Venice: February 1519 | British History Online

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.

'Venice: February 1519', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 492-501. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp492-501 [accessed 19 April 2024]

February 1519



Feb. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 379.	1149. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Dated 14th January.
	The English ambassadors were about to depart, the Bishop of Ely going to Blois, and the others returning to England. They were to surrender Tournai within eight days from the time of their departure. They had received four hostages, individuals of no account, the sons of gentlemen in the service of the King, who were to remain six months in England, and then be changed. These were men of low condition (homeni di bassa conditione). He thought they would not be succeeded by any more, and that it was disgraceful for the King of England to have such hostages.
	Monsieur di la Roxa (de Rieux), had come in the name of the Catholic King to give up Mortaigne, and compel the gentleman who wanted to keep it to make the surrender. King Francis had effected the purchase of the cannon in Tournai from the King of England.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 394.	1150. The Same to the Same.
	Paris, 20th January.
	Departure of the English ambassadors, who had received presents to the amount of 50,000 francs.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 4. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 274.	1151. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had been informed by the Pope that the Polish ambassador had shown him a written promise given by four of the Imperial electors, which the Pope deemed very binding; and when he (Minio) enquired if it would be kept in spite of the death of Maximilian, the Pope said, “I think so, because it is an absolute promise.” Believed that this promise was the one mentioned in his letter of 5th November. The wishes of the Pope in this matter were in accordance with what every good Italian ought to desire.
	Rome, 4th February 1510.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Feb. 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 405.	1152. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Signory.
	Saragossa, 8th January.
	The English ambassadors (in Spain) (fn. 1) had taken leave of the King on their return to England, having received handsome presents. Cor-naro accompanied them outside the town. On St. John's day they dined with him, he having given a sumptuous banquet for the honour of the Signory in celebration of the knighthood conferred on him by the Catholic King. Amongst the guests were the Papal nuncio, the French, Imperial, and Genoese ambassadors, and the silversmith of the Catholic King. Monsieur de Chièvres was prevented going by a fit of the gout, but sent some of his gentlemen as guests.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 406.	1153. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 20th January.
	The King had given the English ambassadors, in gold, silver, and cash, 50,000 francs, equal to 25,000 crowns. Did not know how the presents were divided. The embassy had thus cost him 40,000 crowns, exclusively of the secret presents, and he had obtained all he desired with regard to the hostages.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 8. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 275.	1154. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had been told by the French ambassador that the most Christian King was doing his utmost to prevent the ejection of the Catholic King as King of the Romans, and that he therefore meant to favour the Duke of Saxony. Believed the Pope would endeavour to obtain the like effect, as privily as possible; but unless their wishes were backed by a considerable sum of money, they would not obtain them, as they had lost too much time.
	The French hostages destined for the King of England had reached Calais, but the surrender of Tournai was not to be made until they arrived in England.
	Home, 8th February 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Feb. 11. Misti Consiglio X., v. xlii. p. 169.	1155. Decree of the Council of Ten and Junta, for payment to Antonio Surian, doctor and knight, ambassador on his way to England, of 220 ducats, as supplement and residue of the 850 ducats voted by the college in August last, of which he had received but 630 ducats. The balance to be paid by the treasurer of the Council of Ten from the fund set apart for this purpose, according to the ballotation aforesaid.
	Ayes, 27. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 0.
	[Latin, 6 lines.]
Feb. 13. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 276.	1156. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Was informed by the French ambassadors that their King did not seek the dignity of King of the Romans for himself, but for the Duke of Saxony, for the quiet of Christendom. On the other hand, was told by Marc' Antonio Colonna, who also transacted the affairs of France, that the most Christian King was earnestly endeavouring to be elected. Informed him of the statement made by the ambassadors. He replied, “Let them say what they please, I assure you this is the truth.” Considered this a confirmation of what the Pope had told him,—that the crown would be put up to auction, and be given to the highest bidder.
	Rome, 13th February 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Feb. 15. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 277.	1157. The Same to the Samf.
