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1642.
March 3.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
1. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary at the Hague, to the
Doge and Senate.
The hopes of the coming to the Queen of England with her
daughter seem to have disappeared with the change of wind,
much to the regret of the House of Orange. The government
chose six deputies to receive her Majesty in the name of all the
Provinces. Lavish provisions for her entertainment were sent
to the frontier. The Admiral had orders to go and meet her,
the citizens to be ready to welcome her with joyful acclamations,
and the governors of towns to greet her arrival with every sign
of rejoicing. Here at the Hague they made great preparations
to celebrate her entry. The whole Court is still ready to render
her the most signal honours, and they have prepared most
sumptuous quarters for her reception.
The Hague, the 3rd March, 1642.
[Italian.] |
March 6.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
2. To the Ambassador to the King of England.
In your letters of the 14th ult. we hear of the daily increasing
confusion in that kingdom, which we regret from our desire for
the content of the king and the good of his kingdom. We enclose
the usual advices.
Your request to be relieved is reasonable, and we shall embrace
a seasonable opportunity for affording you your desire. In
the mean time we feel confident that you will continue to employ
your habitual skill and prudence and that you will succeed in
avoiding all unpleasant incidents, so conducting yourself that
no jealous suspicion can possibly be conceived against you.
Ayes, 124. Noes, 2. Neutral, 4.
[Italian.] |
March 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
3. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The king is still at Dover, waiting for the queen to sail. She
has, up to the present, made excuses to postpone her departure,
on the ground of the bad weather and of other domestic incidents.
Of the intentions that prompt this step, no one knows anything
for certain as yet and everyone speaks in accordance with his
own personal bias. Time alone can show conclusively what
are the secret intentions of his Majesty and what secret motives
have combined to shape the decision.
Fifteen war ships have arrived at Dover to accompany the
ambassadors of Holland. They proceeded with all speed in
this direction to bear testimony to the sincere regard of the
Prince of Orange, to offer every service and satisfaction to the
queen and his pleasure at the prospect of seeing at the side of
his son the princess, his bride, who is so eagerly desired and
sought after.
The Prince Palatine Rupert has also landed on these shores (fn. 1)
and proceeded to the Court to thank the king for obtaining his
release from Caesar through the powerful intercession of this
crown. He spreads a report that when once he has performed
this ceremonial duty he will return to his mother in Holland so
as to avoid giving any occasion for misgivings in his Majesty's
mind by a longer stay here at a time of so much disturbance and
innovation.
Parliament has informed the king, by means of four deputies
of the nomination of the persons selected for the government of
the counties and of the militia of the kingdom, requesting that
he will confirm the appointments promptly, in accordance with
the promise given, and so leave the way clear for those selected
to take measures for the defence of the country, in accordance
with the general desire of the people. But his Majesty, who is
trying to gain time to provide opportunities for promoting his
interests, replied to them gravely that the question was one
that involved weighty matters which required mature consideration.
He was unable to attend to them for the moment, being
immersed in serious occupations involving the closest ties, with
the departure of his wife and daughter (fra le tenerezze del viaggio
della moglie e della figliola). When they have gone he will immediately
depart for Grinuich where he will decide after reflection
upon those steps which he may consider the best adapted to
secure the general welfare and satisfaction, and he will afterwards
make known his precise intentions. (fn. 2)
With this the commissioners departed. Upon their reporting
this unexpected reply from the king the parliamentarians were
marvellously perturbed, argueing from the tone adopted that
the king had changed his mind and that he was cherishing in
his heart some purpose different from his first inclination.
Accordingly, without delay, they chose other commissioners
and sent them back to the king with instructions to make the
most vigorous representations to induce him to ratify the parliament's
decree. But as this is directed solely to the total destruction
of the royal authority, his Majesty fences in order to avoid
giving his consent.
The city of London, whose mayor has always enjoyed the
privilege of commanding the trained bands and of exercising
despotic powers for securing peace and safety, displays great
resentment at an innovation practised by parliament in despoiling
the mayor and aldermen of this advantage, appointing another
individual in their confidence to this office. (fn. 3) Accordingly, amid
great excitement, the leading [citizens], together with the magistrate
of the city have made complaint to the king, petitioning
him not to consent to this act of the parliament and to preserve
to them the use of their ancient privileges, protesting that if they
cannot obtain the continuation of this most just prerogative
they will withdraw their trade and even their residence, from
London. (fn. 4) This would involve serious injury to the whole
country, not only in the matter of trade, but more particularly
in the public customs, which alone supply the means for meeting
the cost of the fleet, and for maintaining the royal household.
In this latter the leading [lords] are interested, who enjoy appointments
in the palace. They have made the same representations
in writing with much freedom and determination to
parliament also, on which account that body has taken steps
to punish those who brought the paper, who are among the most
respected and considerable citizens. If these quarrels grow
more bitter it is conceivable that they will completely alienate
this city from supporting the parliamentarians who have hitherto
been sustained by the favour of the opinion of London. This
might afford the king an opening for restoring his fortunes from
their present forlorn condition. Consequently the progress and outcome
of these new differences are being closely watched for their
importance and as calculated to make a deep impression on the
minds of the citizens, with consequences which may possibly change
the aspect of affairs here.
To have the pleasure of the prince's company during the queen's
absence the king gave orders that his Highness should be at
Grinuich when he himself arrived there. But parliament having
learned of this order interposed its veto, on the ground that the
prince would not be sufficiently safe in a place so near the sea
ports, even though commended to the care of his father, a precaution
that offends his Majesty the more because it is directed to
render his actions suspect to his people.
Several letters have arrived from Ireland this week, but as
they have all been stopped by parliament it is not possible to
find out precisely what news they bring of events there. Their
energy in this matter leads many to conclude that affairs
are going unfavourably for them there. Meanwhile they are
devoting their earnest attention to getting together money to
provide for defence there, and parliament has passed a resolution
that all those who come forward on this occasion with sums of
ready money shall have an assignment of a correspondingly
rich portion of the goods of the rebels, which may be acquired
there. But so far these [offers] have produced no results, as no
one wishes to risk his capital in exchange for doubtful expectations.
Even in the parishes here and throughout the kingdom
they are asking the people to subscribe freely to support the war
against the rebels. The cost of this, involving heavy expenditure
and fresh burdens on the people, naturally excites misgiving
among the parliamentarians, who fear that the burden of so many
taxes may estrange the people from their side and may revive the
popularity of his Majesty among them, involving the certain destruction
of the most disaffected and influential.
London, the 7th March, 1642.
Postscript : a courier has just arrived from Dover with news
that the queen had decided to embark yesterday evening. If
she did she will have arrived in Holland in a few hours, because
the wind at present is entirely favourable. If it be so, your
Excellencies will have full information from the Resident Zon.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
March 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
4. Thadio Vico, Venetian Resident in Germany, to the
Doge and Senate.
The negotiations about the Palatinate proceed with their
customary deliberation. The English ambassador perceiving
that the reply from Spain tarried to the paper presented by the
electorial mediators, began to press for some decision from the
emperor, threatening that he would be gone. Accordingly
the ministers here held a consultation and they decided it would
be expedient to give a reply to the deputies stating that they
should treat with England and see if he has sufficient powers
and will produce them, for bringing the arms of his king to bear
for the peace of the empire, as he previously intimated he would
do if the Spaniards were ready to restore freely the Lower
Palatinate. In that case his Majesty would pledge his word
for the Catholic king that this should be done. When England
was informed of this the ambassador replied that he had full
powers, most ample for everything, but he would not show them
until he had the assurance of receiving not only the Lower but
the Upper Palatinate with the electoral dignity and the reinstatement
of the Palatine in integrum. When the emperor
heard this answer he thought fit to report it to the duke of
Bavaria, as the one who possesses the whole, by a special messenger
who went and returned in six days. The elector replied
that they must first settle with the Spaniards the point raised
by England, and so there is a hitch at the very outset.
I learn that the English ambassador is fed up (satio) with the
constant obstacles that keep cropping up and he intimates that
he means to have done with it all and to take himself off with
a final protest.
Vienna, the 8th March, 1642.
[Italian.] |
March 10.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
5. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary at the Hague, to the
Doge and Senate.
After a long wait, which the prince here bore with more apprehension
than patience, news reached the Court yesterday that
the fleet bringing the Queen of England and her daughter, the
Princess Mary to these shores had come in sight of Brill. The
young Prince of Orange started off at once to welcome her Majesty
and the bride who is so much desired, with every demonstration
of respect and joy. The old prince, having made sure of the news
by special courier, set out at midday to-day, and with him six
deputies of the Assembly, to receive her Majesty with every sign
of esteem and honour. The queen will make her entry into
this city to-morrow, and will establish herself here for some time.
The Hague, the 10th March, 1642.
[Italian.] |
March 12.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Rettori.
Venetian.
Archives. |
6. To the Proveditore of Zante.
The English resident has presented the enclosed memorial
in the Collegio. You will send information taken on oath with
special regard to the offences of the person accused, of the reasons
and all particulars. For the rest you will be acting rightly
and in accordance with our wishes by affording every assistance
and protection to the merchants of that and of every other nation,
in the interest of trade and the customs.
Ayes, 104. Noes, 3. Neutral, 28.
[Italian.] |
March 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
7. To the Ambassador in England.
Express entire satisfaction with his behaviour in difficult
circumstances, and with his reports, which show application
and zeal. Nothing to add beyond the need for continuing to
show the same diligence in sending news and the sequence of
events. Enclose advices.
Ayes, 72. Noes, 0. Neutral, 0.
[Italian.] |
March 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
8. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
On Tuesday in last week the queen set out from these waters
with the princess. They have left the king to his loneliness
and deeply moved. The wind being favourable they will have
passed pleasantly to Holland in a few hours. His Majesty
accompanied his wife as far as the shore, and did not know how
to tear himself away from her, conversing with her in sweet
discourse and affectionate embraces, nor could they restrain
their tears, moving all those who were present.
After the departure of the queen his Majesty returned to
Grinuich, where he is awaiting the convenience of parliament
and the permission for the prince to join him there. Thither on
Saturday 8th, they sent commissioners in order to learn definitely
what his intentions are with regard to giving his consent to the
decisions reported, i.e. about arming the kingdom and the appointment
of Lieutenants for the counties. His Majesty satisfied
these by talking of agreeing to this, but on condition that the
preparation of these forces and the choice of the persons to
command them shall not take effect until six months' time,
with many other reservations and exceptions. He subsequently
assured the deputies that on the following Thursday he proposed
to proceed with the prince to Tibols, a pleasure house of the
crown, and thence to Niumarchet, fifty miles from here. From
the trend of these ideas the deputies derived fresh grounds for
concluding how little the king was disposed to give them satisfaction.
So they returned to their station here and gave an
account of everything to the parliamentarians. These men,
agitated by their turbulent passions and considering it unlikely
that they can persuade the king to accept their demands in the
manner they desire, and at the same time very suspicious of
this journey, after lengthy consultations have adopted the
expedient of sending a paper to his Majesty pointing out that
his own security and that of the realm render it necessary to
prepare their defence in times so full of suspicion and if his Majesty
persists in his view that he cannot grant them this advantage,
they will take action on their own account, providing for the
government of the counties in accordance with the nominations
presented, in conformity with the laws of the crown and the
privileges of parliament, as some of the counties have already
begun to do, in apprehension of present dangers. For the
perfection of many affairs and the safety of his Majesty's own
person they are called upon to beseech him not to go far away
from London, since his absence might have ruinous consequences
for the public peace. They also ask him to be pleased that the
prince shall return to his ordinary sojourn in this city or in
another house near by. (fn. 5)
To present this paper, which has really been drawn up under
the influence of ambition and dictated by anger, they selected
six deputies of the Upper House and twelve of the Lower, who
proceeded on Wednesday to Tibols. His Majesty received them
with every demonstration of honour and after hearing them
with all patience, gave them his reply. He was greatly astonished
at the form of such proposals and did not know what to answer.
You talk, said he, of suspicion and fear. Lay your hands on
your hearts and ask yourselves if I also have no reason for fear.
With regard to arming the kingdom he was determined to alter
nothing in the reply given, which he judged well suited to what
was due and to his personal dignity. With regard to his staying
in London, he asked them if he could do so with safety and
honour and if he had not had cause for absenting himself. With
respect to the prince he would take such care as would justify
him before God, as a father, and before his dominions as king.
For the rest he cherished a desire for peace and union with his
people and he relied upon the goodness and providence of God
for the preservation of his interests and royal rights. (fn. 6)
With these grave words his Majesty sent back the deputies
and to-day he is to proceed to Niumarchet with the prince, with
the idea of making a long stay there and of waiting there for
time to show what steps he must take for the re-establishment
of his authority.
Parliament, on the other hand, having heard the king's firm
determination not to grant them the things demanded in the
manner claimed, reassembled in scanty numbers and by the vote
of those alone who are opposed to his Majesty's party, they decided
yesterday to go forward without further respect in carrying the
decrees into execution, and to have printed and published the considerations
which induced them to provide for the defence of the
kingdom by armed forces. There are some who believe that these
headstrong measures will actually be carried into effect, since those
who meddle with affairs of this character undoubtedly render themselves
guilty of high treason, and consequently many conclude that
the decision is only intended to intimidate the king and constrain
him to bend to the will of the parliamentarians. However the event
will very soon show clearly what their intentions are, and what
movements among the people will be excited by such open disobedience
to their lawful and natural prince. It is certain that with his
innocent habits the king is not detested by his subjects, who do not
at present show so much zeal in applauding the proceedings of
parliament. People already say publicly that private interests
and not zeal for the public welfare provide the foundation for these
continued disturbances and tiresome changes which have reduced
trade to the very smallest dimensions and caused a loss this year to
the London customs alone of 600,000 ducats (la persona di cui
et gli innocenti costumi suoi non sono certamente aborrite da
sudditi, i quali non si dimostrano di presente si ferventi ad applauder
le deliberationi del Parlamento, et gia publicamente
si parla che fine di privato interesse, non il zelo del bene publico
diano il fondamento a questi continuati torbidi et travagliosi
alterationi, che hanno ridotto il trafico all ultimo punto della
diminutione et pregiudicato quest' anno alle sole dogane di
Londra 600,000 mille ducati).
The differences with this city still persist and although parliament
has put a bridle on the more timid by the threat of severe
punishment, yet the alienation of the sympathies of the more
substantial citizens from the new form of government is apparent.
The same sentiments find voice in other counties and towns as well,
and those who have a thorough knowledge of the feelings of the
people freely prophesy that the aspect of affairs here will very soon
undergo a change and the king may possibly be able to recover for
himself a position of decent authority. Many parliamentarians
who in the past have shown themselves ill affected towards the king's
interests, have rallied to him, arousing the jealousy of the contrary
party. Quarrels and divisions are appearing among these over
the distribution of the many rich appointments to which everyone
aspires.
Owing to the absence of the queen it is claimed that the
Capuchins must not continue their stay here or the worship of
God in the chapel at Somerset House and two days ago it was
decided that they should return to France. The French ambassador
by vigorous opposition has prevented this from being
carried into effect. After many disputes he has obtained that
they may stay here for three months longer, until his king has
been informed and has sent back his opinion, on condition that
entry to the chapel shall only be allowed to the servants of the
queen who have not gone with her, and to the French who are
in this city That minister encounters fresh difficulties over the
levy of 4000 Scots which was already granted to him, and he
has lost hope of achieving his end.
Colonel Butler, an Irishman, who has served a long while in
the wars of Germany, has been to see me. He asked me to offer
to your Excellencies in his name a levy of two regiments of
Germans, which he proposes to assemble on the frontiers of
Switzerland with the facilities which are afforded to him. I
report this to your Excellencies for what it may be worth.
London, the 14th March, 1642.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
9. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
To avoid further delay in presenting the letter which your
Excellencies were pleased to send me, I had audience of his
Majesty on Wednesday at Tibols. I spoke to him in the first
place about the opening of the public despatches, following
precisely the wording of the instructions sent to me. The office
proved exceedingly acceptable. The king told me he considered
it a peculiar favour that your Excellencies have taken
into account the annoyance he felt at such an incident, to which
he attached great importance, as even the most barbarous nations
would not have ventured to do such a thing. His annoyance
could not be greater. His only consolation was that he had not
been present. His absence should shield him from the suspicion
of foreign princes that it was done by connivance. In the matter
of reparation he had done all he knew and was ready to do anything
more to satisfy me, if I would indicate to him what he
might do to make known to the world his regard for the greatness
of the Senate, and his esteem for me as your minister.
I thanked his Majesty for his gracious remarks and assured
him how much your Excellencies appreciated his goodwill. I
hope that the king's perfect friendliness will pave the way for
the proper reception of the Most Illustrious Contarini, my successor,
and do away with the odious difference in the reception
of the Venetian ambassadors as compared with those of the other
crowns. But I will move with the utmost reserve in this delicate
matter, without compromising the state in any way, and I will
not take any action unless sure of success, endeavouring to
secure that the first move shall come from his Majesty, in correction
of the errors of his predecessors, due to inadvertence rather
than to ill will.
I also told the king about the affair of the merchant Obson,
presenting the letter of your Excellencies. While I was telling
him of the beginning and progress of that cause, he interrupted
me, saying : Signor Ambassador, be so good as to give me this
information in writing, so that I may have it shown to the interested
parties, who make such a fuss, and bring them to reason.
Reflecting that to give an account in writing, to be subsequently
submitted to the merchants, who know no other convenience
or reason than their own interests, was to expose the affair to
fresh demands, and introduce negotiation, when I notice that
your Excellencies aim at getting it definitely settled, I assured
his Majesty that in a few sentences I could give him such particulars
orally that would confirm absolutely his conviction of
the upright and independent justice which the magistrates
at Venice deal out to all, without respect of persons, as well as
of the friendly feeling and partiality shown towards the agents
of the subjects of this crown, who are regarded and treated as
our own. Proceeding with the argument I made him realise
the baselessness of Obson's claims, and those of the Senator Zon
as well. His Majesty asked me if the judicial arbiters had been
chosen with the consent of both parties, to which I replied that
that was the case. He said that your Excellencies could not
have done more and it was not just to deprive people of their
rights. He went on to speak in complimentary terms of your
Excellencies and of his satisfaction with me personally. With
that I took leave and on coming our of the chamber I met the
Secretary of State, to whom his Majesty had handed your Excellencies'
letter. He informed me that his Majesty was perfectly
satisfied about the business of Obson, and the interested parties
should also be content, and your Serenity had done what you
could for the advantage of that cause. He added of his own
accord that the king was anxious to get his ambassador for
Venice to set out. He had spoken to him with insistence on the
subject two days ago. These tiresome accidents had hindered
his movements, but he would be starting soon and he hoped it
would be at Easter, without fail.
London, the 14th March, 1642.
[Italian.] |
March 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
10. Thadio Vico, Venetian Resident in Germany, to the
Doge and Senate.
Bavaria professes himself ready to satisfy England, informing
the ambassador of his willingness to treat about the Upper as
well as the Lower Palatinate, and about the electoral dignity
as well. Accordingly I understand that the ambassador has
at last produced his powers to promise everything for his king,
but he is unwilling to declare himself in anything on the subject
before he knows what they mean to do about the restoration
and satisfaction of the Palatine, while he does not mean to
commit his king more deeply than he ought in such matters as
declaring against the Dutch and other allies of England, as the
Spaniards desire. Thus he seems to have taken offence about
some statements attributed to him by the electoral mediators,
who have made it appear that he intimated that he would do
all that they wanted to obtain a settlement of the Palatine's
affair. The Spaniards oppose concessions and say they have
nothing to fear from the menaces or the forces of the English,
because their most serious internal disturbances prevent them
and will do for a long while from employing any armed forces
on behalf of the Palatine's cause.
Vienna, the 15th March, 1642.
[Italian.] |
| Enclosure. |
11. Animadversiones legati Angliae supra responsum Caesaris,
partim negando, partim explicando, de finaliter concludendo.
Caesariae Majestati dom. nostro Clementissimo relata sunt ea
quae ad tractatus Palatinos ordinati Regii et Electorales Consiliarii
et Legati ad Petita tam Regii Anglici quam aliorum
Interessatorum Legatorum ut etiam ex proprio motu proposuerunt :
Ex quibus intelligit dominos et mediationem hujus
causae deputatos reveri, quoniam dom. Anglicus Legatus
protestatus est se incerta hic expectare non posse, sed nisi remora
per defectum Hispanicae Plenipotentiae injecta tollatur, hinc
esse discessuram, totam hanc actionem, si non omnino interruptam,
attamen parvam spem desiderati finis relictam iri.
Cui inconvenienti ut mediatur, Illos ad seria tam dicti domini
Anglici quam Palatinorum Legatorum desideria orare ut Caes.
Maj. in se recipiat, quae ratione ditionum ab Hispanis in Inferiori
Palatinatu possessarum, agenda erunt, itaque in hac actione
procedat, quaemadmodum necessitas Imperii et publica requirit.
Idque eo magis, quia Ipsius Maj. haud ignorat quanta commoda
hujus causae maturatio, quantaque e contrario incommoda ejus
dilatio vel omnimoda ruptura affere possit. Commoda esse ut
dom. Legatus Ang. tam scripto (1) quam oretenus testatus est si
hac (2) Palatina negotia per media aequa et honesta componi
possunt, Coronam Ang. cum Maj. Caes. et Imperio conjunctim
iri, unitisque animis (3) et viribus ad recuperationem desiderissimae
pacis cooperaturam, instantisque Tractatus generales
fortiter promoturam. Regem etiam Hisp. non aliter hanc Caes.
Maj. nullo alio fine quam ad promovendam publicam quietem
susceptam actionem, quam optime interpretaturum cum nemo
ignoret quantam illius Coronis intersit, ipsi bene cum Anglica
convenire. Ut haec omnia fusius in dominorum mediatorum
memoriali commemorantur.
Majestas Caesarea satis grate adhuc meminit quam prompte
ambo regii et electorales legati consenserint in continuationem
horum Tractatuum hoc in loco, nihilque magis in votis haberet,
quam si dom. mediatorum huc usque adhibita diligentia apud partes
interessatos, tantum operari potuisset, ut etiam ante hac propius
ad rem accessissent, cumque ab una parte aliqua specialis apertura
facta sit, ut altera etiam non in eo solo habere voluisset se in
extremis persistere nolle. Ut tamen ista sint Caes. sua Maj.
nunquam adhuc desperavit de bono successu horum tractatuum
tribuitque temporis hue usque factam jacturam gravitati negotii,
cum certum sit, talia et similia difficultatis plurimum, praesertim
in principio habere. Nec dubitet etiam coronam Anglicanam
ad aliud nihil collimare quam ad recuperationem pacis, tranquillitatem
Imperii et per consequens conservationem eorum
quorum bono haec actiones susceptae sunt. Ideoque etiam
gratissima fuere Maj. suae ea quae nomine Coronae Anglicae dom.
ejusdem Legatus tam scriptis quam oretenus contestatus est.
Et quanquam non desint praegnantes rationes quae impedire
possent susceptionem actionis, ratione ditionum quas Rex Hisp.
in Inferiori Palatinatu possidet ; quaeque suadent ut expectentur
plenipotentiae oratori Hisp. mittendae, quas cito ad futuras
nuperrime confirmatum est. Tamen Caes. Maj. mota per dom.
mediatorum rationes quae demonstrant haec ipsius coronae
Hisp. bono futura in se susceptura est, quidquid ratione ditionum
ab illa Corona in Palatinatu possessarum, bono Maj. suae de
Imperii agendum erit. Si quidem hi Tractatus ad pacificationem,
redintegrationem, corroborationem et securitatem Imperii contra
(4) eos qui dicto Imperio ejusque fidelibus Electoribus, Principibus
et Statibus, pacem et cuique suum invident spectare debent.
His ita positis, Maj. sua judicat compendiosissimam, omnibusque
interessatis utilissimam viam fore si cum dom. Anglico
Legato quamprimum agatur ut ipse (5) declaret quomodo corona
Ang. se conjungere velit ut unitis viribus et animis Pax generalis
et communis obtineatur, et quomodo cooperare ut Tractatus
generales qui prae manibus sunt efficaciter promoveantur et
sic ambo puncta tam restitutionis quam confoederationis uno
eodemque (6) tramite et pertractentur et finiantur. Quo propter
necessarium est quemadmodum sua Caes. Maj. nomine Regis
Hisp. actionem in se suscipit, suosque consiliarios ad tractandum
ordinat et plenas ipsis potentias dat ut eodem modo etiam Anglici
Legati plenipotentiae tam ab rege (7) quam a corona illa datae
ad foedus sanciendum et restitutionem componendam edantur
et tum Tractatus promoveantur.
Quantum ad Praefecturam Germersheim dom. mediatores ex
nupera suae Maj. declaratione satis videre potuerunt illam in
Tractatus venturam et ejus causa illos non ruptos iri quae etiam
nunc ipsius Maj. mens est.
De caetero vident restitutionem (8) Inferioris Palatinatus et
confoederationem ita esse connexa ut pari passu sint tractanda,
cum hoc modo proportio unius ad alterum facillime inveniri
queat. Ideoque quomodo et quando Praefectura Germersheim,
item ea quae Elector Bavariae in Inf. Palatinatu Maj. suae permittit,
sint tradenda eosque remittit.
Eorum causa quae Electoralem viduam Palatinam Principessam
Catherinam Sophiam et ducem Ludovicum Philippum
concernunt Maj. ipsius Electori Bavariae quantum necessariam
esse credit scriptura est. Et Episcopum Wormatiensen, Marcionem
Badensem et capitulum Spirense brevi proposito termino
huc citatura. Interim tamen non vult Tractationem deferri sed
statim post etiam Plenipotentiam continuari.
Haec sunt quae Caes. Maj. dom. Regio et Electoralibus Legatis
respondet, eosque Caes. clementia complectitur. Signatum in
cancelleria Aulica Imperiali xxiv Feb. anno mdcxlii.
Ferdinandus Comes Kurtz.
Johan. Walderode.
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(1) ubi constat?
(2) His verbis acquiescit ; cum hac propositio, si haec Palatina
negotia etc. sit hypothetica etc. praesupponat securitatem restitutionis,
quae praecedere omnem confoederationem debeat ;
ac proinde et ordo de natura tractatus ita requirit ut interessati
ante omnia se se declarent quid et quomodo restituere velint.
(3) Verba invidiosa, a mediatoribus minus candide intrusa,
negat scriptis etc.
(4) Contra neminem. Ideo protestari cogitur ne hoc petitum
tacite admissum, amicis suspectum esse possit.
(5) Sic capiuntur vulpiculae : cum dummodo quid expectare
possit de restitutione in tenebris manebit ; in Gallia, Coloniae,
Hamburgi, Svetia, Belgio, luci publicae atque amicorum invidiae
expositus erit, sed cum interessati cathegorice se se declaraverint
quid velit nolitve Rex ejus, candide explicavit.
(6) Hac allusio in via spaciosa ambulando stare potest, sed
in Tractatibus necesse est fundamentum poni et unum alterum
articulum praemissa conclusionem precedere, id est Quid pro
quo!
(7) Disjunctim, captiose : Rex et Corona idem sunt. Quos
junxit Deus, nemo separet.
(8) Haec clausula totum responsum et Tractatum dupliciter
restringit, primum ad Palatinatum Inf. ; deinde per consequens
ad particularia et ejusdem partes ; cum nominatim mentio
facta sit Praefectum Germersheimensis et aliorum a duce
Bavariae ad Caesarem remissarum, tum particularia expressa
restringunt generalia et excludunt tractum Montanam ab Electore
Moguntino detentum et alias a Landgravio Darmstadienti
raptas : ita ut nihil certe constituat de restitutione integra toties
petita. Quibus Legatus Anglicus respondet se nullam habere
potestatem vel tractandi vel confoederationem ineundi pro
tribus vel quatuor Praefecturis. Quae nam enim est et qualis
ea proportio intimata, inter paucas Praefecturas et tanti Regis
confoederationem? Quae proportio redenda ab iis expectare
potest, qui tam stricte oblata acceptare recusent ? Ideo si
restitutio integra non resolvatur pro fragmentis et partibus
tractare nullam se habere facultatem saepius contestatus est
neque ulla ratione ab eo requiri potest.
Haec paucule sunt quae Legatus Anglicus dom. mediatoribus
pro responso et resolutione insinuare invitus cogitur. (fn. 7) |