Venice: April 1591 | British History Online

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.

'Venice: April 1591', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 8, 1581-1591, (London, 1894) pp. 536-544. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol8/pp536-544 [accessed 25 April 2024]

April 1591



April 7. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1038. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The siege of Chartres is growing more and more difficult on account of the bad weather. The King cannot plant his batteries nor give an assault; and the beseiged have taken the opportunity to repair their damages and bring in victuals.
	One thousand five hundred peasants, who have been called into the city on account of the scarcity of fighting men, have done wonders in repairing the breaches, and in exposing themselves in all positions of danger.
	In order to divert the King from the siege of Chartres, the Duke of Mayenne will lay siege to Chateau-Thierry, and the Duke of Parma will sit down under San Quentin.
	Another thousand Spaniards have been landed in Brittany, as those who were there originally were not sufficient to make much progress.
	Tours, 7th April 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
April 9. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1039. Giovanni Dolfin, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	From Frankfort I learn that Pallavicini arrived there on the 27th of March; and that Turenne was expected in three or four days, to conclude their business while the fair lasted.
	Prague, 9th April 1591.
	[Italian.]
April 9. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1040. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	Orders have been sent to Anatolia for twenty thousand oars for light galleys, and six thousand for great galleys. They are to be stored at Iskimid (Simitri) on the sea.
	The Captain of the Sea was attacked by a contraction of the nerves and loss of speech immediately upon his return. They suspect poison.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 9th April 1591.
	[Italian.]
April 10. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1041. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	Over and above the demands for men and money, which the members of the League in France prefer to his Majesty, they also suggest that Paris and all Catholic France would be greatly assisted if the States of the King of Navarre were attacked by Spain on the Bearnese frontier. Every effort is used to induce his Majesty to embark on this enterprise; and it is thought that the Ambassador of the League, who is expected here shortly, will come with a mission to treat upon this point. In Spain, however, no preparations adequate to such an undertaking are going forward; only six hundred horse have been sent to support the Duke of Joyeuse, and perhaps one thousand five hundred Catalans. Some troops are held in reserve here, so as to be ready to march wherever they may be most needed; for there is news from England of great preparations which cause alarm, lest they may be directed against the Spanish dominions, and chiefly against Portugal. The Duke of Parma is said to have positive orders to enter France with a strong army as soon as ever he can, and money is reported to have been despatched to him. But whether this rumour be correct, or whether it be circulated merely to give some support to the League, is uncertain. At any rate, I hear that the Duke of Parma has written to say that even if he had made up his mind to march into France, he could not do so unless he was supplied with a large amount of money. For on his last expedition his troops suffered terribly, and it would now be a question of loosing their life where they had already lost their health. In fact, everything in Flanders is in such disorder that the Duke of Parma's Ambassador, who resides here, declares that there is no possibility of carrying out this expedition. Some persons of weight declare that the King is advised to proceed slowly in helping the League, for they say that divisions are already so deeply implanted that the kingdom of France must, for a long time to come, remain very weak.
	Madrid, 10th April 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
April 13. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1042. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate,
	Urgent demands for money come from Flanders, and his Majesty has raised a Joan of eight hundred thousand crowns from the Fuggers. They took this opportunity to obtain security for three hundred thousand crowns which they had formerly advanced. At the King's request the Archbishop of Toledo, who is said to have vast accumulations of gold, has advanced one hundred thousand crowns.
	The Count of Barages, President of the Council of Castille, which is the highest office in this kingdom, has suddenly been removed from his post. He is charged with having administered his office more in his own interest than in the interests of justice.
	No military preparations are on foot except that three thousand soldiers are collected in Portugal, to be sent into Brittany. Security for good service and obedience has been exacted from each.
	Madrid, 13th April 1591.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
April 13. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1043. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	Giovanni Stefano Ferrari, who was to have been sent to Constantinople, has been detained here so long that he would now he too late to hinder the designs of the Turks this year. Accordingly the Ministers have shown no hurry to despatch him; but he has recently been sent to Milan, there to await fresh instructions. He himself does not know what the nature of his commission will be; but it is not likely that it will satisfy the Turk who demands the presence of some one with the powers and rank of Ambassador.
	I hear from Lisbon that the ship “Salvagna,” which was captured by English bucaneers and carried off to England, has been wrecked on her way from Falmouth to London, whither she was being towed at the orders of the agent for the owners. The governor of a fort near the scene of the wreck took all the guns out of her. The crew was saved, and some of them are now in Lisbon. They declare that they suspect treachery in the wrecking of the ship. His Majesty is steadily recovering his health.
	Madrid, 13th April 1591.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
April 19. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1044. Hieronimo Lippomano, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	Along with your Serenity's despatches there arrived here on the 9th inst. letters from the Duke of Mayenne to the Grand Signor and the Grand Vizir. M. de Lancome, Ambassador in ordinary of France, delivered them, and they were received apparently with great satisfaction.
	The Duke says that the kingdom of France having been reduced to a miserable state after the murder of the Duke and the Cardinal of Guise, and the others at Blois, he pleads his occupations as an excuse for not having anticipated Navarre in sending an Ambassador to the Forte. He calls Navarre a usurper, and says that Cardinal of Bourbon, the true King, died in prison because he was unable to endure the indignity. He alludes to the fact that he was worsted in an engagement with Navarre; declares that he relieved Paris, and that Navarre has neither towns nor fortresses of importance, nor the support of the people. He assures the Sultan that the provinces will never accept any but a Catholic King and a Frenchman, and begs his Majesty to take under the wings of his favour the Catholics of France, and to reject Navarre. He authorises M. de Lancome to represent him, and begs that all who have been detained at the request of Navarre and England may be liberated.
	In the interview which M. de Lancome had with the Grand Vizir, when he presented the letters, the Ambassador said that the Duke of Mayenne, not as King but as protector of the French Catholics, implored the Sultan not to show himself at the request of heretic rebels, hostile to the Grown of France with which his ancestors had always lived in reciprocal amity. These rebels were powerless, but relied on help from the enemies of their enemies. The Duke and all the Catholics of France humbly implored the Sultan, even if he would not help the Catholics at least not to support nor rely on the Queen of England and the King of Navarre; and assured him that if assistance from Turkey were withheld all the nobility, which at present followed Navarre through fear, would desert him, and so secure the true freedom of France, which otherwise is doomed to a tyranny.
	The Pasha, who for some time past has held M. de Lancome' in small esteem, because Turkish feeling inclines towards Navarre, and because England is always urging that Spain should not be allowed to become too great, made a brief reply, saying that for the present no other answer to that letter was necessary, but that if the gentleman, whose arrival from France was announced, should come to Constantinople he would be well received.
	A few days later the Ambassadors of France and the Emperor had a very secret meeting in a monastery in Pera. They exchanged the orders which each held from the King of Spain to prevent the sailing of the Turkish fleet. It is understood that very shortly Ferrari or someone else will arrive here under pretext of being Agent for the Duke of Mayenne, in order to purchase with money the security for Spain. In order to rouse the Sultan's suspicions these Ambassadors spread reports that the King of Spain and the Queen of England in closest accord are making preparations together, and that the Pope has furnished large supplies of money and men to oppose Navarre. But these reports make no way in the mind of the Vizir; and in spite of them the English Ambassador has received a concession for drawing corn and horses from Algiers for the service of Navarre. All the same, if Ferrari, or whoever comes here, brings large sums of money, it is probable that he will obtain a considerable part of what he asks.
	So variable and fluctuating are events at the Porte that no change from one extreme to the other ought ever to surprise us, and nothing is so small that it may not become of highest moment, and vice versa, especially now that gold has absolute power to change all the Sultan's plans. The preparations for the fleet do not cease.
	The Sultan declared to the Grand Vizir, after the last exploits of the Maltese galleys, that he was determined to have done with Malta. The Vizir replied that although Malta was to Christendom what Mecca was to the Turk, and every Christian power would move in its defence, yet to his Majesty's puissance everything was possible. Then, talking of Crete, he added these very words: “That island, sire, shall be thine at any moment that seemeth thee good.”
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 19th April 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
Enclosed in preceding Despatch.	1045. Letter from the Duke of Mayenne to the Grand Vizir.
	To the Illustrious and Magnificent Grand Vizir at the Sublime Porte of the Grand Signor.
	Seeing that our Sovereigns have always found a safe refuge in the favour of your Highness, I am fain to hope that the humble representations which I now make in the name of all France will meet with your benevolent regard.
	I am told that others who usurp the title of King have forestalled me. I esteem your prudence and ability so highly that I am sure that the affairs of France have been for long within your perfect cognizance; you will know that the Kings of France have always enjoyed the reverence and adoration of their people, and never have had occasion to fill the ears of foreign Princes with lamentations, as does this individual, that he is not recognised nor obeyed; recognition and obedience which he desires to exact in the teeth of the laws of the State, which have been established now for a long course of years. He now wishes to change these laws, and to substitute others quite new; he a man whom all the States of France in convocation have unanimously declared to be incapable of ruling, against whom these same States of France have put forth all their power. He has placed himself at the head of all the opposition to our Kings during the last reigns.
	I now wish to inform your Grandeur of all this through M. de Lancome, for whom I crave your credence; and I supplicate you to inform his Majesty so that he may be pleased to grant free traffic to all the ports of his dominions; in the name of all France I implore you to use your influence with the Sultan that he may issue orders to the Governor of Algiers and others to this effect.
	Owing to the difficulties of the road and the disturbances of this kingdom I have been unable to send these instructions sooner to M. de Lancome; but I desire them now to be taken as a sign of devotion to his Majesty and your Excellence, a devotion which I shall repeat by means of a gentleman whom I shall shortly send for that purpose.
	Soissons, 28th December 1590.
	Your humble servant, Charles of Lorraine, Duke of Mayenne.
	[Italian.]
Enclosed in preceding Despatch.	1046. Letter from the Duke of Mayenne to the Grand Signor.
	After compliments. Your Highness will have learned the various misfortunes which have befallen this unhappy kingdom after the cruel and detestable massacre which was committed at Blois under the eyes of the assembled States and of the Ambassadors of all the powers.
	In the height of my sorrow, and under the burden which was laid upon my shoulders by the faithful of France, who appealed to me to help them against Navarre, who unjustly seeks to usurp dominion over them, I was unable to give your Highness earlier notice of this event; and the Cardinal of Bourbon died in prison of the indignities received before I had time to gather forces sufficient to free him and restore him to his people. While pursuing my design fell in with the King of Navarre, and it pleased God then to give him the advantage, perhaps with a view to punishing him more severely later on. I will, however, to assure your Highness that in spite of this advantage he has acquired neither city nor fortress in this kingdom, nor by force of arms has he succeeded in acquiring the love of this people. He turned arms against the capital, and after a siege of full five months he expected to reduce it. But his design fell through.
	I am informed that he has forestalled me in that sign of respect which, had it not been for my occupations, I would have made in testimony of the honour in which I hold your Grandeur. I hear that with the help of England and other of his partisans he has attempted to gain over the support of your Highness.
	I desire to give your Highness all information through the means of M. de Lancome, Ambassador of France at your Porte. The King of Navarre has been held by the last Kings of France, and by the States in convocation, as their bitter enemy, and against him their arms have been employed. Your Highness, therefore, will recognise him as a usurper, and will withdraw your protection.
	And, further, I am informed that as the result of false information your Highness has given leave to your subjects to attack all French traders; I, therefore, through M. de Lancome, humbly beg your Highness to restore the ancient privileges enjoyed by the French.
	Soissons, 28th December 1590.
	Your most humble and obedient servant, Charles of Lorraine, Duke of Mayenne.
	[Italian.]
April 21. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1047. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Count of Brisac has just come bach from the Duke of Parma; he reports that there is very little likelihood that the Duke will come into France this year. But complete credence is not given to this report as the ruses of war are well known. The policy of the Duke of Mayenne is now clearly to obey the King of Spain in everything, for he knows quite well that without the support of that Sovereign he could do nothing against the forces of the King of France.
	The Duke of Mercure, seeing that he can make no progress with his own pretensions to Brittany, has advanced the claims of the first Infanta of Spain on condition thai he is named her lieutenant.
	Tours, 21st April 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
April 21. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1048. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	There is news from England that eighty fully armed ships have put to sea. There are twelve thousand men on board. This causes some anxiety to these Ministers for they are uncertain as to the destination of this fleet.
	The King continues to improve in health. He walks better.
	Madrid, 21st April 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
April 21. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1049. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	Hearing that the members of the French League had urged the King of Spain to attack the territory of Navarre on its Bearnese frontier, I sent to gather any information about the movement of troops in that quarter. There was virtually no movement taking place.
	The fleet that was to convey troops from Spain to Brittany started on its voyage, but was overtaken by so fierce a storm that it was obliged to turn back, and for some days it has been lying in Ferrol.
	At Corunna, where some of the King's ships are lying, it has been found necessary to dismantle some in order to arm others. There is a want of powder. They are in alarm lest the English should appear; and in the scarcity of artillery they have disarmed some ships. Bread, too, is supplied with difficulty; it has to be brought from fifty leagues away.
	The East India fleet has sailed from the Tagus; it was accompanied by many ships which were drawn together by fear of the English; the wind was fair.
	Madrid, 21st April 1591.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
April 27. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1050. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	The troops which they are raising in Castille and in Portugal are supposed to be intended to reinforce the troops which are now in Brittany, as they are afraid that the English may attack that Province.
	In order to strengthen the Indies several ships have been laden with building material in Lisbon to fortify the more dangerous points.
	The gold and silver which, as I informed your Serenity, has arrived was the gold and silver of last year. This year's supply is still to come.
	As the voyage has been so long delayed they fear that the English fleet, even if it does go to Brittany, may still be in time to find and to capture the ships from Havana.
	Madrid, 27th April 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
April 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1051. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Letters from England announce that the Queen is fitting out ninety ships. Opinions differ as to the destination of that fleet; but it is generally supposed that it will be sent to join the Moors in Barbary, and to harry the line of traffic between Spain and the Indies, as was done last year with the approval of the Queen.
	In Germany the Viscount of Turenne is raising troops, which, after harvest, are to come into France, and to ravage the possessions of Lorraine.
	Tours, 28th April 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
April 30. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1052. Giovanni Dolfin. Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Emperor has been informed that on the 20th of this month Turenne and Pallavicini were with Casimir in company of the Prince of Hainault. They are raising troops, but difficulties have occurred; for at the Frankfort fair only a very small sum was forthcoming to meet the charges of that portion of the troops which was commissioned by the Queen of England.
	In short, at Frankfort the Queen's bills of exchange, to the amount of one hundred thousand florins, had been received; and from the Protestant Princes another hundred and seventy thousand to honour the drafts of Turenne and Pallavicini.
	The Secretary of Don Guglielmo di S. Clemente, who was sent on purpose to report, declares that it is quite true that bills of exchange from the Queen have arrived, but only for the sum of seventy thousand florins.
	An English alchemist who has drawn two hundred thousand thalers from Sig. Rosimberg and others, was about to be arrested by his Majesty's guard. The house was surrounded, but when they came to search it they found it empty. The Englishman had gone off in carriage two hours before. His brother and four servants have been arrested, and his letters and papers seized; his wife, his sister, and other women are left in the house. Couriers have been despatched to overtake and arrest him.
	Prague, 30th April 1591.
	[Italian.]