Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 14, 1615-1617. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1908.
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'Venice: October 1615, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 14, 1615-1617, (London, 1908) pp. 31-42. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol14/pp31-42 [accessed 24 April 2024]
October 1615, 1–15
| Oct. 2. Senato. Mar. Venetian Archives. | 46. With regard to the letters of the Proveditore General Zane of Candia and Captain Morosini of Candia of the 2nd and 16 June last, and a memorandum of the Cinque Savii alla Mercantia upon the grave prejudice caused because Venetian vessels are not bound to pay the new impost of 6 ducats the tun of wine laded on those vessels to be taken to the West, in accordance with the exception provided by this council on 26 January, 1580, because the ease with which our subjects can make foreign vessels Venetian will ultimately cause the loss of that custom (fn. 1); it is resolved that while maintaining the recent resolution upon raisins laded at Zante and Cephalonia, all those who in the future lade wine at Candia for the West, shall be bound to pay 6 ducats a tun without exception. | |
|---|---|---|
| Ayes | 146. | |
| Noes | 0. | |
| Neutral | 4. | |
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 3. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 47. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| On Saturday the king's secretary saw the ambassadors of the Most Christian and Catholic kings, as I wrote that he would. He told the Spanish ambassador that His Majesty had interposed for the peace of Italy; that the Catholic king had given the instructions for the treaty and to the Governor of Milan to effectuate it. That now they heard that the council departs from the treaty upon three points. He ended by stating that as the king here had pledged his word to the duke, if there was a breach, to help and send him succours, he could not fail. He begged him in the name of His Majesty to make representations to Spain and use every effort for the carrying out of the treaty. The ambassador replied that he had not received letters from his king for a long while, so that he could not make any positive statement upon the matter; he only said that the sincerity with which his king is negotiating leaves no room for doubt that his promises will be thoroughly observed. After some replies in the same terms, energetic words on the part of the secretary and rather courteous and specious than conclusive remarks from the ambassador, the secretary departed. | ||
| He spoke to the French ambassador of the interests of the Most Christian King in the carrying out of the agreement, as he was bound to the duke by promises and writing; that as Spain had given her promise to France and another more particularly, he ought to urge the more strongly for the execution; that the king here will not go back on his promise and will help the duke. The ambassador admitted the truth of all this, that they will not fail, that the Spaniards are bound, that if Spain or Mantua raise any obstacle a remedy will be found. The secretary afterwards gave an account of all this to the ambassador of Savoy, promising that he would insist with such vigour as the importance of the affair demanded. | ||
| On Sunday I chanced to meet the ambassadors of Spain and Flanders, who dismounted from their horses and entered the carriage of your Excellencies. In speaking of the affairs of Italy the Spanish ambassador asked me what news I had. He then added that he understood that the duke of Mantua had departed from the treaty, and he had not received letters from Spain for a long while. He asked me to speak. I answered that your Excellencies will always secure peace. The ambassador of Flanders remarked that it was necessary to help the one who had right on his side, and to make it prevail. To this I replied that there were two questions for consideration in the affair; one affected the weal of Italy, and that was peace; the other only concerned the interests of the two dukes, and the decision of this belonged to others. The Spanish ambassador then asked me what news there was from France: after expressing various opinions in honour of the queen and against the princes he told me that he never would have believed it possible that circumstances would lead Spain to desire unreservedly the success of the king of France and be apprehensive of that of his adversaries: that he would not at that time stop to discuss whether this was good or bad fortune for his king, but it was remarkable. They referred to what I have reported, the matter of Bouillon and Spinola, and concluded that the marriages could meet with no impediment, and in a short time the Most Christian King would return to Paris. They went on to speak of other things. | ||
| The ambassador of Flanders stays on here. He has only four persons with him, and as he has already sent away most of his moveables he says that he is only awaiting the orders of His Highness to depart immediately. | ||
