|
|
Nov. 2.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
562. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Admiral Linge, having received his orders from the king about
disarming the ships left the Court for the fleet the day before
yesterday. Only seven ships which are in best repair are to
remain in commission during the winter, under the command of
Sir John Pennington. They are already thinking of preparations
for the coming season. They have decided to fit out fifty of the
largest and best ships. In order to be ready they have begun
to exact the contributions. In the past these have been paid
by the maritime counties only, but now they are made universal,
and very rigorous from what they say. The people feel this
new blow bitterly, but bear it more easily than they did last
year. Perhaps habit makes it less sensible or at least more
supportable.
With this disarmament the suspicions and uneasiness which
the French and Dutch felt equally, have entirely disappeared for
a time. But misadventures and mishaps have not been diverted.
The Dunkirkers have become more daring and already scour
these waters in large squadrons, like masters, so that within a
single week of the withdrawal of the fleet they have captured
four merchantmen and two men of war of the States with ease,
to the great loss of the Provinces, as they say the former
were very rich in goods and the latter in guns and admirably
supplied with all other apparatus for war. The Ambassador
Joachimi parades some of the captains and sailors about to prove
to the ministers how utterly the Dunkirkers disregard the respect
claimed by England for her Channel.
But it is not considered at all likely that the incident will
have any effect in changing the decision already taken to withdraw
the fleet, since the orders cannot be withdrawn without
great confusion and disorder. In the mean time the ambassador
does not relax his utmost efforts to obtain the ship that was
seized, though he sees the hopelessness of the case. The ministers
here indeed have gone so far as to intimate to him that
they propose to deal with this matter along with the other
affairs only after the arrival of the ordinary who is expected,
and in this way they have deprived him of the opportunity of
making any more efforts as well as of all hope, leaving him
very dissatisfied, as if the business ever turns out well he
would like to have the credit of it, after all his toil.
The French ambassadors considering the moment of the arrival
of the Prince Palatine opportune, have reopened their old
proposals for an alliance, adding copious arguments upon the
need for the two crowns to unite in order to arrange peace. It
is impossible to arrange this with the advantages which the
interests of the Prince Palatine require unless his Majesty is
willing to take some share, in which case he will necessarily
be included in the capitulations and can reasonably withhold his
consent if he is not satisfied in that which concerns the interest
of his nephews. He can do this best by embracing the proposals
for an alliance, without committing himself to occasions for
expenditure, but enough to preserve his legitimate interests in
that which concerns the cause of the Palatinate and the decisions
that will be taken thereupon. The ministers here have devoted
mature consideration to these most essential arguments and I
fancy that they will very soon be laid before the Council in
the presence of the king. Meanwhile the ambassadors cherish
some hope that on the arrival of the Dutch ambassador extraordinary
things may assume a favourable aspect, since the
point of the negotiations for peace makes it necessary to take
some decision.
News has arrived that the Spanish ambassador who was to
have come over in the ship which took out Aston, has died,
and that in his place they have named Benavides, who was recently
ordinary in France. (fn. 1) If that is the case it is thought
that he will come to his post soon, because since he left France
he has been staying with the Cardinal Infant, and so he will
not have a long journey. They are doubtful about the result
here and almost repent of having sent Lord Astney to Spain so
soon, before the other started.
Letters from Danzig have arrived this week containing the
ratification of the truce between Poland and Sweden and the full
articles. (fn. 2) As these come from the spot, I forward them herewith.
The letters state that the two Polish ambassadors have
started for these parts, one to notify his Majesty of the conclusion
of this truce and thank him for his interposition and
sending a special ambassador ; the other to assist the stipulation
of a marriage between that king and the Prince Palatine's
sister, of which the functions are to be solemnized, from what
they say. That Prince Casimir, who is now serving Cæsar in
Germany, has been recalled to Poland, no reason being given.
The letters add that the Chancellor Oxenstern, was momentarily
expected at that Court to take part in the diet of Warsaw for
the ratification of the agreements. There has been some speculation
here about the recall of Prince Casimir. Putting this together
with the choice of this marriage, the king's disgust at the
emperor's behaviour to him at his election to the crown, and
over the death of Colonel Cratz, contrary to Cæsar's promise,
they argue an unfriendly disposition on his part towards the
emperor. But this is only talk, however plausible, born of the
customary idleness of this Court and without other foundation.
