|
|
1640.
Jan. 3.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
1. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the
Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador came the day before yesterday to tell
me of the audience which Windebank recently had with him of
the king about the Palatine. His Majesty replied to their requests
for his release that the manner in which he had passed
through France, made the affair considerable and forced him to
reflect before deciding. But in the meantime he could tell them
that this action would not affect his friendliness to the Palatine.
The proofs of it would be seen at Cologne, where his ministers
had obtained honourable passports for him, and when the time
came he would show how much he had at heart the interests of
that house. The Cardinal had spoken to Windebank in the same
terms, but they are fully aware that the French aim at forcing
the King of Great Britain to some decision agreeable to themselves.
This is not the right way to keep them friendly or place
them under an obligation.
He also said they had some occasion to complain of Savigni.
Last year he had expressed the intention and practical certainty
of exchanging Prince Casimir for Prince Rupert, and now they
say they do not remember this. He pointed out to me how
opportune this exchange would be to dissipate much of the present
bitterness and urged me to impress this upon the Cardinal if
an opportunity occurred. Without pledging myself to anything
I said I would gladly sound his Eminence and do what I could.
Since the decision of the King of Great Britain to summon
Parliament in England, it seems that they are beginning to fear
its resolutions and are considering more seriously the disturbance
which may arise from that quarter. They are thinking more
particularly of getting the Duchess of Chevreuse back to France.
From her more than from any other cause they apprehend that
precipitous movements may find encouragement.
Paris, the 3rd January. 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Jan 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Belluno.
Venetian
Archives. |
2. Almoro Thiepolo, Podesta and Captain of Belluno, to the
Doge and Senate.
The memorial presented to your Serenity on behalf of the
French Ambassador for Thomas Bachero, an English gentleman,
is not quite exact. He and his servant have been arrested, not
for a broken pistol found on him, as the memorial states, but for
possessing a pistol fully loaded and provided with all the usual
accessories. It is proved by their own admissions, in which
they plead ignorance of the prohibition. He, in particular,
pleads for a remission of the extreme penalty. It is perfectly
true that during his stay in this neighbourhood for the purchase
of pictures, no other reprehensible action has transpired, and even
in prison he has shown extraordinary fortitude, fearlessness and
composure. This shews him to be a person of quality which
renders him worthy of the clemency of the state.
Belluno, the 9th January, 1640.
[Italian.] |
| Enclosure. |
3. Memorial presented by the French consul on behalf of the
Ambassador, on the 28th December. Thomas Buchers, an
English gentleman of rank, who is at Cividal di Belluno with his
servant, to buy pictures, has sent a special messenger to relate
that they have been arrested and imprisoned because of a broken
pistol found on him. As there is no English ambassador at
present in Venice, he has appealed to the French one to lay his
case before your Serenity and ask for his release. His Excellency
will take it as a singular favour if your Serenity will do
this as soon as possible.
[Italian. Copy.] |
Jan. 10.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
4. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the
Doge and Senate.
Some uneasiness in connection with the Swedes has arisen
again, as they have better authenticated indications than before
of their close negotiations with the emperor. It is believed that
besides the King of Denmark, the sovereign of Great Britain may
also be encouraging such action. They observe the proceedings
of the latter ever more closely. They consider the levies which
are being energetically raised are too numerous for the disturbance
of Scotland. It is suggested that the English have opened some
negotiations for a truce between the Spaniards and the Dutch
for the purpose of uniting with them against France. In treating
about the arrangements for the new campaign, these same Dutch
are making stiffer claims than ever before, and the worst consequences
are deduced from this.
In conformity with your Serenity's instructions I will do nothing
to encourage the exchange of Prince Casimir against Prince
Rupert. I may say positively that the ministers here have no
inclination that way.
Paris, the 10th January, 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Jan. 11.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
5. The Ambassador of the Most Christian came into the
Collegio and said : I have not come here to-day by order of the
king or for any public affair, I know it is usual to ask for audience
the day beforehand, but I did not do so.
I have come to ask for the release of an English gentleman,
a leading cavalier of that kingdom, of good birth and connections
and quite 25,000 ducats a year. He is in Italy for pleasure, and
as he is especially fond of pictures, he goes where he can see any,
and buys when he has the opportunity. He heard that there were
some fine ones in the Friuli and went to Cividal di Belluno.
