Venice: February 1525 | British History Online

Pages 400-410

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

Citation:

February 1525



Feb. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 395.	918. Antonio Surian, Podestà of Brescia, to—.
	Today I conferred with the agent of the King of England, and captain of 300 horse. Gregorio da Cassal, who performed the journey [from England] in nine days. (fn. 1) He brought a commission for Pace to go and reside at Venice, and in short exert himself that the Signory might fulfil the promises made to the League, viz., to send troops, &c. He is also the bearer of an order for the expenditure in favour of the undertaking, of 50,000 ducats, which the King of England has in Italy in the hands of the Bishop of Bath, his ambassador at Rome; and as Pace had pledged himself to subsidize lansquenets, &c., and to disburse on that account a certain amount of money, Cassal says he has brought bills of exchange to redeem this pledge; so that in short, besides all other liability and cost, the King of England is now expending 50,000 ducats. This, however, I do not believe, and consider all these statements to be frauds devised for the sake of compelling the Signory to side with the Imperialists. I have also heard from Cassal that the Bailli of Rouen has arrived in England as ambassador from the King of France. The Genoese, Dom. Giovanni Gioachino, has also for many days been residing, although secretly, in England on behalf of the King of France.
	Cassalys moreover said there were now ambassadors in England from the King of Scotland to arrange the peace, one of whom was gone back to Scotland to receive orders for including the King of France in this peace. About this there was some difficulty, and possibly the new ambassador from France was come to arrange matters.
	Brescia, 2nd February, at the fifth hour of the night. Registered by Sanuto on the 4th.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 400.	919. Marc' Antonio Venier, Ambassador with the Duke of Milan, to-.
	Sir Gregory Cassalys arrived in the past night. He quitted England on the 18th of January, and brings letters from Cardinal Wolsey to the Duke of Milan, such as the Duke wished, for the English ambassador Pace is going post to the Signory. Report at Cremona that the Duke of Albany was still in the territory of Sienna.
	Cremona, 3rd February. Registered by Sanuto on the 5th.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 6. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 323, St. Mark's Library.	920. Gasparo Contarini to the Council of Ten.
	Was told yesterday by the Florentine ambassador that the Emperor, when discussing current events with some of his gentlemen, expressed himself as follows:—
	“I am expecting bad news both from Milan and from Naples; but I care not the least in the world (ma non ne facio un conto al mondo). I shall go into Italy, and thus have a fairer opportunity for obtaining my own, and taking my revenge on those who may have wronged me, most especially on that poltroon the Pope. Some day or other, perhaps, Martin Luther will become a man of worth.”
	I deem this language worthy of much consideration, above all as coming from the lips of the Emperor, who is very reserved in speech; but in my opinion the whole proceeds from the talk and fancy of the Chancellor, who often discourses unreasonably.
	Madrid, 6th February 1525.
	[Italian, ½ page.]
Feb. 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 406.	921. Francesco da Cà da Pesaro, Podestà, and Nicolò Venier, Captain of Padua, to the Signory.
	The Reverend Pace arrived here at the house of his King's nephew [Reginald Pole]. He is on his way to Venice as English ambassador to the Signory. He departed this morning.
	Padua, 6th February (evening). Registered by Sanuto on the 7th.
	Note by Sanuto.—Orders were given to send 20 noblemen to meet him at Fusina, and to prepare his lodging at S. Georgio Maggiore.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 7. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 324, St. Mark's Library.	922. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	Mons. de Beaurain arrived at Madrid from England on the 1st, with letters dated the 3rd of December, on which day he quitted the English Court. He brings word to the Emperor that the King of England says he has no obligation whatever to aid the war in Italy, nor will he interfere in that undertaking. With regard to waging war on France, he is always ready to invade that country provided a brisk attack be made from Spain, but he will not stir until he first see them in reality make war from the Spanish frontier.
	Mons. de Beaurain represented to the King of England that the Emperor was willing that any conquests made in Italy in any direction—even of places belonging to himself, and although moreover obtained by his own troops,—should appertain to the King of England provided he make war on France and lend the Emperor 200,000 ducats, the Duke of Bourbon offering to contribute 50,000 of his own; which proposal the King of England rejected.
	Three periods have passed without any return of the Emperor's quartan ague; so it is hoped that by observing a good regimen, and as the spring is now at hand, he may be thoroughly cured.
	Madrid, 7th February 1525.
	[Italian, 4 pages.]
Feb. 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 409.	923. Richard Pace in Venice.
