Venice: February 1515

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.

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'Venice: February 1515', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 228-231. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp228-231 [accessed 25 March 2024]

February 1515

Feb. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 289. 575. Embassy to England.
Motion made in the Senate by the Sages, and carried.—Commission to Sebastian Giustinian and Piero Pasqualigo, ambassadors to England and France.
To condole on the death of King Lewis with King Francis, and congratulate him on his accession. To condole with the Queen Dowager, and with the reigning Queen, and to congratulate the latter on her husband's accession.
With regard to the present of which they had charge for the Queen widow, are to do nothing further with it (debano tener cussi); to inquire, however, what individual or individuals about his most Christian Majesty's person have power with him, and to give the State notice thereof.
Then to proceed to England, and congratulate King Henry on the peace with France and on the marriage, and then condole with him on the death of King Lewis.
Giustinian to remain in England, Pasqualigo to return to France. Their predecessors (Badoer and Dandolo) to come away.
[Italian.]
Feb. 1. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvi. p. 92, tergo. 576. The Doge and Senate to the Ambassadors Sebastian Giustinian And Pietro Pasqualigo.
To retain the presents in their possession until further orders, but on departing for England, the presents to be left in charge of Pasqualigo's predecessor until his return; to let no one know that they have any present with them. To mention in detail the names of such individuals as enjoy repute and credit with King Francis.
The two ambassadors on arriving in England to present themselves, together with Badoer, to the King, and thank him for including the Signory in the confederation made with the late King Lewis, and condole with him on the death of his brother-in-law.
At another audience to exhort the King to union with the King of France, and to confirm the peace made with the late King.
Are likewise'to visit Queen Katharine, and condole with her on the death of her brother-in-law.
To visit all the influential personages notified by Badoer, and keep them well disposed towards the Signory. Then Giustinian to remain in England, and Pasqualigo to go back to France.
Ayes 167. Noes 3. Neutrals 0.
[Italian, 85 lines.]
Feb. 2. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta). File no. 3. 577. The Doge and College to Andrea Badoer, Ambassador in England.
On the arrival of his successor, Sebastian Giustinian, and after the departure of Pietro Pasqualigo from England for France, he (Badoer), after taking leave of the King and Queen, is allowed to depart and go to St. James of Galizia [Compostella] to fulfil his vow, but at his own cost, and not at the expense of the Signory; and is then to return home.
[Italian.]
Feb. 3. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 7. 578. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
Narrates his conversations with the Doge of Genoa, who did not expect Francis I. to come into Italy during the present year, as he would require time to arrange his affairs with England. On the other hand, reports of his coming were circulated—by the Emperor, by the Spaniards then in Italy, and by the Duke of Milan.
Genoa, 3rd February 1515.
[Italian, 2¾ pages.]
Feb. 3. Ib. Letter no. 8. 579. The Same to the Same.
Announces the refusal of the Genoese to subsidize six or seven thousand Switzers, at the rate of 7,000 ducats a month.
Genoa, 3rd February 1515.
[Italian, ¾ page.]
Feb. 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 291. 580. Andrea Badoer, Ambassador in England, to the State
London, 6th January.
Receipt there of the news of the death of the King of France on the last day of December.
Wrote also about money for himself.
[Italian.]
Feb. 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 292, 293. 581. King Henry VIII. to Leonardo Loredano, Doge of Venice.
Dated 17th December 1514.
Acknowledges receipt of the Signory's letter of congratulation on the peace and alliance with France. Expresses satisfaction at being thanked for including the Republic amongst the friendly powers specified by him in the treaty. Had been made aware of the Signory's loving disposition towards him, both by their numerous letters and by the ambassador Badoer. Praises Badoer's address and patriotism, and doubts not but that he will have acquainted the Doge with the King's friendly bias. Has also heard from Badoer of the appointment of his successor, which pleases him as a proof of the Signory's wish to maintain a friendly intercourse, but regrets the departure of Badoer, to whom he has grown accustomed, and delights much in his grave and sage conversation. Praises his ability in negotiating all the affairs of the Republic, and is of opinion that he has completely performed the functions of an able ambassador and an excellent patriot. Will nevertheless most willingly receive the new ambassador.
[Latin. No date of place.]
Feb. 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 294. 582. Letter from France.
Dated 19th January.
The King was going to Rheims to be anointed, and would then be crowned at St. Denys.
The King had attended mass for the obsequies of the late King, attired in a purple mantle with a long train. He resembled the devil (pareva el diavolo). Twelve of his attendants were to enter his chamber, and none else except his lords (soi signori). He did not eat in public like King Lewis.
The Duke of Suffolk was expected there as ambassador from the King of England, to confirm the peace. Others said he was coming to escort the Queen to England.
[Italian.]
Feb. 16. Sanuto Diaries, v. xix. p. 304. 583. Venetian Ambassador in France to the State.
Dated 17th to 27th January and 4th February.
The King was gone to Rheims to be anointed; would then proceed to St. Menehould to touch for the evil, and was to be crowned at St. Denys on the 13th. Was very popular. Is on the best possible terms with the Queen Dowager; visits her frequently. Had given her the revenues of the county of Blois, worth 20,000 francs annually, and she was to hold her court there; and an inventory of the plate, jewels, and tapestries of the late King had been made out and sent to England. Two ambassadors from the King of England had arrived, namely, the Duke of Suffolk, and a person styled “the Archdeacon,” (fn. 1) They had audience with the King at a place near Rheims. There they condoled with him on the death of the late King, congratulated him on his own accession, and proposed to take the Queen Dowager to the King, her brother, who apparently means to marry her to an English duke, one of the chief personages in England; but the King (of France) did not choose her to depart, at least until after the expiration of a year, and had appointed as her guardian (a posto al suo governo) a certain Mons. de —, who spoke French (sic), and she was expected to remain. The ambassadors wanted the King to withdraw his protection from Scotland, as King Henry purposed annexing that kingdom, and the French ministers had acquiesced; but King Francis refused his consent, not choosing to break the promise given by the late King Lewis to the King of Scotland, and to the Queen, who however was the King of England's sister. Mentions his own conversations with the King (Francis), whom he describes as very gracious, and also with Gian Giacomo Triulzi. “With regard to the French descent into Italy for the present year, says there was no preparation, as the King chose first of all to arrange matters with England and the Switzers.
[Italian.]
Feb. 22. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvi. p. 99, tergo. 584. The Doge and Senate to the Ambassador in France.
Glad to hear that the King of England means to remain on good terms with his most Christian Majesty and the Archduke (Charles of Burgundy), and no longer adhere to the government and counsel of the Lady Margaret. Anxious to hear that the desired conclusion has been effected.
Ayes, 148. Noes, 54. Neutrals, 4.
[Italian, 50 lines.]
Feb. 27. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 10. 585. Sebastian Giustinian and Pietro Pasqualigo, Venetian Ambassadors on their way to England, to the Signory.
Certain merchants at Lyons had received letters from London from Leonardo Frescobaldi, a merchant of great credit and very rich, dated the 12th and 15th Feb., and stating that the King of England would maintain a perfect understanding with the King of France, who was negotiating an interview with him through the Duke of Suffolk, resident at the French court. It was settled that the interview should take place at Calais. The King of England had despatched a messenger to Florence to purchase a great quantity of cloths of gold and of silk, that he might receive King Francis with honour.
Lyons, 27th Feb. 1515.
[Italian, 1½ page, or 35 lines.]

Footnotes

  • 1. Dr. Nicholas West, Dean of Windsor and Archdeacon of Derby:—soon after Bishop of Ely.