When he was about to leave and his servants were packing up
his things, some spy, of whom there is never any lack for watching
foreigners, saw his servant putting a pistol into the chest. It was
broken and of no use, but the man informed the authorities, and
the Englishman was told to go to the Podesta. He was afterwards
sent to prison, as it availed him nothing to state his rank,
or that the pistol was unloaded, broken and could harm no one.
As there is no English ambassador here he applied to me, because
I know him well, to intervene with your Serenity for his release.
I sent the consul to ask the favour because I was too ill to come.
But the poor gentleman has now been confined for a fortnight
or three weeks in a dark room, ill treated even for a person of
the lowest station. Yesterday evening at six an express messenger
reached me with an account of his sufferings. This is
why I have come to trouble your Serenity, that you may order
some relief, at least until the matter is decided, that he may
be put in a decent place and taken out of the darkness, which
ill becomes a man of birth, and especially foreigners, who deserve
better treatment, that being only politic, because your own
nobles may meet with the same perils in foreign countries, and
I do not think they would like to be treated in this fashion. He
is a gentleman of birth and property and ought not to be treated
like a navvy. I am sure the English and their king will be glad to
hear of his release. He would not employ the resident, because,
to tell the truth they have met and are not on good terms.
The doge replied, The public wishes foreigners to be well
received and treated everywhere. We regret the accident to
this gentleman, but some bad account must have been given to
the Podesta about his quality. We wrote for information, and
we will repeat the order, as we wish to gratify your lordship,
especially as it is an act of justice and a person of the quality
you represent.
The ambassador added, The Podesta did his duty because a
prohibited weapon was found, but the gentleman might have been
better treated. Your Serenity knows distinction is made according
to rank. That is the custom in France, In a case of this
kind they would have given him a good room and he would have
the means to pay all the expenses. Until a man is proved
criminal he ought not to suffer the penalty of the crime. When
his guilt is established then the rigours of justice have play. He
has spent three weeks in a dark little room. I do not think
your Serenity intended this and I am sure you will give orders
for him to be better treated and also command his release.
By arrangement with the other Savii Francesco Cornaro,
knight, savio of the Council rose and said that the Consul Vedoa
had come with the memorial in his week and they had at once
written to Cividal di Bellun for information which had not yet
arrived. The doge said they would give fresh orders and try to
have the affair despatched as soon as possible, with every desire
to gratify the ambassador.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 13.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
6. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
Scottish affairs remain as before. The Treasurer has arrived
but has done nothing of note for the king. The deputies who
are awaited with great impatience at the Court have not yet
appeared. This affords good reason for suspecting that these
new overtures, like the others, are artifices and merely intended
to delay his Majesty's military preparations and cool his ardour.
But these are going forward with all speed, and the Earl of
Northumberland is appointed commander of the army instead
of the Earl of Arundel, who served last year, a sign of dissatisfaction
with the latter and of hope of useful service from the
former, because he is popular with all the people of the North,
who are nearest the enemy.
The departure of the deputy for Ireland is arranged for the
9th prox. He has instructions to raise numerous levies of that
nation, in which they repose their chief hopes of the best service
and prompt obedience, because they are mostly of the Catholic
faith, and consequently full of hatred and aversion for the Scots.
They are equally busy over the fleet, and devote ceaseless
labour to providing the arsenals with everything required, as
they are determined to have a well equipped fleet ready at sea
by next April. If the amount of the contributions at all corresponds
to the largeness of their plans, it seems likely that the
royal forces will be very considerable this year. His Majesty has
ordered that they shall be quartered in the most remote parts,
in order to disarm the mischievous suspicion of the people that
the assembling of such great forces is intended rather to kill the
demands of the English parliament than to beat down the violence
of the rebels. Meanwhile the Scots do not relax their efforts to
offer a stout resistance. They keep 400 officers on half pay, and
many other commanders of repute, whom they get to drill their
militia constantly. They let it be freely understood that if they
are attacked in their own country they will retaliate upon Ireland.
As 40,000 of their own race live there, they believe this will be
easy. Accordingly his Majesty has sent orders that the Scots
in that country must be completely disarmed without delay.
His Majesty is very anxious to know the precise intentions of
the Most Christian about the release of the Palatine. He has
again expressed to the minister here how strongly he feels about
the severity with which he is guarded, and that Wilbanch has not
yet been allowed to see him, according to his instructions. The
ambassador dexterously evaded the point and promised that
if they found that the real motives of the Palatine's journey to
Germany were not prejudicial to France, as he asserts, the king
will set him at liberty without further delay.
The Spanish proposals for obtaining the services of twenty
English ships do not make the progress expected. The king,
urged by the strong representations of the French and Dutch
ambassadors, has looked more closely into the matter, and so
far witholds his permission. The partisans of the Dutch labour
to persuade his Majesty that it will be both hurtful to the interests
of the crown and contrary to the ancient laws of the realm, and
in particular to the last acts of parliament. The Dutch ambassadors
importune for a reply to the paper they presented so long
ago, but their efforts have proved fruitless so far, and this serves
to increase their suspicion that this delay is due to secret negotiations
for a league with the Catholic, who seizes on the favourable
opportunity of the present ill feeling against France and Holland
and tries every means to bring this crown to do what he wants.
To the old proposal for a marriage with the princess here they
now add an offer to give the Infanta to the prince here if his
Majesty will make an offensive and defensive alliance with the
House of Austria. Although these offers conform to the king's
sentiments, as he is passionately inclined to a marriage alliance
with the Austrians, yet in order to sound the real intentions of
the Spaniards, which prudent men characterise as trickery, his
Majesty has replied that if the Catholic agrees to send the Infanta
here at the same time as the princess sets out for Spain, he will
readily agree to do all that crown asks. It looks as if this reply
was intended rather to break off the negotiations than to set
them going as they know from past experience how difficult they
are to conduct.
Count William of Nassau stays on in this city, but he has not
performed any offices at Court beyond the complimentary ones
reported.
After four weeks, during which the high winds have prevented
the couriers from crossing the sea, the Antwerp one has arrived
to-day, bringing me your Excellencies' letters of the 2nd ult. I
can say no more about Fildinch's return except his repeated
declarations that he will soon start, and he repeated the same
two days ago, when he came to this house because of my indisposition.
I cannot say whether his deeds will correspond
with his words as I know he is trying his hardest to get a post
at the palace. On the other hand I think I can say that until
he is deprived of the embassy, of which he enjoys all the salary
and every other emolument, his Majesty will not appoint anyone
else to go to your Excellencies, not only to avoid offending
Fildinch, but his mother and the Marquis Hamilton as well, for
both of whom the king has a singular affection.
London, the 13th January, 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Jan. 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
7. Gieronimo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador at the
Hague, to the Doge and Senate.
The Dutch ambassadors in England report that negotiations
proceed slowly, indeed the king studiously affects delay, while
the Catholic minister offers the strongest opposition. The ancient
pretensions of the English against these Provinces over the
unsettled affairs of the Indies appear to be revived. The Admiralty
of each country is endeavouring to secure an advantage
for its own side. The coming meeting of parliament in that
kingdom gives everyone here cause to regard it with esteem and
consideration (Vespettatione della reduttione del parlamento in
quel Regno eccita qui nel concetto d'ogn' uno motivi di stima e di
riguardo).
The Hague, the 14th January, 1640.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 17.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Ceffalonia.
Venetian
Archives. |
8. Giacomo Donado, Venetian Proveditore of Cephalonia,
to the Doge and Senate.
Thomas Simens has not been here, but a Greek, Balsamo,
came to lade currants in his name. I forbade this and ordered
him to leave. The people here are in the greatest straits. The
other merchants of the island depend solely upon Simens' will
and he is the absolute arbiter of the fortunes of the rest. This
has led to claims being made against him. Although the English
Company fixed the price at 20 reals the thousand, Simens has
bought them at 18 and even less, owing to the fear of everyone
that his stock of currants may remain unsold.
Cephalonia, the 7th January, 1639 old style.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 17.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
9. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Cardinal seems very anxious for the affair of the Palatine
to take definite shape. He asked me to perform some friendly
office on the subject with the Ambassador Leicester, assuring
him that if the Palatine will give the king some verbal satisfaction
as a matter of courtesy, saying that he was not passing through
France with any intentions contrary to his service, and if the
King of Great Britain, on his part, will promise him some considerable
and certain help, he will not only receive his liberty but
the protection of His Majesty so that it will not be difficult for
him to recover his states. I gave him my word to serve him,
but on my responsibility, as I had no power as minister of the
republic to interfere in this affair. I commended his decision
highly. The arms of the King of Great Britain now that he has
summoned parliament, are indeed very considerable. It is
always in his power to make a peaceful settlement of the affairs
of Scotland, and then he can direct his forces in whatever direction
the accidents and circumstances of the time may suggest.
