Venice: October 1613

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 13, 1613-1615. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

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'Venice: October 1613', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 13, 1613-1615, (London, 1907) pp. 51-62. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol13/pp51-62 [accessed 24 April 2024]

October 1613

Oct. 1. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Francia. Venetian Archives. 104. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador has accepted the invitation to court to continue the negotiations for the marriage.
From Paris, the 1 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 1. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci. Milano. Venetian Archives. 105. Antonio Maria Vincenti, Venetian Resident at Milan, to the Doge and Senate.
The ministers here tell me that the ambassador of England has replied, regretting the duke's illness, and that when he is better he will come to execute the commission entrusted to him by his king, omitting to reply to the other particulars touching the question of religion. They do not know here how they can do otherwise than receive him when he comes.
The duke is better, having been two days without fever. He proposes to take a change of air at Porto and afterwards to go to Goito.
From Mantua, the 1 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 4. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni. Roma. Venetian Archives. 106. To the Ambassador with the Emperor.
Order to ascertain what truth there is in the rumour current in Rome that a league is in negotiation between the pope, the emperor and the king of Spain, under the pretext of preserving the Catholic Religion in Germany.
The like to the ambassador in Spain.
Ayes 91.
Noes 0.
Neutral 0.
[Italian.]
Oct. 5. Senato, Secreta, Deliberazioni. Venetian Archives. 107. Instructions to Geronimo Morosini, chosen Captain for the custody of Candia.
When he meets any ships cruising about, which have done any damage to Turkish vessels or places, or subjects about the isles, he shall disarm them until further order.
If he meets with vessels flying the flag of the duke of Savoy, he shall follow the ordinance given to the admirals on the 13th ult.
English vessels are to be treated in accordance with the orders of 24 September and 15 October, 1605.
Ayes 119.
Noes 0.
Neutral 0.
[Italian.]
Oct. 6. Collegio, Lettere. Venetian Archives. 108. The Podestà of Padua to the Doge.
The podestà of Abbadia having detained some chests of silk stuffs which the earl of Arundel had brought from Milan to this city, by means of some Jews, the ambassador of England requested me to use my good offices with the podestà, but as I could not obtain any satisfaction from him, his Excellency has asked me to inform your Serenity that I was mistaken when I wrote that the property was in one packet, as it was in chests.
Giovan Battista Foscarini, podestà.
From Padua, 6 Oct., 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 8. Collegio, Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives. 109. The Secretary of the Ambassador of England came into the Cabinet and spoke as follows:
The ambassador my master has charged me to make a renewed application to your Serenity for the livery of the property of the earl of Arundel, detained by the podestà of Abbadia, but he commands me first to thank you for having decided, at my first instance, that the said property should be kept intact in deposit until your further order. And whereas the ambassador has heard that it has been asserted that the earl's property consists of only one bundle he affirms with all sincerity that the property of the earl and countess was in several chests, wherefore he asks you to order its release; and if among that property there was a small chest of Lorio, a Mantuan Jew, the ambassador, earl and countess beg your Excellencies to grant it to them as a gift, because that Jew is a personal servant of the earl and countess, because those chests contain some of his own goods to present in the court of the Palatine, and he is concerned at their detention in this manner. To prove that the property of the earl was not in a single packet but in several chests the ambassador sends me a letter of the podestà of Padua, which will, I think, throw light upon the matter. I must assure your Serenity on behalf of the ambassador that neither he nor any one of his house has the smallest share or interest of any kind in this. The release of the chests detained at Abbadia is respectfully asked by the ambassador, the earl and countess, as I have said, and will be received as a pure favour, so that the earl, on his return to this city before setting out for England, will come in person with the ambassador to thank your Serenity.
The senior councillor Nicolo Donado replied, the property was stopped as soon as the wish of the earl and the ambassador was made known, and now at this new request we will take the necessary counsel to decide what is to be done, and as we understood from the podestæ of Padua that the property of the earl detained was in one packet, it will greatly facilitate matters if a note be left of the things contained in it.
