|
|
Dec. 2.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci.
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
294. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary at the Hague, to the
Doge and Senate.
Since the fresh disturbances in Scotland and Ireland they are
not so eager here about nominating ambassadors extraordinary
for England. By this embassy the prince hoped to arrange
finally the marriage of his son and to fetch the princess to this
Court. He now hopes to obtain considerable advantages from
the circumstances, without instituting fresh negotiations. He
has decided to suspend the extraordinary mission and to meet the
emergency by despatching with all speed Joachimi, the ordinary
ambassador.
The Hague, the 2nd December, 1641.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni,
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
295. To the Ambassador in London.
We commend your offices in the matter of the currants, especially
with the Earl of Arundel. If his efforts are successful
you will thank him in the name of the state. For the rest you
will point out that the merchants receive every advantage and
security in their private affairs. That past experience shows
how monoplies in London have disturbed trade generally and
the good of the few has in this way been preferred before the
interests of his Majesty himself and those of all his subjects.
Further that the republic is disposed to give the most just satisfaction
to all.
That a copy of the letters of the Ambassador in London on the
currant trade be furnished to the Five Savii sopra Mercanzia, in
order that they may give their opinion on oath as to the manner
of removing the appeals of English merchants from this city
and their grievances, in conformity with the contents of those
letters, in order to afford greater facilities to the currant trade.
Ayes, 108. Noes, 1. Neutral, 2.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
296. Gio. Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The king entered this city yesterday as expected. The pomp
and circumstance in this connection give rise to hopes that the
aspect of affairs here may yet change, and so it may be useful to
report everything in detail.
At Tibols, 12 miles from here, his Majesty was met by the queen,
the princes and the most loyal and trusted lords of the realm.
Four miles outside London the mayor came out with the aldermen
and 600 horsemen of the most substantial citizens, with numerous
liveries and richly dressed. All the streets were decorated. The
magistrates of the city and the Guilds lined them for a great
distance assisted by the rest of the people, who all gathered there
and rendered the entry the more remarkable.
A short distance out, the king left his coach and mounted a
horse, as did the prince and other Lords, in order to show himself
better in his passage through the city. When he entered he was
received everywhere with universal acclamations, while he was
careful to thank the people by gesture and speech, thus causing
a renewal of the shouts of welcome. He alighted first at the
Guildhall (casa della villa) a thing never done by any of his predecessors,
where he had a brave reception, with the queen and
all his company. After the banquet he fully satisfied the expectations
of the city by his courtesy, he restored to them as a sign of
his favour, the town of Londonderry in Ireland, which had been
taken from them some years ago by the deceased lieutenant.
After these compliments his Majesty was escorted with the
same company and order to his royal palace by torchlight, always
amid the same shouts and acclamations.
Alarmed by these demonstrations the parliamentarians of the
Lower House, being especially fearful that the support of the people
may fail them, are examining all the ways by which they can best
cast discredit upon the present and past actions of his Majesty. To
this end they have proposed in parliament to draw up a paper, to be
published, with all the disorders which have taken place in the government
since his accession up to the present, feeling sure that when the
people hear of past disorders and the remedies proposed for the future,
their zeal for the procedure of the parliamentarians will be confirmed,
while they will be estranged from the king, and so it will be easier
for them to realise fully the designs which this violent move is intended
to accomplish. Nevertheless they have had long debates
over this seditious proposal, which has met with strong opposition.
It was only carried by ten votes, and it is doubtful even yet if it will
be carried out, becuase many have protested roundly denouncing the
step as mischievous and in no way calculated to benefit the state.
The discussion on this important question is to be continued
in parliament today, and everyone is closely watching what
the result will be, as an indication of what the future will
bring.
With the king returned the Prince Palatine, and the Marquis
Hamilton also, who enjoys the old confidence and affection of his
Majesty even after all the things that have happened.
