|
|
Oct. 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
148. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The government has not yet made any reply to the parliament
commissioner, who continues his stay here with the full approbation
of the populace. He has not pressed for one, and seems
confidant that his requests will profit by the queen's absence.
The Hollanders support him with drawn sword, favouring his
offices very warmly and careless about offending the queen,
for whom they express scant respect, although they strike her
supporters to the quick. Her Majesty seems to have recognised
the impossibility of obtaining any adequate assistance here, and
she inclines to go straight to Paris. Her brother, the Most
Christian, has invited her, expressing his regret at the misfortunes
which surround her on every side and pressing her with the
utmost affection to come to France without delay. She has
decided to make the journey by land, as being less exposed to
some mishap. But before she leaves this state the queen wants
to await the return of the gentleman sent to the Court, for the
reply of the Bishop of Angouleme, who has been negotiating for
some time with the Cardinal, of whose intentions her Majesty
is impatiently awaiting an exact account so that she may arrange
her plans with the prince.
The military provisions for the King of England, seized by the
Hollanders at the instance of the parliament commissioner, as
well as the 200 soldiers have since been taken across in small
barques secretly. The Council of State held a long enquiry in
order to give time for the passage of the troops, and found it
expedient to procrastinate the execution of the sentence, cloaking
it with a show of reason in order to appease the Hollanders, who
pressed for an exemplary punishment with extraordinary zeal.
200 soldiers who tried to leave Dunkirk to proceed to Spain,
were utterly discomfited by the Admiral of their Fleet here.
The Hollanders offer the strongest opposition to fresh proposals
of the Assembly General for the prompt despatch of the embassy
extraordinary to England. They want it to remain in abeyance
until some uncertain event there, which is announced here,
has been cleared up, and until an exact account arrives from
the ordinary ambassador in England of the precise state of
affairs there just now.
The Hague, the 1st October, 1642.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 3.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
149. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
General the earl of Essex still clings fast to his original quarters
at Nortanton, and without devoting his attention to any enterprise
he is busily engaged in assembling the troops who are
destined to unite with him. These increase in numbers with
every day although they do not improve in quality, and make
more and more apparent to the eyes of the generality the strength
of these forces while adding to the prestige of the party of the
malcontents. By letters written to the parliament and to this
city the general has acquainted them with the state of the army
and expressed his confident expectation of bringing to a successful
issue the enterprises which he undertakes. He asks them to
despatch to him without delay 100,000l. sterling to meet the
expenses of the army and declares that unless this assistance is
promptly supplied he will not be able to move a step forward or
even to provide for the more important requirements of these
forces. He protests that if their daily pay is not supplied to
the troops it is to be feared that they will desert their banners
and if this should happen it will prove a difficult task subsequently
to collect a new body of troops equally numerous. He points
out the necessity of keeping them content and of dealing cautiously
with them, and that he cannot enforce the strict rules of
discipline or of arbitrary command with this peasant soldiery,
such as are usual for keeping in hand other armies, composed of
many nations, from fear lest the use of severity might afford
occasion for mutinies or other harmful licence, as regards which
it appears that the generality are not entirely free from misgivings.
The demand for so considerable a sum of money has filled their
minds with just apprehension, after the general had taken away with
him last week the pay of the whole army for a month, and has given
rise to mutterings that owing to the inner promptings of avarice,
he is studying rather to increase his own profit than to secure advantage
to the cause of his associates. However, as it does not seem
desirable to afford him fresh cause for discontent, they have put this
consideration on one side and it has even been decided to meet his
demands promptly.
To this end they have preferred a request to the city of London
for a new loan, they have imposed upon all the inhabitants,
without distinction, the obligation to contribute sums of ready
money, every man in accordance with his means, and all this is
destined to meet the requirements of the war, upon which, the
treasurers assert, they will be spending 15,000l. sterling a day.
As it is impossible to support so great an expenditure for long,
parliament will be compelled, in order to go on, to have recourse
to heavier impositions to meet the requirements and men of most
experience predict that under the burden of greater charges it will
not be possible for them to restrain the people within the limits of
their present moderation, but that they will throw patience to the
winds and give rein to acts of violence such as England has never
seen. For this reason everything goes to show that time alone can
provide the sure remedy for restoring this kingdom to its original
state of tranquillity. In the meantime the less violent among the
parliamentarians and those who have not the management of money,
perceiving these difficulties to be insuperable and the disadvantages
to which delays may give rise, have persuaded parliament by
urgent representations to bring determined pressure upon Essex
to cut short the period for the marching of the army and to draw
near to his Majesty's forces.