Paris, the 17th January, 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
10. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Ambassador Bellievre in England has been commanded
to come to Court. It is not known yet whether the intention is
to employ him elsewhere, or to send him back after he has given
his Majesty orally a clear account of the true state of affairs
there. Their jealousy at the military preparations which the
King of Great Britain is hastening on, has been not a little increased
by the news from Flanders that the Marquis of Velada
has received commissions from the Catholic to proceed immediately
to England in the capacity of ambassador extraordinary.
Paris, the 17th January, 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Jan. 18.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Belluno.
Venetian
Archives. |
11. Almoro Thiepolo, Podesta and Captain of Belluno, to
the Doge and Senate.
Your Serenity's missives of two days' ago about releasing
Thomas Bachino, the English gentleman, with his servant,
reached me yesterday. It was done forthwith and they are not
charged with any costs whatever. During their incarceration
they received every commodity and good treatment. Your
Excellencies' orders for transferring them to a daylight prison
reached me in good time and were promptly carried out.
Belluno, the 18th January, 1640.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 20.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
12. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Marquis of Vellada is expected at this Court in the capacity
of ambassador extraordinary of the Catholic. He is a man of
great note owing to his high rank and his favour with the Count
duke. So far as I can gather his instructions are to obtain from
his Majesty permission to take a certain number of English
ships to serve his master, to unite with those which are being
prepared with great haste at Dunkirk, and to make every effort
to induce him to believe in the sincere wish of Spain to draw near
to the conclusion of the reciprocal marriages reported, with the
idea, on the one hand of assisting the overtures for an alliance
with this crown, and on the other to keep up the useful ill feeling
with the French and Dutch. The ambassadors of both countries
sigh for a reply to their offices, for which they have asked so often,
and Arsem intimates that if they keep him waiting any longer he
will go back home. A courier has reached the French ambassador
with orders to take leave and return to France. As we do not
hear of anyone else being appointed this arouses misgivings as
well as strange comments. But the news sent by Wilibanch of
the permission at last granted to him to see the Palatine and
present him the letters of the king assuage their jealousy and
raise the hopes of many ministers, which are not shared by the
wisest, that he will soon obtain not only the prince's release, but
that the outbreak of disturbance at Breisach, which they persuade
themselves to be considerable, and also the quarrels among the
leaders of Weimar's army, will suggest to France the necessity
of consenting to the prince having the control of that important
place as well as the command of the army.
Under the pretext that the sureties sent are not sufficient, the
Scots are delaying the despatch of the deputies to his Majesty.
In order to decide upon the best answer to give to the proposals
made to them by the Treasurer, they have decided to call a new
Assembly, on whose deliberations they say their resolutions will
depend. This all goes to show that they are dragging things
out of set purpose, and that all their actions are calculated.
Accordingly they are devoting great attention here to the new
levies and to raising money ; but as everyone seems reluctant to
submit to new burdens they meet with serious obstacles and the
greatest hopes of supply rest solely on the liberality of parliament,
without which the proposals reported cannot be brought to perfection.
Meanwhile the Deputy of Ireland advances daily in his
Majesty's affection and favour, and the most weighty affairs of
this monarchy now receive their impetus from his prudent
counsels. This week the king has honoured him with the rank
of earl and declared him his lieutenant in Ireland, (fn. 1) a title which
has not readily been granted in the past to any other minister,
and so it is expected that in the course of time he will enjoy
even greater fortune.
Many ships from Spain have arrived in port with 400 chests of
money, most of it destined for the expenses of Flanders. To-day
I have received your Excellencies' letters of the 9th and 15th ult.
I regret that the bad weather, which has lasted three weeks and
caused the loss of twenty large ships on these coasts, has prevented
my own for all those weeks from reaching you. (fn. 2) I hope that they
will have arrived since. I hope you will excuse me for the sterility
of news here, and I assure you that nothing vexes me more than
the absence here of any opportunity of rendering useful service.
London, the 20th January. 1640.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 21.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
13. Gieronimo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador at the
Hague, to the Doge and Senate.
The attention of the States is drawn towards England where
the Catholic minister is making remarkable efforts to their
prejudice. Their ambassador reports that besides attempting
to hire English ships to send to the West Indies, he also proposed
to fit out forty to cruise about the seas and take troops and
materials to Flanders. Their High Mightinesses threaten to
oppose this scheme by arms rather than by negotiation ; but
it is thought that the question is unlikely to be settled until
parliament meets.
In addition to this the agreements are now made public which
were settled a long time ago between the Spaniards and the
English for the reception of the fleet, now routed. The Catholic
minister has produced before the king himself the very paper
by which that monarch bound himself to the maintenance of the
fleet and to preserve it in port from all injury. (fn. 3) It is reported
that the king replied that the arrival of the fleet was several
months behind the time prescribed and agreed upon between the
crowns, and it had been necessary, to avoid keeping his ships
unoccupied any longer, to permit them to disperse on various
employments. In this way he was left unprovided with the
means of watching over the fleet, and so that force, through its
excessive tardiness had lost the advantage of his protection.
From all this it would appear that a definite understanding
existed between the two crowns, and with ever fresh intimations
of the king's hostile feelings these States are warned to keep on
the alert, so that England may not take them at a disadvantage.
However, they derive great hopes from the movements of the
Scots, and they believe here that more serious disturbances will
occur in that country.
The Hague, the 21st January, 1640.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
14. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
Two days after my last despatch Savigni came to ask me in
the Cardinal's name if I had had any conversation with the English
ambassador about the Palatine. I said Yes, and that while
I had found the ambassador perfectly ready to do all in his power
to get the matter adjusted, I had also found that his king was
determined not to enter into any negotiations before his nephew
was released from his present captivity. I suggested that a
way out might be found by giving him a conditional liberty,
that would satisfy his uncle and the world while safeguarding
the interests of His Majesty ; by releasing him on parole in Paris
where he would readily stay if he were led to hope that they would
treat with him about his interests. The ambassador raised no
objection and even seemed inclined to move in the matter.
Savigni expressed approval and said he would speak to the king
about it. He did so and the day after came in his Majesty's
name to ask me to tell the ambassador that he was ready to set
the Palatine at liberty if he would promise not to go away from
the Court without his consent, the king of England giving the
same promise and both declaring that the Palatine had not
passed through that kingdom with the intention of taking command
of the army of the late Duke of Weimar and using it against
the interests of France. I reported this to the ambassador who,
after many objections about the difficulty of the promise, asked
of his master, at last undertook to write about it, not without
hope of success.
To both parties I have declared myself the private servant of
the two kings, and that I have not acted in this affair as minister
of your Excellencies, although I am sure you will be glad to see
friendship restored between these two crowns through the meditation
of the republic. I have acted the more readily in the matter
as, besides the need of gratifying the king and His Eminence,
which I could not evade, I have observed the irritation between
these two nations extremely exasperated by the accident and
threatening a considerable upset very soon, most prejudicial in
the present state of affairs of Christendom. The ambassador
has more than once declared publicly that his king would not
tolerate the affront of the imprisonment of his nephew, the King
of Denmark is ready to interest himself in the cause, and the
Spaniards, fomenting the bitter feeling, lose no time in making
offers to England which are not to be despised.
Paris, the 24th January, 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
15. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
It was not for any immediate business that the Ambassador
Bellievre obtained permission to return here, and he will not go
back to England again. No one has yet been selected to fill his
place. They speak of the Count of Moruer (fn. 4) and possibly of the
Marshal d'Etre, if he should be recalled from Rome.
Paris, the 24th January, 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Jan. 25.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Zante.
Venetian
Archives. |
16. Francesco Marcello, Venetian Proveditore of Zante, to
the Doge and Senate.
Thomas Simons, general factor of the English merchants,
came here last October. I informed him of the wishes of your
Serenity and he expressed the best of intentions. It is unquestionable
that the price of currants this year is very low, as
although the quality is excellent, money is so short that the poor
people have to sell for anything they can get. Complaints have
reached me that the low price is in great measure due to Simons,
who has an arrangement with the other English merchants
which prevents them from entering the market. I sent for him
and told him that he must allow complete freedom of trade. He
assured me that he did not prevent it. Since his arrival from
Venice the price had risen to 18 reals. This is quite true. Still
it is reported that there is an arrangement between Simons and
the other English that the price shall not rise above 18 reals,
although their leading merchants have commissions to pay
22 reals here and 20 reals at Cephalonia. Even if this is true
it will be difficult to establish as the merchants keep secret their
arrangements among themselves. The people are much distressed
at the difference in price from last year and they implore relief
from the state.
Zante, the 15th January, 1639, old style.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 26.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
17. The Secretary of England came into the Collegio and
expressed himself in the terms of the attached memorial, which
was handed to the secretary after his exit.
The Memorial.
Most serene Prince : It was ordained in the Senate on 7 July
and 2nd October, 1638, that l'Aquila with his son Girolamo and
son in law Boldu should be sent to Corfu while their processes
were drawn up. (fn. 5) This order was sent to the Proveditore of Zante,
but as l'Aquila was in Cephalonia at the time, the order was sent
on to the Proveditore there with letters from Zante. However,
these orders have not been carried out and instead of being at
Corfu Aquila has come to this city to make himself chancellor
of Cephalonia, with the favour of the Proveditore last chosen.
Your Serenity is besought to cause this Aquila to be sent away
while the affairs of Henry Hide are being dealt with in the office
of the Five Sages, and that he be relegated in accordance with
the order of the Senate until his process has been drawn up, as
well at Zante as at Venice.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 27.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
18. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The French ambassador took leave of their Majesties on Sunday
with the customary ceremony. His departure is announced for
Monday. The Dutch ambassadors look with reasonable apprehension
upon this as well as upon the mission of the Marquis of
Vellada to this Court. Arsem sees more and more clearly that
the delay in the reply he has asked for in vain means that they
want first to hear the proposals of the Catholic ambassador. He
also is determined to leave very soon, leaving old Joachimi in
charge to maintain the original relations with this crown. The
king, on the other hand, shows his pleasure at the appointment
of Vellada and awaits him with obvious impatience. He states
that he considers him a minister of the best intentions, with none
of the artifices which have generally been inseparable from the
behaviour of that nation. Such ideas will help the minister's
negotiations and also show his Majesty's leanings to a closer
connection with the House of Austria.
After having stayed several days at Brussels, where the Agent
Gerbier courteously entertained him, M. di Talbot has arrived
here in the capacity of a gentleman sent by Prince Tomaso. (fn. 6)
He has seen their Majesties and the queen mother as well. His
secret offices, from what I gather, have been devoted to show the
readiness of his master to arrange a complete adjustment with
Madame of Savoy, through the influence of the sovereigns here ;
while he has made suggestions calculated to foment the ill feeling
against France and he has laboured to induce them to support the
trouble in Normandy by cautious assistance, as being the best way
to compel the Most Christian to release the Palatine and to allow his
mother to return to that kingdom. Although these incitements are
known to be directed solely to causing fresh difficulties to that monarch
yet they find the king and most influential ministers much
inclined that way, if the present differences permit them to make
any attempt.
As no couriers have arrived from Scotland this week they are
most impatiently waiting to hear what has been decided in the
Assembly there. Reports state that the people are powerfully
armed and supplied with all they need for a stout resistance to
the royal forces. They continue to assemble these busily in the
North, and they have recently distributed the leading posts of
the army. Lord Conway is made general of the cavalry, a man
of reputation and experience ; the Earl of Newport commands
the artillery while the entire naval forces are entrusted to the
Marquis Hamilton.
They talk freely at the palace about replacing many ministers
suspected of partiality towards the Scots and Dutch. Meanwhile
the king has ordered the Earl of Lince, Lord High Chamberlain
of the Realm, to resign to the Earl of Northumberland the governorship
of Berwick, a vital fortress on the Scottish frontier.
The Lord Keeper has passed away. Many aspire to this
important post and although there are some who offer 250,000
crowns for it, that being the key whereby to open the door to
even the most difficult things, yet his Majesty has not chosen to
make an appointment. He inclines to give it to the Treasurer,
whose place he would then give to the Lieutenant of Ireland, (fn. 7)
who, favoured by ever more conspicuous indications of his
Majesty's esteem and benevolence, is stepping quickly towards
the entire control of this monarchy. This affects the interests
of France at this Court prejudicially, as it is well known that this
new and influential minister is entirely Spanish in his sympathies.
The courier of Antwerp has arrived this week without the
despatches from Italy. It is supposed that the couriers have been
stopped by the armies in Germany. I report this because my
own letters may be delayed.
London, the 27th January, 1640.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Jan. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Spagna.
Venetian
Archives. |
19. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to
the Doge and Senate.
We hear of no further progress with the negotiations of the
English ambassador. He sent back the couriers who came from
England many days ago. It appears that they resent here
the English king having admitted the Dutch ambassador to
his Court and to audience.
Madrid, the 28th January, 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
Jan. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
20. Gieronimo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador at the
Hague, to the Doge and Senate.
There is a report of negotiations for an agreement between
the Infant, England and Denmark. This receives some support
from the permission given to a natural son of Denmark to raise
two regiments in that kingdom for the Prince Cardinal (fn. 8) ; and it
is thought that the detention of the Prince Palatine may help
a union between England and Denmark. The Infant and England
have a common grievance against the Dutch over the late
action. But the strongest proof is the knowledge that negotiations
have been opened for a marriage alliance between Spain
and England. The French ambassador tries to dissipate unfavourable
impressions, but the States know that resentment
is felt in England at the arrest of the Palatine.
Levies of 15,000 infantry and 2,000 horse are being raised in
England. This is ascribed to some hidden intention against
France in case the disturbances in Scotland are settled. But
the Dutch ambassador in France writes that the French are
keeping an eye on this and at the opening of parliament they will
direct their attention to conciliating the goodwill of that body
and preventing any accident.
The Hague, the 28th January, 1640.
[Italian.] |
Jan. 31.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
21. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in France, to
the Doge and Senate.
I have been to audience of the king at St. Germains. He
seemed very curious to know what the English ambassador had
said to me about the proposals made to him in writing for the
release of the Palatine. I said I had found him most disinclined
to believe that his king would sign them, as even if the Palatine
agreed he could not in honour give the assurance which is required
about his nephew's intentions or even give a promise that the
Prince will not leave the Court without his Majesty's consent.
So far as the Palatine is concerned it is certain that he will give
the promise not to leave and will justify his intentions, but not
in the form proposed to him. His Majesty replied that if the
King of Great Britain wished to treat of the interests of his nephew
he must consent to the satisfaction demanded ; if not, there is
nothing more to be said. He asked me to see the Cardinal about
it and not to let the matter drop. I will try and serve his Majesty
in this matter, as if some means of accommodation is not found
and they allow themselves to become incensed, more harm may
be done than is looked for.
Paris, the last of January, 1639. [M.V.]
[Italian.] |
| Enclosure. |
22. Promise of the English Ambassador.
Nous soubsigné Comte de Leycester etc. Declarons que le
Roy etc. n'a jamais eu connoissance d'aucun dessein que le
Prince Palatine Electeur. son nepveu ait eu de debaucher du
service du Roy Très Chrêtien l'Armée commandée par feu M. le
Due de Weimar ou aucune de ses troupes et officiers pour s'en
rendre chef et que pour rien du monde il ne voudrait souffrir
un tel dessein qui offenceroit le Roy Très Chrêtien, son frère qui
soldoie la dite Armée.
Nous promettons en outre au nom de Sa Majesté de la Grande
Bretagne que s'il plaist au Roy mettre son dit nepveu en liberté
dans Paris et dans sa Cour il n'en sortira point sans sa permission.
Faict etc. |
23. Promise of the Prince Palatine.
Nous soubsigné etc. Declarons qu' encores que nous passassions
incogneu par la France pour aller en Allemagne nous n' avons
jamais eu intention de debaucher du service de Roy Très Chrêtien
l' Armée commandée par feu M. le Due de Weimar ou aucune de
ses troupes et officiers d' icelle ny de nous en rendre chef, et que
rien du monde nous ne voudrions penser a une telle acte qui
offenceroit Sa Majesté Très Chrêtienne qui solde la dite Armée.
Nous promettons en outre, en foy et parolle de Prince, que sa
dite Majesté nous donnant la liberté de demeurer dans Paris et
dans sa Cour, n'en sortirons point sans sa permission.
Faict etc. |