Venice: September 1518

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

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'Venice: September 1518', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 454-461. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp454-461 [accessed 24 March 2024]

September 1518

Sept. 1. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 183. 1066. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
Was unable to obtain information respecting the negotiations for peace and marriage, as all the important affairs of the English Government are transacted by two or three individuals, who did not choose their affairs to be known to any but themselves. On the 29th August visited the Legate Campeggio; could only elicit that the conditions of the peace and marriage were not entirely settled, and that there was some difficulty about them.
On that day had visited Cardinal Wolsey, who, after receiving the Legate Campeggio at dinner, accompanied him to his dwelling. When the Cardinal returned, applied for audience, which was appointed for the morrow. Believed that both the peace and marriage were settled, on account of the rank of the French ambassadors, and of the retinue and cost of their embassy. Four other great personages had also been appointed ambassadors from England to France, viz. the Lord Chamberlain, the Bishop of Ely, the Lord Prior of St. John's, and the Captain of Guisnes (Sir Nicholas Yaux), who were to go with a numerous train. The Spanish ambassador was sending despatches to Spain, and receiving replies thence, much more frequently than usual. Inferred therefore that the Catholic King would be one of the parties to the peace.
Lambeth, 1st September 1518.
[Italian, 2½ pages, or 54 lines.]
Sept. 2. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 185. 1067. The Same to the Same.
On the evening of the 1st Sept. the Bishop of Paris had arrived without the Lord Admiral (Guillaume Gouffier de Bonnivet). Went to the Cardinal of York to make enquiries about the cause of his coming, and found the Bishop already closeted with the Cardinal and three or four other councillors. They remained a long while in dispute and difficulty, and some high words passed between the Cardinal and the Bishop. When the council broke up, met the reverend secretary Pace, who stated that the Bishop of Paris and Yilleroy were come with power to draw up the clauses of the peace and marriage contract. Asked how it was possible for these articles to be still under consideration, if the French ambassadors had been already despatched on a mission of congratulation, two of them in fact having already arrived. He denied this, and said that these ambassadors had been sent to demand the hand of the Princess, because King Henry had insisted hereon when the marriage was first proposed to him by Villeroy, and that therefore these two were come to settle the articles, on the conclusion of which the Admiral and his colleague would follow them, and propose for the bride. Tournai was to be surrendered to the King of France, on certain terms, as dower. The Pope, the Emperor, and the Kings of France, Spain, and England were the principals of this peace, places being reserved for many other potentates, including the Signory. An Imperial ambassador was expected. The peace would be concluded in England.
Inquired why the Spanish ambassador had been so busy of late, sending so many couriers to and fro. Pace said it was because the King of Spain seemed to be surprised that this business had not been communicated to him, and was apprehensive of its proving detrimental to him. King Heury had declared his intention of maintaining the friendship existing between them.
The ratification of the articles would not take place for some days, but before the end of the month.
The Bishop of Paris had declined to receive a visit from him (Giustinian). Had been unable to obtain audience of the Cardinal of York, but on the morrow would present to him the Signory's letter of congratulation on his legatine appointment.
Lambeth, 2nd September 1518.
[Italian, 3½ pages, or 74 lines.]
Sept. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 4. 1068. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
Nantes, 21st August.
The agreement with the King of England not concluded. The ambassadors of King Francis still in Paris; they had despatched an envoy to England and awaited his return.
[Italian.]
Sept. 4. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 229. 1069. Marco Minio to the Signory.
Report at Home that the Imperial Diet had been postponed until Martinmas, when it would be held at Mayence. Was told by the Pope that he also had heard that the Diet was to be prorogued, but that it would assemble at Frankfort.
The Pope had heard from England, and believed, that the agreement with France would be confirmed by both Kings. The Switzers would neither make a treaty with France, nor grant France a levy of infantry. The Cardinal of Sion expressed surprise that the English and Spanish ambassadors should so long have delayed their appearance. On that day (4th September), in the consistory, the Pope announced his intention of sending the rose to the Duke of Saxony, as that Duke was a good Christian (Christianissimo), and one of the chief princes of Germany. The Pope did this to try, through the medium of the Duke of Saxony, to allay a heresy (as they styled it) of a certain Dominican (sic) friar, who was preaching in those parts against the apostolic see, condemning the forms observed at present by the Church of Rome; alleging moreover that the indulgences daily conceded were of no value, and many other doctrines. (fn. 1)
Rome, 4th September 1518.
