Venice: January 1636 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 23, 1632-1636. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1921.

Citation:

'Venice: January 1636', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 23, 1632-1636, ed. Allen B Hinds( London, 1921), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol23/pp497-508 [accessed 28 November 2024].

January 1636



1636. Jan. 2. Collegio, Secreta. Esposizioni, Principi. Venetian Archives.	587. The Ambassador of Great Britain came into the Collegio and spoke to the following effect : I did not wish to neglect my duty to wish you a happy festival, and I hope you may have many others, although I felt sure you would take my good intentions for granted. I rarely come here because I have no special occasion. That does not mean that I am not always ready to fulfil your commands. I perform this office the more readily because I have a special command from my king to serve your Serenity and to assure you of his particular affection, his Majesty being sure that you will respond. He cannot fail to believe that his subjects and English merchants will be treated with corresponding consideration in this state, and I feel sure that I may rely upon your Serenity's sincere efforts in this matter, to which I will always testify. The doge thanked the ambassador for the office and wished his Majesty and him a happy new year and all other happiness. They were glad to hear that his Majesty was so friendly to the republic which would always display its affectionate esteem for him. They always tried to give the best treatment to English subjects and merchants, as a nation they loved and esteemed, to preserve and maintain good relations, as they ought and it was to their interest for trade. After thanking his Serenity the ambassador said he had a letter from his Majesty's ambassador at Constantinople saying that the Venetian ambassador Foscarini had stood godfather to his little son. All the king's servants ought to show the value they set upon the favours received. The doge replied, Our Bailo knows that the republic wishes all his Majesty's ministers to be treated with the utmost obligingness, and they are very glad that he has acted in accordance with their desire ; we are sure that he will always do so. After some compliments the ambassador took leave and departed. [Italian.]
Jan. 4. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	588. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. While they are still hesitating about sending the Palatine's councillor, the king has written a letter to the emperor, asking him to restore to the Palatine that which belongs to him by birth, and not to force that monarch to contemplate measures which he does not desire to take. This might be expected to produce more effect if the words and protestations from this quarter had won more credit in the past, or occasioned the Austrians more fear, but as in the most dangerous emergencies they have always counted for little, there is little security that at the present time when things in Germany lean so much in Cœsar's favour, they will obtain more than a verbal satisfaction for the Palatine. Thus although they neglect nothing to keep the prince diverted and happy, he seems careworn and sad at seeing his affairs go on in the same old way. If the king would allow him he would gladly withdraw, and he even circulates a report that he wishes to depart, probably with a view of obtaining some valid demonstration. But they do not trouble to consider this and they continue to conduct the affairs which concern them with the same slowness and lack of zeal as ever. One thing is certain that on the question of the new fleet being handed over to him in case some better bargain for his affairs is not arranged, the Prince has been unable to obtain any conclusive answer, at which he is very ill pleased. With very scant hope of any good resulting from the other palliatives, he took occasion to remark to one of the ministers here in confidence that he recognised clearly that in the state in which things now are it behoved him to leave. They try all they can to soothe him, assuring him that a Spanish ambassador extraordinary will soon be here in his interests alone. But the Prince wants to see matters brought to a head and is not satisfied with such hopes, realising clearly that the way of negotiation, especially with the interposition of the Spaniards is not likely to effect much for the cause unless at the same time, while the negotiations are in progress, they take up their arms so that they may be ready to secure by their means that which negotiation has not sufficed to achieve. The ministers here no longer expect good results from the proposals recently made by Scudamore in France about the commutation of the Palatinate with Lorraine. Scudamore