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: June 1615, 1-10', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 13, 1613-1615, (London, 1907) pp. 455-466. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol13/pp455-466 [accessed 24 April 2024]
June 1615, 1–10
| June 1. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives. | 831. Francesco Morosini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. |
|---|---|
| The galleys of Naples and Sicily, which recently brought to the Vai the remainder of the Neapolitan troops, have orders to return, and a part of them has gone eastward to discover the intentions of the Turks. The Spaniards recognise that they have neither the means nor the time at present to undertake any enterprise against the duke of Savoy with their fleet. | |
| Madrid, the 1st June, 1615. | |
| [Italian: the part in italics deciphered.] | |
| June 2. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Candia. Rettori ed altri. Venetian Archives. | 832. Francesco Morosini to the Doge and Senate. |
| The Corriero, a ship of Sig. Gio. Emo, arrived here and laded wine for the West. In order that he might not have to pay the customs which all foreign vessels pay, he showed a decision of the Senate and another of 26 January, 1580, exempting Venetian vessels from the custom. This has reminded me of another decision of the Senate that those who wish to send Venetian ships with wine and raisins to the West must man them with at least two-thirds of native sailors and the other third foreigners, otherwise they are liable to the custom. I am quite aware that the provision is to encourage good seamanship, but it is not effective since the shipmasters, who have no other aim than to carry the two-thirds of native men, take people who are unfit for the occupation and simply secure good Flemish or English sailors who actually work the ship, and pretend that they are passengers, and commit other frauds. I believe that the voyage to the West with wine is of great benefit to merchants, especially to those who do not pay the custom, and as Venetian vessels are exempt, foreigners will buy them, and this is easily done, as in a single voyage they gain as much as the cost of the vessel, so that the custom will fail in its purpose. It is worth considering, as in the present year it has produced 20,838 ducats. For my part I think it would be better that all ships without exception which take wine to the West should pay the new custom of 6 ducats the cask. I have also submitted this opinion to the Cinque Savii alla Mercantia. | |
| Candia, the 2 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 2. Senato. Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 833. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. |
| On Monday morning His Highness gave audience to the nuncio. On the same day he sent for England and me, saying that lie was to speak with the French ambassador that evening, but he wished to see us separately first. We came to a place not far from where we had the first audience, and there the English ambassador was also waiting. The nuncio, who was with me, at once went bark, without taking leave, and England and I were left to await His Highness. He arrived in a carriage, into which betook us both, the count of Verua standing at the door. He said he wished to take our advice as to the reply he should make to France. He held in his hand a letter, and said, joyfully, I have here something to mortify the ambassador, and he gave it to me to read. It was a letter from Lesdiguieres, enclosing another which said that the queen was content that the Spaniards should disarm also and that the queen and ministers had all said that Gueffier had not made himself well understood; they wished a general disarmament, and that the duke should keep a large garrison for his safety. His Highness was pleased to let me have a copy, which I enclose with a translation. His Highness asked whether it would be well to show this to the ambassador or no. Verua said Yes. England and I left it to the duke's judgment, though we advised him to act with due caution, as we saw he was much inflamed against the ambassador. Finally he decided to show it, and said I will tell him that I accept the proposal provided he keeps what he has promised. While we were talking the master of the ceremonies came up and said that the French ambassador had arrived and asked for audience. The duke kept him waiting, and then said he might come, at the same time sending for the eldest prince. The master of the ceremonies whispered in the duke's ear that the ambassador desired a separate audience. His Highness would not grant it, and turning to us he said, One day he says one thing and another on another day, I want to have witnesses of what he says. The master of the ceremonies returned to repeat the request for a separate audience. The duke, however, remained obstinate, even though the count of Verua whispered to him to grant it. Seeing that something was amiss I presumed upon His Highness's affection for me to say that it would be wise to give the ambassador satisfaction. England said the same. The duke then said, Since you think so I will do it, and turning to the master of the ceremonies, he said, tell the ambassador that I will come forward a little and hear him. The ambassador advanced with more than a hundred persons, and the duke went to meet him. The prince, England and I, with Verua, remained behind. The duke and the ambassador conversed for twenty minutes, and afterwards we were all called up. We were in the middle of a field a little way outside Asti, the hour past eleven at night, and we were