Venice: March 1517 | British History Online

Pages 368-375

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.

Citation:

March 1517



March 1. “Consegi,” viz., Ballotations in the Grand Council and the Senate, v. v. p. 82; MS. volume in St. Mark's Library.	848. Trade with England.
	Ballot in the Grand Council for a captain of the Flanders galleys.
	Andrea Priuli, late captain of the Alexandrian galleys	Ayes, 814.	Noes, 616.
	Tomà Mocenigo	” 701.	” 741.
	Andrea Marcello	” 712.	” 735.
	Lorenzo Falier	” 593.	” 849.
	[Italian.]
March 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 5.	849. Gian Giacomo Caroldo, Venetian Secretary at Milan, to the Signory.
	Dated 26th February.
	The secretary of Mons. de Lautrec had shown him letters from France, with the advices from Brussels dated 4th February, giving account of the arrival of the Emperor at Brussels, and of the stately reception given to him there by his grandson the Catholic King. On that day, in the cathedral, the Emperor had sworn to the peace with the most Christian King, in the presence of the French ambassadors. The Catholic King was also present, and wore the order of St. Michael, given him by the most Christian King. After high mass, the oath having been taken on the missal, the Cardinal of Gurk delivered a Latin oration in praise of the peace, which he said the Pope, the King of England, and the Cardinal of Sion, had done their utmost to prevent, but which, for the good of Christendom, the Emperor had chosen to make. The advices also purported that the Catholic King and Mons. de Chièvres rejoiced much at having made this peace, which was opposed by the Papal nuncio Campeggio at the Imperial Court, by the Papal nuncio in France, the Bishop of Bayeux (Canossa), by Dom. Latino, and by the English ambassador.
	At a banquet at Brussels, at which the Emperor and the Catholic King were present, it was said that the King of England had done everything to prevent the conclusion of the peace by the Emperor, who declared he had made it for the welfare of Christendom.
	[Italian.]
March 6. Marco Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 18.	850. Marco Minio to the Council of Ten.
	Had been to visit the Bishop of St. Malo, the French ambassador, who announced the receipt by him of letters from Mons. de Lautrec, to the effect that the captains of the Switzers answered the envoys of the Emperor and England that they did not purpose forming any other league than the old one; whereas the Pope was desirous of a fresh confederacy between Switzerland, the Emperor, and England.
	Rome., 6th March 1517.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 6. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 19.	851. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Information received by him from the French ambassador, the Bishop of St. Malo, concerning the peace between the Emperor Maximilian and King Francis. The English ambassadors and the Cardinal of Sion, “malignants,” had not come on to Brussels, but remained at Mechlin. The Bastard of Savoy, on quitting Switzerland, asserted that the Switzers answered the ambassadors from the Emperor and England by refusing to contract any fresh league with them, saying that the old one sufficed; and that as for the expedition against the Infidels, whenever they should perceive the sovereigns of Christendom united to effect it and ready to act, they would then be willing to furnish a sufficient amount of infantry. Having remarked that no such expedition could be undertaken unless all the sovereigns of Christendom were at peace with each other, the Bishop made answer, “You speak the truth, for on another occasion, when a king of France chose to go into Asia, and found himself at a distance from his kingdom, the King of England stirred up war in his territory and did great mischief.”
	Rome, 6th March 1517.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 37.	852. Motion made in the Senate for a letter to the ambassador in England, acknowledging receipt of his letters of the 10th and 14th February. They are thus acquainted with the pleasure experienced by the King and Cardinal Wolsey at the Signory's recovery of Verona. Giustinian to return thanks to both of them, and to give assurance of the sincere good faith and observance borne towards King Henry by the State.
March 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 37.	[Italian.]
March 7. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvii. p. 52, tergo.	853. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in England.
	A few days ago, on the recovery of Verona, gave him immediate notice by letter for communication to the King. Have now received his letters of the 10th and 14th February, announcing the intelligence given by him to the King. To thank the King for his congratulations, and to do the like by Cardinal Wolsey, the Bishop of Winchester, and such others as he shall think lit. As the Cardinal had hinted at the affairs of the Church, to tell him that the Signory knows the suggestions to be utterly false, and to proceed from malignants; the chief object of the State being to remain at peace and tranquil, for the universal benefit of the Christian commonwealth.
	Ayes, 166. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 25 lines.]
March 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 32.	854. Giovanni Badoer, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Paris, 25th February.
	The Catholic King would not go to Spain so soon as had been expected, being of a weak constitution, and it was apprehended that he might share the fate of his father, who, on going to Spain, died immediately from the change of air. He had made the treaty of Noyon for the arrangement of his affairs in Flanders. The Cardinal of Gurk was in favour with the Emperor, and had hitherto been absent at a distance from the Court, keeping company with the Cardinal of Sion and the English ambassador, as the Emperor did not choose them to be present at the negotiations for the peace sworn to by him with France.
	[Italian.]
March 9. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 120.	855. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had received the Signory's letters of 26th January, announcing the recovery of Verona. Announced it to the King, who inquired whether he had heard of the congress to be held by the Emperor and the Kings of France and Spain at Cambrai. Replied that he knew they were to meet, perhaps to make arrangements for a general peace. The King answered, smiling, “Know that we have a piece of news of great importance, which we will communicate out of the love we bear you. This congress has nothing else in view but your ruin, for they intend to discuss depriving you of all your territory on the mainland, which we should greatly regret, because of the friendship existing between us. Therefore beware, and provide for your interests, as the Emperor would subscribe to anything for your annihilation, by reason of the malignity he entertains towards you; and the King of France, to gratify his vast ambition for empire, will not scruple to break such faith or league as may exist between you; whilst the King Catholic will accede to the will of the other two. And this intelligence I have from a good source.” Replied that this would be a bad return for the Signory's good faith. The King rejoined that the Emperor had been deceived by the Ki Dg of France. As the Cardinal of Sion had reported that Venice had an understanding with the Duke of Urbino, the Marquis of Mantua, and the Duke of Ferrara, and had already recovered Ravenna, Cervia, Rimini, and Faenza, he (Giustinian) told the King that the course of events had proved the Signory's innocence, and the falseness of such reports.
	The same day, while at table with Cardinal Wolsey, together with a number of princes and prelates, the Cardinal asked many minute questions about the Turk, and then said, “God grant there be not some Christian prince worse than the Turk, and who labours more for the ruin of Christendom. Bear in mind, Domine Orator! the conspiracy formed against you at Cambrai in King Lewis's time. The like will take place now, although they will give you to understand that the congress is held for a crusade, as they did the last time. So keep on the alert, and take care how you proceed. And I give you notice that this conspiracy comprises not only three Kings, but also the Pope.” He also warned Venice to be content with her own, in allusion doubtless to the recent report that Venice had recovered her towns from the Pope.
	After dinner drew aside with the Cardinal, and told him it was time to settle the affair of the wines of Candia, and some other matters affecting the Venetians. He replied that much state business had to be transacted, but the affair should be attended to when they had greater leisure, as the kingdom desired the galleys should come. Said nothing about the galleys, having learned that the Signory was negotiating directly with the King of Spain for the safeconduct which was heretofore applied for through the English ministry. The Cardinal said he had revealed the conspiracy solely out of friendship for the State, as he was well aware it was not in the Signory's power either to injure or benefit England, though the King would regret whatever proved detrimental to Venice.
	Cabinet councils were being held much more frequently than usual, as if all their enemies were upon them. Understood England was quite prepared to commence and continue hostilities, although no great stir was visible, because some years ago a census was taken of all the able-bodied men in the kingdom, so that it was only necessary to give them their pay, and a large army would be raised at once. A number of ships were also in readiness. Did not think they wished to attack either France or Scotland, but believed they were apprehensive of an attack on Tournai or Calais by the King of France, who had secured himself against the Emperor and the Switzers, and was at peace with Italy and the King Catholic.
	Had sent his secretary to appoint an interview with the reverend ambassador of the King Catholic (the Bishop of Elna), but he civilly declined it. Would do the like with the Imperial ambassador (Count Tationo), who would probably decline his visit likewise.
	London, 9th March 1517.
	[Italian, 5½ pages, or 130 lines.]
March 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 32.	856. Gian Giacomo Caroldo, Venetian Secretary at Milan to the Signory.
	Milan, 8th March 1517.
	Gian Giacomo Triulzi had told him that the Switzers were not well agreed, and that the Pope and the King of England had done their utmost to prevent the Emperor from making the agreement.
	[Italian.]
March 17. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 30.	857. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had been told by the Pope on that morning at the “Magnama,” that the Emperor wanted the King of England to be included in the agreement then in course of negotiation between him, the Emperor, France, and Spain, and that the King of France had consented.
	Rome, 17th March 1517.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 17. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 31.	858. Marco Minio to the Council of Ten.