	On the preceding day went to the Magnana, and found the Pope hawking in the country. Having sent to a certain distance all his grooms and the five Cardinals, by whom he was accompanied, the Pope said to him (Minio), “You must know that these two Kings, France and Spain, are each doing their utmost to be elected King of the Romans. The most Christian King has sent his envoys to the electors of the empire, and collected treasure; he has also despatched two other agents of his, one to England and the other to the Switzers; and he is making this canvass openly. He has written to us to favour him, and caused most earnest suit to be made us of this tenour; and the Catholic King has done the like; both one and the other having requested our support, that they may attain their end.”
	The Pope then asked what was the opinion of the Signory. Replied that he had no word from the State on the subject, and said the State bore great goodwill and friendship towards the Catholic King but was the confidant of the most Christian King and linked to him by an indissoluble tie.
	The Pope said it appeared to him that the lesser evil would be the election of his most Christian Majesty. Enquired what reply the Pope had made to either party. The Pope replied, “We will tell you; we told them both” (meaning their respective ambassadors) “that we shall not fail them where we can with propriety give our assistance.” It seemed, however, that the Pope would not wish either one or the other to be greater than he was.
	Had been informed on the previous evening that there were letters from England dated the 1st and 2nd, purporting that they had heard of the Emperor's death, and that two of the French hostages had arrived in England. Enquired whether the letters contained any news about the election, and was answered in the negative, but that on the receipt of the intelligence a courier was immediately despatched; which implied that nothing had been previously known there.
	Rome, 15th February 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Feb. 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 428.	1158. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signoey.
	Paris, 28th January.
	The surrender of Tournai was deemed quite certain.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi p. 429.	1159. The Same to the Same.
	Paris, 3rd February.
	Announces the passage through Paris, on his way to Rome, of a courier from England, where certain great personages had risen against Cardinal Wolsey.
	Since the death of the Emperor, Tournai had not yet been surrendered. It was to be given up to Monsieur de Chatillon, and the Lord Chamberlain of England had gone thither to effect the surrender.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 431.	1160. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Signory.
	Saragossa, 22nd January.
	The King (Charles) had sent one of the gentlemen of his chamber, a Frenchman, by name La Troiete, to France, with orders to speak to Madame, to urge the interview between the Lord Steward (of France) (fn. 2) and Monsieur de Chièvres, and to announce the adhesion of the Catholic King to the treaty between France and England.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 18. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvii p. 164, tergo.	1161. Betrothal of Mary, Princess of England.
	Reply of the Senate to Monsieur de Teligny, French ambassador in Venice
	Express their satisfaction on learning the alliance and marriage concluded by his most Christian Majesty with the King of England.
	Ayes, 41. Noes, 39. Neutrals, 5.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Feb. 20. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 279.	1162. Marco Minto to the Signory.
	Announces the receipt of letters from Spain dated the 10th, whereby the Catholic King insists on the observance of the promise made by the electors of the empire during the lifetime of Maximilian, and that it may not be infringed; most especially as owing to the Emperor's death the previous obstacles to the election were removed.
	At Rome not only the Spaniards but also the Germans declared that the Catholic King would assuredly gain his intent Private letters had been received from Germany dated the 9th, purporting that all the German princes and nobility were much inclined towards his Catholic Highness; that the free towns, the league of Swabia, and the noblemen of Nuremburgh had sent their ambassadors to the Government of Inspruck to condole on the Emperor's death, offering all their resources for the maintenance of the house of Austria; that Casimir, the cousin of the Marquis of Branden-burgh, the Marquis himself, the brother of the Count Palatine, and the Duke of Bavaria, were also at Inspruck to condole on this demise; they, likewise, offering all their power in aid of the house of Austria; and that the Government of Inspruck had sent an envoy to the Switzers, exhorting them to maintain good friendship with the same house.
	Arrival at Rome of Mons. de Pons from the King of France. Believed he was sent to negotiate with the Pope the election of King of the Romans. Had congratulated him on the surrender of Tournai. Was informed by him and the French ambassador, the Bishop of S. Malo, that the chief object of their King was to prevent his enemy—meaning the Catholic King—from being elected King of the Romans; but that it would much gratify him should he himself be able to obtain that dignity. They discussed this matter with much reserve, as usual.
