|
|
Dec. 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
573. Giovanni Battista Ballarino, Venetian Secretary in
Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
Teller has arrived but has not yet had audience of the emperor,
who is trying to put him off, to avoid the necessity of a
categorical reply about the Palatinate before he learns the precise
intentions of the Duke of Bavaria in the matter, and then proceed
in concert and arrange what offers shall be made to appease
that crown. They may possibly offer an exchange in Flanders
or elsewhere, a point they are now discussing, I understand,
but with various opinions. The emperor is somewhat fearful of
a union between the English king and the king of Poland, notwithstanding
assurances received from the latter. Father Magno
has been sent by Cæsar to try and keep that monarch away
from the Sieur d'Avaux, to prevent the truce with the Swedes
and to break off the match with the Palatine princess, though for
this last he may arrive too late, as report says that it is concluded.
Vienna, the 1st December, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 4.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
574. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
A regiment of English has arrived at Calais. It will be employed
in Picardy, where in the neighbourhood of Abbeville, the
Croats have recently made an incursion, torturing and killing the
peasants in an unheard of manner.
Paris, the 4th December, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 6.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
575. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Prince has written to their High Mightinesses urging the
despatch of an ambassador to England, as he feels certain that
if he does not give some fillip to the affair it will fall through.
The States General sent yesterday to the Assembly of Holland
asking that the Sieur de Somerdich should be sent, or some one
else in his stead. The Ambassador Joachimi also urges the
necessity of this mission, telling them that he sees no sign of
the release of the ship.
The English Resident announces the arming of a fleet of
fifty ships to show that if these Provinces do not behave properly
and inflict injury upon the merchants, his king will know how to
avenge the affront. No reply has ever been made to his remonstrances
and he feels aggrieved. Nevertheless the merchants
enjoy their customary privileges and the Resident speaks contemptuously ;
being aware that under present circumstances the
Assembly of Holland must keep its counsel through fear of
consequences. As a sop the States have decided to release a
small English ship seized several months ago by the Zeelanders,
but it is not believed that this will avail.
The Hague, the 6th December, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra,
Venetian
Archives. |
576. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
After a long and dangerous crossing the Prince Palatine
reached these shores on Saturday evening. Off the port of
Dover Sir John Pennington was waiting to give him the first
welcome, and as soon as he came in sight the guns were fired,
taking the news to land, and showing the fitting signs of respect
and rejoicing. But this first honour proved an unlucky one,
for the guns were loaded with ball, as is usual here, to show
the skill of the gunners, and a badly aimed shot struck the
Palatine's ship, killing five persons, including two German gentlemen,
who were not more than a couple of paces from the
Palatine himself. Having come through this peril he landed
on the following day, and was received by the Earl of Arundel,
who brought him to this city with a numerous train of gentlemen
of the Court. Other leading men met him at the Tower
in his Majesty's name and took him to Court with the king's
coaches. The Earl of Pembroke, his Majesty's Lord Chamberlain,
awaited him at the gate and the prince at the hall in order to conduct
him to the queen's chamber, where the king was ready to
receive him. Thus their Majesties welcomed him in a private
manner, but most courteously, while he in quite a modest and
pleasant manner paid the compliments due, presented letters from
his mother and remained for a space conversing with the king
in English, at which his Majesty seemed very pleased. The rooms
prepared for him are those nearest the king's apartment, for
which special guards are appointed. About 70l. a day are
assigned for table expenses, which will amply suffice, as the
whole of his train, including the lowest servants, does not amount
to sixty persons. Some of the ambassadors have not seen him
yet, because he went to the country with his Majesty to enjoy
some hunting with him. All have sent to pay their respects
and I was not among the last. Two of his councillors have remained
here, who frequent the house of the archbishop at all
hours with great assiduity, undoubtedly to give shape to some
business, but I have not yet been able to discover anything.
A courier arrived from France last night sent by the Ambassador
Scudamore, they say with some matter touching the
Palatine ; but nothing is known for certain, as the French
ambassadors here have not yet received any advices about it.
