|
|
1643.
Aug. 3.
Cinque Savii
alla
Mercanzia.
Venetian
Archives. |
1. The farmers of the duties on currants at Zante and
Cephalonia for the period beginning on the 1st August, 1642,
represent that they farmed the duties for three years for 119,110
ducats a year, the highest price that has ever been paid. There
followed the prohibition of the trade in currants by England,
and in consequence of this they asked for relief. They waited
for a year, hoping that the difficulties would be removed and the
trade revived, but since experience shows that the English are
observing the decree, they ask to be relieved of their contract.
We admit the reasonableness of the claim, as the damage
arises from no fault of theirs, but chiefly from the step taken by
the English, who consume a great quantity of currants. We
believe that the difficulty can be solved in a manner satisfactory
to all parties. We observe that the English ships which come to
this city with their complete cargoes give pledges on leaving to
go to the islands, and do not pay the newest duty of 5 ducats
per thousand. While it would be just to relieve the farmers
we do not at the same time think it desirable for the state to take
up the duties and collect them for the Signoria, but to wait for a
little while and see what the decision of England will be, when it
will be possible at some other time or at the expiry of the contract
to come to some appropriate decision after a due consideration
of the losses suffered. During the present year our magistrates
have granted licences to five English ships and to seven Flemish
ones to go and lade currants. If these have not so far taken any
currants away at any rate they make use of the licences and in the
course of two years, the period for which the contract has still
to run, it will be possible to ascertain the quantity of currants
produced by the islands and how much of it has been exported.
Dated at the office the 3rd August, 1643. |
| Zuane Francesco Venier. |
Savii. |
| Piero Pisano. |
| Alvise Contarini. |
| [Italian.] |
Aug. 7.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
2. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
After the scattering of Waller's army by the Royalists he
escaped with a few others to Bristol. He there received some
assistance, and hurriedly collecting 600 horse he proceeded to
Warwick, whence, on Tuesday, he entered this city, acclaimed
by the people with the title of "Conqueror" as he bears the
same name as the famous William. Common report makes
him commander of the army being assembled in London, of
10,000 men, of which they have not yet got half, as they are not
coming in in the way expected, nor is it so easy to raise the
money required. They magnify the achievements of this
individual, although defeated, to stimulate the people to help
and give them hope of good success under his valorous leadership.
This feeling is greatly helped by the inertia or malice of General
Essex. Last Saturday he wrote very strongly to parliament declaring
that he could not keep the field if he did not promptly receive assistance
in men and money, having no more than 5,000 soldiers, reduced by
sickness, and as none of the commanders sent for had chosen to
come. Although their suspicions of his behaviour have reached a
climax, yet to put a stop to more explicit declarations, which
would be highly prejudicial to the credit of parliament under
present circumstances, they deal with him delicately, and although
they do not satisfy his demands, desiring that his army should
waste away with this mistrust, they put him off with fair words.
I am assured, however that, seizing the opportunity of the objection
of his leading officers to take the oath, he has got them secretly to
promise loyalty to himself, and that he is preparing a manifesto
in which he will make out that he and the majority of the members of
parliament have been deceived by a few persons, who, concealing
their own selfish aims under the cloak of religion and of the public
weal, have brought affairs to this calamity. There is nothing to
show that he has made any arrangement with the king, but it
is clear that his Majesty apprehends nothing from his forces,
as he at once sent the troops which arrived with the queen to
besiege Bristol, and Prince Rupert with others to Gloucester.