With the object of getting some light upon the views of your
Excellencies about giving ear to negotiations for an adjustment
with the Duke of Savoy the Secretary Vindebanch made a distant
allusion to the matter the day before yesterday. I answered
him according to my instructions, and without another word he
let the matter drop, altho' he listened attentively to what I had
to say. I welcomed this opportunity of putting a stop to any
advances. The propaganda of the Savoyard ambassador seems
to be damped down and the secretary will certainly have reported
to him.
The brother in law of the Ambassador Fielding (fn. 3) arrived here
yesterday evening, who left here with him and has remained in
his company hitherto. A servant of Fielding has come with
him, and so far as I can gather he is sent with the same
instances as the other.
I have received this week the state despatches of the 5th ult.
At this moment the Ambassador Poygni has sent to tell me that
the Queen Mother is moribund.
London, the 2nd November, 1635.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
| Enclosure.
|
Articles of the Compact made between Poland and Sweden.
Dated September, 1635 ; twenty two Articles.
[Latin ; 6 pages.] |
Nov. 3.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
563. Giovanni Battista Ballarino, Venetian Secretary in
Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
Teller, destined to this Court by the King of England, upon
the claims for the restitution of his nephews to the Palatinate,
has not yet arrived. Here they express their readiness to afford
him every satisfaction, always excepting that they will not strip
themselves of those territories from which Cæsar recognises that
he receives great ornament advantage and reputation. The coming
of this individual is talked of as the first step towards
the announcement of a rupture, since authentic news has reached
here that that prince will not be satisfied with anything except
the effective restitution of the whole of the Palatinate. On the
other hand the emperor will never reconcile himself to giving
offence to the Duke of Bavaria, who is more closely interested
than anyone else, as Cæsar is unwilling to dash his hopes of
the election of his son as King of the Romans.
Vienna, the 3rd November, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
564. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Sieur de Somerdich has no idea of getting ready for the
embassy. The Assembly of Holland is dissolved and the States
General talk of a fresh nomination. The French secretary urges
the necessity of the mission, since delay prejudices the business,
but his representations produce little effect.
The Hague, the 8th November, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
565. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Prince Palatine has not yet appeared. The delay is
thought to be due solely to the contrary wind that has prevailed.
Although no news has come of his start from the Hague, his
Majesty, showing all solicitude for his reception, has already
sent the Master of the Ceremonies to meet him and directed the
Earl of Arundel to hold himself in readiness to go and receive
him at his landing. Meanwhile he has had an apartment made
ready near his own and every day he seems more ready to see
him, either from real inclination, owing to his relationship, or
to join with the universal applause. The people are certainly
impatient at the delay.
Meanwhile the French ambassadors are doing their best to
impress on the ministers the reasons why they should accept
the proposals for an alliance, especially with regard to the
negotiations for peace. This subject has received their chief
attention here. It seems, altho' in a muttered way, they answer
that since a good peace cannot be made unless it is general,
and as in such case the cause of the Palatinate cannot be
excluded, England will have no need to look about for pretexts
for taking part, as the interests of the king with that House
cannot be more considerable, more just or more public. To
this tune the ambassadors reply it is perfectly true that the
reasons which his Majesty has for taking an interest in such
a cause are reasonable and conspicuous, and they are also so
just that when a universal peace is under discussion he may
with propriety make his voice heard and not accept one for
himself without receiving satisfaction in the adjustment of the
affairs of his nephew. But in the case of the other princes
accepting, while he alone dissented, he would be left alone also
to make good his claims by arms. If on the other hand he
finds himself united in an alliance with France and the Provinces
of the Netherlands, upon the honourable conditions proposed to
him, in which the Most Christian binds himself not to agree
to any settlement unless the Prince Palatine is previously reinstated
in complete possession of his dominions, then the emperor
will either make up his mind more easily, or he will be obliged
to bear the burden of war with his Majesty until such time as
a mutually satisfactory compromise is reached proper for the
establishment of the peace. Accordingly whether an adjustment
is reached or no, the interests of the Palatine cannot fail in
this manner to be greatly advanced. If such an alliance does
not take place after all, the Most Christian, being alone, will
not be able to consider the interests of the Palatinates so much
as to neglect his own, the more so because as regards the Upper
it would not require much to induce him to accept other claims,
since it is a fixed and constant principle of his always to support
as much as he can the interests of his friends and allies.