The Ambassador Poygne continues without hindrance to levy
and send to France a certain number of troops, and this is all
he says he has been able to do for his master's service at
this Court during the eighteen months of his residence here.
The Ambassador Senneterre is fully primed to make every
possible effort now that the arrival of the Palatine has removed
the reasons by which the ministers here tried to justify their
delays. It seems that some ill feeling has arisen between these
French ambassadors and the Resident of Savoy. It arose from
some criticisms passed here on the bad behaviour of the forces
of the league in Italy. Both the Frenchmen and the Savoyard
defended the honour of their own side, each at the same time
accusing the other. The Resident has published a paper sent to
him by the duke in which every circumstance touching the siege
of Valenza is narrated to his great advantage. The Frenchmen
contradict this in their talk, but here they give more credit to
the paper than to the talk.
The Italian came back to London on Sunday night, and the
Secretary Coke, who was on the watch, received the information
the same hour. On the following morning he had him arrested
and examined forthwith, without giving him time to think.
He persisted that he was what he professed to be. He called
as witnesses some young Polish gentlemen who are passing
through. When asked they said they did not know him, indeed
they had been deceived by him with a false command he had
shown them of the King of Poland, whose secretary he called
himself. With this he made them stop here to honour the
ambassadors who, he said, were near at hand, and in this way
made them incur much unnecessary expense for clothes and
liveries. Being thus condemned by his own witnesses and still
more by some forged passports and patents, which were found
instead of letters, instructions or other indications to qualify
him as a minister of the King of Poland, he has little chance
of escaping, especially as it appears by other papers of his,
unless these also are forged, that he is one Antonio Fulgentio
Mascheroni, of Cremona, and not Antonio dalla Valle, a Roman,
as he claimed to be. They have also found by some other letters
written to him that he is a religious, which aggravates his crime.
It is not clear whether he is a priest or a friar, but they
believe him a friar. Meanwhile they are bringing to light many
pecuniary offences and a thousand other ribaldries of his, and
the more they perceive his mendacity in everything, the more
the belief they had in the approach of the Polish ambassadors
vanishes, as he alone gave credit to the reports. Thus the
articles of the truce with Sweden which I sent and which the
whole Court believed here, must also be false, as well as all
the news about that affair, as he spread it ; but I hope the
general credulity will excuse my weakness in the matter. The
ministers here are much annoyed at having allowed themselves
to be deluded by this man, and they are mortified about assigning
a house and the orders given for receiving the Polish ambassadors,
published everywhere. This man, after deceiving every
one by his subtlety, from confiding too much in the credulity that
every one showed, by foolishly venturing to tell the very secretaries
of state that he had spoken twice to his Majesty, a
manifest lie that could not be hid, himself opened the way to
disaster, which he might have avoided, if he had not aimed
so high, or at least have postponed a long time. Meanwhile
they have put him in the prison of the richest persons, (fn. 1) where
he will remain a long time before they deal with him, as before
going any further his Majesty wishes to inform the King of
Poland about it.
The fears of the plague seem to be dying away here, as it
is not making any further progress, being stayed by the cold.
No letters have arrived from Italy this week.
London, the 7th December, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
577. Giovanni Battista Ballarino, Venetian Secretary in
Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
Teller has at last obtained audience of the emperor. He
told him that the king, his master, wished for peace. For the
sake of this he will not mind so much if the Palatines suffer
some tolerable prejudice, but if his Majesty means to insist on
oppressing them and on depriving them of their own dominions,
then his king will change his views and will never allow matters
to go so far in the face of the world with evidence of so
much contempt for those who are of his own blood. The emperor
replied that the matter did not depend on him. The empire was
concerned in it and would uphold the sentence against the late
Palatine. Accordingly he could not give a categorical reply,
but he would say more on his return from Ort. In this way
Teller's negotiations are held up. He went to see Ognat, but
the Count, on the plea of indisposition, would not enter into
the merits of the case and dismissed him with a few words.
