Venice: August 1517 | British History Online

Pages 410-418

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:

August 1517



Aug. 1. Mantuan Archives.	942. Francesco Chieregato to the Marquis of Mantua.
	Within two clays will perform the office desired by the Marquis, with the King, Cardinal Wolsey, and the Duke of Suffolk.
	The Queen has lately been very unwell, but, by the grace of God, is convalescent, and supposed to be pregnant. Prays for this blessing, and above all that she may have a son, as so much desired by the kingdom. The Queen of France (Mary) is here at the Court with her consort, expecting her delivery hourly.
	The Catholic King is on the island of Zealand, where his fleet lies; has embarked everything for his passage to Spain, and is merely awaiting a fair wind.
	The King of England is now on the eve of departure with the whole Court for the country, where he will remain all the summer, most especially because a disease is broken out here, causing death within six hours. They call it the sweating sickness. An immense number die of it.
	All the disputes between England and France and Scotland have been already adjusted, so that nothing is talked of but eternal peace.
	London, 1st August 1517.
	[Original, Italian.]
Aug. 2. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 459.	943. Giovanni Badoer, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Dieppe, 22nd July.
	The King was at Rouen. The Duke of Albany at Dieppe, where he (Badoer) had visited him. The Duke would not follow the King, but was returning to Scotland, five ships for his convoy being in the port of Dieppe, from fear of certain English vessels in those seas.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 6. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 141.	944. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	General report that the Catholic King was in Zealand, and intended to embark [for Spain] with the first fair wind. Allusion to the invasion of Friesland by the Duke of Guelders, and to the cruelties committed there.
	Had attended on the King, to speak with him about Cardinal Adrian. The King had removed with only a few attendants to a distant and unusual residence, in consequence of this new malady (the sweating sickness). This disease made very rapid progress, and proved fatal within 24 hours at the most; many were carried off in four or five hours. Patients experienced a profuse sweat, which dissolved the frame. If the attack lasted more than 24 hours, all danger was at an end. His (Giustinian's) secretary had caught the disease, but was recovered; and most of the members of his household were suffering from it. Yery few strangers had died, but an immense number of the natives.
	Was admitted to the King's presence, as he pretended to have matters of great importance to communicate. Could not have obtained admittance otherwise, as great part of the court was ill of the plague. Presented the letters from the Signory and Cardinal Adrian. Had extracted Cardinal Adrian's letter from the packet addressed by him to Cardinal Wolsey, in accordance with the letters received by the nuncio (Chieregato); for otherwise Cardinal Wolsey would never have delivered it to the King. The King said he was perfectly acquainted with the affair through the briefs of the Pope, who had assured him that Adrian was conscious of the charges brought against him, and that he intended to deprive him of his cardinalate and benefices. Alluded to the absolution, and to the fine of 12,500 ducats levied upon him; and stated that he had quitted Rome merely because of the departure of the Cardinal of Volterra (Soderini), not choosing to endanger his life by placing himself in the hands of slanderers. The King rejoined, “I understand this matter better than you Venetians,” blaming Cardinal Adrian, and evincing towards him the worst possible will. Believed this was owing solely to Cardinal Wolsey, who had already got possession of the see of Bath, and taken the administration out of the hands of the Bishop of Winchester.
	Had also attended on Cardinal Wolsey, to present to him the letters from the Signory and Cardinal Adrian, but found him ill of the sweating sickness. Many of his household had died of the sweat, including some of his chief attendants.
	His (Giustinian's) son had gone to the Bishop of Winchester, and found that he also had taken the sweat. He obtained admission after waiting two days, and presented the letters from the Signory and Cardinal Adrian. The Bishop said the matter was desperate, as they had to deal with Wolsey, who was not Cardinal, but King, and that no one in the realm durst attempt anything prejudicial to his interests; that he (the Bishop) had resigned the administration of the see [of Bath] to him, and that the officials had been changed. The Bishop further stated that there were two Papal briefs concerning this affair. One of them very much aggravated the charges against Cardinal Adrian, and urged the gift of the church of Bath to Cardinal Wolsey. By the other, which was of a more recent date, the Pope seemed to be somewhat softened, and delayed the execution of the former one. This second brief, however, could not be found, but the Signory would comprehend by whose means it had been secreted. The secretary of the Bishop of Winchester vouched for its existence. The Bishop was of opinion that the only hope was in an appeal to the Pope, who was usually merciful. The Bishop of Winchester had written a letter to Chieregato in conformity with the foregoing statement.
	The State should consider whether it would be advisable to risk offending Cardinal Wolsey, on whom all Venetian business in England depended.
	London, 6th August 1517.
	[Italian, 4¼ pages or 107 lines.]
