Venice: April 1525 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

'Venice: April 1525', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, (London, 1869) pp. 420-428. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp420-428 [accessed 19 April 2024]

April 1525



April 1. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 342, St. Mark's Library.	969. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	On the day before yesterday inquired of the English ambassador what news he had from England since the battle of Pavia. Sampson replied that the King was inclined towards war, having already formed a project for the recovery of Normandy, Guienne, and Gascony, and hopes that the Emperor will invade France both from Italy and from Spain.
	The Archbishop of Capua [Schomberg] writes from Rome, “The Venetians are well armed, and talk not as cowards, but like brave men; whereas the Florentines on the contrary are very much afraid.”
	Madrid, 1st April 1525.
	[Italian, 2 pages.]
April 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 180.	970. Dom. Suardino, Mantuan Ambassador in Spain, to the Marquis of Mantua.
	The King of England would wage a brisk war against France, and urges it here, but words are given him in reply until the decision of France be known concerning the conditions sent to Italy. If the terms be not accepted, the Emperor will wage war in France together with England. Burgundian outlaws are being sent into Flanders, so that they may be on the borders there, and the Emperor expects to make the conquest easily by means of his partisans in that province.
	Madrid, 3rd April. Registered by Sanuto, 27th April.
	[Italian.]
April 4. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 344, St. Mark's Library.	971. Gasparo Contarini to the Council of Ten.
	Was told by the Florentine ambassador that this morning he and the Papal Nuncio had a conference with the Chancellor about the proposals made by the Pope to the Emperor.
	The Emperor is perfectly satisfied that the offensive and defensive league of Italy against the Turk should be stipulated, with such additional clauses as the Pope might propose; but the Emperor does not choose the King of England to be mentioned as one of the principal contracting parties, and makes it appear that he is dissatisfied with him.
	Madrid, 4th April 1525.
	[Italian, 2½ pages.]
April 5. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 121.	972. Richard Pace.
	This morning the English ambassador informed the College that he had received letters from England, dated 10th March. The King had sent money to the Imperialists and intended to wage war on France.
	[Italian.]
April 5. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 124,	973. Embassy to England.
	Motion carried in the Senate by all the sages, for the commission to be given to Ser Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and knight, ambassador on his way to England.
	To go by way of Germany, and to Inspruck. To confer there with the most Serene Prince Archduke [Ferdinand], then go to the Lady Margaret in Flanders, and subsequently proceed to England. To assure the King of the Signory's good will, and that he is sent on account of the important events which have taken place. Should he find the King opposed to the Emperor, to change the words of his commission and act reservedly.
	[Italian.]
April 5. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 133.	974. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate by the councillors and sages, for the commission to be given to Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and knight, appointed ambassador to the King of England.
	To go by way of Germany. On arriving at Inspruck to present himself to the Archduke Ferdinand, accompanied by the ambassador Contarini. To acquaint him with their observance and respect for the Emperor, and with their great affection for his Serenity (the Archduke). To justify the Signory's proceedings, as in their replies to the Imperial ambassadors at Venice, of which they enclose a copy. Concerning the negotiations between his Serenity's commissioners and those of the State, refer him to their ambassador at Inspruck, who is thoroughly acquainted with the whole.
	To proceed thence to Flanders. Should he pass through any place in which the Lady Margaret be resident, to congratulate her in the Signory's name on the felicitous and victorious proceedings of her nephew, the Emperor.
	To proceed to England, and on arriving in London, after presenting his credentials to the King, to assure him of the Signory's perpetual observance, and of the esteem in which they hold his love and good will. To impress this upon his mind, expatiating on the Signory's affection for him, of which he (Orio) has had constant proof when sitting in the Senate. To add that, in order to consult with his Majesty about current events—and to cultivate, as they always have done, his Majesty's love, and their own observance towards him—he, Orio, is to remain there as his Majesty's most obsequious servant. Such is to be the substance of his statement at his first audience; and from day to day his operations, negotiations, thoughts, and endeavours are all to be directed towards confirming his Majesty's good disposition with regard to the Signory's interests, assuring him constantly of the perpetual reverence of the State, and of their desire for his utmost prosperity and grandeur (amplitudine).