Impelled by such incitements even those who in their own
interests are seeking to prolong the course of these troubles, have
concurred in the opinion to send two members of parliament
to the general in the capacity of deputies with instructions to
induce him to march forward with expedition. They have
seized the opportunity of this mission to send him orders of
the manner in which he should regulate his movements, and they
have granted him the powers he asked for to introduce and establish
negotiations for an adjustment with his Majesty, though
he is formally forbidden to grant pardon, by virtue of any engagement
soever, to some forty individuals, alleged criminals, for
having with proofs of loyalty and obedience assisted his Majesty.
Among these are comprised the first lords of the realm and the
most accredited ministers and officers of the Court, who, for the
most part, are also members of parliament. Everyone is agreed
that the king will not consent to such ignominious conditions : so
that if parliament, on its part, does not give way from the severity
of this proposal, every sign vanishes that these civil discords can be
settled by a composition in a friendly manner, and it is freely stated
that the royalists, impelled by apprehensions for their own safety
will oblige his Majesty to look to the tribunal of arms alone for the
favourable sentence which so just a cause merits (et si parli francamente
che costretti li realisti dall' apprehensione della propria
salvezza obligarono Sua Maesta di aspettare dot solo tribunale
dell' armi la favorevole sentenza che merita causa si giusta).
Few think, however, that the general will undertake to march
with the promptitude that is desired here, but because of the
considerations reported he will delay it as long as possible, and
consequently the return of the deputies is awaited with curiosity
to know what exactly he has decided to do, and his resolutions
should furnish the king and his partisans with the most useful
and apposite deliberations (le quali doverano ammunire il Re
et li partiali suoi alle piu utili et aggiustati deliberationi).
In order not to leave Essex with absolute authority in negotiating
and the direction of the war they have appointed for him a
council of fifteen of the interested parliamentarians. These
hold their office with the obligation to take their measures in
accordance with what is held to be most advisable by a majority
of those appointed.
After visiting the county of d' Arbi his Majesty proceeded to
the district of Stafford and continued his march to the town of
Sirosberi. As this is only a short distance from the province of
Wales, this move gives credit to the opinion that if he cannot
maintain his position in the face of the enemy, he contemplates
throwing himself into that strong country and subsequently
follow such course as circumstances may indicate to be most
opportune for his service.
It is impossible to report with any certainty upon the state
of the king's forces or upon the more secret intentions locked up
in his breast as parliament has not permitted the letters from the
Court to be distributed this week, having seized them all ; nevertheless,
it is stated that these last days a long consultation was
held in the presence of his Majesty upon the question of this
most deplorable crisis. At this some of the councillors pointed
out to him without restraint the inconveniences and the perils
which men may see amid the contingencies of the war to the
prejudice of the royal person and his posterity, and they urged
him forcibly to come to terms without tempting fortune any
longer in the unhappy state of these times, and to give way to
the rebellious parliamentarians. That his Majesty listened to
representations of this character with attention and approval
and they had aroused in his mind a disposition to adopt their
opinion as the less troublesome and safer course. But soon
afterwards those who have no hope of safety if the present parliament
endures, being warned of this, succeeded by solid arguments
in inducing him to give up any such idea, making him see
that it would be disastrous to himself as well as to all his followers,
and succeeded in stirring him to pursue with a high spirit the
course originally laid down (che il tenore di tali uffitii udite dalla
Maesta Sua con attention et favorevole orecchio gli havesse introdotta
le dispositions di piegar a questo parere come meno travaglioso et
piu sicuro. Ma che poco dopo avvertiti quelli, i quali sperare non
possono la salute nella susistenza del presente parlamento l' habbino
con solide ragioni divertito da questo consiglio, facendogli conoscere
rovinoso a se stesso non meno che a tutti li seguaci, l' habbino
animati a proseguire con cuore generoso il corso dei primi proponimenti).