[Extract, Italian.]
Sept. 7. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 186. 1070. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
The Bishop of Paris had told Cardinal Wolsey that King Francis was not forming a new friendship for the sake of relinquishing the old one, but intended maintaining his alliance with Venice; and, should the Emperor attack Venice, King Francis was bound to defend her. Cardinal Wolsey rejoined, “If the Signory of Venice is your friend, she is also ours.” The Bishop had inquired of him (Giustinian) whether the King of England was on good terms with the Signory. Replied in the affirmative, though the understanding would have been better but for the disputes between France and England, as the latter was aware of the close alliance between France and Venice; but the present confederacy between the two crowns would render Venice much more dear (if possible) to England than she had been hitherto. Concerning the present state of the negotiations between France and England, the Bishop said that the negotiations between England and France were well nigh settled, and would be completed in eight or nine days. The Bishop, like all French ambassadors, acted with much reserve. He confirmed the news that, according to the marriage contract, Tournai was to be surrendered, with such terms as would satisfy England. He further said that the general peace would be concluded in England, but that the league against the Turk would be formed by means of the legates appointed to the sovereigns. The Cardinal of Sion had intimated to the King and Wolsey that King Francis told the Switzers he had meant to include them in this peace, but that the King of England refused his consent. This seemed somewhat to have offended the English government, but the Bishop showed that it was a calumny devised by the Cardinal of Sion. The Switzers would therefore be mentioned by the King of France as his friends, and (the Bishop believed) by the King of England likewise.
In reply to the Bishop, said he was daily expecting his recall, the object of his mission being now effected, as he had no mission but to keep England and France on good terms.
Had heard from the Reverend Richard Pace that the Scottish matters were arranged. The Duke of Albany would not return to Scotland, as the present negotiations tended to the removal of all cause for war.
Could not obtain audience of Cardinal Wolsey until the close of the negotiations, but proposed going to the King at Eltham to offer congratulations, which might perhaps cause him to change his opinion that the peace between him and France was not very agreeable to the Signory.
Lambeth, 7th September 1518.
[Italian, 4½ pages, or 92 lines.]
Sept. 10. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 187. 1071. The Same to the Same.
Had dined with Cardinal Campeggio, who said that the King of France, since his accession, had obtained everything he desired, and would now obtain Tournai, though he was not to interfere in Scotland in favour of either party, so that the Queen (Margaret) might receive the honour due to her station, and the King (James V.) be educated by persons free from all suspicion. The Duke of Albany, therefore, would not return to Scotland.
Had visited the Bishop of Durham, who dropped a hint that in the treaty of peace England had included Venice amongst her confederates.
Campeggio had informed the English ministry of the amount of taxes paid by some of the Venetian nobility during the League of Cambrai.
Did not allude to the particulars about the inclusion and mention of Venice as written heretofore, but when the Bishop said he hoped a general peace would be made amongst Christians for the benefit of Turkish affairs, he (Giustinian) rejoined that as the negotiation for friendship and relationship was already concluded, the universal peace was in like manner concluded. The Bishop replied that it was not yet concluded, but was in a fair way, some clause or other being ratified daily. He added that the Admiral of France would soon arrive.
Had been unable to see Cardinal Wolsey, who was indisposed. Audience had been likewise denied to the Legate Campeggio. The Venetian secretary had conferred with Richard Pace, who confirmed the Scottish news, and stated that the negotiations would be soon despatched, and that the English ambassadors destined for France had not been appointed, though they were named. Should any be sent, they would be those already mentioned in a former despatch.
Intended to visit the King on Sunday, the 12th September.
Lambeth, 10th September 1518.
[Italian, 3¾ pages, or 72 lines.]
Sept. 18. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 188. 1072. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
Had visited the King at Eltham, to congratulate him, as ordered. Communicated to him the Levant newsletters. The King said the treaty was not yet concluded, as some difficulties still remained. Took leave, as the King was going out on pleasure. After dinner, held a conversation with Thomas More, newly made councillor, who was a great friend of his. Could learn nothing from him, as the Cardinal of York, according to him, alone transacted the business with the French ambassadors, and when he had concluded he called the councillors, so that the King himself scarcely knew the state of affairs. More added that the Spanish ambassador had likewise received no information respecting these matters, except the assurance that nothing would be introduced in the negotiations at variance with the amity existing between England and the Catholic King.
Next day visited the Cardinal of York. Complimented him as the author of the peace. He stated that the Lord Admiral (of France, Bonnivet) was coming to remove certain difficulties. Acquainted him with the Levant news, and took leave speedily, as the Cardinal seemed to be unwell, but was called back by him. He said that Venice would be included in the league by King Henry. Returned thanks, but expressed neither assent nor dissent, knowing that the Signory had refused to be mentioned in the quinquennial truce made by the Pope, and to celebrate the prayers ordered by him, for fear of giving offence to the Turk.
Had also visited the Bishop of Paris, who informed him that both England and France had included Venice in the treaty as their confederate. The Bishop remarked that Cardinal Wolsey negotiated very harshly (è mollo difficile in queste tractatione); that much remained for conclusion; and that there were difficulties about the Emperor, which, however, did not relate to Venice.
The Lord Admiral was on the point of crossing. He had probably been detained by the bad weather. A vessel that was bringing over his attendants with his arms and other jousting implements, had perished, though the men were saved. Such entertainments and pageants were to be made in England as had never been witnessed there.
Lambeth, 18th September 1518.
[Italian, 5 pages, or 116 lines.]
Sept. 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 40. 1073. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Signory.
Valladolid, 30th August.
Owing to the agreement and matrimonial alliance between England and France, Mons. de Chièvres had proposed to the French ambassador that the Catholic King should be affianced to the daughter of King Francis, an infant.
[Italian.]
Sept. 24. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 189. 1074. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
The Lord Admiral of France (Bonnivet) had made his entry into London on the 23rd with great pomp, accompanied by the other ambassadors, namely, the Bishop of Paris (Stephen Poncher), M. de S. Danie (Francis de Rochechouart, Seigneur de Campodenario), and M. Villeroy (Nicholas de Neufville, Seigneur de Villeroy), with a great number of gentlemen and others. There were 600 horses, 70 mules, and seven baggage wagons. Never had such a display been witnessed in England, or perhaps elsewhere. They were met by many English lords, knights, and gentlemen.
Had that day visited the Cardinal of York. Whilst waiting, M. Villeroy came, and remained a long while with the Cardinal. Was called after Villeroy came forth. The Cardinal stated that peace and confederacy would be concluded between the Kings of England and France, the Pope, the Emperor, and the Catholic King. If any one of the allies took up arms or plotted against another of them, all the confederates were bound to defend the latter, at the cost of the petitioner for aid. Knowing the Cardinal to be greedy of glory and covetous of praise, told him that he would obtain immortal fame by this alliance, for whereas the Pope had laboured to effect a quin-qennial truce, his Lordship had made perpetual peace; and whereas such a union of the Christian powers was usually concluded at Borne, this confederacy had been concluded in England, although the Pope was its head.
The Cardinal assured him that Venice was included in it. He then went to his desk, and after producing a Papal brief, in the form of a commission, authorizing the conclusion of the league in England, he took up a piece of paper, on which was written one single clause relating to the Signory of Venice, and purporting that the Signory was included in the confederacy on certain conditions, and that, if the differences between the Emperor and the Signory were adjusted during the quinquennial truce, the latter would then become a confederate like the other parties to the treaty. If the differences could not be adjusted during that interval, the Pope and the Kings of France and England were then to arbitrate; and if they were not arranged, neither the Emperor nor the Signory was to have the benefit of the confederacy.
Was not pleased with this clause, but did not express either assent or objection to it, having no commission.
The Bishop of Paris was occupied in composing the formal oration which he was to deliver on Sunday, the 26th, and which would be answered by the Bishop of Ely (Nicholas West).
Would visit the Lord Admiral and his colleague on the 25th, though they would probably decline seeing him until after they had had audience of the King on Sunday.
The English government denied that the matter was concluded, for the sake of showing that the conclusion was made at the request of France, and not spontaneously. The whole country was extremely dissatisfied with the arrangement, on account of the surrender of Tournai; and in order to satisfy everybody, the conclusion was to be kept secret.
On Sunday, the 3rd October, Cardinal Wolsey would chant high mass in St. Paul's Church, and the peace and confederacy would be proclaimed. The Reverend Richard Pace would deliver the oration. On the Sunday after (10th October) the relationship and marriage between the Princess of England and the Dauphin would be proclaimed, and the oration made by the Reverend Cuthbert Tunstall, privy councillor, who was the most learned man in England, without competition, and a great friend of his (Giustinian's). (fn. 2)
Thanks the Signory exuberantly for his appointment by the Senate to the post of councillor of Venice.
Lambeth, 24th September 1518.
[Italian, 5¼ pages, or 114 lines.]
Sept. 26. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 190. 1075. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
On the 25th the King had given public audience to the French ambassadors at Greenwich. Had been invited to the ceremony. Great number of grandees present. The decorations were unusually splendid. The Legate Campeggio and all the other ambassadors were there. The Bishop of Paris delivered an elegant oration, in which he demanded the hand of the King of England's daughter, the Princess (Mary), for the Dauphin. The reply was delivered by the Bishop of Ely. The audience having ended thus, the King then led the French ambassador and the Cardinal of York into a chamber, Campeggio and the other ambassadors remaining outside.
On the 27th would visit Cardinal Wolsey and the French ambassudors, for the purpose of cancelling the clause which referred the differences [between the Emperor and Venice] to three arbitrators.
Death of the captain of the Flanders galleys (Andrea Priuli).
Lambeth, 26th September 1518.
[Italian, 2 pages, or 46 lines.]
Sept. 27. Senato Mar, v. xix. p. 72, tergo. 1076. London Factory.
Motion made in the Senate, that, as the re-establishment of the voyages depended on providing for the factories of Alexandria, Damascus, and London, their proveditors be authorized accordingly to sit in the Senate without balloting.
Ayes, 153. Noes, 26. Neutrals, 0.
[Italian, 11 lines.]
Sept. 28. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta). File no. 6. 1077. The Doge and Coliege to Sebastian Giustinian.
Although they had but little news from the Levant, enclosed a summary of letters received from Constantinople and Ragusa, that he might communicate it to the King and Cardinals Wolsey and Campeggio.
[Italian.]
Sept, 29. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 86. 1078. Receipt at Venice of Letters from Flanders, dated Antwerp, 16th September, announcing the death on that day of Andrea Priuli, captain of the Flanders galleys. The Council of Twelve had elected captain in his stead Vicenzo Zantani, master of one of the galleys.
[Italian.]
Sept, 29. Senato Mar, vol. xix. p. 73, recto. 1079. Flanders Galleys.
Decree of the Senate, confirming the election by the Council of Twelve at Antwerp of Nicolo (sic) Zantani to be governor and vice-captain of the Fianders galleys.
Ayes, 146. Noes, 54. Neutrals, 0.
[Italian.]
Sept. 29. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 237. 1080. Marco Minio to the Signory.
The Pope had confirmed to him the intelligence received, to the effect that the Catholic King had four votes certain, 60,000 ducats having been paid down to the Count Palatine; and that Don Hironimo de Vich, who had been lately at Viterbo, had assured him (the Pope) that the election would fall on the Catholic King. The Pope conjured Minio to silence respecting his authority for the intelligence. The Pope had received urgent letters from Cardinal Wolsey, who hoped for a general peace between the Christian powers,—an arrangement the Pope thought could not be realized, as the King of France would be averse to it on account of the kingdom of Navarre, the restitution of which he claimed. The Pope said Tournai would be surrendered on condition that the newly built fortress should be razed, and on the same terms, as it had not been entirely subject to the King of France; (fn. 3) and that the agreement between England and France would take place, should the general peace not be concluded.
Viterbo, 29th September 1518.
[Extract, Italian.]

Footnotes

  • 1. This serves to correct Bossi, who wrote that the rose was sent to the Duke of Saxony at the close of 1519; and it is also worthy of notice that Minio styled the Austin friar a Dominican.
  • 2. “Che è el primo homo di doctrina, senza concorrentia, che sia in questo regno; che etiam è molto mio amico,”
  • 3. “Cum conditione che fusse ruinata la forteza novamente fabricata, si che la restasse nelli termini era prima, et cum quelli conditione, perche la non era del tutto subieta al Xmo Re.”