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Feb. 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
598. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
On Wednesday morning the king left for Newmarket, satisfied
at leaving the queen in perfect health. The day before he
granted a long audience to Joachimi, the object of which it has
been impossible to discover, except that he announced the embarcation
with the first fair wind of the expected ambassador
extraordinary. It has transpired that the king reproached him
about his masters negotiating an agreement with Spain without
acquainting him with the fact. Joachimi apologised by saying
that no substantial negotiation had taken place, but it was
natural for a nation which had so long suffered from war to
seek or at least not to despise the repose of peace, after having
struggled against so powerful an opponent as the House of
Austria, but that the States were determined not to desert their
allies. From all this it clearly appeared that the matter deeply
interested England and that if Holland made a show of really
closing with Spain the king here would make some concessions
in favour of the Dutch. Joachimi sees this advantage and
dexterously avails himself of this dread to nullify or at least
slacken the intrigues of the Spaniards at the Court.
His Majesty's intention to gather at an early moment the
fleet decided on, continues more vigorous than ever, though
little has been achieved so far. He has decided to arm in any
case twenty-eight of his ships, and twenty-two will be hired
from the merchants, forming a body of fifty sail. With these
he proposes and declares that he will maintain his superiority
at sea, prevent disputes between the other nations and secure
trade for every one. He also claims that he will no longer
allow any one who likes to fish but will only grant leave to
those who will pay some recognition that shall be determined,
for tho privilege. The reasons for this jurisdiction are set
forth in a book recently printed on the subject, entitled "Mare
Clausum," (fn. 1) which treats of it at length. As the dominion of
your Excellencies over the Gulf is cited as the principal among
many examples I have thought fit to send a copy herewith foir
your consideration.
This declaration will ruin the hopes of the Palatine that he
would have the disposition of this fleet, and it has given the
neighbouring nations and especially the Dutch cause for the
greatest dissatisfaction, as if the use of the fisheries is interrupted
they will lose one of their greatest advantages. The
ambassador extraordinary is expected to remonstrate, for as
long as it was merely a question of punctilio and seniority, the
Dutch gladly avoided occasion for dispute and obeyed : but now
that it touches their interests and an attempt is made to prejudice
their advantage so seriously, they certainly will not be
able to suffer it so easily.
The French keep quiet, because they have not got these
interests and because the moment is not suitable for raising
disputes, but the ambassadors here told me in confidence that
when the other affairs, which at present require all their attention,
have taken a better turn, the king, their master, certainly
will not willingly bear so servile a yoke, and they hope
that the English will not be able to keep this up for long,
because the interests of many princes are concerned, and it will
be to their advantage to prevent such a pernicious novelty from
taking root. They say that the material is ready and the pen
chosen to answer this book, so the curious will await the result
with impatience.
Although the Palatine is better he still keeps his room and will
not follow the Court until next Monday. Nothing fresh has been
done for him. They have no news from Teller, beyond the
appointment of commissioners.
Owing to the dissatisfaction which Douglas, who has hitherto
acted as ambassador extraordinary for this crown with the
King of Poland, has caused in all his transactions, the king here
has ordered him to lay down his charge. There is some suspicion
that, corrupted by the Spaniards, he has tried to prevent
the marriage between that king and the Palatine princess. He
is not without friends here who wish to defend him ; but the
king is very angry against him and will not listen to argument,
insisting that he shall be deprived of his charge, intending, if
his crimes are proved, to proceed still further in punishing him.
The Italian who pretended to be a minister of the King of
Poland, and who was imprisoned until the replies arrived that
are expected thence, has given a fresh proof of his cunning.
He has escaped from prison in the dress of a collier, leaving
in his stead a real collier, whom he had made drunk in order
that he might remove his clothes. (fn. 2) The king is exceedingly
wroth and is making every effort to have him found, but without
result so far, as the man is no less clever at hiding than he
was at escaping.
The queen mother is renewing her manoeuvres to obtain permission
to come to this Court. The Marquis of Sordiach is
negotiating the affair, under the pretext that she wishes to
proceed from here to Spain. The king does not incline to it,
because he fears that she will want to stay. The queen is sorry
for her and would like to see her satisfied, but she does not
declare herself expressly. Those who do not wish it tell the
king that if she wishes to proceed to Spain he can offer her
one of his ships to take her to Dunkirk, and that is the present
position of the affair. The French ambassadors say nothing
about it, but affect to ignore it entirely. It is considered certain
that the king will not agree to it, because even the expenses
incurred over the Palatine begin to prove heavy, the more so as
there is no sign that they will cease soon.
I have the State's despatches of the 4th January.
London, the 1st February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Feb. 5.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
599. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
I have referred to the proposal of the English Ambassador for
an exchange of Lorraine for the Palatinate. They told him that
the suggestion was a very unequal one, as the king has spent
a great deal of money and lost many men in the defence of
Lorraine, while England has laid out nothing for the Palatinate.
If the English had some place in that country in their hands
it might be possible to satisfy them. They subsequently proposed
that if the King of Great Britain would make open war
on the Spaniards, His Majesty would undertake never to make
peace without the restitution of the Prince Palatine to his
dignity and states. As the ambassador's instructions did not
cover this, he asked for time to write, and is now awaiting the
answer. He had audience of the king recently at which he
informed him of the birth of the king's daughter. (fn. 3) He also
asked that the French ambassadors should give the Palatine
the title of Elector. His Majesty referred the matter to the
young Bottillier, who has told the ambassador that he does not
see how they can give the title, since none of the states or
princes of the empire has declared him elector, and the dignity
of Elector is bound up with the town of Heidelberg. But the
English complain saying that the king's ministers recognised the
Administrator of the Palatinate as Elector in the diets of
Elbrun and Frankfort and it is strange to refuse to the Palatine
himself what they conceded to his representative. The
English ambassador has also had a special audience of the
Duchess of Lorraine, but merely complimentary, and with the
unusual form of not covering himself.
Paris, the 5th February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Feb. 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci.
Inghiiterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
600. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Prince Palatine, having entirely recovered from his indisposition,
left on Monday for Newmarket, desiring to share for
some days in the pleasures of the chase which his Majesty is
enjoying there, at present. It is not thought, however, that
the king will stay so long as he intended, as something important
recalls him to the city. Meanwhile the Palatine's affairs
remain practically asleep here, and they do not seem to think
of anything but waiting for the replies from France and Germany.
One of the ministers here told me the other day that if the
French knew how to use their opportunity they might easily
win the king here, as he is very dissatisfied with the proceedings
of the Spaniards and only needs a legitimate pretext for
breaking with them. The Council had debated the matter fully
and the only suggestion they had to make was to propose to the
Austrians an exchange of the Palatinate and electoral vote for
Lorraine, to which it is certain the Austrians cannot consent
because of Bavaria. His Majesty would therefore be easily induced
to join with France and they do not understand why the
French, who seemed so anxious for an alliance, do not seize the
opportunity.
I thought it advisable to broach the matter to Seneterre. He
took fire at once and said with determination that if they could
really be induced to believe in France that they are talking
sincerely here, the opportunity would certainly not be allowed
to pass without due consideration. But it is not possible to
feel any certainty about the genuineness of what they say, since
it is folly to talk of needing pretexts because every one knows
how many occasions for offence the Austrians have already
given them and how strongly the interests of their own reputation
invite them to an open rupture wiih that nation. Even if the
Most Christian consented to such an arrangement it would
serve for nothing except to make him a party in the comedy
which the Spaniards and the English are playing with the
emperor when they treat with him on this question. Although
there is not the slightest doubt that they will never arrive at
such an adjustment, it is equally certain that they will not
break off the negotiations, but will arrange by such means to
carry on the affair for ever. TiJvis is the sole object to which
they aspire. He added that he had stated these arguments very
frankly to the ministers here and to the king himself, but either
they were unwilling to consider the matter or they are so
wedded to their oicn opinions that they do not think the opinions
of others, or the truth of any consequence. But in the long
run, always supposing they really wish to alleviate the miseries
of the Palatine family, they will be obliged to decide upon something
here. But they will lose the opportunity afforded by
present circumstances, because the king, his master, having a
free hand, wotdd make peace whenever it suited his convenience,
and would not trouble himself to consider anything beyond the
requirements of his own personal interests. I said I thought it
would be wise to foster any good will shown here, because of
the importance of the matter in negotiation. He could easily
secure himself against deception.
Such are the difficulties and distrust between these two nations.
They increase, and there is no sign of matters taking a more
favourable turn during the time that they are engaged in negotiations,
unless some unprejudiced party acts as mediator. Indeed
it is practically certain that they will end in disaster, as quarrels
about ships and merchants crop up in swarms every day so
that it is all but impossible to assuage the ill feeling aroused
and make way for that mutual confidence wlhich such a business
demands.
Just now there is fresh trouble about an English ship seized
in a French port with Spanish goods. (fn. 4) This helps greatly
to foment the lamentations and threats against France. They
do not listen to the apologies of tihe ambassadors, who declare
that the injury is not offered to England but to the property
of the enemies of France.
They are also very excited here at the Most Christian collecting
such numerous naval forces, as they suppose, believing
that he intends to dispute with England the sovereignty that she
claims. In short everything that each of them does is observed
by the other with great jealousy, and the ministers who ought
to remove this, being incompetent, only serve to increase it.
The fleet will certainly consist of fifty sail, in the manner reported.
They will arm them the quicker because speed is of
consequence, owing to the events aforesaid. The contributions,
however, are coming in very slowly, because those who do not
want to pay delay as much as possible. They propose to lay
fresh duties on wine, tin, silk and other things, because many
duties, even when paid by few, produce the same result as is
expected from one alone when it is paid readily. Complaints
about this rise from every quarter, and vigorous remonstrances
that they are acting against the laws of the realm. But he
who wishes is able to have it so, and any one who does not
like the form of the present government must be content to
have patience.
The few ships which stand on guard of the ports here have
received orders to search all the Dutch ships which they fall
in with in order to remove from them all Englishmen whom they
find on board, in fulfilment of recent proclamations. They are
carrying out these instructions, so far without incident.
The eight Dutch sailors arrested at Plymouth for the outrage
reported, have been condemned to the gallows, and the sentence
will be carried out one of these days, since no one has opened
his mouth in their favour.
With respect to the queen mother's visit here, they have decided,
after a few consultations, to tell the Resident Gerbier
to offer her ships and every other convenience for her passage
to Spain or Italy ; but if she persists in her idea of coming
here first, he must try with tact to dissuade her, and if she
will not be persuaded he must indicate that she will not be
welcome. The French, ambassadors are afraid that she may
coma unexpectedly and that necessity may make her decide,
because they assert that at present she is very badly treated
in Flanders, he attitude of the Cardinal Infant towards her becoming
steadily worse.
The latest from Paris states that the partisans of Duke Charles
of Lorraine at that Court go about stating that he has gone to
Brussels with the object of coming here, full of hope of obtaining
great assistance for his interests. It cannot be denied
that they sympathise greatly with his afflictions at this Court,
but that will not carry them so far as to think of relieving
him by anything but good offices and negotiations, so that if he
is well advised it is thought that he will spare himself the trouble.
1 have received this week the state despatches of the 5th ult.
London, the 8th February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Feb. 9.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci.
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
601. Giovanni Battista Ballarino, Venetian Secretary in
Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
Since Teller's negotiations reported on the 19th ult. there
have been various consultations about the best way to secure
the interests of the Duke of Bavaria and of the Spaniards. In
the first instance they thought fit to inform Teller by a third
party that they would always be ready to restore the Lower
Palatinate if the King of England would pay the Spaniards
three million florins as an indemnity for the expenses incurred
in its acquisition. That it was not just to despoil Bavaria
of the electoral dignity or to treat of the matter during his
life time, but after his death this difficulty could also be adjusted.
The desire of the Catholic to gratify the Palatine was
shown by the Spanish minister in London giving him the title
of "Electoral Highness." In the midst of all this and feeling
doubtful whether he would obtain anything, as the demand for
so great a sum clearly showed that their object was delay,
Teller decided to renew his offices. He denied that there was
any ground for claiming such a sum from his king, and if
they could give him no better satisfaction he would leave at
once. If trouble came of it, that would not be his fault. They
told him that they must wait for the bishop's return. At the
suggestion of Ognat they have decided to send a gentleman to
England to treat with the king there, on the pretext that Teller's
commissions are not sufficient. They have chosen for this one
Verteman, an Aulic Councillor. This decision, so unexpected by
him has struck Teller to the heart, as he sees it is due to his
excessive zeal, especially with the Spaniards, who have had
the greatest share in taking the business out of his hands.
However he stays on and will not leave without express instructions
from his king.
Vienna, the 9th February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Feb 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
602. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
Bavaria, stimulated by the reports of the supplications of the
Palatines in England, and fearing some disturbance, is trying
to secure himself in the affections of his subjects in the Palatinate,
and has had the oath of fealty administered at Heidelberg
and in a great part of the country.
The Hague, the 14th February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Feb. 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci.
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
603. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
When the Prince Palatine reached Newmarket, before he could
see the king, he was attacked by another severe fever and had
to take to his bed. He is still suffering from it, and they
have not been able to find out here if he is in great danger,
although, we hear that in addition to the fever he is also suffering
fering from deep melancholy. This is unsuitable to his years,
and especially amid the diversions he enjoys it is thought it
will do him a great deal of harm. They say that all his trouble
originates from the unfavourable turn he has seen his affairs
take, and not without reason, because the resolutions which he
expected from this quarter move very slowly and are involved
in difficulties. The king still remains there, entirely devoted to
the pleasures of the chase. As no discussion about grave matters
can be held at this time, they do but little. He is expected
back any day, but no time has yet been fixed. The French
ambassadors desire it impatiently, because the ministers here
use this pretext to delay the progress of their negotiations,
which remain precisely where they were.
They are showing the utmost activity about the preparation of
the new fleet, and they circulate the report that as soon ,as
the weather becomes somewhat milder they will send it out.
The contributions come in slowly, but in the end every one
pays them, to the bitter dissapointment of those who hoped,
by hanging back, to compel the king to convoke parliament.
They have abandoned their hopes and given up the practices
they had begun, realising at last that they were only grasping
at shadows, because when the king has established such a power
at sea, that will suffice for him to carry on his affairs without
them. Besides this they will have to bend their necks to the
new contributions, which are being laid rigorously on everything
sold in the kingdom. With a very large annual revenue assured
in this way to the crown no further attention will be paid
to any proposals or instances for parliament under the pretext
of the public weal.
There has been some disturbance in Ireland owing to the
Viceroy sentencing one of the leading lords of that kingdom,
who commands the troops, to be shot. (fn. 5) The people, unused
to such forms of justice, have made reclamations to his Majesty
with one voice, and it is thought that he will annul the sentence
to content them, especially as every one here condemns it as
too severe. This circumstance has given an impulse to the
Irish to petition the king to gratify them with his presence for
once, and he has expressed some intention of going there at an
early date, but this will not mature very soon.
It is whispered that the Secretary Coke will be ordered to resign
his office as too old and unequal to the fatigue, though with the
recompense of another, no less useful than honourable. He is
really very old, but not so feeble that one can call him incapable
of his duties, of which he now has so much experience.
But the change may easily take place, because he is entirely
sincere and by no means partial to the Spaniards, and so there
will be many after the office. (fn. 6)
The Duke of Wirtemberg's brother departed this week for
Holland on a Dutch ship. By his brother's command he asked
and obtained from the king here protection for his chancellor,
as if in the service of England, to negotiate with the Imperial
Commissioner Ossa about Wirtemberg's castles and the restitution
of church property.
The ordinary of Antwerp has arrived with the Senate's despatches
of the 12th and 18th ult. I will observe the instructions
sent with regard to my behaviour to the Prince Palatine. The
French ambassadors have never met him except in the queen's
chamber. They have orders not to give him the title he claims.
I might adopt the same device, in order to prevent confidential
relations from dropping altogether.
London, the 15th February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Feb. 19.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
604. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador has recently held long conferences
with the Secretary Bottillier. I hear that his negotiations no
longer consist in what I reported, and in substance the English
do not wish to commit themselves to any declaration, while
here they make difficulties about giving the title of Elector to
the Prince Palatine.
Paris, the 19th February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Feb. 20.
Cinque Savii
alla
Mercanzia.
Risposte.
Venetian
Archives. |
605. Recommend the granting of bail to John Hobson, as it
is necessary in his case to obtain evidence from Zante and
Cephalonia and even from England, so that it will take a long
time to get it.
Dated in the office, the 20th February, 1635. M.V. |
| Polo Morosini. |
Savii |
| Marco Contarini. |
| Polo Antonio Valaresso. |
| [Italian.] |
Feb. 21.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
606. To the Ambassador in England.
The English Ambassador has been in audience this morning
and has again pressed for the despatch of the affair of the
English merchant as shown by the enclosed copy. The matter
has been in hand for several months and has been referred to
the competent magistrates. We will do what is possible to
satisfy his Majesty and will advise you of the result.
We learn from the Imperial Court that steps are being taken
for the restoration of the Palatinate, it being reported that the
Spaniards incline that way, provided England will undertake
to make good the costs incurred and that they give the Duke of
Bavaria his rights. Also that the Aulic Councillor Vertman
has been sent to England. We wish you to know this so that
the information may serve to compare with what may happen at
that Court and so that you may observe the proceedings and
offices of this imperial minister.
Ayes, 86. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
[Italian.] |
Feb. 21.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
607. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague,
to the Doge and Senate.
Prince Rupert left last week for London. The French say
that he was sent for by the king, acting on the advice of the
Spaniards, to show their influence. Brese told me that their
ambassadors in London had powers to bribe the English ministers,
but knowing that they were heavily pensioned by Spain,
the ambassadors were at a loss as to what they should do.
The Hague, the 21st February, 1635. [M.V.]
[ltalian.] |
Feb. 21.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
608. The Ambassador of Great Britain came into the Collegio
and spoke to the following effect :
I have waited until now, as I feared to importune your
Serenity when you were occupied with more serious affairs, but
as the expedition of the English merchants is still delayed,
about whom I made such efforts and you gave repeated promises,
I thought I should not hang back, since nothing has been done,
although my recommendations were made last August. The
merchants are still excluded from those acts of justice which
they are awaiting, and two of them have gone voluntarily to
prison to prove the equity of their cause. I have made many
movements in this matter, and seeing further delay I am bound
to come and refresh your Serenity's memory for their despatch.
1 am moved to this by a fresh and express command from his
Majesty and by the sufferings of the prisoners. I ask that they
may be relieved in some way, so that his Majesty may see that
your Serenity means to give effect to the promises made to his
Majesty by the ambassadors, as he expects nothing from your
Serenity but good relations and friendship. This is a question
of justice, and my king hopes that this matter will be terminated
for the relief of the poor merchants.
The doge replied, The republic is especially anxious to do
everything to satisfy the requests of princes, and especially
about the trade of their subjects. It doeis so in its own interests,
as we should do everything to open our city to trade, and
we endeavour to draw all to this mart, from tne advantages
which they may expect there. In these matters private and
public interests coincide. We have seen no one who has solicited
the despatch. Your lordship performs general offices and does
what his Majesty's interests require, as is customary between
princes, but in private affairs it is usual for some interested
person to appear and petition.
The ambassador said, I have not failed to perform the necessary
offices, and so long ago as last August I spoke for those poor
prisoners.
The doge replied, We know you have not failed, but the multiplicity
of affairs has obstructed our wishes. Be good enough to
give a memorial, especially about those who you say are prisoners,
so that, care may be taken to do what is right.
The ambassador repeated that he had not failed and had solicited
the despatch of the affair. The doge answered, It is right
to terminate this affair ; it shall be taken in hand, the magistrates
shall be summoned to learn how it stands. The ambassador said
that he looked for so much, took leave and departed.
[Italian.] |
Feb 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
609. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Teller's despatches received this week are full of hope. He
says that the emperor is excellently disposed in favour of the
Palatine and is hastening the convocation of a diet to give a
categorical answer. The French ambassadors declare that this
is merely a continuation of the usual cajolery, to keep the hands
of tihe English bound. The time will have gone by for shaking
off the bonds when they realise too late the stratagems which
have been used to keep them thus immersed in irresolution. But
here, with their unwillingness to do anything in this affair which
involves a decision or expense, they seem ready to shut their
eyes to tricks, and they do not in the least mind these devices
being patent to others. Certainly, on no better foundation than
these letters, which express nothing in substance beyond mere
compliments, the ministers here affect to believe that the matter
has been admirably launched in that way and that there is little
occasion to negotiate in any other way.
Although the replies received by the Ambassador Schidemore in
France upon the proposal to be made to the emperor for an
exchange of the dominions of the Palatine and the electoral vote
against Lorraine, have not been in conformity with their expectations
here, as they did not believe that the matter would
be dashed to the ground by so open a refusal at the very outset,
yet they are not displeased with them here, for reasons already
given. They are in no special hurry to send further instructions
to Schidemore, since he bears nothing which has not been previously
proposed by the French ambassadors here. So long as
these hopes survive those of the French ambassadors here must
remain altogether crushed, although there is still some faint spark
of concluding something at this Court. Their negotiations certainly
would not regain any prestige were it not that the proposals
to be made by the new Spanish ambassadors are disapproved at
the outset.
The Resident Nicolaldi applied for four men of war to bring
over the new Spanish ambassador. The king granted the request
at once. The French ambassadors say that one would have
sufficed, but that under this pretext the Spaniards mean to transport
a considerable amount of specie into Flanders, which they
have all'ready. They do not dare to remonstrate openly for fear
of increasing the existing ill feeling, but they have contrived indirectly
directly to let the king here know how much their master disaproves
of this. The large French squadron now putting to sea
is said by them to be destined for the Mediterranean, to harass
the enemies of their king in that sea. They hesitate to credit
this here and will only believe deeds. The Ambassador Seneterre
assured me that these were the real aims of France, and
he said he thought that the fleet would be sent straight against
the kingdom of Naples, which was ill provided. But like the
English I think that we must wait to see what is done, as the
French are very sensitive about this claim of the English to rule
these waters. Thus they declare that this superiority will not be
exercised for long without some scandal, since neither they nor
the other neighbouring countries can tolerate it. Such announcements
as this have greatly perturbed his Majesty here and. his
ministers and it is because of them that all the operations and
negotiations of the French are invariably regarded with the
utmost fear and suspicion.
The king has returned from Newmarket. The Prince Palatine
came with him, not recovered, but much better. Prince Rupert,
his younger brother, has also arrived from Holland when least
expected. The king received him with every sign of the warmest
affection, but he is not so welcome at Court, because they, fear
that by degrees they will all come and will take root. The
French ambassadors have sent their secretaries with congratulations
on his arrival and offering their service. I did the same
and he responded very courteously. They cannot visit him,
because they did not visit his brother, and I shall stop at the
same point.
Although the King of Poland still seems disposed to conclude
a marriage with the sister of these princes, they seem to have
given up all hope of it here owing to the strong opposition of
the diet of Warsaw. The king and Court deeply regret this
news, but it is not known if they are thinking of any way to
remove these difficulties.
Quarters are already prepared for the ambassador extraordinary
expected from Holland. They await him with some impatience
owing to their suspicions that those Provinces may go on with
their negotiations for the truces. They have discussed the advisibility
of sending some one to Holland on purpose to try and
dissuade the Dutch, but judging that this would give rise to
requests for assistance, they decided not to touch this chord
unless the occasion becomes more pressing. The Ambassador
Joachimi artfully encourages such fears, so that they may treat
the Dutch fishermen more gently in the matter of the fishing
in Scottish waters, which they wish to prohibit entirely.
The deputy from the Hanse towns left this week for Holland,
after obtaining the consignment of the real property in question
and every other satisfaction in the matters he negotiated. (fn. 7)
A dispute which went dangerous lengths has occurred between
the Duke of Lennox and the Earl of Pembroke over their claims
to a box at the comedy. They would certainly have fought if
his Majesty had not intervened. They are now reconciled,
though both of them seem dissatisfied. (fn. 8)
The gentleman sent by the queen, (fn. 9) with the king's permission,
to reside at Rome in her name, has been driven on shore by a
contrary wind, after having been many weeks at sea, and he is
now very ill. He had instructions on no account to make the
journey except by sea. This has given rise to speculation here
and no one knows the reason.
Monsignor Panzani has already adjusted the differences between
the religious here to the satisfaction of both parties. (fn. 10)
But the Jesuits have declined to enter the accord and prefer
to manage their affairs apart. Perhaps it does not suit them
to be guided by principles which they esteem common and
vulgar. Panzani is now negotiating for the establishment here
of a bishop who will keep things in order for the future, and
although he encounters great difficulties he hopes to overcome
them by patience.
The Italian imprisoned for pretending to be a minister of the
King of Poland, and who escaped, has been recognised when
about to cross the sea, and taken, his second disguise in the habit
of a preacher not having served him so well as that of the
collier. (fn. 11) He is now imprisoned more closely and in chains, while
they are waiting to hear from Poland.
London, the 22nd February, 1635. [M.V.]
Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Feb. 26.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
610. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
Three advices confirm the entry of a Spanish garrison into
Franchental. Those who believe in an arrangement between
the English and Spaniards about the Palatinate announce
that the latter are ready to consent to restitution, keeping
the principal fortresses and the right to the passage of Spanish
troops to Flanders, and they think the English may consent, to
rid themselves of a troublesome business. The negotiations of
the Ambassador Schidmore made no progress indeed dissatisfaction
and offence have occurred between him and the Secretary
Bottillier upon punctilio and other matters.
Paris, the 26th February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Feb. 27.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
611. That the Ambassador of the King of Great Britain be
summoned to the Collegio and that the following be read to him :
Our republic desires nothing better than to gratify his Majesty
upon all occasions, and we certainly should wish to help the
merchants recommended by your Excellency. With regard to
your new requests for the merchants Obson, Ider and Grissol, we
have decided to grant Obson's release from prison until the papers
upon his case arrive from Zante, Cephalonia and England. The
magistracy of the Five Savii will arrange about his trial. We
will also urge the magistrates to despatch the cases of Ider
and Grissol.
That for the gratification of the English Ambassador the
Magistracy of the Five Savii be instructed to admit John Obson
to bail until the papers on his case arrive from Zante, Cephalonia
and England. They are to be specially careful about the pledges
given.
That the necessary instructions be issued to the magistrates
concerned for the despatch of the cases of Laurence Ider and
Richard Grissol.
Ayes, 83. Noes, 0. Neutral, 4.
It requires two-thirds.
On the 27th February in the Collegio :
Ayes, 20. Noes, 0. Neutral, 2.
It requires two-thirds.
[Italian.] |
Feb. 28.
Csollegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
612. The deliberation of the Senate of the 27th being read
to the English Ambassador, he spoke to the following effect :
I am always glad to receive your Serenity's commands, and
especially now that you have begun to exercise your justice
for Mr. Obson, who should be relieved in part of the troubles
he has suffered. I thank you in the name of my king, hut
I must renew my instances because Obson's petition has not
been completely answered. We ask that the money taken from
him may be put in the Zecca or where your Serenity thinks fit,
in deposit, until his cause is despatched, so that it may be
safe and he may be satisfied of the continuation of your Serenity's
justice.
With respect to Hider and Grissol, I feel sure that they also
will have the despatch desired. It appears that the petition
which I presented for Hider on the 2nd of August last (fn. 12) is lost.
I present another copy so that your Serenity may come to some
decision for his relief.
The doge replied, Your lordship has heard what the Senate
has done for the merchant Obson, which is in order to prove
the friendship, which the republic professes towards his Majesty
and our esteem for you, merely that he shall be free from prison
until the examination of his defence comes from England and
the Levant. This is a particular favour, because he was subject
to the laws, which have been abrogated in this particular. His
Serenity seemed about to continue, but was interrupted by the
ambassador who repeated what he had said before about the
money being deposited.
The doge said that this certainly was not in the petition presented
by Obson, in which he asked to be released from prison
while his defence was on the way, neither was a word said about
it in the reply of the Five Savii, and so, if he wanted more
he must give a memorial. On hearing this the ambassador
agreed, rose, bowed and departed without taking a copy of the
deliberation.
[Italian.] |
Feb. 29.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
613. To the Ambassador in England.
We enclose the decisions taken in the case of the merchant
Obson. If the subject is brought up you will justify the action
taken and declare that it has been done out of special regard
for his Majesty through the offices of his ambassador, beyond
what the strict interpretation of the laws permits.
With your letters of the 1st we have the book on that king's
claims to dominion over the seas there. (fn. 13) The work and its subject
are of consequence. You will keep your eyes open and use
all your skill to find what are the most sound and forcible
grounds upon which those who claim to be injured or offended by
the title and essence of this composition base their objections.
In due course we shall expect to see a reply to this book.
We also think worthy of consideration the conversation of the
king with the Ambassador Joachimi about the negotiations of the
States with the Spaniards. We shall wait to see what resolutions
that Court may take, since they seem so displeased at
hearing of the progress made with those negotiations.
Ayes, 86. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
[Italian.] |
Feb. 29.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
614. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
In spite of their determination here not to involve this crown
in war or in any serious occasion for expense, yet to satisfy
the Prince Palatine and to meet the strong representations of
the French ambassadors, the Council has met three times this
week in the king's presence. From an intimate in a position
to know, I learn that after a very long discussion and balancing
of the pros and cons, it was considered that to put in practice
the original French proposals would inevitably introduce countless
difficulties without any assurance about the issue, since
everything everywhere would depend upon the instability pf
fortune. Once things were fairly launched on that way it would
be useless to think of ever putting them right again. So it
was not advisable to submit to tire judgment of fate, with iso
much toil and expense, that which must necessarily be settled
in the long run merely by the passage of time, if the worst
comes to the worst. On the other hand it was argued that the
cost in time is not to be despised, indeed it should be considered
above everything else, especially in this affair, in which delay
not only wastes away the interests of the Palatine Princes but
corrodes the reputation of this crown as well, which is so deeply
pledged to support them. So much so that it cannot be set
up again by an ordinary composition. It is not seemly that a
slothful repose should triumph over this nation, once so formidable
and warlike, or that the Spaniards, by keeping it immersed
in its present vile lethargy, should constantly render themselves
more formidable. The real state of affairs will appear if ever
this war is terminated without their losing anything of their own
and if what they possess of other people is not taken from,
them. They will then undoubtedly put forward more far reaching
designs. These may possibly involve a disturbance of the
peace these realms now enjoy, the felicity of which the Spaniards
leave, in tranquillity at present rather because of their own
embarrassments than from any good will. Accordingly it would
comport much more with the interests of this crown, even if those
of the Palatine family were not so urgent and just, to endeavour
to trouble and weaken them rather than wait to be troubled
and weakened by them. To argue that an honourable and friendly
settlement can ever bring such a business to a satisfactory
conclusion is as remote from the actualities as the acts of the
Spaniards are incompatible with their words. These are all
honey and suavity, and convey the impression that they mean to
be the only and sincere mediators with the emperor for the adjustment
of the question, while at the very time they are
distributing their garrisons about the most important fortresses
of the Palatinate, appointing governors and indicating by every
sign that they are contemplating anything rather than giving
up possession.
Thus on one side and the other the matter is debated at great
length but in the end it all concludes with the invariable decision
to wait and see and to seize the opportunity which time and the
state of affairs will show to be appropriate and useful. Accordingly
I fancy that one may very reasonably conclude that this
affair, which has been discussed at this Court for so long, will
finally perish in irresolution, as they cling more particularly to
the present policy that the more pacific this state remains the
happier it will be ; that for its security all that is required is
to maintain predominance at sea, and for the rest to shut their
eyes will never do them any harm.
In spite of these principles and resolutions they circulate great
ideas about numerous levies of troops both infantry and cavalry,
so that they may be all ready in case matters proceed to ,a
rupture to leave the kingdom under the command of the Prince
Palatine, to go where it best suits his interests. But these
announcements may only be invented for the prince's consolation,
and they also will end in nothing as did those of last year, or
at least the rembrance of that episode does not make one inclined
to believe that any thing will be done.
A ship of this nation proceeding from the Indies to Holland
laden with tobacco, was recently taken by the Dunkirkers and
confiscated on the plea that by the last agreement with Spain
the English may not take any succour or munitions to the Dutch.
The owners of the ship have moved and tried to prove the confiscation
unlawful, as tobacco is not a necessity or for use in
war. They asked the opinion of the lawyers on the subject, but
they said it was not in their province but rather of the physicians.
Accordingly they applied to the physicians who said that tobacco
was neque alimentum medicativum, neqwe medicamentum alimentativum.
but in spite of this sentence which decides that it
is good for nothing, the Dunkirkers have disposed both of the
tobacco and of the ship to their own advantage. The king remonstrates
because they have ventured so audaciously to take the
ships and goods of his subjects. In this case he is the more
urgent because the ship did not touch at the ports of England
before going elsewhere, as it ought, or pay the ordinary duties,
and so it is considered as forfeit to him. Gerbier will make
complaint to the Cardinal Infant and they will wait for the
answer. (fn. 14)
The ministers here are much incensed to hear that the ships
of this nation arriving in the ports of France, Flanders and
Holland are searched for goods belonging to their enemies. This
seriously prejudices the large profits they hoped to obtain here
from the war between neighbouring princes by freely carrying
the goods of all. However, they cannot fail to make very large
profits, because every one has to run risks, the goods arrive here
and do not go out unless tire duties to the king are fully paid.
This reason and some increase in the ordinary duties has augmented
his Majesty's customs' revenues for this year by 85,000l.
sterling. They hope to obtain more in the future considsring
the present needs which are very considerable and which mill
always make them against peace here.
The Secretary Coke is ill, a very serious matter at his advanced
age. They are postponing a decision about giving his office to
some one else until they see how his illness ends. The Earl of
Carlisle also is in an almost hopeless condition, and the pretenders
to his office (fn. 15) are on the alert.
The queen mother never ceases her efforts to obtain permission
to come here. Possibly owing to her importunity the king has
muttered something to the effect that if the French will pay her
pensions and give a guarantee, he might not refuse to receive
her, but the question of the guarantee is very difficult. Some
incline to believe that the affair can be adjusted in this way,
being persuaded that the Most Christian will prefer her to stay
here rather than with his enemies or even in France itself
because this is the spot most likely to keep her quiet. But
the French ambassadors never give ear to such suggestions,
which makes one doubtful what to believe.
London, the 29th February, 1635. [M.V.]
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |