Venice: December 1546 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.

'Venice: December 1546', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 179-187. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp179-187 [accessed 26 April 2024]

December 1546



Dec. 4. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 26.	428. Mafio Bernardo.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That to ascertain the meaning of the words in the writing of the late Ser Mafio Bernardo about the letters of the late Cesare Fregoso, (fn. 1) and that Pietro Pomaro was mediator between the ambassador (fn. 2) and the Bashaws for the cession of the two towns (fn. 3) to the Porte; the committee appointed for this case do send also for said Pomaro, and question him closely about the aforesaid matters as shall seem fit to them; and should said Pomaro not choose to tell the truth de piano, the majority on the committee to be at liberty to arrest and detain him, and to send immediately to his house to seize his papers, and then come forthwith to this Council with the result of their investigation, to consult about what is to be done.
	Ayes, 19. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 4.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 4. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 26.	429. Mafio Bernardo. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That to ascertain what became of the letters sent hither by the late Mafio Bernardo addressed to the most Serene Prince [Doge Francesco Donado], the committee appointed for this case do examine de plano Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi, and such other persons as shall seem fit to said committee; said Dom. Lodovico to be also examined about such other matters as shall seem fit to the majority of said committee.
	Ayes, 26. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 4. Lettere Secrete, Capi ConsiglioX., File no. 4.	430. The Chiefs of the Ten to the Bailiff and Captain at Treviso.
	A few days ago, one William, an Englishman, with four companions, was at Treviso, and went round the city walls and beyond, to inspect and sound the streams (le aque), and ascertain their sources, and also to examine the moats of the city. Wishing to have good information, desire him to give them particular account of all that has reached his knowledge in this matter, that they may know every detail as minutely as possible.
	Nicolò de Prioli, C. di X.
	Bernardo Soranzo, C.X.
	Aloysius Contarini, C.C.X.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 7. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 26.	431. Lodovico da l'Armi. Mafio Bernardo.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That Lodovico da l'Armi, accused of having been an accomplice in the death of the Ser Mafio Bernardo, and also of having knowledge of the person or persons who did evil and detestable deeds to the injury and detriment of our State, (fn. 4) be arrested and examined by the inquisitors and ordinary committee, and even by torture should it thus seem fit to the majority of the committee; and with the result they are to come to this Council, and justice will be done.
	Should the search for him prove inefficient, be he summoned from the edict steps of Rialto to present himself in person at the prisons within eight days, to defend himself against the aforesaid imputation, on the expiration of which term, should he not appear, he will be proceeded against, notwithstanding his absence; and after his arrest he be told that, although arrested, if he will declare (manifestavà) who killed Ser Mafio Bernardo, and by whose order, and if the truth be ascertained, in that case he will be absolved from any penalty he may have incurred, and have all the benefits contained in the proclamation made lately concerning this matter.
	— 7 — 4 — 0	Error defectu unius ballotœ. Ideo ter ballotarum.
	— 5 —
	— 6 — 10 — 9
	[Italian.]
Dec. 7. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 26, tergo.	432. Mafio Bernardo. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	The committee appointed for the case of the death of the late Ser Mafio Bernardo, together with the inquisitors, to send for Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi, and tell him that if he will declare who killed Ser Mafio Bernardo, and by whose order, and if the truth be elicited, in that case he will be absolved from any penalty incurred by him, and have all the benefits contained in the proclamation made lately in this matter. Should he not choose to say, he, and also Ser Zanfrancesco Mocenigo, to be again examined face to face about the matters in which they have contradicted or shall hereafter contradict each other (fn. 5); and after examination thus, the majority of the committee to be at liberty to detain said D. Lodovico until they come to this Council to determine what shall be done.
	— 10 — 13 + 18.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 8. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 26, tergo.	433. Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That Lodovico da l'Armi detained (sequestratum) today in the office by the members of the committee and the inquisitors, be arrested (retineatur) and examined by the committee and inquisitors about the present case, even by torture, should it seem fit to the majority; they to come to this Council with what they shall have elicited, and justice to be done.
	That the committee and inquisitors be authorised to arrest, examine, torture, and summon all other persons who shall appear culpable in the present case.
