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Mar. 4.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
84. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The new Council of State has been voted by both Houses,
composed of both nations with supreme authority to ordain and
direct all the affairs of these three kingdoms. To decide how long
it shall last constitutes one of the chief difficulties. The Commons,
who promoted this form of government, knowing how ticklish
it would be to propose its perpetuity at the very outset, have
postponed the question for three months, and then bring it forward
at their pleasure. The Lords through fear or powerlessness have
given way. This body is composed of 25 members, i.e. 7 of the
Upper House, 14 of the Lower and 4 Scots, who in present circumstances
will have a large share in the direction. (fn. 1) All these and the
two secretaries have already taken the oath of fealty. They were
going to impose that of secrecy also, but the lords who were
excluded opposed, saying they wished to have knowledge of what
was done, though they had no vote. They have had some sittings,
taking for the purpose the house of a gentleman of the opposite
party, and furnishing it with the hangings of the royal wardrobe. (fn. 2)
The first business brought forward in this Council was concerned
with limiting the powers of General Essex, obliging him not to do any
thing without its instructions. It accordingly asked for information
about the state of his army from the commissioners who were sent to
inspect it, and has directed them to set apart 20,000l. sterling for
the pay of the officers and men who are there, while making every
effort to increase their numbers. They hope that these indications
of lack of confidence may force Essex to resign, to gratify the other
generals who do not like obeying him, although it was from him that
they received their commissions. Fearing that the two Chambers
may be deserted, as the business left to them will be scanty and
of slight importance, the Council has got them to issue a decree
that they shall meet from 9 until noon every morning, and those
not present shall pay a shilling each time.
Another herald has arrived here from Oxford this week from the
general of the king's army to Essex, asking him to procure passports
from the assembly, he does not call it parliament, at Westminster,
for two persons named, who are bringing proposals for peace from
his Majesty. (fn. 3) After seeing the letter the Council directed
Essex to answer, as if from himself offering to obtain the safe
conduct required if they will recognise the parliament, otherwise
they will be treated as spies. So the herald returned with this
answer, and nothing more has been heard. But it is believed
that the king would not object to recognise the parliament if he could
be sure that the negotiations would be taken up sincerely. This is
unlikely unless it is forced by the jealousy of the Scots, as from all
appearances so far they do not seem disposed to do away with
monarchy altogether, lest their kingdom should become a mere
province of England, while the English who now rule can only maintain
their usurped position amid discord and violence.
With the approach of the Scottish arms to Newcastle, the
Marquis has entered the place and burned the suburbs. After
taking proper measures for its defence, he went away leaving in
charge Colonel Gliman, a brave soldier, who has already given a
taste of his determination, having left on the field a good number
of Scots who approached and tried to capture a position. The
Marquis has moved to the South with his army, to hold the
passage of the Tyne and keep open the way for food and succour.
His force consists of 10,000 foot and 4,000 horse. He has written
to his Majesty with good hope of holding out. A second formidable
obstacle after Newcastle will be Niuvarch, a very strong
place on the River Trent. Parliament hoped to forestall him by
besieging it, and ordered the Earl of Manchester to set out in
that direction, he being now here, but news has come that the
time is unsuitable for such an effort. Meanwhile Gloucester is
being reduced to the last straits, the royalists having captured
some of the outer fortifications. The parliamentarians are also
doubtful about the fidelity of the governor of Plymouth, and so
they want to introduce Meldron there, by way of the sea.
500 horse from Reading have scoured the country as far as
Windsor and after capturing considerable booty in animals, have
returned to their starting place, where the king has been in person
to inspect the provisions.
The Dutch ambassadors are expected back from Oxford at the
beginning of next week. There is little hope that they will do
anything in the matter of the peace.
London, the 4th March, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Mar. 8.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
85. Girolamo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
They are despatching the Sieur de Sabran to England in place
of Crassi. The Count d'Harcourt has arrived at Cales ; his wife
has already gone to meet him. He arrives at a moment full of
bitter feeling and dissatisfaction with the parliament. The
English ambassador here has mended the error of his pen, having
written to England things utterly different from the intentions
which he expressed here.
