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Nov. 3.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
372. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
With the object, perhaps, of getting into his own hands the
two per cent obtained on the goods which go to and come from
the Levant, devoted by the Companies of merchants to the
expenses of the embassy, dragomans, consuls, presents and all
the other incidentals pertaining to their trade, the ambassador
designate to Constantinople here (fn. 1) has tried hard to persuade the
king to appropriate this to himself, pointing out to him the
considerable profit that he would derive therefrom without any
appreciable effect on the capital of the merchants. But they have
opposed this very strongly, laying their reasons before his
Majesty. They have shown him clearly that such an innovation
would cause a most notable disturbance, with prejudice equally
great to their interests and to those of the crown as well, because
it would inevitably lead to the total destruction of the trade,
which is already greatly weakened by other considerations. They
have already begun to prove this by facts, causing some ships
which were all laden for the Levant marts and about to sail,
to be stopped. They have taken this opportunity to renew their
representations to his Majesty of the prejudice suffered by the
Company through the change of the royal ministers at the Porte,
because of all the expenses involved, such as the journey and
other charges. Accordingly they have once more humbly petitioned
that the despatch of the ambassador already appointed may
be delayed for some time longer, so as to postpone to a later
date the occasion for this fresh expense, and thus grant them
some part of the respite that is highly necessary for them to
recover from the difficulties in which they find themselves owing
to the late oppressions. The king could not refuse his assent
to their just demands for the satisfaction of their members.
He therefore rejected the advice of the ambassador and decreed
that the capital of the two per cent of the consulage shall remain
precisely as it was and at their free disposal, in conformity
with the anciently established custom, without any alteration
whatever. With regard to their second petition, to render
their satisfaction complete, he has since decided that the despatch
of the ambassador shall be postponed for a year longer. This
has afforded peculiar satisfaction and solace to all those concerned,
and has encouraged them to pursue with zeal and greater
intrepidity the business they already have in hand.
They are proceeding with the utmost rigour against all those
condemned for cutting timber in the forest reserved for the
king's ships, and in exacting the fines. The Treasurer, who
wishes to remove every shadow of suspicion from himself, and
check to some extent the universal outcry against him, has recourse
to all the most obvious means to create the impression
that he is disinterested and had nothing to do with the affair.
With this object he has driven from his house that Gibon, who
was so friendly and intimate with him, who was fined 20,000l.
sterling for this affair. The unexpected misfortune of this
man is the worse because he is absolutely forbidden to make
any defence.
I am advised at this moment on good authority that something
untoward has befallen the Treasurer, but the details have not
yet transpired. (fn. 2) It is certain that for some days past he has
remained away from the Court on the plea of indisposition. I
hope that a short time will enable me to penetrate into this
matter, and I will inform your Excellencies of everything next
week.
With regard to the affairs of Holland the Ambassador Joachimi
is still waiting for his answer, but none has been given as yet.
The French ambassador went yesterday to impart to their
Majesties the conference between the Duke of Orleans and
the Most Christian which took place at St. Germains with extraordinary
demonstrations of affection on both sides, (fn. 3) and of
the deposit into the hands of that sovereign of the fortress of
Filipsburg, into which the Marshal de la Forza has introduced
a sufficient garrison. Before he went to the Court he sent some
one especially to this house to inform me also, sending me in
writing all the particulars of what happened at the meeting
with Monsieur. In response to such great favours I sent my
secretary to thank him suitably. He sent me word by him
that his Majesty had asked him whether the replies had yet
arrived which he expected from France about the business of
Germany. He told him no, but he was advised they were only
delayed because the Court was so taken up with the rejoicings
over the return of Monsieur. Upon these particulars he has
conferred with some of the ministers, from whom he has found
out that they have no intention of providing land forces, but
they have of preparing to send to sea a good number of ships
of war.
The return of the Court to this city is fixed for next Thursday.
At that time, as I have everything ready, I shall not fail to
perform the first customary functions.