To this state then have the last negotiations upon this affair
been brought and left. Although it is considered equally important
and serious by each of the parties, yet these matters
passed hastily over only serve as a rough sketch to be further
elaborated, if it be possible when the Prince Palatine and the
Dutch ambassador extraordinary have arrived. But as a matter
of fact they will resolve upon nothing here and will not agree
to commit themselves to anything unless satisfactory news reaches
them of the negotiations of Teller on the subject at the Imperial
Court. They already say quite openly that their resolutions here
must be measured in accordance with the emperor's replies and
that they feel perfectly indifferent as to whether they shall be
made in one way rather than in another. But if the truth must
be told one may confess without scruple that for any one looking
on here the manifestations are so varied that it is most difficult
to understand what the soul of this body really is. The
declarations issued from time to time afford no sure basis as they
are mostly ephemeral and inconstant. For all this the matter
is so important that I will devote my utmost attention to getting
to the bottom of it.
The Resident of Savoy has said nothing more on the subject
of a reconciliation. He seems to be thinking more about upholding
the claims to the titles than of this matter. In addition
to the publication of the papers which I have sent he is now
arguing against a book which has arrived from Italy, entitled
"The Opinions of Gianotti," printed at Florence, which discusses
this matter and condemns the vanity and impropriety of
such claims.
The Marquis of Poygne availing himself of the permission
to raise a few Scottish recruits, is raising not only Scots, but
English and Irish also as many as he can, sending them
over to France in small detachments. For this purpose he has
given patents to new colonels, who, with scant caution, raise
troops and prepare for their own departure. Although this
abuse is known at Court, it is connived at, and is never referred
to. The ambassador is glad of this connivance as it gives him
hopes of more and of greater things. But what causes more
surprise is the absence of opposition by Spain, whose English
recruits had been opposed a few months previously by Senneterre,
and the raising of them stopped thereby.
General Linge has carried out his Majesty's orders, withdrawing
the fleet and distributing in suitable places the few ships
kept armed. He has since returned to Court, accompanied with
great pomp by all those who served under him. He has knighted
seven of these, to preserve the general's privilege not because
they had an opportunity of earning it. (fn. 4) . The action has not
pleased the king or the generality, because it is customary to
grant this honour only to those who have distinguished themselves,
and on this occasion, when merit and valour have been
buried, such a reward seems more ridiculous than appropriate.
Young Montagu, son of the Lord Privy Seal, left nere last
week. The queen gave him letters to the Duchess of Savoy
to whom she sent some presents of embroidery, after the style
of the country and some very fine horses. The election of the
new Mayor of London (fn. 5) was celebrated yesterday with the usual
rejoicings. I took part in the function, as is usual, having
been invited with the other ambassadors.
I have received the state despatches of the 12th and 29th September
with regard to Lord Fildin's application for permission
for an English ship to go empty to the Levant, I will be on
the watch. So far, however, I have not heard a syllable about
it, and the secretaries of state with whom I spent a long time
yesterday at the function reported, certainly never gave me a
hint. His Majesty has at last decided to come to this city, the
day being already fixed for Monday.
London, the 9th November, 1635.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
566. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Sieur de Somerdich is most determined not to go to England,
and the States do not propose to nominate anyone else,
possibly thinking it unnecessary because of the indications of
a truce. But the French urge strongly that the Spaniards only
mean to deceive.
The Hague, the 15th November, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
567. To the Ambassador in England.
We have received your letters of the 12th ult. You acted
quite correctly with regard to the paper published by the Resident
of Savoy upon the claims of his prince. We need add
nothing more on the matter as we are sure you will do what
is required. We also recognise your skilful conduct over the
matter of the servant. The Senate is satisfied and we rejoice
that you have been relieved of that anxiety with honour and reputation.
When the king returns to the Court and when you
thank him as for yourself for the favour, you will tell him that
you will inform us.
Ayes, 78. Noes, 3. Neutral, 1.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
568. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
By order of the Council a strict investigation has been made
about the seizure of the Dutch ship, claimed by Joachimi with
such persistence. They find that the captain, who is kept in
close custody chased a small Dunkirk vessel into an English
harbour, and having landed there pursued the crew and attacked
them on shore, answering most insolently the governor of the
place, who charged them to desist, in the king's name. (fn. 6) It is
thought he will pay with his life and that the case will end
with a sentence against the captain and the crew alike, as so
far the captain seems to have little to advance in his defence.
