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Sept. 1.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Ceffalonia.
Venetian
Archives. |
127. Francesco Contarini, Venetian Proveditore of Cephalonia,
to the Doge and Senate.
Many letters from Venice have brought word that the parliament
of England has undoubtedly prohibited currants. The
distress of the people here on this account is extreme. They do
not know what to do, especially the poor, being destitute of the
very necessaries of life for the rest of the year if this fruit is not
serviceable to them, after all their labours. The crop is considerably
smaller than last year but the quality superb. Private
convenience would permit the exaction of their own credits,
and they would not wish to increase them any more.
The injury and loss which may result to your Serenity from
this are also likely to be considerable because the recovery of
debts will be impossible and the farming out of the duties will be
most difficult, especially of the two principal ones, of imports
and exports and of wine.
Cephalonia, the 22nd August, 1642, old style.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 3.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci.
Signori Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
128. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
A small Dutch ship, sent these last days towards York by the
queen of England with military provisions, returned recently
to these waters, having escaped from the pursuit of two large
Parliament ships, who followed it, as well as another Dutch ship
of war, which was going with the Princes Palatine towards the
royal camp, and served them as an escort. This ship withstood
the attack with great vigour. By good fortune it took refuge
in a port of this state and three days after the fight we hear that
it resumed its journey in safety and landed the two princes,
Maurice and Roberto, on the coast of Newcastle. Prince Charles,
the eldest of the family, having arrived unexpectedly from
England last week, states that he only came to hear with his
own ears the account of Ro, who treated of his affairs at the
Imperial Court, without any success. Some say it is to take the
queen back to that country, but appearances bear out what
the wisest think, that these are all inventions and that he has
torn himself away from the king, in order not to interest himself
in the war, if one is waged with the parliament, showing clearly
that he wishes to preserve his neutrality, with his Majesty's
consent, leaving his two brothers to take his share in a matter
in which he does not wish to take part personally.
Ro the ambassador, who has little desire to return to the royal
Court unless the present aspect of affairs changes, suggests to
their High Mightinesses, although he has no letters of credence
for them, the adjustment of certain differences of old standing
between the merchants here and those of England, so as to have
this pretext for remaining some time longer in this country, free
from the observation of those who watch his proceedings with
remarkable closeness, and who seem more eager than they need
be. When visiting me recently he told me that if he was compelled
to leave here and go to England, to see the unhappy
state of affairs there, the first thing he would do would be to
place himself between the forces of the king and the parliament,
to pray God to appease those troubles or else take away his life,
so that he might not feel them.
The Hague, the 3rd September, 1642.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 5.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
129. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
In conformity with the declaration reported the king left
York on Tuesday in this week with a following of 1500 horse and
of a few bands of infantry, the remainder of the forces which have
been promised him by his supporters not having been able as yet
to unite with him and because others are engaged in many of the
counties in upholding his cause against those who oppose it,
who are not a few. On arriving at Notingam and perceiving
at a glance the scant inclination of the people there to follow
his fortunes, he made up his mind not to make a halt there but
to push on to the town of Coventry, which is the chief town of
the county of Warwick, with the idea of subsequently unfurling
the royal standard in that place, and on being joined by the troops
whom he is expecting, to pursue the course of arms in accordance
with his opportunities (pro seguir a misura della occasioni il
corso dell' armi). But on arriving within a short distance of the
town he found the bridges closed and the people there not less
contumacious than the others, with a determination not to
permit him to enter unless on the condition that he would not
bring inside the walls the warlike forces accompanying him.
The king refused to agree to this and filled with resentment he
tried to force a way in with a bomb. The garrison, for its
part, having evaded the perils of this first blow, sallied out from
the town and attacking the royal troops without any compunction,
they threw them into disorder and compelled them
to retreat in manifest rout, with the loss of three pieces of artillery
and of some soldiers as well. After this unfortunate incident
his Majesty betook himself once more to Notingam and more
precise information of the steps he may decide upon amid the
trials of this state, is awaited with impatience.