2000 infantry have been marched to the coast this week, so that
they may be quickly transported to Ireland. News arrived from
there yesterday that the rebels have cut in pieces a number of
Scots living in the country, who had united to resist them, that
they have burned several villages and are at present erecting
fortifications at two ports (fn. 1) where succours for the other side
might be expected to land. The gentleman I sent to Scotland
returned on Sunday. He tells me that when the king read my
letter in his presence he seemed much moved. He asked for
further particulars, and then said that he was not to blame. He
considered the incident very serious. He was coming to London
and would wish me to have the most complete satisfaction. He
showed great courtesy to my gentleman and spoke very kindly
of me. The gentleman had scarcely got downstairs when the
king sent after him and made him repeat the account of the matter
when his Majesty reiterated his former expressions.
Although I have not paid my respects yet on the king's return,
I will do so at a suitable opportunity, as I do not think it well to
omit these first duties. The Spanish ambassador, though equally
affronted by the opening of his despatches, intends to perform
them, and the king certainly had no part in this act, which he has
shown that he bitterly resents.
London, the 7th December, 1641.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispaeci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
297. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary at the Hague, to the
Doge and Senate.
They are drawing up new instructions for the Ambassador
Joachimi, who will leave shortly for England, to resume his
ordinary embassy, to enable him to respond if they institute
proposals for an alliance with this state.
The Hague, the 9th December, 1641.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 10.
Cinque Savii
alla
Mercanzia.
Risposte,
Venetian
Archives. |
298. With regard to the reference by the Senate about the
dispute between John Obson and Angelo Bonicelli, we have to
report that it originated in the formation of a company by
Bonicelli and some English merchants, among whom were
Venetian Rodolfo Simes, then living at Venice, and Obson, who was then at
Zante. The capital amounted to some 40,000 reals, one half on
account of the English and the other half of Bonicelli. About the
year 1630 Bonicelli came to Venice and found that Simes had
died of the plague. Obson arrived there soon after and the
quarrel over the accounts then began. A long drawn out lawsuit
was started. Obson demanded that Bonicelli should account for
10,000 reals sent to Zante by Simes. Subsequently, wishing to
depart for England, Obson, by means of the English Secretary,
obtained the postponement of the suit until his return, giving
pledges that he would respect the sentence when given. Obson
has failed to keep this engagement. Finally the arbiters gave
judgment for the payment to Bonicelli of 30,438 ducats, disallowing
Obson's counter claim for 10,000 reals. This sentence was
confirmed by the Avogador Bondumier and by the Council of
Forty. Thereupon Obson brought a criminal action against
Bonicelli for defrauding the Company of 10,000 reals. But the
suit was dismissed and the Company was condemned to pay to
Bonicelli the amount mentioned above. A further appeal made
by Obson was disallowed. Finally, through the interposition of
his king the state appointed judges to decide the question, and on
the 4th September last the matter was settled by a judgment
reversing the others (con contraditorio giuditio).
By virtue of this arbitrary sentence Bonicelli remitted the
money to be paid to Obson by letters of exchange. The agent
of the English merchants had a dispute with Bonicelli about the
money being paid at Venice. Bonicelli obtained a verdict in his
favour without difficulty, and this is not liable to appeal, as the
merchants admit.
Obson's complaint is that the arbiters would not admit his
proofs to substantiate the claim for 10,000 reals, and because
Bonicelli claims that he is liable for the whole amount of the debt
covered by the sentence.
Dated at the office, the 10th December, 1641. |
| Antonio Venier, |
Savii |
| Lorenzo Dolfin, |
| Zuanne Moro, |
| Francesco Corner, |
| [Italian.] |
Dec. 12.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni,
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
299. To the Ambassador in London.
We are assured by the Five Savii alla Mercanzia that the merchant
Obson resorted to several tribunals and from each of them
he received the justice meted out to all, particularly to foreigners.
But if right is not on his side judgment cannot be in his favour.
The enclosed paper will supply the particulars, upon which you
will formulate your replies, in general terms. We may possibly
send more next week. We enclose the usual sheet of advices.
Ayes, 112. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 13.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
300. Gio. Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
Following up the sentiments expressed to my gentleman about
the accident of the letters, his Majesty asked for detailed information
almost immediately on his arrival here. He lamented the
event extremely to his ministers and declared in the presence of
the whole Court that he would give your Excellencies and your
minister every satisfaction desired. He also expressed his personal
disgust to the Earl of Oland. On Sunday he sent for Lord Fildinch
and ordered him, without further delay, to come to this embassy
to apologise for the incident, and to declare that the republic is
a great prince whose friendliness to this crown he fully recognises,
that my service is pleasing to him and that he wishes to show the
world the regard he bears for your Excellencies.
All the ambassadors have paid their respects to his Majesty.
The Spaniard after doing so remonstrated strongly about the
opening of his letters, to which, as was remarked, the king replied
temperately.
To avoid lack of manners I also expressed to his Majesty on
Monday my satisfaction at his return. I thought it best to say
nothing about the packets but to leave it to him, to leave him
more at liberty to express his sentiments. After thanking me
warmly he said he had heard of the incident. His displeasure
could not be greater. The only relief was that he was not present.
He asked for the fullest particulars, and said he was determined,
should I not be satisfied with the demonstrations made by
parliament, to give me all the satisfaction that I might desire
that remained in his power. He asked me repeatedly what I
required, declaring he was ready to grant anything. I told
him I expected nothing less of his generosity. But my duty
compelled me to report the incident to your Excellencies and I
must await your instructions. To this the king replied, I have
ordered Fildinch to proceed to Venice without delay, and he will
go with all speed. He will have orders to give every satisfaction
to the republic. He will take letters of credence, and I shall
give him letters with declarations in the same sense, all to show
my regard for the republic and my content with you. He
repeated twice that Fildinch would go soon and would take these
letters. He said he would send the letters on the following day,
and I am advised that the courier is leaving with them today.
Meanwhile the eagerness of his Majesty to remedy this incident
has caused remark throughout the Court, and serves to enhance
the greatness of the Senate, especially as I do not hear that they
have given the Spanish ambassador any redress for the injury.
London, the 13th December, 1641.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
301. Gio. Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
Nothing much has happened this week, the sittings of parliament
being mostly consumed in discussions and long disputes
rather than in deciding anything of importance. The most
remarkable thing at the moment is the king's intimation to
parliament to desist from the practice of having themselves
guarded by numerous armed squadrons, which they had introduced
during his absence, ostensibly for their safety, as the king
considers it unnecessary and very injurious to the convenience
of his people.
The members of the Lower House strongly objected to this decision
but although they tried to prevent its execution, they have at last
made up their minds to obey, after some resistance. This is an
indication that now the support of the Scottish forces has ceased as
well as their hope of backing from this city, even the most obstinate
are preparing to resume their former modesty, and that his Majesty
may be able to resume the just possession of the authority enjoyed
by his predecessors. With regard to the remonstrance touching the
disorders under the late government, after numerous debates they
have decided, to abandon the idea of sending it to the Upper House
for approval or to have it printed. They have merely decided to
present it to his Majesty so that he may decide what is best for the
service of his subjects, with the approval of parliament. A deputation
will take it to the king today, and it is hoped that this publication
against the late government may not have the effect in prejudicing
his Majesty's subjects against him that those who sharpened this
arrow may have imagined.
Six deputies of Scotland are expected in this city. They are
said to be charged to arrange about the assistance that has been
decided by the two parliaments in favour of the Palatine House.
But those best acquainted with the present condition of these realms
believe it impossible to carry it out and they believe that the sole
object of this move is to support the negotiations of the ambassador
at the Imperial Court, which the French ambassador here is doing
his utmost to discredit and to make appear hopeless.
A courier arrived two days ago from Ireland with the report
that the rebels daily increase in numbers and are doing most
serious hurt to the Protestants in their advance, and that yet
another province has revolted and is exhibiting the same designs
as the other. (fn. 2)
Here, despite the efforts to send help, they meet with insuperable
difficulties and but scant hopes remain of reducing that people to
quiet by force.
The queen's confessor has come out of the Tower, but is obliged
to present himself to parliament when called upon. His crimes
have dissolved away and are recognised by the unprejudiced as due
to hate and malignant invention.
Dissatisfied with the first Secretary of State his Majesty has
deprived him of the office of Treasurer of the Household, which
he enjoyed, and has even appointed the second secretary (ha
fatto la nominatione ancora del secondo segretario), with the intention
of striking that disaffected official yet more shrewdly. (fn. 3)
London, the 13th December, 1641.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
302. Gio. Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
When the affair of the opened letters occured on the 21st ult. I
made report the next day and gave the despatch to my gentleman, to
be taken to Flanders. When he arrived at Dover he found the
ordinary of Antwerp ready to sail, and to save trouble and expense
he gave the packet to the Master of the Posts at Dover, (fn. 4) who in his
presence put it into the bag with the rest of the letters and promised
that it should be faithfully taken across. For greater security my
gentleman stayed at Dover until he saw the messenger embark. I
now learn to my infinite mortification that the courier has not done
his duty, but that he took the packet out of the bag and gave it back
to the master of the Posts at Dover, who kept it back until the following
week. I cannot state the true reason for this action, but I am afraid
it is due to the diligence of Lord Fildinch, who wants the news to
reach his secretary first. Today I shall complain to his Majesty
about the Master of the Posts and try and make him render account.
I report this to show the violence of Fildinch's procedure, due to the
hope that if his report arrives first your resentment will be less and
you will not insist on the punishment of the delinquents as they
deserve.
London, the 13th December, 1641.
[Italian ; deciphered.] |
Dec. 14.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
303. Thadio Vico, Venetian Secretary in Germany, to the
Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador has presented a new paper to the
Congress. He called on me yesterday and said he was aware of
their conspiracy to procrastinate and wait for what time would
bring. He commended the zeal shown by the emperor in the
matter, but said he was so bound by these two knots of Spain and
Bavaria that he might not be a free agent. The ambassador said
he had decided to present another categorical demand to the
Congress and his Majesty, with a time limit, and if they did not
respond, he would leave at once for England. He went on :
They believe here that they can twist me as they please, but they
will realise at last that I am not a buffalo. They think that these
new disturbances in Ireland, which certainly are not negligable
but which will be put down, are likely to keep us busy and they
even want to force us to submit to demands which might cause a
breach with France, so as to keep us further distracted from this
subject. But they make a great mistake about the issue if God
wills to protect this just cause, as I believe He will.
Vienna, the 14th December, 1641.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 14.
Collegio,
Secreta.
Esposizioni,
Principi.
Venetian
Archives. |
304. The Resident of England came into the Collegio and
said :
I come with shame to report what I would rather had not
happened. He then presented a memorial.
The doge replied, the first fault might have been attributed
to carelessness, but its repetition leaves no doubt about malicious
inadvertence. We regret to hear it, because the rights of nations
are not recognised or the respect which is due to ambassadors.
These Signors have heard and will give the matter their consideration.
The Resident replied that the evil had brought its remedy with
the protest already made. This will be accepted by the republic
as evidence of his Majesty's good intentions.
With this the Resident made his bow and went out. (fn. 5) |
The Memorial.
Owing to the disturbances in Ireland some members of the
Lower House were appointed to examine letters coming from
abroad, it being understood that those directed to foreign ministers
should not be touched. In order to protect the packet
of your Serenity's minister from any carelessness or mistake,
our ambassador wished to be present, to which he had a right as
a peer of the realm, and from his devotion to the republic. When
he asked for the letters of the Venetian ambassador he found the
cover already broken, so he refused to take it. All the commissioners
and other persons of distinction who were present
subsequently assured him that it had been done by pure accident,
and asked him to take the packet to the ambassador and apologise.
He did this, being accompanied by another gentleman. They
found his Excellency much incensed at what had been done but
were able to appease him by their apologies, protestations and
requests. But when, in the following week another packet was
violated by the commissioners, and the seal of St. Mark removed,
his Excellency could no longer contain himself and presented a
paper to the royal Council, denouncing the commissioners as
violators of the law of nations. The Council took the paper to
the House of Lords, greatly magnifying the act which was universally
condemned. They directed that every effort should be
made to discover those who had been guilty of this infringement
of the public faith, but the efforts made were without success. So
to give satisfaction to the ambassador the House of Lords
published a protest against this action as done contrary to the
public intention, which protest was afterwards presented to his
Excellency by four leading men, as your Serenity has probably
heard. Nothing therefore remains to me but to beg your Serenity
to accept the representations set forth in that protest, and to
assure you of the perfect friendliness of the parliament, and its
intention to discover and punish the culprits, and also that his
Majesty on his return, will not fail to give the most complete
satisfaction.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 20.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
305. Gio. Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The day after the king entered this city he went on with all the
court to Hampton Court, with the intention of staying there
during the winter season, and only come here to see the ambassadors
and other necessary functions.
The citizens and merchants of London who in his past absence
have noticed the loss which results to the trade of this great city
by the court being far away, decided to send on Friday to Hampton
Court the mayor and aldermen, charged to present to his
Majesty in the name of the community fresh protestations of the
loyalty and obedience of the people, and beseeching him to
dismiss from his thoughts the memory of certain offences which
he had received in the past, and to come back and live here,
promising to assist him with all their power and upon every
occasion.
The king, anxious to secure to himself the affection of his
subjects and of this city in particular, which was the most forward
and seditious towards him, seized the opportunity and told him :
that he considered London the chief limb of his crown, and that
upon which his greatness rested. He was disposed to do anything
to further the interests of inhabitants, and to achieve this he
would not refuse to incur any kind of danger. He promised to
return on Monday to live in the city, as he has done, and, in the
presence of the queen, as a token of regard, he knighted all the
aldermen, whom he afterwards sumptuously entertained. (fn. 6)
These men, who are leaders of position among the people
returned to London quite delighted and praised his Majesty's
goodness to the skies. This has aroused a universal feeling of
devotion towards these princes and destroyed the aversion which
they have shown towards them in the past. As this has served
as the most powerful means for enabling parliament to keep the king
in the constraint reported, so at the moment there is a gleam of hope
that a perseverance in such declarations of the people may serve as
a useful instrument for restoring the king's original authority, and
he has already begun to exercise it again, as you shall hear.
The Lower House presented the remonstrance reported to his
Majesty by twelve deputies, with the request that he would
permit the punishment of the authors of past disorders, which
means the ministers most in his favour. They further asked that
the vacant offices of Great Steward and Lord Treasurer should be
bestowed on the Earls of Pembruch and Salsberi, who are Puritans,
ill disposed towards his Majesty and strong partisans of the parliament.
The king, although very sensible of the reflection upon the
prudence of his government, and about his absolute prerogative of
appointing to offices, accepted the paper without alteration and made
a general reply. But on the other hand, on the next day he nominated
as Great Steward the Duke of Richemont, formerly Lenos, one of
those accused of being responsible for past disorders, showing his
constant determination not to consent to any further encroachment
upon his royal rights. The disaffected parliamentarians are highly
incensed at this and threaten further attacks and changes.
In addition to depriving the first secretary of the office of
treasurer of the Household and appointing another as second
secretary, the king has deprived him of the secretaryship itself. (fn. 7)
At the palace they talk freely of changing many of the leading
ministers soon, as well as servants of the Court, who in the late
disturbances have publicly conspired against the intentions and
interests of his Majesty.
Those concerned are very uneasy about this and about other
steps which may be expected in the future. In order to avert the
danger and peril from their heads they are plotting secretly and
endeavouring by fresh devices to render his Majesty's actions odious
to the people and to restore parliament to its former credit.
The French ambassador has tried to introduce overtures for an
adjustment ; but the king has not welcomed his interposition, as
owing to the ambassador's close relations with the leaders of the
Puritans the king considers him more likely to promote the interests
of that party than his own. The king also cherishes a secret grudge
against this minister personally and equally against the present
policy of France, which he suspects of secretly encouraging trouble.
And so amid these ups and downs there is no place for any sound
judgment as to how these suspicions and mistrusts will end.
M. d' Enflit has arrived from Holland in a private capacity.
The report is confirmed that the real reason for his journey is to
promote a marriage between the Prince of Wales and the eldest
daughter of the Prince of Orange.
The Prince of Razvil, also, a Pole, has landed at Dover. He is
expected at Court to arrange a marriage between himself and the
second daughter of the Princess Palatine. (fn. 8)
Numerous waggons laden with munitions of war have travelled
towards the sea ports to be taken across to Ireland this week.
No news has come thence since the last reported, although long
discussions are being held about events there, but no decision
has been yet announced.