No letters have reached this city from Italy this week.
London, the 3rd November, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci.
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
373. Alvise Contarini and Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian
Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
The ambassador extraordinary of England had audience of
His Majesty last Friday, apparently it was merely complimentary
The ambassadress was also with the queen at St. Germains.
It is said they will leave for Italy at the end of this week.
It is said that nothing will be settled about the proposed alliance
with England before the return of the Ambassador Chenut
to Holland. It is rumoured that a person of quality may be
appointed shortly to go as ambassador extraordinary to that Court.
Paris, the 7th November, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 7.
Cons di X.
Parti
Comuni.
Venetian
Archives. |
374. To the Ambassador in England.
We learn from your letters from Paris of the 9th ult. of
the serious indisposition of Pietro Dolce, whom you chose as
your secretary for your embassy, so that he cannot serve you.
As we are giving him leave to return home, you will tell him
to return the donations and subventions which he should have
had before leaving here, and in the mean time we will provide
some one else to discharge that service for you.
That a new secretary be chosen for Anzolo Correr, ambassador
in England.
Ayes, 13. Noes, 1. Neutral, 0.
Note that the present voting was made with the five sixths.
There being a doubt whether the voting ought to be by five
sixths, since Dolce was chosen by the ambassador, not by the
Council, voting was taken with a white ball for two thirds, a
green for five sixths and a red for neutral.
White, 1. Green, 1. Red, 2.
As the four councillors were not agreed, the matter was sent
to the Council and the voting was :
White, 5. Green, 8. Red, 1.
and so the Green carried it.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 10.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci.
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
375. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
With respect to the Lord Treasurer, I may add that his indisposition
was not feigned, as stated, but real, obliging him to
rest for some days, and consequently preventing him from attendance
at Court, because now he has recovered he goes about
his affairs as freely as before, and is certainly well received by
the king. Yet those who wish to maintain the contrary declare
that his Majesty's feelings towards him are not such as appearances
indicate. Meanwhile criticism of his action becomes louder
every day. Every one observes with compassion the ruin of
those punished for cutting the forest, and there is no one who
does not feel certain that he had the principal part in it. The
example has deeply discouraged his partisans. Although they
are obliged by benefits, in a case like this they do not know
how to untie their tongues to defend him. In addition to this
there is the outcry against the bad quality of the soap said to
be sold for his benefit under the name of certain merchants,
as he obtained a monopoly from the king, with severe penalties
against those who sold or brought any other into the kingdom.
All these circumstances, renewing the memory of past offences,
serve to excite general animosity against him, without the possibility
of bridling their passion against him, which has already
become too ardent. The excessive respect that was shown to
him by such has in great part dissappeared, and appearances
indicate that it will continue to do so more and more. With
these arms which have always been covered under a forced
dissimulation, furious blows are now aimed at him by every
one, which wound his reputation to the quick, although they
do not succeed in penetrating further, as he is well defended
under the very strong royal mantle.
As they consider here that the presence of Anstruther is necessary
for the affairs of Germany, they have decided to keep
him there, so as not to interrupt the course of that business by
his going to Poland and Sweden, where he was designed to go
as ambassador extraordinary. In his place and in the same
capacity they have nominated Sir William Douglas, (fn. 4) who is at
present in charge of the affairs of this country at Frankfort.
They have sent him his instructions express by a gentleman,
and he is directed not to lose time in starting, and when he
has arrived at his post he is to join with the French ambassador
and to conduct his negotiations in complete concert with that
minister. The principal object of these is to secure the establishment
of a good peace or a renewal of the truce between the
two crowns for the longest time possible.
The secretary of Anstruther, (fn. 5) sent here by him with all speed,
reached the Court yesterday. He brings proposals to his Majesty
from those princes touching their present troubles, but as I
have not yet had time to discover the essence of them I must
postpone sending particulars to your Excellencies until next
week. This secretary reports that those princes are dissatisfied
with the Director Oxisterna as he continues to impoverish the
country by the frequent despatch of great sums of coined money
to Sweden, and causes disorders among the troops who have to
languish a long time without their pay for the same reason.