The earl of Northampton is labouring at the siege of the castle
of Warwick, but with scant hope of a favourable issue. Word
has come that 6000 men sent by parliament to its relief have
entered the fortress without opposition, and accordingly everyone
predicts that Northampton will be obliged to give up the
attempt, and these first efforts of the king will end in failure.
The unfortunate result of these greatly diminishes the credit of his
party while it raises that of the rebels and makes it increasingly
apparent that the people here are united in a single desire to
bring about the ruin of the royal house and disorders in the
kingdom as well and that it will prove a difficult matter to find a
medicine capable of dissipating humours which have now become
both malignant and universal (fa sempre piu palese che conspirino
in un sol voto questi popoli nel procurare mall' hori alla casa reale
non meno che disordini al Regno etiamdio e che malagevole sia
per riuscire di trovare medecina atta a dissolvere humori resi
hormai e contumaci e universale).
Parliament on the other hand, profiting by the success gained
in these encounters, is greatly enheartened and cherishes confident
hopes that it will maintain the greatness of its present
state. It is increasing the army with all its might ; several
companies of cavalry collected in the country by parliamentarians
are turning up here at every moment and all are well
mounted. It remains established that next week General the
earl of Essex will march with the bulk of them, and he announces
that he will proceed straight for the king, on the assumption
that he will find his Majesty weak and in no condition to refuse
any demands however prejudicial they may be.
Meanwhile, to secure himself against any move from the county
of Kent, which with praiseworthy sentiment has declared for
his Majesty, Essex has unexpectedly despatched considerable
forces thither, caused the natives to be completely disarmed,
and made himself master of Dover castle and of all the most
ticklish posts in that district. These measures have relieved
them of the fear of any attempt at a dangerous movement from
that quarter and have deprived the king of a prop upon which
he relied more than on anything else as a support for his plans
to harass the party of the malcontents.
In this city they have searched all the houses of the Catholics
and Protestants, taking away their arms, and from some the
money and plate found there, which have been taken to the
Guildhall on the pretext that they were destined for his Majesty's
service. Although this is false, yet it serves as a fruitful means
for providing for the support of the troops and other expenses.
No respect has been shown to the Resident of Florence, as
the ministers forced an entrance into his house while he was
absent in the country, carrying away his arms and contemptuously
opening all his boxes. (fn. 1)
They have treated in the same way many lords of the highest
nobility, the dukes of Vendome and Epernon in particular, who
are respected here as the kin of his Majesty, although with more
reserve. They also searched the apartments of the Imperial
Resident.
So far this search has not extended to the houses of the ambassadors.
God grant that they will always observe this moderation
and give me grace to escape from this painful situation, in
which my purse has suffered irremediable loss as well as my health.
Parliament has issued a proclamation intimating that all
those who assist or serve the king under any pretext whatsoever
will incur the penalty of treason against his Majesty and the
state as well, and will be punished severely accordingly.
The fortress of Porsmoud still holds out for his Majesty.
Colonel Gorin, the governor, has recaptured the bridge and has
dislodged the enemy, so the first hopes of parliament for its
speedy surrender are disappearing.
In the ecclesiastical assembly in Scotland the partisans of the
parliamentarians here, as a counterblast to a manifesto of the
nobility, have issued a decree of much importance, in which they
declare that moved by true zeal for the worship of God they
will be ready to assist that party which will join with them in
reducing the liturgy of the Anglican Church to the forms of the
Scottish, which means abolishing the order of bishops and forbidding
the use of ceremonies which the Protestants have always
practised. The government there has informed his Majesty
of this decision, inviting him to come to an agreement with the
parliament here, make up his mind to the union of the two
churches, and to re-establish Calvinism in the whole island with
uniform rites.
