Venice: August 1545 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.

'Venice: August 1545', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 140-147. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp140-147 [accessed 26 April 2024]

August 1545



Aug. 8. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 82 tergo.	344. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten.
	The captains of this Council and their companies forthwith to surround the house entered by the armed men, who last night assaulted Zuan dalla Moneda, captain of the boats of this Council. To enter the house and arrest all persons found there, both men and women, and should they find Lodovico da l'Armi, to summon him to present himself to-morrow morning to the Chiefs of this Council. (fn. 1)
	Ayes, 10. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 11. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 82, tergo.	345. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	Whereas Lodovico da l'Armi is accused of disobedience and insolence towards Zuan dalla Moneda, captain of the boats of this Council, drawing weapons and wounding one of said captain's men; and also of having sent Francesco Mancino, Domenego of Naples, alias Moreto, and another, name hitherto unknown, to murder Curio Bua, at Treviso; and Mancino is accused of having, with Domenego and another person unknown, on receiving such mandate, proceeded to Treviso, in which city, after conversing twice or thrice with said Curio, they on the evening of another day again went to Curio, and Francesco, whilst talking with him, inflicted three or four wounds on him with a naked weapon, the aforesaid Moreto and the other accomplice standing by; after which, they scaled the city walls, and made their escape on horses posted by them at a hostel about a mile from Treviso. (fn. 2)
	Put to the ballot, that these persons be arrested, and that Domenego Moreto, already arrested, remain in custody; that they be examined by the ordinary committee (collegio), even at the rack (cum torturâ), if necessary; they [the committee] to announce the result to this Council, and justice to be done. If impossible to apprehend the individuals sought for, they are to be summoned from the edict steps at Rialto, to present themselves in person at the prisons within the next eight days, to defend themselves against the aforesaid charge; on the expiration of which term, should they not appear, be they proceeded against, although absent.
	Ayes, 20. Noes, 3. Neutral, 1.
	Proclaimed from the edict steps on the 12th.
	[Latin.]
Aug. 11. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 83.	346. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	As Bartolomeo Bardolino, knight, of Bologna; Count Hironimo della Noce, a Bolognese; Count Hanibal Delz (sic), a Sienese; Giovanni Battista Politi, of Bologna; Raphael de' Scarlati, a Florentine; Francesco from Modena; Alexander from Mirandola; Antonio Bolognese; Jacomo from San Felice; Alexander of Ferrara; Nicolo of Modena; Daniel of Portogruer; Perino, a Florentine; and Sigismund of San Felice, who usually reside and assemble in the house of Lodovico da l'Armi, have been accused of disobedience and insolence towards Zuan dalla Moneda, captain of the boats of this Council, against whom they drew their weapons, and wounded one of his men, committing these acts contrary to the dignity of this Council; by its authority, therefore, all the aforesaid to be arrested, and examined by the usual committee (collegio), even at the rack (etiam cum torturâ) if necessary, &c., (fn. 3) [as in the foregoing proclamation]; and as some of the aforesaid are under charge and custody (reperiuntur custoditi et sequestrati) of the Signory's officials in the Churches of St. Nicholas at Lido, and of St. Helena, the said officials to be relieved from their custody.
	Ayes, 22. No, 1. Neutrals, 2.
	Proclaimed on the 12th as above.
	[Latin.]
Aug. 11. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 83.	347. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That Don Bertoldo, Chaplain of the Church of St. John at Rialto; Daniel de Friul, cook; Antonio de Modena; Nicolo da Venetia, boatman; Jacomo Cesaruol; Piero da Ferrara; and Baptista Neapolitan, arrested in the house of Lodovico da l'Armi, be released from prison; and as an individual, name unknown, has been arrested at Mestre, after examination by the Chiefs of this Council, he is to be released by them, if not guilty.
	Ayes, 24. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 13. Lettere Secrete, Capi Ccmsiglio X., File no. 4.	348. The Chiefs of the Ten to Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England.
	Many months ago a Bolognese gentleman, outlawed from Bologna [Ludovico da l'Armi], came to this city, and to other towns of our territory. He has engaged (tenuto) captains and soldiers, contrary to the custom of our Republic, where we have never suffered musters (adunanze) nor stir (moto) to be made. Having been told by the aforesaid Ludovico, whose statement was confirmed by the English ambassador, that he was here for the service of his King, for whom he had engaged those commanders, the Signory, although they have not suffered such things within their jurisdiction, remembering the ancient friendship which the Republic maintains with England and his Majesty, was content that the men should remain in the Venetian territory under promise of living quietly; and Ludovico was particularly admonished by the Council of Ten to act with becoming decorum, and as he knew was also the will of the most Serene King. He promised to do so, and therefore has been hitherto well looked on in this city.
	But lately the captains of the Council of Ten, when patrolling the city by night, encountered eight or ten men wearing offensive and defensive arms, amongst whom was the aforesaid Ludovico. The captain asked who they were, demanding their weapons in the name of the said Council. They not only would neither surrender them nor say who they were, but assailed the captain and the guard, shouting “Arms! arms!” for which disobedience the laws of Venice have enacted the penalty of death. After fighting some time the guard compelled them to retreat into a house, one of the Signory's officials remaining wounded. On hearing of this, with such displeasure as may be imagined, they sent next evening to the house of said Ludovico to arrest such men as should be found there, and to desire him to come to the Chiefs on the following morning.
	The culprits were not found in the house, but when said Ludovico came to the Chiefs he was desired to use all diligence for their discovery and surrender; and although he confessed to having come to blows with the captain of the guard, they nevertheless, allowed him to depart out of respect for his Majesty. But on the morning before last, fresh intelligence arrived from Treviso that three armed men entered that city and treacherously, in the evening, inflicted mortal wounds on Count Curio Bua, who was near his own house, after which they scaled the city wall and escaped. The Chiefs caused such diligence to be used that one of the three has been found in Venice, in the house of said Ludovico, and has confessed that he and his comrades were sent by said Ludovico to commit this outrage (eccesso). On hearing this the Signory could not in justice both as an example to others, and for the safety and quiet of their subjects, omit proceeding according to law in the ordinary form, and issued the order to arrest said Ludovico and the others who were with him; not having found them, they this morning had them proclaimed [outlaws], as customary in similar cases.
	The Chiefs and Council of Ten charge the secretary to acquaint the King with these things in the best way he can, giving him to understand that so long as said Ludovico was at, Venice on his Majesty's service without committing misdemeanours against the Signory and their subjects, not only was he permitted to remain without any remark (senza alcun rispetto), but was also well treated by everybody; but when he chose to act in this manner against their officials, perpetrating such treasonable offences, and causing the walls of their cities to be scaled, they could not fail doing what every Sovereign ought for the maintenance of justice and of his honour. Are certain that the like would have been done by his Majesty, who will much regret it, and, should they be unable to capture said Ludovico, and he arrive in England, will make such demonstration against him that the world shall know that what he has done was against the will of his Majesty, who chooses to maintain the ancient friendship which has always subsisted between him and the Republic, they on their part doing the like to their utmost, as the King may have already known, and will always know by the facts themselves.
	Having communicated the whole to the English ambassador [Sigismund Harvel], he replied that it would greatly displease his Majesty, and that the Signory could not proceed otherwise. Answered that the King's friendship could not suffer hurt (pater lesione) from the misdemeanours of such scoundrels (simil tristi), and that he [Harvel] and his Majesty's other ministers would always be treated by the Signory as hitherto.
	Jacomo Bragadin				Chiefs of the Ten.
	Alvise Contarini
	Francesco Barbaro
	[Italian.]
Aug. 18. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxiv. p. 61, tergo.	349. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador at Constantinople.
	The French fleet is at sea in great force, bound to Dover, Calais, and Boulogne to prevent the passage of the English into Picardy; and the English fleet is at Portsmouth awaiting a fair wind to engage that of France.
	To communicate this intelligence as usual to the Sublime Porte.
	Ayes, 163. No, 1. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 20. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 83, tergo.	350. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	Lodovico da l'Armi having petitioned that, as he wishes to come and present himself at the prisons, the term assigned, according to the proclamation against him, may be prolonged. Put to the ballot, that the period for his presenting himself, which expires this day, be prolonged in his favour until the close of the present month.
	Ayes, 4.
	Amendment.
	That the prorogation be extended until the 10th of September next.
	—	9	12	- 12	Pendet
	—	- 11	13	13
	—	- 2	- 1	1
	[Italian.]
Aug. 25. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 84.	351. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	The motion pending on the 20th instant was made yesterday for the prorogation, until the 10th of September, of the proclamation and term [assigned] to Lodovico da l'Armi for presenting himself.
	—	13	- 10.
	—	12	16.
	—	- 2	- 1.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 26. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 84.	352. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	Whether it seems fit to you, by reason of what has been said and read, to proceed against the Bolognese Lodovico da l'Armi, absent, but legally summoned?
	Ayes, 22. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 2.
	[Latin.]
Aug. 26 Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 84, tergo.	353. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That the aforesaid Lodovico be banished (bannitus) for ever from Venice and all the towns and places of the Signory, and from vessels, armed and unarmed; and should he at any time hereafter be captured, be placed “in carcere clauso,” with a reward of 2,000 livres for his captor; and should he escape from prison and be taken, his captor to receive the above written reward (taleam), he [Da l'Armi] having his head severed from his shoulders between the two columns on a lofty scaffold, and proclamation to be made, etc.
	—	- 12	- 12	- 12.
	Amendment.
	Sentence as above-written, but should he disobey the sentence of banishment, and be captured, to be forthwith beheaded between the columns as aforesaid.
	—	- 12	- 12.
	—	2	2.
	As nothing was carried, and the movers being at liberty to change their motion, the three Councillors above written not choosing to do so, repeated their motion ut supra, and the ballots were,
	—	11	11.
	But two Councillors, the Chiefs, and the State Attornies, changed their motion solely with regard to the reward for the captors, increasing it from 2,000 livres to 3,000.
	—	- 13	- 14.
	—	2	1.
Aug. 26. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 84, tergo.	Is the Council of opinion that for the things said and read proceedings be instituted against the Bolognese Francesco Mancino, usually domiciled in the house of Lodovico da l'Armi, absent but legitimately summoned?
	Ayes, 23. Noes, 2. Neutral, 1.
	The Council decrees that said Francesco Mancino be condemned to the same sentence as Lodovico, save that the reward for his captor be 2,000 livres.
	Ayes, 24. Noes, 2.
Aug. 26. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 85.	Is the Council of opinion that for the things said and read proceedings be instituted against Domenego Moreto?
	Ayes, 23. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 0.
	The Council decrees that said Domenego do end his days (finire habeat vitam) in a dungeon, from which should he escape and be captured, he is to be beheaded between the columns, etc., his captor receiving 2,000 livres.
	—	10	13	13.
	1st. Amendment.
	That he be sent under good custody to Treviso, and beheaded there next Tuesday morning, on the market place.
	—	9	8	- 9.
	2nd Amendment.
	That he be sent as above to Treviso, and that next Tuesday morning, on the artillery ground there which he crossed when making his escape, both his eyes be taken out, so that he remain deprived of their sight (sic quod privatus lumine eorum remaneat); and be he then banished Venice and the district, and from all towns and places of the Signory, and from their ships, armed and unarmed; and should he at any time break bounds (contrafecerit banno) and be captured, to be beheaded between the columns, etc., his captor receiving a reward of 2,000 livres.
	—	4
	—	- 3	5	- 4.
	The neutrals were not counted.
Aug. 26. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 85.	Is the Council of opinion that proceedings be instituted against Count Hironimo della Nuce, Hironimo de' Scarlati, Florentine, Francesco of Modena, Alessandro from Mirandola, Antonio Bolognese, Jacomo from San Felice, Alessandro Ferrarese, Nicolo of Modena, Paulo of Reggio, Daniel of Portogruer, and Perino, Florentine, who usually reside and assemble in the house of Lodovico da l'Armi, they being absent, but legitimately summoned?
	Ayes, 17. Noes, 4. Neutrals, 5.
	The Council decrees that for four years they be banished Venice and from all towns and places of the Signory, and from its ships, armed and unarmed; and should any one of them at any time be captured, he to remain in close confinement for six months, and then return to his banishment, which is then to re-commence, and this toties quoties, with 1,000 livres reward for his captor.
	Ayes, 21. Noes, 5.
Aug. 26. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vi. p. 85.	Is the Council of opinion that proceedings be instituted against Bartolomeo Bardolino of Bologna, Count Hanibal Delz, Sienese, Giovanni Battista Politi of Bologna, Hironimo Venuci, and Sigismund of San Felice ?
	The Council decrees that, considering the promise of immunity given them by the Signory's officials, they are to be set at liberty, and during the whole of tomorrow they may go in safety where they please, and then have three days time for presenting themselves; and should they not present themselves they are to be again proclaimed, with the term of eight days, on the expiration of which term should they not appear, they will be proceeded against notwithstanding their absence.
	Ayes, 17. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 0.
	[Latin and Italian.]
Aug. 29. Senato Terra, v. xxxiv. p. 62.	354. Motion made in the Senate to exempt the English Ambassador from Taxation.
	Dom. Sigismund Harvel, ambassador from the King of England, has been a long while in this city, during part of which time he negotiated as a private individual, being subsequently commissioned to act in a public capacity. Whilst in his former situation the taxers imposed taxes on him, which were duly paid, and are still inscribed in his name. As he is compelled to pay them, the supervisors noting him as debtor, he insists that since he commenced negotiating with the Signory in the name of the most Serene King he ought not to be compelled to pay any tax, according to universal law. His Majesty aforesaid also has written strongly on the subject, and it being just to satisfy him:
	Put to the ballot,—
	That from the time when the said Dom. Sigismund commenced negotiating with the Signory for his most Serene King as a public person, and so long as he shall remain in this office, he be not compelled to pay any tax; any debt contracted by him on this account since the above written period to be cancelled, most especially as he paid his taxes in full whilst in a private capacity.
	Ayes, 151. Noes, 6. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 31. Lettere Secrete, Capi ConsiglioX., File no. 4.	355. The Chiefs of the Ten to Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England.
	In case it be necessary to speak about Ludovico da l'Armi with his Majesty and the Ministry, to assure them that the Signory greatly regretted the necessity for punishing him; and that whenever it may be in their power to do what is agreeable to the King and his government (et alli sui), they will not fail to act in accordance with their ancient friendship and respect for his Majesty, who will know they could not act otherwise than they have done in this matter.
	Before the condemnation of Ludovico, the King's ambassador [Harvel] requested them to prolong the term assigned to said Ludovico for presenting himself, which expired on the 20th instant, until the 10th September. To this they could not assent by reason of the laws. Should he be spoken to on this point, to declare that this prolongation could not be made, especially as said Ludovico has had a sufficient term, and because it is known that on the morning of the day when they determined to arrest him he was in Venice, and had notice of the seizure of one of those who went to Treviso to commit the outrage. To advise the Chiefs of what he does, and of what happens in this matter.
	[Italian.]