Appendix: Miscellaneous 1508 | British History Online

Pages 578-581

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:

Miscellaneous 1508



1508. Feb. 20. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library.	1333. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the State.
	Arrived at Barcelona last evening, and received the Signory's stters of 31st January, desiring him to obtain from the Catholic King a fresh safe-conduct for at least six weeks for the Flanders galleys, or else a prorogation of the safe-conduct already obtained by the Venetian secretary in Spain. Is to send it immediately to the captain of said galleys; and an authentic copy to the Signory. Will endeavour to obtain it with all despatch, as necessary.
	Barcelona, 20th February 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]
March 20. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library.	1334. Francesco Cornaro, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the State.
	On Sunday morning, the 3rd (sic), asked the Catholic King of the safe-conduct for the Flanders galleys; or for the prorogation of the safe-conduct already conceded, as the galleys were still in Flanders and the term of the safe-conduct would expire before their return, The King promised to give it. The ambassador will send the original to the galleys, and a copy to the Signory.
	Burgos, 20th March 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]
May 11. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library.	1335. The Same to the Same.
	On the return of the courier sent by him to Cadiz with the safe-conducts for the Flanders galleys; will forward the letters assigning indemnity for what took place at Monopoli, if able to obtain them.
	Burgos, 11th May 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]
May 29. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library.	1336. The Same to the Same.
	Is informed by the English secretary (John Stile) resident with the Catholic King, that the King of England is expecting two illustrious ambassadors; one from the Emperor, and the other from the Prince Don Carlos and the Lady Margaret. They are going, in order to stipulate the marriage of the King's daughter (Mary) to the Prince.
	Burgos, 29th May 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]
May 29. (Second Letter). Original Letter Book, lit. Mark's Library.	1337. The Same to the Same.
	In a former letter mentioned that on the 7th April, by his courier Pacino, he sent to Cadiz the safe-conducts for the Flanders galleys. On the. 21st April Pacin delivered them to the Venetian consul, who was not in Cadiz because the plague was there. Pacin took them to him at a little, distance from that city, and brought back a letter from the consul to the ambassador, acknowledging the receipt of the safe-conducts, which letter he forwards with the present despatch. The courier also brought him a letter from the Venetian consul at Port St. Mary's, who was expecting the Flanders galleys in the course of May, and added, that the original safe-conduct was still in his hands, because it arrived at Cadiz after the departure thence of the galleys.
	Moreover, at Port St. Mary's, on board the ship of the corsair Chiara, Pacin saw a flag bearing the effigy of a Venetian Doge, with a rope round his neck, and fetters to his feet; and the flag was trailing in the water; this being done in contempt of the Signory, on whom Chiara threatened to revenge himself. This being confirmed by the consul at Port St. Mary's, the ambassador complained to the King, who promised redress. Sends copies of the safe-conducts.
	Burgos, 29th May 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]
June 19. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library.	1338. Francesco Cornaro, “Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the State.
	According to report, the marriage of the Prince of England [Arthur] to the daughter of the King of Spain[Katharine] was to have been consummated at Whitsuntide.
	It is also said that his Majesty[Ferdinand the Catholic] has given some 16,000 ducats to Messer Almerico[Vespucci], and Zuan Biscain[De la Cosa], who are going at his expense to take possession of the newly discovered islands,[query Hispaniola and Cuba ?] which they call the main land (le quali loro chiamano terra ferma).
	Burgos, 19th June 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]
July 6. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library.	1339. The Same to the Same.
	In obedience to the commands in the Signory's letters of the 8th April, applied to the King for safe-conducts for the Flanders galleys, commanded by Augustin da Mulla. The King was on the eve of departure for Valladolid. Desired the ambassador to remind him of the demand on arriving there. When obtained, the ambassador will forward them to Cadiz as desired.
	Burgos, 6th July 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]
July 16. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library.	1340. The Same to the Same.
	Messer Almerico [Vespucci] the Florentine, the discoverer of the islands, tells me that five days ago news was received from Seville of the arrival there of a ship with gold to the amount of 50,000 ducats, (fn. 1) and a very great quantity of pearls, (fn. 2) Of this produce the King receives the tenth, in addition to which he also levies seven per cent. duty. The passengers by this ship say that the finding of gold (la invention dell' oro) augments constantly.
	Almerico has received 13,000 ducats from the revenues of those islands, and is going to Biscay, to provide himself with good ships, all of which he intends to sheath with lead, on account of the. . . .
	He will make the western passage, in quest of the territories discovered by the Portuguese, who steer eastward. (fn. 3)
	He is infallibly to depart next March.
	Burgos, 16th July 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]
Oct. 31. Original Letter Book, St. Mark's Library.	1341. The Same to Augustin da Mulla, Captain of the Flanders Galleys.
	Announces the order obtained from Ferdinand the Catholic, desiring Peter of Navarre not to molest the Flanders galleys. Sends this announcement to Malaga.
	Seville, 31st October 1508.
	[Extract. Italian.]