An express messenger has arrived here with this news, and
commissioners are expected from Scotland with the particulars
of this Council and powers to introduce the business. All men
of understanding recognise that this is an attempt on the part of the
Scots to return with their army to England and under the pretext
of religious zeal to assist the seditious and also to secure other important
advantages for themselves in the present disorders of the
kingdom. This new development causes great apprehension to the
Protestants aimed as it is at essential matters affecting their consciences.
The insurgents of Ireland, on the other hand, have sent letters
to parliament protesting that they will cross to England to uphold
the royal authority by the force of their arms, and they have
caused similar offers to be presented to his Majesty, promising
that whenever he chooses to give the order they will start on
the road to come and serve under his flag. Thus England is
menaced from every quarter with the fire of long and ruinous
civil wars.
The Palatine Princes, Rupert and Maurice, cast anchor at last
in the waters of Newcastle on Saturday. They brought money,
munitions and arms sent by the queen to his Majesty. On the
journey from Newcastle to York Prince Rupert's horse fell and
he dislocated his shoulder. He has not been able yet to proceed
nearer to his Majesty. It is said that the king contemplates
giving the prince the command of the cavalry if the unexpected
checks which his arms have received give him the opportunity
of prosecuting his designs against his disobedient subjects.
Parliament is incensed at the coming of these princes and
much more at the arrival of these military provisions. They
blame the Prince of Orange, suspecting that he has accommodated
his Majesty with money and favoured the conveyance of the
munitions. In consequence of these suspicions they have taken
a curious step in the selection of an individual who, in the capacity
of gentleman of the parliament, (fn. 2) will proceed to-morrow to
Holland, with instructions to make representations to their
High Mightinesses complaining of the procedure of the prince
and to warn them that these succours supplied to the king are
contrary to the obligations of friendly relations, and that if the
transport of further munitions or money is permitted, orders
will be issued from this quarter to the earl of Warwick to treat
as enemies the Dutch ships which pass through the English
Channel. There are some who think that this person will not
be admitted by their High Mightinesses, to avoid any slight
upon the sovereignty of his Majesty, nevertheless they assert
that this expedition takes place by secret arrangement with
them, in order to afford them a just pretext for putting a stop to
further help for the king, and for opposing the demands of the Prince
of Orange. The marriage of the prince's son with the English
princess has brought to that house, mingled with the greatness,
anxiety of mind and a strain upon the purse of the father.
It is said that the king has sent commissions to the earl of
Arundel, who is just now at Antwerp, to proceed to Spain in the
capacity of ambassador extraordinary. The reasons for this
have not yet transpired, nor the instructions for his embassy,
which for many respects are bound to be at once interesting and
deserving of much consideration.
Although the gentleman of the French ambassador, sent to
France as I reported, has not yet returned, the ambassador is
setting out to-day for his Majesty. He came to tell me about his
journey, declaring that if he found the king unwilling for him to
remain on at his post, he will take leave and proceed to France
in conformity with the orders he holds from the king, his master.
He gave me to understand quite frankly that he disliked having
to leave in this way. He told me further, that to make manifest
the zeal shown by him in the interests of the prince here, he
had held long conferences with the parliamentarians and had
persuaded them to permit him to make his Majesty a fresh offer
of an accommodation. He will make the proposal and if the
king is disposed to accept his mediation, he will take up the task
with all sincerity and with hopes of a successful issue. He
informed me that on this side they demand a general pardon,
with guarantees that they shall enjoy it, the preservation of
religion and also of the privileges of parliament. These are the
usual pretexts with which they have justified all their past demands
and their present action. Those who are acquainted with the
astuteness of the parliamentarians consider these fresh projects a
device for the purpose of making a show to the people, by the conspicuous
means of the ambassador, of their willing disposition
towards an accommodation and to provide a further justification for
their demands under the cloak of religion and liberty so that if they
are not accepted the fault will rest with the king and he will have the
blame for these troubles.
