Venice: July 1523 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

'Venice: July 1523', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, (London, 1869) pp. 325-332. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp325-332 [accessed 18 April 2024]

July 1523



July 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. 243.	700. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	The galleys set sail from the island on the last day of June.
	Dated 1st July. Registered by Sanuto, 22nd July.
	[Italian.]
July 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 254.	701. The Same to the Same.
	On the 4th instant the Flanders galleys set sail on their homeward voyage from St. Edward's.
	London, 6th July. Registered by Sanuto, 30th July.
	[Italian.]
July 7. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 216, St. Mark's Library.	702. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	On the 22nd ult. the Queen of Portugal made her entry into Valladolid. She was met by the ambassadors, by the Royal Council, and by all the lords and gentlemen of the Court. The ambassadors paid her their compliments, which she reciprocated, and would not allow them to kiss her hand. She came in a litter, the Emperor riding on her left hand, her ladies following behind. The streets through which she passed were decorated with tapestry, and she was accompanied thus to her abode, adjoining that of the Emperor. (fn. 1)
	On the 24th, the festival of the Baptist, the Emperor, dressed in African costume, after hearing mass in St. John's church, went into the country, where he tilted, and all partook of a collation on horseback; after which they returned into the town and performed the cane game in front of the Queen's residence.
	In order not to appear inferior to the Spaniards from their lack of proficiency in the cane game, the Flemish noblemen, the Prince of Orange, Marquis d'Arschot, Count d'Egmonde, and others, numbering 12 in all, held a tournament, jousting with spears, six against six; and the collision of their horses was so violent that three of them fell, both men and beasts, and two of the horses were killed.
	In the afternoon, on the square, there was a bull bait. When it was at its height, the Emperor entered the arena with his companions of the morning, but in more costly apparel, for almost all wore gold brocade and tissue, some indeed having plates and sheets of gold (lame et piastre d'oro) on their raiment in the guise of embroidery. They attacked the bulls with spears, the Emperor being foremost, and in truth bearing himself bravely. When the bulls were despatched, the cane game was again performed, and lasted for an hour; whereupon the entertainment ended.
	The English ambassador who arrived lately [Jerningham] has, together with his colleague [Sampson], been in secret consultation at the Chancellor's house, together with the Imperial councillors, Mons. de Rœulx and Mons. de Bresse.
	Believes that Jerningham, in the name of his King, has strongly urged the Emperor to undertake something against France. Since Jerningham's arrival, therefore, the Emperor seems hotter than before for this attack on France. Arrangements are already made for provisions and military stores, and some captains have been sent to raise infantry. The onset is to be made apparently in two directions; the one by way of Flanders by the English, the other towards Spain by the Emperor, who it is said will take the field in person. On the 5th instant, when dining with the Chancellor and talking about the war, was told by him that he was preparing his tents, and that he (Contarini) should do the like.
	Valladolid, 7th July 1523.
	[Italian, 2 pages.]
July 11. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 217, St. Mark's Library.	703. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	When mentioning the capture by the French of the two ships from the Indies with the Emperor's gold, added that a farther supply of 300,000 ducats was on its voyage. Was assured of this by the merchants, but, on investigating this last intelligence, discovered it to be false.
	Valladolid, 11th July 1523.
	[Italian, 1½ page.]
July 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 279.	704. Piero Zen, Venetian Ambassador, and Andrea Priuli,
	“Bailo “at Constantinople, to the Signory.
	Detail their conversations with Achmet Pascia. He asked them about Martin Luther. The ambassador replied that he had written sundry works about a certain opinion of his, but effected nothing.
	Dated 24th June to 11th July. Registered by Sanuto, 11th August.
	[Italian.]
July 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 234.	705. Pace's Negotiations.
	The ambassadors from the Emperor, England, and Austria had audience of the College today.
	[Italian.]
July 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 240.	706. Import Permit for Richard Pace.
	Motion made in the Senate by the whole College to remit the 'duty on 10 kilderkins (anfore) of wine belonging to the English ambassador.
	Ayes, 137. Noes, 16. Neutrals, 9.
	[Italian.]
July 18. Senato Terra, v. xxiii. p. 30. tergo.	707. Import Permit for Richard Pace.
	Motion made in the Senate,—
	That, by authority of this Council, permission be given to the reverend English ambassador to bring into Venice, for his own use and that of his household, 10 kilderkins (anfore) of wine, duty free; the duty to be placed to the account of the Signory.
	Ayes, 137. Noes, 16. Neutrals, 4.
	[Italian, 4 lines.]
July 23. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 25.	708. Pace's Negotiations.
	Conference with the Imperial and English ambassadors.
	The Imperial and English ambassadors, and the Papal Legate likewise, having demanded a speedy and positive reply, whereby they may clearly understand the Signory's intention concerning the treaty of peace and confederacy with the Emperor, it is necessary no longer to delay.
	Put to the ballot, that our commissioners confer with the said ambassadors, and first of all concerning the second clause about what we hold, they may draw it up in this form:—That our Signory shall continue to possess peacefully, quietly, securely, and freely, without any disturbance of possession; and that the rest of the clauses do follow.
	Ayes, 165. Noes, 20. Neutrals, 15.
	[Italian, 10 lines. The passage in italics in Latin.]
July 26. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 246.	709. Pace's Negotiations.
	The English ambassador came into the College about these agreements in course of negotiation, and concerning the instrument to be drawn up by him promising, in the Emperor's name, concerning the “rate.” When ratifying the articles he will insert the clause without reserve (libere).
	[Italian.]
July 26. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 220, St. Mark's Library.	710. Gasparo Contarini to the Chiefs of the Ten.
	Sebastian Cabot, who has been residing at Seville, has returned hither on his way to Venice. He is endeavouring to obtain leave from the Imperial councillors to repair to Venice, and induce them to speak to me in his favour. This is what he tells me. Your Serenity shall be acquainted with the result.
	Valladolid, 26th July 1523.
	[Indian, ½ page.]
July 29. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 221, St. Mark's Library.	711. The Same to the Doge and Signory.
	Five caravels have arrived at Seville with about 150,000 gold Castilian pieces. As the greater part has been already consigned to certain persons in Valladolid, but little remains for the Emperor.
	Does not perceive any preparations in confirmation of the statement made by the Chancellor, that the Emperor would take the field in person. The eagerness for war displayed a few days ago has subsided; nevertheless, on many accounts, and most especially to satisfy the King of England, some warlike demonstration will probably be made. It is undeniable that the Government are by no means remiss in exacting pecuniary supplies.
	On the day of the Magdalen a stately joust was performed in front of the apartments occupied by the Emperor and the Queen of Portugal. The jousters were 20 in number, 10 on each side. On one side was the Emperor with nine other lords and gentlemen, all unmarried; their opponents being the Duke of Najera and as many more lords and gentlemen, all married. The liveries were of two sorts, and very magnificent.
	The appointed prize was 40 pair of perfumed gloves, worth upwards of 200 ducats, but it has not yet been awarded, as the jo asters did not finish their courses. The first spear was run by the Emperor, who in truth becomes daily more and more admirable in military exercises.
	The five caravels from the Indies have not arrived at Seville, but at the Azores, and have written for convoy from fear of the French fleet. The amount of gold brought by them exceeds the sum quoted above.
	Valladolid, 29th July 1523.
	[Italian, 2¼ page.]
July 30. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 7.	712. Doge Andrea Gritti to King Henry VIII.
	Returns thanks to the King for his good offices in favour of the peace and confederacy between the Signory and the Emperor, which has been delayed by the death of Hironimo Adorno, and by the tardy transmission of the power from the Infant Don Ferdinand, as the King would have heard by letters from his ambassador, Richard Pace, who has so strenuously co-operated for the attainment of his Majesty's friendly and loving desire on behalf of the State, that no more manifest testimony could be wished for.
	[Latin.]
July 30. Mantuan Archives.	713. Henry VIII. to Federigo Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua.
	Expresses gratitude for his fresh assurances of affection, announced in the letter of the right reverend Cardinal de' Medici. Thanks him cordially. Accepts his offers gratefully, and wishes to reciprocate them.
	Greenwich, 30th July 1523.
	Signed: Henricus Rex. Countersigned: Petrus Vannes.
	[Original, Latin.]
July 30. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 27.	714. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador in Rome.
	Conclusion and stipulation of their peace and confederacy with the Emperor.
	In reply to his letters of the 15th and 17th instant, announcing the communication made to him by the Pope about the league between his Holiness, the Emperor, the King of England, the Signory, the Duke of Milan, the Florentines, and others, for the defence of Italy, had received a similar notice from the Papal Legate [Campeggio], according to a brief of credence.
	Did not answer immediately, because they had been exhorted by the Pope, first of all, to conclude the peace and confederacy with the Emperor.
	To offer due congratulations thereon to the Viceroy (should he be at Rome), to the Duke of Sessa and the other Imperialists, to the English ambassador [John Clerk, Bishop of Bath], and also to the Archduke's representative, should there be one at Rome.
	Ayes, 159.
	Proposed amendment—
	That on account of the lateness of the hour the present letters be delayed until tomorrow.
	Ayes, 47. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 38 lines.]
July 30. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 28.	715. The Doge and Senate to Antonio Surian, Ambassador in England.
	Postponed writing until able to announce the conclusion of the peace and confederacy between the Emperor and the Signory, which, to their extreme satisfaction, was, by God's grace, stipulated yesterday. The delay had been caused, first, by the death of Hieronymo Adorno, and then on account of the power from the Archduke, as also by reason of other difficulties, inevitable in a matter of such great importance.
	Out of their devotion to the Emperor, and for the sake of adhering to the very sage suggestions of that most potent King and right reverend Cardinal, they sacrificed advantages of no slight import to the State, and removed every difficulty for the sake of concluding the business.
	To this his Majesty's ambassador, the Rev. Richard Pace, can bear witness. Throughout these negotiations he has displayed so much diligence, address, and prudence, and performed such good offices on both sides, that they deservedly commend him, as he laboured incessantly until the conclusion.
	Trust that the confederacy may be the cause of universal peace, and of very great benefit to the Christian commonwealth, to the perpetual honour and exaltation of his Majesty.
	To communicate all letters to the King and Cardinal, assuring them of the Signory's affection and obligation for the excellent offices rendered by him (lei) and his ambassador aforesaid, assuring them of the gratitude of the State at all times, and that the King may rely on everything that can be desired from his true friends and confederates.
	Ayes, 197. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 27 lines.]
July 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 254.	716. Conclusion of the League.
	A proclamation was made today by Gasparo della Vedoa, that on Sunday next a solemn mass will be chaunted at St. Mark's for the peace and league which have been stipulated. The ambassadors will accompany the Doge: so all are to come in good order and well arrayed, for the honour of the State.
	The English ambassador wrote a letter to the Doge telling him that this agreement seemed mute, and that rejoicings should be made. Domenego Yenier, sage for the main land, was inclined to move in the Senate for the bells to be rung and for bonfires to be burnt; but he had not the heart to make the motion, because the Doge said that he would speak against it for two hours, both to avoid irritating the King of France, and also on account of the Turk.
	None of the articles of the agreement were read. It is between the Emperor, the Archduke [Ferdinand] of Austria, the Signory of Venice, and the Duke of Milan, through the mediation of the Pope and of the King of England. They have assigned the term of four months within which the King of France and the Duke of Ferrara are at liberty to become parties to it.
	[Italian.]
July 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxixv. p. 254.	717. Conclusion of the League.
	Motion made in the Senate by the Sages, for a letter to the ambassador in England, acquainting him with the conclusion of the peace, which the Signory had effected for the sake of doing what was agreeable to the King of England, and lauding the adroit operations of his ambassador, Richard Pace, who has comported himself most excellently. The motion was carried by the whole College.
	[Italian.]
July 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 255.	718. Pace's Negotiations.
	The English ambassador came into the College this morning, and spoke about making rejoicings. He was told that such demonstrations were omitted on account of the Turk. Pace rejoined, “Tomorrow the Imperial ambassador resident here will dress himself in cloth of gold.” The Doge made answer, “We also shall dress ourselves in cloth of gold.”
	[Italian.]
July 31. Misti Consiglio X. v. xlvi. p. 50.	719. Motion and Amendment made in the Council of Ten with the Junta, concerning a present for Richard Pace.
	The reverend ambassador of the King of England informed the Signory this morning that he intended to depart on Sunday next.
	It is fitting to do him honour, both by reason of the trouble taken by him for the negotiation of the peace now concluded, and to keep him well disposed towards the Signory.
	Put to the ballot-that by authority of this Council the aforesaid ambassador be presented with a collar worth one thousand golden ducats, the entire sum to be supplied by the chest of this Council, or by the mint from the gold [in ingots?] there. The amount to be replaced with the first money received by the governors of the revenues on account of the lapsed tenth (la Xma persa), and no other money order to be given until this reimbursement be made, under penalty of the punishment inflicted on thieves.
	Ayes, 8–9. Noes, 6–0. Neutrals, 0–5.
	Amendment—Leave out the words “one thousand golden ducats,” in order to insert the words “eight hundred golden ducats.”
	Ayes, 14–14.
	This amendment was again put alone, with no and neutral, and the votes were—
	Ayes, 21. Noes, 7. Neutrals, 0. Order made out.
	[Italian, 12 lines.]
July 31. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 7.	720. Doge Andrea Gritti to Cardinal Wolsey.
	The Cardinal will have learned the cause of the delay of the ratification of the peace with the Emperor from the letters of the Ambassador Pace. Returns thanks to the Cardinal for his good offices, which so well become a true hinge of the Church of Rome (verum Romance Ecclesiæ cardinem). Pace's negotiations in this matter have afforded proof of the sincere good will borne to the Signory by the King and Cardinal.
	[Latin.]
July 31. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 7.	721. The Doge and College to Antonio Surian, Venetian Ambassador in England.
	In addition to the letter written by them to him, concerning the conclusion of the peace with the Emperor, address missives to the King and Cardinal, which he is to present in suitable form.
	[Italian.]
July. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 275.	722. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	The King is very anxious for the agreement to take place.
	News received that the Emperor in person, with 15,000 infantry and 2,000 horse, was gone to recover Fonterabia, held by the French, and that he was battering the town.
	London, — July. Registered by Sanuto, 6th August.
	[Italian.]