gives scant hopes of success, so that amid the general entanglement of affairs they seem to incline most strongly to continue their dealings with the Spaniards always provided that they do not insist so pertinaciously upon the humiliation of the Palatine to Cœsar. But circumstances which change so greatly, may induce them to change their ideas and inclinations. Letters from the king of Poland received last week announce his intention of taking part in the steps being taken to secure a general peace. He urges them here to interest themselves in this. The answer is drafted and will be sent soon. (fn. 1) They merely commend the king's action and express their utmost good will here. Douglas writes that the king told him plainly that if the emperor will not bring himself honestly to the establishment of a secure peace and continues to maintain his armies in Germany, the king cannot stand idly by, and intimating that he will make war for the interests of Silesia. Douglas says nothing about the despatch of any ambassador to England or of the marriage with the Palatine princess either. From this they no longer know what to expect or believe. Whenever one touches on the question of a general peace with the ministers here they express their concurrence and every disposition in its favour, but in reality they have no desire that way and they do not wish to see it concluded. The disputes of its neighbours are all to the advantage of this crown. Besides exploiting their reputation with all and having their friendship and alliance sought by all, these realms enjoy perfect quiet and security. All the wine and other goods which used to go to Flanders have to be brought for every town by the ships of this country, touching at their ports here and paying the customs, bringing in a very considerable benefit. They are very sceptical here about the Dutch concluding a truce, for if that were arranged the power of the Spaniards would begin to become very formidable. This is one of the considerations which makes the king so anxious to have a good number of ships at sea in the spring, and it is also one of the reasons why they do not speak clearly to the Palatine in the matter of the fleet. The French ambassadors still labour in vain for the pardon of their sailors. The Dutch also are constantly approaching a perilous position over the interests of their ships and sailors, because the first bitterness has been greatly increased by a new and extraordinary incident. Some Dutchmen landed at Plymouth from two ships which stopped at that port on their way to the Indies, contrary to the royal edicts, issued for sanitary reasons. Not content with this infringement and the spirit they showed in going about the neighbouring villages, being excited or brutalised by wine, they came out of an inn with the determination to kill any one they met on the road. Six unfortunates who were unlucky enough to encounter them fell victims to their barbarity, sacrificed to their execrable inhumanity. One of these was a gentleman of excellent family, whose relations raise their outcry to the heavens. (fn. 2) They sent at once to seize the ships and arrest the delinquents, but word has not yet come of what took place. Words cannot express how much this event has stirred the people here against foreigners, and unless they see severe justice dealt out it is unlikely that they will be easily appeased without some great scandal resulting. It is said that a brother of the Duke of Wirtemberg is here incognito, or rather in indigence. The ministers here and the king himself are aware of it, but they will not take any notice. On Monday evening the queen presented a most beautiful pastoral to her maids in French. She has now withdrawn to Somerset House for the devotions of Christmas. When these are over she will proceed to St. Gems to await the hour of her delivery, which should take place in a few days. I have received this week the state despatches of the 30th November, with the usual sheet of advices. London, the 4th January, 1635. M.V. [Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
Jan. 9. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives.	589. Giovanni Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. After a long consultation the Count Duke has sent one of his gentlemen in great haste to England. It is said he will soon return with the replies. I fancy this is not only to protest their willingness to satisfy that crown about the Palatinate but also to prevent them listening to the proposals made by the Dutch, and subsequently to approach that king to employ his good offices in the disputes with, the King of Poland. They have discussed in the council of state how they may prevent the pope from granting a dispensation for the marriage with the Palatine princess. Madrid, the 9th January, 1636. Copy. [Italian.]