A person in the ambassador's confidence and who sees all the
letters of the king, his master, informs me that France has no liking
for the further spreading of Calvinism in England, and she is no
better pleased at the great predominance which parliament has
acquired over the king's authority, as she suspects that in progress
of time the Huguenots of France may be fomented by the Puritans
here and that the example of parliament in shaking off the yoke
of monarchy may instil similar ideas among the French people.
This same individual assures me that once this ambassador, so
distasteful to the king, has gone, the Most Christian will make an
effort at mediation by means of a more acceptable minister, or
in some other way, to adjust these differences and to establish the
king's authority on a basis of solid permanence by means of negotiation.
Perceiving from the results that my offices have proved efficacious
in persuading his Majesty not to give his assent to the bill
forbidding the importation of currants, the directors of the
Levant Company have procured a fresh order in the Lower House
which limits the prohibition to 3 years only. The interested
parties hope that in the interval your Excellencies will reduce
the duties and grant them the other unjust demands which they
prefer, because their agents at Venice have given them to understand
that this pressure will induce your Serenity to give way
and satisfy them. I am trying my best to thwart this last attempt
and will write to the Secretary of State, and, if necessary, I will
speak to his Majesty.
London, the 5th September, 1642.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Sept. 6.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Rettori.
Venetian
Archives. |
130. To the Proveditore of Cephalonia.
In the affair of the currants, which is the foundation of the
prosperity of the people and of the revenue of the island, our
chief aim is always to promote the trade, with offices performed
in England. Although the parliament there has certain unfavourable
intentions, the king is of an opposite way of thinking.
Henry Hider, an English merchant, carried on a flourishing
trade in that island, but being put on his trial for fraud in the
customs, he was found guilty in his absence and sentenced to
banishment. There is no doubt that if he did not commit the
offences which were charged against him and his return might
prove of benefit to the trade, it would be a matter of justice to
recall him. We forward a copy of the sentence and a report of
his operations in the Morea. If with his return all that trade
in our islands could be restored and this were achieved by a
sound security which would not worsen his condition or diminish
his good will, we should desire the course of justice to proceed
with a vigorous march, the more so if the advantage of our
subjects were also served (se con ritorno si restituerebbe tutto
quel negotio nelle isole nostre et la maniera per una sicura cautela,
che non peggiorebbe la condition di lui et di affetto. desiderando noi
che la giustitia cammini con piede vigoroso et tanto piu se vi si
accompagnato il servitio dei sudditi).
Ayes, 99. Noes, 1. Neutral, 9.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 8.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
131. To the Ambassador in England.
Acknowledge his letters. Among the things which he reports
it is worthy of attention whether the French ambassador's
decision is really to depart, or if this is merely an excuse and as
an opening for negotiation. Perceive the advantage of his
efforts about the currants in the purchase of ships and in the
orders for the purchase of the fruit in our islands. Have every
confidence in his action. Owing to the insecurity of the route
he has permission to engage an escort, the cost of which will
be allowed to him, for the journey to Germany. Enclose the
usual sheet of advices.
Ayes, 152. Noes, 1. Neutral, 4.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 10.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Signori Stati.
Venetian
Archives. |
132. Zuanne Zon, Venetian Secretary in the Netherlands,
to the Doge and Senate.
The queen here announces that she will return to England
very soon, fixing the time at three weeks. For this purpose she
has sent her gentleman to the army to ask the Prince for a strong
convoy of Dutch ships to escort her, with this opportunity now
that the fleet of the parliament has its attention distracted as it
is intent on providing itself with food. The generality attach
little credit to the announcement, because from what they know
of her Majesty's movements they see clearly that it is more in
order to give some credit to the proceedings of her husband
than because her project can be carried out in such a short
space. It is very certain, and is openly acknowledged, that her
departure, whenever it takes place, will by no means be lamented
by the people here. They are badly impressed by her proceedings
and by the unjust opinions expressed by the heretic preachers
here against her. They also hate her for her free use of the
Catholic faith and because they want the Parliament to win
everywhere.
