Venice: June 1519 | British History Online

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.

'Venice: June 1519', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 2, 1509-1519, (London, 1867) pp. 529-537. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol2/pp529-537 [accessed 27 April 2024]

June 1519



June 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 276.	1230. Antonio Giustinian and Antonio Surian, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Signory.
	Poissy, 20th and 21st May.
	Arrival of Surian at Paris on the 17th. Audience of the King at Poissy. Surian congratulated the King on the league with England, on the marriage, and on the Queen's delivery.
	The King said, “You will find a new world in England, where the King has sent into exile on the island nine of his chief favorites, and appointed others in their stead,” because they wished to be on good terms with King Francis, whereas the grandees were opposed to his interests. His Majesty continued, “He (King Henry) has an old deformed wife, while he himself is young and handsome. You must keep company with Cardinal Wolsey, and have a good understanding with him.”
	In date of the 21st the ambassadors mention having visited the Queen and Madame (Louise).
	[Italian.]
June 5. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 327.	1231. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	In the course of several conversations held with the Pope since his last, was informed by him that the electors had curtailed the period within which the King of the Romans was to be elected, and that on Thursday next, the 9th of June, they were to assemble for the commencement of the election. The Pope was of opinion that the electors had a mutual understanding with each other, though it could not be ascertained whom they would elect.
	Enquired of the Pope if he thought the Catholic King would be elected in case of the failure of King Francis. The Pope replied, “I think not; and that they will elect either the Marquis of Brandenburgh or the Duke of Saxony, who has many partizans;” showing by his words that the Duke had a strong party; although, through another channel, he (Minio) understood that the Cardinal of Gurk had written to one of his agents in Rome that the Marquis of Brandenburgh would certainly be elected King of the Romans.
	The Papal envoys in Germany in like manner made contradictory statements. The Archbishop Orsini believed that the most Christian King would be elected; whereas the Legate had great doubts on the subject, and wrote argumentative letters, from which it was difficult to draw any positive conclusion. From the last letters of the Legate in France, dated 27th May, the Pope understood that the French said they had gained the Count Palatine, who had accepted the moneys of the most Christian King, so that they hoped he would be elected. Asked in what form the moneys had been accepted, and was told they had been deposited in a bank, with the condition that they might be removed after the event had taken place.
	Told the Pope that the Spaniards did not consider themselves so certain as heretofore. The Pope replied that, on the contrary, they considered the thing more certain than ever. The Pope also said that the Switzers, in reply to his brief, had promised to remain neutral; that the army of the League of Swabia would disband, and that not more than 8,000 men remained in the ranks.
	Rome, 5th June 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
June 9. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 217	1232. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Having received the power from the Signory, authorizing him to render Venice a party to the league, made the announcement accordingly to Cardinal Wolsey. Had obtained a copy of the clauses, whereby it would be seen that the one referring the disputes between Venice and the Emperor for arbitration to the Pope, France, and England had been cancelled, and that he had written the truth.
	Return of the Spanish ambassador (Bernard de Mesa, Bishop of Elna), who had departed eight months previously, after a residence in England of four years.
	Close negotiations between the French ambassador (fn. 1) and Cardinal Wolsey and the King. Unable to ascertain their object. The ambassador said there were certain differences about damages inflicted on each other by the English and French. Did not believe this. (fn. 2)
	His successor (Antonio Surian) was staying in Paris for the christening of King Francis' son (Henry). On his arrival would go with him to the Cardinal and King Henry, and then return to Venice.
	London, 9th June 1519.
	[Italian, 2½ pages, or 43 lines.]
June 9. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 218.	1233. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Having written the foregoing, heard on good authority that Richard Pace, who had been sent to the electors of the empire, was gone to the Switzers for a purpose which the Signory would easily comprehend.
	Had been informed that the proposed interview between the two Kings (Henry and Francis) would not take place that year, and that gold nobles were being coined in the royal mint with great expedition, which was very unusual.
	London, 9th June 1519.
	[Italian, 11 lines.]
June 11. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 328.	1234. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Announces the receipt of letters from France and Spain, in consequence of which the ambassadors went to the palace on the preceding morning. Expecting this intelligence would be well nigh the last before the election, which was to commence on the 9th, went to the Pope on the afternoon of the 10th, and was told by him that, on that morning, he had been informed by the French and Spanish ambassadors that their respective kings would be elected King of the Romans, and the Pope added, “One of the two will blush scarlet (uno di loro è per restore molto rosso). We have heard two things to the disadvantage of the Catholic King, which we did not choose to tell his ambassador, to whom, on the contrary, we merely said that we were very glad to hear what he had communicated to us. The one is, that the last intelligence received by the Catholic King from Germany was not so good as that which preceded it; nay, that his Majesty's affairs were in some difficulty; and this was written to us by our nuncio in Spain. The other is, that we are informed by the Cardinal of Sion that, when the Swiss envoys went to the imperial electors about this election, they were not received graciously, but dismissed speedily, save by the Archbishop of Mayence; which is a proof that the electors are not in favour of the Catholic King.” The Pope, therefore, inferred that things were more in favour of France.
	The result was expected in a few days, and the Polish ambassador said he had heard from his colleague in Germany that the electors would proclaim the King of the Romans on the Wednesday following, 11th June; but the statements of the Polish ambassador were not held in much account at Rome.
	At the Papal court the present imperial electors were considered to have surpassed their Germanic qualities (conditione), having proceeded with the utmost possible caution in their negotiations; in such wise that both kings anticipated for themselves the majority of their votes.
	Rome, 11th June 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
June 16. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 297.	1235. Antonio Giustinian and Antonio Surian, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Signory.
	Poissy, 25th, 26th, and 31st May.
	Surian delays his departure for England until after the christening of the second son of Francis I. The King had said he would write to his ambassador in England to have a good understanding with Surian.
	In date of the 31st, write that the christening had been fixed for 5th June. According to the news from Germany, the Count Palatine had ratified the agreement made by his secretary with the Admiral, and had received 30,000 crowns; the residue to be paid him after the election of King Francis, who, at the suggestion of the electors, delayed making any warlike demonstration. The letters of the Archbishop Orsini, sent to the Legate Bibiena in France for transmission to Rome, purported that the affairs of the most Christian King proceeded prosperously; that the Catholic King would not be elected, and that should King Francis be unsuccessful, a third candidate would be chosen pacifically; so that there was no stir of arms in France, though the troops were in readiness. A few days previously King Francis had given a buffet of gold and silver plate to the Cardinal Legate Bibiena, worth 20,000 francs.
	Some dispute had apparently arisen about the interview between King Francis and the King of England. The articles stipulated that the conference was to take place in the interior of the country, but King Henry, having to cross the sea, wished it to be held at Calais; to which King Francis would not consent, and had written to England accordingly.
	Two English gentlemen, stipendiaries of King Francis, who resided in the house of the English ambassador, had taken leave of his Majesty and departed for England, from fear their King should suspect them, and that they share the fate of the friends of King Francis, who had been dismissed the English Court by King Henry. The English ambassador at the French Court (fn. 3) was the dependant of Madame Margaret, (fn. 4) to whom he imparted whatever came to his knowledge; on which account great hatred was borne him universally at the French Court.
	Receipt of the letters patent concerning the ratification of the League with England for transmission to Rome and Spain, as recommended by the Lord Chancellor.
	[Italian.]
June 16. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. pp. 308, 309.	1236. Contest for the Imperial Crown.
	Newsletter from a trustworthy person addressed to Zuan Vituri; dated 14th June 1519.
	The conference between Chièvres and the Lord Steward had been dissolved in discord. The Lord Steward subsequently died. There were 200 French spears in the duchy of Lorraine. The most Christian King was raising as many lansquenets as he could, and would am have 20,000; all for the purpose of marching to Frankfort, where the election was to take place.
	The King of England had declared in favour of the Catholic King. He had canvassed the adherents of England, and promised them money. The Princess of England was not dead. King Henry accused King Francis of having infringed the treaty in three respects: by his demands made of the Switzers; by acting against the Emperor; and by causing the Cardinal of Sion, the pensioner of the King of England, to be summoned to appear at the Papal Court under penalty of losing his hat; whereupon Bishop Giglis appeared before the Pope as the agent of England, and caused the order to be repealed.
	[Italian.]
June 17. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 218.	1237. Sebastian Glustinian to the Signory.
	Since the 9th, the King and Cardinal had been absent from London. All England was extremely anxious about the election of the new Emperor, (fn. 5) and no one wished it to fall on either of the two kings. (fn. 6) though the English ministers did not speak openly. Had been lately with the French ambassador, who said that his King was much favoured by the Pope and by the Signory, and that some of the Swiss cantons, at the suit of the Cardinal of Sion, opposed the election of King Francis, though he believed they would not stir. The French ambassador further remarked, that to whomsoever Pace might have been sent he would not do anything against King Francis, should King Henry keep the promise given him; as, before entering into the contest, King Francis had an understanding with King Henry that he should not oppose his canvass. The ambassador could not imagine that Pace would act in opposition to his most Christian Majesty. With regard to the interview between the two kings, the ambassador said he did not believe it would take place in the present year, though it had not yet been settled to suspend the meeting; but from another source he (Giustinian) understood hat it would certainly not to be effected.