| I have already reported that the duke of Longueville had established himself at Corbie and that many were flocking to him from Amiens. Afterwards he had intelligence in the citadel of Amiens, and it was arranged that the prince of Condé should take that way and a means would be found of admitting him. Accordingly the Prince set out, and on the way he tried to get possession of Roye (Roe), but the Governor was on the alert, and Condé, seeing the difficulty, pushed on. Almost at the same time the treason in the citadel of Amiens was discovered and so that plan came to nought. After the Prince had returned to Clermont, 800 soldiers to fill up the regiments of Picardy and Navarre passed by at a short distance. He set a part of his forces in battle array and easily broke that infantry, which went on to Senlis (San Luz) in disarray and almost completely disarmed. Condé has sworn to his soldiers that he is fighting for good order in the government of France and the punishment of the five persons previously mentioned, and that he will not lay down his arms before the death of the late king is avenged. The oath has been printed. The Prince is between Clermont and Crépi and the Marshal of Boisdauphin (Bodufin) is at Senlis (San Luz), three or four leagues separating them. They are increasing their forces, and as the Prince cannot approach Paris because the Marshal stands across the road it is thought that they must necessarily fight. | ||
| London, the 3 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 3. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 47. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| The illustrious Barbarigo has arrived in England. He has already secured a house and as his things have arrived he will soon have settled down, and he will enter London one day next week. I thought good to acquaint the king of his arrival, speaking in his praise as his merits deserve and hoping thereby to advance the service of your Excellencies. Thus I had audience yesterday and told His Majesty of his arrival. I said that I was nearing the end of my long service with him and assured him that a man of high character and worth was taking my place, who would endeavour to please him as much as he could. I spoke at considerable length. The king listened graciously and said: He is a gentleman who bears a good name. He will be experienced in affairs, and will negotiate well, which is the most important thing. He repeated the same opinion two or three times, that he would negotiate well, that he would be a man of affairs and that was the most important thing of all. I assured His Majesty that his intelligence and ability in negotiation were on a par with his other qualities. His Majesty turned to speak of the agreement between your Serenity and the Swiss, and of his displeasure at the hindrances experienced in the Grisons so that the negotiations were broken off, with the same ideas that he expressed to me in a preceding audience. He was very bitter against the queen of France, attributing to her, and to the few who advise her, all the blame in this and in other matters. In speaking of the princes of France he said that he had no detailed news; his ambassador had sent three times to them. He confirmed the defeat of the troops by Condé, which I wrote of. He thinks that by now Condé and Boisdauphin will have fought a battle, as they were only three leagues apart and the last advices showed that they both desired it, and Condé seemed superior in force. He said all this in such a way as to show me that he was keeping something back. In speaking of those of the religion he said that they had declared themselves united with the princes and that they are arming, but—and there he stopped. He went on to say that he had sent some one in his name to their assembly at Grenoble, who has arrived there and from whom he received letters three or four days ago. He named him, and he is the one who left with the instructions which I reported at the time to your Excellencies. (fn. 2) With this the audience terminated, the king having been so good as to say some words about me which I must not repeat, as I do not feel that I deserve them. | ||
| From the king's speaking, the hints he let fall and his action and from what I hear from other sources in confirmation, I see clearly that they have a close understanding with those of the religion of France. I will endeavour to discover the particulars, which I have not found as yet. | ||
| His Majesty has commanded the Lords of the Council to meet together in a body to their full numbers. This is inconvenient for some who are a long way off. I hear on good authority that it is in order to speak about a parliament, which seems to be decided upon. They will meet to make a decision upon the affairs of Flanders and those of France. | ||
