Venice: July 1512

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: July 1512', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 70-72. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp70-72 [accessed 24 March 2024]

July 1512

July 3. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlv. p. 16. 179. Commission from Doge Leonardo Loredano to Francesco Capello, Knight, Ambassador to Henry VIII.
To proceed to the King of England by the road which shall seem the shortest to him, and to announce himself as the successor of Andrea Badoer, who has leave to return home. To negotiate all such matters as shall be needed from day to day, relating especially to the continuance of the most holy League, which they mean to maintain inviolate. To assure the King that from the State and all its forces he may promise himself all that he could desire from true and good friends; and by these and similar expressions to do his utmost to convince the King of the Signory's love and good will. Give no instructions about apologising for the delay of his mission, as they are confident he (Capello) will know how to excuse himself by asserting, with truth, that it had been impossible sooner to obtain the safeconduct from the Emperor. To praise the King for having joined the League, and for his operations in its favour; to which were due the release not only of Italy, but of the whole of Christendom. To congratulate him on the successes obtained, and to tell him that they trust to his wisdom no less than to his power. To endeavour to persuade him both to persevere in the undertaking commenced against France, and to induce the King of Spain to do the like.
Have furnished him with copies of the articles of the League between the Pope, Spain, England, and the Signory, and of the clauses of the truces between the Emperor and the Signory, and their ratification. Do not recapitulate the arguments employed in their negotiations for the reconciliation with the Emperor, as he (Capello) is well acquainted with them, but remind him that, in his discourse throughout, he is to be cautious, and seek that the King may favour the Signory.
To visit Queen Katharine, and address her in such language as becoming the good will borne by them both towards her husband and the Catholic King her father; and so as to render her the Signory's friend.
To do the like by the Bishop of Winchester [Richard Fox], who has shown himself well inclined to the State; and by all such others of the privy councillors, prelates, and others, as he may think fit, and according to the information received from Andrea Badoer. To remain with Badoer for a few days, and receive from him such instructions and information as may benefit the Republic's interests; and then is to tell him to return home after obtaining gracious leave of the King. Should the King say anything about the galleys, is to apologize for the Signory, on the plea of having been unable to send them of late, owing to the wars; and add, that the State is thoroughly disposed to undertake the voyage as soon as it can be made in safety. For his guidance enclose copies of letters written by the King to the Cardinal of York, his ambassador at the papal court, and also of the King's replies to the Emperor; it being requisite that he (Capello) should have cognizance of all Italian news down to the present day, so that he may communicate it to the King should it not have already reached England.
Remind him, however, that whenever he shall have occasion to mention the Pope and the King of Spain, he is to do so in such form as becoming the respect and devotion borne by the State to his Holiness, and in conformity with the great goodwill and love which they entertain for his Catholic Majesty. He is also to keep the State acquainted with all events worthy of its knowledge by means of frequent and copious letters.
Should he on the road fall in with the Emperor and obtain audience of him, is to present the letters of credence with which he has been furnished, to refer to the promptitude with which the Signory has accepted the truces immediately on their being offered, and to express the hope, from such a good beginning, that the renewal will be effected of the loving and respectful sentiments ever entertained by the State for the Emperor and the whole house of Austria; and say that to prove their readiness to gratify the Emperor, although the truces have been stipulated with the conditions known to him, the Signory will add 10,000 ducats, and also concede the prisoners, whose ransom would have yielded a considerable sum. With these and other general expressions, after acquainting the Emperor with the object of his mission, is to take leave of him and proceed on his way.
Should the opportunity present itself, is to perform a like office with the Lady Margaret and any other princes of Germany, amplifying or diminishing his compliments according to circumstances.
On his journey, is to obtain, if possible, from the Emperor or his agents, and from the Lady Margaret, a safeconduct for Badoer, securing his return home.
Is to take with him attendants according to his election, and eight horses, comprising those of his secretary and of his servant; his monthly salary being 120 ducats.
Badoer to be supplied with bills of exchange for 300 ducats, that he may have the means of returning home.
Ayes, 164. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
[Italian, 93 lines.]
July 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xiv. p. 361. 180. Receipt of News from Trent by the Spanish ambassador in Venice, that the English army had landed and advanced far into France, routing the King's troops and taking a town called Albret.
[Italian.]
July 6. Misti Consiglio X., v. xxxv. p. 54. 181. Letters of Credence decreed by the Council of Ten in favour of the secretary Alvise di Piero, accredited to the Confederacy of Upper Germany assembled at Turego (sic), where representatives from the Signory and from the Kings of Spain and England are to assemble.
[Latin, 11 lines.]
July 29. Sanuto Diaries, v. xiv. p. 425. 182. Contents of Stale Letters from the ambassador Badoer, in date of June, brought by the papal nuncio. Badoer speaks of the troops on shipboard, in number 8,000, who on the 3rd June set sail for Calais, as the wind was fair. Supposes they got across. Mentions also the great preparations making, and that the King in person would cross at the end of the month with 100,000 men, and embark (sic) at Calais. Details other particulars and conversations held by him, and how Dom. Pietro Griffo, who had been residing there in the Pope's name, was on his way back to Rome.
[Italian.]