	— 3. (fn. 6)
	[Latin.]
Dec. 8. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 27.	434. Amendment to the foregoing motion.
	That the aforesaid D. Lodovico da l'Armi be arrested solely until this Council decide further. For the rest, as in the motion.
	—11 12 11	Carried in the negative.
	— 7 - 11 + 16
	— 6 - 4 - 0 (fn. 7)
	[Latin.]
Dec. 8. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 18.	435. The Doge and College to Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England.
	Send him summaries of their last letters from Constantinople, for communication as usual.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 11. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 27.	436. Mapio Bernardo.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That Ser Marco Antonio Erizzo, son of the late Ser Francesco, as “mandante” and accomplice in the death of the late Ser Mafio Bernardo, be arrested and examined by the ordinary committee and the inquisitors, even with torture, should it seem fit to the majority of them. Should the search for him prove inefficient, he be publicly summoned from the edict steps at Rialto, to present himself at the prisons within the next eight days, to defend himself from the imputation aforesaid, on the expiration of which term, should he not appear, he will be proceeded against, notwithstanding his absence. The committee to have authority and liberty to arrest, examine, torture, and summon any other person who may appear culpable in this case.
	— 10 10	Pendet p.
	— 7 - 8
	— 11 - 10
	[Italian.]
Dec. 14 Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 27.	437. Mafio Bernardo.
	Re-ballotation of the foregoing motion.
	Ayes, 17. Noes, 8. Neutrals, 4. (fn. 8)
	[Italian.]
Dec. 15. Parti Comuni, Consiglio X., v. xvii. p. 212.	438. Motion made in the Council of Ten.
	That to gratify the magnifico Ambassador from the King of England, who has made the demand of the Signory with great earnestness, a license be conceded to the Doctor of Physic (Dr. Phisico), Dom. Agustin di Agustini, (fn. 9) authorising him and two servants to wear weapons in Venice, he giving a note of said servants' names to the office of the State Attornies.
	Ayes, 13. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 2.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 16. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., Pile no. 6.	439. The Chiefs of the Ten to Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England.
	After having written to him the account of the death of Maphio Bernardo, have ascertained that Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi was the person who had him put to death, so that, had we chosen to proceed according to law, we should have arrested him; but as this individual brought letters from the King of England, and resided here as his agent, and moreover lately told us he was to go on cerbain business for his Majesty, we did not act as the law required. To tell the King as above, adding that said Dom. Lodovico, not content with the outrages committed by him some two years ago, for which the State outlawed him, and afterwards at his Majesty's request having been granted a safe-conduct, has now perpetrated this other enormity. Although they might have proceeded against him, nevertheless, out of respect for the King of England, have chosen first to notify this case to his Majesty, who, being most just, will be as much vexed by the announcement as they are; and truly in like manner as they have never had any remonstrance to make against the magnifico the King's resident Ambassador [Sigismund Harvel], whose offices on the contrary have always been discreet and prudent, so has this individual [Da l'Armi] perpetrated such acts as can by no means be tolerated.
	To perform this office with the King strenuously (efficacemente), and as becoming the importance of the case; and should his Majesty evince satisfaction and assent to their proceeding according to the law (as they expect he will do), to perform no farther office with his Majesty; but if the King disapproves of the prosecution, in that case to add that this man (quest' uomo) being of such a sort as his Majesty may comprehend, and therefore as odious to the State as words can express, they request the King to recall him from Venice, as fitting for any sovereign to do, so that all cause of scandal and disturbance may be removed; and of the result Zambon is to give notice to the Chiefs.
	Ayes, 29. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian]
Dec. 16. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6.	440. The Chiefs of the Ten to Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England.
	In addition to what they write to him by the accompanying letter about D. Lodovico da l'Armi, write apart to inform him of all that took place in this matter, so that in case the King or other personages make any inquiry of him he may be able to reply, according to the truth.
	Some days ago, after the death of Bernardo, the Ten obtained a clue to the murderers, who were the intimate comrades (familiari) of Lodovico da l'Armi. The Chiefs therefore summoned their nobleman Giovanni Francesco Mocenigo, who had at that time been in close communication with said Dom. Lodovico; and having arrested and examined Mocenigo, to hear from him the particulars of this case, Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi subsequently came into the College and spontaneously offered to give what satisfaction they pleased concerning this matter; so the Chiefs and Inquisitors appointed for this purpose sent for him, and inquired “de piano” what he knew about it. After this, perceiving that Mocenigo said he had heard one thing from Dom. Lodovico, whose statement contradicted the assertion, they were brought face to face, to see whether the truth could be ascertained. Had heard that Dora. Lodovico (as he himself confirmed to them) had in his hands a letter from Bernardo, addressed to the Signory, which he gave to Mocenigo; the latter denied having ever seen it, but it was found in the sleeve of the deceased Bernardo's doublet. Amongst other evidence obtained by them against Dom. Lodovico, this is very important, that he gave said letter—addressed to the State—to the individuals whom he sent to murder Bernardo, so that by exhibiting it to him, he might be induced to let them take him out of Ravenna, and give them the opportunity of murdering him, as they did. So it being necessary for the Council of Ten to know the circumstances he was made to wait in the Chamber of the Chiefs, where dinner was prepared for him, and he remained there in the company of a secretary until the Council assembled. After the whole process had been read to them, the Chiefs and the Inquisitors went and dismissed him immediately, by reason of the respect had by them for the King [of England]. Subsequently Dom. Lodovico complained to us somewhat of this proceeding, although he at length seemed satisfied, and on the morrow, the magnifico the English Ambassador [Harvel] came into the Signory's presence, and told them that having heard a confused account of this business, he was come to know what official account he should write to his Majesty.
	They, in reply, answered as aforesaid, telling him moreover that in this matter they had evinced all possible respect for his most Serene King, as otherwise, having arrested Mocenigo, they would have done the like by Dom. Lodovico aforesaid; and what they did, was solely to learn the truth, as any government would have done in such a case.
	The ambassador was greatly pleased with the Signory's statement, and acknowledged that they had done nothing contrary to their good friendship with his Majesty, who, under similar circumstances, would have acted in like manner.
	The Chiefs acquaint him (Zambon) with these particulars, so that, if necessary, he may know how to answer, in accordance with the truth.
	Ayes, 29. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 17. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxv. p. 77.	441. Motion made in the Senate for the appointment of an Ambassador to England.
	At the time when the peace was being negotiated between his most Christian Majesty and the most Serene King of England, the Signory's secretary at the English Court wrote to them that his Majesty wished greatly to have a Venetian Ambassador with him, as of yore. Subsequently, when the peace was made and concluded, there came into the College the Magnifico Ambassador of that most Serene King, together with Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi, to announce it to them in his Majesty's name, and congratulate himself thereon with the Signory. This office being performed, Dom. Lodovico then presented credentials, and commenced talking at great length, discoursing very earnestly about this extreme desire on the part of his Majesty; and from that time to this, he has come very frequently into the Signory's presence to make this request, always in the name of that most Serene King. Shortly before the arrival of the secretary's letters, dated the 29th of October last, (full of this wish, owing to the conference held by him with Ser Francesco Bernardo,) the aforesaid ambassador [Sigismund Harvel ?] came into the College and repeated the same suit. So it is evident through this channel, and through that of the Signory's secretary, that the King of England wishes much for this ambassador. It is highly advantageous for the Signory to be on good terms with his Majesty, and to exhibit towards him such marks of affection and esteem as he desires, and as become so great a King, whose repute and power have increased since the aforesaid conclusion of peace; and this embassy cannot but prove to the dignity of the “Republic, and profitable to many private individuals who frequent that country, not a little to the advantage of this entire city.
	Put to the ballot, that an ambassador be elected to reside with the King; receiving for his expenses one hundred and fifty golden ducats per month, of which he is not required to give any account to the Signory. Is to keep eleven horses and as many servants (including his Secretary's servant), and two running footmen. Is to be eligible from all places and offices, and the person elected may not refuse, under all the penalties decreed by the act of 1536 against those who refuse missions to crowned heads. Besides the four months salary, which will be paid him here in advance, as usual, by the cashier of the Council of Ten, out of the monies appointed for that purpose, be there given to the agents left here by said ambassador, 150 golden ducats from month to month, so that the Signory may not lose any money by exchange on this account. And that he depart when and with such commission as shall be given him by this Council.