I had these particulars from Teller himself. He said he thought
his king would be satisfied with an exchange wherever they
wished, and if he saw any hope he would not be the one to
kindle any fresh flames, but otherwise troubles which are possibly
not contemplated will overtake the House of Austria.
Vienna, the 8th December, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 13.
Senato
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
578. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
Yesterday I called on the French ambassadors. Among other
things Brese said that the king of England was immersed in the
delights of banquets, in his affection for his wife and in the
pleasures of the chase, and he would never come to any decision
of consequence, though occasionally some generous impulse was
aroused in him by the glorious deeds of France. He added
that the king had generous impulses enough to excite hopes,
while all the ministers are in the pay of Spain. He repeated
this more than once, saying that if the Spaniards had gold
enough they would purchase an absolute dominion over that
crown.
The Hague, the 13th December, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
579. Anzolo Corker, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Last Saturday towards evening the king returned to this city
with the Prince Palatine after staying four days at Theobalds,
one of the most charming places belonging to the crown near
London and especially enjoyable for every kind of hunting. His
Majesty, indeed, neglects nothing that is likely to give pleasure
to his nephew. He always wants him near, makes him dine
with him nearly every morning, visits him frequently in his
own rooms and treats him with a familiarity and affection in
all things that cannot be exaggerated. All the others promptly
follow the king's example. The Court has never been to frequented
and they say it has not been in such a state for any
one for many years past. In short the prince's manners are
so pleasing and so generally acceptable that every one concludes
that they will not let him go without previously coming to
some generous resolution to console him.
On the following day the French ambassadors had made an
appointment to go and see him and were setting out for Whitehall
to keep it, when Windebank arrived in the king's name
to know what title they meant to give him. They said "Monsieur,"
their language admitting of no other, and that being
the title of their king's own brother. The secretary requested
them to wait until he had made this announcement. They made
no difficulty about this and he went off. He brought back word
very soon that unless they would give the prince the title of
"Electoral Highness" his Majesty had ordained that they would
not be received, because he himself used this title and while
the prince was in his dominions he would be received by that
title by his subjects and in his own houses, and he could not
permit others to treat him in a different manner. The ambassadors
replied that their orders were different. The most they
could do to please his Majesty was to call the prince "Highness"
simply. The king would not agree to this, and so the visit
was stopped for the time being.
These difficulties being put aside attention was immediately
given to business and they intimated to the ambassadors that the
king was by no means pleased with them, seeing that they
had refused to oblige him in so reasonable a matter. They
defend themselves on the ground of the instructions which they
hold, which they say bind their wills as well as their tongues.
They state that so far as their king is concerned he cannot
make such a declaration without offending many princes, since it
is clear that it would involve upholding it by deeds. On the
subject itself the intentions of the Most Christian had been
sufficiently manifested by the three proposals for an alliance
which they have made here. So far as the restitution of the
electoral vote is concerned he promises no more than to assist
the Prince with his offices so that he may be reinstated in
possession in an appropriate manner, which means by way
of agreements, and it is only for the recovery of his dominions
that the king offers at present to devote his arms. But these
arguments are not accepted at Court, and it also appears that
they attach scant credit to the excuse about the instructions
which the ambassadors assert that they have received about the
title, and they have sent expressly to France to learn the truth
about it. This has give the greatest offence to the ambassadors
and they declare wrathfully that if they are not to be believed
it is useless for them to stay on any longer at this Court.
Thus difficulties multiply about the affair to such an extent
that if the serious interests of each of the parties did not
make it necessary to pay more attention to business which is
pressing than to questions of punctilio of no importance, ill
feeling between France and England would certainly be not a
little increased by leaving such a matter undecided, but it is
believed that this counterpoise will keep everything in order
in the long run.