Curtius, the Agent of the Administrator Palatine, after having
made every possible effort to obtain some decision and effective
demonstration of promised assistance, has at length been obliged
to leave without anything definite or any satisfactory answer.
He proceeded to the Hague with letters of the king to the
Princess his sister and to the Elector Palatine. They contain
nothing but fine words and hopes of assistance, but no sure
consolation of actually doing anything soon. In this connection
many persons are inclined to believe (although his Majesty recognises
the great need and has pledged his word) that he does not
mean to send or supply any assistance at present to the princes
his nephews, so that with this example before them the others
who never cease pestering him in order to commit him to their
party, will draw the inevitable conclusion that they will get
nothing whatever, and this way will suffice without the trouble
of sending unpleasant replies, to prevent any one from disturbing
the quiet which he has resolved to enjoy.
The function of the Mayor of London (fn. 6) was celebrated the day
before yesterday with the usual popular rejoicings, in which
the whole city joined. The French and Dutch ambassadors took
part, and I also was invited, but they accepted the excuse I
sent, that I had not yet entered upon my charge.
Their Majesties entered this city yesterday, as was arranged
last week. My public entry is arranged for to-morrow. For
that purpose I shall go to Greenwich, where the Master of the
Ceremonies and the royal barges will come for me. At the
riverside in the city the coaches of his Majesty and others by
his order will receive me, in the manner adopted with all my
predecessors. I proposed to ask his Majesty for my first audience
for next Sunday, but in consideration of the upset (le agitationi)
over his recent return I thought it better to postpone it until
next Tuesday.
While I am writing the French ambassador has shown me a
letter written to him by his confidant in Paris, to the effect
that he has been told with the greatest secrecy by the Resident
of Mantua, his very great friend, that he has orders from the
duke, his master, to offer to the Most Christian all the states
which he holds in Italy, if he will give him an equivalent in
France. Although this does not seem probable, yet considering
the source I have thought fit to report it, and I have also
immediately informed the ambassadors in France so that they
may make comparison and clear up the truth.
Nis, a merchant here, gave me the enclosed paper last week,
asking me to forward it. I am assured that the debts due to
him exceed 80,000 ducats and are such that he should be able
to recover them promptly and easily.
London, the 10th November, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
| Enclosure. |
376. Petition of Daniel Nys that he may be allowed a year
in which to recover the sums due to him, in order that he may
be in a position to discharge his obligations.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 14.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
377. Alvise Contarini and Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian
Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador Fildin has left for Turin. His Majesty
welcomed and made much of him and gave him a collar
of diamonds. The Queen entertained him and his wife for two
days, in the evening with comedies and other diversions. Before
setting out they exchanged visits with us. They expressed their
satisfaction at going on this embassy. They said they had instructions
from the king not to alter the usual fashion adopted
by their king with those princes at Turin. We thanked them
suitably.
Paris, the 14th November, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 16.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
378. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Cardinal entered Brussels on the 4th and was received
with every demonstration of honour. The English Resident
surpassed everybody in courtesies and inventions. He set up
a great shield bearing the prince's arms with numerous flags,
and under it the words : "Benedictus qui venit in nomine Dei."
On the following day he put over his door a large picture showing
St. George on horseback, a lance in one hand and a shield in
the other, bearing the red cross and about it the words "Honi
Soit." Under the picture was a copper cask from which a
great quantity of wine flowed by a small channel, for the
benefit of everybody. These excessive demonstrations confirm
the impression of the leanings of England towards the crown
of Spain.
The Hague, the 16th November, 1634.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 17.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
379. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
On Saturday of this week my entrance to this Court took place.
