Venice: April 1519 | British History Online

Pages 510-520

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:

April 1519



April 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 93.	1186. The Plague at Southampton.
	Death at Southampton, by plague, of Nicolo Dolfin, vice-master on board the galley of the vice-captain. Some other deaths had occurred on board that galley, but the master survived.
	[Italian.]
April 2. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 296.	1187. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On the preceding day, after the consistory, went to the palace to hear news from the Pope, most especially as, since the arrival of two posts from Spain, it was reported that the Catholic King would certainly be elected King of the Romans.
	In reply to Minio's enquiries, the Pope said, “We have letters from Spain, the last dated the 25th; the affairs of that King prosper, and so far as can be seen he will be Emperor. He has given me to understand that he has the promise of four electors, who assure him they will be true to their pledged faith, and not swerve from it. He complains that we should have declared ourselves for the Christian King. We told him openly that we were averse to his being Emperor. We have acted loyally; and to tell you the truth we regret that he should be elected; but I believe the business to be as it were settled.
	“We have letters from Germany signed on the 15th, but with a postscript dated the 20th. The Legate had spoken at Frankfort with the Archbishop of Mayence, who went there I believe to visit somebody, not for the meeting of the diet; and, in short, he, his brother, and the Count Palatine together, are for the Catholic King. The most Christian King ought to try and gain Brandenburgh, for he would have had all these three; but look ye! by our faith, down to 20th, no one had appeared there [at Frankfort] on behalf of the most Christian King. The temperament of these Frenchmen is such that so soon as they desire anything, they fancy themselves certain to obtain it.
	“The Legate writes us that he had congratulated the Archbishop of Mayence on the marriages made. The King of Spain arranged them; he has given the Queen Consort, widow of the late King of Spain, his grandfather, to a cousin german of Brandenburgh, the brother of Casimir, who is in Spain, and they say that he has already consummated the marriage. (fn. 1) The other espousals are those of Madame Katharine, the King's sister, the one for whom the mad Queen wept so bitterly when deprived of her, to a son of the Marquis of Brandenburgh, the very same to whom the King of France was to have given Madame Rénée. I do not announce this marriage to you as certain; don't quote me as an authority. (fn. 2) The most Christian King, seeing that he cannot obtain the crown for himself, ought to endeavour to elect a third; this he might easily have effected, and this we thought would have been the case. He has not so much as a single vote; for to one which he thinks is his he prefixes a 'but,' (perche de una che pensa di harere mete un 'na,') which means that they have not got even that. Had they at the time acted thus, we should have proved that the Catholic King could not be elected, and would have informed the electors, and most especially the Bishops, that he was excommunicated, and therefore ineligible, as you well know.”
	The Pope thus implied, as it were, that he should let things take their course. He no longer showed himself so energetic (cusi gagliardo) as he was at first. Believed the Pope's bias to be excellent, and that even if induced by other motives, that of self-preservation (salus) would alone account for it.
	Spoke with the English ambassador (Silvester de Giglis, Bishop of Worcester). He said that the Catholic King would be Emperor; that the Pope had sent Archbishop Orsini to Germany, of which act the Catholic King had complained; and that the King of England did not support France, nor yet the Catholic King. He also made enquiry relative to the affairs of Lucca.
	Rome, 2nd April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 96.	1188. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Dated 19th March.
	Had requested the Lord Steward and Robertet to cancel the objectionable clause concerning Venice in the treaty between France and England. They replied that King Francis had mentioned the Signory as his good friend and ally, and that the clause constituting France and England judges was not inserted, because the Venetian ambassador in London spoke about this to the French ambassadors.
	[Italian.]
April 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 96.	1189. Embassy to England.
	Antonio Surian, ambassador elect to England, to depart on the morrow.
	[Italian.]
April 5. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 210.	1190. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Departure of the Spanish ambassadors from London. They were met at Dover by letters both from the Catholic King and from Flanders, and one of them returned with the despatches. It was reported they had news of an attack made by the Duke of Guelders in those parts; and this seemed likely, from the embargo laid on all vessels in Spain. These signs were not at all indicative of peace.
	Delay of all preparations for the King's voyage across the Channel.
	Cardinal Wolsey had been busily occupied in assessing a tax upon the clergy, which would produce a great sum, and to which the Pope had given his assent.
	Lambeth, 5th April 1519.
	[Italian, 1¾ page, or 32 linen.]
April 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 103.	1191. Embassy to England.