surrounded by the nobility and a great multitude of people, standing in a circle. The duke, France, Gueffier, England, the prince and I stood together, the others a little way off. The French ambassador asked the duke for a reply upon the two points which he had proposed. The duke replied, the ambassadors of England and the republic and the States had advised this course and he would follow their advice. He did not undervalue the protection of the French king, but he was young and he had to think of his dominions. When the promise has been given both armies must withdraw and he must have the necessary garrisons. The French ambassador turned towards England and myself and said, That is true, and I think these powers will approve it; will your Excellencies state what instructions you have upon the matter. England replied that he had as yet received no letters from his king and he did not know what to say, but he marvelled that their ambassador in France had never written to him upon the subject. He said that as soon as the instructions arrived he would go straight to His Highness to fulfil them. The ambassador then asked me what your Serenity wrote. I told him exactly what I had said before to the duke. His Highness then said to the ambassador, if these powers tell me expressly to disarm, as you say they will, I will accept the proposal. The ambassador replied, your Highness must first tell me that you accept the proposals as they stand. The duke, speaking with some bitterness, said, I have stated what I will do. The ambassador said he would think over it, and asked the duke to put the reply in writing. The duke agreed, but asked for the night to think over it. The ambassador then took leave. As he was going His Highness turned to me and said, Your Excellency will represent to him that matters of such importance are not treated in this fashion. I took leave to fulfil this command. After this there were divers discussions. I conversed with Gueffier, England with Martini and so on. When I went to take leave the duke said, I accept the proposal, but upon condition that time is given me to obtain the approval of the princes. | |
| Varie under Asti, the 2 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian; deciphered.] | |
| June 3. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 834. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. |
| The ambassador of France sent a messenger to ask for the duke's written reply. He was told that the duke would not accept the proposals unless they were accepted by the king of England and the republic. He raised no difficulty about this; so they postponed the affair to the following morning, Wednesday. A courier has arrived from England this morning for the English ambassador. He has read the letters and I have observed that he is very undecided. I asked him if he had anything new upon current affairs. He said yes, and he had detained the courier, and as soon as he had seen the duke and returned he would tell me something important. He went and returned late in the evening, having spent all day in the camp. He came to tell me all about it. He said that his king had learned from his ministers in France and Spain that the Spaniards had withdrawn their first demands for satisfaction and now insisted upon three points, disarming, referring the disputes to the emperor and promising not to attack Mantua. In the interests of peace His Majesty sent immediately to the duke to say that it would be wise to disarm and that he should do so first, because he had been the first to take up arms; but on condition that the Spaniards should promise to disarm also within a fixed space of time, and that it should be disarmament and not a withdrawal of troops; on the second point, if the duke considered the emperor was interested, he thought that the Imperial Chamber should judge the cause; the third point he considered quite reasonable. The king further promises His Highness that if the Spaniards break their word he together with the crown of France will protect him, not only with his own forces, but with those of his friends and allies, and he gives his ambassador full power to sign to this effect. | |
| The ambassador informed His Highness of all this to-day, and afterwards he told me, with a somewhat downcast countenance, as his own opinion is different. I think he is astonished at the king advising the duke to disarm first and that it is not to be done together as he has always insisted. | |
| I asked him how His Highness took this news. He replied, Well. Morton the agent, though not so frankly, added : I believe the duke was glad to be so advised. I asked if the Spaniards had promised the king not to attack the duke and if they had used the word to withdraw or to disarm. He said he thought they had given no other promise and had used the word withdraw, as he sees the king makes some reflection upon this particular, adding that the Spaniards will disarm. I asked him : How will the disarming be managed and from whom does he want the promise, from the French Ambassador or the governor. This made him reflect a little and finally he said : Not from the ambassador but from the governor; if the Spaniards really mean to disarm they will raise no difficulty about saying so. He wished, however, to see the French Ambassador with whom he had not yet spoken and he will act circumspectly in the matter, though he hinted he did not care much about it. I obtained all these particulars in confidence, as I have the most friendly relations with this ambassador. | |