Aug. 6. Mantuan Archives.	945. Francesco Chieregato to Bortolomeo, Chief Secretary of the Marquis of Mantua.
	Account of the sweating sickness. To some it proved fatal in 12 hours, to others in six, to others in four hours. It was an easy death. Most patients were seized with the disease in a recumbent position, but some even standing, and some walking; some very few persons having taken the disease on horseback. The sweat lasted 24 hours, more or less. During the fit it was fatal to take any cold beverage, or to allow any air to penetrate the garments or bed clothes in which the patient commenced perspiring. It was necessary to have rather more covering than usual, though even in this great caution was needed, as some had been suffocated by a more than requisite amount of covering. The bedchamber should have a moderate fire, so as not to heat the room, but to keep it at a tepid temperature; the arms should be crossed on the patient's breast, and great care be taken lest the least air reach the arm-pits. To neglect these precautions insured immediate death.
	The disease was not new to England; it appeared in 1486, and returned in 1504. At the present time it was reported that in Oxford (which, were it not for the university, might be called a small town) upwards of 400 students had died in less than a week. The disease was increasing, and already circulated throughout the kingdom, the dead being borne to their graves in every direction. Many of the Royal household had perished, and several of the household of the Cardinal. The King and Queen were gone with a few attendants to healthier places. The Cardinal was in the country, where, according to report, he, together with his chief attendants, were sweating.
	Such was the universal dread of the disease, that very few were those who did not fear for their lives, whilst some were so terrified by it that they suffered more from fear than others did from the sweat itself. Italy had her sufferings, and England hers.
	Announces the intended voyage of the King of Spain, and the atrocities committed by the Duke of Guelders.
	London, 6th August 1517.
	[Latin, 3 pages.]
Aug. 7. Senato Mar, v. xix. p. 25.	946. London Factory.
	Decree of the Senate for the appointment of two proveditors for the London factory, on the same terms and conditions as assigned to the two last proveditors, Francesco Zane and Polo de' Priuli.
	Ayes, 148.
	[Italian, 10 lines.]
Aug. 7. Senato Mar, v. xix. p. 25.	947. Flanders Voyage.
	Decree of the Senate for the despatch of the Flanders galleys.
	The master of the flag-galley to muster and pay his crew on Sunday, the 9th August, or on the morrow; the master of the second galley to do the like on Wednesday, the 12th of August; and the master of the third galley on Sunday, the 16th: under penalty to each of them of 1,000 ducats.
	The captain to be confined to his galley on the 12th of August, and depart on the 14th; one of his consorts following on the 16th, and the other four days afterwards.
	Ayes, 150. Noes, 8. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 15 lines.]
Aug. 8. Misti Consiglio X., v. xli. p. 77.	948. Cardinal of Gurk.
	Reply dictated to the Doge by the Council of Ten, for delivery to Francesco de Col, envoy from the Cardinal of Gurk (Matthew Lang).
	To entreat the Cardinal, both for love of the Signory, and for the advantage of the Emperor and of all Christendom, endangered by the great victories of the Turk, (fn. 1) to do his utmost both with the Emperor and with France and England in favour of peace.
	[Italian, 46 lines.]
Aug 11. Senato Mar, v. xix. p. 25.	949. London Factory.
	Appointment by the Senate of Jacopo Duodo and Cyprian Malipiero to be proveditors for the London factory.
	[Italian, 3 lines.]
Aug. 12. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 142.	950. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Ho had been unable to proceed further in the matter of Cardinal Adrian, both himself and his son having had the sweating sickness. Cardinal Wolsey had likewise suffered the disease three times in a few days; many of his attendants had died, and most especially his gentlemen.
	Immediately on the Cardinal's recovery, and on obtaining audience, would do as desired, though he believed the business to be desperate, and calculated rather to provoke Wolsey to some act of indignation against the State, instead of benefiting Cardinal Adrian.
	In London “omnes silent” nor was there any other news to communicate, save that for many days and months the departure of the Catholic King had been expected, and he was then merely awaiting a fair wind for his voyage from Zealand to Spain.
	London, 12th August 1517.
	[Italian, ¾ page, or 19 lines.]
Aug. 15. Original Letter Boo, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 143.	951. The Same to the Same.
	On the 14th August 15,000l. sterling were sent to the Catholic King, probably to defray the expenses of his voyage [to Spain].
