Venice: May 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: May 1519', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 520-529. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp520-529 [accessed 14 April 2024]

May 1519



May 4. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 313.	1212. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Was told by the Pope on the 3rd, that the nuncio Caracciolo had written to him that, according to report, the Marquis of Brandenburg had concluded an agreement with France, and that he (Caracciolo) had spoken with the Archbishop of Mayence, who took it very much amiss that this agreement should have been made, and, indeed, said that if it were true, he would not attend the diet, but send a proxy, a proof that he did not intend to support France. The Legate was with the Archbishop of Treves, and had good hopes.
	An envoy had arrived at Rome from the King of Spain, complaining of the Pope's strong opposition to him, and that he should have declared him ineligible to the dignity of King of the Romans.
	Rome, 4th May 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
May 6. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 214.	1213. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	The important event anticipated in his letter of 11th April had apparently not taken place, but he understood that King Henry had written to King Francis in moderate terms (modestamente) to desist from hostilities, and to seek the empire by other means, and not by force, in accordance with the peace lately contracted. This seemed to be credible, as the two Spanish ambassadors, at whose suit apparently he wrote this letter, had departed; and it had been said at the time that the last ambassador came to report the preparations making by the King of France, and to persuade King Henry to write to him on the subject. Neither King Henry nor any great personage of England would wish the most Christian King to obtain the imperial crown, and therefore he would receive no succour from England, either of men or money. This was the opinion both of himself and the Legate Campeggio, who had told him that the Switzers would not favour the most Christian King, but had desired him to desist from his attempt; and that one of the electors, whom King Francis boasted of having at his beck, had no intention of complying with his wishes.
	No preparations for the conference between the two Kings. A reply was sent by King Francis, bat it was not definitive. Another express was expected, and on its arrival a consultation would be held, whether to meet or not.
	For some days past the Cardinal of York had been indisposed, and was much reduced by dysentery, so he had received no one. Would, however, call upon him on the morrow.
	Receipt of the State's missives of 11th April, with the Hungarian newsletters. Would communicate them to Cardinal Wolsey and also to Campeggio, of whom the Signory should make mention in its letters, since it was not thought fit to write him a letter of thanks.
	Lambeth, 6th May 1519.
	[Italian, 2 pages, or 39 lines.]
May 8. Mantuan Archives.	1214. Cardinal Campeggio, Legate in England, to Frederick Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua.
	Condoles with him on the death of his father.
	London, 8th May 1519.
	[Original, Italian.]
May 11. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 215.	1215. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had been told by Cardinal Campeggio that, considering the articles of the recent treaty, war between Spain and France on account of territory could only proceed from the kingdom of Navarre, which, at the time of the formation of the confederacy, was held by the Catholic King; and that therefore King Henry was bound to afford him assistance in retaining possession of it. Campeggio thought England would remain neutral in the contest for the empire, and write to both parties that the crown was to be obtained not by force, but by free election. Had imparted this opinion to the French ambassador.
	The lords were unusually occupied with public business, and Cardinal Wolsey, who had been grievously ill, had gone twice to Greenwich in three days. Was unable to ascertain the motive of such frequent cabinet councils.
	Had received three missives from the Signory; the one a patent ratifying the league, and the other two indicating the mode of executing the ratification, enjoining him to await his successor until 2nd June, and instructing him to communicate the Signory's intention, if necessary, to Cardinal Wolsey. Had informed the Signory, at least a hundred times, that it was necessary to have recourse to the Cardinal in all matters, and that, should it be requisite to neglect either the King or the Cardinal, it would be better to pass over His Majesty. (fn. 1) Would therefore make the communication to both, but first of all to the Cardinal, lest he should resent the precedence conceded to the King.
	Complains of doubts cast on the veracity of his statement respecting the erasure of the clause touching the disputes between Venice and the Emperor, and declares that he had not written lies to the Signory.
	Lambeth, 11th May 1519.
	[Italian, 4 pages, or 77 lines.]
May 11. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 319.	1216. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	News received by the Spaniards of the arrival at Montpellier of Mons. de Chièvres and the Lord Steward of France. Confirmation of this intelligence by the Bishop of St. Malo, who told him (Minio) that both the Kings were nevertheless preparing for war, but the King of Spain had no money, having already pledged part of his revenues in order to obtain the Imperial crown.
	The Bishop added that his King had four votes, and that they moreover hoped for the fifth, though it was true the Archbishop of Mayence showed himself averse to them, owing to the great promises made to him by the Catholic King. Also that they had fair words from the Duke of Saxony, who had however not yet declared himself for either side.
	The Bishop alluded to the preparations making by France for the defence of the Milanese. Assured him that the Signory would not fail King Francis in his need, for her own sake and in conformity with the existing confederacy. In reply to his (Minio's) enquiries the Bishop said the Pope, in a few general words, had given him promises to the like effect.
	The Huugarian ambassadors had been knighted by the Pope, who gave to each of them a gown of cloth of gold and a chain; and on their departure they were accompanied by the Polish and Spanish ambassadors, who considered it certain that their King [Lewis of Hungary and Bohemia] would vote for Spain.
	Rome, 11th May 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
May 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 219.	1217. Antonio Gtustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Poissy, 2nd May.
	Informed the King of the Signory's ratification of the league between France and England. His Majesty replied that the Signory did well to join the league with the King of England, who might be of great use to him in his canvass for the grade of King of the Romans. He said he was sure of four votes, viz., the two brothers, Mayence and Brandenburgh, the Palatine, and Treves; and had hopes of the Duke of Saxony. The Archbishop of Cologne would not promise; but he was open to terms.
	[Italian.]
May 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 227.	1218. Contest for the Imperial Crown.
	Motion made in the Senate by the Sages for a letter of the following tenor to the Signory's ambassador in France, in reply to his last.
	Were glad that King Francis approved of their joining the league with England, which they did willingly, it seeming to them very advantageous to keep King Henry on terms of peace and love with his most Christian Majesty, as he would hear from the ambassador on his way to England. Rejoiced also to hear that his canvass for the empire prospered. Should he succeed, the Signory would pay the 100,000 crowns promised him.
	Disapproval by the Senate of this last clause, and after debate the clause was withdrawn.
	[Italian.]
May 13. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 320.	1219. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On the preceding day went to the Magnana, to accompany the Pope on his way back to Rome. The Pope told him that, according to letters from Germany, the account of the agreement between Brandenburgh and France was true; and that King Francis had assuredly that one vote, though the other electors had not yet pronounced themselves. The Pope added that the Legate in France wrote to him that it was said there that they had four votes, whereas the Papal envoys in Germany merely wrote that the affairs of the most Christian King were in a favorable condition.
	The Pope did not wish either of the two kings to obtain the crown, and, as already stated, was desirous that King Francis should condescend to favour some third candidate. The support given by the Pope to France had for object to prevent the Catholic King from being elected Emperor, and the Pope therefore regretted that King Francis should persist in thinking himself sure of his election.
	The Pope also told him (Minio) that in Germany they were anxious for the arrival of the money, but that nothing had yet been received; whereas, the Legate in France informed him that they had sent 200,000 ducats besides the first remittance, and that by the middle of the month they said they should have 500,000 ducats in Germany.
	Concerning the interview at Montpellier between Mons. de Chièvres and the Lord Steward of France, the Spanish ambassador (Don Luis de Carroz) had shown the Pope letters dated the 2nd and 4th of May, stating amongst other things, that the conference had been held “frankly.” When the Pope enquired the meaning of “frankly,” the Spanish ambassador interpreted it thus, that Chièvres, who was suspected to have been bribed by France, had acted loyally. The Pope was apprehensive the two kings would come to blows, and told him (Minio) that he had therefore addressed other briefs to them exhorting them to peace.
	The Pope disapproved of the steps taken by Monsieur de Lautrec for the defence of the Milanese, as parties otherwise inclined to remain quiet, on perceiving the fear they inspired, would take heart. The Pope added that he understood Lautrec had sent to ask troops of the Signory, but that to him the French had said nothing at all. Infers, therefore, that the “general terms” in which the Bishop of St. Malo said he had spoken to the Pope on this subject were so very general, that they signified little, or else that the Pope chose to understand them only by halves.
	Rome, 13th May 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
May 18. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 216.	1220. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	On 17th May Richard Pace, the King's Secretary, departed on his way, as generally reported, to the electors of the empire. The Legate Campeggio did not know for certain the object of Pace's mission, not having had an interview with the Cardinal of York for four days, but he thought it was to exhort the electors to choose an Emperor suited to the need of Christendom, and not to allow themselves to be cajoled or overawed by any one.
	The French ambassador, who had been with Cardinal Wolsey the day preceding, believed Pace was sent to thwart the projects of the most Christian King, and seemed to entertain a very bad opinion of the intentions of the entire English ministry. Had been told by the Lord Treasurer (the Duke of Norfolk) that King Henry had taken, and was taking, steps to secure the freedom of this election, which he (the Lord Treasurer) was of opinion would not fall on either of the two Kings (Charles and Francis), but rather on one of the princes of Germany, which seemed to be the universal belief and desire.
	Within the past few days King Henry had made a very great change in his court, dismissing four of his chief lords in waiting who had enjoyed very great authority in the kingdom, and had been the very soul of the King. He had also replaced some other officials by men of greater age and repute. This measure was deemed of as vital importance as any that had taken place for many years. The King had, however, given employment extra curiam to the parties dismissed, some at Calais and some in other parts of the kingdom, assigning them titles and considerable appointments, which was a proof that they had not been dismissed for any fault, though the true reason was unknown.
	Had obtained this intelligence from the Reverend Dionysius Memo, who, at his request, came from Greenwich to Lambeth to give him an account of the circumstance. It was said by some that these persons, having accompanied the ambassadors who went to ratify the peace, had been discovered to be too partial to the King of France. Others maintained that they had been the cause of the King's incessant gambling, by which he had lately lost much money, and that the King, resolving to lead a new life, had removed these companions of his excesses. This was the opinion of the Lord Treasurer.
	On the other hand, the French ambassador and the hostages considered this had taken place either from distrust of France, or at the instigation of Cardinal Wolsey, who had perhaps apprehended that these young men might oust him from the government. Fully shared this opinion, which was corroborated by the fact that the places had been filled up with creatures of the Cardinal.
	The French ambassador said he had told the Cardinal that such a stir would not have been tolerated at the French court, and that Wolsey replied the French followed their own fashion, and the English that of England.
	Considered this dismissal important, connecting it with the embassy of Pace. Had been urged by the Lord Treasurer to commend all these proceedings when speaking with the Cardinal, but was not inclined to assume similar burdens.
	It was generally believed that the interview between King Henry and King Francis would be deferred, as might be readily conjectured from what had taken place.
	Lambeth, 18th May 1519.
	[Italian, 3½ pages, or 76 lines.]
May 18. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 321.	1221. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On the preceding day went to the Pope at the Magnana, who said that the Spanish ambassador (Don Luis de Carroz) and Don Hieronimo de Vich, (fn. 2) had shown him two letters dated the 9th and 10th, stating that the Lord Steward and Monsieur de Chièvres had held a conference; that the former demanded the restitution of the kingdom of Navarre, which Monsieur de Chièvres refused; and that they were soon to separate. The Pope mentioned having sent briefs to these two ministers, exhorting them to devise some expedient for the prevention of war between their sovereigns.
	It was very difficult to guess the motive of the interview, for which the Spanish ambassadors assigned certain very unsuitable reasons. The Pope was of opinion that when King Francis proposed it, he had not the slightest hope of being elected King of the Romans, and wished to arrange his disputes with the Catholic King, expecting, through the cession of the Imperial Crown, to obtain his demands; but that he had changed his mind on perceiving the chance of becoming King of the Romans himself The idea of any compromise by means of a matrimonial alliance between the two crowns was considered fallacious.
	With regard to their military preparations, the Pope said he had been assured by the Spaniards that their King would never be the first to make war, to which the Pope knew that France was averse, as King Francis had requested him to write briefs exhorting the other sovereigns to peace; adding that, in confirmation of this, he had received the power from King Francis, whereby he ratified the five years' truce, and that the Pope was expecting a like power from England. The Pope said, moreover, that besides briefs he had also sent an envoy, one D. Baldassar, to the Switzers, exhorting them to peace.
	Concerning the affairs of Germany, the Pope merely understood that the most Christian King had but one vote certain, namely that of the Marquis of Brandenburgh, the other electors all saying, “Should the others choose, I likewise am content;” the Pope adding, “After our own fashion at the election of a Pope. The French, however, consider the thing certain, and you must know that when the Lord Steward wrote to King Francis to withdraw from the contest, by reason of the great difficulties which he, the Lord Steward, perceived, the King wrote back, desiring him never again to write in a similar strain.”
	With regard to the steps taken by Monsieur de Lautrec for the defence of the Milanese against the Switzers, he (Minio) having suggested to the Pope that France might possibly ask him for Papal troops, the Pope smiled, and said, “We have need of our troops here: what are we to do for ourselves?”
	Understood a fresh confederacy was being attempted between the Catholic King, England, and the Switzers.
	Rome, 18th May 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
May 19. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 323.	1222. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On the preceding day a report had circulated that the Spanish ambassadors were gone to the Magnana, with news of the election of the Catholic King as King of the Romans. Sent, therefore, to the Magnana, and ascertained that the Spanish ambassadors were the bearers of letters from Monsieur de Chièvres with condolences on the death of the Duke of Urbino (Lorenzo de' Medici), and announcing the dangerous illness of the Lord Steward at Montpellier, owing to a retention of urine.
	Rome, 19th May 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
May 20. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 324.	1223. Marco Minio to the Stgnory.
	The Spanish ambassadors had that day received letters announcing the death of the Lord Steward, and that the Spaniards had quitted Montpellier on their return homewards.
	Monsieur de Chièvres wrote that he could no longer remain with honour, as there was no other person at Montpellier accredited by King Francis; and that nothing had been proposed, except the restitution of Navarre, which had been referred to French and Spanish jurists.
	It was for the best that the conference should be dissolved, as the parties separated in friendship, and the interview terminated without any disturbance.
	Rome, 20th May 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
May 20. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta. v. xlviii. p. 15, tergo.	1224. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in France.
	Received his letters purporting that the Christian King had commended their ratification of the treaty with the King of England. Were gratified at this result, as their chief object in sending an ambassador to England was to keep England and France united.
	Ayes, 166. Noes, 5. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 51 lines.]
May 20. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, xlviii. p. 16.	1225. Letters Patent from Doge Leonardo Loredano for Pope Leo X. and the Catholic King.
	Peace having been concluded between the Pope, the Emperor, and the Kings of France, England, and Spain, of which the authors were the Kings of France and England, the Doge ratifies the same.
	15th April 1519.
	[Latin, 18 lines.]
May 20. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlviii. p. 16, tergo.	1226. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in Rome.
	Ratification of the peace sent for his instruction.
	20th May 1519.
	Similar letter from the Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in Spain.
	[Italian, 17 line]
May 29. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 326.	1227. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Receipt at Rome of letters from Germany, Spain, and France. Found the Pope well nigh despairing of the election of King Francis, as the letters of the Papal envoys in Germany purported that neither the people nor the princes and barons would permit the election of the most Christian King; nay, that they affirmed that even if the electors wished to elect him, it was not in their power to do so.
	The Pope also stated that he had received a letter from the Archbishop of Mayence in reply to the one he wrote him. The Archbishop declared that, when it was in his power, he would never fail doing what was agreeable to the Pope, but that it was not to be hoped that the most Christian King could obtain his intent; and that both by love and by coercion it would behove them to elect another than him. The Archbishop greatly blamed his brother (the Marquis of Brandenburgh), saying he was a madman, and that whichever of the two kings might be elected, they would both be his enemies, as he had negotiated with both.
	The Pope then complained bitterly that things should have been brought to such a pass, saying that had King Francis canvassed for a third party, the Catholic King would never have been elected. Asked him, “Holy Father, does your Holiness believe that there is no hope for the most Christian King?” The Pope replied, “In my opinion there is not. It is true that, as occasionally happens, some great change might take place.” Then he proceeded to say, “Be pleased to keep secret what we have told you, for you must know that we have not chosen to impart these particulars to the French ambassadors.”
	The Pope added that the Germans had determined to keep on foot the forces of the League of Swabia, and that he considered it certain there would not be war between France and Spain, saying, “As we told you the other day, we know that the most Christian King wishes for peace, because he made us write to the other powers to that effect; and even if he wished to make any stir of arms, the King of England would not tolerate it.”
	Concerning the affairs of France, the Pope said that but a very small sum of money had as yet reached Germany, and that it was not on account of the election, but for payment of arrears of certain pensions; though the Legate in France, Bibiena, wrote that they had sent 400,000 ducats; the Pope adding that the sum might perhaps amount to 100,000 ducats.
	The Spaniards in Rome did not scruple to assert positively that their King would obtain the Imperial Crown. On the preceding evening spoke with an individual who had received letters from the Spanish court, purporting that it was considered certain there King Charles would give his sister in marriage to the son of the Marquis of Brandenburgh, which confirmed the statement made by the Archbishop of Mayence, that his brother had negotiated with both the kings, a system which was perhaps also adopted by some of the other electors, and would account for the fair hopes entertained by either sovereign.
	Rome, 29th May 1519.
	[Extract, Italian ,]
May 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. pp. 257, 258.	1228. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Signory.
	Barcelona, 7th May.
	Receipt of a letter from Germany, purporting that, should the Catholic King lose his election, the cause must be attributed to his ambassador, the Count of Nassau, who did not know how to negotiate like French ambassadors and the nuncios there. The English ambassador (fn. 3) at Barcelona told him his King had written to the Catholic King, that it would please him were he, the Catholic King, elected; and that a new Spanish ambassador was going to England, namely, a Dominican friar, the Bishop of Euna (Elna).
	[Italian.]
May 31. Sanuto Diaries, vol. xxvii. p. 259.	1229. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Poissy, 11th May.
	In a former letter stated that King Francis had desired his ambassadors to ask the King of England for a loan. It now appeared that he had written desiring them not to ask for anything, and that he had received a letter from King Henry acquainting him with his reply to the Spanish ambassador, to the effect that he hoped war would not be waged, and wished to remain at peace with both kings; but that whichever commenced, he, King Henry, was bound to assist his antagonist.
	[Italian.]