The Master of the Ceremonies met me with the royal barges
at Greenwich. At the Tower of London, where I landed I found
Viscount Grandison awaiting me with a numerous following of
courtiers. He received me with courteous words, in the king's
name, and we proceeded to this house in the royal coach, followed
by those of the queen, the ambassadors of France and
Holland and many others. On the following day, also by his
Majesty's order, the second son of the Lord Treasurer came to
see me. He said that the king had heard of my arrival from
the viscount and had sent him to offer his congratulations and
every convenience that I might require. I thanked him and
said I would express my gratitude to his Majesty in person.
The Master of the Ceremonies, who had come with him, said
his Majesty would be glad for me to have my first audience on
Tuesday, for which I had already expressed the wish, if I
desired it but if I approved, his Majesty would not be sorry
to have it postponed until the Sunday following, as that was
a much more convenient day for the Court and generally set
apart for such functions, but in any case his Majesty desired
my entire satisfaction. I told him that I would do the slightest
thing to affect his Majesty's convenience. It was therefore
arranged thus with his consent and the Earl of Winchelsea was
told off to accompany me.
The Spanish Resident went to announce the arrival of the
Cardinal Infant at Brussels as soon as the news reached him.
The most fussy persons at the Court lost no time in announcing
that an ambassador would be sent to congratulate him and the
partisans of Spain, hoping his Majesty would do what they
wished announced that for this function the king would select
a person of great distinction, and they feel sure that he would
send the Earl of Arundel or the Duke of Lennox, but instead
they have nominated Porter a yeoman of his Majesty's bedchamber,
who has not the title of ambassador but acts merely
as a private gentleman.
The recruits for Colonel Hebron's regiment twice refused
to the Ambassador Poygni have at last been granted to the
French ambassador, to the number of 1,200 men, and recruiting
captains have been sent to Scotland for the purpose.
His Majesty has again and repeatedly asked this same ambassador
whether the commissions have reached him which
he said he was expecting from France about the particulars
of the alliance. He has not received them yet and excuses the
delay on the ground of the journey of Botiglier to Orleans for
the affairs of Monsieur. But the real essence of the matter
is that they are waiting in France for the return of the Ambassador
Kenut, who was sent there for this purpose, with an
undertaking and promise on his part to return soon. All these
appearances afford some ground for believing that the Austrians
will not find it so easy to obtain from this crown advantageous
declarations in favour of their side.
London, the 17th November, 1634.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
380. To the Ambassador in England.
We have received your letters of the 27th ult. We enclose
the usual weekly sheet of advices, especially about Italian affairs.
The English Resident here expects Lord Fildin in a few days,
as he has already left Paris.
A gentleman of the Administrator of the Palatinate has reached
Paris to beg for the protection of the Most Christian for that
country. You will find out the views of the king and his
ministers about a decision useful for the party and the joint
interests which that sovereign has there.
Ayes, 135. Noes, 0. Neutral, 11.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci.
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
381. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Last Sunday, as arranged, I went to public audience of their
Majesties, accompanied by the Earl of Winchelsea, with the
Court coaches and many others and followed by a numerous
company of cavaliers. His Majesty received me with every
desirable sign of honour.
After I had presented my credentials I repeated my instructions.
The king said he valued very highly the friendship of
your Excellencies, maintained by the ambassadors. He had
thus sent his ambassador Fildin to express his cordial sentiments.
Equally with your Excellencies he wished to see the present
fluctuations take a turn to the advantage of the common cause.
He would do all he could when the occasion required it. He
then paid me some personal compliments.
I turned afterwards to the queen, who was present at the
same function, in the same room, and paid my respects to her,
as instructed. She received me in a very gracious and friendly
manner.
The French ambassador came to this house on the next morning.
He expressed to me his earnest desire to enjoy the most
confidential relations with me. The Dutch ambassador did the
like soon after.
In this manner the first duties of this position have been
discharged. I will do my utmost to fulfil all the duties faithfully.
