Venice: January 1526, 1-15 | 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: January 1526, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, (London, 1869) pp. 517-525. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp517-525 [accessed 27 April 2024]

January 1526, 1–15



1526. Jan. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 461.	1192. The Venetian Governors of Bergamo to the Doge and Signory.
	Told by Domenico, the Brescian, a courier, who quitted the Imperial Court at Toledo on the 15th December, that the Emperor would give his sister, Madame Eleanor, for wife, to the most Christian King, Madame Eleanor's daughter to the Dauphin, and the daughter of the King of England to the King of Scotland.
	Bergamo, 3rd January. Registered by Sanuto on the 5th.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 613.	1193. Lorenzo Orio to the Doge and Signory.
	An ambassador has arrived incog, from the Duke of Guelders. He went to Cardinal Wolsey, who has the entire management of the realm, and informed him that the Duke had been taken under the protection of the most Christian King, now a prisoner; wherefore the Duke requests the protection of the King of England. The Cardinal answered him, “If the most Christian King is a prisoner, he is not dead; his Majesty here has joined France, and will not fail to assist him.”
	Thereupon the ambassador departed well satisfied, Cardinal Wolsey having told him that the Duke of Guelders had been mentioned in the peace between England and France.
	Has spoken with the French ambassador, the President of Rouen, who thanked him for the office performed by the Signory's ambassador with the Emperor, in conjunction with the English ambassadors, for the release of the most Christian King.
	On account of the plague the King is moving about the island with a few of his attendants, as two of them died of plague in his dwelling. He leaves everything in charge of Cardinal Wolsey, who keeps a great court, and has comedies and tragedies performed.
	London, 3rd January. Registered by Sanuto, 9th February. (fn. 1)
	[Italian.]
Jan. 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. pp. 571, 572.	1194. Zorzi Sturion to the Doge and Signory.
	Madame the Regent has the gout and fever. Some say she will go to Lyons, others to Paris, because the Council wishes to deprive her of the government of the kingdom. The Council will approve the league made with the King of England, but not promise him money until after the release of the most Christian King. France is not satisfied with the regency, and wishes to do what was done of yore when the kings of France were prisoners. Therefore, to give herself repute, Madame circulated a report that the agreement was about to be concluded, but there is little hope of its taking place; at least he is told so by Robertet.
	Roussillon, 4th January. Registered by Sanuto on the 30th.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 613.	1195. Lorenzo Orio to the Doge and Signory.
	Details conversations held by him with the French ambassador, the Chancellor of Alençon [Jean Brinon], who stated that some troops had been mustered on the frontier of Flanders with the intention of making war, but Madame the Regent wrote, forbidding them to make any further stir at present; and it seems that the truce with the Emperor, which expires with the calends of January, has been prolonged for a fortnight. France, however, is intent on making the league with Italy, and, should no agreement take place with the Emperor, will attack Flanders, so that the Emperor would find occupation there, but not be able to obtain money thence. The French ambassador also said that letters had been received from the English ambassadors in Spain [Tunstall and Sampson], who urged the Emperor to repay the money lent to him by their King, but his Majesty told them they were commencing their negotiations at the feet, whereas they ought to talk of the head; that is, they should first treat the renewal of the joint league, and then discuss the affair of the moneys. They also state that the Emperor will delay his marriage with the Princess of Portugal until the holidays.
	Mons. de la Motte, the envoy from the Duke of Bourbon, has arrived; he is come to thwart the league with Italy; so that the Signory will do well to conclude it quickly, as these foreigners change their minds.
	London, 4th January. Registered by Sanuto, 9th February.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. lx. pp. 572, 573.	1196. Zorzi Sturion to the Doge and Signory.
	Yesterday and today the Council sat; it is intended to send envoys to the Pope and to the Signory, and Giovanni Gioachino [di Passano] is returning to England.
	Roussillon, 8th January. Registered by Sanuto on the 30th.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 595.	1197. Lorenzo Orio to the Doge and Signory.
	The French ambassador [Jean Brinon] told him he had letters from Lyons, dated the 28th December, announcing the arrival in France of the Duchess of Alençon. She had done nothing in Spain. The Lord Chancellor, Mons. de Lautrec, and Robertet remained at Lyons. They were awaiting Giovanni Gioachino. The ambassador also said he had been to Cardinal Wolsey, as the King did not give audience, and that Wolsey told his secretary he had received letters from Rome yesterday, dated 8th December, announcing the arrival of an envoy from the Emperor, and that the Archbishop of Capua [Nicholas Schomberg] assigned four reasons for the Pope's not detaching himself from the Emperor:
	1st. On account of Luther.
	2nd. Because the Emperor has got money by his marriage.
	3rd. France cannot be relied on.