The secretary replied, the property is in divers chests, the note of the podestà of Padua must have been a mistake of his chancellor. The present letter from him will explain the case.
[Italian.]
Oct. 10. Collegio, Lettere. Venetian Archives. 110. To the Podestà of Abbadia.
Order to keep together under safe custody the property of the earl of Arundel which has been detained, and to await the orders of the Senate.
Ayes 19.
Noes 0.
Neutral 1.
[Italian.]
Oct. 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. 111. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
I received yours of the last day of August when two days distant from here, on the 5th of the present month, and on the 11th there came by special courier two letters, one with the steps taken by the king with respect to Giovanni Vincenzo Gaetano, and the other with the events of Montferrat. For the execution of these I journeyed towards His Majesty, who had set out that very day from Theobalds for London, and afterwards to meet the queen at Windsor. I was with her on Tuesday at Hampton Court, having travelled from Kingston. I had first asked for an audience, which was readily granted.
The king welcomed me very graciously, and enquired eagerly what I thought of Scotland, wanting to know all particulars. While I was dilating upon its beauty and strength with all sincerity, he said that it would all be ready for the service of your Excellencies in every emergency, and that I, who had seen it and who knew his mind, should do him a favour in informing you of his power and intention.
He went on to speak of the affairs of Italy, to the disparagement of Spain and Savoy, with the ideas which you have heard from my other letters.
When the opportunity came, I said, Sire, you are aware that the republic always does its utmost to please you, and I presented the letter touching the affair of the Corsaletta. When it was read, I said that as your Excellencies had done their utmost for the merchants, they desired that an arrangement might be made whereby the merchants would no longer importune His Majesty and the republic, and if as a final reply to the merchants he wished to have the truth I could give it in two words.
The king heard me graciously, approving what I said, added that he could not do less than write in favour of his subjects, and then placed himself in a listening posture. I said, Sire, your Majesty's subjects say two things, one that the ship was taken by force, the other that it was restored in part, but not all. And I add two others, that those who trade ought to pay the impositions and to render obedience; these have laded raisins secretly, defrauding the customs; afterwards, when they met the galleys and were possibly in fear because of their original offence, they took to flight and to showing fight; what else could the captain do than he had done? By the laws of the republic, the first offence involved the loss of everything, and they deserved further punishment for the second course of action, and they could not in justice hope for anything; but as His Majesty's authority had interposed in their favour, asserting that it was not a pirate ship (vesello da costo), my masters, who wished to please His Majesty with all their heart, showed their good intent, writing to the captain of the great galleys and to the Procurator General in Candia that everything should be restored without diminution. This was done to the agent of those interested, who received a part damaged by time and by its own perishable nature, declaring that he did so without prejudice to his principals or to the insurance made in this realm.
I concluded that your Serenity and your representatives could do no more, and I enlarged upon the quality of the General Chamber and the captain.
The king showed his gratification that the restitution had been made at his instance, saying that the whole would otherwise have been lost. He asked me whence the raisins had been taken and if I knew the names of the insurers. He concluded by saying that your Excellencies would be no further troubled in the matter. This he said two or three times, and I replied that I would write to that effect.
I afterwards presented the letter touching the delivery of Giovanni Vicenzo Gaetano to His Majesty's ambassador, saying that where actions speak words are not necessary, except to say that the same would always be done in like circumstances.
The reading of the letter pleased the king, who added that his ambassador had written to him of the instructions given by your Serenity that no one should speak to the man, that you have placed in his hands one of your subjects, while the archduke keeps and favours in his states a subject and rebel of His Majesty, so that he was much bound to you. That this one said very strange and great things, and he did not know how much to believe of it or if there was any other testimony besides his own.
At the end he referred to the arrival of the earl of Arundel, how he had been entertained by order of your Serenity and accompanied by the Ambassador Barbarigo, in whose praise he dilated freely, showing how much he valued the attention paid to the earl, of whom the ambassador has written that he had no reception at all at Milan. I take leave to close, as the hour is late and I am anxious to execute the commands of your Serenity with regard to the ambassador of the States as soon as possible.
From London, the 10 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 11. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. 112. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
In speaking of the affairs of Italy, the king told me that Savoy is now altogether Spanish. The Spaniards now openly praise His Highness, and they wish to compel Mantua to do their pleasure without considering what is just or reasonable. All this he said with great vehemence (con viva expressione). He added that the Grand Duke had written amicably to the duke of Mantua, declaring in his favour, and praised the action of His Highness, with complimentary references to your Excellencies.
Yesterday the ambassador of France called upon me, and spoke at length upon the affairs of Italy to substantially the same purpose as several of the letters of your Excellencies with something more, about the daughter and about the governor of Milan's dealings with Mantua. He added in strict confidence that the marriage between Spain and a daughter of Savoy is almost completely settled, and that Gabaleone had informed the king of it by order of the duke, as he knew well from His Majesty from the audience which he had on Monday morning. That His Majesty views with disfavour these underhand proceedings (simulati andamenti) and their methods of action. That his ambassador with your Serenity had said that His Majesty will regard with disfavour this violence of Spain and Savoy. That the king approved what the ambassador said, affirming that he would support it both by words and deeds. He further informed me in confidence that they were plotting something against your Serenity.
I asked him what France would do if hostilities were continued in Italy. He replied that the queen had arranged to maintain what had already been said both by Spain and by Savoy, and if this did not succeed he could assure me that she would be offended and have recourse to other remedies, adding that unjust and violent actions such as these would be hateful to all the princes of Europe.
I have just received your Serenity's letters of the 19th, and have sent straight to the court for an audience. To-day or tomorrow, when the ambassador of the States will be here, I will fulfil the duty with which you have charged me to him.
From London, 11 October, 1613.
[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Oct. 12. Senato, Mar. Venetian Archives. 113. To the Podestà of Abbadia.
On the 3rd inst. we wrote to you to preserve intact under good custody the property which you detained pertaining to the earl of Arundel, as he declares that it was to be sent to Germany. We believe this implicitly, and, as we desire to give complete satisfaction to the earl and to the ambassador of England, we direct you to cause the immediate delivery of the five chests and packets, seeing that the earl is not defrauded in the smallest particular.
Ayes 66.
Noes 27.
Neutrals 24.
[Italian.]
Oct. 12. Senato, Terra. Venetian Archives. 114. To the Podestà of Padua.
At the first instance made by the secretary of the ambassador of England we directed the podestà of Abbadia to keep in deposit under good custody the property of the earl of Arundel detained at Abbadia. As the earl and the ambassador have both asked that it may be restored, we have directed the podestà to give it up, and we direct you to inform the earl and ambassador of this decision, saying that it proceeds from our esteem for them and by reason of our friendship for their king. We ask you to see that the property is given up with all speed.
Ayes 66.
Noes 27.
Neutral 24.
[Italian.]
Oct. 14. Senato, Secreta. Padova. Venetian Archives. 115. Giovanbattista Foscarini, Podestà of Padua, to the Doge and Senate.
Yesterday I went to call upon the ambassador of England about the cases of silk of the earl of Arundel, detained by the podestà of Abbadia in conformity with the laws; having ordered him to restore them immediately, as the difficulties of the laws have been overcome which forbid the importation of such stuffs into the state under severe penalties even after payment of the customs. Such a favour has been denied to divers princes. The ambassador fully recognised the honour thus done to him and the earl by the republic. He returned thanks and said that the earl, who is now in Florence, would come in person to thank your Serenity. He said he would inform his king of what had taken place, in his first letters. His Majesty would be much gratified.
From Padua, the 14 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 16. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Germania. Venetian Archives. 116. Girolamo Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate.
The marriage of the Prince of England with a sister of the Most Christian King is considered here as settled, and the ministers of Spain are unable to conceal their vexation.
From Ratisbon, the 16 October, 1613. Copy.
[Italian.]
Oct. 17. Senato, Secreta. Corfu. Venetian Archives. 117. Paolo Tiepolo, Captain of the Great Galleys, to the Doge and Senate.
I have arrived in this port to receive the arms sent for these galleys on the berton Paradiso, and also in order that I may be in a better position to hear news of the vessels of Peter Eston, the English corsair, who is taken under the protection of the Duke of Savoy.
From Corfu, the 17 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 18. Senate, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. 118. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
I have interviewed the ambassador of the States and exchanged expressions of friendship with him, assuring him that your Serenity paid no attention to common rumours, and that their friendship in the Levant was established. He replied that your Serenity might rely entirely on the States, and that it will be a good thing to increase our mutual friendship, to which I replied with expressions of thanks.
From London, 18 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 18. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. 119. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
Yesterday I had audience of the king at Theobalds, and told him that while Modena was boldly pressing Castiglione, a place of the Lucchese, the governor of Milan had taken possession of it and planted the flag of the Catholic king, to the grave prejudice of the parties. He heard me attentively and then said: Has he taken it? My ambassador certainly wrote that orders had been given to take it, but that it had not then been done. I replied that I was expressly instructed by your Serenity to give the information to His Majesty.
The king appeared much irritated at this action and condemned it with much feeling and vehemence. I further informed him that they have also asked the duke of Mantua for the little princess, threatening to take her by force. His Majesty said: It is well, what will the duke do? I replied that I did not know, and thanked him for advising your Serenity of the proposal to send his ambassador to Mantua to procure peace, as they knew that he had been chiefly moved to this for the republic. He heard this with satisfaction.
He added that the republic was right in believing that he wished for peace in their interests and he was most ready to take up arms in their favour, but on the other hand he ought to warn the princes of Italy and especially the republic. The end of the Spaniards was clear from the way they took. The best advice he could give to the republic was to ensure the safety of their state by joining the states and princes allied with him. The other princes of Italy might afterwards do the like. The Grand Duke was behaving very well, and he considered him a friend. He was much inclined to ask him to do the same thing. He laid stress on the fact that the four great cantons of the Swiss might already be said to be allied with the confederate princes of Germany. This was opportune for Italy, as it opened a way into the state of Milan. That in the present juncture, and during the minority of the king of France, there was no other remedy, as even if these beginnings of disturbance should end in peace the Spaniards would start others, because it is found that they have made peace with France for the purpose of advancing their interests in Italy.
He declared that in Germany the princes seemed better united and they have been constant, so that the Imperial Diet has been dissolved without coming to any resolution.
That the Turk was advancing with 10,000 men against Transsylvania, and it will behove the emperor and the House of Austria to concede anything in reason to the princes if they want a contribution, in summoning a new diet, which will be about April. That Saxony has declared itself neutral and is negotiating with Brandenburg, and there remained no other difficulty but to receive or grant equality, whereby each confederacy will have served simply to maintain the safety and dignity of the confederates, who all remain at peace.
From London, 18 October, 1613.
[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Oct. 18. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives. 120. Girolamo Cavazza, Secretary to the Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
They have been very glad to hear of the good reception given to Don Diego Sarmiento on his arrival in England, arguing that that sovereign desires peace and good relations with this crown.
In reply to complaints made by Spaniards that some English vessels had taken one of their ships coming from the Indies, laden with 400,000 crowns, the English Ambassador here has declared that his king would be most ready to pursue and punish severely, but it is understood that the capture was made by French corsairs.
From Madrid, 18 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 22. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Zante Venetian Archives. 121. Gerolamo Bembo, Proveditore at Zante.
Sends the mensuali for the last quarter.
From Zante the 22 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Enclosed in the preceding Document. 122. 27 July, by Erasmus Bensson towards the expenses of a drawbridge 8 ducats, 3 soldi.
26 July, from Edward Parsson for gross silk and a safe-conduct from Constantinople 15s. 3d.
13 August, from William Norton and his brother Percival for two bales of grogram and one and two half bales of molasses brought with the ship Centurion 7s. 4d.
23 Sept., custom on goods laded by Alvise Zuever on the ship Rose Lion, captain John Johnson (Gioson) 32s. 12d.
23 Sept., custom on goods laded on the same ship by Edmund Gensfort 561s. 48d.
24 Sept., custom on goods laded by Richard Beresford in the English ship Mantello 744s. 1d.
27 Sept., custom on goods laded by Richard Beresford in the ship Bona Speranza, captain John Bech, an Englishman 248s. 1d.
28 Sept., custom on goods laded by Mark Cook (Coca) in the ship Rose Lion, captain John Johnson 148s. 40d.
28 Sept., custom on goods laded by Erasmus Benson in the ship Black Lion (Lion Negro), captain James Faut 1399s. 48d.
29 Sept., custom paid by John Bochi, master of the ship Bona Speranza, for goods laded on that ship 124s. 1d.
30 Sept., custom on goods laded by Edmund Zenfort on the English ship Rose Lion 279s. 1d.
30 Sept., custom paid by Erasmus Benson for goods laded on the English ship Mantel 279s. 1d.
1 October, custom paid by Richard Beresford for goods laded on the ship Bona Speranza, master John Bech, an Englishman 186s. 1d.
5 Oct., custom paid by Richard Beresford for goods laded on the ship Black Lion, master John Begles 248s. 1d.
9 Oct., from Richard Beresford for wool brought in barks from Misolongi and rope brought in the English ship Bona Venture 3s. 36d.
6 Oct., custom paid by William Norton for goods laded on the ship Black Lion, master John Bogles, a Fleming 111s. 30d.
[Italian.]
Oct. 22. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Milano. Venetian Archives. 123. Antonio Maria Vincenti, Venetian Resident at Milan, to the Doge and Senate.
When I was leaving, the duke said that he would like to go privately to-morrow to see Verona, taking with him only eight or ten persons. He said he only wanted to go for pleasure, but Madame di Ferrara has let out that he is going to confer with de Leon, the ambassador of France.
From Porto, the 22 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 23. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Mantova. Venetian Archives. 124. Antonio Vincenti, Venetian Resident at Mantua, to the Doge and Senate.
Yesterday at 6 o'clock the Cardinal Duke of Mantua arrived in this city, and alighted at the house of Sig. Ferrante de'Rossi, where I found him. He told me he would stop here to-morrow and leave on Friday. There is no confirmation as yet of what I said about the ambassador of France.
From Verona, the 23 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 25. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. 125. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
One of the greatest and most favoured councillors of the king has told me the following matters almost in these very words. Some weeks ago came letters from His Majesty's ambassador in Spain saying that the Duke of Lerma had told him that the king had resolved to live as with a brother, if he had thought of doing otherwise he would have moved with force and open war, suitable to his power and greatness. He repeated several times with emphasis this intention about living as a brother, and added that the intentions of Cæsar had changed in other respects, which would soon be clearly seen. The councillor continued in the same confident manner to say that the Spaniards have in other times shown little inclination for war with us as with France. They exhibit no resolution in the affairs of Germany, so to tell the truth they lean to Italy, as we begin to see, of which they possess so great a part. It would perhaps be to the interest of the king my master to leave that province open to the ambition of the Spaniards, but he places the interests of the republic among the principal considerations, and moreover he believes that the advancement of Spain would be a great danger and prejudice to every one, although we should be the last to suffer in any case, as being the most distant, protected by the sea, and incomparably the most powerful. You know the king's great friendship for the republic, and I can assure you of it, having heard it from his own lips. To tell the truth, I believed some months ago that the Spaniards had finished their operations in Italy. But they proceed gradually and where they find the ground more soft they take courage. They have also the stimulus of the duke of Savoy, a man of vivacious nature, desirous of new things and ready to take offence. It is said that Spain has intelligence in some place of your Serenity's dominion, and some, though not so many, say in Tuscany also.
Yesterday the earl of Northampton had a long conversation with me upon passing affairs and expressed his belief that the differences of Germany were settled and that the greatest danger of war was in Italy. He also spoke to me of the Earl of Arundel and the favours accorded to him, for which he and the Lord Chamberlain asked me to return thanks to your Serenity, and he also expressed his gratification at the readiness of your Serenity to send over Giovanni Vicenzio Gaetano.
London, 25 October, 1613.
[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Oct. 25. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. 126. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate.
Ships have arrived from the East Indies with the value of 1,400,000 crowns at least in divers kinds of drugs and a quantity of diamonds. They have immediately charged three vessels for the Levant, and will charge others. They are accustomed to draw supplies from these countries, and there is enough to provide both the States and the rest of the world.
A ship called la Perla has arrived in Ireland with the value of 400,000 crowns. The ambassador of Spain pretends that it is booty made upon the Portuguese, subjects of his king, and presses for the acknowledgment of this.
Of the ships which set out last year to find a passage and short way to the East Indies, the smaller one has returned. It is said that they have pushed 1,500 miles further. They have found land covered with a certain herb which they call musk (musco), which serves as food for the birds which abound there. That having cut that land they have not found it more than a palm deep, and beneath thick ice, and they are uncertain therefore whether it is land or ice which has been condensed for a long time. They have also found habitations of men, who are not afraid of artillery, from which they argue that the country is not far from where the Spaniards have been, and by this and by other signs they believe that they have certainly found the passage. They will return in the spring, anticipating the time in order to make certain. Their success will be of immense benefit to this country and greatly to the prejudice of Spain.
Seven vessels have returned which set out some months ago under the command of Captain Benjamin Giusel, to fish for whales, with the value of 240,000 crowns of that oil, sent to divers parts.
Of four ships which returned from the Indies to the States, one sank near the island of St. Helena in engaging a carrack, and another was shipwrecked at Texel near the port. The other two arrived safely, richly laden.
From London, the 25 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 25. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Costant. Venetian Archives. 127. Cristoforo Valier, Venetian Ambassador at Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
The Grand Vizier begins to see that it will not be possible to build forty galleys at the Arsenal. Ten are to be built at other places. The wood of those places is not good for the purpose. Galeots have been ordered and so the work of the galleys will probably be delayed. They will not be able, in the opinion of experts, to exceed 90 galleys next year, including the guard.
Dalle Vigne di Pera, the 25 October, 1613.
[Italian; deciphered.]
Oct. 26. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Milano. Venetian Archives. 128. Antonio Maria Vincenti, Venetian Resident at Milan, to the Doge and Senate.
The duke reached Goito yesterday evening, on his return from Verona, greatly pleased at having seen that city. Before leaving he visited the rectors, to whom he related the state of affairs. So far as I have been able to judge from careful observation, this journey has been made simply out of curiosity to see the city and to obtain two or three days' freedom from work and anxiety. I had special opportunities for observation, as I was retained with him.
From Porto, the 26 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 26. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Roma. Venetian Archives. 129. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
The Spaniards are anxious for reciprocal marriages, but I hear on good authority that the French will postpone matters, as they hope first to effect the marriage of the second daughter with England, a question which is considered as good as settled, and they want to see what move the Spaniards will take upon the union of these two crowns.
From Rome, the 26 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 29. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci. Francia. Venetian Archives. 130. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
The English marriage remains in the same state. The ambassador here says that he will return to his king to overcome some difficulty raised by the council and to ask for a decision.
From Paris, the 29 October, 1613.
[Italian.]
Oct. 31. Senato. Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives. 131. Girolamo Cavazza, Secretary to the Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
Six days ago there came couriers from France and England, sent by the ambassadors of His Catholic Majesty, in order, as I understand, to divert the marriage of the second princess of France to the English prince. In speaking to the English ambassador I was able to obtain useful information, as he told me that although they would do their utmost on this side to hinder the marriage, yet if the French desired it, the efforts of the Spaniards to the contrary would be to little purpose, as they did not possess that authority in the northern parts which they enjoyed elsewhere.
From Madrid, the 31 October, 1613.
[Italian; deciphered.]
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