Venice: April 1582

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 8, 1581-1591. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

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'Venice: April 1582', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 8, 1581-1591, (London, 1894) pp. 33-34. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol8/pp33-34 [accessed 25 April 2024]

April 1582

April 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 78. Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
Five great ships of the West Indian fleet sailed from the Port of Lisbon, very well armed and better found, for his Majesty offered special bounties to those who embarked. He himself accompanied the fleet out of harbour, following in this the custom of the Kings of Portugal. He breakfasted on board his royal galley, and passed the whole day at the fort of St. John at the mouth of the port. He examined it diligently, and gave orders that the work should be finished as soon as possible. Guns for this and other forts have been sent from Lisbon. Much ammunition has been sent to Oporto.
Madrid, 16th April 1582.
[Italian.]
April 16. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 79. Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
The news that the Turkish fleet is about to take the sea, is believed in Lisbon. But the number of the vessels will exceed by very little the number of last year. For while the Persian war lasts the Turks will not care to break the truce with the King of Spain; they merely desire to keep him in anxiety, in order to impede his designs and to favour those of his opponents.
Madrid, 16th April 1582.
[Italian; deciphered.]
April 17. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 80. Alberto Badoer, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
I need not write to your Serenity of what has befallen the Prince of Orange, as I know that news from Flanders reaches Italy sooner than it reaches us. I will only say that the ball fired by that Biscayan, has done the Prince no other injury than passing through his throat and carrying away two teeth only. The mischance meant for him has fallen on the Duke of Alençon, against whom the whole population has risen, declaring that he was the author of the plot, in order to rid himself of a Prince whom his people called their Saviour. All this brings into prominence the weight of Orange and the weakness of Alençon.
Vienna, 17th April 1582.
[Italian.]
April 30. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 81. Matheo Zane, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
Some days ago an English ship entered the Port of Lisbon. She was laden with merchandize for certain rich Portuguese merchants. On sailing again some of these with their families and all their property embarked secretly, and went to join Don Antonio. This displeased the Spaniards, who have issued an order forbidding any foreign ship to sail till it has been searched, and that it shall be escorted out of harbour.
Madrid, last day of April 1582.
[Italian.]
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