|
|
Nov. 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Munster.
Venetian
Archives. |
37. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador to the Congress
of Munster, to the Doge and Senate.
Encloses advices received from the Hague.
Cologne, the 1st November, 1643.
[Italian.] |
| Enclosure. |
38. From the Hague, the 27th October, 1643.
Their High Mightinesses no less than the Prince of Orange are
urging with all their might the departure of the ambassadors
already destined for England, in the fear that if they delay until
the new Assembly of the Province of Holland the opposition
may again be forthcoming which they made to this mission on
previous occasions. These ministers have received orders to keep
themselves neutral between the king and the parliament, one of
them setting out towards the king while the other remains near
the parliament, and to uphold the authority of the king without
detriment to the liberty of the kingdom. But these Provinces
are not very anxious for the internal peace of that country, since
artisans and substantial persons are daily seeking refuge in these
parts from England, bringing population, skill and wealth to the
country. With these same ambassadors will start the Baron di
Dona, sent particularly by the Prince of Orange to the king.
Similarly Baron Gorin has recently come here from England,
sent by that sovereign to raise money on the jewels of that
crown which are pledged in these parts.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 6.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
39. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The parliamentary army being reinforced to its full strength by
volunteers and with the seven regiments of the trained bands, and
provided with some money, though not much, the two Generals,
Essex and Waller have set out for Windsor, with the intention of
besieging Reading. They encounter numerous difficulties from
the shortage of food and arms, but more from finding the place
well fortified, and the king master of the country, vigorous and
powerful in that part, and so they have given up their plan. A
Council of War was held here on the question, and Waller came
back to report on the requirements and the state of affairs, and
also to point out that it is easier and more advantageous to prevent
fortification, which it seems the royalists have begun at Newport,
a small place on the edge of Bedfordshire, but involving great
inconvenience to this city, since it cuts off the supply of food
which comes from five important counties, especially in the
winter, and enables the royalists to levy plentiful contributions.
He made such an impression that they have despatched General
Essex without delay with a part of his army in that direction.
But he has found it difficult to bring up his guns, owing to the
nature of the ground, and also to the vigorous opposition of Prince
Rupert, who having visited the neighbouring counties and
released the prisoners, is assisting in the work with a good body of
troops.
The inclinations of Essex to get rid of them chiming in with the
grumbling of the citizens, he has given permission to many in
the regiments that went with him to find substitutes. Owing to
the difficulty of finding these as well as the cash, such men receive
3 ducats a week, causing discontent among the other soldiers,
who receive little more than half from parliament, and that ill
paid.
Waller has taken this opportunity to escape from serving under
Essex. He has gone again to Windsor for the purpose of taking
service with the rest of the trained bands, with an additional
regiment of them, which they are sending from here towards
Kent to oppose Viscount Obton who has collected 3,000 horse
and 1,000 dragoons and leaving a lieutenant at Bristol is marching
towards Kent through Sussex, choosing a longer and inferior
route in order to keep as far as possible from London. He brings
with him some who have great influence in that county, and hopes to
quicken the spirit of many loyal subjects of his Majesty there. If
he succeeds it will be the veritable rod to draw the water of penitence
from this hard stone of scandal.
In the apprehension of want here and the confinement by land
through the loss of the country, and wishing to preserve the
dominion of the sea, they have despatched the Vice Admiral
Warwick with all the money they have been able to get together
these last days, with orders to put to sea and capture all ships of
every description which are taking provisions to Ireland or which
are passing from there to England, as they are much afraid
that the king, having arranged a truce there, may avail himself of
a corps of those rebels, especially as arms for 10,000 soldiers have
just arrived from various ports of France, part sent by the Duke
of Epernon, and part by merchants in conformity with agreements
made by them with his Majesty.
Plymouth is still besieged by the forces of Prince Maurice, who
is lying sick at Dartmouth, though not dead, as reported here.
The governor of Gloucester makes appeals for succour in vain.
Although the town is not besieged it is ill provided with food,
as the nobility of the county is for the king, and prevents victualling,
so that the army sent by the parliament scarcely brought it
any relief beyond delivering it from the royal arms.
The Earl of Newcastle has at last been obliged to abandon the
siege of Uls, finding it impossible in the present season without
a fleet to prevent victualling from the sea. (fn. 1) He will now be in a
position to resist the Scottish arms. One of the English commissioners
has arrived from that country with news that they are
ready, but they are amazed because for a long time they have
received no news, not to speak of money, from the parliament here. (fn. 2)
From this they perceive that they have been betrayed by those who took
their letters. Accordingly they immediately sent by sea 30,000l.
which were ready, urging the Scots to advance or they will very soon
be in serious straits.
No news has reached here of the negotiations of the Ambassador
Harcourt since his departure for Oxford, except generalities about
his Majesty's readiness to make peace. He left his despatches
for France with the Resident Molin. When these were being
taken to the post they were seized by the ministers and taken to
parliament, who had them opened and then given back. The
same thing happened with others coming from France by express
courier, with new and pressing orders for the release of Montegu.
Every time the ambassador surmounts obstacles and difficulties they
give him additional cause for offence here and show how little to their
taste his mission is. On the other hand the Dutch ambassadors,
who are expected with the next wind, will be very acceptable.
Under the pretext of insuring the merchandise from the
Dunkirkers, they have, with the permission of the States General,
set up a company of insurers at Amsterdam. These are to arm
24 ships of war, which will be increased at need, and these will
scour the Channel upon conditions which have been published.
Those people are not losing their opportunities of gain. They
have two principal strokes in mind, one to gain the control of the
fisheries and of the sea, to the very great prejudice of this kingdom
at a time when the king is unable to prevent it and parliament will
not disoblige them for its own ends. The other is to diminish the
influence of the Prince of Orange over the Admiralty, as the States
may disarm a part of his ships and make use of these which are
not subject to him.
I much appreciate the munificent concession made to me by
the Signory and can only offer the incense of the prayers of my 5
nephews and my cloistered daughter for the prosperity of your
Excellencies, both publicly and privately.
London, the 6th November, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 13.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
40. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
General Essex marched as I wrote and halted at St. Albans,
sending some troops under Lieutenant Schipon towards Newport,
where in truth they had no great difficulty in taking the position,
as the fortifications begun were not yet sufficiently advanced, nor
were the royalist forces equal to defending them. They retired
without resistance. We do not hear that the general is prosecuting
any other enterprise in that direction, indeed he does not dare
push further forward with the rest of the army, as he hears that
the king is gathering superior forces in Buckingham to recover
that place. Engineers have been immediately dispatched thither
from here with orders to push on with the fortifications.
Waller has also gone out to deal with the forces in Sussex,
but so weak that news comes that he has lost several carts with
food and munitions of war, through lack of convoy.
His Majesty is trying to get a footing in Kent, which is the sole
means of reducing London to the utmost distress, the nest of the
rebellion, but the season stands in the way of prompt results as well
as the vigilance of parliament in defeating his measures to set his
partisans in motion, a person of consideration sent into the county
for this purpose having been arrested.
The fortification of Reading is completed. To add to the
difficulties of the parliamentarians if they think of besieging it
his Majesty has had three large villages completely destroyed
by fire. Inhabited by rebels these afforded succour and convenience
to the besieging army on the previous occasion.
Lincoln which was reduced by the royal forces some months
ago has now been retaken by the Earl of Manchester, who found
2,000 suits of armour there. There is a rumour, not yet authenticated,
that the Marquis of Newcastle is marching thither with
his army, having already abandoned the siege of Uls.
Parliament's hopes of the entry of the Scots are dwindling, or
at least they will be delayed. The royalist party, of which the
Marquis of Hamilton is declared the leader, becomes more and
more audacious in its menaces, refusing to take the covenant and
protesting that it will maintain itself by force. Here, by extraordinary
efforts they have got together 70,000l. which makes up
the amount of 100,000l. promised, but from fear that under
present circumstances this may not produce the effect intended,
especially in the winter, they may easily use it for something
else, since demands are endless and the difficulty of meeting them
enormous. Yet they have chosen three other commissioners to
send to Scotland with fresh particular instructions, which are not
yet made known. (fn. 3)
Finding that the taxes which are being collected do not realise
a profit equivalent to the burden, they have appointed new
overseers, who to increase the revenues, have caused to be seized
all ships, including foreign ones, which touch the ports of this
kingdom where parliament holds sway, and they mean to tax the
goods, a manifest hindrance to trade. The king also finds himself
very short of money, but having an advantage over the country,
some slight foreign help and a less corrupt administration, he can
hold out longer, especially as many leaders are encouraged with
hopes.
His Majesty is beginning to enjoy the fruits of the truce in
Ireland since 3,000 English of the army against the rebels have
safely landed in England for his service, and others are expected.
He also proposes to keep a certain number of Irish ready to invade
Scotland from the rear, if that nation decides to enter England.
This makes the pious murmur against his Majesty for making use
of Catholics, whom they call rebels, but now the decision of these
differences has been referred to the sword these wordy disputes are
only a sign of weakness.
The Ambassador Gorin still remains in Holland. I hear on
good authority that he is secretly negotiating with the Prince of
Orange to send over to serve his Majesty all the English and Scottish
regiments which are employed there, as they have always been granted
subject to emergencies here. But I fancy that he will meet with
difficulties, not so much in obtaining permission as from the disposition
of the men themselves, who are attached to that country by
many interests. In any case he will not need Dutch ships to transport
them as when Peninton is free from the siege of Plymouth
there will be ample shipping, especially as he has recently captured
forty small barques, mostly belonging to fishermen, though all
these advantages are destructive of the power of the realm.
To meet the energy with which the king is gaining ground at
sea parliament has declared the Earl of Warwick supreme Admiral
of England and governor of all the islands and plantations
dependent, (fn. 4) and they have appointed commissioners in consultation
with whom he can decide and carry into effect even affairs
of great importance.
The Ambassador Harcourt is expected back from Oxford to-day.
He has been well received by the king and defrayed for five days.
We do not yet learn what he brings about the peace, but the lack
of confidence in him here leaves little hope of anything good.
Only last Wednesday a courier from him was arrested at Rochester
on his way to France ; and one of his leading gentlemen was
stripped by the guards on his arrival from Oxford, to search for
letters. They write from France that his principal business is
to negotiate a marriage between the daughter of the Duke of
Orleans and the Prince of Wales. The Spanish ambassador is
very concerned about it, but I have nothing to bear out its
authenticity.
London, the 13th November, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 19.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni,
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
41. To the Resident in England.
Acknowledge the receipt of his letters. In future he will have
fresh occasions to observe and consider the dealings and negotiations
of the French ambassador and whether another will be sent
from Holland. Enclose sheet of advices from Italy and Munster.
Pleased at receiving the news of Holland.
Ayes, 92. Noes, 2. Neutral, 3.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 20.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
42. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassador Harcourt has returned from Oxford where
the king welcomed and treated him well and the queen even more,
to whom he took a present from her sister in law of 20,000l.
sterling in money. At various audiences of both their Majesties
he has not only talked of peace but tried to win their affections
for France and to alarm the king about further dangers if he
continues to adhere to the Spanish counsel which he keeps at his
side. The reply expressed a readiness to accept anything which
would preserve his just prerogatives, which he has always enjoyed,
and his honour, without choosing to engage himself by any offer.
Not content with these generalities, and finding in the queen through
the influence of weariness of these troubles and hardships, an intense
desire for peace, the Count proceeded to explain that he had orders
not to more a step in this business except in the manner prescribed
by their Majesties, and so he asked for precise instructions. They
obliged him in this, but on condition that it should be for his guidance
alone and not be made public. If was drawn up by the hand of the
new secretary of state Dighbie and contains a clear account of everything
essential that has happened from the beginning of these affairs,
with an addition of the satisfaction claimed by the king. Not all
the servants of the queen rejoice at this eager desire of hers for peace,
believing that she is able to make the king surmount every difficulty
and deliver him. Consequently those most in her confidence do not
oppose because they believe that the impediments will come from this
side, where the determination of the most resolute rebels is to have
no more monarchy.
The ambassador presented the enclosed paper to one of the lords
to be read in parliament and awaits the reply with interest. This
is being discussed, but from what I can learn they will not enter
into negotiations without the consent and assistance of the
Scots, that being an article of the alliance, and that will involve
delay and very great difficulties.
Meanwhile a considerable number of armed men broke into his
palace last night and carried off all his plate, to the value of 10,000
ducats. Parliament has issued strict orders for the discovery of
the culprits with a reward of 100l. to the informer, but this does
not affect the belief that it has been done by some secret order, out of
resentment for the money taken to the queen.
I have called on him since his return and tried to find out if
there is any idea of a marriage between the daughter of the Duke
of Orleans and the Prince of Wales. Without giving me an
absolute denial he told me that the time was unsuitable, but if
peace was made they might think of it. This does not exclude
the possibility of his having some instructions.
London, the 20th November, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
| Enclosure. |
43. Memorial of the Prince of Harcourt relating that he has
found their Majesties disposed to accept the good offices of France
for peace, and asking if they are ready to respond, in which case
he offers to intervene for the pacification of their differences by
expedients more in conformity with the ancient laws, customs
and ordinances of this kingdom as may be proposed by both
parties. (fn. 5)
[Italian.] |
Nov. 20.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
44. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
General Essex has remained stationary since the capture of
Newport, which they continue to fortify. He arrived here the
day before yesterday with urgent demands for money. The
royalists who retired from the place are also fortifying Tossiter,
only 3 miles away, and this renders the work of the others useless,
as it equally cuts off supplies of food from this city, which is
their object. Waller is clearly showing his feebleness, as he has
been repulsed by the men of the Marquis of Winchester, whose
house he was besieging, and obliged to retire, because Obton is
marching in his direction with 5,000 brave combatants, with
whom he means to march into Kent. Meanwhile the mounted
troops in Reading are constantly scouring the country, and
have sacked several houses of Puritans at Oxbrich, a few miles
away.
The Earl of Manchester is here, some say for the delivery of his
wife, others to take part in the negotiations of the French
ambassador. But I learn on better authority that it is because he
cannot supply his army, which being maintained by forced contributions
from four counties only, has not the provisions and help it
requires, and it will not be powerful enough to withstand a part of
the forces of the Marquis of Newcastle which is marching against it.
His abandonment of the field has afforded these an opportunity
to recover Lincoln which he took last week. With the rest of
his troops Newcastle is munitioning York, from fear that at the
entry of the Scots it may be invested, because it is the foundation
upon which the royal forces in that county entrust their subsistence.
New commissioners were sent by sea to Scotland with incitements
and supplies for that nation so that they might not put off
moving any longer. They take money and letters of exchange
to the amount of 50,000l. sterling in all, and promises for the
remainder. These cannot be fulfilled very quickly but parliament
hopes to pledge the Scots by this first payment. These have
already sent forward some guns towards Berwick, possibly as an
artifice.
With the growing need of money here and the increasing
difficulty in raising it, in order to facilitate this by affording a
satisfaction desired by the people, parliament has decided to have
a thorough review of the public accounts, of all income and
expenditure, and as previous resolutions of this kind have proved
fruitless when left in charge of interested members, they have
decided that forty experienced men of the city shall be chosen.
Yet it is believed that the unfaithful administrators will find a way
to prevent or delay anything being done.
The Earl of Holland who went to Oxford, having failed to
restore himself in the king's favour, has opened negotiations with
parliament to return, but not finding them listen to his instances
and fearing some mischance from the other side, he suddenly
betook himself to a house of his 3 miles from here, whither
soldiers have been sent to arrest him. (fn. 6)
Other members of the Commons who have declined to swear
the covenant, though from scruples of conscience and not from
devotion for the king, have been excluded from the Chamber.
With their numbers dwindling every day a report has got about
that they mean to use the seal, which is ready, to order fresh
elections. Other appointments have already been made and the
seal is used in duplicate both here and at the Court.
Parliament has sent orders to the Commissioner Stricland in
Holland to point out to the members of the government most in
his confidence that with the great perils threatened by all the
neighbouring princes to the two republics it is necessary for them
to conclude a sound alliance.
London, the 20th November, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
45. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
I am pleased to learn from your Serenity's letters of the 22nd
October that my efforts about the currants meet with approval.
In spite of the difficulties I hope, with the help of the instructions
given me, to bring the matter to a successful conclusion on both
sides. I cannot but regret that the calamities of the kingdom
forbid luxuries, and the same disadvantage is experienced in all
other affairs. I have not yet repeated my request for a final
decision, because I was waiting for orders. The Secretary of
State has lost no time as he has written to several merchants here
who do not belong to the Levant Company, and who preserve
the feelings of loyal subjects toward his Majesty, that if they send
ships with currants from Zante and Cephalonia to Bristol, they
will be welcome and well treated. Upon this Tindel, who was
formerly agent of the company in the islands, has decided to
proceed to Leghorn and thence to Zante with his own capital
and orders to combine with that of the English merchants at
Leghorn, under whose name they may wish to transact the business
in order to avoid suspicion here, and it is already two weeks
since he started off in that direction.
London, the 20th November, 1643.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 20.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Munster.
Venetian
Archives. |
46. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador to the Congress
at Munster, to the Doge and Senate.
Two letters have come from Holland, one from the Princess
Palatine and the other from the Prince, her son, both recommending
his interests at the congress.
Munster, the 20th November, 1643.
[Italian.] |
| Enclosure. |
47. Advices from the Hague, of the 13th November, 1643.
The ambassadors destined for England keep putting off their
start from day to day under the pretext that the assignments for
their provisions, ordinary and extraordinary have not been made
them. This is the pretext, but the gist of the matter is that the
Province of Holland does not approve whole heartedly of this
mission, both because it inclines to favour the parliamentary side
and also because the war of England increases their population,
their business and their possessions.
Yesterday the little princess completed the twelfth year of
her age, and by the laws of England she is now free for the marriage
with the son of the Prince here. They will celebrate this anniversary
with some sort of festivities, but not in any other way, as
the princess is still very tender and too weak for progeny.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
48. Girolamo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
They have sent six thousand of gunpowder to England for the
use of the king. It has been done in the name of private
individuals so as to avoid giving provocation to the parliament
there.
Paris, the 24th November, 1643.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 27.
Senato.
Secreta,
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
49. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Nothing of importance has occurred this week between the
armies, as the season prevents progress on either side. There has
been a skirmish at Tossiter, where Prince Rupert repulsed an
attack of the parliamentarians with the loss of two companies of
horse. General Essex who was here pressing for money, has
left unexpectedly for St. Albans, where he has the bulk of his
army. He is said to be offended, and that little attention is
paid to his demands. Waller has attempted a fresh assault upon
the Marquis of Winchester's house at Basing, which blocks the
road to the west, but was repulsed with loss, so that all the trained
bands of the city which were with him have left him, without
permission, and with the remaining few volunteers he has had to
retire to Farnham. Meanwhile Prince Maurice having captured
the fort which commands the port of Plymouth, hopes to have the
town in a few days. It is not under gun fire and strong in itself,
but it has no hope of succour, the mouth of the port is closed and
the king is master of all the rest of that coast.
There is no little anxiety also about the Isle of Wight. The
earl of Pembroke is raising levies here for its defence to send to
reinforce the garrisons there, since the inhabitants are not
unfavourable to his Majesty.
The counterfeit great seal has at last been issued and its custody
entrusted to six commissioners, two of the Upper and four of the
Lower House. These reduced to three will authorise decisions,
so the chief authority will rest with the Lower House, although the
one cannot operate without the other. The issue is accompanied
by an ordinance annulling all the acts passed under the seal held
by the king since the flight of the chancellor from here, as well as
those passed in the future. (fn. 7) Thus they keep introducing schism,
with ever growing disorder and deeper abysses.
The French ambassador pressing for a reply to his paper, parliament
has referred it to commissioners with orders to examine and
report whether they shall treat for peace, and in any case whether
they think it advisable to enquire first how far his commissions
extend. The report is made and the reply decided upon, in an
inconclusive form, but asking if his commissions give him
authority to recognise parliament in the name of France as a
genuine assembly of the estates, masters of the realm. They have
not yet delivered it, the delay being due to information held by
parliament that the ambassador has orders from the queen his
mistress, to demand the release of Montegu in high terms and
protests, which makes the parliamentarians hesitate.
Only one of the thieves who robbed his plate has been discovered,
with one of the principal pieces. He is in prison, and has
given the names of his accomplices, but neither they nor the silver
are to be found. This makes it the more to be feared that they are
protected by some influential person who wants to tire out the
ambassador with slights and force him to go. But the Count makes
light of the loss and passes over the slights, having nothing at heart
beyond the fulfilment of the orders of his mistress.
The king of Denmark has restored the ship with cloth of the
merchants here, which he had seized, to the deputies who went
there, but with a heavy tax of 30,000l. sterling, which he has sent
to Holland as a fund for the king here, in exchange for the arms
which he sent him. He holds out hopes of further and more
vigorous assistance. This does not altogether please the French, who
aspire to be the sole arbiters of these differences.
London, the 27th November, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Nov. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Munster.
Venetian
Archives. |
50. Advices from the Hague of the 28th November, 1643,
forwarded by Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador to
the congress at Munster.
On Saturday with magnificent festivities they celebrated the
twelfth birthday of the royal princess here. All the ladies of
the Court were present except the Princess Palatine who is in
great trouble because of the bad news of Prince Maurice in
England, who is suffering from the stone and in the greatest danger.
[Italian.] |
Nov. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Zante.
Venetian
Archives. |
51. Antonio Barbarigo, Proveditore of Zante, Vicenzo
Diedo and Dona Bembo, Councillors, to the Doge and
Senate.
The English ship Golden Falcon, already reported, captain
Thomas Armeno, came here to fill up its cargo. On complaint
from the farmers of the customs I made enquiry, by which it is
proved that two frigates of Cephalonia took 150 thousand of
currants by night, paid by Henry Hyder, the English consul,
and by two English merchants, Isaac Lorenzo and Nicholas
Vilable. Accordingly I had the ship searched, when an even
larger amount of currants was found and a quantity of muscat,
all subject to duty. For this smuggling the merchants were
arrested and they have been released on bail. The captain was
ordered to unload the 150 thousand of currants. He refused
saying that he would discharge them in England, and so sailed
away leaving the two merchants under obligation to the law. (fn. 8)
I shall be glad of instructions from the Senate for dealing with
this smuggling otherwise.
The ships which are accustomed to arrive at this port to take
away currants through an understanding between the people of
this island and the foreign merchants would for the most part be
taking currants that had been smuggled, which are collected in
those parts by the consul of the nation and stored in magazines,
to be laded subsequently at any time it may best suit the
merchants, who have had much experience of such business.
Zante, the 18th November, 1643, old style.
[Italian.] |