Moreover the Earl of Newcastle is pressing Manchester, and large
forces are occupied in the siege of Exeter. Warwick recently
made an attempt to relieve it. He has taken a fort at the mouth
of the sea, but has not so far been able to go forward. There is
talk of quarrels between the captains of the ships. His Majesty
thus remains with a small army at Oxford. This delays help
to the revolters in Kent, with murmuring among his partisans,
who think that more is to be gained by encouraging that movement
than in capturing all the places mentioned, important and
very rich as they are. Yet these revolters are holding their own,
despite the capture of 200 prisoners and of the town of Tombrich,
taken by the parliamentary troops, numbering 2,000, sent
against them from here. On their side they have taken 15 pieces
of artillery from ships in the River and have provided themselves
with arms and munitions. Their numbers do not increase,
although the nobility of the county is ready to declare itself
when it can do so with better prospects. Although the king
sent people to stir up that part a long time ago, yet the rising
took him unexpectedly. It was due to the murder by a parliamentarian
of a person who refused to take the oath. For this
cause they have stopped giving it everywhere, finding it very
harmful in practice. They have also offered terms to those
gentlemen if they will submit, but they have not accepted.
They demand the reinstatement of the bishops, satisfaction in
the choice of ministers, the use of the book of common prayer,
security for life and property, and exemption from all taxes.
As this cannot be allowed without affording a dangerous precedent
they have decided to reduce them by arms. This might easily
happen if they do not receive prompt assistance. This should
not be far off, as news has come that the king, though so short of
men, has decided to send 1,000 horse in that direction, and they
should be on the march by now. His Majesty has also issued a
proclamation forbidding any kind of provisions to be brought to
this city, declaring all that is seized to be good booty. This
shows that when his troops are released from the sieges he thinks
of advancing to occupy the River above, as he has long contemplated
doing, and thus force the Londoners to submission through
hunger. If this happens the ordinary will find great difficulty
in crossing the sea, and this is already difficult owing to the disturbances
in Kent ; but I will do my best to keep your Excellencies
informed.
M. di Wilibi, who supports the parliament, has captured
Ghensbero, in Lincolnshire, through intelligence with the guards, (fn. 1)
but the people of Niuvarch have hastened up and hold it besieged.
The petition promoted by certain enthusiasts with the approval
of the mayor and Council of London, has been presented,
numerously signed to parliament. They ask for the setting up
of a tribunal of citizens, independent of parliament, to deliberate
upon what is best for the safety of the city, choose the general
for its army and instruct him to act as they may see fit. Unprejudiced
persons recognise the mischief and disorder, but the few,
who would sacrifice the whole world for their own safety, love this
employment, which they will easily attain. In consequence of
this the lieutenant of the Tower will be dismissed, as the mayor
wants to place one of his dependents there, devoted to himself,
as the sole guard of the city. (fn. 2)
Lodan, Governor of Uls, who was brought prisoner here last week
for having had intelligence with the king, has accused three of the
leading rebels of having with his assistance exported a great sum of
gold out of the kingdom from that part. He undertakes to prove it
at the risk of his life. He uses this to excuse his action, as from such
precautions he might feel sure that matters were going badly.
The support of this party may depend now on two heads, only one
being the city of London. This is pledged as your Excellencies
have heard, but as it can contribute little beyond its own requirements,
they have laid taxes on almost all articles of food and
clothing, amounting to 3 shillings in the pound and more, which is
announced to last for 3 years and as much longer as parliament
shall direct, possibly with the idea of farming out the collection,
though this might produce more dangerous results than the
oath.
In spite of the withdrawal of the two lords, (fn. 3) they have sent the
four commoners to Scotland without nominating others. They
hope that a consideration of its own interests and apprehension
of danger if they fail here, may induce that nation to abandon
its very high pretensions.
London, the 7th August, 1642.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
3. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Sieur de Cressi, the French minister, has returned from
Oxford. He went to meet the queen at Niuvarch and accompanied
her to the king. While he praises the constancy and
generosity of this prince he lets it escape that he did not obtain
entire satisfaction in his negotiations. He keeps these secret,
with all his loquacity, and all he told me was that the king will
have help if he wishes it. As regards the expulsion of the
Capuchins, he said that he could not accept or countenance the
fact, and the king replied that he shared these sentiments.
On the point of help I have learned on good authority that he made the
most ample offers of money or men, at his Majesty's pleasure, but
I fancy he wanted to bind him to a treaty of alliance, with a promise
to assist France with the naval forces of the crown in case of need.