An English commissioner named Stridland arrived here
unexpectedly, a man reputed able and experienced in state
affairs. He is sent to the States by the parliament. He brought
letters of credence to the government, which were received
without difficulty, and he himself was admitted soon after, not
into the full Assembly, but to a chamber near here, to meet
three deputies. To them he made repeated remonstrances on
behalf of his principals about the assistance in munitions, officers
and convoys of ships supplied to the king to their hurt of late,
as well as a supply of ready money contributed to his Majesty
by the Prince here. He made strong representations so that
these Provinces should abstain from acting thus in the future
and not show themselves so partial to the royal side to the prejudice
of the parliament. The States have not yet given him
their answer, for lack of time to decide on such an important
matter, since he only made his representations the day before
yesterday. To render his office more acceptable he covers it
with a show of zeal and good intentions, urging the prompt
sending of the embassy already arranged, for composing their
differences, and protesting vehemently that the parliament
fervently desires a just accommodation with his Majesty and
therefore he prays the States not to foment him by fresh assistance,
but rather to interpose with their friendly offices.
The States and the entire people apparently incline to support
the parliament. They boldly promise the commissioner a
favourable and pleasing answer, although with respect to prohibiting
the sending of provisions of war it will not be an easy
matter to secure, not because the government inclines to refuse,
but because the merchants here, in their greed for gain, send
all kinds of military munitions without measure wherever there
is plenty of money to pay for them, and the States do not know
how to prevent it.
Meanwhile the queen, knowing the inclination of the government
to grant the requests of the other side, bears it with less
anger than patience ; but she does not dare to complain publicly
of the wrong and has not tried so far to have the commissioner
dismissed without a favourable answer, to avoid exposing herself
to the ignominy of a repulse, and of making herself hateful for
good and all, without gaining anything. She does all she can
by her representations to the Prince, pointing out the lack of
friendliness of their High Mightinesses but it is thought that
even this will not help her much as the Prince can scarcely devote
himself to thwarting a matter in which the feelings of the government
here are unanimous.
The Hague, the 10th September, 1642.
[Italian.] |
Sept. 12.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
133. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in
England, to the Doge and Senate.
The king remains at Nottingham. He displayed his flag there
on Tuesday in last week with the object of inducing those who
are disposed to favour him to take service under the royal colours.
There are no materials for forming a sound judgment as yet on
the advantages he may derive from this last step. Everyone
is waiting to see whether the acclamations of the people to serve
him will be followed by an equal readiness to act, under such
urgent circumstances.
On the day after he made this conspicuous demonstration
his Majesty decided to send here four of the members of parliament
who are with him, with letters to parliament and instructions
to make fresh overtures for a composition. (fn. 3) When they
arrived they went to their accustomed places, with the idea of
executing their commissions, acting in the capacity of commissioners
for the king as well as that of members of the House.
But parliament insisted on the strict letter of their declaration
against those who followed his Majesty's fortunes and did not
allow them to enter as members, but privately, and insisted
that they should state their business at the bar, which means
like guilty parties. As they would not consent to such shameful
conditions they were obliged in the end to discharge their mission
in writing and to present the king's letter by a private hand,
which is in the following terms :
Afflicted at the present disorders his Majesty wished to spare
his subjects the fear of a ruinous civil war. With this object
he has decided to ask parliament to select deputies with authority
to treat and conclude an arrangement with others chosen by
himself for settling the present differences with reciprocal satisfaction.
