Venice: May 1599 | British History Online

Pages 368-369

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 9, 1592-1603. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1897.

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Citation:

May 1599



May 7. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	795. Francesco Soranzo, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	There is news which has caused the greatest satisfaction, namely, that the ships which were sighted off the coast of Galicia, and were supposed to be English, were really French, making for Setubal for salt. On their arrival the inhabitants fled; and as the place is plague-stricken, anyone would easily have captured it. The Dutch fleet is said to be out, and may form a junction with the English. But here they do not seem alarmed, for they feel sure that no attack will be made from that quarter this year.
	Valentia, 7th May 1599.
	[Italian.]
May 15. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	796. Francesco Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France,. to the Doge and Senate.
	The French Ambassador resident in England has written to say that he is certain the Queen is desirous of peace with Spain, and that it may be brought about on the return of the Archduke Albert, for the difficulties to fee resolved are few.
	This same opinion obtains in Flanders; and the Dutch themselves believe it, although they affirm that the Queen will never cease to help them, and perhaps even more readily than in time of war, which demands so much money, the only thing they require; all else they have in abundance.
	Paris, 15th May 1599.
	[Italian.]
May 29. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	797. Francesco Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The fleet of the Earl of Essex encountered a storm on its way to Ireland, and one ship with about three hundred men on board went down. On the arrival of the expedition several Irish chiefs entered into treaty to return to their allegiance.
	Three Genoese have been captured while secretly taking soundings, in English harbours. They have confessed who sent them. One of them tried to forestal his execution by stabbing himself, but was restrained.
	I have visited the English Ambassador. He says his mistress gave him special orders to cultivate friendly relations with your Serenity's Ambassador. He has been to Fontainebleau for his first audience.
	Paris, 29th May 1599.
	[Italian.]