Only desperation and not his present advantage could persuade
the king to this, especially as his Council is guided by the Earl of
Bristol and Lord Cottington, strong partisans of Spain, who could
easily show the mischief of such an agreement if the French wished
to put in execution their design to capture Dunkirk, which would
be most disadvantageous to the naval forces of England and their
dominion over the sea here.
Returned here Cressi has seen some of the lords, telling them
that there is still time to humble themselves and ask pardon, but
if they go on they will not find it when they want it. He assured
them that the queen, his mistress, would spend her last crown
and devote the last soldier of France to assist the king. He
advised them in all sincerity, such was his character and he had
been equally frank even with Cardinal Richelieu. He was told
that the time is unsuitable for an adjustment. They wished to
gain the upper hand first, to obtain better conditions. He told
them they were subjects and ought not to claim any conditions
but the clemency of their prince. He will depart by the post
to-morrow, leaving here M. de Molin with the title of ordinary
resident, the one left by the Ambassador Fertambo being recalled. (fn. 4)
To respond to his office his Majesty has chosen the Sieur de
San Ravi, his chief huntsman, a Frenchman but a Protestant,
with the title of gentleman. He has asked for a passport here,
but has failed to get it, so he will have to go incognito by another
route. He may have orders to arrange for the queen to go to
France. Melancholy and hardship have made her malady of
phthisis (etesia) so much worse that it is predicted that her days
will be short (le vien pronosticato pochi giorni di vita). If she goes
she will try the effect of the climate on her health, and to get
assistance for her husband from the Court, and nothing more.
The dissatisfaction of the people of the Netherlands with the
Prince of Orange has gone so far that they call him a traitor to the
republic. They believe he has correspondence with the Spaniards,
since he has lost such an advantageous campaign. The great
assistance which he offered to the king here, for which he has been
obliged to sell all his property in the East, only increases suspicion
of his designs. In spite of all this the resident Bosuel constantly
repeats his requests to the States for succour, though without hope of
obtaining any, at least to prevent any going to the parliament,
and to bring into relief their ingratitude, which may be of use some
day to serve the interests of the king's son in law.
The States have not yet sent commissions for their plenipotentiaries
nor have the Provinces nominated any, except
Holland. From Hamburg has gone young Oxestern, who is
going to the congress for the crown of Sweden, and the Danes
are ready.
London, the 7th August, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Aug. 13.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
4. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
With universal applause Waller has been chosen commander
of the army being raised in the city of London. This proceeds
slowly, not from lack of money, as the citizens vie with each
other in their zeal to do their utmost, but of men, of whom
there are few left who are ready to take service. Yet Waller
himself is helping, and by his words and the hopes he holds out
he so captivates the people that it is believed he will be able to
take the field in a few days, and it is thought that in any case
he will return to the abandoned West unless the king blocks the
way.
General Essex objects to this choice, considering it a slight to
himself and that the idea is to bring down his forces, so that his
office may desert him, since he is not disposed to give it up, and
it is considered dangerous to deprive him of it because of his
popularity with the chief officers. He is at Becanfil, whence he
writes to parliament that he wants five things. First that they
repair his reputation, punishing those who have spoken and
written opprobriously against it. Second that they pay the debts
due to the army. Third that they reinforce it with recruits.
Fourth that as generalissimo the choice of subordinate commanders
shall rest with him. Lastly that he have leave to make
an inquiry into the actions of Waller in the West, (fn. 5) which will
show that parliament has suffered serious disadvantages through
him, and expose the empty and mendacious fame which raises
him to such glory.