It is asserted that the gentlemen who advised peace, incensed
at such inconstancy, contemplate withdrawing from his service,
while the others, for their part, having their suspicions aroused
that they may be miserably abandoned by some unexpected
resolution, are tormented and harassed by the greatest perplexity,
not knowing what measures to take to protect their interests with
any security.
Such are the reports put about by the parliamentarians here ;
but they may be distorted by prejudice and we long for news from
Court to find out how much there is in these statements.
Meanwhile reports from every quarter announce the disposition
of the people of Wales to supply vigorous assistance to
his Majesty, and they have despatched 1000 dragoons with all
speed in that direction, with instructions to put a restraint upon
the most zealous and to compel the rest of the people there, who
are the most warlike in the kingdom, to put away this idea and
to submit quietly and obediently to parliament. If the results
anticipated are secured it will utterly extinguish the king's
hopes of assistance from that quarter, upon which he has built
the most solid foundations for his operations of war and as a
retreat in the case of the last extremity.
In the county of York the governor of Uls, supported by the
garrison and another corps of the Puritans there keeps the Earl
of Cumberland constantly busy, who commands the royal forces
in that county and the city of York itself, where the little duke,
the king's second son is staying, is not without apprehension of
the movements of that commander.
The earl of Betford, general of the cavalry, has given up all
thought of besieging Serborn castle and has since led his troops
to Nortampton, for the purpose of adding to the strength and
credit of the parliamentary forces. The Marquis of Erford, on
the other side, accompanied by 600 horse and other troops on
foot, is marching to join his Majesty's army.
It being impossible to meet the ordinary requirements of
civil justice for lack of the great seal, it has been proposed in
parliament but not yet carried, to have a seal made with a declaration
which invalidates everything which has been sealed by
his Majesty hitherto and which will be in the future. If this is
acted upon it will afford fresh occasions for disorders and deprive
the king of what is left him of credit and authority.
In Ireland the rebels, profiting by these differences, have set
up a parliament of all the lords and the Catholic populace, which
conspires with them, excluding the Protestants. This body is
conducting the affairs of their party and is labouring to reduce
the Scottish forces and the others which have been sent to defend
the island. They have recently cut in pieces 700 of General
Lesle's men and forced him to escape for refuge to a wood.
These successes are unpleasant hearing for them here and
being unable to repair these disasters by resolute measures they
have decided to send thither two members of parliament with
the title of commissioners, to be present at these deplorable
events.
They talk of sending Mr. Oge in the capacity of Agent to the
Court of France, but the decision is still subject to revision in
their debates (ma la deliberatione rimane ancora sotto la censura
delle consulte). It is feared that he may not be admitted by the
king there, and for this reason I understand that orders have
been sent to France to endeavour tactfully to discover the sentiments
and intentions of Cardinal de Richelieu.
London, the 3rd October, 1642.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Oct. 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
150. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The States General are witholding their reply to the parliament
commissioner, because they want to give one agreeable to the
Prince of Orange, who is trying to have it kept back until he
returns from the field. But the Hollanders strongly condemn
the delay, and are incensed, saying that he wants to induce the
ministers to come to some decision favouring the queen. They
loudly protest that it does not behove the Prince to meddle so
much, and that he ought to limit his authority, as in time past.
Yet the Amsterdammers seem somewhat disposed to favour the
king, and try to send him abundant provisions under another
name. They announce themselves favourable to his Majesty's
cause, more for gain than affection.
The government has not yet sent any reply to the despatch of
Joachimi, representing the present state of affairs in England,
and urging the despatch of the embassy extraordinary. The
Countess of Richmond, the old governess of the young princess
royal here, has left for England. They have given her a certain
Dame Stanop, a dependant of the House of Orange. (fn. 1) The girl
does not like her, and on this ground also she has stirred up her
former rancour against her mother in law, speaking very bitterly,
showing publicly her private passion and extreme dissatisfaction.
The Hague, the 8th October, 1642.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 10.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian.
Archives. |
151. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in
England, to the Doge and Senate.
