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| 1504. Jan. 25. Sanuto Diaries, v. v. p. 534. |
836. Communication to be made to Henry VII. |
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Motion made by all the sages for a letter to be written to Germany acquainting the ambassador with the proceedings of the Pope, and that the State does not wish for Cesena, nor for what belongs to the Church. Similar missives despatched to the ambassadors in Spain and to the Venetian consul in England, desiring the latter duly to communicate with the King of England. |
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[Italian.] |
| Jan. 27. DeliberazioniSenato Secreta. |
837. The Doge and Senate to Nicolo Giustinian, Venetian Consul in London. |
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He is aware that during the lifetime of Pope Alexander VI., the Duke of Valentinois (Caesar Borgia) ceased not by all possible ways
and means to plot against the Signory, trying to seize their towns and fortresses. The Republic having been thus provoked by him, on the death of Pope Alexander (18th August 1503), and also as a measure of selfdefence, took Faenza by force from Valentinois, he having occupied and usurped it from the Church, together with many other cities, towns, and fortresses. |
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The Republic also obtained the city of Rimini from its Lord Pandolfo Malatesta, who recovered it from Valentinois; but who, not having the means either to reduce the castle, or to maintain himself in that state, ceded the said city to the Republic, in exchange for three times as much, as will appear by the enclosed note; the Signory keeping for itself that which had been tyranically held by Valentinois, and restoring to the Church the supremacy and acknowledgement of tribute. Declare that the appropriation of this territory can not be attributed to covetousness, the Republic having already ample possessions, whereas the cost of the newly acquired places far exceeds their revenue; and that what has been done was solely for the honour and advantage of holy Church, and to secure the Republic against competitors already in the field, and who sought to seize these towns, having sent troops to Faenza, putting forward one Francescheto de Manfredi, a bastard, for whom however the State of its munificence provided suitably. |
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Assert that this is what the Republic has done in the affairs of the Romagna; for which impartial and unimpassioned minds would award praise and commendation, and not blame, which is constantly cast on the State, at the instigation of rivals and malignants, by the Pope, at the courts of the Christian powers, amongst whom is understood to be the King of England. |
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Are assured that his Holiness has written to the said King a brief, accusing the Republic heavily for the aforesaid acts, and referring to Cesena, Imola, and Forli, which places have been hitherto respected out of consideration for his Holiness, although they might easily have been seized; the State occupying Rimini and Faenza, and the territories thereof, by reason of state policy, and for the advantage of the apostolic see and of his Holiness, but restoring to him his tributes, and paramount rights—the Republic constituting itself his tributary. The Pope and apostolic see can thus have the assistance of the Signory in place of Valentinois—an irreverent and most cruel tyrant, of whose fellow no record exists in any history, ancient or modern; notwithstanding which, the Pope at the suggestion of bad men, lays blame on the Republic, which has always been of such service to Christendom and holy Church, as seen by innumerable proofs and instances. Without referring to circumstances of ancient date, they would mention what had been done recently by the State for the election of a pontiff on the demise of Pope Alexander, when the Signory opposed Valentinois, who had a strong force in the apostolic palace for the purpose of coercing the sacred College of Cardinals to elect a pope after his fashion, and prevented these his plots and iniquitous designs from taking effect. The consul is charged to obtain audience of King Henry, and in detail to acquaint him with all the aforesaid justifications, in such terms as his ability and prudence may suggest. He
is to explain the course of events to every one, as shall seem necessary, so as to make a favourable impression. The King himself, the State is convinced, will expect the Pope to be well disposed towards the Signory. |
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The consul to omit no assiduity. They rely much on his prudence and ability. To write back word of the execution of these commands. |
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[Italian, 53 lines.] |
| March 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. v. p. 675. |
838. Flanders Voyage. |
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Silvan Capello, in a letter to his brother Antonio, dated London, 30th January, states that on the 17th letters were received from Hironimo di Cà da Pesaro, announcing the arrival at Falmouth of all three of the galleys. The five Portuguese barks had arrived there with 380 tons of spices imported from Colocut. |
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[Italian.] |
| May 23. Senato Mar. v. xvi. p. 43. |
839. Wool Trade with England. |
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Motion made and lost in the Senate. |
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Recites letters from the captain of the Flanders galleys and from the consul in London, announcing that some 300 bags of wool had been left on shore, which is detrimental to the merchants of Venice and to the city, as the bags cannot be brought save by the galleys now about to go to [England]. |
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Therefore the said wools may be loaded in any ship soever, on condition that the merchants pay half freight to the masters of the galleys now on the point of making the voyage. |
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Ayes, 59. Noes, 76. Neutral, 0. |
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[Italian, 16 lines.] |
| July 8. venetian Archives, Library. |
840. Henry VII. to Pope Julius II. |
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The cathedral church of St. Paul's in London having recently become vacant by the translation to the metropolitan church of Canterbury of the late Bishop the Lord William—, has been anxious to provide the vacant see with a competent pastor, and after pondering the matter, the Venerable Master William Barons, Doctor of Laws, his chaplain, councillor, and keeper of his Rolls, has seemed worthy to him of being recommended to the Pope for the vacant see. |
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Represents him as estimable for his learning and moderation,—grave, moreover, upright and circumspect, and of much experience in Italian affairs. Requests the Pope therefore for his (the King's) sake, to accept Master William Barons, and to be pleased to promote him to be pastor and Bishop of the above mentioned cathedral church of St. Paul's vacant as aforesaid. |
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From the Palace at Westminster, 8 July 1504. |
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[Original, parchment, Latin, 7 lines.] |