Paris, the 8th March, 1644.
[Italian.] |
Mar. 8.
Senato.
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Munster.
Venetian
Archives. |
86. Advices from the Hague of the 8th March, 1644, forwarded
by Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador to the Congress
at Munster.
Mr. Strichlandt, the Agent who resides here for the parliament
of England finding that he meets with some difficulty in the
frequent audiences which he requests of the Assembly, where, as
a general rule, he carries complaints and suspicions, is not treating
at present except with the Province of Holland alone, by whom
he is always admitted without difficulty and heard gladly.
[Italian, from the French.] |
Mar. 11.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
87. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The Commons have again urged that the Councillors of State
shall take the oath of secrecy as well as that of fealty, but the
lords without votes oppose this, as without knowing what is done
they fear something prejudicial to their prerogatives. The
Council is devoting itself to strengthening the armies, but with
partiality towards Waller, whom they want to send in strength
as soon as possible to the West for the relief of Gloucester, which
is in great straits, and to prevent the reestablishment of the king's
authority in those parts, which he is striving for. This causes
some jealousy to Essex and his officers and the rivalry has gone to
such lengths that if the armies approach each other there might be
trouble in the coming campaign. To this end they neglect no means
of making Essex feel that they would like him to resign his commission.
They have even appointed commissioners to enquire about the complaints
of Hertfordshire about some extortion committed by his
troops quartered there. But he realises quite well that his own
authority depends on his holding his office, as well as what is left of
that of the Upper House, and is not disposed to help them, while he
hopes that they will not renture to do it by force, although it is by
commissioners that his army is now being augmented and paid.
Dangerous disputes have occurred these last days in the synod.
Five ministers in it are leaders of the pernicious sect of the Independents
who do not accept the ecclesiastical magistracy and so abhor
the temporal one as well. (fn. 4) They have induced their sect, which
numbers over 100,000 in this kingdom, to present a petition to parliament
asking not only that they may live in conformity with their
rite but foreigners also, who come from Holland or elsewhere. They
did not meet with serious opposition in parliament or in the Council,
where the present need for everybody blinds them to the mischief
it may cause in the future. But the Scots, who pretend to be moved
by zeal to unite the Anglican Church to their pure Calvinistic one,
opposed it, as diversity of religion in this kingdom does not fit in with
their political aims, and they have succeeded in having these ministers
silenced. Nevertheless the fire is not quenched, and the king helps
to blow it up by plausible offers of liberty.
His Majesty's herald who took back the parliament's reply, has
not returned for the passports, but it is understood that in the
assembly at Oxford they are discussing proposals for peace with
the greatest moderation. These will be brought forward by three
of the leading lords for the purpose rather of justifying the king's
proceedings before the world than with any hope that they will be
accepted. A herald of General Essex has been twice to Oxford
to negotiate the exchange of Lodian, the Scottish commissioner,
who was arrested by his Majesty's order and whom the Scots
want. The first demands were for Montegu, but they would not
agree to that here, and so the exchange has been arranged with
Colonel Gorin.
From Holland the Prince Palatine has written letters to the
parliament which are not only submissive but prejudicial to his
uncle, as he congratulates them on the alliance with the Scots and
wishes it success, all for the purpose of getting money for his
needs. (fn. 5)
The garrison of Pul has captured despatches of the Court which
were being taken under a mounted escort to Dartmouth, for the
royal ministers abroad.
2,000 barrels of powder have reached Oxford, sent by individual
merchants of France, by arrangements made by the Ambassador
Gorin.
The Scots having made some fruitless attempts to approach
Newcastle, in which they lost several men, General Chin has
taken courage to cross the Tyne with a considerable force, mostly
cavalry, after making arrangements with the Marquis of Newcastle
to support him in case of need. He attacked the Scots
vigorously and after a short fight they had to give way before the
cavalry, and were chased as far as Morfet, where he is pressing the
pursuit. The news is kept severely quiet here, and any one who
mentions it is put in prison. But I understand that the Scottish
commissioners complain of not being warned, that the English
have failed them both in money and the assistance of 50 companies
of horse which had been promised them. One who comes from
Newcastle reports that the town has been put in the best possible state
of defence by two skilful engineers sent by the Prince of Orange,
and he thinks that in spite of the disadvantage of the mountain near
it that the Scots will find it very difficult to take. If they do not it is
incredible that they can advance, although they have ordered every
sixth man in Scotland to be enrolled.