He promises security for the deputies and complete
sincerity in the treaty which he desires so impatiently. He
promises to consent to all that will serve to render the Protestant
religion more stable in England and to subdue Catholicism as
well as for securing the execution of the laws and the confirmation
of the privileges of parliament. If this last proposal is not
accepted, he will have done his part and God Almighty will not
consider him guilty of the blood that will be shed. He states
finally that he has forces and money enough to relieve him of
the fear of any violence, until such time as his people, being
better informed, shall unite with him for the same objects. (fn. 4)
After the parliamentarians had listened to these laudable
proposals and considered them carefully, they made their reply
in very hardy fashion, to wit : that they are sensible of the
present condition of this country ; they have tried by their advice
and frequent instances to his Majesty to prevent these calamities,
but all their efforts have proved fruitless in view of the confidence
which he has placed in pernicious councillors that so long as his
Majesty keeps his royal standard flying and until he has withdrawn
the proclamations in which he has declared the parliamentarians
traitors, as well as the earl of Essex their general,
they cannot, in virtue of the laws, treat for an accommodation. (fn. 5)
After causing these resolutions to be consigned to the king's
deputies, they added their command to pack off without delay
from this place, as they did very promptly. And now we are
waiting with curiosity to learn in what spirit the king will have
heard these licentious demands and what answer he will give.
From this imperious attitude men of judgment conclude that
parliament, inspired with confidence by the happy issue for their
arms of the last affairs, and feeling sure that the king is disposed
to purchase peace at any price, are purposely intent on delaying
the conclusion, with the object of reducing his Majesty to greater
straits, establish themselves more firmly in command and in the mean
time to enjoy those rich profits which derive to the leaders of the party
from their continuance in the governance, a consideration which
perhaps operates more than any other to keep this party outside the
temple of peace.
It is doubtful as yet whether these proposals of the king derive
from a recognition of the feebleness of his condition, and I for
one would not venture to assert so much. Many believe that he
is trying by this show of a desire for quiet to provide a further
justification in the minds of the generality for the appeal to arms,
to gain time for putting his forces in good array and increasing
their numbers, for it is known that all have not yet arrived.
Everyone allows that the cavalry consists of 3000 horsemen,
well mounted. Of the infantry there are different accounts.
It is not possible to obtain authentic information because communications
are interrupted between his Majesty and this city,
and parliament does not allow unrestricted liberty to individuals
to send or receive letters from that quarter. Nevertheless there
is a strong impression that the king is very short of foot soldiers,
as the common people are enthusiastically in favour of the rebels
(fermo sta nondimeno il concetto che di gente a piede provi il Re
gran strettezza, il minuto popolo aderendo con furioso inclinatione
ai vantaggi degli inobedienti).
They send word from Wales that when the harvest is gathered
in the king will receive important succours, and from other
quarters as well. Thus amid all this trickery and the changing
circumstances it behoves one to leave it to time to disclose the
real truth of their intentions, which are always subject to change
and inconstancy. Meanwhile parliament does not slacken at
all in its preparations for war, being persuaded that force alone
will make easy the success of those machinations through which
they hope to realise their most far reaching designs. They have
sent orders to Holland for the transport of arms, since the
mechanics here cannot cope with the demand, with the number of
the troops, which every day it is gathering under its flag.
General the earl of Essex is hurrying on with his preparations
to take the field and march towards the king's quarters. Two
days ago he held a general muster of the cavalry a short distance
from this metropolis.
They are pushing the siege of Porsmoud with vigour. They
have begun to erect a platform on a piece of high ground which
commands the town, and when it is completed it is hoped that
the governor will not be able to postpone any longer his surrender
of the fortress to parliament. Some other small places which
remain steadfastly loyal to his Majesty, are also blockaded by
the forces of the malcontents, who are harassing the opposite
party in every direction.
The Prince Palatine Rupert, having recovered his health, has
presented himself to his Majesty from whom, with public demonstration,
he received the generalship of the cavalry. Brimful of
zeal for his uncle's service, he has taken the field without loss of
time and sacked some rebel villages as well as some rich houses
of contumacious parliamentarians. (fn. 6) The parliamentarians as
well as all those who depend on the success of that party, speak
with indignation of the spirited actions of this prince, and it
was proposed to issue a proclamation exiling him from England.