	His (Giustinian's) secretary, having been sent to Cardinal Wolsey to appoint an audience, was summoned to the presence of the Cardinal, who most bitterly complained against the Signory and him (Giustinian). “Your master,” he said, “has had the daring to give letters, and to canvass against me, at the request of a rebel against his Holiness! Nor can I but complain of the Signory for taking such a delinquent under her protection.” After continuing a long while in a state of great mental excitement, he again burst forth thus,—“I charge your ambassador and you not to write anything out of the kingdom without my consent, under pain of the King's indignation and the heaviest penalties.” His rage was such, that he gnawed with his teeth a rod he held in his hand. In reply to the secretary's apologies the only words uttered by the Cardinal were, “Probatio amoris est exhibitio operis.”
	Next morning went in person at a very early hour to speak with the Cardinal, who had not yet risen. After waiting upwards of three hours was dismissed with a message from the Cardinal, purporting that he was still in bed, somewhat indisposed. Thereupon proceeded to the Bishop of Durham (whom he believed to be the Cardinal's confidant in all things), made explanations, and requested his good offices, of which the Bishop assured him. The Bishop accepted the apologies, but appeared to be utterly ignorant of the Cardinal's indignation. He promised to obtain audience for him (Giustinian) on the morrow.
	Justifies the Signory and himself for undertaking the defence of Cardinal Adrian, the State having written in utter ignorance that his benefices had been bestowed on Wolsey. Had the letters been less urgent, he would have suppressed them, but having remarked the earnest tenor of the Signory's letters, he would not delay the business, but make the attempt on the morrow, and endeavour that the merciful intention of the Signory might not entail the loss of the King's favour. Employed this expression because those who were in favour with the Cardinal enjoyed the like with his Majesty. As it was therefore for the interests of Venice to propitiate Wolsey, suggested that the State should write him a loving and earnest letter of apology, and that this should be done quickly, so that the letter might arrive before he (Giustinian) commenced negotiating the repeal of the wine duties.
	London, 15th August 1517.
	[Italian, 4¼ pages, or 105 lines.]
Aug. 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 487.	952. Venetian Secretary at Milan to the Signory.
	Dated 12th August.
	Had visited Galeazo Visconti, who showed him a letter from King Francis, dated Rouen, the 5th, urging him not to go and fulfil his vow at Loretto, but to attend to the proceedings of the Switzers, as the King was apprehensive they might stir. Galeazo Visconti, however, held them in no account; but Gian Giacomo Triulzi was afraid; most especially by reason of the mission of the Cardinal of Sion to Switzerland, and because there was an ambassador there, by name Richard (Pace), from the King of England, who promised them money, provided they would renounce the protection of France.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 17. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 144.	953. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had again visited the Bishop of Durham, to hear the result of his mediation with Cardinal Wolsey. Was told by the Bishop that the Cardinal would not be pacified, and that he had desired the Bishop not to interfere. Was advised by the Bishop to avoid meeting the Cardinal for a few days, until his fit of anger had passed over.
	After the interval of one day, introduced himself on the 17th August to Cardinal Wolsey. Narrated the course of events from the time of the arrival of Cardinal Adrian in Venice [6th July], down to the performance of the orders in the missives received in London from the Signory on 31st July. Wolsey at length exculpated him (Giustinian). from all blame in the matter, but then all his wrath turned against the Signory. Urged that the Signory had not intentionally offended him, and was not aware that the see of Bath had been given to Wolsey in commendam. Whilst making this defence, he was interrupted by the Cardinal in rabid and insolent language, purporting that he held neither him (Giustinian) nor the Venetians in the slightest account; that the Venetians were accustomed to favour rascals and rebels, and to persecute the good; that they had always opposed the Popes, past and present, and acted with deceit and falsehood; and that Venice would become a refuge for conspirators against the Popes. He complained that the matter had not been communicated to him first, before the letters were delivered to the King.
	For the sake of appeasing him, announced the arrival of a missive from the Signory, dated 22nd July, stating that the Pope was well disposed towards Cardinal Adrian, and had thanked the Signory for receiving him; and requested Wolsey's instructions with regard to laying it before the King. Wolsey replied, “I do not believe in the missive which you tell me of; for six days ago I received a brief from his Holiness, purporting that, if the Venetians should write to me anything in exculpation of the Cardinal aforesaid, I was to believe nothing whatever.”
	Turned a deaf ear to the abuse lavished on him by Wolsey, but at length he seemed appeased: though he concluded by threatening that, if the Signory persevered in favouring this rebel (who was said to have poisoned Pope Alexander), the King and Wolsey would be most hostile to them.
	Would answer such insolent language more vehemently than he had done, if the State desired him to do so.
	London, 17th August 1517.
	[Italian, 7 pages, or 171 lines.]
Aug. 18. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 100.	954. Marco Minio to the Signory.
	The Pope had been of late much urged by the English ambassador to ratify the agreement made by Friar Nicholas in England, to the effect that the Pope would join the league made by the Emperor and the Kings of England and Spain. The French ambassador was endeavouring to prevent this, and it was thought the Pope would delay his decision until acquainted with the result of the negotiations of the Cardinal of Sion in Switzerland, and in the meanwhile cajole both parties by keeping them in hope.
	The Pope had asked the King of England for a loan of 200,000 ducats; and the King promised him 100,000, on condition of his being allowed to levy a tenth on the English clergy.
	On hearing that Cardinal Adrian had absented himself from Rome, the King of England deprived him of his English bishopric (Bath and Wells), and gave it to Cardinal Wolsey; and the English ambassador (Silvester de Giglis) had taken possession of the new house which Cardinal Adrian was building at Home.
	Rome, 18th August 1517.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Aug. 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxiv. p. 501.	955. Giovanni Badoer, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Dated 14th July.
	Mons. de la Guiche had apparently obtained the consent of the King of England to the appointment of commissioners either at Calais or Boulogne, to investigate the damages. The Cardinal of Aragon had arrived from England, on his way to the court of the Catholic King, to attempt the release of his kinsman the Duke of Calabria, who was imprisoned in Spain.
	Understood from Mons. de la Guiche that he had spoken of the surrender of Tournai to the King of England, who replied he was willing to surrender it, on payment by King Francis of the 450,000 crowns which it cost him. The King of England was sending two (sic) archers in favour of the Catholic King, and against the Duke of Guelders, according to the promise contained in the articles of agreement. Mons. de la Guiche had used his good offices in England on behalf of the Signory. The Lord Steward was present during the conversation.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 22. Minio's Original Letter Book, MS. penes me. Letter no. 102.	956. Marco Minio, Ambassador in Rome, to the Signory. On that day had met the ambassadors from France and England, the first being there for the purpose of encouraging the Pope, lest his reverses in the Romagna induce him to ratify the English league; the other flattering himself that, by reason of the disturbances there, it would be easy to bring the Pope over to the King of England.
	Rome, 22nd August 1517.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Aug. 26. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta) File no. 6.	957. The Doge and College to Sebastian Giustinian.
	The letters in recommendation of Cardinal Adrian were written because to a similar person such an office could not be denied, though the State could not suppose the act to be disagreeable to the King, and still less to Cardinal Wolsey. Should Cardinal Wolsey take the matter amiss, assure him that the Signory thought to do the King and Cardinal a pleasure, remembering that Cardinal Adrian was the favourite of the late King Henry VII, who had recommended him earnestly to the State, and therefore “rogati rogabamus; “but the Signory will do nothing further.
	To say nothing which could displease Cardinal Wolsey or the King with regard to this matter.
	Approved by the whole College, and read in the Council of Ten with the Junta.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 27. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library, Letter no. 145.	958. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had received missives from the Signory, with newsletters concerning Turkish affairs, but had been unable to communicate them to the King, who was at Windsor, attended only by his physician, Memo, and three favourite gentlemen, and admitted no one for fear of the sickness, which was making great progress in England. Many of the King's attendants had died of it, and it was reported that the King intended to change his quarters. Cardinal Wolsey had been ill of the sickness four times.
	Had been unable to confer with the Cardinal that day (the 27th), as he was busily occupied with despatching the commissioners for the disputes about the damages done to the French. The commissioners were to depart on the 28th. All the disputes between Scotland and England had been arranged, except a few trifling matters. The Catholic King was still in Zealand. Less was said about his departure [for Spain] than had been said two months before, though it was generally believed that he was only awaiting fair weather.
	Had seen a letter from the English ambassador with the Switzers (Richard Pace), addressed to a worthy gentleman of London, showing that the understanding between the Emperor and the King, and also with the Switzers, was not so good as it had been, because England was not so munificent as formerly.
	Again requests to be recalled.
	London, 27th August 1517.
	[Italian, 1¾ page, or 42 lines.]
Aug. 31. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library. Letter no. 146.	959. Sebastian Giustinian to the Signory.
	Had been informed by the Spanish ambassador that the Catholic King had embarked in Zealand on the 18th, and was merely awaiting a fair wind; and that his presence in Spain was much needed.
	As the Cardinal was going on a pilgrimage to fulfil a vow at a shrine distant some hundred miles from London, (fn. 2) had determined to speak to him before his departure. Was received ungraciously Communicated the Turkish newsletters. His offer to accompany the Cardinal on his pilgrimage was declined. Would persevere in endeavouring to conciliate him.
	Had been informed by the Duke of Albany's secretary, that the truce between England and Scotland had been prolonged for one year after St. Andrew's Day. The secretary believed that the Duke would not return this year from the French court to Scotland, where a regency of six was to govern in his name.
	London, 31st August 1517.
	[Italian, 2 pages, or 47 lines.]