	Today the Rev. Richard Pace, English ambassador, who was in this town heretofore, and comes now from the Archduke, arrived at Venice by way of Padua. Some noblemen were sent as far as Fusina to meet him. His lodging was prepared at S. Georgio Maggiore, in the Signory's house, and his expenses were defrayed on the first evening.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 8. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 412.	924. Richard Pace, Ambassador in Venice.
	Today the English ambassador, the Rev. Richard Pace, came into the College. He came from Trent by way of Padua to visit the nephew of his King, who is studying there. Pace has had fresh credentials from his King again to reside as ambassador with the Signory, he having been here in that capacity when the league with the Emperor was concluded. He was dressed in a long gown of black satin lined with sables, and accompanied by Andrea Badoer, knight, Gabriel Moro knight, and some doctors and other noblemen in scarlet.
	When he entered the College the Doge met him at the foot of the platform, caressing him. When seated he presented the letter of his King and uttered a few unimportant phrases.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 415.	925. Pace's Negotiations.
	Today the English ambassador Pace came into the College, repeating what he said yesterday, and assuring the Signory that his King bore the Emperor love and good will, would aid the undertaking and the Duke of Milan against the French, and had desired that the 50,000 ducats at Florence should be sent into the Imperial camp; so the Signory likewise ought not to fail, &c. The Doge gave him words for words.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. pp. 433, 434.	926. Marco Foscari to the Signory.
	The Duke of Albany is at Monte Rosolo, 20 miles from Rome, and is coming to kiss the Pope's feet.
	The Pope told me that perceiving the Imperialists to be prosperous, and in possession of 200,000 ducats; it being also said that the King of England would invade France, so that the King of France must renounce the Italian expedition; he wished to make a triple league between himself, the Signory, and the Florentines, so as at any rate to have the advantage (per potersi prevaler.)
	The Lord Albert of Carpi told me it would be well for the Signory to send money to Rome for the despatch of the French troops on their march to the kingdom of Naples; that is to say, that the State should accommodate the King of France with 20,000 crowns.
	Rome, 10th February. Registered by Sanuto on the 13th.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 10. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 436.	927. Francesco di Gonzaga to—.
	The English ambassador has received an order from England to pay 50,000 ducats to the Imperialists on demand, and it seems there are strong letters concerning the ill will of the King of England to France.
	Rome, 10th February. Registered by Sanuto on the 18th.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 10. ganuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. pp. 511, 512.	928. Vincenzo Guidoto, Venetian Secretary in Hungary, to the State.
	The Bohemians agree to obey the Roman Church. They have mustered from 60,000 to 70,000 men for the recovery of certain castles seized by the Duke of Saxony and others, to which effect they are instigated by the Papists (Pontificii), not so much for that purpose, as to have an opportunity for making them march against the Lutherans.
	Buda, 10th February. Registered by Sanuto, 27th February.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 425.	929. Pace's Negotiations.
	Today the English ambassador Pace came into the College. He urged the junction of the armies, and requested the Signory not to infringe the articles stipulated through his mediation with the Emperor, assuring the State that such was the wish of his King, with other words on this subject. The Doge answered in general terms, and said it was not time to make any stir, until it should be seen what course the armies would take, as they were so near to each other.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. pp. 426–428.	930. Report of Antonio Romanello, who has been in the Spanish Camp.
	On Friday the 50,000 ducats sent by the King of England arrived, and they gave half a rate of pay to the lansquenets.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 14. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 436.	931. Pace's Negotiations.
	Today the College gave audience to the four ambassadors, namely, Don Alfonso Sanchez (Caracciolo being indisposed), Pace the English ambassador, and the two from Milan [Taberna and Bilio]. The Imperialists made a long speech, urging the junction of the troops, that is to say, to march them at least to the banks of the Adda, as the allies would certainly be victorious, &c. Pace followed in the like sense, saying his King is the maintainer of this league, which therefore ought to be observed, and persuading the Signory to effect this junction. The ambassadors also presented a writing, requesting it might be read in the Senate. The Doge replied.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 442.	932. Pace's Negotiations.
	This morning the English ambassador came into the College, and exhibited letters from his King written to the English ambassador at Rome (who forwarded them to Pace), desiring him to assure the Pope that the King bore the Emperor good will, the peace and league between them being such as they always were, and that he will not swerve from this friendship, and means to be against France.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 444.	933. Richard Pace.
	Motion made in the Senate by the counsellors, chiefs of the 40, and the sages, to pay the duty on ten kilderkins (anfore) of wine for the English ambassador.
	Ayes, lie. Noes, 25. Neutrals, 4.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 15. Senato Terra, v. xxxiii. p. 160.	934. Import Permit for Pace.
	As it is fitting to do by the Rev. Richard Pace, ambassador of the King of England, who has returned to this city, as is customary with regard to other ambassadors,—Put to the ballot that he be allowed to bring into Venice for the use of his household 10 kilderkins of wine duty free, the duty to be placed to the account of the Signory.
	Ayes, 146. Noes, 25. Neutrals, 4.
	[Italian, 7 lines.]
Feb. 16. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. 1. p. 117.	935. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador at Rome. (fn. 2)
	On the 9th instant acquainted him with the arrival at Venice of the Reverend Richard Pace, and of his statement in the name of the King of England and of Cardinal Wolsey, together with the Signory's reply.
	Although aware the Pope is intent on putting an end to the war, yet no means should be left untried to bring about peace. Desire him (the ambassador) to remind the Pope of the state of affairs in Lombardy. The Imperialists are more determined than ever on persevering in the war, especially being encouraged by the King of England through the mission of Sir Gregory Casal; and it should be remembered that although the most Christian King is stronger than the Imperialists, and has heart to persevere, yet is it no longer the depth of winter, which prevented him from being attacked by England, and in the spring such accidents might befall France through the Emperor, the King of England, and Flanders, as to compel his most Christian Majesty to renounce the attack on the duchy of Milan, and attend to what matters more to him; in which case his Holiness will comprehend the perilous condition in which he and we should find ourselves. Request him to take such steps betimes as are necessary for putting an end to the war, and above all for the safety of the mutual territories.
	Have received the packet of letters sent by him on the 10th for delivery to Sir Gregory Casal. As he (the ambassador) mentions that the Pope, believing Casal to be coming in the name of the King of England to deliver a protest to the Signory, has written to his Majesty, persuading him not to molest the State, return thanks therefor to his Holiness. Having understood from the Rev. Richard Pace that on the 6th Sir Gregory Casal quitted the Imperial camp on his way to the Pope, without coming to Venice, retain the packet until assured of his arrival at Rome, when they will immediately return it.
	Yesterday morning the ambassadors from the Emperor, from England, and from Milan had audience of us. The Imperialist most strongly urged the junction of our forces, as did the Rev. Richard Pace, declaring that on us depended the immediate release of the Milanese. In reply recapitulated the causes which compel the State to delay.
	[Italian, 82 lines.]
Feb. 16. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 508.	936. Carlo Contarini, Venetian Ambassador with Archduke Ferdinand, to the State.
	His Highness is still molested in the duchy of Wurtemberg, and has sent thither one of the Dukes of Bavaria. The affairs of the Lutherans prosper more than ever, and since the agreement between the Pope and the most Christian King, the Archduke is held in small account.
	Inspruck, 16th February. Registered by Sanuto on the 26th.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 17. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, File no. 5.	937. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador in Rome.
	Perceive by his letter of the 5th what the Pope said to him about sending to make a levy of Switzers, wishing the Signory to defray one-third of the cost, requesting a reply, &c. To tell his Holiness that for defence of the mutual territories they are willing to pay one-third of the stipend required for 10,000 Switzers, the other two-thirds to be paid by the Pope and the Florentines. But as this Swiss reinforcement may arrive later than the need requires, considering that the Imperialists are more than ever determined to continue the war, being encouraged by the King of England, and as contrary to the expectation of the State the most Christian King may be compelled to renounce the present undertaking by reason of an attack on France, the Pope may imagine his own perilous situation and that of the Signory. Approve, therefore, highly of the proposal made to his Holiness by the Cardinals in consistory about raising troops, most especially perceiving that the envoys and offers of peace could effect nothing. Are of opinion that it would be very desirable for the Pope to increase his forces speedily, and to make the Florentines do the like. The allied armies of the Pope, the Signory, and the Florentines, if mustered immediately in a suitable position, would cause his Holiness's authority to be more speedily acknowledged and feared.
	In his letter of the 10th he enclosed a packet for Sir Gregory Casal. Is to return becoming thanks to his Holiness for the paternal office which he performs constantly for them on every occasion, and to let him know that they have adroitly elicited from the Rev. Richard Pace that Sir Gregory Casal quitted the Imperial camp on the 6th on his way to his Holiness, and is no longer coming to Venice; so they detain the packet until certified of his arrival at Rome, when they will immediately forward it to him.
	The ambassadors from the Emperor, England, and Milan had audience lately of the Signory; and first of all the Imperialist urged them very strongly to effect the junction of their forces, the English ambassador declaring in like manner that on them depended the immediate delivery of the Milanese. In reply repeated the causes frequently adduced by them for delay.
	Ayes, 131. Noes, 35. Neutrals, 17.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 20. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 508.	938. Carlo Contarini to the State.
	Very great disturbance in Germany. The Duke of Saxony is in the field with many of the free towns, and intends to attack the Dukes of Bavaria and the Cardinal of Salzburg, both of whom have already commenced raising troops. All this proceeds from Martin Luther, because it seems that the Cardinal said the Duke of Saxony was a heretic, as also did the Dukes of Bavaria; so that some stir will be witnessed.
	Inspruck, 20th February. Registered by Sanuto, 27th February.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 24. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 328, St. Mark's Library.	939. Gasparo Contarini to the Signory.
	On the preceding day had an interview with the English ambassador [Sampson]. Heard from him that his letters from England were dated the 3rd instant.
	He said that the Chancellor of the Duke of Alençon had arrived at Calais on a mission from the King of France to the King of England, at whose court there were three Scottish ambassadors.
	In the course of conversation gathered from Sampson that so long ago as when the King of France came into Italy [October 1524], he, by means of Gioachino [Passano], gave hope sof good terms and conditions to the King of England, but after making peace with the Pope [4th January 1525] he changed his tone. Sampson said that therefore should France, after obtaining the Milanese, condescend to a fair arrangement, he trusted there would be peace; but if the King soar aloft on the strength of the friendship contracted with the Italian powers, Sampson then anticipated that there would assuredly be a greater war than ever, and that the King of England would wage it, not slackly as hitherto, but in earnest, as due.
	The Chancellor told him they had good words from England, and that Wolsey exhorts them to fight a battle, promising, if they win, to give them money for the invasion of France, and that if they lose the sum shall be disbursed for the recruitment of the army.
	The Florentine ambassador showed him letters from the Papal Nuncio in England, telling him that the King is sending Pace to Rome and to Venice, to urge the junction of the Signory's army with that of the Emperor.
	Madrid, 24th February 1525.
	[Italian, 4 pages.]
Feb. 25. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxii. p. 495.	940. Battle of Pavia.
	This morning, Saturday, the College having adjourned, and the Doge dining, a post arrived with letters from the Proveditor General, Piero da Cà da Pesaro, dated yesterday at the —hour. On their perusal by the Doge it was known that yesterday the 24th the clay of St. Matthew the Apostle, the armies gave battle, and the French were routed; they were still fighting. This intelligence was contained in a letter from the Imperial camp, written by Paulo da Bologna, on the 24th, at the — hour. Subsequently another letter arrived from the Proveditor General, dated the 24th hour. Paulo da Bologna was there at Brescia, having quitted the camp on that morning. He says the French army is routed, the King a prisoner and wounded; some say he is dead. The Admiral [Bonnivet] also has been killed.
	The Doge sent immediately to notify this news to the Imperial, English, and Milanese ambassadors, who rejoiced and thanked his Serenity.
	Note by Sanuto, that all five of the ambassadors, with very great joy and gladness, met together with a numerous company of their attendants, and of the Milanese emigrants, and went to the “Madonna de' Miracoli,” to have a very grand “Te Deum” sung, with vocal and instrumental music, the vesper service being also performed in great state.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 25. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. p. 499.	941. Reginald Pole.
	This evening at Cà Dandolo, rented by the Paduans in Calle delle “Rasse,” on the upper floor, the rehearsal took place of a comedy, composed by the Neapolitan Terene (fn. 3) (who dwells at Sta. Marina) for the company of the “Valorosi” The president (signor) of the entertainment was Agostin Foscari. The performance is announced for Carnival Monday, the 27th. Many old men of note were invited [to the rehearsal], and the Papal Legate was there in disguise; the ambassador from Mantua, a cousin (sic) of the King of England, who is staying at Padua [Reginald Pole], and some aged noblemen, but not many, among whom was I, Marin Sanuto. It was a very beautiful comedy, with interludes in verse and music, so that everybody praised it. The rehearsal ended at the seventh hour of the night. Among other things the actors were magnificently clad in brocade and silk, and the scene was admirably arranged, as likewise the hall; and in lieu of reservoirs (ruose) (fn. 4) there were 42 silver basins and ewers.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 26. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxvii. pp. 501, 502.	942. Battle of Pavia.
	Today the five ambassadors had audience of the College, videlicet, the Imperialists, the Prothonotary Caracciolo and Sanchez, each with a doublet of cloth of gold beneath, and a chain round his neck, the English ambassador Pace, and the two ambassadors from the Duke of Milan, Taberna and the Cavalier Bilio. They were joyful and in good spirits, and came with a very numerous retinue of Milanese, resident in Venice, of Genoese of their Adorno faction, and of Spaniards; they numbered about 100. Sanchez said, “You are timid ! but we have nevertheless conquered.” At length on being seated, Caracciolo spoke sagely and suitably, rejoicing at the victory and at the capture of the King of France, which would give peace and quiet to Italy. He said that in like manner as the Emperor, now 24 years old, was born on St. Matthew's Day, that day being one of great ceremony in Spain and throughout his realms, so on that same day had the Almighty given him so great a victory. Caracciolo added that they could have wished that the Signory's forces had been united with the Imperialists, making other sage remarks. The Doge replied that, immediately on hearing the news, the Signory gave notice of it to each of them, and now congratulated them; and with regard to the Venetian forces not having joined, there was good reason for this, as being so near the French, the Imperialists were liable to defeat, in which case those who remained, with the Republic's army, might have served as a reinforcement for the defence of the common territories, and also to guarantee the Signory, who has but this State, and if not guarded, the French might easily have turned their thoughts towards it. The Doge then thanked God for so good a result, which the Signory felt certain would give peace to Italy; and gave assurance of the observance borne by the Republic to the Emperor, the King of England, and the Duke of Milan. His speech was commended by the College.
	On their departure the ambassadors asked for some gunpowder with which to make discharges of artillery, and for pitch to make torches with, as during three evenings they mean to have great rejoicings at their dwellings, videlicet, the Imperialists at Cà Zorzi at S. Severo, the English ambassador at S. Georgio Maggiore, and the Milanese at Sta. Giustina in Cà Pasqualigo. A ballot was made accordingly in the College to accommodate them with what they required for this purpose from the Arsenal; so this evening they made rejoicings, firing cannon, illuminating, &c.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 26. Original Letter Book, Letter no. 331, St. Mark's Library.	943. Gasparo Contarini to the Council of Ten.
	Repeats the account of his conversation with Richard Sampson. The ministers of Charles V. now promise themselves more from the King of England than they did during the last few months.
	The Emperor is completely freed from his quartan ague.
	At Madrid all supplies, whether of men or money, are utterly dormant, and the whole hope of the ministry is that a battle may be fought in Italy.
	Madrid, 26th February 1525.
	[Italian, 2½ pages.]
Feb. 26. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. pp. 28, 29.	944. Carlo Contarini to the State.
	The stir in Germany between the Duke of Saxony and the Cardinal of Salzburg and the Duke of Bavaria is greater than ever. The cause proceeds from the affairs of Martin Luther, because when the Diet was held last year at Nuremberg, the Duke of Bavaria and the Cardinal of Salzburg being invited thither, the Cardinal would not go, saying that he would not be present where heretics were defended and favoured, alluding to the Duke of Saxony. The Duke of Bavaria, on the other hand, went to Nuremberg, and finding himself at a grand banquet given in honour of the Duke of Saxony, meats were brought to table, although it was Friday. The Duke of Bavaria rose, and would not eat, saying publicly that such proceedings were too heretical. Hence arose this enmity. But, what is worse, the subjects of many princes and lords in Germany have rebelled, and will no longer obey or pay them their usual taxes, Saxony favouring them at the instigation of Martin Luther, so that his sect is now in the field 25,000 strong, and they have raised a banner on which is written, “Defensores Libertatis et Evangelicæ Scripturæ,” the greater part of these people being [natives] of the free towns, according to report.
	However unreasonable these things may appear, has not chosen to omit mentioning them, that the Signory may know the cause of this stir.
	Inspruck, 26th February. Registered by Sanuto, 5th March.
	[Italian.]
Feb. 27. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxxviii. p. 10.	945. Marco Foscari to the Signory.
	In the past night the Pope received letters from the Cardinal Legate Salviati, dated Piacenza, announcing the rout of the French camp and the capture of the most Christian King.
	The English ambassador has been to the Pope to tell him that his King will never suffer the Emperor to seize more territory in Italy, and that he is of opinion the Duke of Milan should retain his duchy.
	Rome, 27th February. Registered by Sanuto, 1st March.
	[Italian.]