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| Dec. 3. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 155. |
993. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory. |
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The King and Cardinal and all the English nobility were still absent from London on account of the plague. Rode to the residence of Cardinal Wolsey, who was unable to receive him, being indisposed; so he left the newsletters (enclosed in the Signory's despatches of the 20th November), having translated them into Latin, that the Cardinal might read them, and transmit them to the King. Expected arrival in England of the Flanders galleys. |
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London, 3rd December 1517. |
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[Italian, 1½ page, or 30 lines.] |
| Dec. 10 Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 156. |
994. The Same to the Same. |
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Continued absence of the King and ministers from London. |
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On St. Andrew's Day (30th November) there was a violent storm off the coast of England, in which eight ships were wrecked. The Flanders galleys were anxiously expected. Had been informed that the King was longing for their arrival, and intended to go on board of them at Hampton to make purchases. Had no public news to communicate. |
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London, 10th December 1517. |
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[Italian, ¾ page, or 16 lines.] |
| Dec. 19. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 138. |
995. Marco Minio to the Signory. |
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On that evening the monition against Cardinal Adrian had been posted in the Campo de' Fiori, summonsing him to Rome within fifty days. His agents hoped, however, to settle his affairs. |
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Rome, 19th December 1517. |
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[Extract, Italian.] |
| Dec. 22. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 157. |
996. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory. |
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General discontent caused by the protracted absence of the Court from London, on account of the plague, which had somewhat abated. Had received letters from the Signory, acquainting him with the new alliance formed between France and Venice. Report that the Catholic King was negotiating a marriage with the daughter of the King of Portugal. Return from France of the English ambassadors, who had been unable to adjust the claims for damages; though no mischief would ensue, for the English ministry was more inclined to maintain peace, than to incur expense. Again requests the State to appoint his successor. During the past year his expenses had been increased one-third, by the scarcity of provisions. |
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London, 22nd December 1517. |
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P.S.—The Catholic King was to marry the King of Portugal's daughter, and to give his sister to the eldest son of the same King. |
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[Italian, 2¼ pages, or 47 lines.] |
| Dec. 31. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 142. |
997. Marco Minio to the Signory. |
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Report that the French ambassadors were returning from England without having settled anything, as in reply to their demand for the purchase of Tournai for 200,000 ducats, King Henry said that he was a buyer of cities rather than a seller, and that if King Francis would sell him Boulogne, he would be glad to buy it. This was considered a proof of angry feelings between the two Kings, though there was no fear of war. Understood that this intelligence was contained in letters received by the English ambassador (De' Gigli). There was also a possibility of arranging the matters between France and England thus:—that the King of England should give Tournai, in consideration of a sum of money, to the Catholic King, who would give another city to the most Christian King in lieu of Tournai. It was believed some mode of adjustment would be contrived. |
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Rome, 21st December 1517. |
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[Extract, Italian.] |