The ambassador is working his hardest to avoid this, but his
efforts are rather to gain time until the ambassador extraordinary
arrives, and he feels sure that that minister's departure will
be hastened by this affair.
They have no news yet as to whether the Prince Palatine has
started, and yet the wind which previously hindered his passage
has been less violent for some days. The Master of the Ceremonies,
who went to the coast last week to receive him, has
returned to London. Here they form various opinions. They
say his Majesty has told him that on account of the plague he
must not bring any people with him beyond those necessary for
his personal service, and if he has any more, they must stop
in the ship. If this is true it undoubtedly amounts to an open
declaration that his coming will not be agreeable ; otherwise it
would be doing the prince too much wrong to forbid him to
land his household, because all sorts of people and goods come
from all the most infected countries to this city and the whole
kingdom with the greatest freedom. This report is very widespread
and although many believe that it is made up by the
Spaniards and that there is not enough behind to make it
certain, yet it is plausible enough to confirm in great measure
that they do not mind and that they think of supporting the
interests of the Prince with nothing more than words. It is well
known that as he attains his majority next month he is coming
on purpose to find out what the king means to do about helping
him to recover his dominions and the prerogatives that are waiting
for him.
The Italian gentleman sent by the King of Poland (fn. 7) in advance
of his ambassadors and possibly with some special business, went
to Court this week and saw the king for the first time. His reception
ception was somewhat reserved and he complains about it
openly. He did so to me, saying that they seemed to care little
about the coming of the ambassadors for whose reception, apart
from an empty house, no preparations had been made. I told
him that with Seneterre still here and the Prince Palatine expected
at any moment, it was impossible to attend to every
thing at once. He said that he had made remonstrances, but to
no purpose so that he had been obliged to buy furniture at his
own expense. I have not been able to find out anything about
his negotiations.
The Resident of Florence here goes about everywhere showing
the book of Giannotti. Although printed at Frankfort as early
as 1633, and not in Italy as I wrote by mistake, it has only
recently arrived at this Court. The argument of the book is to
uphold the claims of Florence to the royal title. He declares
that he would rather his master deserved that title than obtained
it, knowing it is more glorious to bear the name of Grand Duke
lawfully than to go about begging that of a petty king. The
Savoyard, on the other hand, rejects his arguments while exalting
those of his master, and for this reason they do not
meet. At Court however, these squabbles do not attract any
attention.
Nothing has been said so far about the case of the English
ship for the Levant, raised by the Ambassador Fildin. (fn. 8) I fancy
they have paid no attention to the matter, or are satisfied
with the reasons advanced by your Excellencies.
I have received this week the state despatches of the 19th ult.
London, the 16th November, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 20.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
569. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
The very day that I saw the king the English ambassador
had his first audience. I am assured on good authority that that
crown wishes to act seriously for the restitution of the Palatine
House. There is some proposal to give the young prince the
fleet of fifty sail to use next spring. But I do not know what
solid ground there is for the proposal.
Paris, the 20th November, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 23.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
570. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Last Saturday the whole Court returned to London for the
season, a month later than usual by reason of the fine weather,
which their Majesties enjoyed extremely. I went to congratulate
the king on his return and good health. I went on to speak
of Lord Fielding's announcement to the Signory about his upright
intentions towards the tranquillity of Italy. When I had
said this I noticed that his Majesty hesitated somewhat and then
he briefly replied that his objects were indeed good and he
had shown it by his actions. From this your Excellencies will
see, beyond a doubt, what I have written more than once, that
Fielding's office came from his own caprice and not by order
of the Court. So are all those which he keeps bringing in the
interest of merchants and ships, as he barely writes here once
in four months, and they write back to him a great deal less. (fn. 9)
I then began to thank the king for the favour conferred in
releasing my servant, regretting that I had troubled him. He
told me he regretted the incident more for the feeling that I
had displayed than for itself. He was glad he had been able to
satisfy me as he had no other intent. He next asked me how
the siege of Valenza had been raised. (fn. 10)
I told him I had no news from Italy ; the advices had come
by extraordinary couriers. If the news is true, replied the
king, as I feel absolutely certain it is, it will serve to render
the making of a good peace very much easier, and it will be
necessary to make one, since it is clear by so many incidents,
that it is not God's will that the war should continue. I commended
these ideas warmly and so took my leave.
