent fight near Nordlingen
have once more signed the resolution to continue the war, by
universal consent, and they are engaged in re-assembling the
fugitives dispersed after the battle, to get together a corps
d'armec capable of resisting the advance of the Austrians.
I have received this week the state despatches of the 7th inst.
London, the 29th September, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |