|
|
1636.
Jan. 2.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
587. The Ambassador of Great Britain came into the Collegio
and spoke to the following effect :
I did not wish to neglect my duty to wish you a happy festival,
and I hope you may have many others, although I felt sure
you would take my good intentions for granted. I rarely come
here because I have no special occasion. That does not mean
that I am not always ready to fulfil your commands. I perform
this office the more readily because I have a special command
from my king to serve your Serenity and to assure you of his
particular affection, his Majesty being sure that you will respond.
He cannot fail to believe that his subjects and English merchants
will be treated with corresponding consideration in this state,
and I feel sure that I may rely upon your Serenity's sincere
efforts in this matter, to which I will always testify.
The doge thanked the ambassador for the office and wished his
Majesty and him a happy new year and all other happiness.
They were glad to hear that his Majesty was so friendly to the
republic which would always display its affectionate esteem for
him. They always tried to give the best treatment to English
subjects and merchants, as a nation they loved and esteemed, to
preserve and maintain good relations, as they ought and it was
to their interest for trade.
After thanking his Serenity the ambassador said he had a
letter from his Majesty's ambassador at Constantinople saying
that the Venetian ambassador Foscarini had stood godfather to
his little son. All the king's servants ought to show the value
they set upon the favours received.
The doge replied, Our Bailo knows that the republic wishes
all his Majesty's ministers to be treated with the utmost obligingness,
and they are very glad that he has acted in accordance
with their desire ; we are sure that he will always do so. After
some compliments the ambassador took leave and departed.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 4.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
588. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
While they are still hesitating about sending the Palatine's
councillor, the king has written a letter to the emperor, asking
him to restore to the Palatine that which belongs to him by
birth, and not to force that monarch to contemplate measures
which he does not desire to take. This might be expected to
produce more effect if the words and protestations from this
quarter had won more credit in the past, or occasioned the
Austrians more fear, but as in the most dangerous emergencies
they have always counted for little, there is little security that
at the present time when things in Germany lean so much in
Cœsar's favour, they will obtain more than a verbal satisfaction
for the Palatine. Thus although they neglect nothing to keep
the prince diverted and happy, he seems careworn and sad at
seeing his affairs go on in the same old way. If the king
would allow him he would gladly withdraw, and he even circulates
a report that he wishes to depart, probably with a view of
obtaining some valid demonstration. But they do not trouble
to consider this and they continue to conduct the affairs which
concern them with the same slowness and lack of zeal as ever.
One thing is certain that on the question of the new fleet
being handed over to him in case some better bargain for his
affairs is not arranged, the Prince has been unable to obtain
any conclusive answer, at which he is very ill pleased. With
very scant hope of any good resulting from the other palliatives,
he took occasion to remark to one of the ministers here in confidence
that he recognised clearly that in the state in which
things now are it behoved him to leave. They try all they can
to soothe him, assuring him that a Spanish ambassador extraordinary
will soon be here in his interests alone. But the
Prince wants to see matters brought to a head and is not
satisfied with such hopes, realising clearly that the way of
negotiation, especially with the interposition of the Spaniards
is not likely to effect much for the cause unless at the same
time, while the negotiations are in progress, they take up
their arms so that they may be ready to secure by their means
that which negotiation has not sufficed to achieve.
The ministers here no longer expect good results from the
proposals recently made by Scudamore in France about the commutation
of the Palatinate with Lorraine. Scudamore gives
scant hopes of success, so that amid the general entanglement
of affairs they seem to incline most strongly to continue their
dealings with the Spaniards always provided that they do not
insist so pertinaciously upon the humiliation of the Palatine
to Cœsar. But circumstances which change so greatly, may
induce them to change their ideas and inclinations.
Letters from the king of Poland received last week announce
his intention of taking part in the steps being taken to secure
a general peace. He urges them here to interest themselves in
this. The answer is drafted and will be sent soon. (fn. 1) They
merely commend the king's action and express their utmost
good will here. Douglas writes that the king told him plainly
that if the emperor will not bring himself honestly to the
establishment of a secure peace and continues to maintain
his armies in Germany, the king cannot stand idly by, and intimating
that he will make war for the interests of Silesia.
Douglas says nothing about the despatch of any ambassador to
England or of the marriage with the Palatine princess either.
From this they no longer know what to expect or believe.
Whenever one touches on the question of a general peace with
the ministers here they express their concurrence and every
disposition in its favour, but in reality they have no desire that
way and they do not wish to see it concluded. The disputes of
its neighbours are all to the advantage of this crown. Besides
exploiting their reputation with all and having their friendship
and alliance sought by all, these realms enjoy perfect quiet and
security. All the wine and other goods which used to go to
Flanders have to be brought for every town by the ships of
this country, touching at their ports here and paying the customs,
bringing in a very considerable benefit. They are very sceptical
here about the Dutch concluding a truce, for if that were
arranged the power of the Spaniards would begin to become
very formidable. This is one of the considerations which makes
the king so anxious to have a good number of ships at sea in
the spring, and it is also one of the reasons why they do not
speak clearly to the Palatine in the matter of the fleet.
The French ambassadors still labour in vain for the pardon
of their sailors. The Dutch also are constantly approaching
a perilous position over the interests of their ships and sailors,
because the first bitterness has been greatly increased by a new
and extraordinary incident. Some Dutchmen landed at Plymouth
from two ships which stopped at that port on their way
to the Indies, contrary to the royal edicts, issued for sanitary
reasons. Not content with this infringement and the spirit they
showed in going about the neighbouring villages, being excited
or brutalised by wine, they came out of an inn with the determination
to kill any one they met on the road. Six unfortunates
who were unlucky enough to encounter them fell victims
to their barbarity, sacrificed to their execrable inhumanity. One
of these was a gentleman of excellent family, whose relations
raise their outcry to the heavens. (fn. 2) They sent at once to seize
the ships and arrest the delinquents, but word has not yet
come of what took place. Words cannot express how much this
event has stirred the people here against foreigners, and unless
they see severe justice dealt out it is unlikely that they
will be easily appeased without some great scandal resulting.
It is said that a brother of the Duke of Wirtemberg is here
incognito, or rather in indigence. The ministers here and the king
himself are aware of it, but they will not take any notice.
On Monday evening the queen presented a most beautiful
pastoral to her maids in French. She has now withdrawn to
Somerset House for the devotions of Christmas. When these
are over she will proceed to St. Gems to await the hour of her
delivery, which should take place in a few days.
I have received this week the state despatches of the 30th
November, with the usual sheet of advices.
London, the 4th January, 1635. M.V.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Jan. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
589. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in Spain,
to the Doge and Senate.
After a long consultation the Count Duke has sent one of his
gentlemen in great haste to England. It is said he will soon
return with the replies. I fancy this is not only to protest
their willingness to satisfy that crown about the Palatinate but
also to prevent them listening to the proposals made by the
Dutch, and subsequently to approach that king to employ his
good offices in the disputes with, the King of Poland. They have
discussed in the council of state how they may prevent the
pope from granting a dispensation for the marriage with the
Palatine princess.
Madrid, the 9th January, 1636. Copy.
[Italian.] |
Jan 11.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
590. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The most ardent parliamentarians think of renewing their
activities and of devoting their last efforts to induce the king,
if possible, to convoke parliament. They use many means to
this end and do not neglect the most subtle and artful. The
reluctance to pay the contributions for the new fleet is not
placed among the last, while on the other side everything is
done to show the king the necessity of being well armed at
sea; the fear that the Dutch mean to conclude the truces ; the
reports spread of great naval preparations in France; but above
all the necessity to uphold the cause of the Palatine nephews
are the most solid grounds upon which they base their arguments.
In the matter of the Palatine they go further, saying that it
is impossible to do anything properly or seemly for this crown
unless they take up arms resolutely. These ideas are occasionally
maintained before the king and are constantly dinned into
the Palatine's ears, with every appearance that the less impression
they make on his Majesty the more they increase the
distress and discontent of the poor prince. They further let
it be understood that they will afford his Majesty every satisfaction
that he can desire, as they are determined not only to
keep their eyes on the present, but on what may happen in the
future, and to procure in every way the welfare of the kingdom,
the unimpaired reputation of the crown and above all not to
depart in any way from the king's pleasure, whom they will
always be most ready to obey and serve. With these vain hopes
they go about with smooth and flattering words, promising themselves
some happy result ; but those who are more judicious and
less prejudiced know that this is merely running after shadows,
because all experience has shown the king immoveable and
determined about not taking this step, indeed those who know
his inclinations are aware that he is moving in quite the opposite
direction. From this it seems to me that they have no
intention at present of undertaking any great things outside the
kingdom.
Last Sunday in the queen's chapel, as the Resident of Savoy
passed us, the French ambassadors broached the subject of a
reconciliation between your Excellencies and the duke, for which
this Court was ready to offer its good offices. I replied that I
would never seek such an advantage at the expense of my country.
If the duke had rested content with his ancient forms there
would have been no need for the king or ministers to trouble
about the matter. They made no reply except that the Italian
powers themselves ought to desire unity and should not take
offence at the efforts of others to promote it. I thought it best
not to continue the argument.
The Prince Palatine has sent me no reply to my suggestion
about seeing him and giving him the same title as he has
received in Holland from the ambassadors of your Serenity,
namely Highness, without the additional of Electoral, which he
will not now accept. I shall take no further steps without
instructions.
The queen's labour resulted happily on Monday night and
she presented the kingdom with a princess. (fn. 3) The king is very
pleased, as this is his fifth child, although only four survive.
The generality are more pleased than if it had been a boy, because
girls ensure posterity as much as boys, and the kingdom
is relieved of the danger to which states sometimes succumb
from there being too many princes of the blood royal. I have
congratulated the king and queen, and mean to do so with her
Majesty in person when she is in a condition to receive me.
The Dutch ships which were going to Brazil have been arrested
owing to the insolences committed by their sailors on shore.
They are drawing up the process against them with rigour and
solicitude, being fully determined to give them exemplary punishment.
London, the 11th January, 1635 [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Jan. 12.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
591. Giovanni Battista Ballarino, Venetian Secretary in
Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
The gentleman sent from England is still conducting his
negotiations with the ministers of Cæsar about the Palatinate.
They keep raising obstacles in order to evade giving satisfaction.
He had a second audience of the emperor a few weeks ago and
pressed for a decision. His Majesty said he must have his
demands in writing. The envoy refused saying he had no orders
for this and enough, had already been said. His Majesty insisted,
upon which the gentleman was greatly moved and, speaking
in the Latin tongue, he said "eo sumus tempore quo mundum
non calamo sed gladio regitur" and with this he took leave.
This resolute behaviour caused much perturbation to Cæsar and
his ministers. After deliberating again on the subject they
decided to nominate commissioners to treat upon the matter,
to avoid giving occasion for further offence and to show their
willingness to afford consolation to the Palatine. They have
nominated the Bishop of this city, the Count of Meccau, Traumestorf
and Stralendorf. As a first step they have asked for a
written statement and also for the powers held by the gentleman
to negotiate, with a formal statement that without this they
will do nothing. Everyone believed that the English minister
would express himself even more forcibly at this reply. But
he ultimately agreed and presented a paper, which was merely
a demand for the restoration of the Lower Palatinate only. He
also showed his commissions. Moreover he stated orally that if,
in addition, he should obtain the Upper Palatinate he would
undertake to induce his master to make an offensive and defensive
alliance with the House of Austria, supplying 30,000 foot for
their requirements. This lightening transition from the utmost
rigour to great moderation is supposed to be due to recent orders
received by him through a special courier from London this last
week.
Although this gentleman dilates upon the forces of his king
and the serious hurt which he could inflict upon the emperor,
in which the parliaments of the kingdom would co-operate with
the utmost good will, yet he is seen to insinuate himself into
the closest confidence, associates with the ministers, generally
eats at Court and to all appearance gets further and further
from the object which was supposed to be his special concern,
to support his demands with the zeal and fervour which he
showed at the beginning.
The Resident of France is suspicious of these negotiations and
watches them closely. Owing to the contradictory proceedings
of the envoy the ministers here have become very confident that
the demands will fall through of themselves. The Bishop, more
than the rest of them, maintains the necessity of dragging the
affair out, and to draw out that minister by blandishments to
lull him to sleep. Thus with the object of gaining his point
and to suspend the negotiations for some weeks, the bishop has
left the city so that the other three cannot negotiate without
him. The ministers here also reflect that the forces of England
against the emperor are remote, doubtful and always subject
to the perils and impediments of the sea. This obviously gives
them great encouragement, though it is quite certain that if
some considerable force should be collected as the result of the
agreements made at Hamburg, they would direct their efforts here
to avoid increasing ill feeling but would rather devote themselves
to assuaging disputes to some extent.
The gentleman went to visit the Court of Ognat a week ago.
That minister expresses quite freely his disdain of these pretensions.
He says that the Palatines have had full measure
of Cæsar's clemency in the articles of peace with Saxony, and
they ought to be well content. Here they might well claim the
right to punish those princes because they do not come to
humble themselves as they should. The Englishman took exception
to such notions and said that the ministers of the emperor
did not look upon it in that light. His Excellency should consider
that the King of England is always informed of the secret
counsels of the princes, his neighbours, especially those of the
Catholic. He should reflect upon the power of his king, not
exhausted by wars, closely united with Ireland and Scotland,
with abounding treasures, flourishing trade and formidable at
sea. Ognat made no reply beyond a smile.
It is clear that the Count has very little thought of sending
his son, who lives here, to England, to which Court he has
been appointed for over three months, indeed he announces
that unless further orders arrive, he will not start. Generally
speaking the ministers here whether of the emperor or of Spain,
cherish the maxim that if Saxony is on their side they need
not mind the remote hostilities of England, the wrath of Poland
or the collusion of Denmark.
Two days ago an envoy arrived from the King of Denmark.
It has been asserted that without the help of England Denmark's
only resolution will be to come to terms with Cæsar. They also
draw consolation here from the dissensions between the English
and Dutch, but the majority do not confide in such hopes.
Vienna, the 12th January, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Jan. 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
592. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador has complained to the Secretary
Bottillier that although the French ambassadors have presented
letters of the king offering to restore the Palatine to his dignity
and states, yet they refuse to give him the title which by birth
and right belongs to him. This is interpreted as a sign of
scant sincerity in their negotiations. Here they do not seem inclined
to concede the point alleging that they have any alliance
with Bavaria which obliges them differently.
Paris, the 15th January, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Jan. 17.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya
Venetian
Archives. |
593. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
Some English ships have taken a Zeeland one. (fn. 4) Their High
Mightinesses are trying to suppress the resentment they feel in
the hope that the ambassador extraordinary will arrange everything.
They say it all comes from the Spaniards who have great
power in that kingdom. On this account they are hastening
Beveren's departure and they talk of adding to the presents for
that Court.
The Hague, the 17th January, 1635. M.V.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 18.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
594. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
News of Teller's arrival at the Imperial Court has only come
this week. He reports the decision to send Father Magnus
to Poland about the truce with Sweden and to prevent the marriage
with the Palatine princess. The king and ministers learned
both these particulars with the utmost dissatisfaction. It is
thought they will instruct Teller to remonstrate strongly with the
emperor on the question of the marriage. It is certain that they
no longer know what judgment to form about this affair, the
happy issue of which they wish to see in proportion to its
actual importance, because at the very moment when they considered
it most surely concluded without further difficulties,
they see their hopes dashed most ruthlessly to the ground.
Nevertheless they assure the Palatine that it will certainly
take place, pointing out that the only thing which is now preventing
its effectuation is the assembling of the diet which is
to be held at Warsaw, at which the king is to be present, to
obtain the consent of the republic. But even those who try to
persuade him thus are not entirely persuaded themselves in their
own minds, and at the back of their minds there remains some
doubt that words on this subject will have no value in the future,
although there are many who assert that the inclinations of that
monarch are all in favour of the wedding. Gordon asserted the
same when he was here to make the proposals which I reported,
but as a matter of fact such long delays cannot be taken here
as anything but of bad augury for an event which they desire
here so greatly.
Teller does not state clearly why his audience of the emperor
was delayed, or say anything about the special despatch to
Bavaria, reported by the Resident Ballarino. I find no inclination
here for accepting an equivalent in Flanders, as it would
not accord with the reputation of this crown or with the interests
of the Palatine. For if his affairs were adjusted in this manner,
even if the conditions were perfectly transparent and without
derogation to his claims, it would be too difficult a matter to
carry the arrangement out. Thus it is clear that if in the
course of a few years the prince should lose through weakness
what had been assigned to him in Flanders, or even if he had
the good fortune to keep it, it could only be upon the condition
and in the capacity of a complete dependent of the Spaniards.
The ministers here will not condescend to reply to such sound
arguments as these. It is reported indeed that one of them remarked
to the Palatine himself that if once his affairs were
settled, no matter how, there is no likelihood that England will
trouble about them any more, as the blood relationship not interests
of state was the motive at the moment. Accordingly
it would be a good thing to insist with the most solid negotiations
upon the proposals made to the Most Christian to try for an
exchange of his dominions and the electoral vote with Lorraine.
Accordingly the Palatine broached the subject with the French
ambassadors, assuring them that if the Austrians will not agree
to such a treaty the king had given him his word that he would
treat of his cause jointly with France by force of arms. The
ambassadors in their reply told him that this was the way to
make the affair last for ever and to go to perdition, without hope
of anything ever being settled. It was not reasonable that the
king, their master, single handed, should recover his dominions
at such a heavy price. There were other matters to be adjusted,
and with this foundation removed everything would collapse.
They further pointed out to him that when the conclusion of a
general peace draws nigh, unless there is some agreement between
France and England about his interests, the Most Christian
in conducting the negotiations will not be able to insist upon
anything beyond what affects his own particular interests, as that
is no more than reasonable, and that will be according to the
circumstances. Therefore the present excellent opportunity ought
not to be lost.
Upon this subject they go about saying here that they cannot
act otherwise, as they do not know how they can make sure that
France, when she sees an opportunity, will not in any event
decide upon peace without any further consideration than what
will be for her own particular benefit. So, as they cannot lay
aside their mistrust things become more and more difficult every
day, with very slight evidence that they are likely to end well
in this manner. There are also those who take a middle line
and say that the French do ill in not lending an ear to this
proposal for an exchange against Lorraine, because it is perfectly
clear that the electoral vote will never be taken away
from Bavaria to be given to the Palatine, so these negotiations
will fall through on the part of the Austrians and this Crown
will remain under the obligation to make war against them, and
by these means the French will arrive at obtaining with ease
what they have laboured for in vain for such a long time to
obtain from this Court, and they will have the credit of having
adjusted well and worthily at their own cost in a truly courteous
manner the affairs of two most unfortunate princes. But the
replies of the emperor and those expected from France will show
what shape this troubled and important affair will finally take.
The younger brother of the Duke of Wirtemberg is still staying
at this Court and to-day he is to kiss the hands of the king
and Prince Palatine. He will then proceed to Holland and after
he has seen the country it is thought that he will proceed to
France with the idea of obtaining some employment in the war
there.
The new princess was christened at the beginning of this week
with the name of Elizabeth. The Prince Palatine acted as godfather
and after the function he took to his bed where he had
a slight fever, caused by the excessive hospitality of the lords
here, who want to entertain him with sumptuous banquets every
day without regard to his health. (fn. 5) But he is quite well now.
The king will proceed to Newmarket in a few days to enjoy
his hunting and it is not thought that he will be back here before
the beginning of March.
Eight of the sailors found guilty of the crimes committed at
Plymouth are detained as prisoners, and the ships have been
allowed to continue their voyage to Brazil. These men will suffer
the punishment their crime deserves, as even the Ambassador
Joachimi has abandoned them.
London, the 18th January, 1635 [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Jan. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
595. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Zeelanders, in revenge for the ship taken, have seized
an English one. The States regret this as it increases ill feeling.
Ten ships of the Company which left for Brazil recently have
been stopped in England owing to quarrels between the sailors
and some Englishmen, in which two or three English were
killed. (fn. 6) Joachimi is much upset, as the Company may wish
to retaliate by seizing ships. The States have instructed him to
ask for the release of the ships and have written to the king
himself promising to punish the guilty, but contending that it
is not just that the merchants should suffer for the faults of
individuals.
The Hague, the 24th January, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Jan. 25.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
596. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Teller's despatch which reached the Court this week reports
his first meetings with Cæsar. He says he made the strongest
representations and the emperor heard him with attention and
showed respect for this crown. But the reply was far from
conclusive, merely pointing out that the affair did not concern him
alone but the empire also, whose proscription of the late Palatine
could not be passed over. On the question of the Palatine
himself humbly asking for pardon he thinks that the idea there
is to hold fast to the point of the original negotiations, because
as things have to be dealt with in an electoral diet they will
use up a great deal of time in this way, and now they make
the difficulty because they are certain that there is very little
disposition to yield on the matter here. The ministers here
are of the same opinion, yet they do not lose courage or abandon
the hope that by negotiation they may be able in the end to
find some middle term which will serve to render each of the
parties equally satisfied.
To this end they have this week repeated their orders to the
Ambassador Astnay in Spain by express courier to keep the
negotiations alive which it is thought he will have begun already.
But any one who cares to probe to the bottom of this affair finds
that the states of the Palatine house have not such firm roots
in the minds of those who take part in the government here
as to make him believe that they will devote their greatest care
to them, and apart from the point of reputation, which is the
only one they think about, the wisest are of opinion that they
do not mean to trouble about them any more.
This arouses the apprehension that in the end they will listen
to any sort of accomodation, no matter how disadvantageous,
although at present they express the exact opposite, because once
the matter is adjusted they can without blame draw back their
foot from this embarrassment in which they find themselves
involved so much to their disgust. However whenever they
can they go about everywhere expressing the most lofty ideas
to the ambassadors and other ministers of their fixed determination
to uphold the cause at every hazard, and of their
great preparations for a naval force, amounting to a hundred
sail. But their real intentions certainly do not go so far, and
the fleet will not be so numerous by a long way. It would
indeed be remarkable and no small achievement if they got
together as many as fifty good ships. But there is no sign
of anything that makes this likely because they proceed with
their preparations in a most leisurely way and the difficulties
in exacting the money are greater than ever.
News has come that the Imperialists have handed over Franchendal
and other places in the Lower Palatinate to the
Spaniards. They are not pleased here, because while the Austrians
are trying so hard to persuade this crown of their preoccupation
to find some adjustment of this question, it does
not seem proper that they should introduce a fresh interest so
strong as this one. If the news proves true even the most
violent Hispanophiles will be scandalised, although they will
always find excuses.
In negotiating with the French ambassadors the ministers here
always reply that they are expecting to hear from France and
thus Sennecterre stays on without hope of getting away soon
and almost certain that he will never see any conclusion. Although
a very capable and diligent minister he will always
enjoy less good fortune than others at this Court in transacting
affairs of this nature, because the ministers and even the king
are always suspicious and fearful in dealing with him that they
will be induced by his subtlety to take some step which they
might not wish to. On the other hand the methods of Scudamore's
negotiations in France by no means meet with approval,
so that but little good can be expected, from the knotty business
itself and the character of its negotiators. So it is really necessary
to believe that they do actually mean to see the end of
it here and intend to embrace to the best of their powers the
proposals that will be made to them, and if it is not so, they
will be abandoning the undertaking altogether and allowing
matters to take their course, as they are doing at present until
time provides some opportunity which will serve in some measure
to define things.
Nothing more is said about sending the Palatine's councillor
to the emperor. The task was performed by the king's letters
asking for the prince's reinstatement. They also urge a general
peace. But there is cause for doubt whether this is genuine,
because the present war is not very detrimental to England
who wishes a balance to be maintained. For this reason the
defeats of the Duke of Saxony were not disagreeable to her and
she would not regret a contest between Poland and Austria for
Silesia. This would balance matters thoroughly, and if it were
not so England would regret the continued success of Austria.
England also dreads a league between Holland and Spain, and
of this fear Joachimi avails himself in his negotiations, but
without much profit.
The new Dutch ambassador extraordinary is expected soon,
and meanwhile the affair of the ship seized and its sailors remains
in suspense.
The brother of the Duke of Wirtemberg is still here, known
as such by everybody since he saw the king and the Prince
Palatine. They have not made any special fuss with him. He
still lives very quietly and will certainly proceed to Holland at
the first opportunity.
The king delays his journey to Newmarket on account of the
illness of the Palatine, which still troubles him, although there
seems to be no danger. The queen has passed through her
travail most happily and enjoys perfect health. I visited her
the day before yesterday. Besides such compliments as I thought
proper I assured her that your Excellencies would be pleased
to hear of the happy event. She seemed pleased by the function
and assured me that she most fully responded to the friendship
which your Excellencies had always shown to her.
I have received this week the state despatches of the 21st and
28th December last.
London, the 25th January, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Jan 31.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
597. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
Beveren is only waiting for a wind to sail. He has seen
the Princess Palatine, to receive her instructions. It is feared
that the Prince Palatine will get scant satisfaction. The Princess
herself admits that the Spaniards have gained too much
influence in England and she laments that her petitions fail to
touch her brother's heart.
The Hague, the 31st January, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |