Venice: September 1519 | British History Online

Pages 550-556

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:

September 1519



Sept. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 460.	1268. King Henry VIII to Doge Leonardo Loredano.
	Although unwilling to dismiss the Doge's old ambassador, Sebastian Giustinian, by reason of the very great delight taken by him (the King) in his most modest and discreet conversation, yet for the reasons assigned for the recal, has permitted him to depart; and the more willingly on account of the endowments of his successor. As Giustinian had fulfilled the office of ambassador with extreme fidelity, rare prudence, and address, displaying both splendour and magnificence, and transacting all the affairs of the Signory diligently, the King recommends him to the Doge, declaring that any reward bestowed upon him by the State would be most agreeable to the King. Alludes to the ambassador's assiduous negotiations concerning the repeal of the duties on the wines of Candia; doubts not but that Giustinian will have communicated the result, and promises most strictly to abide by all the offers made to him.
	Horsham, 16th July 1519.
	[Signed:] Vester amicus, Henricus.
	[Countersigned:] Petrus Vannes.
	[Copy, Latin.]
Sept. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 464.	1269. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Melun, 14th and 15th August.
	Madame (Louise) said the English ambassador had told the King that King Henry was well disposed to continue the peace with France, and would make a fresh agreement if desired. She stated that she had announced this to the Cardinal Legate Bibiena, who was ill of gravel.
	Madame probably acted thus, to induce the Pope to adhere more willingly to King Francis, perceiving his union with the King of England.
	Arrival in Paris of Sebastian Giustinian, late ambassador in England; he was expected at Melun on the morrow.
	On the 15th the King confirmed to him what Madame had said about the English ambassador; King Henry had written to him (King Francis) to make a fresh agreement, and to strengthen the peace with the Emperor, to whom King Henry had written in the like strain. He (King Francis) replied that the union between France and England being close, and the peace perpetual, there was no need of a fresh league. He was at peace with the Emperor, whom he loved like a son, and it was merely requisite to abide by the articles of the peace between them: the marriage of the second daughter of France to the Emperor was already concluded by the articles, and he would send her in due season, she not being then of an age to consummate the marriage. He was very willing indeed to effect the interview with King Henry between Boulogne and Calais, but could not do so before the spring.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 465.	1270. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Melun, 17th August.
	Sebastian Giustinian arrived at Dover from London on the 29th of July, and was detained there by stormy weather until the 6th of August. In the meanwhile Richard Pace arrived at Dover on his return from a mission to the Electors of Germany concerning the negotiations for the imperial crown. Pace, who was the friend of the Signory, told Sebastian Giustinian that the Electors had predetermined to elect the Catholic King, who had mustered a large and powerful army, which would have cut them to pieces had they not elected him. Pace said that the Archbishop of Mayence had shown himself heart and soul for the Catholic King, and when it was proposed to elect his brother, the Marquis of Brandenburgh, he refused him his vote, to support the cause of Spain. The Archbishop of Cologne was neutral. The Duke of Saxony remained King of the Romans elect for three hours, but abdicated, saying he was powerless to hold such a grade (era impotente a questo grado). The Count Palatine broke the promise given by him to the most Christian King, although he had received 20,000 ducats from his Majesty, and promissory notes besides. The Marquis of Brandenburgh and the Archbishop of Treves were staunch to France, and the Catholic King had promised the hand of his sister to a Prince of Saxony, with a dower of 400,000 crowns.
	Pace said the new King of the Romans was very popular in Germany, and he thought the Switzers would adhere to him. He also said that in Germany he associated with the Count of Nassau, who had been the cause of this election. The Catholic King was under a great obligation to Nassau, who was a man of much ability. When travelling together, Pace said to Nassau, in the course of conversation, that this new King would do well to keep the Signory his friend on many accounts, whereupon Nassau replied he was of the same opinion, and that the Catholic King ought not to follow his grandfather's example.
	Pace told Giustinian about the three articles stipulated with the Electors, namely, that the Emperor should go and reside in Germany, that he should not undertake war without the consent of the Electors and Princes of Germany, and that he should not take into his councils the ministers of the late King Maximilian, his grandfather.
	Pace likewise said that other agreements were made with the Electors, but not published, being of a personal nature; also, that he understood there was a clause stipulating the recovery of the towns belonging to the empire by force of arms, and that the Cardinal of Sion had apparently made terms with the Emperor, from whom he was to receive an annual pension of 3,000 ducats.
	Sebastian Giustinian recommended the affairs of the Signory in England to Pace, requesting him to continue the good service which he had always rendered. Giustinian quitted Dover on the 6th August. Crossed to Calais in three hours; departed on the 7th, and on the 12th arrived in Paris, 12 leagues from Melun, whither he proceeded, and found Antonio Giustinian sick of his usual malady.
	1271. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Signory.
	Dated 18th August.
	The King had received Sebastian Giustinian graciously, and asked him about the qualities of the King of England, and whether his opinion was in favour of peace or war, and made the like inquiries concerning Cardinal Wolsey. Giustinian replied that Henry VIII. inclined towards the peace with King Francis, and that his opinion was shared by Cardinal Wolsey, who boasted of having made the present peace. On hearing this King Francis laughed, and said, “What, was it his doing, the surrender to me of Tournai?” after which he expressed surprise that King Henry should concede so much authority to the Cardinal, on whom he bestowed no praise for assuming such vast responsibility, saying that it showed he held the honour of his King in small account.
	The ambassadors then went to Madame (Louise), who received Giustinian very graciously, and spoke with him more at length about English affairs, desiring him, as the King also had done, to return to her.
	After this they proceeded to Queen Claude, a person of few words; and Madame said to her, “This is that Venetian ambassador who did such good service for the King in England.” They also visited Madame d'Alençon, the King's sister, and Madame de Nemours, the sister of Madame, and then went to the Cardinal Legate Bibiena, and to the Bishop of Sens, late Bishop of Paris, (Stephen Poncher,) with whom Sebastian Giustinian had been acquainted in England.
	1272. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Dated the 20th.
	The King being abroad, taking his usual diversions, the ambassadors went to Madame, who said that as Sebastian Giustinian had seen the affianced bride of the Dauphin in England, he should see the Dauphin at Blois; and although he excused himself on the plea of having to return home, and because Blois was four days journey distant from Paris, yet as she insisted, he consented to go.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 1. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 468.	1273. Antonio Sukian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Signory.
	Dated 29th July.
	On that day Sebastian Giustinian, his predecessor, departed; praises him much. He left a good name. Encloses a letter from the King to the Signory in commendation of him. The French ambassador said King Henry had given him a reply about the interview, saying that he could not cross until the middle of August, and that the ships were not ready, wherefore he should defer the conference until next year. The French ambassador inferred that the interview would not take place, but that the peace would be maintained.
	The King had sent as envoy to the Emperor in Spain an individual, a creature of the Duke of Norfolk, to congratulate him on his auspicious election, and to exhort him to maintain the peace with the Christian King and the other Christian powers.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 486.	1274. Sebastian Giustinian and Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Blois, 29th August.
	Quitted Melun on the 22nd August, and arrived at Blois on the 25th. Sebastian Giustinian took leave of the King and of Madame, who showed him the children.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Sept. 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 486.	1275. Antonio Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
	Blois, 3rd September.
	Sebastian Giustinian departed on the 30th August. Writes much in praise of him, and that the King held him in great account.
	[Extract, Italian.]
Sept. 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 488.	1276. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Signory.
	Barcelona, 17th August.
	The English ambassador (fn. 1) had delivered a letter from his King to the Emperor, to maintain their mutual alliance, and for reconciliation to France. The Emperor replied that he would continue at peace with King Francis, as told to Cornaro by the French ambassador at Barcelona, who said that the Emperor styled his King “Father.”
	[Extract, Italian.]
Sept. 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 488.	1277. The Same to the Same.
	Barcelona, 19th August.
	Gave a supper to the English ambassador, who told him the Emperor would soon return to Germany, for which purpose his King had sent to offer him the English fleet as convoy, and to lend him money, although already creditor for 100,000 crowns, with which he had accommodated him for the voyage to Spain. The Emperor returned thanks for the offer, but said he could not go to Flanders before March or April, and that he had also been urged to return by Dom Hironimo Bruner, who arrived lately at Barcelona. The English ambassador said his King would not relinquish his alliance with the Emperor, who was the prime enemy of King Francis, although at peace with him; and that before giving Tournai to Francis he had offered it to the Catholic King for a much smaller sum than he received from France.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. p. 488.	1278. The Same to the Same.
	Dated 24th August.
	The French ambassador understood that by order of the Emperor the English ambassador had sent his secretary to England to stipulate an alliance against King Francis, in case he should choose to attack them.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xxvii. pp. 490, 491.	1279. Antonio Surian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Signory.
	London, 16th, 17th, and 28th August.
	The King arrived at Greenwich on the 12th. On the day of the Assumption, the 15th, went to pay his respects to him. Was received joyously; attended the procession, and dined at Court with the Legates Wolsey and Campeggio, and the ambassador of Madame Margaret (Hesdin), who was also accredited by the Emperor. After dinner they went to the Queen, who was taking part in an entertainment, and looking at the dancing; and the King himself danced.
	At length, Cardinal Campeggio drew the King aside to a window, and took leave of him to return to Rome. He was universally liked in England. The King had given him the reversion of a bishopric whose incumbent was 80 years old, and could not live long; his Majesty also bestowed on him 7,000l. in money, and plate to the value of 700 marks; and he was to depart on the 18th. Having dismissed Cardinal Campeggio, the King called the ambassador of Madame Margaret, whose audience being ended, he then sent for him (Surian) and spoke about the election of the King of the Romans, saying, that the fleet of 20 large ships destined by him before his election for Naples, would now be sent to Africa, because certain towns there had rebelled; and that he would soon go to Germany. The King then said that he wished for union between the Christian powers, to which effect he had written to the Emperor, and would do his utmost. Commended this policy on account of the danger from the Turk. The Signory would do well to write frequently to the ambassador in England, because it was not customary to go to the King without having letters to communicate, the fashion being different to that of other Courts, whither the ambassadors went without having any business to transact.
	Visited the Legate Campeggio before his departure. Campeggio.said his father lectured at Padua, and that he himself took his doctor's degree there; that he had made a good fortune, and was the good servant of the Signory. to whom he recommended himself. He also said that King Henry would be united with the Emperor, to whom he had sent to offer 10,000 fighting men in case France declared war on him. It did not appear that Spain would commence hostilities against France, and the Legate was of opinion they would remain at peace. The Emperor intends to cross over to Flanders, and would come to England for an interview with the King, and perhaps the King of France also would be present; three kings thus taking part in the conference. On the day of the letter's date (17th August) Cardinal Campeggio quitted London. Accompanied him a distance of four miles beyond the town.
	Conversations with Richard Pace, the staunch friend of the Signory, who had been to Germany to the Electors, concerning the election. He said that neither the King of the Romans nor the Germans chose the crown to be sent, but he would go to Italy to take it. He had travelled with Mons. de Nassau, the ambassador of the Catholic King, and told him it was for the interest of his sovereign to be on good terms with the Signory. Nassau assented, and said he would tell it to the King. Pace believed the Emperor would come to England to speak to the King, and to embrace his aunt (Queen Katharine); and that the Switzers would adhere to the Emperor, because they favoured his election.
	In date of the 23rd August.—Arrival in London of Mons. Polijs (sic), (fn. 2) late French ambassador in Scotland, where the populace imprisoned him; and through the mediation of Cardinal Wolsey he was released, being actually on his way back to France. Time had been assigned the Scots for their adhesion to the peace between France and England, until next St. Andrew's Day, and they now demanded prolongation of the term. The Duke of Albany was about to go over to Scotland, whereas King Henry did not choose him in any way to meddle with affairs there. Cardinal Wolsey told the French ambassador that this was not in accordance with the promises made to him by the Christian King, to the effect that Albany should not interfere in the affairs of Scotland, and that it would displease the King.
	In date 28th August.—The King had quitted Greenwich for his usual diversions, which would occupy him until the close of October. On the preceding day, one of the four French hostages arrived in London from Greenwich, and told him he had been informed by the Kins' that the King of the Romans on his way to Flanders would come to England for an interview with King Henry; and that they would perhaps at the same time confer with the most Christian King. Also he had been informed by King Henry that the King of the Romans would do whatever his Majesty pleased, and that the interview would take place next May or June in the country between—and Boulogne.
	[Italian.]
Sept. 12. Deliberazioni Senato Secreta, v. xlviii. p. 39, tergo.	1280. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador in England.
	Acknowledge receipt of his letters dated 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, and 28th August, requiring no immediate answer. Commend his diligence, and charge him to persevere therein. In the present times nothing is more satisfactory to the State than to be well informed.
	[Italian, 7 lines.]
Sept. 26. Senato Terra, v. xxi. p. 58, tergo.	1281. The London Factory.
	Put to the ballot that the proveditors of the factories of Damascus, Alexandria, and London, be empowered to come to this Council, and make such motions as shall seem fit to them for the advantage of said factories and the benefit of the voyages.
	Ayes, 157. Noes, 28. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian, 14 lines.]