	Departure on that day of Antonio Surian, ambassador, on his way to England.
	[Italian.]
April 9. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 300.	1192. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had been told by the Bishop of St. Malo that he hoped the affairs of his King would proceed prosperously, and that he might at least prevent the election of his enemy, meaning the Catholic King, saying, “ We don't choose to utter a thousand bravadoes, like these Spaniards, but I promise you that we will do deeds.” He also spoke of the interview between the Lord Steward and Mons. de Chièvres, and said he did not believe they would come to terms, that he was certain France would not obtain Navarre, and that those two individuals were the prime ministers of their respective Kings. He (Minio) on the contrary inferred that, being persons of great condition, they would not meet to conclude nothing.
	Rome, 9th April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 11. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 211.	1193. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Went on the preceding day to the King at Richmond to communicate to him the contents of the newsletters which accompanied the Signory's despatches of the 28th February and 5th March. Having listened to them, the King enquired whether he had news of France, Spain, and Guelders. Replied in the negative. The King and the ministers care not the least for Levant news. The King said he should shortly cross the Channel for the interview with King Francis, Was assured by the Bishop of Durham and Secretary Pace, that the King would go in July. One of the great personages of the kingdom had said to him very secretly, “In a fortnight you will see something of importance,” hinting at preparations. The Spanish ambassador, who returned from Dover, was still in London, but to no purpose. He (Giustinian) was unable to elicit the slightest matter of importance from the English ministry, unless they allowed it to escape them by mistake.
	London, 11th April 1519.
	[Italian, 1¾ page, or 33 lines.]
April 12. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 301.	1194. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	The Pope having returned to Rome from the Magnana, announced to him (Minio) the receipt of letters from Germany, dated 25th March, purporting that the Archbishop Orsini had arrived there. Besides a joint letter from the three, namely, the Legate, Orsini, and Carac-ciolo, they each wrote to him separately, and to use the Pope's own words, they found the Archbishop of Mayence softer, displaying better intentions than heretofore, but as yet they had been unable to speak with the other electors. Told the Pope that the French ambassadors entertained very fair hopes.
	The Pope said that their intelligence was the same as that which he had received from his Legate and the nuncio in France, dated the 1st, to the effect that the most Christian King had made an agreement with Brandenburgh, the terms being that Madame Rénée was to marry the son of the Marquis of Brandenburgh, to whom the King would give 300,000 ducats dower, with an annuity of 6,000 for the son, and a like annual amount for the Marquis himself; that to the Archbishop of Mayence the King was to pay 12,000 ducats annually until he should have provided him with church benefices to that amount, besides 80,000 ducats for the purpose, nominally, of building a church, and that King Francis was also negotiating with the Count Palatine. The Pope added, “Were it thus, affairs would proceed prosperously, but I do not believe them to be yet in this state. On a former occasion we were told the like, and it was not true.”
	Enquired of the Pope whether it had not also been said that the son of the Marquis of Brandenburgh was to marry the sister of the King of Spain. Thereupon the Pope replied, “What would you have me to tell you? We do not believe that either one or the other speak the truth. We are doing everything for the most Christian; should he succeed, we trust he will remember our proceedings; should he fail, he will have had proof of our good will. On no account would we wish to see the Catholic King elected, and being averse to him, it is well to favour (accoatarsi) the most Christian King. Should a third party be elected, we must endeavour to come to an understanding with him. We are allied with the King of France, and so are you likewise. We have sent the oath (fn. 3) to the Catholic King, with a message that we do so in order to remind him of it.”
	The Catholic King being in possession of the kingdom of Naples, the Pope would by no means wish him to be Emperor, from fear lest such vicinity should cause much and serious disturbance to the Papal States. The Spaniards in Rome continued to assert that the election of their King was certain, though he (Minio) shared the belief of the Pope that neither party spoke the truth. Some persons said the Spaniards made these positive assertions to induce the Pope to desist from favouring France, as his support would prove vain, and merely render him odious to Spain.
	Met the English ambassador, who told him a Spanish ambassador had arrived in England, to include the Catholic King in the confederacy between England and France, the period of four months having been allowed him. for the notification of his adhesion. He also said that the Pope had told him to write to England that no intervention would take place in the affairs of Lucca; and that his King would stand godfather at the christening of the son of King Francis.
	Rome, 12th April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 14. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 304.	1195. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Having assured the French ambassadors of the extreme desire of the Signory that their King might obtain the Imperial crown, they read to him an extract from letters received by them from France, purporting that King Francis had excellent hopes, and that the Marquis of Brandenburgh, the Archbishop of Mayence, the Archbishop of Treves, and the Count Palatine would vote for him. The Bishop of St. Malo added, “We have four, and the Spaniards say they have four; so the electors must be eight in number.” (fn. 4) The French ambassadors seemed no less certain of obtaining the four votes than the Spaniards did, and one side at the least must remain disappointed.
	Rome, 14th April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 15. Commemoriale, v. xx. p. 90.	1196. Letters Patent from Doge Leonardo Loredano, confirmed by the Senate, and furnished with their pendant leaden seal, ratifying the nomination of the Venetian Signory by Henry VIII. in the treaty of peace recently made by him with Francis I., King of the French.
	Has addressed them for delivery to his ambassadors Sebastian Giustinian, knight, and Antonio Surian, doctor and knight.
	[Latin, 21 lines.]
April 15. Commemoriale, v. xx. p. 93.	1197. Ratification by the Venetian Signory, of a confederacy between Pope Leo X., the Emperor (Maximilian), and the Kings of France, England, and Spain; the treaty having been made by Francis I. and Henry VIII. (fn. 5)
	Document transmitted to Leo X., a similar announcement being made to Charles King of Spain: the words “observance” being substituted for “devotion,” and “Catholic Majesty” in lieu of “Holiness.”
	[Latin, 11 lines.]
April 15. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 212.	1198. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Could give but little news, as the King, the Legates, and the rest of the ministers were abroad taking their pleasure.
	Had been assured by the French ambassador the interview between the two Kings would take place in July, although common report said nothing about it. He said he understood the return of the Spanish ambassador was caused by the preparations of the Duke of Guelders, the Catholic King being desirous of support from England. With respect to the empire, he said King Francis would be favoured by the Pope, the Signory, and the Swiss cantons. Enquired whether King Henry would be favourable to the King of France. He replied that King Henry seemed to be content that the empire should fall to King Francis rather than to others; but that he himself was of opinion that France would receive neither favour nor disfavour from England.
	Believed the French ambassador had no sure foundation for his assertions.
	Lambeth, 15th April 1519.
	[Italian, 1 page, or 21 lines.]
April 16. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 305.	1199. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	The Duchess of Urbino had given birth to a daughter (Katharine de' Medici). When with Cardinal de' Medici, said he would not fail to congratulate him on the birth, although it was that of a girl, as were females not to be born, the birth of males would be impossible. The Cardinal laughed at this, and said, “Know that, had he not first procreated a female he would not have been of our family, for our house has always generated the females before the males.”
	Borne, 16th April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 138.	1200. Letter from Zurich, stating that the King of England had sent an ambassador to the Switzers, and Mons. de Tansom (sic) to the Electors.
April 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 138.	[Italian.]
April 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 141.	1201. League between France and England.
	Motion made in the Senate by the sages, for a letter to Sebastian Giustinian, ambassador in England.
	The clause concerning arbitration of the disputes between the Emperor and the Signory having been cancelled, Giustinian and his successor were to ratify the league.
	They were to tell the King and Cardinal Wolsey that the Signory's adherence to the league should be kept secret, on account of the Turk, the Venetian territories being on the borders, and exposed to the first attack.
	The ambassador in France to acquaint King Francis with these instructions given to the ambassador in England.
	Amendment proposed by Zorzi Emo the Procurator, and supported by Marin Sanuto, that the Signory should not interfere, as it would expose them to another war. Replies of Polo Capello, sage of the Council, and of the sage for the mainland, that in November the State wrote to thank the King of England, wherefore it was necessary to make this ratification.
	Remark by Sanuto that the argument was false, but that the ballots were, Ayes, 125; Noes, 47; Neutrals, 7; and that secrecy was very strictly enjoined.
	[Italian.]
April 18. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 306.	1202. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	Had been to the palace on that Jay, but the Pope having taken pills, and being consequently in bed, was unable to see him. Conferred therefore with Cardinal de' Medici, who told him they had received letters from Germany, dated the 1st, to the effect that the affairs of the Catholic King did not seem so prosperous as at first, although the Archbishop of Mayence seemed rather inclined to favour him, which was at variance with the assertions of the French ambassadors at Rome, who considered themselves sure of that prelate. The electors were holding a diet at Uxella (sic), on the dissolution of which they expected to hear with greater certainty who would be elected King of the Romans.
	The Cardinal also said there were letters written by the Admiral of France (Bonnivet) from Lorraine, on the 4th, who, alluding to his former negotiations at Noyon and in London, gave very great hope to King Francis that his present journey would be equally successful. Replied that the French ambassadors anticipated the election of their King, who had already sent 500,000 ducats into Germany. The Cardinal said it was true he was sending 400,000 by messengers express, as he had not the means of remitting bills.
	Rome, 18th April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 23. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 307.	1203. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On the dissolution of the diet of the four electors, namely, the three ecclesiastics and the Count Palatine, had hoped to be able to announce, well nigh with certainty, the- successful candidate for the Imperial crown, but letters in date of the 4th received from Germany merely state that the electors seem rather more inclined towards France than formerly, and that the favour hitherto shown to the Catholic King had much declined. The letters from France represented the election of King Francis as certain, but the French ambassadors in Rome, whom he had seen frequently since the dissolution of the diet, although they said the affairs of their King were proceeding much more favourably than usual, did not say that the result was very certain, but rather dwelt on the decline of the support given to the Catholic King.
	On the 21st of April the Spanish ambassador went to the Pope, accompanied by a Swiss chieftain, who had been in Rome since many days. They presented a letter to him from the Switzers, complaining greatly of his having shown himself so much in favour of the most Christian King, with regard to his election as King of the Romans, and declaring that they would by no means tolerate this, and that the Pope should continue, as at the commencement, to show himself the common father. Mentioned this to the French ambassadors. They said the letter had been bogged by the Spaniards; that it was not written in such strong terms as stated; and that France likewise had friends in Switzerland, endeavouring to prove that the Switzers would not oppose King Francis. The ambassadors either made very fictitious statements, or else deceived themselves, for it was seen by his despatches, and by the copies of letters from Switzerland, that the Switzers openly declared that they would not tolerate the election of the most Christain King as King of the Romans.
	Rome, 23rd April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 25. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 308.	1204. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	On the preceding day had audience of the Pope, who told him that, in. reply to certain communications made by the ambassadors from Hungary, he had recommended them to put forward their King as a candidate for the Imperial crown.
	In reply to his (Minio's) enquiries about news from Germany, the Pope said he knew nothing whatever for certain about the dissolution of the diet, though it was true that the affairs of the most Christian King wore a more favourable aspect than usual, but that the French would endeavour to make the matter certain, and were therefore sending 200,000 ducats into Germany.
	Then the Pope, continuing his discourse, said, “To you we tell the truth; neither the Legate nor my Nuncio write us this. They spoke with the Archbishop of Mayence, who does not seem much inclined towards the most Christian King. Doubtless had they [the French?] gained Brandenburgh, the thing would be certain. They say they have him, and that the marriage is made, but, were this the case, it would be known; these are not things to be done in a corner.” Replied that the French considered the thing certain. The Pope rejoined, “It is true, because they wish it to be so, but from our envoys we have nothing more than what we have told you.”
	Asked whether it was true that the Switzers had written him a letter on the subject. He replied, “It is true they wrote a sturdy letter, but in fair words, wherein, without specifying any one in particular, they say endeavours should be made to elect a German; nor will they by any means have the King of France; neither, according to my belief, would they choose to have Spain.”
	The Pope, moreover, said that he suspected the two Kings would come to blows, and that the Spaniards said so publicly; nay, that they said they would come and conquer Italy, and thus secure the matter for themselves.
	Was informed by the Bishop of St. Malo that they were in good hopes of getting the Duke of Saxony. Unless they deceived themselves, the French would soon have encircled all the electors.
	Rome, 25th April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 25. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. pp. 148, 149.	1205. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Signory.
	Barcelona, 27th March and 7th April.
	Details conversations with the English ambassador (Spinelly), who said Chièvres had shown him letters from Inspruck. written to the Signory, about good neighbourhood, and that the State replied in the same strain.
	Cornaro had also been informed that on the preceding day (6th April) the Catholic King sent one of his stewards, a Fleming, by name El Beton, (fn. 6) to England; and the English ambassador said that King Henry had a good understanding with his Majesty of Spain, and would never allow any sovereign to do him any harm.
	[Italian.]
April 28. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlviii. p. 9, tergo.	1206. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in France.
	The nomination of the Signory by the King of England, in the peace between England and France, ought to be unconditional (semplice), as was the nomination made by his Christian Majesty, which the State ratified by the letters patent, as usual.
	Have desired the ambassador in England, should the nomination be unconditional, to ratify as aforesaid, but if not, to suspend, and write back.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 28. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlviii. p. 10.	1207. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in England.
	As the period within which they were to ratify the nomination of the Signory, in the confederacy between France and England, was approaching, send herewith letters patent accordingly. Should he understand that the King has named the State simply and absolutely, without any condition about referring the Signory's disputes with the late Emperor to judges, as written by him heretofore, he is then, on his successor's arrival, conjointly to present the Signory's ratification to the King. Should he understand that the condition has been inserted about the above-written disputes (of which the Signory cannot be persuaded), he is then to suspend the ratification, giving speedy notice of the fact. If his successor fail to arrive within the eight months assigned to the State, which expire on the 2nd of January next, he (Giustinian) is then to ratify alone, apologizing for the delay, on the plea that his successor, with whom he was to have performed the act, had been compelled by ill health to postpone his departure. To present the ratification with as little display as possible.
	[Italian, 33 lines.]
April 28. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlviii. p. 10.	1208. The Same to the Same.
	After presenting the ratification, to tell the King secretly that they desire to communicate to his Majesty in confidence what on the like subject they had also told the Pope and the King of France, that with regard to the affairs of the Turk, the Signory is as well disposed as ever for the benefit of Christendom, but that it was requisite to proceed cautiously, as were the State to declare herself prematurely, they would incur manifest peril from a powerful and formidable sovereign, though whenever the Signory should see a general expedition on foot, they would not swerve from their ancient policy.
	At liberty to make the like communication, also in secret, to Cardinal Wolsey.
	[Italian, 28 lines.]
April 28. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlviii. p. 11.	1209. The Doge and Senate to Antonio Surian, Venetian Ambassador on his way to England.
	The ratification had been addressed to his predecessor. To speed his journey to the utmost.
	Ayes, 125. Noes, 47. Neutrals, 7.
	[Italian, 12 lines.]
April 28. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 309.	1210. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	The Pope was in great trouble on account of these negotiations. Warm siege was laid to him daily by the French ambassadors, who sought to keep him on their side, and to make him persevere in the course he had commenced; whilst the Spanish ambassadors, who complained of him greatly, urged him at least to abstain from favouring the most Christian. The open demonstrations made by the Pope in favour of France had greatly annoyed Cardinal de' Medici, despite his invariable Gallican tendency.
	Rome, 28th April 1519.
	[Extract, Italian.]
April 29. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 213.	1211. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had received the Signory's missives of 25th March, with curtailed copies of the acts concerning the repeal of the wine duties in Candia, so that they were useless.
	Arrival of a fresh Spanish ambassador, named Bartholomew (Count Tationo), steward of the Catholic King. He came post in eight days, and had complained grievously to King Henry that the most Christian King was attempting to extort the Imperial crown from the electors by violence and tyranny, and making warlike preparation, having on his side the Pope, the Signory, with a considerable force, the Florentines, the Genoese, and the Switzers. The King of England, he said, should beware of allowing the most Christian King to obtain a dignity which would render him irresistible, with much other strong language, which was repeated to the French ambassador, who denied that his King meditated any violence.
	The English lords seemed to lament this contention, and the Marquis (of Dorset) expressed his great regret to the French ambassador, who had informed him (Giustinian) that King Henry had given a favorable reply to King Francis, appearing to be content; but the French ambassador did not believe it. Had received no advice from the State, though everybody said that Venice favoured the King of France, and had made preparations in aid of his undertaking.
	Nothing was said about King Henry's passage to Calais. Had again made enquiries on the subject. Some said they did not know, and others that it depended on King Francis, from whom a special messenger was expected with his decision. No stir of troops or arms in England. Did not know what money was in circulation, but fancied England was intent on economizing.
	The Venetian galleys set sail on 19th April. As strong breezes (bite) (fn. 7) Lad since prevailed, it was supposed they would Lave already crossed the Bay of Biscay and entered the Mediterranean. They had shipped as much as possible.
	Had not chosen to ask Cardinal Wolsey for a copy of the articles of the league, as it would have implied adherence thereto on behalf of the Signory. Was shortly, however, to receive a transcript of them, after they Lad been collated with the originals, from Cardinal Campeggio, and would transmit it forthwith. Was sorry the Signory had never sent the slightest word of thanks to Campeggio for his many good offices.
	[No date of place] 29th April 1519.
	[Italian, 3 pages, or 63 lines.]