In reply they have sent two aldermen to apologise for the lack
of respect shown by the people. The Lower House has voted
him 4,000 men as recruits, to please the Upper House, which
supports him, but with no intention of carrying it into effect, since
they and Waller are doing their utmost to draw away his own
men to fill up the new levy. But they wish to assemble 6,000
horse whom the Earl of Manchester is to command. But it
will be a lengthy and difficult matter, while the king is pursuing
his conquests without delay, as your Serenity shall hear. The
most important town of Bristol, strong in itself and with its
almost impregnable castle, defended by the sea and secured
by abundant provisions, has been taken at the fourth assault
through the pure cowardice of the governor. He is son of one
of the chief rebels, and to escape the king's severity he has tried
to save himself in anticipation. (fn. 6)
The troops being abandoned and urged by the very rich
inhabitants have had to come out without conditions, stick in
hand. The town is to contribute to his Majesty 50,000l. sterling
and to supply all the besieging army with one pay and a garment
each. After the disability suffered by his Majesty in not having
a footing on the sea in the West, this capture of the sole
merchantile town in the kingdom after London is of the greatest
consideration, with its most capacious port, where he can arm
a considerable number of ships to oppose Warwick, without
disturbing the very great trade of the town with Spain.
The men of Niuvarc have taken Ghensbero and captured
Wilibi, who had it by stratagem. (fn. 7) The people of Gloucester
are also parleying, but they want to make their bargain with the
king in person, who is said to have gone there. News of the
surrender of Exeter is expected at any moment, the Earl of
Warwick who went to relieve it from the sea having lost three
ships and 2,000 sailors, without result. After the capture of the
first fort he entered the channel to master two others, when the
besiegers by sinking boats with stones at the mouth, cut off the
retreat of the large vessels which were sunk by gunshot.
All these commitments have prevented the king from giving
assistance to the men of Kent, who are now quiet, having been
overcome by the parliamentary forces. However they preserve
the most favourable disposition towards his Majesty, ready to
come to the fore when they are encouraged and assisted. It is
believed that this will be soon unless the Scots, on whom the last
hopes of the parliamentarians rest, make a move. We hear no
news of this yet, as the commissioners sent by the Lower House
cannot have arrived. Meanwhile the utmost severity is shown
against the peasants who bring food to this city, many having
been taken and punished by the king's troops, so that the
scarcity is beginning to be unbearable. Moved by this parliament
has sent three commissioners to the city. In the great hall
before a great crowd they delivered three long speeches urging
them to contribute to provide food for the city before the scarcity
becomes greater, though bidding them be of good courage and
minimising the danger, so as not to alarm them.
Odan, governor of Uls, who accused three of the members of parliament
of exporting gold, is reported to be dead, with suspicion of
poison. I have no confirmation, but the mere report causes
misgivings of complicity if not of poison on the part of the accused.
Accordingly it is said that they will be excluded from the number
of the most secret commissioners, and others will be appointed in
their place. This has not happened yet, but in any case it cannot
fail to promote divisions since such a rumour opens the eyes of many
which were closed by prejudice.
London, the 13th August, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
5. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
M. di Cressi, the French minister was to have left on Saturday,
but did not go till yesterday. He had orders from the queen,
his mistress, to release Sir [Kenelm] Dighbi, known to your
Serenity, imprisoned as a Catholic and a royalist also. After
much difficulty he succeeded, but on condition that Dighbi should
cross the sea with him, as he will do. Although he has not found
any disposition in parliament for an accommodation with the king,
as he himself has told me several times, yet from his talk I gather
that he will glose over this reluctance and the ill treatment he has
received, as he is ambitious to return with the title of ambassador,
either alone or with some one of higher rank. He looks to have
influence with the leading royal councillors, although they are
friendly to Spain, for having obliged them by the release of Dicbi,
their friend, which they strongly urged upon him ; but if the affairs of
their Majesties here do not change their aspect, and become unfavourable,
he will have great difficulty in obtaining any employment.
It is true that Cardinal Mazzarini, who wants to keep France
agitated by the war, is aiming by every means, to interest this crown,
and there is some talk of his allowing Prince Rupert to marry Mademoiselle
de Rohan, if the king will promise to do something for the
Palatine his brother, as since the death of Richelieu the Cardinal
seems more inclined to favour that house, through the change of
policy of the Duke of Bavaria.