The reports here of the preparation of a naval force are
more and more borne out by the facts. The supposed object
is to reconquer that dominion over the sea, which was sustained
for a long period, and has now declined to some extent,
or is but little respected.
By the ancient laws of this realm all the counties which touched
the sea at any point were bound to contribute to the king
for the support of the ships usually maintained by his Majesty
for the guard of positions and the safety of trade. But since
his Majesty has other assignments for this purpose, and notably
the benefit of the customs, with the duties on wine, silk and
others of considerable importance, the inhabitants of these counties
no longer continued to bear these old contributions, and
they say they have been absolutely free from them for hundreds
of years. Now, seizing upon the pretext of the need for strengthening
the fleet, it has occurred to the king, or to him who is
most concerned with providing the money, to order the immediate
exaction of this without any further consideration. This
has greatly stirred and exasperated the people here, especially
as they see all signs of the speedy convocation of parliament
recede into the distance. In the present shortness of money they
do not stick at further subtle devices to supply momentary
emergencies. The two counties of Essex and Notumbri are
found to have been anciently forests pertaining to the crown,
but they were alienated by the king's predecessors many years
ago, and have been brought by the inhabitants to a perfect
state of cultivation. They were not sold legally, and there
fore his Majesty now claims them back. As the possessors
have not the power to resist they are obliged to make a composition,
which they say will readily be granted upon a payment
of twenty per cent.
Porter, who was selected to pay their respects to the Cardinal
Infant, left here yesterday. He has orders to see the queen
mother as well, in the name of the king here, without further
commissions, but merely for compliment. There is much talk
at Court about the haughtiness of this Cardinal, which they
think will prejudice him greatly in conciliating the good will of
the people there.
No letters have arrived from Italy this week owing to the
contrary winds.
London, the 24th November, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 25.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
382. Francesco Corner, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to
the Doge and Senate.
Here they profess to consider it certain that the English are
not on good terms with the French. However the ministers
here do not announce that there is any commitment. It is known
that resentment has been shown in England at the acquisition
of Filipsburg. And the English show themselves friendly here in
proportion as they are ruffled by the success of France. One
side as well as the other, both English and Spaniards, are pleased
that the French should suspect some mutual understanding between
them, but so far it is not ascertained that they promise to
do more.
Madrid, the 25th November, 1634.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
383. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
All these days there have been long discussions at which the
Cardinal, the Dutch ministers, the Secretary of State Bottillier,
M. di Bullion the Capuchin father and Sciarnasse have taken
part. Chenut presses for a rupture and finds them reluctant,
the ministers here complaining that they see no bottom to these
negotiations with the States. However they let it be understood
that His Majesty will shortly resolve on a breach with the
Austrians. Until these negotiations with the Dutch ambassadors
are terminated they declare that they cannot give any
reply to the King of England, who seems inclined to listen to
the proposals. From what one gathers the treaty is between
the crown, the King of England, the States and some Princes
of Germany. A minister here has hinted to me that in case
they negotiate a truce the King of England will act as mediator
and go between as well as the King of France.
Paris, the 28th November, 1634.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni,
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
384. To the Ambassador in England.
Your letters of the 3rd inst. have reached us. We hear
from France that the Most Christian has issued orders to the
French troops in the fortresses of Alsace, to hand them over
to the Swedes, because the treaty with the Sieur di Lilla was
made without the royal command. You will inform us what
comments are made about this at the English Court, as well
as regards the interests of the Palatinate.
Ayes, 99. Noes, 1. Neutral, 2.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
385. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador at Frankfort is trying hard to persuade
the princes of the party of the good intentions of his
king in their favour ; but he finds it very difficult to convince
them. However Oxisterna, roused by these demonstrations, proposes
to send Sig. Bottavin to England again, to take advantage
of the king's disposition by asking for levies of 12,000 foot of
that nation.
The Hague, the 30th November, 1634.
[Italian.] |