| Varie under Asti, the 3rd June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 3. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Milano. Venetian Archives. | 835. Antonio Antelmi, Venetian Resident at Milan, to the Doge and Senate. |
| Two gentlemen of the English Ambassador who came from Turin to Asti, have been led prisoner before the governor from a place near here, as they are very strict about letting people through here. His Excellency has sent to the ambassador for information before letting them go. (fn. 1) | |
| The camp under Asti, the 3 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 4. Senato, Secreta. Dispacoi, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 836. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. |
| An armistice has been arranged and they expect it will be extended from day to day until the approval of the princes arrives, because that of England is not known. Yesterday morning a new difficulty arose because the ambassador would not grant more than four or six days. | |
| The count of Verua has been to see me and given me all particulars. The English ambassador told me that he had seen the document signed with the duke's hand. If I had a copy I would send it, but I cannot delay the courier longer. The count of Verua assured me that in any case the duke will show himself a true Italian and a good son of your Serenity, and His Highness asked you to act in his defence. He had not done this, he swore, with England, who had come forward spontaneously. He hinted also that he did not take much account of the pope. | |
| Varie under Asti, the 4 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian; deciphered.] | |
| June 5. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 837. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. |
| On 17 April the Council, in the king's presence, decreed in conformity with other decrees of Queen Elizabeth and His Majesty that the English may not lade their merchandise except upon the ships of the kingdom and that neither foreigners nor subjects, except those of the Levant company may charge them with the merchandize of those parts, such as cotton, raisins, musk, gall nuts and other similar things. When I heard this I went immediately to the king's secretary and made such representations as I thought fit. He replied that it was for the Dutch, who sailing with ill-armed ships bring to this kingdom all kinds of merchandise at a cheaper rate than the English vessels can, owing to their being well armed. This was insupportable both for navigation and for the interest of individuals. As for the subjects of your Excellency, when they come bringing raisins, musk and other things which grow in their State, they will be welcome as at other times, and he reminded me of the great Venetian ships which used to come and spoke other very courteous words. | |
| Afterwards, while he was away with the king, two ships arrived, one English and the other Flemish, freighted by the subjects of your Serenity. To release them I availed myself of one of the secretaries of the Council. I succeeded as far as the English ship was concerned but I met with so much difficulty over the other that on Monday I had audience of the king. I found His Majesty exceedingly preoccupied and I had much more trouble than I should have thought; however I obtained the release of that ship and left before the orders had been given by His Majesty to the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chamberlain, who were present. I endeavoured to move the king to revoke the decree, and I thought I had the matter in good train. Afterwards I saw the king's secretary on the same day, and did useful work. Yesterday I returned, as the Lord Treasurer had raised some difficulty in executing the king's command, the Lord Chancellor having told him that he wished first to speak to His Majesty. The secretary has assured me that this is of no consequence and the king's orders will certainly be carried out. I shall make strong representations that this last proclamation may rank with the preceding deliberations, and as your Excellencies have been sent many letters upon the subject I expect good results from your argument and from the king's disposition. | |
| From London, the 5 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 5. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 838. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. |
| After what I have written in the preceding letter, the king began to speak about the affairs of Italy. He said that he continues in his determination to support the duke of Savoy; that peace was the greatest benefit for His Highness, but safe and honourable, and in any event he would prove his good friend; that as I knew he had already sent a courier many days ago to exhort him to disarm, at first, promising that the Spaniards should not do any harm to his States, and now they would soon disarm; that at the same time he had also sent a courier post to Spain. He wished to address himself to that quarter since nothing good could be done with the governor of Milan; that with the return of these two couriers they would know particulars. That he hopes to settle everything peaceably; that he promises help to Savoy in the names of himself and of all the confederates of his crown; that he would be glad if your Excellencies would do the same, to facilitate the affair; that Spain must dismiss her army or send it out of Europe, because to withdraw it alone is not sufficient, or to keep it separated in such a manner that it can be re-assembled in a few hours; that within two days the secretary of the Ambassador Carleton will have received his instructions, which are already drawn up, and he will at once set out post for Turin. He seemed to consider it certain that Savoy will consent to an agreement and that the most formal promises have been given on behalf of the Spaniards that they will not demand anything unreasonable, that they will refrain from attacking and will disarm immediately after the duke. He said that his secretary would have told me the instructions with which Carleton's secretary will leave, the articles of agreement and all particulars. | |
| I thanked His Majesty for the trouble he has taken in the cause of peace and for the good of Italy. I told him how he could earn the praises of all Christendom for securing the peace of Italy and in quenching a fire at which all the princes of Europe had laboured, up to the present with little result, and that I hoped this glory was reserved for the king of Great Britain. I enlarged upon this in the manner which I considered most effective, as I saw he listened, in order to confirm his resolution. The king answered me in these very words: God knows how much I desire peace and how gladly I would have procured it, and will procure it; I assure you that the representations which you have made to me on behalf of your Signory have been of great efficacy, and have persuaded me to do all things to obtain it. In one or two days I shall again send to Spain the secretary of my ambassador with good instructions. I pointed out that as the greatest difficulty, as he had told me, seems to come from France, he should earnestly employ his great authority. He replied that I said well and he would do so, that in speaking with his secretary I had gratified him by recalling what might be done in addition to facilitate and accelerate this agreement. With this I bowed, again thanked His Majesty, and took leave. | |
| At the same time the king sent for his secretary and gave him his instructions. The secretary met me in coming out of the gallery and we engaged in conversation. He told me of the king's orders to confer with me and then added that His Majesty is determined to secure a good and honourable peace for the duke. If he does not succeed he will render him assistance in war, much greater than he has promised. That these ideas are the first in the instructions which Carleton carried to the duke's ears; that the principal heads of the agreement are three, and there are four subordinate ones. The first is that the duke shall disarm, receiving the promise of the king for safety that Spain will not do any harm to his states, and that they also will disarm soon afterwards dismissing the army or sending it out of Europe. Secondly that Savoy promises in writing not to attack Mantua. Thirdly, that the differences with regard to Montferrat shall be referred to the Imperial Chamber, by which the king means the princes of the Empire. The subordinate clauses are that nothing more shall be said about the damage inflicted, that rebels shall be pardoned, that the places occupied shall be restored, and that prisoners shall be set free. The greatest difficulty of all centres in the question of disarming, on account of the duke's suspicions, that it will be useful to add to the promise of His Majesty that of your Excellencies, and he charged me to write this in the king's name, and they will also send by way of Turin. That a copy of the articles has been given to the secretary sent back to the ambassador in Spain, with instructions for the information of the ambassador, and that some day he would receive precise instructions upon all the points and on the following day he would set out post; that they would first insist in Spain that all the parties should disarm simultaneously, and that within three or four days after the duke has begun, the Spaniards should do the same, and they should be disarmed practically at the same time. He will insist upon the army being dismissed or sent out of Europe, a point upon which the king lays great stress, owing to the interests of the Palatine and his other confederates. | |
| The courier sent to the ambassador in Spain took instructions to secure first of all an armistice and afterwards to send immediately to the ambassador at Turin an account of what he had arranged. The ambassador of Savoy has asked that a declaration be inserted in the agreement by the king of France that those who have served the Duke should not incur any penalty. The king has promised to do this also. | |
| From London, the 5 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 5. Senato, Seoreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 839. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. |
| On the 2nd inst. the gentleman sent by the ambassador of Savoy to the duke set out. Besides what I reported he took letters for the Ambassador Carleton with some of the matters which have been under discussion. He has travelled in the greatest haste. I took the opportunity to represent to him how beneficial peace would be to the Duke, dilating upon this as seemed fitting. | |
| The day before yesterday the secretary of the king's ambassador in Spain left with the instructions upon the affairs of Savoy which I reported in my preceding letter, and also upon the affairs of Cleves, which I will briefly relate elsewhere. On Sunday morning Carleton's secretary set out for Turin, with the instructions I spoke of. He takes letters for His Most Christian Majesty, in which the king asks him for three things : that no blame may attach to those who have served Savoy; that if Spain resolutely refuses all treaties and arrangements for peace in Italy, the forces of France may be united with those of the Crown in defence of a just cause, and that in the meantime every one shall be free to go to the assistance of Savoy. He also takes letters for the Ambassador Carleton to be presented to your Excellencies on his return to Venice. The king believes that sufficient orders for peace have now reached Italy, or are about to arrive there, and that if the duke disarms first, a veritable settlement is at hand. The orders to Carleton are that whether war or peace follows he is to return to your Excellencies. I hear on good authority that they have written to Florence to assist the duke with money in case of need, with a word thrown in about the marriages. | |
| London, the 5 June, 1615. | |
| Postscript.—The gentleman of the ambassador of Savoy took with him the king's letter for Berne, and will send it as he goes through. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 5. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 840. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. |
| I have received your Serenity's letters of the 14th ult. containing the reply of your Excellencies to the ambassadors of France and Savoy and the letters written to the ambassadors at both of those courts. This shall shall serve for my information and I will guide myself by the instructions. With regard to informing His Majesty of the great satisfaction which his efforts in the cause of peace in Italy give to your Excellencies, I had audience two days ago, and as I know how busy His Majesty is, I think it better to perform this office with his secretary, and I shall do so at the first opportunity. | |
| Of the affairs of Cleves I have no further news than what I have sent; they are daily expecting letters from the archduke and the king hopes for peace everywhere. The secretary sent to the ambassador in Spain is charged to advise the ambassador to use every effort so that the affairs of Cleves may terminate peacefully and that His Catholic Majesty may use every effort to give effect to his promise, and that the places occupied may be restored. | |
| London, the 5 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 6. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives. | 841. Francesco Morosini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. |
| Two couriers have arrived for the king from Don Innico de Cardines; they bring word of the negotiations of Rambouillet, their fears that Savoy will not be persuaded to accept the queen's proposals and that some of the princes give out that they intend to pass to the assistance of His Highness. He also says that there is a universal disposition in that kingdom to assist him. These things and the improbability of a successful settlement in Flanders place difficulties in the way of the passage of the betrothed, and since the arrival of these couriers, many preparations which were being made to continue the journey to Burgos, have been suspended. | |
| Madrid, 6 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian; the part in italics deciphered.] | |
| June 9. Cl. VII. Cod. MXLIX. Bibl. S. Marco, Venice. | 842. Pietro Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. |
| I understand that the replies given to the English ambassador about the marriage with his prince, which he has sent to his king, are little more than phrases, meant rather to keep the matter alive than with any serious intention. | |
| The king's ambassador writes from Brussels that the difficulties with the States still continue upon the single point of naming either the Emperor or the two Crowns, and both Spinola and the States are actively fortifying the places they have taken, showing that there is little hope of restitution. | |
| Paris, the 9 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 843. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. |
| The nuncio has come to live in the apartments prepared for him here. At his arrival the English ambassador manifested an inclination to depart, as the quarters of all are very close together and those assigned to England are almost contiguous to the church. The duke sent to me to go and beg him to be content and not to leave. I did this and orders were issued to all the households to behave with due moderation, I arranged this for the service of the duke and the negotiations, as I did not wish France and the nuncio to be living in separate places, while England and I were together. The ambassadors sleep in campaign beds, the other have trusses of straw. | |
| On Saturday the negotiations were taken up again, all the ambassadors being at the camp outside Asti. Whilst I was speaking to the nuncio, England stood with France to whom he communicated the instructions received from his king and what he had said to the duke. Somewhat heated words passed between them, although they ended by laughing. The French ambassador showed himself a strong partisan of the Spaniards even to the extent of carrying the red flag. In the course of the conversation England said: I must excuse myself for not appearing too Spanish, but I do so that I may seem a better Frenchman. The other rejoined: Here the duke and everyone else consider me Spanish, and when I go back they take me for a Huguenot. I think he meant that he was not of the queen's party, but of that of the princes and Huguenots. England replied to the words, I am considered a Huguenot. That means a respectable person (huomo da bene). Gueffier, who is nothing if not indiscreet, asked, Why a respectable person? England rejoined, Because when an ambassador can do nothing else he must needs remark that to say Huguenot is as good as saying a respectable person; and so they ended and turned to business. | |
| England has his instructions and acts straightforwardly, but France always seems unwilling to commit himself. He said that the duke would be compelled to submit, adding somewhat contemptuously that no one would help him. England struck in, My king advises peace, but if the duke cannot obtain honourable conditions, he will be assisted by such forces as you have no conception of. At this point the prince arrived, the duke being unable to come, and so the discussion stopped. Before he came up France separated from England because he wished to speak separately. The prince heard a few words and then turned to us saying: I will repeat to these gentlemen what your Excellency has said. He has asked that the three points may be accepted, adding that the governor does not accept or refuse what we have already decided about awaiting the reply of Lesdiguières. If the document is not accepted your Excellency will take it back, as it was simply a draft, made in order to stop Don John, as you said you could not wait except for the confirmation of England and the republic. Now you no longer have this reason, give it back. The ambassador said he had sent it to the king, and upon this a great dispute arose, the Count of Verua saying he had promised to give it back and the ambassador declaring this was not true. England and I interposed to prevent the scandal that would certainly have arisen had we not been there. The whole day was spent thus in arguing. The French ambassador displays an inexplicable desire to obtain something that he can take away. | |
| The Savoyard camp at Varie, the 10 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 844. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. |
| On Sunday morning the duke sent for the English ambassador and told him that he had decided that he no longer desired peace and if he was to lose his liberty he would do so with his arms in his hand. He would write to the king to help him, because he had resolved upon war. The ambassador said he would think over it and afterwards came straight to tell me all. He afterwards went to dine with the duke and told him that before writing again he wished to see the governor of Milan and afterwards the French ambassador. He exhorted the duke to peace and said he would obtain an armistice from the governor, at least for these feast days. | |
| When the French ambassador heard that England was going, he said he would go himself. The English ambassador accordingly said: Then I will go to-morrow. France withdrew and came back writing on a tablet. The serjeant-major came to inform the duke that the Spaniards were advancing with sap and trenches. Then a dispute began between the ambassadors, the duke saying that in this case an armistice would favour the Spaniards. Another messenger arrived and the duke exclaimed: The enemy mean to come upon us with their tricks, but I will stop them, and mounting his horse he rode off towards the trenches. | |
| On Monday England went to the governor and made representations for peace, asking that the duke should not be attacked if he disarmed, and enquiring what they would do with their army. To the first point the governor said the duke should not be attacked by the king but he would give no reply to the second. There was a truce for the day of this visit. The duke asked me to go with England to make representations to the governor, thinking joint action would have more weight; but I saw various disadvantages in this union and thought it would be bettor for us to go separately, as he has one sort of commission, and I have another. Accordingly I excused myself, but in the evening I sent to the governor, and he asked me to come and see him on the following morning. Accordingly I went and was received as well as England had been. The governor said that it was only necessary that the duke should accept the three points. If he fears attack, I have promised England and I promise you not to molest him. I can go no further, and I have said the same to England. | |
| From the Savoyard camp at Varie, the 10 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 845. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. |
| When I returned, I saw the Duke, who thanked me and said he had done the same to England. He complained about the French ambassador and afterwards called England, and we walked about together. He said that there were other articles being arranged, and calling the prince, Verua, Isidore and others, he read them over. He also called Gueffier and the ambassador to discuss them. The duke promised the three points, keeping 5,000 men for the garrisons, and the ambassador accepted this. These things are to be signed by the ambassadors and they are to sign another document with the remaining articles. There will be some difficulty in signing between England and the nuncio. The French ambassador has twenty days in which to obtain the approbation of his king. Meanwhile there is no obligation to disarm. | |
| The Savoyard camp at Varie, the 10 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |
| June 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Milano. Venetian. Archives. | 846. Antonio Antelmi, Venetian Resident at Milan, to the Doge and Senate. |
| The English ambassador arrived the day before yesterday and asked what would become of this army if an arrangement was effected and whether the duke would be attacked if he disarmed. The governor said no, and complained about his putting the Catholic king on the same level in the matter of disarmament. The ambassador Zen arrived yesterday and was received with the same honours as the others. | |
| The camp under Asti, the 10 June, 1615. | |
| [Italian.] | |