Venice: November 1518 | British History Online

Pages 472-478

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:

November 1518



Nov. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 141.	1096. Motion made in the Senate by the Sages for a letter of reply to the ambassador in England, desiring him to thank the King and Cardinal for having included the Signory in the peace with France, praising the ambassador for what he had done, and desiring him to have certain words expunged.
Nov. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 141.	[Italian.]
Nov. 2. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvii. p. 142.	1097. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in France.
	Instructions to congratulate the King of France on the peace with England and marriage of the Dauphin.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Nov. 2. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlvii. p. 143, tergo.	1098. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in England.
	Acknowledge receipt of his letters dated 24th and 27th September, and 1st, 5th, and 10th October.
	To repeat to the King and Cardinal Wolsey the congratulations and thanks of the Signory.
	Ayes, 165. Noes, 1. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 51 lines.]
Nov. 5. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 245.	1099. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On the preceding day Cardinal de' Medici had said to him concerning the election of the King of the Romans:—“I will tell you the state of the case. The election has not yet been made, but five electors have promised to elect the Catholic King, to which effect they have drawn up an instrument and sealed it. The Duke of Saxony never chose to promise, but spoke them fair. The decision will be known at this next diet.”
	With reference to Scotland, the Cardinal de' Medici said the King of France chose the Duke of Albany to be at liberty to go to Scotland, whereas the King of England chose just the contrary. They had settled the matter thus: should the Scots summon the Duke of Albany to assume the government, in that case he was to be at liberty to go to Scotland, but unless summoned he was not to do so. Both parties were satisfied with this clause, the most Christian King hoping that his friends in Scotland were in sufficient force to obtai the summons, whilst the King of England on the other hand relied on having so many partisans there that the Duke of Albany would not be sent for.
	On that day in the consistory the Pope had conferred certain benefices in Scotland on the brother of the Duke of Albany.
	Rome, 5th November 1518.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Nov. 5. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 246.	1100. Marco Minio to the Council of Ten.
	Had been told by the Pope that he had received letters from the most Christian King, purporting that he considered the [proposed] election of the Catholic King to be King of the Romans was of the greatest importance, and that it would be an excellent opportunity to thwart him, so that this election might not take place.
	Rome, 5th November 1518.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Nov. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. pp. 147, 148.	1101. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Ancenis, 8th and 11th October.
	At Metz, a town belonging to the Duke of Lorraine, the most Christian King had mustered 4,000 lansquenets. Madame had told him that the marriage and peace with England had been ratified according to letters from the Admiral, dated London, the 4th October, and the ambassadors Avere returning to France. She commended Cardinal Wolsey, who had used his good offices, and complained of the Spanish ambassador, who endeavoured to thwart the negotiation.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 9. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 196.	1102. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Indisposition of the Cardinal of York. Had acquainted the King with the news from Turkey and Hungary, which he seemed to hold in as small account as if they related to the affairs of India.
	The reverend Spanish ambassador (De Mesa) was to leave that day. He said he had been urgent for his dismissal many months past. The general opinion was that his departure was occasioned by the dissatisfaction of his sovereign at the new league.
	The English ambassadors destined for France had taken leave; they went with almost regal pomp, endeavouring to outvie the late French embassy in England. Cardinal Wolsey had been somewhat busy in despatching them. Could not get him to discuss the repeal of the wine duties.
	The “Presidents” in Flanders had subjected the Venetian galleys there to new impositions, amounting at first to 500 ducats, and subsequently reduced to 200, for each galley, under pretext of harbour dues for the excavation of a certain port. It would be desirable for the Signory to give notice that, should these new impositions be continued, the Venetian galleys would cease to go to Flanders, and all remain at Hampton. Had given notice to this effect to the captain Zantani.
	Lambeth, 9th November 1518.
	[Italian, 2½ pages, or 58 lines.]
Nov. 10. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 197.	1103. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	In the past night the Queen had been delivered of a daughter, to the vexation of everybody. Never had the kingdom so anxiously desired anything as it did a prince. Had the event preceded the betrothal, Princess Mary would not probably have been affianced; the sole fear of the kingdom being that it might pass into the power of the French through that marriage.
	Lambeth, 10th November 1518.
	[Italian, 14 lines.]
Nov. 10. Mantuan Archives.	1104. Cardinal Campeggio to the Marquis of Mantua.
	Letter of recommendation to him of a Bolognese gentleman, and of an Englishman, both in the service of the King of England, who are coming to those parts with letters and commissions from the King to bring horses from Italy.
	King Henry is to meet the most Christian King beyond sea, for which purpose he is making great preparations, and, amongst other things, wishes for horses.
	London, 10th November 1518.
	[Original. Italian.]
Nov. 11. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 198.	1105. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had visited the Cardinal of York to acquaint him with the contents of newsletters which accompanied the Signory's letters of 1st October. Arranged a dispute between the Cardinal and the Venetian merchants, who made the Cardinal a present of seven very handsome Damascene carpets; and when the merchants had left the Cardinal's presence, adjusted also two other differences of no small importance to other Venetian traders.
	Had prevailed on the Cardinal to cancel a letter destined for the Signory concerning the arbitration of the Pope, France, and England in the disputes between Venice and the Emperor.
	Lambeth, 11th November 1518.
	[Italian, 3½ pages, or 72 lines.]
Nov. 12. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 199.	1106. Same to Same.
	Had dined with the Legate Campeggio, who stated that the Catholic King had been created King of the Romans at the diet lately held at Augsburg, with the consent of five of the electors, the Duke of Saxony alone dissenting, though it was said that he also would give a favorable vote at the diet which was to be held at Frankfort.
	After dinner the Legate informed him that the preamble to the general peace implied that the league was made for the purpose of invading the Grand Turk. The Emperor had expressed his approval of the union, and promised to empower the reverend Spanish ambassador to ratify it, both for himself and the Catholic King; but that ambassador had departed without effecting the ratification. A fresh ambassador, however, was expected.
	The Legate also informed him that the surrender of Tournai would be made before the return of the English ambassadors. There was a separate contract concerning this matter, by which the most Christian King bound himself to give 600,000 crowns,—that is to say, 25,000 francs annually,—300,000 crowns of which were to be placed to the account of dower. The King of France was further to liquidate all the arrears of pay due to the garrison of Tournai.
	With regard to Scotland, the Legate said the Duke of Albany was forbidden to return there. Remarked that the. French ambassadors had denied the existence of this prohibition. The Legate was surprised that they should have denied it, as it was expressly specified in the contract relating to Scotland. The young King (James V.) was to be educated only by Scotchmen already in that realm.
	Enquired whether “White Rose” (Richard de la Pole), resident in France, had been dismissed. The Legate replied that the league simply provided that no rebels were to be harboured; but within the past week a great personage had told Cardinal Wolsey that the King of France favoured “White Rose” more than ever, and had augmented his stipend.
	The Legate further stated that the King of England was excellently disposed towards making an expedition against the Turk, and that the Kings of England and France were to have an interview that year in order to effect it. The Legate had seen a letter written by King Henry's own hand to France, pledging his royal word that he would cross the Channel between that time and June for the interview, at which all the legates and ambassadors of the other allied sovereigns, appointed for the Christian expedition, were to be present.
	Lambeth, 12th November 1518.
	[Italian, 3¾ pages, or 83 lines.]
Nov. 12. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 248.	1107. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	The Pope believed that Mons. de Chievres had caused the Catholic King to think of being elected King of the Romans for the following reasons: first, to prove that he used every effort to exalt his sovereign to the utmost, by which means his influence with the King of Spain would augment; and, secondly, were the election to take place, it would behove the Catholic King to proceed to Burgundy, where Chièvres enjoyed very great authority, without the opposition experienced by him in Spain; and moreover he would thus avoid the perils which might befall him from day to day on account of the Spanish grandees.
	Rome, 12th November 1518.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Nov. 14. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 249.	1108. Same to Same.
	The Spanish ambassador had made certain demands of the Pope in the Emperor's name concerning the election of the King of the Romans. Had ascertained that by letters from Spain dated 29th September the Catholic King requested the Pope to give him fresh investiture of the kingdom of Naples, without the clause contained in the patent of Pope Julius, to the effect that, if the person invested should ever be elected King of the Romans, he was to be deprived of Naples. The Catholic King added that Maximilian proposed coming into Italy for his coronation, but that he would persuade him to rest satisfied with having the crown sent to him in Germany.
	The Catholic King, therefore, would certainly be elected King of the Romans, and those who thought of preventing this would find themselves too late.
	The reply of the Pope purported that the matter was very important, and must be well pondered.
	The articles of the newly-made confederacy between France and England had not yet been received. The treaty was strictly between the two kings; nothing settled about the general peace, as the other sovereigns, with the exception of the Pope, had not sent their powers. The power from the Pope was conditional upon the other sovereigns doing the like.
	Rome, 14th November 1518.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Nov. 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. pp. 162, 163.	1109. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Vendôme, 1st November.
	The King intended to receive the English ambassadors with greater honours than had been lavished on the French ambassadors in England.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 20. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 200.	1110. Sebastian Giustinian to the Council of Ten.
	Had received their letter of the 6th Octobemot to join any treaty between Christian sovereigns wherein Sultan Selim was mentioned. Embarrassed by this order; had it been given in the letter of the 30th July containing the congratulations on the peace, could have acted without offence to the English Government. Had himself not approved the mention of the Signory, and although invited by Cardinal Wolsey to attend the proclamation of the league, had declined, to avoid any mark of approval. Suspected the King would reply to any remonstrance, “Post bellum auxilium.” Besides, “agere cum Rege est nihil agere,” and anything said to the King was either useless or communicated to Cardinal Wolsey, who in the present instance would have been displeased because the announcement was not first made to him.
	Lambeth, 20th November 1518.
	[Italian, 4½ pages, or 97 lines.]
Nov. 20. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 201.	1111. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Interview with Cardinal AVolsey, to show him the Levant and Hungarian newsletters, and to discuss the question of the repeal of the duties on the wines of Candia.
	The Cardinal seemed troubled by the foreign intelligence, but stated that if no efforts were made by England to avert the common peril, the reason was that it did not much affect her. Upon the question of the wines of Candia, obtained a gracious reply, and a promise of audience and entire satisfaction, to prove to the Signory the especial favour enjoyed by him with the King and Cardinal. Anticipated success, unless Wolsey proved more fickle and deceitful than the sea.
	At the suggestion of the enemies of Venice, Wolsey had remarked some months previously to him that the cargoes of the Flanders galleys would not be paid for with the funds of Venetian subjects, as the greater part of the goods belonged to the Lucchese merchant Bonvisi established in London. Told him that purchases of wool had been made more than sufficed for the cargoes, besides woollens, tin, and other articles. The Cardinal replied that the surplus would be for the next galleys. Informed him that they were already “on the berth,” and expected to quit Venice at the latest in May, and that by the continuance of these voyages he would know how much profit the King derived from his friendship with Venice. The Cardinal seemed satisfied, and entreated him to make vigorous exertions for the transmission to him, by the next galleys, of 100, or 80, or 60 handsome carpets “for the ornament of his house,” which he would pay for thankfully. Made answer that he was shortly to return home and would deliver the message in person, when the Cardinal rejoined, “This I do not choose, because, should you not be in Venice at the time of the departure of the galleys, what I want would not be forthcoming.” Promised therefore to write to the State. Bewails his own protracted stay abroad; he had already remained in England 47 months. Beseeches the State, therefore, to render his appointment a legation, not banishment.
	Lambeth, 20th November 1518.
	[Italian, 3¾ pages, or 82 lines.]
Nov. 24. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 254.	1112. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Letters from the Cardinal of Sion and his secretary, dated 20th and 22nd October, purporting that, in the confederacy between France and England, there was a clause to the effect that neither of them were to employ the forces of the Switzers, but to seek rather to oppose and ruin them.
	Rome, 24th November 1518.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Nov. 26. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvi. p. 181.	1113. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Chartres, 13th November.
	The Court was going to Paris, where the English ambassadors were expected and would be received with very great honour. The Bishop of Paris and the others, with the exception of the Admiral, had returned to France. King Francis said they brought good news from England, which he would communicate another time.
	[Italian.]
Nov. 27. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 255.	1114. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Receipt of letters from England, dated 5 November, giving an account of the stately embassy destined by the King for France. According to report, Tournai would be surrendered before the arrival of the embassy. Arrangements were to be made for the interview between the two Kings in the spring.
	Rome, 27th November 15115.
	[Extract, Italian.]