I passed an office of congratulation with the queen also on her
happy return and her excellent health in her advanced pregnancy,
now in the eighth month. I did so also in the name of your
Excellencies, wishing her continued health and a happy delivery.
She received the compliment very graciously and charged me to
thank your Excellencies.
On the same day I saw Senneterre who has just come back
from the country. He deplores the check under Valenza and
says that in France they are afraid that the Dutch may conclude
the truces, and they will have every reason, owing to the attempts
recently made by the Spaniards.
He said he did not think that their High Mightinesses would
take this step without the consent of the Most Christian. If
they did and all the other allies disappeared, his king would
rather be abandoned by all than be the first to abandon others.
He would abide by his promises at all hazards and he would
maintain his principles in the face of all the world. Even if
he is left alone he will know how to uphold his own interests.
This was directed not so much at the Dutch as at the Duke
of Savoy, whose want of faith both of the French ministers
condemn strongly.
I have found out the substance of the private negotiations
between his Majesty and the Italian gentleman sent here by the
King of Poland. He represented how that king would like
to negotiate a second marriage with the Palatine house, giving
his own sister to the Prince to wife ; but before making
any overtures he wished to have his Majesty's opinion, by which
he would be guided. He therefore asked him frankly if he
approved or no of such an alliance. He added that until the
prince could adjust his affairs in Germany he would try and get
him some independent maintenance, suggesting the governorship
of Prussia. The king merely promised to give him an
answer, but he has not told him anything yet. There can be
little doubt but that he will consent readily, although some of
the ministers here seem to disparage the matter, saying that
the princess, born of the second marriage of the late king, is
rather a cross (pin misto) than of the essential stock of that
house. (fn. 11) I do not know if these views are stated to uphold the
Palatine's reputation, but they certainly are not considered entirely
prudent, as it is hardly proper to offend one who seems
so anxious to confer benefits.
For the conduct of this affair one of the ambassadors who are
expected from Poland has arrived in this kingdom, but he is
staying some miles away from the Court, in a most private
manner. It is stated that the other is still at Hamburg. Although
some have talked about both of them having gone to
Holland, yet neither will certainly enter this city before the
Prince Palatine has been publicly received. That Prince has
not yet arrived, although news has come of his having been
many days already at Flushing, and the Master of the Ceremonies
has gone for the second time to receive him at his landing,
while the Earl of Arundel holds himself in readiness to proceed
to the place of his disembarcation immediately the first news
comes of his approach.
The Spaniards have started a report that the king here has
concluded an alliance with them for the purpose of preventing
the further progress of the Dutch in the Indies and of driving
them, if possible from the places where they have so successfully
set their feet. They not only talk of this freely here, but
the news having passed too freely to the other Courts, it seems
that they write about it as something certain. I have tried to
get to the bottom of the matter, and not entirely unsuccessfully,
I think, as I am assured on excellent authority, that the king
does not approve of taking any part in this business, although
the Spaniards have pressed it beyond all limits ; but that the
company which trades in those parts has made some fresh
agreement with the Portuguese with such an object, which is not
thought much of. In any case the Dutch continue their successful
progress with too powerful forces and with no ordinary
fortune.
The royal vessels have seized that French ship which captured,
two months ago the barque of the courier, coming here from
Dunkirk. They keep the captain and officers severely guarded,
threatening them with some severe punishment besides the loss
of the ship. (fn. 12) The Ambassador Poygni has taken charge of the
affair. He excuses their inadvertence and says truly that as the
letters were all restored soon afterwards, the fault is pardonable.
He has presented memorials to the king on the subject,
but with little effect so far, as they have given him no reply,
and he is afraid that this affair also will drag on in the usual way.
The plague has begun to strike its roots in this kingdom, and
is already making considerable progress at Greenwich, only
five miles away. If it gains ground in this season, which is
now very cold, there would certainly be danger of great mischief.
The ministers here are devising their own remedies to stamp it
out, and have ordered that goods coming from suspected places
shali pass some quarantine in the pest houses in the future. (fn. 13)
This shows praiseworthy diligence, but the measure would have
been much more fruitful if it had been adopted earlier.
No couriers have arrived from anywhere this week.
London, the 23rd November, 1635.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
571. To the Ambassador in England.
We note in your letters of the 26th ult. the expected arrival
of the Prince Palatine at that Court and the universal feeling
in favour of something being done for him. We have no doubt
you will intimate to the king and to the well affected ministers
how greatly the existing state of affairs in Germany and the
progress of the French and their allies in the Valtelline call for
reflection as to what steps should be taken with things as they are.