	Had been unable to elicit more from the Pope than was contained in his preceding public letter; but on that evening, at the second hour of the night, had been visited by a person who knew everything, and had the management of all the Pope's affairs, although not the chief of his personal attendants. Understood from this individual, that there were letters from the nuncio resident with the Emperor, dated the 1st and 3rd March, purporting that the interview between the three sovereigns (Maximilian, Francis I., and King Charles of Spain) related in the first place to Tournai, as the Emperor considered himself under obligation to the King of England, being his debtor for much money, and anxious to afford him some satisfaction. Secondly, negotiations were on foot for a marriage between the mother of King Francis (Louise of Savoy) and the Emperor; concerning wbich Minio's informant remarked, he could scarcely credit that so very sage a woman, having the management of the kingdom of France, would subject herself to such a person as the Emperor; adding, however, that women were ever of one bent, and always took the worst man. Concerning the nature of the triple alliance, he said it concerned the partition of the Venetian territory, and the reinstatement of the duchy of Milan, though he did not think King Francis would assent to a project so utterly detrimental to him; that the coming into Italy of the Emperor was to be discussed, and that the parties formed a triumvirate. Believed, however, that as yet there was no reason to suspect the King of France, and that all these projects proceeded from the Emperor, whose perilous policy being understood by the Pope, the latter had determined to court France. If the imperial scheme seemed likely to succeed, a remedy might be devised through the formation of another fresh league between the Pope, the King of England, the Signory, and the Switzers, which would check the others, and make them act with greater reserve. Requests the Council of Ten to keep the details of this conversation very secret.
	Rome, 17th March 1517.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 19. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's P Library, Letter no. 121.	859. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had visited the Cardinal to negotiate about the wines of Candia, and to state the rights of the case. Pointed out how the repeal of the duty would prove a source of profit to the King. The Cardinal adjourned the consideration of the matter, pleading state business. Received subsequently the Signory's letters of 14th February concerning this affair, and charging him to intimate to the merchants in London that after three months the merchandise sent thence, either by sea or land, would be bound to pay freight to the galleys put up for this voyage.
	Went again that day (the 19th) to the Cardinal. He said the Act could only be repealed by the Commons (quesii de la terra), who had made it, and promised to attend to the matter at the end of the following week. He asked for Italian news. Communicated to him the advices concerning the movements of the Duke of Urbino, and assured him that the Signory did not interfere, and rather wished well to the Pope than to Duke Delia Rovere. He then inquired what resolution had been taken by the sovereigns at the congress of Cambrai. Replied he was not aware they had yet met, but they were to do so shortly. The Cardinal said, laughing, “Per Deum! decreverunt malum contra vos;” and then remained silent. Being urged to continue, he stated that, on the Emperor's having inquired how the King of France could join him, being the confederate of the Venetians, the latter replied that he had fulfilled his engagement, and no longer had any tie whatever. Told the Cardinal that he could not believe such assertions, seeing the good faith with which the King of France had redelivered Brescia and Verona to the Signory. The Cardinal rejoined, “At that time the King of France was the Emperor's enemy; at present he is his friend.”
	Had heard that 100,000 crowns had recently been remitted to the Emperor, and that more money was to be sent him. Disbelieved the report, though the unusual frequency of the cabinet councils rendered him somewhat doubtful.
	London, 19th March 1517.
	[Italian, 4¼ pages, or 101 lines.]
March 21. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 122.	860. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	On the preceding day had received a missive from the State, dated 5th March, and a very important newsletter concerning the progress of the Turk, to be communicated to the King. Had also acquainted the merchants in London with the decree of the Senate, whereby merchandise exported thence to Venice was rendered liable for freight charges to the Flanders galleys. Made a memorandum accordingly for himself, and desired the consul to do the like in the ledger of the consulate. Would attend to the despatch of the business concerning the wines of Candia.
	The false statements of Cardinal Wolsey, alluded to in the accompanying letter, were manifested by the fact that the congress at Cambrai between the Emperor and the Kings of France and Spain had been postponed.
	Memorandum that, in execution of the Signory's mandate, he had made his secretary read to the merchants in London the contents of the missive, according to the enclosed copy. (fn. 1)
	London, 21st March 1517.
	[Italian, 14 lines. The memorandum in Latin, 2½ lines.]
March 23. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 32.	861. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Having heard that the French ambassador had received letters dated the 13th, expressing a belief that the conference between the three sovereigns would not take place, inquired of the Cardinal de' Medici what news the Pope had from the westward. The Cardinal replied that they had letters, but nothing was certain about the negotiations of the agents of the three Kings, as they transacted their business with wonderful secresy, and would not employ secretaries. He could state nothing, save that his agents wrote to him that it was meant to swear to the agreement made with England, but “ad deffensionem tantum.”
	Rome, 23rd March 1517.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 30. Minio's Original Letter Book. MS. penes me. Letter no. 34.	862. The Same to the Same.
	Told by the Pope that the nuncio at the Imperial Court had heard from the Emperor himself that he had sworn to the agreement with the King of England “ad deffensionem tantum” and that he should endeavour to make his grandson take a similar oath; and that his grandson would also abide by the agreement made with the King of France.
	The Cardinal of Sion had written that the Emperor and the King of Spain would swear to the league with England; which alliance would be joined by the Switzers, who had refused their adherence to the French confederacy. The Cardinal would send the treaty immediately after ratification to the Switzers, that they might become parties to it. The Pope said the Cardinal of Sion was too confident of this result.
	The Pope considered that affairs were proceeding favourably for the Signory, the conference between the three sovereigns having been deferred until some time in the course of April. The difficulties in the negotiations were caused by the affairs of Yenice, though the Pope thought that everything had passed off well for the Signory, as the agreement with France had been confirmed by the Emperor, who did his utmost to detach King Francis from Yenice, and in return was willing to abandon the King of England. At present, the Emperor having sworn to the agreement with England, and being willing to abide by the one made with France, the Pope could but infer that the Signory's affairs would prosper, at which he professed to be very glad.
	Rome, 30th March 1517.
	[Extract, Italian.]
March 30. Banuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 111.	863. Gian Giacomo Caroldo, Venetian Secretary at Milan, to the State.
	Dated 26th March.
	By means of the Cardinal of Sion, the Emperor had received 25,000 ducats from the King of England.
	[Italian.]
March 30. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 113.	864. Giovanni Badoer, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Pans, 17 and 18 March.
	The conference would not take place, because the King of England had sent the Emperor 100,000 angels (angulotti), each=1½ crown.
	[Italian.]
March 31. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 123.	865. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Received every day confirmation of the hollowness of the peace between the Emperor and the King of France, and on that account their interview had been put off. Should the peace be impeded, it would be owing to the interference of the English ministry, who had remitted 100,000 crowns to the Emperor. Never did the ministry act with greater secresy, or by means of fewer agents, than at present.
	Communicated to the Cardinal the State's letters of the 5th and the newsletters from Cyprus. The Cardinal said, “Now is the time to invade him, while he is occupied against the Soldan, for we might indeed obtain Constantinople and a great part of his empire.” The Cardinal, however, never said what he meant, but the reverse of what he intended to do.
	Communicated the same letters to the King, by whom he was received very graciously. The King said, laughing, that France would defend Venice from the Turk. Rejoined that he hoped England also would assist the State, and that King Henry was the most fortunate and most powerful prince in the world, making comparisons between him and Theodosius and Charlemagne.
	London, 31st March 1517.
	[Italian, 3 pages, or 71 lines.]
March 31. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 124.	866. The Same to the Same.
	Had visited the Cardinal, accompanied by the consul Lorenzo Pasqualigo and by Antonio Bavarino. The Cardinal said that the Act of Parliament no longer offered any impediment, as a compromise had subsequently been effected between King Henry VII. and the Venetian merchants for the payment of a noble per butt, in addition to the old customs. Replied that no such compromise had taken place as could invalidate the Act, for the late King insisted on the payment of a noble per butt in the case of only two merchants, to whose address a ship had arrived laden with malmseys; and that the Act provided that the duty of one noble was to remain in force only so long as that of four ducats was levied in Candia. The Cardinal said that the Signory had tacitly consented to it. Replied that the Signory had been hindered by constant wars from providing for such minor matters. The Cardinal said he would refer the matter to the Council, and would send for him (Giustinian) after the holidays, when he should hear the King's arguments. The Cardinal aimed at nothing but the King's profit, with whom he maintained himself in great repute. If the Cardinal continued obstinate, would appeal to the King, who was much more free and sincere in judging what was right than the Cardinal. The other Venetian affairs were also in difficulty, as the Cardinal required a considerable sum for placing the Venetians on the same footing as of yore, because a great deal of money was paid to King Henry VII. for similar privileges.
	London, 31st March 1517.
	[Italian, 3¼ pages, or 80 lines.]