The Dutch ambassadors are still at Oxford, negotiating with
satisfaction to the king and ministers. So far their proposals
for peace are only general. But they will either put forward or
support the articles which his Majesty proposes to send, showing
that their partiality for parliament does not extend to setting up a new
and more powerful democracy beside their own. A confidant writes
to me from Court that they do not forget their own advantage in the
turmoil, since they offered the king the jewels pledged at Amsterdam
if he will concede to them the herring fisheries on this coast for four
years. This is a very important matter, advantageous to the Dutch
alike for the profit of over a million per annum, and for increasing
their naval power. Although there is some suspicion here of the
procedure of those ministers, yet they seem to be more afraid of unfriendliness
from them and their masters than they were of that of
Harcourt and France.
London, the 11th March, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Mar. 15.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia. |
88. Girolamo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
The English ambassador is still bringing forward the negotiations
for an alliance with that king, although in sooth the ill
conditions of that country dissuade it. The Count of Harcourt,
who is back from there, shows himself ill satisfied about it.
Paris, the 15th March, 1644.
[Italian.] |
Mar. 18.
Senato.
Secreta,
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
89. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The hopes of parliament having grown dim that the sword of
the Scots would intimidate the king's and that in consequence
the strongest towns would fall into their hands, they have changed
their minds and at present are placing their greatest reliance
on their own armies the more so because experience of their
weakness and the checks endured oblige them to strengthen these,
all of which requires time and money, both of which are short,
from the advanced season and immediate requirements. The
most strenuous efforts are being made in this city to enlist
voluntary soldiers ; after that they propose to use the press,
and if this does not suffice, they will bring men from Kent and
will call out the trained bands of the city.
Meanwhile as circumstances do not admit of delay, they are
sending General Essex towards Reading, ordering the Earls of
Manchester and Denbigh to supply men for the relief of Gloucester,
which is in peril. Waller also is ready to set out from here for
the West, and they are all to unite together for an enterprise of
importance, which is not announced, but suspected of being the
besieging of Oxford. Meldron has invested Niuvarch, an enterprise
which was destined for the Scots. A sortie of the garrison had
placed his men in a precarious situation, but the unexpected
arrival of some cavalry compelled the besieged to retire.
In spite of all this the king does not lose courage, indeed he is
making arrangements to leave Oxford well supplied and to take
the field with the strongest army he can muster, and so prevent
himself from being shut in. To justify his intentions in the face
of the world and of the Dutch ambassadors in particular he has
decided to make a third effort for peace. This week he has sent
a herald here with letters signed with his own hand and addressed
to the Lords and Commons seated in parliament at Westminster.
He expresses his sorrow at seeing his kingdom and people destroying
one another, and offers a just settlement. He suggests
the appointment of a place for commissioners of both sides to
meet to arrange the conditions or else that the members of parliament
shall meet, those at Westminster and Oxford, both, at either
place or at some other. The letter was left unopened for a day, as
they did not approve of the direction, as if they were a part of parliament
and not the whole. At last they adopted the expedient of getting
General Essex to open and read it, as directed to him by the king's
general, and they are now discussing the answer. I gather that they
will intimate to the king in the harshest terms that if he does not
abandon his party and come to parliament within a definite time he
will be responsible for the consequences (assumera egli intieramente
in commando). They also propose to make a declaration to the
people denouncing his Majesty's proposals as false and artful.
Meanwhile they have this week published papers declaring the
queen unchaste.
The Dutch ambassadors, having intimated in confidence that
they have something to add to the king's letter, have set out for
here without waiting for their coaches, and arrived yesterday
evening. But in spite of the most strenuous efforts to obtain
an interview with some of the leading parliamentarians, they have
not succeeded, all excusing themselves on various pretexts,
while the answer indicated is gone on with in the mean time.