	Ayes, 168. Noes, 8. Neutrals, 4.
	[Italian.]
	Elected on the 28th December 1546, Ser Bernardo Navagero, son of the late Ser Giovanni Alvise.
	See in Libro scrutinorum, p. 89.
	[Latin.]
Dec. 18. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 18.	442. The Doge and College to Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England.
	Will perceive the underwritten advices in their letters from Constantinople, dated the 11th November, and is to communicate them as usual.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 19. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 18.	443. The Same to the Same.
	Having understood by his letters, and by the statements made to them repeatedly by the magnifico the English ambassador [Sigismundo Harvel], and by Dom. Lodovico da l'Armi, in the name of the King, his Majesty's great wish to have an ambassador from the Signory resident with him as heretofore; they, by reason of the good friendship which they have always maintained and wish to preserve with his Majesty, and on account of the respect they bear him, are content to gratify this his desire, and so on the day before yesterday, they, with the Senate, determined to elect one of their noblemen to reside with his Majesty as usual. The election will be made one of these days, and they will also attend to the ambassador's despatch, so that he may betake himself to his legation in the spring.
	To acquaint his Majesty with this resolve, assuring him that they will never fail to perform such offices as become good friends, or to gratify him in whatever they can; and requesting him to acknowledge the reasonable impediments which have hitherto delayed their mission of this ambassador, as they are sure that of his wisdom he will do. Of the execution of this order, Zambon is to give them notice.
	In reply to his last letters of the 22nd November, they have merely to commend his keeping them advised of the events in those parts.
	Ayes, 21. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 23. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 27.	444. Marc' Antonio Erizzo.
	Motion made in the Council and Ten and Junta.
	Does it seem fit to the Council, from what has been now said and read, that by reason of the impediments at present declared, Ser Marco Antonio Erizzo be tortured by cord (fune)?
	Ayes, 3.
	Amendment—
	That the decision aforesaid be made by the members of the committee and inquisitors, according to the liberty given by this Council, as usual.
	Ayes, 19. Noes, 5. Neutrals, 2.
	[Latin.]
Dec. 29. Consiglio X., Criminal, v. vii. p. 27, tergo.	445. Mafio Bernardo.
	Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	Does it seem fit to the Council, from what has been now said and read, that Captain Giovanni Battista Campana, and Isepo of Trent, absent, but legitimately summoned from the edict steps, be proceeded against ?
	Ayes, 27. No, 1. Neutral, 1.
	The Council decrees that said Giovanni Battista Campana and Isepo of Trent, absent, but legitimately summoned, be banished for life; and should any of them at any time break bounds and be captured, to be beheaded between the columns on a lofty scaffold, and their bodies quartered in four parts, and suspended on the usual gibbets; and the captor of any of them placing them “in forcias nostras,” or killing them, on producing a certificate of the death, to receive for each of them 3,000 light livres from the chest of this Council. Should any person capture them in foreign parts, and place them in the Signory's power, or kill them, on producing a certificate of the death ut supra, to receive for each of them from the aforesaid chest 5,000 livres; and moreover, should “ille talis capiens aut occidens” be banished from Venice and from all the Republic's towns and places, even by this Council, for any crime whatever, except rebellion or peculation, be he free and absolved from his ban, and farther have a pardon for another [culprit] banished from all towns and places ut supra. Should said captor or slayer not be a banished man, he may release two [culprits] banished ut supra. But if within thirty days from the publication of this present motion, the aforesaid Giovanni Battista Campana and Isepo of Trent, or either of them, the one who shall come first and notify, in the case of the murder committed on the person of the late Ser Mario Bernardo, its “mandantem sive mandantes” and their accomplices, so that the truth be obtained, in that case both or one of them to remain free and absolved from the aforesaid condemnation and have the benefits, mentioned in the motion, about rewards concerning this matter, passed by this Council on the 27th inst.
	Ayes, 20.
	Amendment.
	Motion as above, save that should both or either of them come and manifest ut supra, they do receive such benefits as shall seem fit to this Council.
	— 5. — 4.
	[Latin.]