The Parliament's fleet has captured and brought into the
River here a ship of the King of Denmark, with numerous packages
which were going to their Majesties, full of arms and
munitions of war. The commissioner who was on board to
present them has been summoned to parliament. He has
declared himself a public minister, though he has not presented
his credentials, and he spoke very high, protesting that his
master will know how to make himself respected, and that all
English ships which pass the Sound with their goods will be seized. (fn. 8)
Accordingly, to prevent the news reaching Hamburg before they
come to a decision on the matter, parliament has closed the ports
and stopped the letters going to Flanders last week ; and there
is no sign of their opening the routes this week. I have tried
to get some one to Dover with this despatch, and asked M. de Cressi,
who will not have crossed yet, I hope, to take it to Sig. Giustinian
in France, to be forwarded.
London, the 13th August, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Aug. 21.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
6. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Notwithstanding the king's good fortune his Majesty has sent
a declaration here, making the most of his present advantage,
but intimating that he detests the victories themselves, as they
are always hurtful to his subjects, and consequently to himself,
and he will gladly embrace them if they will recognise their fault
and return to their natural duty. He protests that this will be
his last offer. Taking heart from this declaration the lords of
the Upper House have resolved to consider a composition, for
which they have drawn up articles largely modelled on the first,
and such as his Majesty might be expected to accept with slight
alteration. The proposal was laid before the Lower House and
they were taking time to consider it when the mayor accompanied
by more than 5,000 of the lower inhabitants presented a petition
in their name against its acceptance. (fn. 9) The disposition of many
of the Chamber being overawed by this, they complied with the
demand, but the proposal was only rejected by a majority of
seven.
The Lords were in danger of suffering from the barbarity of
this mob, which was summoned for nothing else than to inveigh
against their proper inclination to render to the king the obedience
due to him, and bring peace to the kingdom. Accordingly the
more moderate, and especially the women, who deplore the
miseries of these times, appeared on the following day in equal
numbers, with their children in their arms, to soften the hardest
hearts and implore peace. But these rascals, fomented by
soldiers, regardless of the sex, engaged in a bloody conflict with
them at the Houses of Parliament, which forced the lords to flee
from their own chamber and some even from the city, ten persons
being killed and more than a hundred injured, mostly women.
To foment the obstinacy of the few, who have shown themselves
so determined and violent, and to arouse the detestation of the
rest against the royal person, they have published some letters
which they say were found among the papers of the Archbishop
of Canterbury, making it appear that he had correspondence
with Rome, and held out hopes of bringing his Majesty and
consequently the whole kingdom to the obedience of the Roman
Church ; but the eyes of even the most ignorant are by this time
opened to such devices and the pen no longer prevails over the
sword.
The importance of the capture of Bristol becomes ever more
apparent. The king has been there in person to give the
necessary orders for its defence. He has left Viscount Obton
as governor, although greater personages had claims ; and there
was some quarrelling among them, which was stopped by his
Majesty. They found a good number of armed ships in the
port and the king ordered the rapid equipment of a fleet, which
will be stronger in numbers if not in quality than that of Warwick.
Four royalist ships which escaped from him have taken refuge
there. The merchants here have already taken alarm at possible
damage to their trade.
The king went on to Gloucester with the intention of obtaining
its surrender on his appearance. But this did not occur, the people
there showing the utmost determination to hold out until the
last gasp. He is pressing the place hard and it will have to
capitulate soon, as it cannot be relieved. Exeter also displays
great obstinacy, and does not parley although abandoned by land
and by sea. In Lincoln also, a most important city, after a long
contest between the inhabitants, the royalists have prevailed,
the parliamentarians have left and a royal garrison has entered.
The same thing has happened at Dorchester, Warmoud and other
towns near the sea, of no slight convenience and consequence.
General Essex draws nearer and nearer to this city with his
men, who do not exceed 3,000, and is at Oxbrich, only 12 miles
away. Four commissioners have been sent to him, as a compliment,
to learn his views, and to mitigate his dislike of Waller.
They were not fully satisfied, as, contrary to their wishes he
showed in his talk a propensity to peace, and would not show
any sign of regard for Waller. They managed, however, to take
from his army some of the largest guns, which will serve for Waller.
That officer continues his levy with the utmost energy, but is
constantly delayed by numerous obstacles. No news comes from
Scotland, the last refuge of their hopes.
Three of the leading rebels having been accused by Odam of exporting
money, (fn. 10) and a ship having been seized recently in the River with
a quantity of sterling on board, which proves it, the Lords have proposed
to the Commons to appoint commissioners to draw up an account
of receipts and expenses, under the pretext that it ought to be printed
to inform the people of the exhausted state of the treasury and so
persuade them to contribute. But the real object was to discover the
default of those accused ; but these, who maintain a close alliance
with the city of London and who are reestablishing their power
by the acts of violence reported, have caused the proposal to be
dropped.
From fear that with the king close to this city the prisoners,
who are exceedingly numerous and whose only crime is being good
subjects of his Majesty, may break their prisons, which are private
houses, and augment or even rouse the party, they have decided
to send them for confinement on the ships of the fleet, a new sort
of punishment and torture.
No consideration of respect or fear for the consequences has
sufficed to obtain the release of the Danish ship, the policy of
this government being from hand to mouth and not far sighted.
So they have unladed it and taken the arms, which have come in
opportunely for the new levies, since some laded at Dunkirk for
the parliament by permission of Don Francisco di Melo, have been
seized by his order, given covertly at the instance of the king.
The French enterprise at Tionville being done, (fn. 11) the Prince of
Orange is thinking more of retiring than of doing anything as he
only took the field by compulsion of the French, who may be in
no condition for anything further after the loss of their best
soldiers in that army. The States are still assembled at the Hague
for the appointment of the plenipotentiaries for the congress of
Munster. They have announced that the instructions will be
communicated to these alone. The Prince, though with great regret,
is realising all the money which he had out, having recently sold his
interest in the West, and from what I hear he has also pawned the
lordship of Breda. He finds himself becoming more distrusted and
the times are not favourable for resenting it, owing to the prolongation
of the troubles here.
London, the 21st August, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Aug. 25.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
7. Girolamo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
On Wednesday last there returned from England the individual
Crasi, who was sent there by the queen. He brings an unadorned
account of the state of affairs there, and he handed me the
attached packet from the Resident Agostini for your Serenity.
In place of this Crasi the queen is sending Boisireon, gentleman of
the duke or Orleans. Crasi said something about a project of
the king of England to betake himself here to France, but it is
not quite certain.
Paris, the 25th August, 1643.
[Italian.] |
Aug. 26.
Senato.
Secreta,
Dispacci,
Spagna.
Venetian.
Archives. |
8. Niccolo Sagredo, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the
Doge and Senate.
The growing strength of the pirates is becoming noticeable.
A fortnight ago they fought four ships at once, a Biscayan, an
English and two Flemings. The first escaped by flight, the
second was burned, the third sank and the fourth remained their
prize.
Madrid, the 26th August, 1643.
[Italian.] |
Aug. 28.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
9. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Every effort, not omitting violence, is used to purge this city
of the pacific royalists and neutrals. Many of the women who
went to implore peace have been imprisoned, as well as their
husbands, the mere suspicion of desiring it being considered the
last degree of criminality. For this reason they have made a
fresh general search in the houses, and taken away arms of every
sort, even swords, from those not actually serving the parliament.
Many have been arrested without any evidence about their
sympathies save the indiscretion of soldiers, who permit themselves
every liberty, without any reason, and even carry off
anything they take a fancy to. On Tuesday they visited the royal
palace where some ladies have taken refuge, but no courtesy or
respect could restrain the greed of these fellows, who left behind
nothing of use.
Unable to bear any longer all this cruelty and insolence,
some of the members of the Upper House, six in number,
have made up their minds to go over to the king, under the
pretext of retiring to their country houses. (fn. 12) The Earl of
Northumberland, the richest and most powerful of them has
assembled in his country 600 gentlemen on horse, and these
with their servants form a corps of 1,200. The others also are
trying to supply as much as they can in order to earn his Majesty's
pardon, since their opposition at the beginning started the present
disorders. The Upper House is now reduced to only six, all
obstinate, and two of these will soon go, as they are charged to
raise levies for the parliament. (fn. 13) This diminution is by no means
displeasing to the Lower House, which, even if it should not
support their proposals, could not speedily carry into effect
its own. It would seem, all the same, as if the Commons have
lost a great part of their influence, which is being won by the
city of London, as since the city pays the money for the war they
also claim the right to direct it. This is dragging on amid great
disorders especially as the generals and leaders, who are all members
of parliament, seem to have no other aim than to fill their own pockets,
and arrange to live elsewhere. Accordingly they have abandoned
the strict maintenance of the authority of parliament and support the
city. To improve their advantage in this way and make themselves
safe they have induced it to decide to raise ten subsidies, worth
300,000l. sterling, but they cannot be sure everyone will consent to
the payment after so many demands.
Waller remains here and it is not known when he will have his
army ready. It is unlikely to be soon, as they have put 3,000
men of the new levy on ships to go to the relief of Exeter, which is
still besieged.
Amid the apprehensions of these delays they would like to get
the General Essex to march, reinforced by some cavalry under the
Earl of Manchester. To prevail on him they twice this week sent
commissioners from among the most interested, but he has no
more than 3,000 men, and is not yet disposed to move as they
would wish.
Before approaching this city the king decided to secure the
country behind him to resist any attempt that the Scots might
make, of whose movements or resolutions we hear nothing as yet.
For this reason he went in person to the siege of Gloucester, where
he has delivered various assaults, with some loss, but the town is
so obstinately defended by the inhabitants and the governor, so
that while it is thought that its surrender will be late, it is not
known whether the siege will be continued, since it is a great
hindrance under the circumstances.
To Exeter, which still holds out, the king has sent Prince
Rupert with cavalry, to encompass it on every side and to scour
the country to cut off supplies, which enter it by some secret
way.
One of the most seditious and violent members has been put in the
Tower by order of parliament. (fn. 14) The pretext is that he said publicly
that it was necessary to exterminate the king and all his posterity,
because it was better for one family to perish than the whole kingdom.
I learn, however, that the chief reason is because he spoke against
another member of the same type, with a more powerful following.
But however this may be, the arrest and the rumour cannot fail to
assist his Majesty greatly.
The coach of the Spanish ambassador has been seized by the
ministers of parliament, encouraged by the people, and they
removed from it and imprisoned a gentleman and a priest of his
household. The ambassador went in person to the commissioners
of parliament to make vigorous remonstrance. This served for
the release of the gentleman, but not of the priest, although he is
a Fleming and a subject of his king.
London, the 28th August, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
10. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Prince of Orange seems disposed not to retire without
attempting something, though many still doubt it. The threats
of the French to pursue their conquests in Luxemburg will help
him as they will keep the forces of Melo busy there. The deputies
of the Provinces at the Hague have not yet perfected their instructions
to the plenipotentiaries for the congress. There appears to
be some difficulty about the nominees, particularly Count William
of Nassau, as being too dependent on the Prince. Most of
the Provinces have made their deputies swear not to divulge
anything dealt with at the Assembly, and not to take up any
business without first informing their own Province. Many took
it readily, but M. di Martanessi, deputy for the nobles of Holland,
refused to bind himself so strictly, so he is no longer admitted
to the States General.
The Bishop of Bremen, second son of the King of Denmark,
is to marry the sister of the Duke of Lunemburg. The Elector of
Brandenburg will be present at the wedding. He is returning
from his negotiations for the marriage with the queen of Sweden,
which has fallen through. Her councillors, remembering the
rule of Gustavus Adolphus, prefer the dominion of a woman.
London, the 28th August, 1643.
[Italian.] |