	Rome, 20th February 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Feb. 22. Sanuto Diaries, y. xxvi. p. 440.	1163. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 8th February.
	Letters had been received from the King of England, promising King Francis all his favour and power to obtain for him the Imperial crown, notwithstanding which, Tournai had not yet been surrendered. The delay was occasioned either by the county (contado), or because the hostages had not quitted Calais; but letters had been received announcing the arrival of these last in England.
	The Secretary, Robertet, had whispered in his (Giustinian's) ear, “The Signory must now demonstrate her goodwill towards the King, and acquaint him with all she hears about this election, and with every event, to confirm him in his goodwill, as he will be King of the Romans; and being thus convinced of the Signory's affection, he may benefit her more than she imagines. The State can aid him by writing to the Pope to that effect; and let her write hither often; for the King receives advices from every quarter.”
	Robertet then mentioned the offer sent by the King of England, adding, “The Florentine ambassador has informed the King that the Cardinal de' Medici went post to Florence by reason of the illness of the Duke Lorenzo; but it is believed he went about this election of the King of the Romans, because the Pope favours Don Ferdinand, of which the Kiug has complained to the Legate.”
	Giustinian apologized for the Pope, saying that when be acted thus, King Francis was solely intent on preventing the election of the Catholic King; but that now, on knowing that the most Christian King himself was a candidate, he would act differently.
	Robertet added that King Francis said the Pope did not wish him to be King of the Romans.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 22. Sanuto Diaries, v.xxvi. p. 441.	1164. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 11th February.
	On the preceding day news arrived of the surrender of Tournai, Monsieur de Chatillon having entered the fortress with the troops on the 8th, when the English withdrew.
	The Legate Bibiena had received a bull from the Pope, authorizing him to include his Holiness in the league between France and England, as chief principal (capo principal).
	[Italian.]
Feb. 24. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 280.	1165. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On 22nd February went to the Pope, who was in the castle of St. Angelo, for his usual diversions. He stated that the most Christian King was doing everything to get elected, saying, “His ambassador (fn. 3) wrote to him that we were opposed to him, and did not wish him to obtain this grade. And we will tell you what happened. When the news arrived of Maximilian's death, both the French ambassadors “(the Bishop of St. Malo and the Dean of Orleans), “came to us, and discussing it, we said that the electors would be ill advised were they to elect any but one of themselves to this dignity. Thereupon the Bishop of St. Malo, as he himself subsequently confessed to me, wrote to the most Christian King that we were opposed to him; so his Majesty informed the Legate (Bibiena) that although anxious for this dignity, yet as it was contrary to our will and intention, he would not meddle with it. We then gave the King to understand that we should be very well pleased to see him elected; and this we repeated at his first audience to Mons, de Pons, who made a similar announcement on behalf of his King, telling him that he would receive another order, as it was not our intention to thwart his Majesty in any way. On the following morning Mons. de Pons, having received three other letters from his King, came and acquainted us with their contents, namely, that the most Christian King had heard of our mind and was satisfied with it.”
	In the course of conversation the Pope also said to him, “We have pondered who had better be King of the Romans, and are assuredly of opinion that the most Christian would be much more fitting than the Catholic King [whose family has ever been hostile to us and to you likewise].” (fn. 4) The Pope also mentioned that he [the most Christian King] was amassing a considerable sum to give to the electors, saving He means to give each of them 300,000 ducats, and indeed the amount we thus quote to you falls far short of their statement. The French ambassadors declare that their King will spend from 400,000 to 500,000 ducats for each of the electors.” The Pope also said, “We have understood that the most Christian has sent a power to Germany for the conclusion of the marriage of Madame Rénée to the son of the Marquis of Brandenburgh, according to the announcement made a year ago, which, if true, would procure his intent for the most Christian King, as he would thus obtain the votes of the Marquis of Brandenburgh, of his brother, of the Count Palatine, and of the Archbishop of Treves. On the other hand the Spaniards insist on the validity of the promise already made, and we have also seen private letters from Germany, whereby it seems that there they are much inclined towards the Catholic King.” The Pope then repeated well nigh the same intelligence as contained in his letter of the 20th, saying in conclusion, “We have no letters from the Legate, as he must be on the road; we have desired him to go to a place nearer at hand, that he may be enabled to negotiate with the Imperial electors.”
	Rome, 24th February 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Feb. 25. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 205.	1166. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Death of the Emperor Maximilian. Sumptuous obsequies celebrated in London. His demise held in small consideration.
	Arrival of the Flanders galleys at Hampton.
	Surrender of Tournai to the most Christian King. Arrival of the French hostages. Return of some of the English ambassadors; the rest detained at Calais by the stormy weather. Close union between the Kings of England and France. The French ambassador had daily audience of Cardinal Wolsey, and treated him (Giustinian) with great reserve.
	Advent of an ambassador from the Catholic King, named Dom. Joan Jaghes (Mons. Jean Jouglet), an accomplished man. Had learned from him that he was expecting a colleague, a great personage (Count Horn). Had been told by Campeggio that this ambassador was come with special power to approve the confederacy between England and France. His predecessor (fn. 5) had departed on bad terms with King Henry, having refused to ratify the league unless all that had been arranged were annulled, because he was absent when it was concluded. Heard this both from Cardinal Wolsey and the Bishop of Durham, who seemed very displeased with him.
	Had communicated to the King and Cardinal Wolsey the contents of the newsletters which accompanied the Signory's despatches of the 9th and 21st January. Refers to a statement made in a previous letter, (fn. 6) concerning the audience which he had at length obtained of Cardinal Wolsey and other ministers, who gave rather an unfavorable reply to his demands for the repeal of the duties on the wines of Candia; the Cardinal declared, however, that the reply was not definitive.
	Was subsequently visited by the Secretary Richard Pace, who came to dine with him, and said he had been charged by the Cardinal to ask for explanations, which were given by him (Giustinian). Met Pace a second time, and gave further particulars, which doubtless settled the matter. Went on that day to discuss it with the Cardinal, but could not see him, as he was occupied with the French ambassador. (fn. 7) The ministers would probably require to see the act passed by the Senate, imposing the duty of four ducats per butt in Candia, and also the act which repealed that duty; requests, therefore, copies of the two acts.
	The return cargoes of the Flanders galleys would prove more valuable than had been expected, much wool having been loaded, with tin, and cloths of every description, to a greater amount than anticipated by any one. The galleys would depart at the stipulated period. The captain had comported himself admirably.
	On his bended knees requests permission of the State to return home.
	Lambeth, 25th February 1519.
	[Italian, 3¾ pages, or 78 lines.]
Feb. 26. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 206.	1167. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	On that day had audience of Cardinal Wolsey alone concerning the repeal of the wine duties, as by appointment, the conference being no less official than if held in the presence of the whole Council. The Cardinal expressed surprise that the Signory should insist on diminishing the customs of the Kins:, as inherited from his father, who had reduced the duty from four ducats to one noble, equal to one and a half ducat, and said that the Signory ought to be content with this reduction.
	Replied that the Signory took off the duty of four ducats per butt in Candia, under promise from King Henry VII. that he would repeal the corresponding duty in England. The Cardinal rejoined that the duties were the sole benefit derived from the malmsies imported into England, that the government would rather the wines should not come than lose the duties, and that Venice derived greater benefit from what she exported from England than accrued to the English government, for the wools were extremely useful to the Signory, and their exportation very detrimental to England. Many months previously this opinion had been impressed upon Cardinal Wolsey by a rogue, one Lorenzo Bonvisi, a Lucchese, who lived by similar theories (cose). These replies the Cardinal accompanied with certain foul and uncivil language concerning the Venetian republic. Made a temperate reply, being more intent on not irritating him than on displaying suitable resentment, and after much discussion inquired whether this was his definitive decision. The Cardinal answered in the negative, saying that in a matter of that sort it was fitting to have more mature consideration, after which, he would give an answer in conjunction with the Council. Lauded the Cardinal for considering the matter.
	Did not know what result to anticipate, as the King had been in possession for so many years, and as the duty of one noble depended on the mere will of the late King, and not on the decree that the duty of four ducats levied in England was to last as long as the four ducats were exacted for each butt shipped in Candia. (fn. 8) But Cardinal Wolsey could say, “sic volo el sic jubeo;” nor could appeal be made from his decision to the King, as it would be of no avail, and render the Cardinal an irreconcilable enemy, to the ruin of the poor merchants, so that it was necessary to proceed inter spem at metum. Requests the State to send the two acts alluded to in the accompanying letter.
	Lambeth, 26th February 1519.
	[Italian, 2¼ pages, or 46 lines.]
Feb. 26. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 207.	1168. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Return of all the English ambassadors from France, with eight hostages, four of whom were men, and four lads of 17 years and under. As it was not believed they were hostages, Cardinal Wolsey would not receive them until they were publicly presented as such by the French ambassador. After this ceremony the Cardinal sent the Archbishop of Armagh (John Kite) to the Spanish ambassador resident (Jean Jouglet) with the following message:—“Quæ vos ridistis et auilistis, potestis scribere.” The hostages had been sent because the English nation was not very well pleased with the surrender of Tournai.
	When the ceremony was over, accompanied the Cardinal to York House. He said that they had acted thus, in order that everybody might be convinced of the durability of the peace.
	Was told by the Spanish ambassador that his colleague, a German, a person of great authority, by name Count Horn, was to make his entry into London that day (the 26th). No preparations apparent for his reception.
	The interview between the Kings of England and France was to take place at the end of June or the beginning of July. King Henry had drawn up a list of the names of all who were to accompany him, in order that King Francis might bring an equal company. The Duke of Norfolk, Lord Treasurer, would remain in England as Governor, according to the general opinion. King Henry would reach the other side six or seven days before King Francis came to the appointed place, that he might be able to receive him in a becoming manner. Apprehended, from the preparations which were being made, that it would be a very fine sight. The meeting was to take place between Boulogne and Calais. There was a difficulty as to whether, after the conference, the Kings were to return for the night, the one to Boulogne and the other to Calais, or to sleep in tents in the country.
	Return of the English ambassadors (the Archbishop of Armagh and Lord Berners) from Spain. They had probably induced the Catholic King to send these ambassadors to ratify the league. Had again inspected the original clauses of it. These English ambassadors greatly extolled Francesco Cornaro [Venetian ambassador in Spain].
	The Flanders galleys had commenced lading at Hampton, whither all the merchants had repaired. Was unable to do anything further about the repeal of the wine duties, until he received the two acts previously mentioned.
	Lambeth, 10th March 1519.
	[Italian, 4 pages, or 80 lines.]
Feb. 29. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 282.	1169. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Since many years no topic had been so much discussed at Rome as was the election of the future King of the Romans at that moment, Everybody much deprecated the election either of the King of France or of the King of Spain, on account of the great danger which would thus threaten the Apostolic see and all Italy. Had not found any one of opinion that France would obtain the crown, two strong arguments being urged to the contrary; namely, that the Germans would not consent to transfer the Germanic empire to France, and thus deprive themselves of so great a dignity, perhaps for ever; the other obstacle being the extreme hatred borne by the Germans to the French.
	Was told by one individual that he had warned the Pope of this danger, reminding him that his authority in the matter was very great, as during the Imperial interreign, as at present, he succeeded to the entire jurisdiction and authority of the Emperor, in virtue of an “estrangers” of Pope John XXII. To this the Pope replied that he should not interfere in any way, but would act as common father; and that he had written to the electors to elect one who might prove good for the Christian religion, and to act with great caution, as the matter was one of vital importance.
	The letters written by the Pope to Germany were truly to this effect, and perhaps in yet more express terms. Cardinal Colonna had received letters from Germany, acquainting him that the Archbishop of Mayence had convened the Diet destined to elect the King of the Romans for Lætare Sunday.
	Rome, 29th February 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]