Venice: September 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: September 1523', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, (London, 1869) pp. 338-344. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp338-344 [accessed 26 April 2024]

September 1523



Sept. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 307.	745. Marco Foscari to the Signory.
	According to letters received here from England, the King was sending troops over to France. The Pope is very intent on providing money.
	Rome, 1st September. Registered by Sanuto on the 5th.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 2. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 227, St. Mark's Library.	746. Gasparo Contarini to the Doge and Signory.
	Arrived at Burgos on the 1st of September; on the 2nd presented himself to the Emperor, and accompanied him to mass. The Chancellor is in great spirits, and not only hopes for victory against the French, but considers it certain. From words uttered by him and others, since the arrival of the Frenchman La Motte, (fn. 1) is of opinion that the Imperialists have an understanding either with some great personage in France or with some French town. (fn. 2)
	Was informed by the Chancellor that Andrea Doria, who with his galleys is now in the service of France, has sent to offer himself to the Emperor, who announced this to the Chancellor when on the road from Valladolid to Burgos, asking the Chancellor's advice. The Chancellor wrote back that the Emperor ought to accept the proposal. (fn. 3)
	Burgos, 2nd September 1523.
	[Italian, 1½ page.]
Sept. 5. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 309.	747. Marco Foscari to the Signory.
	The Pope is very ill indeed, so that the Cardinals have commenced canvassing the popedom. It is reported here that the King of France has made a truce with the King of England.
	Rome, 5th September. Registered by Sanuto on the 9th.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 5. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 360.	748. Lodovico Spinelli, Venetian Secretary in England, to the Signory.
	Writes because the ambassador is ill. The English forces having landed in France, suffered loss; the French pursued them, and when the English wanted to embark some of them were killed.
	An ambassador from Madame Margaret has arrived on the island, and had audience of the King. The Cardinal believed that he was come to speak and consult about the expedition to be made, whereas he asked the King for a loan of money. Wolsey abused the ambassador, and would not give him anything.
	London, 5th September. Registered by Sanuto, 28th September.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 6. Patti Sciolti, no. 802.	749. Henry VIII. to Doge Andrea Griti.
	Never read any letters with greater satisfaction than those addressed to him by the Doge on the 30th July. No Christian Sovereign can exult more than he does at the news of the peace between the Emperor and the Signory. Congratulates himself and the whole of Christendom on the result, and above all, Italy; redoubling the exhortations sedulously addressed by him to the State. Expatiates on the very great pleasure derived from the statement contained in the letters of the English ambassador at Venice, and from the narrative of the Venetian ambassador in England. Returns very great thanks, and confesses himself yet more indebted for the weight attached by the State to his very loving counsel and sincere persuasions.
	By means of this confederacy relies on bringing to reason, without much difficulty, such princes as perchance from mere ambition might act to the detriment of the Christian commonwealth.
	Will use every endeavour to strengthen the alliance, and praises the exertions of Antonio Surian, the Venetian ambassador in England, extolling his singular prudence and erudition, and his extreme skill and address in negotiating.
	Okyng, 6th September 1523.
	Signed: Henry Rex.
	Countersigned: Petrus Vannes.
	[Original; parchment. (fn. 4) Latin, 18 lines.]
Sept. 6. Patti Sciolti, no. 803.	750. Cardinal Wolsey to Doge Andrea Griti.
	Expresses the satisfaction of King Henry and himself at the treaty stipulated between the Emperor and the Signory, (fn. 5) anticipating thence universal peace, which would have ensued long ago had it not been impeded by the immoderate ambition of certain Sovereigns.
	Informs him that King Henry having, contrary to general expectation, received this very agreeable announcement, rejoices marvellously; and although he doubts not of the stability of the agreement, will nevertheless sedulously exert himself to render it daily more firm,—a bias which on every account he (Wolsey) purposes encouraging to the utmost.
	Commends himself humbly to the Doge.
	London, 6th September 1523.
	[Original; paper. Latin, 26 lines.]
Sept. 12. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 228, St. Mark's Library.	751. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	Informed by the Chancellor that an envoy has arrived from the the Duke of Savoy to sound the Emperor concerning an adjustment with France, for which the Duke offers his mediation, and also asks permission to remain neutral in the war. The Emperor replied, that being in confederacy with the King of England, as likewise with the Pope and the Republic, he could not discuss such a matter save with their consent and knowledge. With regard to the neutrality of Savoy, he said that as the Duke was the subject of the Empire, and consequently of the Emperor, it was not fair that he should remain neutral to the prejudice of his Sovereign.
	The Savoyard envoy added that the King of France was at Lyons, and had announced his intention of descending into Italy, notwithstanding the peace stipulated between the Signory and the Emperor, saying word for word as follows: “I hold those rascal merchants (fn. 6) in no account whatever, for they never keep faith, and in like manner as they have broken it with me, so will they do by the Emperor.”