The Resident of Savoy observed this dispute with great satisfaction
and at once thought of turning it to account to advance
the pretensions of his master, declaring that he will not call
the prince "Electoral Highness" unless he responds by calling
the duke "Royal Highness." This point also remains undecided,
but it is not thought that the king will allow his nephew to
buy the title of "Elector" from a petty resident at this price,
and the Resident has little hope of it himself. The Florentine
has not yet seen him and remains doubtful, observing what
the others do. The Dutch ambassador alone has called upon
him, without making scruples about titles or anything else. From
what he admitted to me they responded very curtly but he is
not sticklish about these formalities and devotes himself to
the solid part of affairs.
Amid these fluctuations and utterly in the dark about your
Serenity's wishes I thought the best course was to tell the
Secretary Coke, who spoke to me about it, that I was ready to
deal with the prince in the same way as your Serenity's ambassadors
in Holland had done, because he had not changed his
quality and I bore the same character as the other ambassadors
so there was no reason to make any alteration. They have
made me no reply as yet, and I am glad of this respite,
which frees me from taking any step on my own responsibility.
Meanwhile I have written to the Ambassadors Contarini and
Michiel to advise me of what they have done in similar circumstances,
and if your Excellencies send me your commands there
will still be ample time, as it is thought that the Palatine will
remain at least six months in this kingdom.
This affair impedes the league with France, whereas the presence
of the Palatine ought to have facilitated it. What is
worse, the Spaniards will not lose the opportunity for gaining
ground, as they are always on the look-out for accidents and
ready to seize every opportunity of securing an advantage. With
this object the Resident Nicolaldi, contrary to his usual practice,
frequents the Court, sowing jealousy rather than operating,
although those of the Austrian party boast great things.
The ministers here seem very dissatisfied with the negotiations
of the Ambassador Scudamore in France. Although they
very courteously make allowances for his inexperience in many
things, they have not been able to bear with patience the too
positive way he has spoken to that sovereign about their resolutions
here for the union with that crown and the assurance which
they say he has given that the new fleet will be consigned to
the Palatine in the spring, because nothing has been decided,
indeed opinions differ greatly. So they are very annoyed at
such commitments, the more so because Senneterre here does
not a little to foment the ardour with which he negotiates.
The one remarkable thing here these last days is confined to
a single intimation made very resolutely by order of the Council
by the secretary Windebank to the Spanish Resident, that if
they do not propose there to satisfy England with respect to the
promised restitution of the Palatinate, and if the consequences
are not seen very soon, they will be compelled here to throw
themselves into the arms of France. The resident answered
boldly that his king thought of nothing else but of intervening
for such an adjustment, and he was sure they would have
every satisfaction, almost hinting that he himself would vouch
for this to the Palatine. The device would not be mal a propos,
because while he sees that the prince's presence here supplies
so much heat, he also recognises that it is his business to keep
it tempered by simulations and hopes.
From Teller, who went to the emperor for this affair they
have received letters this week from Frankfort, and when he
arrives at that Court they will await some news of his negotiations
by his first letters, although with more curiosity than hope.
So far the councillors of the Palatine have negotiated nothing
substantial in their frequent meetings with the archbishop. They
have only tried to put that minister in a favourable state of
mind, as he is so powerful with the king. With his scant
knowledge of the interests of state, which he has only approached
in his old age, he is very anxious to direct the affairs of
the realm. It is feared that he may oppose all steps proposed
in the interests of the prince, their master, on the other side
the prince devotes himself with all his heart to thoroughly win
his uncle's favour. He avails himself with great prudence of
the good inclination he has found, so that in the end it is thought
he will not depart entirely dissatisfied.
With regard to the new fleet, which they propose to send
to sea very strong in the spring, before they dispose of it,
as Scudamore declares, prudence would suggest that they should
look after the best way of getting it together and then of
the means to maintain it. Of this they have as yet no certainty,
because from the example of the past they thought every thing
would be easy from the beginning, but the position has changed
and experience shows the contrary, as many refuse to pay the
contributions laid on them and very many declare that they are
not able, so that it will be impossible to collect the money required
without severity and force. They use violence without
any regard, but that also avails little, such being the present
state of affairs at the Court here.
London, the 14th December, 1635.