	4th. The Emperor and the most Christian King will be agreed, and have a secret understanding together.
	The letters also stated that the Pope held daily conferences with the Imperial ambassador.
	This intelligence displeased the Cardinal, and he wrote to the Pope not to make an agreement with the Emperor, as the Lutherans are quieted, and hostile to the House of Austria; secondly, that the Emperor got but little money by the Portuguese dowry; thirdly, that the King of England would be surety to the Pope for France; fourthly, that the most Christian King has not made any agreement with the Emperor unknown to the King of England, for the Duchess of Alençon would not have returned to France had it been otherwise.
	Advices received in England from Biscay, dated the 17th ult., state that the King is agreed with the Emperor, but the report was circulated by the Spaniards.
	From Flanders it is reported that Madame Margaret is raising troops against France.
	La Motte, who came to England, is not the Duke of Bourbon's La Motte, but a Fleming. (fn. 2)
	London, 9th January. Registered by Sanuto, 3rd February.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 10. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 187, tergo.	1198. The Doge and Senate to Lorenzo Orio, Ambassador in England.
	Perceive that the King and Cardinal persevere. Giovanni Gioachino [Passano] having been sent to the Regent for the purpose mentioned, will arrive at the French Court at the same time as Mons. Robadange, who quitted Venice on the 23rd.
	In his last letter mentions having been told by the Cardinal that the King had desired the prothonotary Casal to come as his ambassador to the Signory. To assure the Cardinal that any demonstration made by his Majesty will be agreeable to the State. Derive singular satisfaction from the King's favorable bias towards the State. On the arrival of the prothonotary will acquaint him with his statement on behalf of the King and Cardinal.
	Are expecting to receive the list of the books of which the Cardinal wishes to have copies, and will readily oblige him in this and anything else required by him from Venice.
	Have received letters from their ambassador with the Emperor, dated the 15th ultimo, announcing the renewal of the negotiations between his Majesty and the most Christian King, to whom there had been sent the Viceroy and Don Ugo de Moncada, together with the Secretary Alemani. It was said the agreement would take place. A similar notification has been received from Rome in date of the 4th, and also from Milan; but there was no certainty of the conclusion.
	In the meanwhile to assure the King and Cardinal that, happen what may, the Signory will be closely united with his Majesty, considering him the protector of Italy and of the State. Should news of the conclusion reach England, to ascertain how it is received by the King.
	Should the conclusion of the agreement between the Emperor and France have failed, to continue urging the King and Cardinal to join the union with France and the Signory.
	If the agreement has been effected, and disturb the quiet of Italy, it cannot but prove most vexatious to the King of England, who should conciliate (intertengi) France to the utmost, and by his wisdom and prudence contrive (as he easily may) that the agreement produce no effect calculated to disturb the quiet of Italy.
	Are certain that, happen what may, France will always be united with the King of England for the benefit of Italy.
	Ayes, 199. Noes, 4. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 521.	1199. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	Letters having arrived in date of England, 21st December, the prothonotary Casal came to him, to say he had been appointed by the King ambassador to the Signory. Narrates the conversation between them thereupon. The prothonotary will depart for Venice in two days.
	Letters from England have also been received by the Pope. The King and Cardinal recommend the formation of the league, but the King does not say that he will join it and disburse money, or give security for France.
	Rome, 12th January. Registered by Sanuto on the 18th.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 521.	1200. The Same to the Same.
	The Pope will give the English ambassadors an answer in three or four days. The Papal Auditor [Ghinucci] showed him (the Venetian ambassador) his commission from the King of England to proceed to Venice, and prevent the Signory from making terms with the Emperor, and to urge the conclusion of the league. Sir Gregory Casal also showed him the draft of his commission from Cardinal Wolsey, authorising him to act. Sir Gregory alleges that he told the Pope that the King will not openly declare himself a party to the league in order that the Pope may be the controlling power.
	Rome, 13th January. Registered by Sanuto, 18th January.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 595.	1201. Lorenzo Orio to the Doge and Signory.
	A gentleman was sent yesterday by the King to conduct him (Orio) to his Majesty, whom he found at a place distant 7 miles from London. Cardinal Wolsey was with his Majesty, who, having drawn him and his secretary aside, spoke to them about the league, saying that the love he bore the Signory caused him to make it, and that he would be surety for France. He then added that he had received letters from Rome; that he suspected the Pope of having already declared himself an Imperialist, of having made an agreement with the Emperor, and of confirming the first articles, by which he was to give the Emperor 50,000 ducats, and withdraw his troops from the Milanese, the Duke being left in possession; that mischief was being negotiated against the Signory, as his Majesty had told them ten months ago; and that the articles had been sent to Spain for the Emperor's ratification, after which the Pope will approve them. The Signory should therefore delay the agreement with the Emperor, and not give him money. The King abused the Pope, saying that Capua [Schomberg] and Salviati were the cause of this; wherefore, for the welfare of the State and of Italy, the league should be concluded with France and with the Duke of Ferrara. The King will write to the Regent about this, and the Signory ought not to hold aloof, because, as the King said, “The Emperor on coming into Italy will make fresh demands, and by means of the moneys received from you will retain your territory, for the Emperor keeps faith with no one. I accommodated him with money, and of the promises which he made me not one did he perform; neither does the Pope keep faith with any one. The Emperor's marriage will not supply him with funds; they promised him a dower of a million of ducats, and he received but 400,000, the rest being made payable in three years. From Spain he will get little; in Flanders he will have to defend himself against France.”
	Replied, that the league had need of his Majesty's protection.
	The King rejoined, “The Datary [Gian Matteo Giberti, Bishop of Verona] writes that we have an understanding with the Emperor. This is untrue. I lent him 500,000 crowns, and he would not delay his marriage, but concluded it without even awaiting my reply. I sent to ask him for the money, and he answered that he did not know whether he was my debtor, and that he would send me an ambassador.” The King added other words.
	London, 13th January. Registered by Sanuto, 3rd February.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 16. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 540.	1202. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	Sir Gregory Casal does not urge the stipulation of the league, and the King of England is willing to guarantee the observance of the articles of France. (fn. 3) Sir Gregory also showed him a summary of the articles of the peace made [by England?] with France, and the league, contra quoscmnque, the Signory being mentioned by all the parties; the Duke of Milan likewise is named. The Imperial ambassadors told the Pope they would join the league within four months. The Lord Albert urges the Pope to send an ambassador to France, even should the King be released; so the Pope said he would send Roberto Acciaioli, who is at Florence.
	The prothonotary Casal has quitted Home on his way to Venice, as ambassador from the King of England. He is the bearer of the articles of the peace between France and his King. He is going to Ferrara to urge the Duke to join the league, and will be at Venice in a week.
	Rome, 16th January. Registered by Sanuto on the 23rd.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 595. 596.	1203. Lorenzo Ohio to the Doge and Signory.
	On receiving the Signory's letters of the 21st and 22nd November, went to the King. The Cardinal was with him. Communicated everything to them, including the reply given to the Imperial ambassadors, and stated what had been negotiated with the French ambassadors as to the league. His Majesty said the league should be concluded speedily, and a place reserved for himself, although he does not now choose to be mentioned, but he will be its conservator and protector, and will not brook the Emperor's taking Italy, or doing wrong to the Signory. He says that in Spain he has the means of preventing the Emperor from coming into Italy; that the Emperor's marriage will give him but 250,000 ducats, which he is to receive next March, and which he will soon spend. The King further states he will induce Madame the Regent to give two-thirds of the sum required for troops in the war against the Emperor, as she wishes to release her son. He said also, “The Pope will turn and join the league, although he has promised a thousand times to be with the Emperor.” He had heard from Spain that on the 26th November the Duchess of Alençon departed on her way back to France, and was followed on the 2nd December by the French ambassador, re infectâ.
	He added that, if the Signory distrusted France, he would promise for her; that on the following morning he would speak to the French ambassador; and that he (Orio) was to remain where he was for the night. Next morning the President of Rouen [Jean Brinon], the French ambassador, arrived, and dined with Cardinal Wolsey, as did he (Orio) likewise. The Cardinal told them that as the Pope would declare against the Emperor, the league should be concluded, the Signory defraying one-third of the cost and France two-thirds. They then went all three to the King, who told the French ambassador to write speedily to the Regent to make the league with Italy, saying he would write to his ambassador in Venice, the Prothonotary Casal, to speak to the Signory, and promise in his name.
	London, 17th January. Registered by Sanuto, 3rd February.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 19. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 541.	1204. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	The Pope has informed Sir Gregory Casal that he is content to make the league, in case the Emperor do not accept the articles, provided the King of England join the league, and be its conservator, and security for France. The Pope showed him how the mandate was to be drawn up. The Datary [Giberti] told him the like, and that he advised the Pope to this effect.
	Rome, 19th January. Registered by Sanuto on the 23rd.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 25. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 550.	1205. Prothonotary Casal.
	Lorenzo di Priuli, knight, and 30 other noblemen were desired by the Signory to meet the ambassador from the King of England, prothonotary Casal. He quitted Rome on the 16th.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 25. Letteredel Collegio (Secreta), File no. 9.	1206. The Doge and College to Lorenzo Orio, Venetian Ambassador in England.
	Glad to hear, by his letters off the 3rd and 4th, of the prudent reply by Cardinal Wolsey to the ambassador of the Duke of Guelders, who had departed well satisfied.
	The Right Rev. Prothonotary Casal has arrived at Venice, and this morning entered the presence of the Signory. Gave him a gracious reception. The English ambassador assured them of the regard of the King and Cardinal for the Signory, and of their wish to benefit the Christian religion, Italy, and the Venetian Republic. The Signory replied in suitable terms.
	The Spanish troops have shifted their quarters from Milan to the territories of Pavia, Lodi, Novara, and Como; the lansquenets remain in Milan. The Emperor's Italian troops have moved from the territory of Asti to Alexandria and that neighbourhood.
	The Imperial agents at Milan have repeatedly urged the city to take the oath of allegiance to the Emperor; but the Milanese have invariably refused, thus showing their intention of freeing themselves from servitude.
	The Duke of Milan is still blockaded in the castle. The garrison makes frequent sallies, bringing in provisions. The Duke is in fair health, and hopes for succour and release.
	P.S.—Have heard by letters from Lyons, dated the 11th, that Robadange had arrived there with the Signory's decision, which was approved of by the French Government.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 26. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 552.	1207. Prothonotary Casal.
	Today the ambassador from England, Prothonotary Casal, arrived here. He comes from Ferrara, having travelled in a barge from Francolino to S. Giorgio Maggiore. In the evening the Old Accountants' Office provided his supper, as usual. He has 12 persons with him and expects six more, so his attendants will be 18 in number. This Prothonotary is by birth a Bolognese, but brought up (nutrito) at Rome.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 552.	1208. Prothonotary Casal.
	The ambassador from the King of England, Prothonotary Casal, clad in a rochet and purple mantle, came into the College. He was accompanied by Lorenzo di Priuli, Knight, Andrea Mocenigo, LL.D., and other doctors, members of the Senate, in number about 20. The Doge went to meet him, and seated him beside his own person. He presented the credentials from his King, and uttered a few general phrases, referring himself to the private audience. The Doge gave him good greeting, saying he was welcome, and that the Signory was glad to see any representative from the King of England, and would give him audience when he pleased.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 28.Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., Filza 1.	1209. The Council of Ten and Junta to the Venetian Ambassador and to the “Bailo” at Constantinople.
	For the notification of current events to the Grand Signor, as required by the good peace between the Porte and the Signory, inform them that on the day before yesterday an ambassador from the King of England arrived at Venice. He had been at Rome in a private capacity as prothonotary, and notified to them the league made lately between the King of England and the kingdom of France, through the mediation and intervention of the French King's mother as Regent of the realm, in virtue of the authority received from the King, her son, to facilitate his release.
	The prothonotary is come to reside in lieu of the other ambassador from England, who quitted Venice lately.
	The Ten and Junta therefore charge the ambassador and Bailo to acquaint the most Serene Grand Signor (Serenissimo Gran Signor), through the Bashaws, with what is aforesaid, declaring the intention of the State to continue perpetually at peace with the Grand Signor.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 559.	1210. Prothonotary Casal.
	The Doge sent Antonio Surian, LL.D, and knight, and Marco Antonio Venier, LL.D., sages for the mainland, to S. Giorgio Maggiore for the English ambassador, the Prothonotary Casal, to bring him to the private audience.
	On entering the College, he said that his King had sent him hither with the copy of the articles concluded with France, in which the Signory had been nominated by both parties.
	This copy he left for the Signory's inspection, as transcribed hereunder.
	[Italian.]
Jan. 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 559.	1211. England and France.
	Treaty of peace between England and France, dated Richmond, 17th December 1525–6 (as in Rymer, vol. xiv. p. 48, and Dumont, vol. iv., pt. I., p. 436).
	[Latin.]
Jan. 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xl. p. 672.	1212. Lorenzo Orio to the Doge and Signory.
	Madame the Regent has written from Lyons in date of the 16th (January) to her ambassadors in England [Brinon and Passano], that the Signory is willing to make the league with France; the King of England to be a party. A French ambassador, by name Captain Guillaume Guiles (sic), is coming to England.
	There are 12 French vessels in the Thames, which have taken some Spanish ships and scuts (scuti) bound from Flanders; so that navigation in these seas is no longer safe, as the French say they are at liberty to attack their enemies wherever they find them; and no provision is being made in England.
	Madame Margaret's ambassador has waited on Cardinal Wolsey to enquire what he (Orio) was negotiating. Wolsey replied that his business related to the affairs of the Turk; so the Flemish ambassador was satisfied.
	The Papal Nuncio (fn. 4) is the creature of the Archbishop of Capua, an Imperialist. He acts as a spy, as intimated by Sir Gregory Casal from Rome to Cardinal Wolsey, who therefore treats him with reserve; and he (Orio) will do the like.
	London, 30th January. Registered by Sanuto, 26th February,
	[Italian.]