	Remarked to the Chancellor that this charge might well be brought by the Republic against France, but the State had never broken faith with any one. The Chancellor, in reply to his details concerning the agreement made by the French at Cremona, said, “It is perfectly clear; never did I see faith kept so religiously as yours with the French;” adding that the King of France announced his intention of going into Italy to reconquer the Milanese, but said he should return in time to expel the Spaniards, the English, and the Germans, who, as now known to him, purposed invading France.
	The five caravels from the Indies have at length arrived at Seville. Some persons say they bring about 300,000 gold pieces, equal to 400,000 ducats; others represent the amount as much greater. Of this sum the Emperor's share amounts to about 100,000 ducats, the residue being forestalled; though it is supposed that the want of money for the war will make them assign other funds for the creditors.
	On board of these caravels there is much sugar and cassia; also hides and other merchandise, and a good number of pearls.
	Burgos, 12th September 1523.
	[Italian, 4½ pages.]
Sept. 15. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 230, St. Mark's Library.	752. The Same to the Council of Ten.
	In the course of conversation with the Chancellor, both last year, when riding together from Saint Ander towards Palencia, and now when discussing the faith kept by the French, was told by him that King Francis, first of all with Maximilian, and after his death at the conference of Montpellier [4 May 1519], proposed to the present Emperor through the Lord Steward [Gouffier de Boissi] the partition of Italy, as follows:—He was to take for himself the duchy of Savoy and Brescia, Bergamo, and Crema, assuming the title of King of Lombardy, but acknowledging it as an Imperial fief. (fn. 7) He then bound himself, almost entirely at his own expense, to aid the Emperor until he should obtain all the rest. The minutes of this contract were drawn up, and the Chancellor said that he could show them to him. Subsequently, when the Provost of Utrecht was the present Emperor's ambassador in France, they (the French) urged the stipulation of this partition treaty; though it is perfectly true that since his Majesty's election to the Empire the King of France has always sought to humble him. In conclusion, the Chancellor said, “This, then, is the faith kept you by the French.”
	Burgos, 15th September 1523.
	[Italian, 1½ page.]
Sept. 18. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 26, tergo.	753. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador in Rome.
	Are advised of the death of the Pope. To condole iu the Signory's name with the Cardinals on this demise.
	On the 14th the French troops crossed the Ticino without any opposition. They are quartered between Binasco and Biagrassa, some 15 miles from Milan, into which city and its suburbs Prospero Colonna has retreated with his troops, after placing a strong garrison in Pavia. Lodi has been abandoned by its governor, who went to Crema, whither the English ambassador, the Reverend Richard Pace, also betook himself from Milan. The Signory is intent on mustering the troops, and has given orders accordingly to our Proveditor-General not to lose any time in aiding the expedition, to secure which, additionally, they have determined to increase their infantry force to the amount of 10,000 men, and will raise another 200 men-at-arms. The Duke of Urbino, the governor-general of their army, is to leave that town (Crema) today. Are very anxious for his arrival.
	Ayes, 180. Noes, 14. Neutrals, 1.
	[Italian, 45 lines.]
Sept. 18. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 37, tergo.	754. The Same to Gasparo Contarini, Ambassador with the Emperor.
	Acquaint him with all the provision made and steps taken by them, that he may announce them to the Emperor, being very sure that he will have done as becoming his magnanimity and power in every direction, and that the King of England will have acted in like manner; nor do they doubt but that through the Emperor's care this French stir, which appears so brisk, will be quelled, so that the mutual territories may obtain perpetual peace and quiet.
	The letter to be antedated 16th September.
	[Italian, 71 lines.]
Sept. 18. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 37, tergo.	755. Present from Henry VIII. to Antonio Surian. Motion made in the Senate.—By the relation of Antonio Surian, LL.D. and knight, lately returned from his embassy to England, the Senate has heard how well and worthily he bore himself during so long and laborious a mission, with very great application, vigilance and cost, so that he deserves compensation from the Signory.
	Put to the ballot—that by authority of this Council there be given to our aforesaid nobleman the 500 crowns presented to him by the King of England.
	Ayes	115	119	Undecided.
	Noes	80
	Neutral	3
	Amendment.—That of the said 500 crowns only 300 be given him.
	Ayes, 30. Noes, 43. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian, 6 lines.]
Sept. 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxiv. p. 360.	756. Giovanni Badoer to the Signory.
	The news of the Pope's death arrived here from Rome in six days. (fn. 8) King Francis told Badoer that he should therefore come into Italy. He also said that the English had crossed over to France to a port called Tripolto [Treport?], and were driven back.
	Lyons, 21st September. Registered by Sanuto, 29th September,
	[Italian.]
Sept. 24. Mantuan Archives.	757. Gabriel Cesano to Messer Abbatino, Secretary of the Marquis of Mantua.
	Acknowledges receipt of his letters. Requests that he will continue to give him news of the war, as, besides doing an especial favour to his (Cesano's) right reverend master, the King and Cardinal (Wolsey) will be greatly obliged to him, both one and the other being very desirous of intelligence.
	They have mustered 15,000 English infantry, and 6,000, or at least 5,000, Burgundians, with 700 spears, against France. Hears that they entered the French territory on the 19th inst., to draw off the war from Italy; and by this time the Emperor will be in the field with a still greater force. Hopes therefore that the French will now fare badly. Desires him to send his letters under cover to Messer Jo. Gabriel Bonante, merchant at Antwerp, who is a very staunch Imperialist, and performs this office very willingly. Having no special courier, has always written to him (Abbatino) through Bonante. Repeats his recommendation of Messer Baptista Sambuello, because he loves him heartily.
	The King is now at a distance of more than 60 miles from London, but in a few days he will be on his way back.
	London, 24th September 1523.
	Signed: Gab. Cesano.
	[Original, Italian.]
Sept. 24. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 231, St. Mark's Library.	758. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	Arrived at Logrono yesterday, having been preceded by the Emperor and the Chancellor.
	A report had been circulated to the effect that the Duke of Bourbon had made an agreement with the Emperor. Yesterday the fact was confirmed by the Chancellor, who said that according to letters from Narbonne it appeared that the Duke of Bourbon was no longer in France, it being generally reported there that he had come to the Emperor.
	At Logroño it is said the Emperor will give him his sister, the Queen of Portugal, in marriage; and possibly on this account the Emperor joins the camp in person. Having with him the Duke of Bourbon, who is said to be very popular in France, he might effect some great revolution there.
	Letters from England, dated the 1st, announce the passage of the Duke of Suffolk to Calais with the English troops, who were on their march to besiege Boulogne, as the State will have heard more authentically from the Ambassador Surian.
	Logroño, 24th September 1523.
	[Italian, 3 pages.]
Sept. 25. Patti Sciolti.	759. Henry VIII.
	Letters patent announcing that he has become a party to the confederacy between the Emperor and the Signory of Venice, stipulated on the 29th of July 1523; that it has been formed through his persuasion; that he and the Pope Adrian VI. may be considered its conservators; and that the Venetian ambassador in England, Antonio Surian, having shown him its articles, he perceives them to contain nothing but what will manifestly contribute to the common weal, and vastly aid those who seek to repress the very iniquitous efforts of such as aim at the destruction of the entire Christian commonwealth.
	Pledges his kingly word to give the treaty his utmost support, and to mediate between its framers in case of need.
	Woodstock, 25th September 1523.
	Signed: Toneys. (fn. 9)
	[Original; parchment, with the great seal in wax. Latin, 15 lines; dimensions, 17 in. by 8.]
Sept. 27. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxv. p. 91.	760. Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	Has taken leave of the King and Cardinal and quitted the English Court. Eight thousand English have crossed over to Flanders (di qua) with the Duke of Suffolk, to effect a junction with . . . . . . . ., and with 5,000 lansquenets (although Surian does not believe they will be more than 2,000) and 15 pieces of artillery. They mean to attack France. There is also a certain number of horse from . . . . . . . .
	Antwerp, 27th September. Registered by Sanuto, 22nd October.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 29. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 232, St. Mark's Library.	761. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	On the preceding morning was informed by the Emperor that the Duke of Bourbon had joined the 10,000 lansquenets and 500 Burgundian spears, destined for the attack on France. The Emperor added, “To tell you the truth, having had no news of this Duke of Bourbon, I was very much afraid lest some misfortune might have befallen him. Our league must now prepare both for defence and offence, and pluck this thorn from our foot.”
	It is not known in what fashion the Duke joined these troops. Some say that he brought about 50 spears with him, others more; many that he went quite alone, and that the King of France has imprisoned several gentlemen, his accomplices in this negotiation, which, as told him (Contarini) by the English ambassadors [Sampson and Jerningham], was commenced upwards of a year and a half ago. (fn. 10)
	It is also reported that Mons. de la Trimouille, with 300 spears has been routed by the English. If this be true, the affairs of France are then considered by the Imperialists to be in a very sorry plight.
	Logroño, 29th September 1523.
	[Italian, 1¼ page.]
Sept. 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxv. pp. 37, 38.	762. Marco Foscari to the Signory.
	Gives an account of the preparations for the conclave.
	Announces the arrival of the English ambassador, Dom. Richard Pace, with whom he has conversed. Pace complains that the Signory has not done, and does not do, what they are bound for the Milanese, and that it would have been better had the agreement not taken place, as the Emperor would have made greater provision.
	Rome, 29th and 30th September. Registered by Sanuto, 6th October.
	[Italian.]