[Italian : the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 18.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
580. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
I have confirmation from several quarters that the English
ambassador has commissions to speak of the restoration of Lorraine
in exchange for the Palatinate. He has already made
the proposal to Bottillier, appointed sole commissioner for his
negotiations. I have not yet learned what reception he has met
with as he conducts the affair secretly. This much is certain,
that they listen here ; but the English mistrust their sentiments,
fearing that they are not acting sincerely, not only because of
the interests of Bavaria, but because of Galasso's retirement. (fn. 2)
Paris, the 18th December, 1635.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 21.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
581. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
To the surprise of everybody, except perhaps the Secretary
Windebank, who is supposed to have suggested the step to him,
the Spanish Resident Nicolaldi appeared at Court last Sunday,
where, being introduced to audience of the Prince Palatine, he
uttered with resounding tones the title of "Electoral Highness."
He said he had been so glad to see his Electoral Highness come
away from a country in rebellion against his master that he
wished to be among the first to pay his respects and to assure
him that his interests were not of such little account in Spain
as he had been led to believe. He assured him that he would
soon see the most certain and abundant results of this. The
Prince answered with few words, merely thanking him for the
favour he had done him.
This unexpected event has been the chief subject of conversation
at Court this week. Opinions vary, but the greater part
are so blinded by prejudice that the truth only appears under a
mask. Some say that the Resident's action cannot possibly
be received as a sign of honour and respect, but must rather
be considered an obvious mockery, by which the Spaniards have
wished to make game of the King of England, showing his
nephew, to mortify him the more, the shadow of that body of
which they themselves have taken away the substance. Others
persuade themselves, by art or innocence to take it as genuine,
making a pretence of believing that better and more desirable
ends will follow from this beginning. But those who have
pondered the affair with more prudence and who have penetrated
more profoundly into the nature of the artifice, conclude that
this adroit minister took the step for no other purpose than to
cast greater discredit on the behaviour of the French, and in
order to lull to sleep with vain hopes those who, since the
Palatine's arrival, have shown themselves rather more awake
and ardent than usual. The Spaniards really desire nothing
in this matter except that nothing shall be concluded. There is
nothing new in their using words and titles freely, when by
these they can hope to stay the course of events when they
seem against them. Meanwhile the Resident glories in his action
with much ostentation. He had the presumption to say that by his
visit he had given the Palatine a title which could not be
denied him in the future by any one soever.
The French ambassadors seem contemptuous both of the effects
and of what he says. They adhere more firmly than ever to
their first decision. They have told the ministers here and the
king himself clearly that the Spaniards only supply this wind in
order to gently waft the Palatine's affairs to final perdition.
Under the honey of their words and behind the vanity of titles
they hide the poison of everlasting procrastination, whereby
they hope to conduct them to the most deplorable calamity, and
they are trying to mitigate the sinister impression caused by the
memory of the countless evils which they have inflicted by holding
out hopes of immediate benefits. It is necessary to remember
who they are that traffic in such goods and to realise from
experience that the matter will never get beyond promises.
However, from what one is able to learn the king has not taken
the visit in ill part, and even seems very pleased ; possibly he
approved it before it happened owing to the advantageous representations
of his ministers.
They pay no attention to the Resident of Savoy, who holds
to the point I reported, and so far he indulges in vain dreams
over the advantages that he claimed.
Nothing more has been said to me since I spoke to the Secretary
Coke, so I hope that this silence will give me time to
receive the state's commands. The holding back of the French
ambassadors has met with as much approval from the general
as it displeased the king. Many say very freely that it would
be more honourable for England to try and make his nephew
Elector in a proper way, in a manner which might endure,
rather than call him such by vain reputation, which having no
substance will wither and die as easily as it was born.
What they adduce against the ambassadors is that when
Senneterre first came to England he found his negotiations
flagged because he would not concede the electoral title to the
young Palatine ; so he ceded the point. Being now reproached
with inconsistency, he says that he did it on his own responsibility
and was reproved and desired to abstain from any repetition
of the act. In the mean time the French ambassadors
contrive to confer with the Palatine without proceeding to any
further declaration. They have found an expedient which will
prove very opportune for them in time ; this is, when they meet
him in the queen's chamber, where they both have occasion
to go almost every day, they have already had more than one
colloquy with him, without a formal visit and merely as private
courtiers ; but so far they have not entered into any substantial
particulars ; and so they think that Nicolaldi, with all his arts
and stratagems, will find himself mistaken in the end.