	On the morrow or next day Cardinal Wolsey was expected at Hampton Court. Hoped to obtain from him the royal letters including the Signory in the league. Understood that his successor had arrived at Calais, and expected hourly to hear of his passage across: would go to meet him, and do his utmost to procure for him a stately entry. They would then proceed immediately to pay their respects to the Cardinal at Hampton Court, and according to his decision go to where the King might be, and after paying the usual compliments, he (Giustinian) would set out on his return towards Venice.
	London, 17th June 1519.
	[Italian, 2 pages, or 39 lines.]
June 21. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 220.	1238. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Surian, Venetian Ambassadors in England, to the Signory.
	Entry of Surian into London on the 20th. He was met by the Venetian merchants, and many of Campeggio's attendants, as also by two privy councillors of good repute, the one a layman and the other an ecclesiastic, with a suitable number of horses. The King was at a distance of 30 miles from London. They were to go to the court on the morrow, when Surian would have his first audience and Giustinian would take his leave of the King, as arranged by Cardinal Wolsey, because immediately afterwards the King purposed making a very long journey, and then Giustinian would have found it troublesome to perform the ceremony.
	London, 21st June 1519.
	[Italian, 1½ page or 30 lines.]
June 21. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 332.	1239. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Was told by the Pope that he had received letters from Germany dated the 8th, and although his post started on the 9th, yet nothing fresh had taken place that morning. That he had letters from each of his three agents, purporting that the electors had arrived, and were all to be at Frankfort on Monday evening, with the exception of the ambassador of the King of Hungary, who meant to wait three or four days, after which they would commence the election. Understood from Cardinal Cibo that the Diet would commence on Friday, 17th June.
	The Pope said that the Legate and the Archbishop mentioned conferences held by them with the Marquis of Brandenburgh and the Archbishop of Cologne, and that they hoped the affairs of France would prosper, as Brandenburgh had promised them to make Cologne vote for King Francis. Cologne himself spoke them fair, saying that if the most Christian King obtained the other votes, he should also have his; and they reckoned on those of Brandenburgh, the Count Palatine, Cologne, and the King of Hungary in favour of France. The Pope added that at the close of the letter they expressed belief in the election of King Francis, should Brandenburgh remain firm in his opinion, a proviso on which the Pope laid much stress, saying he had not chosen to mention it to the French ambassadors.
	The Nuncio Caracciolo wrote that, although sick, he went in a litter to the Archbishop of Mayence, beseeching him, in the Pope's name, to favour the Apostolic see and give his vote likewise for the King of France. The Archbishop replied that he would by no means assent to the election of King Francis. On hearing such strong language, Caracciolo told him to beware of what he was doing, as, should he not unite with the others and elect King Francis, that sovereign on becoming Emperor would be his bitter enemy. The Archbishop rejoined that he considered it certain that the King of France would not be elected, and that his brother Brandenburgh was a madman for having done what he did; thus showing there was very great discord between them. Caracciolo asked him who would be elected. He replied, “The Catholic King.” Caracciolo then asked who would get the crown, should it not be awarded to Spain. Mayence said it would be given either to the Duke of Saxony, or to the brother of the Count Palatine.
	Although great enmity prevailed between Saxony, and Mayence and Brandenburgh, yet Mayence appeared to be more inclined towards one who was his open enemy than towards the King of France.
	The Pope then discussed the matter, and said he feared the Catholic King would be elected, as, on the meeting of the electors, there would be no lack of German princes and ambassadors to tell them that, should they elect the King of France, they would remain the most disgraced and infamous men in the world, his election being universally ascribed to bribery. The Pope said that by these means, independently of all other obstacles, the electors would determine not to mention the King of France, and thus put him aside; and being an avaricious race, they would elect the Catholic King for his money, and think they had done the thing very secretly.
	The result continued uncertain. M. de Poitou said the affairs of his King were proceeding as prosperously as possible; whereas the Spanish ambassador believed King Charles to be very sure of the crown.
	The Pope had said that both France and Spain reckoned on the votes of two identical electors. Had been told by Cardinal Cibo (who, during the absence of the Cardinal de' Medici, was acquainted with everything) that the King of France had only 150,000 ducats in Germany, although the French represented the sum as much more considerable.
	Rome, 21st June 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
June 24. Minio's Original Letter Book. MS. penes me. Letter no. 334.	1240. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Conversation held by him on that morning with Marco Antonio Colonna. Said, in conformity with the last advices from France, he hoped King Francis would attain his object. Colonna replied, “It is true that these Frenchmen say so; but, talking with you confidentially, as is my wont, things do not stand thus. My agent in France sends me a contrary account; in fact, he writes, that the French say the most Christian King will assuredly be elected Emperor, but that the advices from Germany were not of this tenor; so that in his letter of the 17th he tells me that either King Francis is deceived, or chooses to make believe that he is so.”
	Subsequently, when in chapel, congratulated M. de Poitou, the French ambassador, on the fair prospects of his King. He replied that the Spaniards nevertheless considered the election of King Charles certain, though they merely mentioned the Archbishop of Mayence. Said he understood the Marquis of Brandenburgh had gone to confer with his brother. Mons. de Poitou rejoined, that he went with the Admiral of France, and that they were returned, having been unable to obtain anything; the Archbishop of Mayence again appearing to persist in his original opinion.
	The Pope had mentioned to him two facts worthy of mature consideration, but would not on any account have them announced on his authority. The one was that the Pope knew for certain that two of the electors were canvassing the crown for themselves, three of the six alone being eligible, as the other three were ecclesiastics; so that they were making deceptive promises. The other fact purported that King Francis now said that, were the Catholic King elected, he should not attach any importance to it, though it would distress him on the score of honour; so that he seemed rather to despair, and not to have such high hopes as at first,
	Rome, 24th June 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
June 28. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 221.	1241. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Surian, Venetian Ambassadors in England, to the Signory.
	Audience of the King at Windsor on Corpus Christi Day, in the presence of the Legate Campeggio and the French ambassador. Gracious reception of Surian by the King, who expressed regret at the departure of Giustinian, saying he had ever loved him as a father. After the procession and mass, Surian congratulated the King on the league and marriage contracted with France, and thanked him for having included Venice. The King replied courteously, and again gave the title of “father” to Giustinian, who then took leave. On the morrow they visited the Queen (Katharine), who also styled Giustinian “father.”
	They then returned to London, where they would visit Cardinal Wolsey and others.
	London, 28th June 1519.
	[Italian, 4 pages, or 80 lines.]
June 29. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 323.	1242. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Poissy, 7th June.
	On Sunday, at the second hour of the night, the second son of King Francis, by name Henry, entitled Duke of Orleans (instead of Duke of Berri, as at first intended), was christened in very great state. The godfathers were the English ambassador and the Duke of Alençon, the King's brother-in-law; the godmother being the Duchess of Nemours, the sister of Madame (Louise). The ambassador Surian was present, and Madame thanked him much for remaining.
	Subsequently Surian took leave of the King, and departed; the two ambassadors together having first presented the ratification of the league with England, which he said was in good form and that they would forward it. (fn. 7)
	With regard to the election the King hoped much, and told a gentleman in the service of the Marquis of Mantua to write to him to keep himself in readiness to accompany his Majesty to Germany. King Francis had given Mons. de Roval as hostage to the Archbishop of Cologne, who on the other hand gave his brother to the most Christian King. The King was sending the little Duke of Orleans to Blois to remain with the other children, and was going himself to hunt at Melun, 12 leagues from Paris, to pass the time until the period of his election, that he might be nearer Germany.
	[Italian.]
June 29. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 328.	1243. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Poissy, 16th June.
	Receipt of letters from Germany, dated the 4th, that the electors had not yet all arrived at Frankfort, but were expected. In the course of conversation with Madame (Louise) she told him this, and that she had no other news, referring everything to the will of God. Her countenance betokened some anxiety, a proof that matters were not proceeding as she wished.
	Speaking about the interview with the King of England, she said things were going on well, and that King Francis had always notified his readiness to comply with the wishes of King Henry; adding, “This English ambassador here has made many demands of the King, about which neither King Henry nor Cardinal Wolsey have said a word to our ambassador in England; and we must first of all await the election, that the King may hold this interview like a glorious Emperor.” On this account, therefore, nothing more was said about the interview, and Madame added that the mission of the ambassador sent to England concerned certain English outlaws who were doing mischief.
	She also said that the result of the election would soon be known; that the King had three votes certain; that if he were not elected, neither would Spain gain the crown; and that King Francis had canvassed more for honour than for anything else.
	King Francis had sent to promise the King of Poland an annual pension of 20,000 crowns, should he, King Francis, be elected; and would give the Polish envoy at the Diet, once for all, 25,000 crowns; so that he tried every turn.
	Had met the Cardinal Legate Bibiena returning from the court quite disheartened. Asked him if there were any news. The Legate answered in the negative and said he had found Madame in great suspense; that the Pope did everything in order that King Francis might be elected, yet the Archbishop of Mayence said the Pope made demonstrations to that effect, but did not wish it; and that the Admiral wrote thus to the King. The Legate however believed this to be the mere opinion of Mayence, who was averse to France; though the Admiral also wrote that he credited Mayence.
	[Italian.]
June 30. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 222.	1244. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Surian to the Signory.
	Had at length been received by Cardinal Wolsey, who complimented them both, corroborating the expressions used by the King and Queen. Concerning mercantile affairs, the Cardinal said it was desirable that the question of the wine duties and many others, including that of the bastard cloths (pani baslardi), should thenceforth be regulated by authentic written statutes. Giustinian would acquaint the Signory with his view of the case in his Report.
	London, 30th June 1519.
	[Italian, 3¼ pages, or 69 lines.]