Venice: October 1537 | 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: October 1537', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 67-68. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp67-68 [accessed 26 April 2024]

October 1537



Oct. 11. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 15.	159. Doge Andrea Griti to Henry VIII.
	On hearing that Corfu (an island extremely convenient, not only for the Republic, but also for Italy and the rest of the Christian Powers) was besieged by the Turks with an overwhelming army and fleet, although the strength of the enemy was such as to alarm all Christendom, determined not to lose heart, and relying in the first place on the Divine assistance, had recourse not only to the Signory's own means, but also to other Christian Kings and Princes, to extinguish the general conflagration, lest it increase to the detriment of the Christian Commonwealth. Determined, therefore, to form an offensive and defensive league with the Pope and the Emperor against the common enemy, reserving honourable place in it for other Christian Princes, and to wage hostilities strenuously, although the Republic is free from all danger, the enemy having raised the siege of Corfu.
	Requests his Majesty to aid the war as most becoming, both on account of his extreme piety towards God, as also by reason of the good will which he bears the State, as at present he could do nothing more profitable for Christendom, or more for his own renown, as he will hear more fully from the Secretary Hieronimo Zuccato, to whom he will give credence as to the Doge in person.
	[Italian.]
Oct. 11. Lettere del Collegia (Secreta), File no. 15.	160. The Doge and College to the Secretary (Zuccato) in England.
	The Great Turk having lately violated the peace between him and the Republic, laying siege with a fleet and army to their city of Corfù, from which he subsequently departed, they determined to make an offensive and defensive league with the Pope and the Emperor against the Turks, reserving a most honourable place for the other Christian Princes. Desire him, in company with the. Venetian consul, to present the letter which they send him addressed to his Majesty, as by the enclosed copy, stating what is aforesaid, and praying and exhorting him, in this so great need of all Christendom, to render such assistance as required, he (Zuccato) acquainting them with the King's reply.
	[Italian.]