Ayes, 102. Noes, 3. Neutral, 3.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
572. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
It seems that at the present moment all the most serious
resolutions and the conduct of all the more weighty matters of
business so far as they relate to foreign affairs, are kept absolutely
in suspense. It looks as if everything, without exception,
depended upon the coming of the Prince Palatine. Although
there is no authentic news of his approaching arrival more recent
than that reported, nevertheless the negotiations of the French
ambassadors make no progress whatever, and neither do those
of Joachimi take a step forward. Both parties are put off with
fair words and led to believe that with the arrival of the Prince
Palatine and of the Dutch ambassador extraordinary, all their
affairs can be brought to a satisfactory state both easily and
quickly. But the French have now scant hope of the Dutch
ambassador being sent, seeing this mission so much delayed
and obstructed by private interests, and they even believe that
the States are going on with negotiations with the Spaniards
for an agreement. They are very suspicious and have made
representations to the Court here pointing out how any settlement
with the Dutch will strengthen the Spaniards and give
cause for considerable alarm to these realms. Nevertheless the
ministers here trouble themselves little about it, not because they
do not recognise the prejudicial results which might ensue from
such a step, or because they do not attach importance to the
matter, but because they do not believe that any such thing can
easily be arranged, and they consider that these suggestions
arise more from the jealousy of the French than from a concern
for their own interests here. However they talk of the matter
with considerable concern and try to find out the real truth about
it. They express many opinions, which I will not trouble to
report, although they are well adjusted to the needs of the time
and quite probable. All sorts of opinions are expressed because
the extravagant proceedings of the Italian gentleman render
everything suspect. He represented himself as sent by the King
of Poland to advise the despatch of the ambassadors, and in
particular to make overtures to his Majesty for some business.
He announced this everywhere, said as much to me and told
it to both secretaries of state, telling them that he had already
spoken twice to the king and asking them to obtain some answer.
The Secretary Coke, who has charge of such matters, thought the
request genuine and the matter important, as concerning a marriage
between the princess of Poland and the Palatine, and lost no
time in urging his Majesty to reply. As the king assured him
most positively that he knew nothing about it and had never
seen this Italian, Coke tried adroitly to get from him his letters
of credence, which he said he had in duplicate. He did not
succeed in this, as the Italian always evaded it with dexterity.
This naturally only redoubled their suspicions about him, and
they thought of laying hands on him and making him give an
account of himself in a more confined place. But yesterday
morning, owing to some presage of disaster or the pricks of
conscience, he left this city unexpectedly, no one knows for
where. He left no indication of returning except that he entrusted
some of his goods of a certain value to an Italian who lives
very near this house, and frequents it a great deal because of
the chapel. I thought proper to inform the secretary of this, as
he had previously spoken to me on the subject in confidence.
He intimated, by the king's command, that I shall greatly oblige
his Majesty if I let him know secretly immediately this man
comes back. He wrote this and repeated it orally with great
insistance, so I promised to do my utmost.
This unusual manner of negotiating and all this concealment
which have excited a great deal of suspicion at Court, have also
made me curious to know as much as possible about this
individual. As he stated that he was the son of Pietro dalla
Valle, a gentleman of a most noble Roman family I thought
I would get some information about him from some Roman
gentlemen who are staying at this Court for their pleasure, one
of whom is a nephew of Cardinal Spada. (fn. 14) They all with one
voice declared that Sig. Pietro dalla Valle had no sons of the
age of this man, the time of his marriage would not permit it.
Spada remarked that he recalled him as a poor priestling full
of chimaeras and sophistical inventions ; but this fresh knot
cannot be entirely unravelled either, without some time. However
the invention is very subtle, and makes one think a great
deal, though it is not so easy to divine the object. One thing
is certain, if the Polish ambassadors appear amid the suspicions
aroused by this imbroglio, they declare that they will inspect
very carefully the form and signatures of the letters they bring
as this incident recalls one of a pretended ambassador of Poland
who was treated as a real one in the time of Queen Elizabeth
and received splendid presents from her. I will keep a look
out and inform your Excellencies of what happens, as the affair
seems to me more than ordinarily remarkable.
I have received this week the state despatches of the 26th ult.
London, the 30th November, 1635.
[Italian.] |