Venice: January 1515 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

'Venice: January 1515', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 220-228. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp220-228 [accessed 25 April 2024]

January 1515


A.D. 1515.

1515. Jan. 2. Misti Consiglio X., v. xxxviii. p. 38, tergo.	546. Decree of the Council of Ten and Junta, concerning the debts of Andrea Badger, Ambassador in England.
	Necessity for the despatch of the ambassador elect to England, through whom provision to be made for the return of the ambassador Andrea Badoer, who is debtor for a considerable sum of money, including bills of exchange drawn by him in favour of the Prior of St. John's (Sir Thomas Docwra), which had not been paid. It being, therefore, necessary to consign letters of credit for 1,100 ducats to the ambassador on his way to England, that he may free Badoer from the debts contracted by him for his living, as mentioned in so many of his letters,—Put to the ballot that, by authority of the Ten, the “Ternaria” (fn. 1) be pledged to the banker Almorò Pisani, for 1,000 ducats, videlicet, one month before the bills become due, and that for the remaining 1,100 ducats (sic), security be given him on the wine duties, for the month in which intelligence shall be received of his having paid that sum, or such part of it as shall be disbursed on account, in England. The letters of credit to be consigned to the ambassador on his way to England, with such commission as the College shall think fit.
	Ayes, 21.
	Amendment,—That the present motion do not alter the monthly salary of 70 ducats payable to Andrea Badoer, ambassador in England.
	Ayes, 5. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
	[Motion in Italian: proposed amendment in Latin, 21 lines.]
Jan. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 238.	547. Marco Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the State.
	Paris, 8th December.
	Had been to the King, who was with the Queen at St. Germain, taking his pleasure, and awaiting a reply from the King of England about the interview.
	Urged the King to come speedily into Italy. His Majesty replied that he thought of nothing else, and meant to go to Lyons immediately, to arrange the Milanese expedition. That he purposed having two camps, and held the Switzers in no account. That he had ordered the roll of his troops, and should have 27,000 infantry, 2,000 spears, and 800 light horse. He would never abandon his alliance with the Signory, who was to be of good cheer, as everything would turn out well; and as the King of England would perhaps not cross over to France, so much the sooner would his Majesty proceed to Lyons.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 240, 241.	548. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate by the counsellors and sages, for a grant of additional salary to Sebastian Giustinian, ambassador elect to England, as 120 ducats a month were not sufficient, by reason of the great cost it was necessary to incur in that embassy; wherefore they moved to increase it by 20 ducats, as had been done in the case of other ambassadors.
	Objection made by Marco Miani, one of the Forty, the enemy of Giustinian, because Giustinian had arraigned Zuan Francesco Miani, late Count of Sebenico, and caused him to be confined in the “Camera novissima.”
	It was said from the tribune that the motion was informal, and could not be made. The statute was quoted, but the State attornies would not allow the motion to be put. Thereupon the counsellors and sages moved for permission, notwithstanding the law, to make a motion for the increase as above, which permission was carried; but the grant of the additional ducats, when moved accordingly, was negatived.
	Reply to Miani, made by Sebastian Giustinian, who desired to discuss his treatment of the Count of Spalatro, but he was told to keep to the question. So he cited the increase of salary granted by amendments to Antonio Condulmer in France, to Hironimo Donado in Rome, to Piero Pasqualigo in Hungary, and to others, after the original motions had been carried, adding that he went willingly, but had not sufficient means to do honour to the Signory in England, because there was always great feasting there (perchè sempre si sta su gran cere). Note by Sanuto, that in order that Giustinian might undertake the mission cheerfully, (and as on accepting it, he mentioned being creditor for twenty-five livres gross [= 300 golden ducats] due to him from the treasury of Padua, for arrears of salary when vicelord of Ferrara,) they balloted for him to receive the money in “Venice, the governors of Padua being written to, to remit it to the treasurers; he being also told to leave his arraignment of Miani, and the trial, to the State attornies, who would do what was requisite for their despatch.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 3. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvi. p. 84, tergo.	549. Embassy to England.
	Commission from Doge Leonardo Loredano to Sebastian Giustinian, knight, ambassador on his way to France and England.
	To proceed to join Pietro Pasqualigo, who had been charged to wait for him at Lyons. Have given him a letter of credit for 1,000 ducats from Almorò Pisani, of the bank, for his predecessor, now on the point of quitting England, to be applied in payment of the debts contracted by him there. Giustinian, before making this payment, to ascertain the particulars of the loan, and on finding it a just debt to liquidate it duly.
	[Italian, 16 lines.]
Jan. 4. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvi. p. 84, tergo.	550. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate and lost, concerning an increase of the ambassador's salary.
	Ayes,	123	123
	Noes,	64	67
	Neutrals,	1	—
	Nothing carried, a majority of two-thirds being required.
	[Italian, 10 lines.]
Jan. 8. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvi. p. 84, tergo.	551. Confederation between France and England.
	Decree of the Senate, ratifying the inclusion of the Signory therein, and proposing the registration of letters patent to that effect, antedating them three or four days before the departure of the ambassador Pasqualigo, and consigning the originals to Sebastian Giustinian. The two ambassadors together to present to each of the Rings the letter addressed to him.
	[Italian, 7 lines.]
	[Tenor of the letters patent:—]
	Leonardo Loredano, by the grace of God, Doge of the Venetians, etc. Having nothing more at heart than the maintenance of the alliance with Lewis, King of the French, Duke of Milan and Genoa, hereby ratifies the inclusion of himself and the Signory as confederates of his most Christian Majesty in the peace lately made by him with Henry, King of England and Lord of Ireland, and with the Senate.
	[Latin, 14 lines.]
Jan. 8. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvi. p. 84, tergo.	552. Leonardo Loredano, by the grace of God, Doge of the Venetians, etc.
	On receipt of the news that Henry, King of England, had, in the peace lately contracted with Lewis, King of the French, Duke of Milan and Genoa, included the Signory amongst his confederates, had immediately appointed ambassadors to King Henry, to congratulate him on the marriage, to return thanks for the inclusion, and to ratify the league. Had given them letters patent to that effect for presentation to his Majesty.
	Ayes, 177. Noes, 16. Neutrals, 0.
	Dated 12th December 1514.
	[Latin, 23 lines.]
Jan. 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 245, 246.	553. Dandolo, Ambassador in France, to the State.
	Paris, 22nd December.
	Return thither from St. Germain of the King with the gout. Said in reply to the ambassador's exhortations, that he should come speedily into Italy:—
	“Ambassador! urge me no more, and heat not yourself, for I am warmer than you, and the expedition shall soon be undertaken. This gout rather troubles me. We shall soon have 24,000 lansquenets, 6,000 English, 2,000 spears, and 800 light horse; and on the day of the Epiphany everything will be arranged; then by Candlemas I shall be at Lyons, send on the troops into Italy, and have with me my guard of 8,000 foot and 1,000 men at arms. Should a few Switzers come, we shall not heed them; if they muster in great number, we will procrastinate and not give battle; they cannot stay long, as they insist on 100,000 ducats a month, which the Pope and the others will give them for one month, but not for more.”
	Said also that he had written to the Pope to decide whether he would be with him or not.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 247.	554. Motion made in the Senate by the Sages for a letter to be written to France, announcing the Signory's adhesion to the agreement between France and England, it being time for the Signory to ratify.
	Similar motion made also for a letter of the same tenor to the Venetian ambassador in England, that the Signory joined the league, and would share the fortunes of his Majesty and of France.
	Both motions carried.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 246.	555. Andrea Badoer, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the State.
	Dated — December [1514.]
	It was said the King would go to France to parley with King Lewis. Also that on the —, the Queen had been delivered of a still-born male child of eight months, to the very great grief of the whole Court.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 248.	556. Departure on that morning, by way of Ferrara, of Sebastian Giustinian, knight, on his embassy to England.
Jan. 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 248.	[Italian.]
Jan. 11. Consiglio X. Criminal, v. ii. p. 81.	557. The Council of Ten and Junta to Pietro Pasqualigo, LL.D., and Sebastian Giustinian, Knight, Ambassadors on their way to France and England.
	As the unheard of iniquities and most perfidious rebellion of Augustin Coppo are well known to them, will not dilate thereon further, but desire him (Giustinian) to communicate the whole both to his colleague (Pasqualigo) and the ambassador in France, on arriving there, that he may keep on the watch against fraud, should no accident have occurred before their arrival; for, by the statement of Zuan Badoer, ambassador, lately returned from Spain, they understand that Coppo had proceeded to France, after attempting, many months ago, to seize Badoer's writings and ciphers. Inform them that the attempt having failed, he quitted Spain, but it was subsequently heard that he was gone towards France, having promised his Catholic Highness (Ferdinand of Arragon) to perform a great and important mission, the nature of which is not known, though the matter may assuredly he deemed one of great moment and of extreme daring. Should the ambassadors ascertain that Coppo had already arrived in France, and should he still he in that country, they are to do their utmost with his most Christian Majesty, and avail themselves of the favour of such lords as they deem fitting, not merely to arrest Coppo, but that he may be put to death, according to the deserts of his most iniquitous, detestable, and horrible crimes, which they are to detail to the King.
	[Italian, 29 lines.]
Jan. 12. Original Letter Book in St. Mark's Library; Letter no. 1.	558. Sebastian Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador on his way to England, to the Council of Ten.
	Has received a letter from them, and will obey their commands, concerning the outlaw Coppo.
	Chioggia, 12th January 1515.
	[Italian, 5 lines. (fn. 2) ]
Jan. 13. lb. Letter no. 2.	559. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Announces news received by him of the death of Lewis XII.
	Goro, 13th January 1515.
	[Italian, 11 lines.]
Jan. 13. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvi. p. 88.	560. The Doge and Senate to Sebastian Giustinian, Ambassador on his way to France and England.
	The news of the demise of the King of France was true, he having died in Paris on the night of the 1st.
	To continue his journey to Lyons, where he and his colleague are to await further orders from the State. Enclose a letter for Pasqualigo, desiring him not to deliver the presents until further orders.
	[Italian, 16 lines.]
Jan. 13. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvi. p. 88.	561. The Doge and Senate to Pietro Pasqualigo, Ambassador on his way to France and England.
	Notwithstanding the death of the King of France, to hasten his journey to Lyons, there to await his colleague, and remain until the receipt of fresh instructions. To retain in his own possession the presents which he was to have delivered in France, until further orders.
	Ayes, 183. Noes, 4. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 10 lines.]
Jan. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 251, 252.	562. Marco Dandolo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the State.
	Paris, 24th December, and 1st January.
	Announces the arrival of the Duke of Bourbon and other captains. The King was suffering very much, and had the gout in his back, which pained him greatly, and had weakened him.
	In date of the 1st writes that at the — hour his Majesty was in extremis, and had received extreme unction. At the 6th hour his messenger had returned from the palace, and brought back word that at that hour the most Christian King had expired.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 252.	563. The French Ambassador at Venice.
	The French ambassador came into the College. Had heard of the death of his Kim?. Said there was no occasion for alarm on that account. Spoke about the Queen, the sister of the King of England; she might be pregnant. According to the agreement which the deceased King had made with England, the peace was perpetual, and to last one year after the death, of either of the parties; so that for this year there is no fear of war with England.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 253, 254.	564. Relations between England and Spain.
	Report of Spain made in the Senate by Zuan Badoer, doctor and knight, ambassador returned thence. He had filled the post for 31 months, having passed from Rome to Spain.
	The King was 63 years old, having been born on the 10th March 1452; was apoplectic and tremulous (tremolante); went out hunting often; transacted his business alone, taking no counsel with any of the grandees, but rather with persons of the lowest condition. Does not reply to the proposals made to him by ambassadors, but says, “I will write my reply to the ambassador over there.” Does this that he may be able to say, “I wrote in good form, but they acted in their own fashion; I did not write to that effect;”—a subterfuge worthy of “Zachagno.” (fn. 3) Says he does not wish for a single battlement in Italy, save what belongs to his kingdom [of Naples], but that what he does, he does for the Emperor. Amount of his revenues, 700,000 ducats. From the benefices held by him in Castile he derives 200,000 ducats. From the other kingdoms of which he had taken possession in addition to Castile, namely, Arragon and —, 90,000 ducats. From the newly discovered islands and the gold, 50,000 ducats. From Naples and that kingdom, 300,000 ducats. From the bull of the crusade he levies 60,000 ducats.
	The Queen his wife, a French woman, the sister of Monseigneur de Fois, was very fat, and he (Badoer) is of opinion she will not bear children.
	It is said the King gives 20,000 ducats annually to Madame Margaret, the Emperor's daughter, to keep the Archduke (Charles of Burgundy), her nephew, in Flanders, lest he go and deprive him of Castile. The younger brother, Don Ferdinand, is in Spain, at the Court, and the King approves his popularity with the young Spanish nobility, for if Archduke Charles should come, they might proclaim this second son for their king.
	The King's daughter, Doña Juana, who was the true Queen of Castile, widow of King Philip, was in Spain. She is considered mad, and the King says so. She expects her husband to come to life again, and carries his body about with her in a coffin. She says that this resurrection will take place at the end often years, of which only three lack for its expiration. She never eats but when it suits her. She visits private houses (caxa di citadini), saying she chooses to remain there, and with difficulty is she taken back to her own dwelling. She resides in the town of Tordesillas.
	The Duke of Calabria, son of the late King Frederick [of Naples], aged 25 years, was at Xativa in a stronghold under custody. According to report, he tried to escape, and. did in fact make the attempt, and on this account Filippo Coppola and Zuam de la Raina were quartered.
	Besides hunting, King Ferdinand occupies himself with visiting women (andar a done), and playing constantly with his attendants at a game called “ Primiero,” always losing; and when out hunting, he dismounts at some country house, and plays. He professes that he is the friend of the Signory, and when he heard of the rout in the Vicentine territory, he said he regretted it, but he could not do less. Is on good terms with the Emperor, for the reason aforesaid, as he allows him to rule Spain.
	Galeazo Butregario was ambassador at the Court from the Pope.
	Everybody in Castile bore ill will to the King, who complained of the French King's marriage to the sister of the King of England, and did his utmost to prevent it, so that the understanding with England is not good, and that with France still less. Details of the great Captain Gonsalvo di Cordova, etc.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 254.	565. Motion made in the Senate by the Sages, and carried, for a letter to be written to Sebastian Giustinian, desiring him to proceed straight on his embassy from Ferrara to Genoa, and thence to Lyons to join his colleague Pasqualigo, both there awaiting instructions from the Signory.
Jan. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 254.	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. File no. 3. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta).	566. Doge Leonardo Loredano to King Henry VIII.
	Letter of condolence on the death of his brother-in-law, King Lewis XII.
	[Latin.]
Jan. 14. File no. 3. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta).	567. The Doge and College to Andrea Badoer, Ambassador in England.
	Together with the present letter, send one of condolence for the King on the death of his brother-in-law.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 15. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letters nos. 3 and 4.	568. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Details conversations held by him with the Duke and Duchess of Ferrara. Doubts entertained by the Duke of the death of Lewis XII. Will obey the instructions given for his guidance in France and England.
	Ferrara, 15th and 16th January 1515.
	[Italian, 44 lines.]
Jan. 20. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 5.	569. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Gives account of his journey from Ferrara to Pieve.
	Pieve Pelago, 20th January 1515.
	[Italian, ¾ page.]
Jan. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 267, 268.	570. Piero Lando, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the State.
	Dated 17th and 21st.
	Was ill and unable to move. The Pope was out of Rome, hunting, with a number of Cardinals, the chief of whom were San Severino and Cornaro; his Holiness bems: at La Magnana.
	Had received the Signory's letters of the 10th, and had sent his secretary, Hironimo Dedo, to communicate the messages for the Pope therein contained.
	His Holiness made answer that the present King of France would be more his friend than the other, and would be related to his brother (Julian de' Medici) through his marriage with Filiberta of Savoy, to effect which he had now quitted Rome. Declared that he wished the Signory to recover her territory, but could not say more until he received letters from France, and must likewise know the state of affairs in England.
	In the second letter mentions that he had heard from Cardinal Bibiena, who was in like manner out of Rome taking his pleasure, that this King of France would not come into Italy for the present year, for he would have to think of other matters; especially as he was to pay 200,000 ducats (fn. 4) dower to the Queen, who intends to return to England; so that he is poor. His predecessor had asked the Pope and the King of England for money for the Italian expedition. The King of France was about to send two ambassadors of rank to England, was warmer for the Italian expedition than before, and would come with more troops than the old King had. Robertet was in repute with him as before, and all the captains had come to Paris.
	The Marchioness of Mantua had arrived at Rome, after amusing herself at Naples, and went out hunting with the Pope, and was most extremely pleased.
	Note by Sanuto, that the courier said by word of mouth that the Pope was accompanied by — Cardinals and others, with some 3,000 horse, and that they killed 50 stags and 20 wild boars.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 25. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 6.	571. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Reception given to him by the Republic of Lucca. Projected seizure of Lucca by Leo X. Journey from Florence of Julian de' Medici to celebrate his marriage with Filiberta of Savoy. Amount of soldiery in the pay of the Florentines.
	Lucca, 25th January 1515.
	[Italian, 2 payes.]
Jan. 27. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 270.	572. Communication made to the College by the Ferrarese Ambassador.
	The Duke of Ferrara had sent him certain French advices which he had received from Florence. The present King was more anxious about the Italian expedition and to obtain the Milanese than the other, and meant to come in greater force. He was intent on rendering himself popular with the French nobility, and on adjusting everything with England; though, according to the articles, there was to be peace for one year after the death of either of the Kings. The French, in short, would be soon in Italy.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 273.	573. Venetian Ambassador in Rome to the State.
	Dated 24th January.
	The King went every day to visit the Queen widow, who was sorrowful, lamenting much the death of her husband. The present King meant her to have great power in France, as if she were Queen regnant. The present Queen, daughter of the late King, was pregnant.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. pp. 278, 279.	574. Letter dated Paris, 8th January 1515.
	The most Christian King had been, according to custom, to pay his respects to the remains of the late King Lewis, and then went to the poor young Queen. It was impossible to imagine how much grief she displayed for the death of her King.
	The King goes every evening to see the Queen widow, who had no lack of anything in the world, and he told her that, with the exception of the late King, whom she desires, she may dispose of the whole kingdom, even more than before.
	An inventory had been made of the carpets (tapeti: qu. tapestries?), plate, and jewels of the late King, and sent to England to the King; their value amounted to upwards of 400,000 crowns.
	[Italian.]