But after the less rabid among them had reflected on what was
due to his birth in respect of the king, and other convenances of
state, they prevented the execution of a project so little to be
commended.
The commissioners of Scotland arrived in this city on Monday
and had their first audience of parliament two days ago. They
opened the business of uniting the two Churches of England
and Scotland, and deputies were appointed to conduct the affair
to a conclusion. But while this meets with the full approval of
the Puritans, it gives grounds for offence to the consciences of
true Protestants and it seems likely that motives of such importance
may give rise to serious quarrels in England in the future on
the score of religion.
Meanwhile 10,000 Scots under the command of General Lesle
have crossed to Ireland and have put in successfully at Carrickfergus.
The ostensible object of this expedition is to add
increased vigour to the English for the reduction of the insurgents
there, but speculative persons suspect that as the Scots do not
find it easy to enter England on the northern side, because the
frontier is well furnished with troops, and the fortresses with
strong garrisons, Lesle chose the sea passage under the pretext
of assisting the defence of that kingdom, so that he might be
able in case of need, to cross over to these shores and unite with
the forces of parliament without opposition.
The report that the earl of Arundel is going to Spain in the
capacity of ambassador extraordinary is not confirmed, but I
learn from a person of great credit that parliament has secretly
made a suggestion to the Dutch that when these civil discords
are compounded they will persuade his Majesty to connect
himself with that government in the bond of an offensive and
defensive alliance against the House of Austria, and the ambassador
of the Catholic here, who came to see me yesterday, having
also found out the same information, talked about it with apprehension
and jealousy as well.
London, the 12th September, 1642.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
134. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in
England, to the Doge and Senate.
The directors of the Levant Company are deeply incensed at
the orders given by the merchants here who trade to the islands
of your Excellencies for the purchase of currants this year also,
of which I wrote, notwithstanding the order against it carried
in parliament and the resolution of his Majesty not to give his
assent to the bill. They are apprehensive that all their efforts
for the reduction of the duties and the other advantages which
they demand from the Senate may fall through without result.
Accordingly they have set to work with fresh machinations and
have obtained under the title of an ordinance from parliament a
prohibition of the importation of the fruit into England, without
limitation of time. They hope that under the favour of this
decree, of which I enclose a copy, the merchants will abstain
from laying out their money, and that in consequence the taxes
due to your Serenity and the private revenues of your subjects
will be equally prejudiced, and in this way it may prove easy
for them to achieve successfully the objects at which they aim.
This form of ordinance, although owing to the predominant
power which parliament has usurped in these days they have
required obedience to it in other matters, cannot be legitimately
carried into execution in virtue of the constitution of the realm,
unless it is confirmed by his Majesty. But at present the laws
and the royal authority are languishing amid so many disorders
and the interested parties take advantage of this state of affairs
to oblige the merchants to suspend the orders given, as I am
informed they will do, since they are unwilling to expose their
capital to the jurisdiction of authority and the law. Nevertheless
all appearances go to show that they will take up the matter
again, when the hopes of the directors of the Company and of
some hotheads who are at Venice, that these insidious devices
will suffice to induce your Excellencies to give way to their
unjust demands, have vanished away. The jealousy that the
Dutch may take up this trade, as well as the interests of the
shipmasters who sail every year with cloth to Constantinople
and to the other marts of the Levant, who without their freight
of currants would have to return empty to England, place the
Company in the absolute necessity of restoring the circulation of
this fruit. Besides all this it is not credible that the people here
will put up patiently with the absence of currants, the use of
which has become so familiar in this country. These considerations
are recognised by the less intemperate among the merchants,
who roundly condemn the whole movement.
London, the 12th September, 1642.
[Italian.] |
| Enclosure. |
135. Ordinance of the House of Commons, prohibiting the
importation of currants. (fn. 7)
Ordered to be printed the 26th August, 1642, O.S.
[Italian ; 2 pages.] |