The despatch of the commissioners reported and the news that
has reached general the earl of Essex unexpectedly that the king's
army is daily growing larger has admonished him to leave his
quarters of idleness at Nortanton and to advance rapidly with
the whole army in order not to allow his Majesty time to increase
his forces without opposition, and also, by the terror of his arms,
to prevent many individuals, who are secretly predisposed to
follow the fortunes of their prince and are eagerly longing for
an opportunity, from having time to declare themselves with
safety. Accordingly Essex set out on Friday in the present week,
and arriving at the town of Coventre, which unreservedly (senza
riguardo) takes the parliament's side, he there picked up some
regiments which were waiting for him, and afterwards proceeded
to Uster, which is only 20 miles away from Sirosberi, which at
present is the place d' armes where his Majesty is assembling
his forces. Before his arrival and by another route they secretly
despatched in that direction young Baron Se, one of the leading
men among the malcontents, accompanied by 4000 men and
more, for the purpose of taking by surprise Colonel Biron, who
with only 600 cavalry of the king was in charge of that place.
But it so happened that he was warned beforehand of the intentions
of the enemy, and without losing time he prepared a
stout resistance to their attack, until, the news that he was hard
pressed reached Prince Rupert, who was able to hasten to his
assistance with a strong force of cavalry, as he promptly did.
Biron sustained the first attacks with great spirit, and when the
Prince arrived subsequently he charged the hostile squadrons
so furiously that with many leaders slain and the loss of 800 men
the remainder were obliged to seek safety in a disorderly flight. (fn. 2)
But after this the Prince considered it the wisest course to abandon
that city, which is destitute of fortifications, in order not to
expose the cavalry at a disadvantage to the proof of a battle
against the major portion of the parliamentary army, which
arrived there a few hours later.
In the melee Prince Maurice was slightly wounded in the hand,
and both the Palatines, Kupert in particular, to the terror of
the enemy, gave fresh proofs of their great courage and have won
the universal applause of all those who desire to see the royal
arms successful.
In this city, on the other hand, the news of this disaster is
very ill hearing and has intensified the bitter feeling against the
Palatines among the parliamentarians. They are trying by
the employment of vigorous demonstrations to keep the loss
thus suffered as secret as possible from the people, in order not
to deprive their party of that degree of reputation, in which
their anchors are most firmly fixed to sustain them until the
complete accomplishment of those most far reaching designs,
to which these rebels aspire (si procura coll' uso di vigorose dimostrationi
tenir quanto si possa secreto a popoli il danno di questa pendenza,
per non toqliere al partito quei gradi di riputatione sopra cui
restano gettati l' ancore piu ferine di sostenere sino alla perfettione
le machine di altissimi disegni a quali aspirano li seditiosi).
Essex has informed parliament by letter of the progress of
his march, and has sent to ask that his forces may be increased
by the addition of 6000 men more, as he does not consider himself
strong enough as yet to engage the forces of his Majesty. He
himself admits that these are increasing and that the king is
more powerful than was at first believed. For this reason they
never cease here beating the drum for recruits at all hours, nor
do they relax in making every possible effort to collect fresh
troops and more money, everyone being obliged, sometimes by
violent means, to the prompt payment of ready money, or in
default of this to make a deposit of plate, an action which gives
cause for resentment and murmuring among the disinterested,
who are intent rather upon amassing than upon being fleeced.
The reluctance to take up arms against his Majesty is becoming
increasingly apparent among several of the leaders of the cavalry
and among the soldiery desertion is frequent. News comes that
it is now a common saying among the troops that they took
service under this flag on condition of serving the king no less
than parliament, both equally, from which men of experience
foresee that it will not be easy for the general to lead them to
fight against the troops of his Majesty if that becomes necessary.
This is a consideration of great importance which causes much
apprehension to the authors of these movements. It now
appears that their first hopes of reducing the king without
trouble and by the use of force being diminished, they are devoting
their attention to harassing him by tiring him out (s' applichi
di presente il pensiero ad incommodarlo col tedio del tempo), in
the persuasion that he is not furnished with enough money to
support his army for long, though hitherto he has paid it with
the utmost punctuality and it is perfectly contented.
Agitated by these misgivings the parliamentarians have had
printed the petition which Essex has orders to present to his
Majesty. This, with great address preserving the forms of the
utmost respect, tries to make it appear that the moves of the
rebels are guided entirely by nothing but zeal for the preservation
of religion for themselves, for the country, its liberties and its
ancient rights and justice, and for the king the splendour of his
own greatness. (fn. 3) They hope that these specious titles will make
a great impression upon the minds of the people and persuade
the soldiery to strike with bold hearts in the defence of their
cause. I enclose a translation of this petition.
To those parliamentarians who are at present following his
Majesty and who have not been declared proscribed as enemies
of the state, parliament has offered pardon by proclamation if
within ten days they will abandon the royal side and return to
take part in the debates, but we do not hear that this invitation
has persuaded anyone up to the present.
The minds of the parliamentarians are struck with no little
apprehension by the certainty that the Most Christian king has
granted to the queen permission to proceed to France to take
refuge from the calamities of the present troubles, and for this
reason they have decided to send the Sieur de Oger to that Court,
and he will start next week. He asserts, however, that he is
going in a private capacity, but that he has commissions to see
the Cardinal de Richelieu, to whom he is known and a friend
from having served there previously in the capacity of Agent
for this crown. His offices will be directed to insinuate the goodwill
of parliament towards the interests of France with the object
of diverting them from helping the royal cause, it being suspected
that their influential offices may possibly induce the Scots to
take up his Majesty's cause in sympathy with a public declaration
(sospettandosi che gli uffitii autorevoli suoi possino disponere
Scozzesi ad abbracciare concordemente con pubblichi dichiarationi il
partito di Sua Maesta).
In the mean time his Majesty devotes himself with untiring
application to every point of his own service and lives in constant
activity. From the town of Sirosberi with a following of only
two companies of horse as a guard for his royal person and that
of the prince, whom he keeps always at his side, he proceeded
to Vorghentanson and there took away arms from some of the
inhabitants suspected of being adherents of the contrary party.
After that he made an expeditious journey to Chiester, a city of
a wide circuit, situated in the most remote part of England towards
the sea. The people there received him with the most
public demonstrations of approval and respect, and as a greater
proof of their obedience, they promptly assigned for his service
2000 men on foot. After the assembling of those who were
already equipped and the arrival of 200 horses laden with arms
and munitions which are expected from Newcastle, the king will
be leaving that place to return to Sirosberi or wherever the
requirements of his own interests show him that his presence is
most desirable.
The greater portion of the army is about this same place of
Sirosberi. It is composed of 5000 horse, picked men, well armed
and inspired to uphold the royal fortunes at the price of their
blood. He has 1000 dragoons, 9000 to 10,000 infantry, many
leaders of credit and 20 pieces of artillery including some large
siege pieces, in fact his Majesty suffers from no lack of all the
other provisions which may be required to resist the forces of
the enemy or to carry out any enterprise on his own account.
They send word from the Court that these forces will not be
increased because they do not wish to multiply expense without
need. It is stated that the military commanders consider this
body of troops sufficient to thwart the designs of the dissident
party, whose army, though much more numerous is admitted by
everybody to be of inferior quality, lacking in leaders and it is
not considered capable either from inclination or from valour
to venture itself in battle (affermandosi che li capi da guerra
giudichino questo corpo di gente bastante ad impedire li disegni del
partito dissidente, il cui esercito, se bene piu numeroso, ogn' uno
confessa essere di qualita inferiore, mancare di capi, ne credersi
capace per indinatione o per valore di commetlersi alia battaglia).
Such is the news which falls to us this week from the skies and
which causes a revival of the hopes of many that in addition to
the advantage of justice, which is clearly on the king's side,
may be added that of material success as well, but time alone can
decide this since affairs here are only too subject to change.
Following upon the request which the king made to me through
the Secretary of State, as I reported, the queen has sent to me from
Holland a small letter for his Majesty, asking me to forward it.
After reflection I decided to send a gentleman to Court, ostensibly
to ask for an audience, by whom I sent the letter. He is back today
and reports that he found his Majesty at Chiester, very cheerful
(allegra assai), with a numerous Court, highly popular (acclamato
grandemenie) with the people there as well as with all who live more
than 70 miles from this city. He had seen the army which was in
good order and provided with everything it needs. He delivered
the letter and was warmly thanked. He received in return a letter
for the queen and one for me in the king's own hand, of which I
send a translation. The letter for the queen will be sent to-day
by the ordinary, with every precaution.
The secretary told my gentleman that he could not yet give
me time and place for an audience. The king himself does not
know where he will be staying, and it will depend upon Essex,
but I hope to have it in a few weeks and I will then represent to
the king the mischief that will be done by the order about currants.
I have received the state's instructions to inform the king of
the confederation with the Grand Duke and the Duke of Modena. (fn. 4)
The Secretary Agostini will proceed to Holland as directed.
London, the 10th October, 1642.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
| Enclosure. |
152. Petition of the Lords and Commons of the Parliament
of England, sent by Mr. Phillip Stapilton to the Earl of Essex,
who is to present it to his Majesty. (fn. 5)
[Italian, from the English ; 6 pages.] |
153. The King to Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador.
Thanks for taking charge of the letter from the queen. Begs
him to send her the enclosed. Ashamed that cannot at present
respond to his courtesies, but hopes to have an opportunity
of proving his true friendship.
Chester, the 25th September, 1642.
[Copy ; Italian, from the English.] |
Oct. 11.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
154. To the Ambassador in England.
Enclose letter for his Majesty for his leave taking. This is
unusual, but it is better to err on the side of effusiveness in view
of what he represents. Acknowledge his letters of the 12th and
19th ult. the latter with an account of the new efforts of the
Levant Company about the currants. If their action has served
to stop those who were about to send ships to the islands to take
this cargo, it will not have sufficed, at least to stay the orders
which have already gone forth. Confide in his efforts to prevent
worse mischief and to discredit this fresh ebullition of the interested
parties as well as all the reports they spread, more especially
the one that owing to the inconvenience created the Signory
will yield anything of its rights in the matter of law or the duties.
It is far from being the state's intention, for this or any other
respect, to take away what has been imposed, which is bound up
with the maintenance of the revenues and of the public duties,
which it is the duty of princes to uphold and to enforce with all
vigour. For the rest it is conceded and every effort is made that
those interested shall find in the said islands every facility for
despatch and in every other circumstance that may serve to
induce them to come and trade, as is fitting, in addition to their
own interest in doing so. This much will suffice to indicate the
line of action he is to follow. He is to leave the Secretary Agostini
fully instructed about the affair. Express appreciation of his
services and the public satisfaction.
Ayes, 73. Noes, 0. Neutral, 26.
[Italian.] |
155. To the King of Great Britain.
Giovanni Giustinian, after serving the republic as ambassador
to your Majesty for a long term has instructions to proceed to
the emperor, this having been decided many months ago. He
will take leave of your Majesty and express our regard and our
desire for the prosperity of your house and person. A new
ambassador has been chosen and will arrive soon to testify the
same. In the mean time our secretary Gerolamo Agostini will
take charge. Compliments.
Ayes, 73. Noes, 0. Neutral, 26.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
156. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The States keep delaying their reply to the parliament commissioner.
The Hollanders, having dissolved their Assembly to
meet again in a few days, have assured him of their definite
intention not to allow merchants to export military provisions
to England in the future, under any pretext soever. This is
the principal question with which he is concerned and on which
he makes strong representations to this state.
The duke of Richmond, one of the leaders of the royal party,
a kinsman of the king and popular with the whole Court, has
come over furtively, fearing that his Majesty will have to give
way to parliament in the end. He crossed in a small barque,
laden with minerals. It is said he had a passport from the earl
of Essex, commander in chief of the parliamentary forces.
The Bishop of Angoulême is expected in a day or two, with
information of the Cardinal's views upon the queen going to
Paris. Although everyone thinks that in response to her brother's
invitation she ought to leave for France very soon, yet the wisest
do not credit it at all, because from those who are in the secret
they understand that her Majesty hopes to serve her interests
by some operations here, or that some openings will occur soon
for an adjustment with her House, so she wants to remain at
the Hague for some time yet. Her eldest son, the Prince of
Wales, is to come very soon, and possibly his younger brothers
as well, in order to escape the violence of their opponents in case
their father should chance to suffer the extreme misfortune in
battle.
The Hague, the 15th October, 1642.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 11.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
157. To the Ambassador in England.
Commend his action about the currants. The consideration
in his letter of the 26th ult. about the necessity in which the
ships will find themselves on their return from Constantinople
of being left without any other cargo should serve as a strong
inducement to restore the trade. It cannot be long before the
result of this is seen. For the rest there is nothing to add.
Promise to take into consideration the expenses incurred by him
in his journey to the Imperial Court. Enclose the usual sheet of
advices.
Ayes, 88. Noes, 0. Neutral, 3.
[Italian.] |