| London, the 3 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 3. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 48. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| This last day a book has appeared in the booksellers here of the worst nature against the dignity of the republic, entitled “An Examination of Venetian liberty,” in which they even advance the claims of the Roman Empire upon the city and signory of Venice. It contains some scurrilous reflections against the original liberty of your Excellencies, and says that the most serene republic had a servile origin; that from time to time it owed obedience to the emperors; that after the destruction by the Goths it returned to subjection for some years; that it was subject to the emperors of the East and the West; that the liberty which it enjoys is by privilege, and it is in the power of the emperors to reduce it to servitude. The book has come from Frankfort. By the form of the opinions, the method and other conjectures of those competent to judge, it is supposed to be the work of persons driven from the state of your Serenity. It is ostensibly printed at Mirandola in 1612, but it probably lies both as to time and place. I had some idea of prohibiting it, as it seems prejudicial to your service that such a thing should be publicly sold; but afterwards, being better advised, I have covertly bought all the copies I have found, and have thus provided a remedy. I enclose one, from which your Excellencies will see what I am writing about as well as many things even worse and malignant and seditious expressions. | ||
| London, the 3 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 3. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 49. Gregorio Barbarigo, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| On Friday last week I embarked at Flushing on the last stage of my long and toilsome journey to this service, and after remaining four days at sea, owing to the wind, which grew continually stronger after we left port, I arrived at this island. During the first days of next week I shall enter London to take up my duties. So far I have had no opportunity to obtain any information of affairs here, as I have not yet been to Court. I will content myself by expressing my devotion to the service of your Excellencies, without adding anything to what Sig. Foscarini has written, as he leaves nothing to be desired, owing to his long experience here and his great ability. I will go to the Court as soon as I can. | ||
| Gravesend, the 3 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 3. Inquisitori di Stato. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 50. Giovanni Rizzardo, Venetian Secretary in England, to the Inquisitors of State. | |
| In addition to the letters which I wrote to your Excellencies on the 9th July, of which you have acknowledged the receipt, I also wrote on the 16th, 23rd and 31st of that month and on the 20th and 29th of August, the 4th, 17th and 24th of September. I have also sent a duplicate of each despatch. I have given these particulars because I heard on the 11th ult. from the person who receives and forwards these letters that they are either delayed more than they should be, or are prevented from reaching their destination. I wish your Excellencies to know that this is not due to my negligence. As I suspect that they may have been intercepted I have sent duplicates of my last and the present letter in the public packet, directed to the name agreed upon, and I hope they will arrive safely. We propose to leave here next month and not before. I have nothing further to add. | ||
| London, the 3rd October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian; deciphered.] | ||
| Oct. 6. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci. Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 51. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| Marini came to call on me and said that the duke claimed to have completely disarmed and wished him to bear witness to the fact. He excused himself, saying that his information pointed the other way, and he had not to negotiate about this but simply to see that it was done and then go to the governor and see that he did the same. He had come to see me because His Highness again wished to summons him and make the same request in the presence of the resident of England, so that he asked for my protection. I answered him in general terms in accordance with my instructions, and I did the same with His Highness when he sent for me the following day. The Resident of England, all the princes and the Cardinal were present, an unusual circumstance never previously seen by me at this court. The duke told us that he had completely disarmed and had asked Marini to bear witness to this so that he might render back his places or make the Governor of Milan do so, as otherwise the governor refuses to disarm. He offered to let him go all over his state to see for himself, but Marini refused, simply in order to waste time, wait a fortnight and then say that there were troops. He sends a letter from Perron, saying that he had spoken to the governor, who said that if Marini had sent him in writing what the duke said, this would have sufficed for him. The governor told Perron this so that he might repeat it to Marini. While he was speaking Marini arrived, having also been sent for by His Highness. The duke asked him in our presence not to trust in his word, as Marini had told me, but to the governor, writing to say that the disarmament was completed according to the treaty and that he should not trust the duke's word but go and see for himself. Marini excused himself, standing confused and almost trembling. He said he had the strictest instructions not to put anything in writing. His Highness objected that the governor would not disarm unless he had this assurance in writing. Marini said he would give the testimony, when he had decided to do so, by word of mouth and not by letter. He agreed to go through the state, and produced the governor's letter saying that when this testimony was received he would fulfil his duty. In such case he had to move cautiously and see with his own eyes, as the governor suggests that he should. After some further discussion, in which Marini excused himself from writing anything, he took leave. When he had gone the duke said he saw quite well that the French do not wish the governor to disarm, and possibly they had agreed together, but he thought he would decide to ask nothing more of them, but let them do what they pleased, as he could soon get enough forces together to resist, and in France they might feel the effect of assistance rendered to the princes by himself and others. | ||
| Turin, the 6 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 6. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 52. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| A messenger arrived here yesterday in haste from the Court of France. He told me among other things that in Paris they say that the Protestants of Germany will certainly help the princes, but nothing certain is known about the king of England; I heard in this connection all about the 50,000 crowns paid by that king, which Fresia, the duke's agent, received from the English ambassador at that court. He obtained it by cunning, as orders had already reached the ambassador to withdraw and supersede the instructions to pay it, as the first condition was that payment should not be made except in case of open war in Piedmont, without hope of accommodation, and that Mayenne should be ready to set out. Accordingly Fresia had letters concocted and sent from Piedmont, with orders to urge on Mayenne as there was a complete rupture. He at once went to see Mayenne and got him to write letters to the ambassador saying that he needed money, and that all the men were ready. The ambassador paid him, but made him antedate the receipt, so that he might write to tell the king that on the arrival of the last instructions the money had already been paid. Mayenne had a part of this money, others had some more and a part remained in the hands of Fresia. | ||
| Turin, the 6 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 9. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 53. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| On Sunday the ambassador of Brandenburg had audience of His Majesty. He related that the Elector has been summoned by the Emperor to take part in the adjudication upon Cleves, which will begin by sequestration. The king grew angry, seemed amazed and made use of the expressions customary with him when he is excited. The ambassador pointed out that there was an understanding between the Emperor, the Catholic king and the archduke; that these proceedings take their origin from deliberations made in Spain; that there is no other remedy but to maintain the treaty of Xanten, to which the document put forward by the archduke is prejudicial; that His Majesty must see to the good issue of this affair, must take a decision and carry it into effect. | ||
| His Majesty approved the representations of the ambassador in every particular except in that which referred to the document, saying that he was bound by a promise to the archduke; that the ambassador of the States promised him that his masters would consent and they will do so. The ambassador remarked that he observed no disposition in that direction, and even if they consent the archduke and Spain will readily find twenty other pretexts. The king replied that the promise given by His Majesty must be carried out, and if this is not done he will declare himself and see that it is carried out. He will bind himself to this as strictly as the Elector and the States can desire; they can draw it up as they please and he will sign it without a word. I have all this from the lips of the ambassador himself, who also showed me the letter of his prince. In this he praises the opinion of the States with regard to the document, says that the treaty of Xanten ought to be carried out purely and simply, and it was not reasonable that the sole and particular obligations of the king here should stand in the way, so prejudicial as they are to the general interests not only of His Majesty, the States and princes, but also of France. He seemed to me to be very ill satisfied with the reply given to him here and the decision, and he must soon return to his prince after a fruitless mission. It appears that the statements and representations made to His Majesty by Sir [Henry] Wotton have not had so much influence with His Majesty as he hoped; thus I understand that His Majesty wrote to the archduke expressing the hope that the States will soon consent to the document. The ambassador of the States, on reaching Holland, made earnest representations in favour of the ratification of that document, but they have not yet come to any decision. He spoke about establishing the magazine of arms at Villafranca, which the ambassador of Savoy suggested, but they have not made up their minds about this either. | ||
| At the recent meeting of the Council the king proposed to summon parliament, and asked their opinion upon the affairs of France and Flanders. The calling of parliament encounters the usual opposition of those who having received excessive sums from the king think they will be compelled to render account for it, and also of those who are dependent on the Spaniards and receive pensions from them, who are very numerous (la reduttione incontra le solite oppositione da quelli che havendo ricevuto somme eccessive dal Re temono esser costretti a renderne conto, et da quelli che dependono, et hanno pensione da Spagnoli, che sono in gran numero). The scarcity of money is great, and in order to obtain sufficient for what is wanted a parliament is the only means, and without it does not seem possible for His Majesty to do anything of moment. | ||
| London, the 9 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian; the part in italics deciphered.] | ||
| Oct. 9. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 54. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| The queen, in accordance with the advice of the physicians and the wishes of the king, has gone to the baths at Greenwich, where I had audience on Sunday. I congratulated her on her return, to which she replied with wishing me all prosperity. She went on to tell me that she was to be dieted for a period of four or five weeks, spoke about the nature of her sickness, and of the remedies. She had not been to the baths because some of the physicians thought that she ought only to be half covered, while the others said it should be up to her neck, so that in consequence of this difference of opinion she had abstained altogether. When I had an opportunity I said that my Illustrious successor was already in England and would arrive in London in five or six days; and that her Majesty would receive honourable service from him. She asked me various particulars about him. I replied extolling him as her merits deserve. She asked me if I was leaving, and used the most gracious expressions. She went on to speak about the prince, whom she would sooner see married in France than in Spain; she told me why, and concluded by saying that she had left the decision to the king; that at present all negotiations, whether with the one or the other crown, are relaxed. We conversed thus upon various matters for an hour, when I took leave. | ||
| On Wednesday night, a little before day, Madam Arabella (Herbella) died suddenly in the Tower, without leaving a will. Thus the poor lady has at the same time ended her life and her troubles. Yesterday her corpse was accompanied to the grave by more than sixty coaches. Shortly before her death the Countess of Shrewsbury was allowed to see her. She found her speechless, almost entirely unconscious and moribund. | ||
| Three days ago they made a muster of cavalry and to-day one of 6,000 infantry, all from London and excellently appointed. The prince was present with a goodly number of cavaliers. This displeased the king, who wishes him away from danger and generally keeps him near him. | ||
| The Earl of Argyll remains in Scotland to extirpate the rebels, who aided by the ground are offering some resistance in considerable numbers, but they will certainly have to yield. | ||
| His Majesty, having laid his proposals before the Council, will pass to Theobalds to-morrow, and on Monday he will go on to Royston, two days from here, where he will stay some weeks. | ||
| London, the 9 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 9. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 55. Antonio Foscarini, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| To-morrow, please God, the Illustrious Barbarigo will arrive in London. To-day the Master of the Ceremonies has dined with me. He has since gone in the king's barge to Gravesend to fetch him in the king's name. I will not fail to perform what the public service and his merits demand. | ||
| News comes from France of the passing of the duke of Longueville towards Crépi, where he joined his forces of 3,000 foot and 500 horse to those of the Prince. Bouillon, for the reasons which I reported, will not go far away from Sedan. He has sent all whom he could spare, and Mayenne, St. Paul and Tingry have done the same, going in person. Thus with a body of 12,000 foot and 2,500 horse he has proceeded towards Pontoise, where he offered battle to the Marshal of Boisdauphin, but as the latter had no orders to fight he crossed the river. The king has not received word that their Most Christian Majesties have left Poitiers, and the French ambassador, who called on me to-day, said that he had no letters later than the 18th. From what he said it was easy to see that he fears the spread of fighting in that kingdom. | ||
| At Dunkirk they are daily expecting the arrival of some Spaniards who embarked at Lisbon; it is said that they will pass immediately to the frontiers. | ||
| The Marquis of Bonnivet saw the king again three days ago, but received no other reply except that a decision will be made immediately after the arrival of the person sent to Grenoble. Thus time is gained. | ||
| The siege of the town of Brunswick goes on and various actions have taken place. The Hanse towns have sent their deputies to Lubeck, while the United Provinces have sent four there. This must be in connection with Denmark and Brunswick, in order to find a means of settling the latter question. | ||
| Three large ships are being put in readiness here to sail to the East Indies. | ||
| Persons sent by the king of Denmark and the duke of Lorraine have recently arrived here, and, by now, both will have seen the king. | ||
| London, the 9 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 9. Inquisitori di Stato. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives. | 56. Giovanni Rizzardo, Venetian Secretary in England, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| In spite of all my efforts I have not been able to find the book. Sir [William] Smith, who proposed to let me see it, absolutely refused when the news arrived of the imprisonment of Muscorno, whose close friend he was. I have written to your Excellencies as much as I have been able to discover. Dr. Freier, (fn. 3) a physician, told me that about five or six months before the departure of Muscorno, he was invited by him as a friend to [an evening's] amusement. They went to the Dolphin hostelry to read this book. Muscorno had it, and he read it almost all through, taking four or five hours. He left out some chapters, saying that he could not read them because they dealt with important matters and affairs of State. When I asked him who the author of the book might be and where a copy of it would be found he said he did not know, as no one would own to being the author. He was not sure whether Muscorno had kept the book, though he probably had. I feel sure that your Excellencies will find it among the papers in his house. However, I will leave orders for it to be sent to me if it is found after our departure from here, and possibly this will prove the easier way. I need not trouble your Excellencies any more over this, but if anything new reaches me worthy of your notice, I will send it on. We shall stay on here for more than a month and possibly for the whole of next month from what the ambassador says. I have worked my hardest to execute the orders given to me. I have observed, what I have frequently said, that the news sent by His Excellency is mostly obtained from the ambassadors of other princes, and when I have suspected him of speaking on his own authority, especially in important matters, I have indicated so much to your Excellencies, in fulfilment of the charge laid upon me and so that I may never be accused of negligence. I wish that I had more ability to discharge this task, and I ask that my imperfections may be excused. Such as I am, I shall be always ready to serve, and on this occasion I have left my house, mother, wife and children to expose my life to greater perils in the service of my prince and masters, to whom I have dedicated my life and fortune. I only desire honour, and to leave a worthy example to my children in the hope that my long and devoted service may be at length recognised, even if it come late. | ||
| London, the 9th October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian; deciphered.] | ||
| Oct. 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Grisoni. Venetian Archives. | 57. Christoforo Surian, Venetian Secretary with the Swiss and Grisons, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| I find that the Lords of Berne will readily consent to the alliance which the duke of Savoy seems to desire with them, if they can obtain certain assurances. They especially desire that some means be found of rendering mutual assistance. The Bernese say they have no need of men, but in the matter of money they are doubtful on account of the duke's late expenses. They desire to have security from the king of Great Britain and the States that the duke will keep his engagements. The States for their part have let it be understood that they will not refuse if His Highness asks them. The Bernese are sorry that the duke has made an arrangement with the Spaniards, as they hoped to negotiate with better advantage while he was in difficulties. | ||
| Gio. Francesco Biondi, a subject of your Serenity, has been present at the assembly at Grenoble. He writes to me to say that he went there in order to inform the king of Great Britain of what took place. | ||
| Zurich, the 10 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Firenze. Venetian Archives. | 58. Domenico Dominici, Venetian Resident at Florence, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| At Livorno they are making ready a ship and a Tartana of Captain John Rut, a Fleming, to go privateering under the Grand Duke's flag. The ship carries 24 pieces of artillery and some perriers, and the Tartana two large pieces; the two carry 150 men, including 60 soldiers, but their departure is delayed for lack of sailors. | ||
| On Monday the galleys of France, which have been in Barbary, passed towards Marseilles. They have taken Captain Brochetto, an English pirate, who armed at Villafranca, and recovered two French barques which he had captured. | ||
| Florence, the 10 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 13. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 59. Ranier Zen, Venetian Ambassador in Savoy, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| Biondi, who was sent by the king of England to the assembly of the Huguenots, has arrived here and called upon me accompanied by the ordinary resident of that monarch. I learned from him that he had been sent by His Majesty to the duke of Bouillon and to the said assembly. His orders were to intervene and see that matters passed peaceably; but the very day of his arrival they left for Nimes. He confirmed the dissensions between them and the Marshal Lesdiguières, who wished to bargain for the king's favour, and had promised to bridle them. From Nimes they sent an embassy to the king with their demands. | ||
| Biondi told me that he did not go to Nimes, but came straight here from Grenoble, because Lesdiguières had told him to go. He will leave in two days, making a long detour to avoid France. | ||
| Turin, the 13 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 13. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Savoia. Venetian Archives. | 60. Gasparo Spinelli, Venetian Resident at Naples, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| Among the numerous rules and ordinances continually issued here to increase the revenues of the kingdom, one establishes a new charge upon all the consulates, namely that when shipwrecks of foreign vessels occur inventories shall be made and estimates of the damage by a new farmer, to the prejudice of the consuls of all the nations, who have all joined together to protest. I prevented the Venetian consul from joining with the rest, because I hope that the Viceroy will do nothing to the prejudice of our consulate. | ||
| Naples, the 13 October, 1615. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 15. Collegio, Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives. | 61. The Ambassador of England came into the Cabinet and presented the following letter: | |
| Jacobus Dei gratia etc. M. Antonio Memmo Vesteæ Republicæ Duci, amico nostro charissimo, salutem: | ||
| Cum legatus noster Dudleius Carletonus, quem anno superiori revocare decreveramus, nisi quod ad componendos tumultus, qui tunc temporis in Italia grassabantur, ejus opera commode carere non potuissemus, humillime a nobis petierit, ut ei liceret nostra bona cum venia ante ingravescentem hiemem reditum accelerare, petitioni tam juste indulgendum censuimus, eo facilius, quod Henricus Wottonus, eques auratus, quem in ejus locum surrogare statuimus, post unum, aut alterum mensem vos intersit. Hoc Serenitati Vestræ significandum censuimus pro communi nostra amicitia, quam omnibus officiis amoris et humanitatis conservare semper studebimus. | ||
| Datum apud Windsor, 4ta die Septembris, 1615. | ||
| Jacobus Rex. | ||
| After the letter had been read the ambassador spoke in complimentary terms, wishing prosperity to the republic and long life to the senators. | ||
| In the absence of the doge the senior councillor Mocenigo replied, regretting the departure of the ambassador, who had won the affection of all by his excellent qualities. Sir Henry Wotton would be welcome, both as the minister of His Majesty, and as a person well known and esteemed. Finally they wished him health and prosperity. | ||
| The ambassador returned thanks and said: I am emboldened by such courtesies to recall two affairs. One is in the hands of the Council of Ten to restore the two outlawed youths of Bergamo, who are now serving other princes; the other is in the hands of the reformers of the university of Padua, to promote the Doctor Giovanni Prevosto to a higher degree, where he may have greater opportunities to display his worth. I have received kind answers, but they have not been carried into effect; I modified the request, with a memorial sent to the Council of Ten. I am told that this is called the month of favours and I hope it may be so, for it is twelve months since I preferred this request. | ||
| Mocenigo replied that his requests would be considered, the Council of Ten and the Reformers would be consulted and everything possible done. | ||
| Finally the ambassador said that the season invited him to hasten his journey and he asked them to send to his house to seal his chests, so that they might not be disturbed on the journey. During the interval the Venetian Gregorio di Monte would remain, who had served as Secretary to himself and his predecessor. | ||
| Mocenigo replied that the Secretary would be received and the necessary instructions should be given for the despatch of his baggage. | ||
| With that he took leave and departed. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||