BHO

Venice: May 1583

Pages 55-57

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 8, 1581-1591. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

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Citation:

May 1583

May 3. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 131. Giovanni Francesco Moresini, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassador of the Queen of England, in spite of all the opposition offered to him by the French Ambassador, has this morning kissed the Sultan's hands. His suite consisted of over eight Chiaus. He has had the usual banquet and the same provision as the French Ambassador. He has presented his Majesty with a most beautiful watch set with jewels and pearls, ten pairs of shoes (stivieri) two pretty lap dogs, twelve lengths, of Royal cloth, two lengths of white linen (tela di Renso), and thirteen pieces of silver gilt. He has been well received by his Majesty, who is flattered that such a powerful Queen should have sent from four thousand miles away to tell him that she is all for him (che una Regina potentissima habbia mandato lontano quattro mille miglia a dire che è tutta sua) and desires his friendship. He considers also that she is a very fit instrument to damage the Christians, towards whom in her letters she shows an open ill-will. That you may understand her tone and her method, I enclose a copy of a letter she wrote to Mehemet Pasha, third vizir, which came into my possession through the man to whom the Pasha gave it to be translated into Turkish. At the moment of closing this, the letter which the English Ambassador has presented to the Sultan has just been brought to my house. I have had a copy made, and enclose it.
Dalle Vigne di Pera, 3rd May 1583.
[Italian; deciphered.]
Enclosed in Despatch of May 3. 132. Letter from Elizabeth to the Sultan Murad.
Recalls the treaty of 1580 and the privileges of free traffic then acquired.
On her side confirms the treaty, and promises, on her royal word, to maintain the same in such a way that his Majesty shall never have cause to regret his liberality. That these privileges may become actual, Elizabeth sends William Harebroune (Harborn), one of her body guard, a man adorned with many virtues, to render thanks to his Majesty and to establish the working of the privileges.
Begs his Majesty to order his officials to assist Harborn in every legitimate way.
Begs his Majesty to admit Mustaffa, who has contributed to the treaty, into the order of Court Sergeants (in Mustafaracarum ordinem recipere).
Given at our Castle of Windsor. 15th of November, in the year of our Saviour 1582, the 24th year of our reign.
[Latin.]
Enclosed in Despatch of May 3. 133. Letter from Elizabeth to Mehemet Pasha.
Alludes to the privileges of free traffic recently conceded to the English, which put them on a level with the French, the Poles, the Venetians, Germans, and all other allies of the Turks.
Commends her agent, William Harbrozone (Harborn), and begs for him support and favour.
Given at our Castle of Windsor, 15th November 1582, the 24th year of our reign.
[Latin.]
May 13. Orginal Despatch, Venetian Archives. 134. Giovanni Moro, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate
The Queen of England is said to have helped the Archbishop of Cologne with money: and the levies made by Casimir are supposed to be paid by her.
Paris, 13th May 1583.
[Italian.]
May 14. Original Minute, Venetian Archives. Deliberations of the Senate, Constantinople, Reg. VI. 135. To the Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople.
As regards the arrival of that English ship, and the operation of the French Ambassador to disturb the negotiations: in view of the damage to us which English trade in those parts would produce, we charge you, as we charged your predecessor to co-operate with the French Ambassador in upsetting the negotiations. The English ships on their return journey usually commit acts of piracy
[Italian.]
May 27. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 136. Giovanni Moro, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
Don Antonio after embarking his troops came here incognito last week to procure fresh aid; but his efforts are not likely to be fruitful for money is so scarce at Court.
Paris, 27th May 1583.
[Italian.]
May 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. 137. Giovanni Francesco Moresini, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople to the Doge and Senate.
I enclose a copy of the letter which the Sultan has written to the Queen of England in reply to hers.
Dalle Vigne di Pera, 28th May 1583.
[Italian; deciphered.]
Enclosed in Despatch of May 28. 138. Copy of a translation of the letter from the Grand Signior to the Queen of England.
Mentions the arrival of the English Ambassador.
Orders given to all Turkish officers that English merchants are to be protected.
The English Ambassador will be treated as the French Ambassador is treated.
The Queen of England must see that her subjects in Turkey make no disturbances.
[Italian.]