It seems that his Majesty wishes the second prince Palatine (fn. 3)
also to come to this realm, and they were thinking of sending
a man of war to fetch him but this is not settled yet. Comedies,
festivities and balls are the order of the day here, and are
indulged in every day at Court for the prince's sake, while all
the greatest lords vie with each other in entertaining him at
noble and sumptuous banquets.
London, the 21st December, 1635.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
582. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Palatine's councillors have held long and secret conferences
with both Secretaries of State more than once about giving
the new fleet to the prince to act against the Spaniards, as they
despair of getting any other efficient aid, because they clearly
see that the king is in no position to do much in the way of
land armaments, because he is so very short of money ; and
even if, by a great effort, he assembled a certain number of
troops, he would find it impossible to maintain them for long,
for the same reason, unless he made up his mind to have
recourse to parliament, and he seems most determined not to
humiliate himself to that extent for this occasion. All the
same they ask for troops, but obtain no decisive reply to either
suit, as the English ministers are determined first of all to
try negotiation. For this purpose they think of sending Rusdorf
to Germany. He is one of these councillors and a man of great
experience and loyalty. He is to take the Palatine's instances
to Cæsar for the investiture of his states with the prerogatives
that belong to him. Upon this the Spaniards have spread the
report that the Palatine will obtain nothing unless he humbles
himself, that is to say, asks formally for pardon. But they
show great reluctance about that here, saying that the prince
is only just attaining his majority and he cannot have erred or
have merited punishment and that the proscription of his father
cannot justly be allowed. The others maintain the opposite
and it all serves to put things off and to gain time, which, in
the present state of affairs, means everything. If they decide
to send Rusdorf it is thought that they will also give him instructions
from his Majesty to be presented together with those
of his master, to give more warmth to the affair.
Meanwhile the French ambassadors are trying to prevent
any alliance with Spain, owing to a rumour that overtures have
been made about consigning some states in Flanders to the
Palatines until some suitable compromise can be arranged for
the re-establishment of their interests. Thus when these ambassadors
were pressing the king hard the other day on the
basis of the obligation to which France submits for the recovery
of the Palatinates, his Majesty stated that if they would
undertake to bind the Most Christian to restore Lorraine when
the Palatine's dominions were given back, he would enter into
it with all his heart, because upon those conditions the result
would be obtained, for if the Austrians would not agree he
would then promise to enter into an alliance with France with
all his forces. As the ambassadors did not seem inclined to
accept this proposal, he also refused absolutely to undertake
any operations. Orders were sent to Scudamore in France to
ask for the deputation of commissioners, and he has reported
having done so, with great despatch, that the old secretary
Bottiglier is appointed for one and he was expecting the nomination
of the others. This stone has been set in motion by the
Spaniards, who have made them think so much of the interests
of Lorraine at this Court that they are set beyond comparison
above those of the Palatine nephews. They offer the restitution
of the Lower Palatinate and give hopes for the remainder
if this crown will undertake to assist them with arms for the
recovery of Lorraine, but it is quite clear that these are all
artifices to break off the negotiations with France.
The ship has returned which took the Ambassador Astney to
Spain, and with it a gentleman sent by him, with the news of
his arrival at that Court, but without any further particulars.
The same ship brought a million francs which the Spaniards
are sending to Flanders, though they have not yet found a way
of sending them across. It is thought that they will not be
moved from the ship and that it will cross to Dunkirk in company
with some others. (fn. 4)
It is said that two ambassadors from Spain, one ordinary and
the other extraordinary are to arrive at this Court before long ;
but it seems that one of them, who is reported to be staying
in Flanders is hunting for every possible procrastination, to
avoid coming. The captain of the French ship with three other
officers detained in the prisons here, have been condemned to
the gallows, without regard to the offices of M. de Poygne. (fn. 5)
Both ambassadors implore the royal mercy, but without much
hope of obtaining it. The Dutch ambassador, alarmed by the
example, will try to have the despatch of his postponed, at
least until the extraordinary arrives ; but he will find it very
difficult to achieve this.
I have received the Senate's despatches of the 3rd, 8th and
16th ult.
London, the 21st December, 1635.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 23.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
583. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in Spain,
to the Doge and Senate.
The ministers here, possibly for their own ends, do not neglect
to tell the English representative here that numerous difficulties
stand in the way of the peace negotiations, and that they find
it hard to believe that the king will ever be ready to enter the
temple of peace unless the French first open the gates not only
of the fortresses occupied in Germany, but in Savoy as well.
Concurrently with this the Spaniards keep up their negotiations
with that Court for an alliance and keep them in hope of a
marriage between the prince here and the daughter of that king.
But just as the effectuation of this marriage is considered out of
the question by the most discerning, so these negotiations are
believed to be merely a device to soften by the hopes of this
alliance the bitterness which that crown must necessarily feel on
account of his nephews.
Madrid, the 23rd December, 1635. Copy.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 27.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
584. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Princess Palatine is very pleased with her son's reception
in England and hopes that the king will support her House
with all his power. She told me that the French ambassadors
in London had refused the prince his title, although the Spanish
Resident had given it. As regards the marriage of her daughter
she told me that she knew the King of Poland desired it,
but no more. The Prince of Orange assured me that the king
stated clearly that he would have the Palatine princess or he
certainly would not marry.
The Assembly of Holland has excused the Sieur de Somerdich
and has appointed M. Beveren, a person who has never held a
public appointment outside the Provinces, although he has had
long experience of the business of the Court. Everyone is sorry
at Somerdich's refusal.
The Hague, the 27th December, 1635.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 28.
Senato
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
585. Anzolo Coreer, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The ministers here are still hesitating in their minds, without
taking any decision. They incline, however, to despatch the
councillor of the Palatine to impart to Cæsar the offices and
instances I wrote about on the question of the investiture. It
seems that the chief difficulty consists in the humiliation and
asking for pardon, which the Spaniards insist must of necessity
precede everything else, as the foundation stone of the whole
affair. But the more they go about artfully airing this opinion,
the less approval do they meet with, as no argument can avail
to persuade them here that an innocent prince should humble
himself to ask for such an absolution. So matters remain in the
balance ; the councillor is not despatched and no other decision
is taken. This means that they are playing precisely the game
that the Spaniards desire, intent as they are in forwarding their
most secret designs by taking advantage of the benefit of time.
In the mean time they are waiting here for some news of the
dealings of Teller with the emperor and of what Schidemor is
achieving by his negotiations in France, not without hope that
by his means not only the interests of the Palatine but those
of Lorraine also may be adjusted in a friendly way without an
appeal to arms. But those whose intelligence and wishes are
least clouded by prejudice recognise clearly the difficulty of
achieving this most essential point, as they reflect how important
it is for the Most Christian to maintain himself in possession
of Lorraine because of the consequences involved and the manifest
advantage it will give him in the negotiations for a general
peace, not only for upholding the interests of the Palatines but
for adjusting those of the Duke of Virtembergh to remove in part
if not the ill feeling at least the disputes about the purchase
of Pinerolo and for many other reasons besides. But whether because
hopefulness is a satisfaction to the spirit which never
fails or persuaded by the Spaniards, as many believe, they
adopt the policy of delay already indicated. They do not take
this line without some subtlety. Possibly they prefer to be
thought self deceivers and to be bandaging their own eyes
voluntarily, rather than to display their perspicacity in seeing
to the bottom of the stratagems of the other side, and in refusing
to take those measures which equity and their own reputation
show them to be no less necessary than opportune.