I have called on the ambassadors who showed me the greatest
honour, all three accompanying me to my coach, but they were
disgusted at what had happened and cherished but little hope that
their offices would now do any good.
The exchange of Lodiam the Scottish commissioner against
Colonel Gorin is interrupted, as his Majesty wants to have the
two little princes, who remain here as hostages. Colonel Grinfil,
a man much valued in parliament and who had knowledge of
Waller's plans, being in his army, has gone over to the king with
some troopers and money. (fn. 6)
Deputies from Ireland are on their way to Oxford to have their
peace with the advantages claimed. Troops are constantly
arriving from that nation, 3,000 having recently landed at Bristol
and a like number at Chester, so that Fairfax in alarm is imploring
help. This cannot be supplied very quickly, as all their efforts
are devoted to supplying the other armies, for the purpose indicated
above.
London, the 18th March, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
90. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
Fortified with my instructions I have had the good fortune,
thanks to the jealousy of Bristol, to realise the state's wishes
in the important matter of the currant trade. By the decree of
which I enclose a copy, parliament permits not only the merchants
of the Levant Company, as before, but all others, without exception,
to transport freely currants from Zante and Cephalonia to
London and any other part of this kingdom subject to parliament
upon payment of 6 shillings per hundred above the usual duties.
Although they set a limit of six months, I am assured that the
permission will be renewed before these expire, and the only
object of the restriction was to use the 6 shillings for some different
purpose than it would serve at present.
Some members of the Levant Company, who pretend to have
received ill treatment in the islands of your Excellencies, before
this decision was taken, proposed at the meeting of the Company
that they should send a ship to the Morea to take a cargo of the
plants to Virginia or New England, where they give out that the
climate would be suitable, the voyage shorter and they would not
be dependent upon a foreign power. Other members of the
Company who disagreed, warned me beforehand. So by letting
some of them know that the fruit of the Morea is impossible, as
though so near it is of the worst quality, and assuring the others
that the English will receive every possible courtesy in the islands,
such being the positive determination of your Excellencies, I
succeeded in getting the proposal rejected by a majority. This
happened last week.
Bol appointed consul in the Morea has already left for Leghorn, (fn. 7)
without any instructions beyond the usual ones for that consulship.
From what I hear Ider may very likely dispute the office
with him, as he makes himself respected by creditors with this
character. But in any case, as Bol depends on the Court, it will
not be difficult to keep him within bounds.
London, the 18th March, 1644.
[Italian.] |
| Enclosure. |
91. Decision of the 5/15 March, 1643—4 permitting the
importation of currants from Zante and Cephalonia to London
and other parts under the control of parliament, for six months
from the date of this decree on payment of 6 shillings per 100lbs.
above the usual duties, notwithstanding the prohibition of the
26th April, 1642, which has been rendered useless by the capture by
the enemy of ports to which currants are constantly brought etc. (fn. 8)
[Italian, from the English.] |
Mar. 19.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Constantinopoli.
Venetian
Archives. |
92. Giovanni Soranzo, Venetian Bailo at Constantinople,
to the Doge and Senate.
The dragoman of England who went to Aleppo has returned, having
caused the catecumaium to be registered there, although with some
difficulty, promoted by the Defterdar there. Many believe that it will
be necessary to renew that arrangement with this new Vizier (fn. 9) at the
same outlay all over again.
The Vigne di Pera, the 19th March, 1644.
[Italian ; deciphered.] |
Mar. 25.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
93. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The Scottish commissioners announce that they have received
letters from the general of their army reporting that having
received powerful reinforcements from Scotland he had crossed
the River Tyne without great loss with 14,000 foot, and that he
hoped soon to invest Newcastle. This unsupported announcement,
coupled with the confirmation of past repulses, notably the last I
reported, renders it suspect to those who look for truth, without being
blinded by prejudice. However, the knowledge of such a success
cannot be long delayed. By the announcement the Scots possibly
intend to keep up their credit with the parliamentarians, who second
them gladly in order to induce the people, in the present shortage
to side with their party, which has the advantage of such vigorous
assistance. Meanwhile they have decided to send commissioners
to that army with authority both there and on the way to take what
is convenient whenever necessary and to provide money for requirements
there, by way of impositions or otherwise.
The Assembly at Oxford has sent a letter to the Council of
Scotland reproaching them for having broken the peace with the
king, and urging them to withdraw the two armies, promising,
besides their lives and goods, that his Majesty will let them keep
the privileges granted, whereas if they do not, those lords threaten
them with the utmost vengeance. What effect this may produce
is not known, but it is certain that the Scottish commissioners
here, in the Council of State have toned down the very sharp
reply that the English were going to make to the king's suggestion
of appointing commissioners to treat of peace, as they objected
to their making any declaration or even prescribing him a time
for coming, but merely to ask him in humble and respectful
terms. From this one conjectures that abandoning their intentions
or hopes of conquest, they do not wish to lose totally a Scottish king
leaving themselves dependent upon the democratic force of a nation
which has always been inimical to them.
With all their efforts the Dutch ambassadors have not succeeded
in getting an interview with any of the members of the Commons,
who claim that this must first be done in public audience. They
have indeed seen some of the lords, and the Earl of Warwick,
in particular, has been to them to complain of the imprisonment
by the Dutch Vice Admiral, at Brill, of a captain of the parliament
who chased a royalist into that port. I gather that they have letters
from their masters for the parliament, with due caution, and also
authority from the king, to be used if they can hope for any result
from their negotiations, which is very remote, since report paints
them as opponents of the peace and partisans of his Majesty and the
Prince of Orange.
Parliament has sent orders to its Agent Stricland in Holland
to cause the English merchants there to swear the covenant, as if
their jurisdiction extended to those Provinces. It is not believed
that the States will permit it.
Their efforts to strengthen their armies here have had no
apparent result. Yet Waller is setting out, supplied as best they
may, with orders to unite with Balfur, general of the cavalry, in
Sussex to relieve Gloucester, after which it is still rumoured,
though in whispers, they think of besieging Oxford.
General Essex finding that he is becoming mistrusted, is trying by
submission and assurances to secure himself in his post. He has
supplied the Council with a note of all his officers and submitted for
their approval those who for some cause may not be considered suitable.
The exchequer is exhausted by the numerous calls for payment.
Accordingly they have recourse to new means to meet this crying
need, which they hope, at least they say so, will put an end to
their troubles. They have farmed out the customs for a year
longer, and confirmed the taxes for six months, although the term
does not expire until September next, all with the object of getting
money in advance. They are also contemplating extraordinary
fresh taxes ; and so this country, which enjoyed the felicity of
exemption from everything, is now more burdened than any
other. In Scotland also they have done the same, under the
pretext of making war on Ireland.
Waller had come to an understanding with the brother of the
Marquis of Winchester, for a heavy bribe, to put into his hands
Basing House which he unsuccessfully tried to take with such
heavy loss, the Marquis having left this brother in charge while
he was away attending the assembly at Oxford. But Colonel
Grinfil, who escaped from here, revealed the compact, so the
royalists will prevent its success.
Seeing the anxiety of the king to get into his hands the two little
princes who are in the palace of St. James, it has been decided
to commit them to more trustworthy persons. Accordingly
they have changed the whole Court, even the lowest servants,
and have appointed ministers of the strictest Calvinism.
I enclose a copy of a decree of parliament reconfirming and
establishing the Levant Company. Although it contains nothing
essential which differentiates it from the ancient institutions, the
sole object being to change its dependence on the king to one on
parliament, I have thought it only right to send the information,
as it concerns the navigation of Venetian waters.
London, the 25th March, 1644.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
| Enclosure. |
94. Charter granting privileges to the Levant Company, and
that a bill shall be prepared to be passed in the present parliament
to establish and confirm these privileges, which shall remain in
force in the mean time. Dated the 9/19 March, 1643-4. (fn. 10)
[Italian, from the English ; 7 pages.] |