	After his first audience of the King, to visit the Queen, present his credentials, and address her in such general and grave terms as shall seem fitting to him.
	Charge him, moreover, in virtue of their letter of credence, to visit Cardinal Wolsey in their name. As well known to him, the Cardinal deservedly enjoys supreme dignity, favour, and authority with the King and country. To perform the same office with him as with the King in the most ample and affectionate terms possible, thanking him for the good will and love borne by him towards the Signory and all their merchants and subjects; recommending them to him at such time as shall seem fitting and opportune. In all his doings and conversations with the Cardinal his chief thought and endeavour will have for object to keep him well disposed, as he is, towards the interests of the State, assuring him of the great account and esteem in which they hold his admirable and most estimable qualities, and of their wish for his utmost grandeur and exaltation.
	Having performed this office, is to obtain private audience of the King, and acquaint him with the intention of the State to persevere in their confederacy with the Emperor, being convinced that their design is reciprocated by his Imperial Majesty, from whom nothing has been heard in Italy since the rout of the French and the capture of the most Christian King. Immediately on hearing news from the Emperor, will impart it to him for communication to the King, whom he is to beseech in their name, that in like manner as they have hitherto considered him the chief protector of their State, so will he deign for the future to persevere in his loving precept (instituto) with regard to them, they being in truth his most obsequious servants.
	Should the King or Cardinal (of whom he is also to obtain a private audience) make any allusion (but not otherwise) to the Signory's army not having joined the Imperialists at this last engagement, to conform himself to the reply given to the Imperial ambassadors in this matter, as by the copies sent to him. He will thus be enabled to reply more positively, and to induce the King to admit the validity of his excuses.
	Not to omit visiting such prelates and other great personages as are admitted into his Majesty's Privy Council and find favour with him, as also such other persons as he shall think fit.
	During his embassy he is to continue from day to day, with all circumspection and assiduity, to notify to the Senate all the negotiations, resolves, and proceedings in those parts; and he is also to write all that happens to him, to the Signory's ambassadors at Rome and with the Emperor.
	At his first audience of the King and Cardinal, or at such other time as shall seem most fitting, to bear ample testimony to them of the adroit, loving, and prudent offices performed at Venice by the Rev. Richard Pace, his Majesty's ambassador, for the benefit of the Signory's affairs; they also having heard from Rome that the English ambassador there acts in like manner.
	[Italian.]
April 5. Deliberazioni Sena to Secreta, v. 1. p. 133.	975. The Doge and Senate to Lorenzo Ohio, LL.D. and Knight, the Signory's Ambassador, on his way to England.
	Have instructed him to tell the King, at his private audience, that it is the intention of the State to persevere constantly in the confederacy between them and the Emperor. As possibly on his (Orio's) arrival in England, the King may no longer be so well disposed towards his Imperial Majesty, nor on such good terms with him as they now imagine, by reason of the altered state of affairs, before performing this office with the King and Cardinal, he is to ascertain what understanding exists between the Emperor and the King, and so to execute or modify his present instructions.
	When performing the office enjoined him in praise of the Rev. Richard Pace to the King and Cardinal, to take good heed (as they understand that the said ambassador is not in great favour with the Cardinal), not to make the eulogium so strong in his (Wolsey's) presence, as he would do were the Cardinal absent, at his audience of the King. (fn. 1) Think fit to give him this warning, referring themselves however to his prudence, and to what he shall know to be requisite in accordance with the times.
	Ayes, 175. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
April 5. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 141, 142.	976. Carlo Contarini, to—.
	The movement of the Lutheran peasants continues raging, and although some of their houses have been burnt and some of the insurgents killed, yet they do not yield. They have sent six of their comrades to Augsburg to know if the inhabitants will join them, requiring an answer within two days, and are encamped under a town belonging to the Bishop of Ulm, which it is said they will obtain; and woe to the Bishop!