They even profess to hope great things from the coming of
the new Spanish ambassadors. They induce the Palatine himself
to believe this and it appears that the prince's councillors,
imbued with such ideas, feel confident of achieving every advantage
by this route. Nevertheless they do not neglect to
make the most strenuous efforts to make sure of the disposition
of the new fleet, whatever the event may be, but here they are
not willing to commit themselves so far.
In some counties, but without success, they are employing
both mildness and severity for the raising of the taxes for the
fleet. To avoid running into a dangerous situation his Majesty
has decided to speak himself to the leading men among them.
So he has had them summoned one by one and in a suave
and pleasant manner tries to persuade them to contribute, asking
them to consider the necessity of being found armed at sea
for the safety of the realm and of trade and for the honour of
the crown. By this means their bitterness seems to have been
in great part removed and themselves rendered much more disposed
to satisfy the king although disorders have not disappeared
everywhere.
Nothing more is said about the advent of the Polish ambassadors
and as regards the marriage it is as if it had never been
mentioned, not because they are altogether hopeless, but because,
after the disappointments that followed the reports too freely
spread before, no one ventures to speak about it any more. They
lay all the blame for past errors upon the imprisoned Italian.
His purse and his health are already in a parlous state and
when the replies expected from Poland arrive, it is thought that
his proceedings will come to a very bad end.
A deputy from the Hanse towns arrived here these past days
upon some business of the merchants there, but more particularly
to try and recover a quantity of real property anciently bought
by them for the dwellings of those who trade over here. (fn. 6) As
their trade has all but disappeared entirely here, some persons
made the king believe that they were ruined, and that there was
no one left to demand possession of this property, so that they
easily succeeded in appropriating it. The deputy has laid the
claims of the merchants before his Majesty in good form and
he, wishing to do right in the matter, has ordered some lords
of the Council to take special cognisance thereof, so that things
may be restored to their original position, as justice requires.
The sentence reported against the captain and officers of the
French ship still holds but it has not been carried out, because
the ambassadors here have already secured delay and hope to
obtain a pardon.
The ship with the million of francs sailed for Dunkirk at the
beginning of this week with a fair wind, and is shortly expected
back. (fn. 7) The French ambassadors cannot conceal their displeasure
at this but keep silent to avoid greater turmoil.
A few days ago the queen sent a gentleman of hers to Rome
with orders to stay there in the capacity of her minister, al
though covertly, but recommended to a Scot apparently in the
service of some Cardinal. (fn. 8) To please his wife, the king gave his
consent, a thing which has excited no little murmuring. Meanwhile
a Monsignor Panzani continues to sojourn here most freely
as the declared minister of the pope, tolerated not only by the
Court but by the people, to the wonder of every one. He is
trying to adjust some disputes which have been going on a long
while between the secular and regular religious here. If his
labours prove successful it will be a great gain indeed, because
with these scandals removed the cult of the Roman faith will
be much augmented. It seems that some complaint against him
was brought before the Council a few weeks ago, but the queen's
protection shielded him and the connivance of the king, taken
with his own most modest behaviour will allow him to live
in peace and safety. When he has reconciled the priests in
question he thinks of attempting to re-establish the bishop of
Chalcedon or some one else vested with a like character who can
superintend the affairs of the faith ; but it is thought that he
will encounter very great difficulties in the conduct of such a
matter.
I have this week received the Senate's letters of the 25th
November.
London, the 28th December, 1635.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 29.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
586. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in Spain,
to the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador is busy with his negotiations over the
question of the Palatinate and about the marriage as well. On
the former, I fancy he has not so far obtained anything definite ;
for the latter there is no inclination here and they have simply
had recourse to it so as not to render that crown hopeless of
anything being done, and to avoid giving them satisfaction amid
the serious circumstances of the present time. According to
what I have been told his Majesty cannot come to any decision
in the matter without having the opinion and consent of Cæsar,
whom the Catholic regards as a father. ... It is also stated
that the ambassador proposes to interest himself in the private
negotiations which are now on foot with the Dutch.
Madrid, the 29th December, 1635. Copy.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |