Venice: October 1638 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 24, 1636-1639. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1923.

'Venice: October 1638', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 24, 1636-1639, (London, 1923) pp. 457-468. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol24/pp457-468 [accessed 8 May 2024]

October 1638



Oct. 1. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	509. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. The Agent Gerbier has come over here from Brussels, ostensibly to visit his country and see to his private affairs for twenty days, with his Majesty's leave. A subject of the Cardinal Infant accompanied him on the pretext of buying horses for his Highness. Certain circumstances however lead speculative persons to infer that a continuation of the negotiations about the Palatinate has induced the movement of these individuals. The Spaniards are past masters in those arts which are calculated on the one hand to tickle the king's ears with vain hopes, and on the other to obtain thereby advantages which they have enjoyed hitherto, which are so opportune and necessary for events in Flanders, while dissipating all fear that this crown will ever be buying fresh troubles at the price of the interests of others. The troops collected here recently for the Palatine started for Holland last week. Lack of money did not permit the captains to increase them as their master required and wished. The levy only consisted of six hundred foot. This will serve rather to keep up the idea of assistance from his uncle than to strengthen greatly the forces of that prince. More ample succour has been prejudiced greatly by the disturbances of Scotland. The Marquis of Hamilton has taken back the most ample powers to satisfy entirely those daring subjects. They have gone so far as to claim that parliament shall be summoned in this kingdom also, so that jointly they may give a better reputation to the government in the future. This demand shows great sagacity, the object being to interest the English and win their sympathy, while by introducing the sickle directly into the royal authority they multiply the offence to his Majesty, and redouble the suspicion generated by their constant resolutions, that they mean to shake off altogether the yoke of obedience to their prince. He is distressed at hearing the results of this last mission and from seeing the interruption of his original design to achieve a position of despotic rule. I cannot refrain here from expressing my thanks for the concession to me of the chain which the Catholic gave me, worth quite 1500 crowns more than that of my predecessor. His Majesty showed the same liberality to the nuncios and the ambassadors of the emperor, France and England. The Catholic thus placed your ministers on an equality with those of other crowns. It will also serve as a recompense for the presents asked of the ambassadress by the queen and of me by the Count Duke for the king, on more than one occasion, involving considerable expense, which called forth in return only the most gracious expressions and no other present beyond this chain. London, the 1st October, 1638. [Italian.]
Oct. 2. Senato. Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives.	510. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. The Admiral of Castile (fn. 1) has his army on the frontiers of Biscay to watch the French. It is confirmed that they have fortified S. Jean di Luz. This causes some uneasiness, especially as the naval force of the Archbishop of Bordeaux usually established at Bayonne, scours those waters and captures many English vessels bringing naval tackle (bastimenti) from England, which they claim may not be taken to Spain to their enemies. Madrid, the 2nd October, 1638. [Italian.] Copy.
Oct. 5. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Francia. Venetain Archives.	511. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. Two gentlemen arrived recently from the King and Queen of Great Britain to offer congratulations. (fn. 2) They were introduced to their Majesties the day before yesterday by both English ambassadors. Poissy, the 5th October, 1638. [[Italian.]
Oct. 8. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetain Archives.	512. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. The king has sent orders to the Vice Admiral of the fleet in the Downs, where the remainder of the fleet sent after the pirates is riding, to proceed to Scottish waters, as his Majesty fears that other foreign ships, with munitions of war may approach that coast. Past demonstrations have not altogether removed the suspicion that the Dutch may supply them to that people. This important step argues a lively lack of confidence in an agreement with those most obstinate subjects. Growing ever bolder they have recently published a book, which, in a most licentious manner not only justifies the reasons for their revolt, but, by pointing out the common interests involved, strongly urges the English not to afford the king the help they owe if the king proposes to beat down the privileges of that nation by force. His Majesty has had every copy of this book suppressed with the utmost energy, so that such pernicious notions may not be spread in this kingdom. The Secretary of the Ambassador Roe reached the Court two days ago from Hamburg. He brought despatches for the king, which have not yet been deciphered, and so the contents have not transpired. The negotiations of the Agent Gerbier have been kept wonderfully secret. He returns to Flanders today. Time will serve to give some indication of the importance of his transactions, though few or none place any confidence in them. Their Majesties are relieved at the news of the restored health of the queen mother, and as a sign of esteem the king has sent a gentleman on purpose to visit her, (fn. 3) unless perchance he has instructions to offer his mediation for a reconciliation with her son. Meanwhile the preparations for her coming here and all talk about it have died away. The absence of his Majesty, which delays my first audience, and the chronic sterility of this Court afford me no more material for your Excellencies. Your letters of the 4th. 7th and 16th ult. reached me together today. For the transport of tallow (scevi) to the Levant and Venice I will suggest the profit to be made to the shipmasters who trade there. I will send the Senate full information about gunpowder next week. Meanwhile I may report that the Spanish minister here bought a considerable quantity of the king these last months, for emergencies in Flanders. Besides the transport he had to pay double, as the duty is 18 pence the pound of 16 ounces, equivalent to about 51 soldi of our money, more or less, acording to the exchange. The French ambassador very justly remonstrated with his Majesty on hearing of this, which concerns his master so much. He also tried to obtain the same advantage, but after obtaining it he considered the price exorbitant and gave up the whole business. London, the 8th October, 1638. [Italian.]
Oct. 15. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra, Venetian Archives.	513. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. Owing to the delay the original idea of Monsigot coming to this Court had died away, but he appeared unexpectedly last Sunday. It appears that the news of the queen's landing on these shores was false, and disseminated in order to discover the king's sentiments. On the announcement he directed the Treasurer to provide 30,000l. sterling, with an assignment of 200 per day, for her entertainment, although it is equally distasteful to everyone on several accounts, with the exception of the queen. When Monsigot was assured by this demonstration that the queen would be well received, he sent the news with all speed to Holland. They expect her Majesty here very soon, and are making the necessary preparations to receive her in state and with due respect. They have sent a person of quality to meet her, with the royal coaches, and to accompany her on the journey. (fn. 4) The aldermen of the city have received orders to render her every honour. The most prudent ministers and the supporters of the Palatine by no means approve of the ease with which the king has allowed his wife to coax him to undertake this most expensive entertainment. They foretell that this will not only deprive him of the means of assisting the just cause of his nephew, but that the people, seeing the money employed uselessly, will become more and more difficult over the contributions, and the pernicious consequences of compelling them to do so by force are recognised. Since the despatch of the Vice Admiral to Scottish waters news has come of the arrival and negotiations in that kingdom of the Marquis of Hamilton. This revives the hope of calming that dangerous storm, or at least of bringing back the leading men to their original loyalty to the king ; and by this opposition they feel more confidence about abasing thoroughly the pride of the obstinate. They are awaiting with the utmost impatience the particulars of the terms agreed upon, which everyone believes most advantageous for the people there. The coming of the secretary of the Ambassador Roe from Hamburg, which aroused so much curiosity, proves to have been more for private than for public affairs. Such precisely was the case with Gerbier also. He feared that those who guide the counsels of the queen mother here would bring about his ruin by calumny, as they threatened him more than once, when he prevented their mistress from coming to this kingdom. He therefore justified himself vigorously to the king, who not only accepted this but sent him back to his post with the distinction of knighthood. (fn. 5) The Agent of Savoy has his foot in the stirrup. His last audience is appointed for Sunday. He has remonstrated strongly of late with his Majesty because they have given the title of duchess to the princess of Mantua, while they make such difficulties about according that of Royal Highness to the Duchess of Savoy. They told him that when Caesar and the other princes grant his mistress the same advantages as those obtained by Mantua, his Majesty will not show himself backward in gratifying his sister in law. London, the 15th October, 1638. [Italian.]
	514. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. Gunpowder is manufactured in great quantities in this kingdom and is of the best quality. No one may sell it, the king having the monopoly. For guns the cost is estimated at 7l. 13s. 4d. per barrel of 100 lbs. of 16 ozs. including the duty, equivalent to 35 ducats 10 grossi of Venetian money di banco, more or less, according to the exchange. For muskets and guns together the Spanish Agent paid 21d. the pound, which would be 8s. more than the other. One obtains permission to export from the king, and I think that will be easy. The carriage to Venice costs about 8½l. per barrel, but it will not be easy to send a large quantity, as few ships lade for Venice, and we shall not find merchants willing to send their ships with gunpowder alone, because of the risk from fire. The Count of Ognati, for its transport to Dunkirk, had to buy barques managed by only two sailors, at the cost of the Catholic. The merchants here are accustomed to supply themselves at Leghorn at a cheaper rate. Amsterdam also affords equal advantages, a great quantity being manufactured at Liége. Transport will also be easier there, as many ships lade for Venice, among which it can be divided. I have intimated to the merchants who trade at Venice, the advantages for taking tallow (scevi) but they tell me that experience has shown that they derive no profit. 112 lbs. of 16 ozs. of this tallow pay 1l. 17s. sterling in duty, equivalent to 8 ducats 12 grossi di banco, more or less, according to the exchange ; when the ships go to lade in Ireland, where they find better terms, they take away a certain quantity with advantage. An English ship is momentarily expected in these waters from Muscovy, which is lading straight for Venice. We hear that it will take a good supply of it. This is all I can report in obedience to instructions. London, the 15th October, 1638. [Italian.]
Oct. 15. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Haya. Venetian Archives.	515. Gieronimo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague, to the Doge and Senate. The Palatine's army diminishes notably, not from discomfort but from lack of money, so its total dissolution is feared. Curtius, the Imperial minister at Hamburg, has assured the other ministers, and particularly the minister of England who supports the interests of the Palatine, that that Prince has set on foot negotiations at Brussels with the emperor. This is to render him more suspect to the king of Denmark, who is intervening as mediator on behalf of the common cause, and to shut him out from participation in the negotiations at the diet of Lubeck. The Hague, the 15th October, 1638. [Italian.]
Oct. 16. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Corti. Venetian Archives.	516. To the Ambassador in London. We have received your letters of the 17th ult. containing news of raids by ships of Tunis in Irish waters. These barbarians attack all nations and their suppression is a common interest. The Senate has therefore welcomed the offices performed by the English ambassador at the Porte upon the late action of the fleet. You will thank his Majesty and the minister in a special audience, which will serve to incite them to a continuance of these offices if necessary, but in such a way as not to betray on our part any hesitation or want, preserving the dignity of the republic in every respect. Ayes, 97. Noes, 2. Neutral, 1. [Italian.]
	517. That the Secretary of England be summoned to the Collegio and that the following be read to him We have given the most sure proofs of our sincere disposition towards the English nation, and we have also granted the favours you last asked, showing that we regard the English as much as our own subjects, and we feel sure that the king of Great Britain will respond fully. We therefore regret the incident of Thomas Simeas, who went to Zante with the pretended title of consul and exercised that charge without having been presented to our republic and without coming to us for the ordinary patents. But what we regret most is that this has led to much confusion in the island, since he has claimed that the purchase of currants shall be performed by one person only at a restricted price, very much lower than in the past, and this might destroy the trade. We have therefore thought fit to send the consul away, and we inform you in order that you may give his Majesty a proper account of the affair. For the rest we are ready to receive anyone sent with due forms and commissions, which will not prejudice our subjects or disturb trade. (fn. 6) Ayes, 98. Noes, 1. Neutral, 4. [Italian.]
	518. To the Ambassador in London. An Englishman has gone to Zante in the character of consul, who did not present himself to our representatives or ask for our ducali, his object clearly being to procure advantages for the English in trade to the detriment of our subjects, as our Provedtore has discovered. This was planned by the Levant Company in articles and orders for the purchase of currants. You know all that has been done for the English nation, but the way in which this consul was sent does not correspond with the upright intentions of the republic. As we feel sure that his Majesty will not approve you will represent to him and the ministers in a special audience the unmerited offence committed against us, informing him that we have dismissed the consul from the island, but that we shall always be ready to welcome anyone who is sent with proper commissions who will not do harm to our subjects. We shall wait to hear what you have to report upon this. Ayes, 98. Noes, 0. Neutral, 4. [Italian.]
Oct. 22. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	519. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. The Ambassador Roe reports from Hamburg that the negotiations for an alliance with the Swedes, fluctuate without advancing, as they are averse from binding themselves not to make terms with the House of Austria which do not include the restitution of the Palatinate unless England advances proposals more advantageous for them. The offer to have thirty well armed ships cruising in the Channel to cut off supplies to Flanders, is subject to the uncertainty of the winds, and the greed of the commanders, and is not an equivalent to the king's proposal. They ask for help in men or money contributions to maintain a corps d'armée, or a decision to break openly with the Austrians. In the present state of affairs here and the corresponding disposition of the ministers who have influence with the king, and the aversion for expense and trouble, the wisest do not think it likely that these proposals will be embraced. At St. James's, the usual lodging for royalty in this city, they are hastening preparations for the sumptuous entertainment of the queen mother. Unfavourable weather has so far prevented her from landing on these shores. The Earl of Northumberland, appointed by the king to meet and attend on her Majesty, stays on at Dover with the first officials of the crown. The queen here has returned earlier to her apartments here in order to see with her own eyes that the quarters are properly arranged. His Majesty has again intimated to Monsigot, Fabroni and Cogneux, the three councillors of his mother in law, in the most serious manner, that during their stay here they must abstain from meddling in seditious practices, and also show the utmost reserve in their behaviour and speech, which is often more free than prudent, as the slighest lapse will suffice to have them sent under guard to Calais to be handed over to the ministers of the Most Christian. It is recognised that these intimations are intended to render it easy to abbreviate their stay here, as once they have gone, it is supposed there will be less difficulty about the departure of their mistress, who so far has shown a determination not to be deprived of their assistance. Those who cry out most against the expense and other consequences of this entertainment, count upon these circumstances soon compelling that princess to fall in with her son's proposals by betaking herself to Florence, where she may look for the state that befits her greatness. The Marquis of Hamilton has introduced some quiet into Scotland by the grant of a synod to meet in November to revise the liturgy of the kingdom whereby the bishops will doubtless be utterly abolished from that country, and that a parliament shall meet next March, from which they fear further reduction of the royal authority from the audacity of the people. Yet, as the people are armed, the king orders that the arms shall be deposited in frontier towns or sold to other states. They, on the other hand, are doubtful if they will obtain disarmed what is promised them on paper only, and the smouldering embers kindle to flame again, with even greater danger than at first. The Duchess of Chevreuse sent a gentleman recently to the Duke of Lorraine. When he comes back she says she will decide finally whether she will go back to France or remain with the queen here, whose graciousness makes her stay so pleasant. The duchess continues to make known her interest in the Spanish party and her great intimacy with the Catholic and the Count Duke, from whom she receives most frequent letters, and announces commissions for taking action, to such an extent that the Spanish minister here goes to her for orders and advices. The king will be in the city tomorrow, at last. When the Master of the Ceremonies, who is stopping at Dover, has returned, I shall be able to make my public entry without seeing his Majesty again. London, the 22nd October, 1638. [Italian.]
Oct. 23. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Corti. Venetian Archives.	520. To the Ambassador in London. We enclose a copy of the reply given by the secretary of England to an office read to him. It amounts to the assertion that orders have been given by his Majesty to the merchants not to lade the currants of Zante before the 20th of December next, because of the abundance of that fruit at present in England. However, he does not deny, by this statement, that Simens was not sent with the character of consul, but rather aims at covering his faults by threadbare appearances. All this will serve you for illumination to use in measured and prudent offices. We have received your despatches of the 24th ult. Ayes, 98. Noes, 1. Neutral, 3. [Italian.]
Oct. 25. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Haya Venetian Archives.	521. Gieronimo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague, to the Doge and Senate. A good number of the officers here, both English and Scots, are asking permission to return to their native country, some to take sides with the king's forces and others in favour of the opposite faction, according to their natural inclination or through the more fervent stimulus of passion. The prince resigns himself to this most unwillingly, as by such means he sees a considerable number of his tried military leaders disappearing. The Hague, the 25th October, 1638. [Italian.]
Oct. 26. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Corti. Venetian Archives.	522. To the Ambassador in London. Imprisonment of the Bailo by the Caimecan at the Sultan's order. The remonstrances made by the foreign ministers at the Porte have been without effect. To express the appreciation of the republic of the offices performed by the English ambassador on this occasion and to point out that the interests of all the powers are concerned, and the need to uphold the cause. The Senate will wait to hear the result of his representations in a matter of so much moment. Ayes, 116. Noes, 1. Neutral, 1. [Italian.]
Oct. 26. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Francia. Venetian Archives.	523. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. In the affair of the passports new difficulties keep arriving as fast as the old ones are smoothed away. The offices of the English ambassadors cause trouble. In their efforts for the Palatine they try either to upset the last treaty of Prague, so disadvantageous for him, or to keep the war going. At a special audience they have pressed the king, that in addition to the passports requested of the emperor for the Protestant princes of Germany, others shall be asked for the electors, including the Palatine by name. Schidmore himself assured me that his Majesty gave a favourable reply, and Buglione gave a more definite promise. The nuncio told me that when he remarked to Savigni that it would be too much to ask guarantees for the counts and cities of the empire in addition to the Protestant princes, he said that that was not enough but they would want them specifically for the Electors also. Yet none of the ministers here has said a word to me about it so far. Were it not that everything moves very slowly at this Court, this would lead me to believe that the promise to the English ambassadors was more to satisfy the king of Great Britain and not to prejudice the treaties that they wish to arrange with him, than from any intention to carry it into effect ; but as they are incredibly lukewarm over even the most urgent affairs, I shall await the issue before forming judgment. I may say however, that if they mean to act upon this there will be curious consequences for the peace. It will clearly offend the Duke of Bavaria deeply, who will not appreciate this change, seeing that the French ministers, to avoid offending him, refused the title of Elector to the Palatine when he was in England. Poissy, the 26th October, 1638. [Italian.]
	524. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. The sudden decision of the queen mother to proceed to England has cut short the negotiations of Chenut who went back to Holland a day or two ago. Apparently he takes word that if the queen will retire to Florence they will let her have her appointments, otherwise his Majesty will make no change. The English ambassadors had the same answer, so it is concluded that here they would be glad to see her in a neutral place where she will want for nothing. One hears nothing about the Duke of la Vallette coming to Court, but rather of his going to England, or some other neutral place until the troubles which conspire against his person are resolved. (fn. 7) The gentleman of the Prince Palatine,who saw the king recently, asked for help to support his troops. (fn. 8) They told him of their readiness to help, but that they will not stir a step before they see how solid the promises of the King of Great Britain may be, and their own assistance will be in accordance. The two gentlemen who came from England with compliments on the birth of the dauphin, have taken leave of their Majesties. Poissy, the 26th October, 1638. [Italian.]
Oct. 28. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Constantinopoli. Venetian Archives.	525. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Bailo at Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate. The new English ambassador Cavalier Safilero has arrived with two great ships which have brought 17,000 Londons in addition to a quantity of tin and other goods. (fn. 9) He has brought his wife with him and other merchants of his nation, who will set up a house. We have exchanged compliments thro' the secretaries. As regards present circumstances he has dilated upon the matter at length and has introduced the name of his king. He expects that orders will come from the camp and the present minister be dismissed. He has had a dispute with Bastangi Pasha as he would not favour some Jews, and introduce the enrolled members of his nation. One of his merchants, moreover, was beaten without cause, the ambassador himself having a narrow escape. The Vigne, of Pera, the 28th October, 1638. [Italian, deciphered.]
Oct. 28. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Haya. Venetian Archives.	526. Gieronimo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague, to the Doge and Senate. News has just reached the Princess Palatine, that the Prince, her son, has been compelled to raise the siege of Lemgoa. In retreating to a narrow pass for safety, he lost the greater part of his infantry. (fn. 10) The calvary took to flight and its officers were taken prisoners. The fate of Prince Rupert his brother, who behaved gallantly, is uncertain. The Palatine himself has betaken himself to Minden with the scanty remains of his men. The circumstances are still uncertain, and fuller reports are expected shortly. The Hague, the 28th October, 1638. [Italian.]
Oct. 29. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	527. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. His Majesty returned to town on Saturday, but the royal officials are cooling their heels at Dover, waiting for the queen mother. The delay arouses some hope that the efforts of Barchelei may have proved successful, he being sent to her Majesty under the show of compliment, in order to stop her coming, the royal patrimony being unequal to bear up long under the weight of so expensive a circumstance, which has led his Majesty to suspend payment to all pensioners. This has caused a stir among those first affected, and a universal murmur, as the people always dislike change and they fear even worse prejudice. The Ambassador Gioachimi has at present ceased his offices to induce the king to revoke entirely the letters of reprisal against the ships of his masters, which are only suspended. Those concerned in the burning of one ship and the plundering of another are referred to the Admiralty Court, (fn. 11) which means a maze of difficulties and delays, out of which it is not easy to find a way. Accordingly all hope of recompense dwindles away. His Majesty has appointed a royal ship, to escort the Resident of Savoy here to France, though only after the most pressing offices, as this favour is usually conceded to ambassadors only. This minister continues to assert that he has it from the king's lips that he means to send Fildin to Venice a second time ; (fn. 12) but his abilities are so discredited that the Court will want some better evidence. I will keep on the look out and advise the Senate punctually. Reports from Scotland are mingled with rumours of doubtful events, as the wound has not completely healed. The king tries to keep the measures taken over these affairs a severe secret. He has accordingly sent home a Scot, who had news daily from that kingdom and did not hesitate to publish it quite frankly. The Marquis of Hamilton has orders to stay on until the promised meeting of the synod and parliament. This will consume time, and through that efficacious master for getting rid of popular seditions, the king may be able to serve his own interests. In the scarcity of material this is all that the zeal of the most devoted minister can report. I have to thank your Excellencies for the honour of your letters of the 18th and 30th ult. and the 8th October, which reached me yesterday. London, the 29th October, 1638. [Italian.]