	These gatherings of the peasants increase greatly. They say they will free themselves, that they are worse than slaves, that the whole country is disorganized. In all the churches of Germany they now preach the Lutheran doctrine. Lent is no longer observed. The peasants say they merely require freedom for their property and persons, such as is enjoyed by the subjects of the Venetian Signory; and this they notified to the Archduke Ferdinand. Apparently they are in the right, for should a peasant choose to emigrate, or to give his daughter in marriage abroad, he has to pay a fine like a bondsman, and when the head of a family dies, the masters take half of the best of the property. Their shout is “Liberty,” and for the rest they would be content . . . . .
	Inspruck, 5th April. Registered by Sanuto, 12th April.
	[Italian.]
April 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 232, 234.	977. Dom. Suardino to [the Marquis of Mantua].
	The Nuncio [Castiglione] has exhorted the Emperor in the Pope's name to induce France to accept fair terms, so as to give peace to Christendom, unite against the Infidels, and extirpate the deeply rooted scourge of Lutheranism, so prejudicial to the Catholic faith.
	Should France reject such conditions as shall be deemed just, and the Emperor think fit to continue the war, the latter will remain justified before God, and the rest of the Christian powers will excuse him. The undertaking cannot but prove difficult unless his Imperial Majesty secure the good will of the Italian powers, whereby he would be enabled to do what he wishes in France. The Pope therefore offers to unite them, and lays very great stress on including England, so as subsequently to attack the Turk, an undertaking desired by the King, and which becomes him.
	The Emperor told the Nuncio in reply that he needed no assurance of the Pope's love, never having doubted it, notwithstanding all that has taken place; and said he would hold the Pope's loving suggestions in great account, and be guided throughout by his counsels. Touching the offer of a defensive league, the Emperor took blame to himself for not having been the first to make the proposal, and wished it to be offensive and defensive against the common enemies; but he wished the union to be limited to their two selves, leaving place for the others to join it, saying that it will be more easy for the two to unite, rather than so many; and the Pope and the Emperor being leagued, it will facilitate the agreement with the others.
	The Nuncio not being authorized to accept this proposal, the matter was referred to the Emperor's agents in Italy.
	The Emperor's refusal to admit England into this union at present, proves very clearly—what might however have been known by other signs—his dissatisfaction, although they (the Imperialists) are now urging England to do great things against France, so that should she reject the terms sent to her, the Emperor may obtain through England by force that which France will not concede for love.
	The Emperor will not allow any one to speak otherwise than well of the most Christian King, and his Majesty himself praises him rather than otherwise (più lo lauda che altro).
	Madrid, 7th April. Registered by Sanuto, 16th May.
	[Italian.]
April 10. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 137, tergo.	978. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador at Rome.
	The English ambassador's statement, that the Signory had made presents to the Viceroy and other personages at Milan, for the purpose, &c, is utterly false. To assert accordingly, whenever spoken to on the subject.
	Ayes, 149. Noes, 19. Neutrals, 10.
	[Italian.]
April 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 134.	979. Lorenzo Orio to the Signory.
	Has arrived here. Is expecting the secretary, Andrea Rosso, from Roveredo on the morrow, to receive instructions about what has taken place with the commissaries of the Archduke of Austria concerning the boundaries, so as to be able to speak about them.
	News has been received here of the insurrection in Germany of 60,000 peasants, and that the Archduke is raising troops against them.
	Trent,—. Registered by Sanuto, 10th April
	[Italian.]
April 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 153.	980. Carlo Contarini to the Signory.
	On the 12th Dom. Lorenzo Orio, ambassador, on his way to England, arrived. The Archduke being abroad at a distance of four leagues from Inspruck, he will have to wait three or four days for audience. It is said that 4,000 of the insurgent peasants have been cut to pieces. Is of a contrary opinion, because even the noblemen of the Archduke's Court have been sent against them.
	Went to meet Orio, and the Count of Salamanca, hearing this, sent two councillors and the house steward to do the like. The Archduke will return tomorrow. Orio is lodged with him (Contarini).
	Inspruck, 13th April. Registered by Sanuto, 19th April.
	[Italian.]
April 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 153.	981. Lorenzo Ohio, Ambassador on his way to England, to the Signory.
	Gives an account of his journey, and of the great scarcity at the hostels; 12 “carantani” each person, and three for stabling. Spends eight ducats per diem. Will negotiate [with the Archduke].
	Inspruck, 13th April. Registered by Sanuto, 19th April.
	[Italian.]
April 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 145.	982. Report current in Venice that foreigners had received letters, viâ Florence from England, dated the 22nd March. The King, on hearing of the capture and rout of the King of France, made a handsome present of money to the bearer of the intelligence, and laid an embargo on all foreign vessels in the islands.
April 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 145.	[Italian.]
April 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 190.	983. Zorzi Storiom to—.
	Arrival of Beaurain from Spain. He has conferred with Madame [Louise] the Regent during two days. He is the bearer of the proposals made to the most Christian King, namely, that his Majesty was to cede Italy and Burgundy; to espouse the Emperor's sister the widow, Madame Eleanor; to surrender Guienne to the Emperor, Picardy to the King of England, and Provence to the Duke of Bourbon; but to this France will not consent. News has been received of the arrival of the Duke of Albany in Provence from Rome with the armada. His coming causes general dissatisfaction.
	Lyons, 15th April. Registered by Sanuto, 30th April.
	[Italian.]
April 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 179.	984. Lorenzo Orio and Carlo Contarini, to the Doge and Signory.
	Orio will depart tomorrow on his way towards England. The insurgent peasants have taken Ulm and its Bishop, and found there 3,000 ducats and 14,000 silver livres. The Archduke is gone to the Diet; so there is great disturbance in Germany. Many peasants are in arms, and the lansquenets returning from Italy join them. The Archduke has given Orio an ample safeconduct.
	Inspruck, 17th April. Registered by Sanuto, 27th April.
	[Italian.]
April 19. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 151.	985. Richard Pace in the Venetian College.
	The English ambassador had audience of the College, and said letters had been received from England, dated the 22nd March, purporting that on hearing of the capture of the King of France and the rout of his army, the King of England was very greatly pleased, and caused all the ships and vessels to be detained for the transport of troops into France, as he will assuredly assume that undertaking. He (the ambassador) then said that in England France was held in less account than she is in Italy.
	[Italian.]
April 19. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 345, St. Mark's Library.	986. Gasparo Contarini to the Council of Ten.
	Understands through a sure channel that the Imperial ambassador resident in England [De Praet] has written to the Emperor informing him that, before the battle of Pavia, a post with his (the ambassador's) letters addressed to the Emperor was stopped by the English, (fn. 2) and that Cardinal Wolsey took the letters and read them.
	From another less authentic source hears, moreover, that the Cardinal sent for the ambassador, and desired him in his usual haughty language not to write any more, without first showing his letters to him, the Cardinal. (fn. 3)
	The Florentine ambassador has been informed by the Papal Nuncio in England that in this intercepted correspondence the Imperial ambassador wrote that Wolsey had abused the Pope vastly.
	The thing has been taken much amiss at Madrid. Understands, through the Chancellor, that the Emperor has written to the King of England complaining of this circumstance, and telling him that although he, the Emperor, supposes the King wishes to live with him as a brother, and that this act did not proceed from the King, yet he should be more certain of the fact were the King to make suitable demonstration against those who have been the cause of this, meaning the Cardinal.
	Hears that now Wolsey apologizes, saying that, wanting to arrest certain gentlemen robbers, (fn. 4) this courier was seized as one of their men; a very frivolous excuse.
	Madrid, 19th April 1525.
	[Italian, 1½ page.]
April 19. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 346, St. Mark's Library.	987. The Same to the Signory.
	Five days ago the Emperor received letters from his ambassador in England, dated the 27th ultimo, purporting that the King was much bent on war with France, and that he was sending two ambassadors to the Emperor, namely, the Bishop of London and Sir Richard Wyngfeld, late ambassador to the Emperor in Flanders. By this post the English ambassador [Sampson] resident at Madrid has not received one single letter.
	Madrid, 19th April 1525.
	[Italian, 2 pages.]
April 19. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 181.	988. Carlo Contarini to the Doge and Signory.
	The Ambassador Orio departed yesterday morning. The Archduke gave him a very experienced equerry of his own for his guide, and a patent, so that he will go in perfect safety. Contarini accompanied him a distance of five Italian miles beyond Inspruck. Orio paid his respects to the Archduke and his consort, executing his commission admirably. He gave respectful greeting, and made general offers.
	Inspruck, 19th April. Registered by Sanuto, 27th April.
	[Italian.]
April 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 171.	989. Marco Antonio Venier, Ambassador at Milan, to the Signory.
	The Genoese secretaries here have received letters from the Imperial Court. The Emperor says that the King of England, on receiving the news of the victory, dismissed the French ambassador. (fn. 5)
	Milan, 21st April. Registered by Sanuto, 23rd April.
	[Italian.]
April 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 204.	990. Lorenzo Orio, Venetian Ambassador on his way to England, to the Doge and Signory.
	Arrived here in three days from Inspruck. Was well received by the governors of the town, which is a very fine one, like Cremona. Was obliged to go through Bavaria to avoid the insurgent peasants. On the road saw many fires kindled by the peasants, whose dwellings were being burnt by the other party, so that they have rendered the war very cruel. Will depart for Ulm tomorrow. A person has arrived here, at Augsburg, from England, whither he conveyed the news of the capture of the most Christian King, and says that in England they are most certainly preparing to invade France. All in this town are Lutherans. This Lent they all eat meat, and such is their custom; and today, Friday, they all eat meat. The nuns and friars intermarry, so that all follow Luther.
	Augsburg, 21st April. Registered by Sanuto, 4th May.
	[Italian.]
April 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp.171, 172.	991. Richard Pace and Reginald Pole.
	On St. Mark's eve the Doge came to church to vespers in ducal state. He wore a crimson satin mantle and cap, and the ermine cape. The ambassadors of the Pope and of the Emperor were with him, and also the English ambassador Pace, who was clad in a long black velvet gown. The ambassadors from Milan, Ferrara, and Mantua were also present. A cousin of the King of England, who is studying at Padua, son of a sister (sic), aged . . . . ., by name Reginald de la Pole (Renaldo de la Pulla), White Rose, was there, dressed in black damask as a gownsman; he was placed to the right of the councillors. The sword was borne by Ser Simon Lion, master of the Arsenal, his companion being Vincenzo Zantani, captain of the Alexandrian galleys.
	[Italian.]
April 26. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 347, St. Mark's Library.	992. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	The caravels from the Indies [Mexico?] have arrived, and bring 100,000 gold pieces for the Emperor.
	The ministers at Madrid think of preparing for war. They are expecting the two ambassadors from England. Should they accept fairer terms, and not insist on those mentioned heretofore, namely, that the English should have the whole of France, I believe the Emperor will league with the King of England.
	Mons. De la Chau has arrived in Portugal. The King makes a difficulty about consigning to the Emperor's care the daughter of the Queen Dowager [Eleanor], for which purpose chiefly La Chau was sent thither.
	Arrived at Toledo on the 24th. The Emperor to make his entry in state tomorrow.
	Toledo, 26th April 1525.
	[Italian, 2 pages.]
April 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 178.	993. Richard Pace.
	The English ambassador Pace came into the College today, and took leave to go to Padua for a few days to recruit himself.
	The Doge bade God speed him, and gave orders for letters to be written to the Signory's governors there to do him all possible honour, and to render such service as he might require.
	[Italian.]
April 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 209.	994. Carlo Contarini, Ambassador with Archduke Ferdinand, to the State.
	The Archduke has sent one of his gentlemen to negotiate with the peasants. The messenger from the Duke of Milan who conveyed the news of the victory of Pavia to England has arrived at Inspruck on his return. He says the King was making great preparation to invade France, and believes that by this time the troops will have commenced crossing.
	Although part of the peasants have consented to a truce on certain terms, the rest continue their march. All this proceeds from Luther.
	Inspruck, 24th and 30th April. Registered by Sanuto, 6th May.
	[Italian.]