I have complained to the king about the delay of my letters by
the Master of the Posts at Dover. He assured me that he would
make a vigorous demonstration of his displeasure. He asked for a
written statement and sent the secretary of state here for a memorial.
I hear that this postmaster has been summoned to Court and the
one at Dover has orders to appear to render account of his fault.
London, the 20th December, 1641.
Postscript :—I learn that the Dover postmaster has arrived
and has been committed to prison. (fn. 9)
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 20.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
306. Thadio Vico, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to
the Doge and Senate.
They never cease their blandishment to persuade the English
ambassador that they mean to give satisfaction to the Palatine,
to avoid increasing his irritation. Meanwhile in order to confirm
him in this view they are asking that in addition to the full powers
from the king he will have others sent from the two parliaments
of England and Scotland as well. They tell him this is necessary
because these same parliaments have declared their wish to
embrace and assist this cause. They also ask for the ultimate
wishes of those bodies and what conditions they are prepared to
accept on behalf of the Palatine, to assist their negotiations and
the settlement of the question. The ambassador sees through it
all, but I do not know what he replied or what he proposes to do.
Vienna, the 20th December, 1641.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
307. To the Ambassador in London.
We rejoice at the king's return. You will express the satisfaction
of the republic at this event to the king himself at a
special audience, assuring him of the republic's affection. We
enclose sheet of advices.
Ayes, 137. Noes, 0. Neutral, 1.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 26.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Haya.
Venetian
Archives. |
308. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary at the Hague, to the
Doge and Senate.
Released from his prison in Germany Prince Rupert has arrived
here. He expresses much satisfaction at the honourable treatment
which he received at the Imperial Court. The Princess,
his mother, is extremely consoled at his return. Her pleasure
has been redoubled by the recent favourable declaration of the
Scottish parliament to assist the Palatine, her son, with 10,000
men paid.
The Hague, the 26th December, 1641.
[Italian.] |
Dec. 27.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
309. Gio. Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
In the present state of affairs with the issue uncertain, each side
makes the most subtle efforts to improve its position. The king
stands upon his just rights while the others try to render their present
authority more stable. Thus his Majesty has sent orders to
210 members of parliament who are absent, to return on the 12th
prox. to take part in the session, in the persuasion that with the
increase of numbers his party will be strengthened, since it is
certain that only those withdrew who most abhor the changes and who
disliked being involved in such troublesome disorders, in the continuation
of which it would appear that the other side bases its most
certain hopes of permanence.
The king has also had printed a proclamation enjoining the
rigorous observance of the ancient laws and acts of parliament
touching the liturgy of the Church here, at the same time forbidding
the introduction of new rites, and charging the parish
ministers and those who superintend justice not to permit any
other use than that established by Queen Elizabeth, which means
the punctual exercise of the Protestant religion and the tacit
exclusion of the Puritan. (fn. 10)
The leaders of that sect object to this declaration, recognising that
this prudent command of the king, which is supported by the laws
which are universally held in great respect, wins him the sympathies
of the Protestants while it rebukes the temerity of those who, in his
absence unlawfully abrogated the statutes of the land by the orders
reported, about destroying images, bowing at the name of Jesus
and other ceremonies. These men, moved by prejudice and the
well founded apprehension that if his Majesty recovers his
authority the blow will fall upon them for what they have done
in the past under specious pretexts, have proposed in the Lower
House the choice of three generals, one to command at sea, and
the others on land, with despotic authority, independent of the
king in parliament, to gather troops, collect money, punish guilty
persons, in short all the powers of an absolute king, with the
intention to appoint their own partisans to these posts and deprive
his Majesty and parliament as well of all authority. (fn. 11)
But on a close examination of the project the device became
manifest and so far it has not won the approval of prudent men.
In any case it has been condemned in debate, and it is certain
that even if it passed in the Lower House it would never be accepted
in the Upper or by the king, whose assent is necessary, and
whose interests are deeply involved.
Meanwhile such attempts cause apprehension to the most
devoted servants of his Majesty and to those who sigh impatiently
for the troubles of England to recede, since they suspect that these
leaders of the Puritans, open enemies of the royal greatness, are
fearful for their own safety, and may adopt the most desperate
expedients to the detriment of the public peace. For this reason
disinterested men are torn between doubts and misgivings over the
future.
To appease complaints and to restore its own credit with the
people the Lower House has resolved that every one shall have the
right to claim his due even from members of parliament, who by
law enjoy exemption during parliament as well as their dependents.
The Upper House, however, which is more interested than the
other in this privilege, which it finds profitable, refuses to pass this
bill, on the plea that it will not deprive itself of an ancient prerogative,
an action which diminishes its popularity still more.
In the name of the city of London many substantial citizens
who profess Puritanism appeared in the Lower House on Tuesday
and presented a memorial signed by a large number of poor folk,
in which they audaciously repeat the demand that the bishops
may be excluded from parliament, severity continued against
the Catholics and the vote of Catholic peers suspended. (fn. 12) These
withdrew to their country houses some time ago, and they will
now return in obedience to his Majesty's invitation.
The paper was received without any notice being taken, and
it is not expected to make any impression on the members of
moderate opinions, since it appears that the act was inspired by
those who, for the encouragement of their party, are seeking by
every means to create the impression that everyone is seeking the
same objects. Seven priests who have been imprisoned a long
time, were condemned to the extreme penalty last week. The
French ambassador moved by pity and by a wish to please the
queen, pleaded with the king for their lives. He was told that
his request could not be granted without the consent of parliament,
so he applied privately to the Upper House. They informed the
Lower Chamber of the ambassador's request and decided to
grant it. When his Majesty learned this he sent orders to the
sheriffs to suspend the execution of the sentence. Now parliament
repents of the concession and claims that the priests must
die, disowning the king's suspension and the promise given to
the ambassador, who does not conceal his annoyance. But the
king stands firmly by his order to the sheriffs and will not draw
back until parliament, having made up its full numbers, decides
otherwise by a majority of votes, which does not increase his
popularity among the people. (fn. 13)
As the English are still unwilling to serve in the regiments
destined for Ireland, they have decided to enlist 5000 Scots in
addition to those commanded, so that they may go over without
further delay. They have sent someone to Scotland on purpose
to speed up this levy, promising that their pay shall be given
them promptly as well as the arms and munitions they require.
The more prudent among the ministers do not altogether approve of
the plan of gathering so large a force of Scots in Ireland, because
of the fear that when the rebels are reduced and they have become
masters of the island, they may then attach it to the dominions of
the kingdom of Scotland.
Meanwhile the Earl of Dillon has arrived from Ireland, a man
of great influence. He promises his Majesty absolutely that he
will bring the people there back to their obedience if he is willing
to grant them liberty of conscience, and that their parliament
shall not be dependent on the one here. The king with the
majority of the Upper House, seems inclined to allow them the
free exercise of their religion, but the Lower is absolutely opposed
to this demand and has passed fresh resolutions that it shall not
be lawful to grant such advantages to anyone in his Majesty's
dominions. If they persist in this attitude all hope disappears
of seeing those disturbances accommodated without force and
much toil.
London, the 27th December, 1641.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Dec. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Germania.
Venetian
Archives. |
310. Thadio Vico, Venetian Secretary in Germany, to the
Doge and Senate.
As regards the Palatine affair we hear that the English ambassador
has made a statement that if he is certain that in this
quarter they will promise to give satisfaction to the Palatine both
in the matter of his state and in that of the electoral dignity,
then he will be content to listen to the conditions which are
desired by Spain and Bavaria and will try and arrange that the
Palatine shall yield something of his full claims on both these
heads. But with regard to the second undertaking which they
require from him, namely that before anything is carried out he
shall give assurance of the peace, he says that he is not God
Almighty to promise this, but he is ready to promise that once
the question of the restoration of the states and vote to the
Palatine is settled, then the king of England will undertake to
do everything in his power not only to bring about peace, but
will make himself the go between and mediator both within
and without the empire.
The ambassador intimates that powers from the parliaments
are not necessary, and they did not promise help for the Palatine
to any but his king, who has supreme power in such matters, and
what he promises by his ambassador will be approved by the
parliaments.
Vienna, the 28th December, 1641.
[Italian.] |