Jan 11. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	590. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. The most ardent parliamentarians think of renewing their activities and of devoting their last efforts to induce the king, if possible, to convoke parliament. They use many means to this end and do not neglect the most subtle and artful. The reluctance to pay the contributions for the new fleet is not placed among the last, while on the other side everything is done to show the king the necessity of being well armed at sea; the fear that the Dutch mean to conclude the truces ; the reports spread of great naval preparations in France; but above all the necessity to uphold the cause of the Palatine nephews are the most solid grounds upon which they base their arguments. In the matter of the Palatine they go further, saying that it is impossible to do anything properly or seemly for this crown unless they take up arms resolutely. These ideas are occasionally maintained before the king and are constantly dinned into the Palatine's ears, with every appearance that the less impression they make on his Majesty the more they increase the distress and discontent of the poor prince. They further let it be understood that they will afford his Majesty every satisfaction that he can desire, as they are determined not only to keep their eyes on the present, but on what may happen in the future, and to procure in every way the welfare of the kingdom, the unimpaired reputation of the crown and above all not to depart in any way from the king's pleasure, whom they will always be most ready to obey and serve. With these vain hopes they go about with smooth and flattering words, promising themselves some happy result ; but those who are more judicious and less prejudiced know that this is merely running after shadows, because all experience has shown the king immoveable and determined about not taking this step, indeed those who know his inclinations are aware that he is moving in quite the opposite direction. From this it seems to me that they have no intention at present of undertaking any great things outside the kingdom. Last Sunday in the queen's chapel, as the Resident of Savoy passed us, the French ambassadors broached the subject of a reconciliation between your Excellencies and the duke, for which this Court was ready to offer its good offices. I replied that I would never seek such an advantage at the expense of my country. If the duke had rested content with his ancient forms there would have been no need for the king or ministers to trouble about the matter. They made no reply except that the Italian powers themselves ought to desire unity and should not take offence at the efforts of others to promote it. I thought it best not to continue the argument. The Prince Palatine has sent me no reply to my suggestion about seeing him and giving him the same title as he has received in Holland from the ambassadors of your Serenity, namely Highness, without the additional of Electoral, which he will not now accept. I shall take no further steps without instructions. The queen's labour resulted happily on Monday night and she presented the kingdom with a princess. (fn. 3) The king is very pleased, as this is his fifth child, although only four survive. The generality are more pleased than if it had been a boy, because girls ensure posterity as much as boys, and the kingdom is relieved of the danger to which states sometimes succumb from there being too many princes of the blood royal. I have congratulated the king and queen, and mean to do so with her Majesty in person when she is in a condition to receive me. The Dutch ships which were going to Brazil have been arrested owing to the insolences committed by their sailors on shore. They are drawing up the process against them with rigour and solicitude, being fully determined to give them exemplary punishment. London, the 11th January, 1635 [M.V.] [Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
Jan. 12. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Germania. Venetian Archives.	591. Giovanni Battista Ballarino, Venetian Secretary in Germany, to the Doge and Senate. The gentleman sent from England is still conducting his negotiations with the ministers of Cæsar about the Palatinate. They keep raising obstacles in order to evade giving satisfaction. He had a second audience of the emperor a few weeks ago and pressed for a decision. His Majesty said he must have his demands in writing. The envoy refused saying he had no orders for this and enough, had already been said. His Majesty insisted, upon which the gentleman was greatly moved and, speaking in the Latin tongue, he said "eo sumus tempore quo mundum non calamo sed gladio regitur" and with this he took leave. This resolute behaviour caused much perturbation to Cæsar and his ministers. After deliberating again on the subject they decided to nominate commissioners to treat upon the matter, to avoid giving occasion for further offence and to show their willingness to afford consolation to the Palatine. They have nominated the Bishop of this city, the Count of Meccau, Traumestorf and Stralendorf. As a first step they have asked for a written statement and also for the powers held by the gentleman to negotiate, with a formal statement that without this they will do nothing. Everyone believed that the English minister would express himself even more forcibly at this reply. But he ultimately agreed and presented a paper, which was merely a demand for the restoration of the Lower Palatinate only. He also showed his commissions. Moreover he stated orally that if, in addition, he should obtain the Upper Palatinate he would undertake to induce his master to make an offensive and defensive alliance with the House of Austria, supplying 30,000 foot for their requirements. This lightening transition from the utmost rigour to great moderation is supposed to be due to recent orders received by him through a special courier from London this last week. Although this gentleman dilates upon the forces of his king and the serious hurt which he could inflict upon the emperor, in which the parliaments of the kingdom would co-operate with the utmost good will, yet he is seen to insinuate himself into the closest confidence, associates with the ministers, generally eats at Court and to all appearance gets further and further from the object which was supposed to be his special concern, to support his demands with the zeal and fervour which he showed at the beginning. The Resident of France is suspicious of these negotiations and watches them closely. Owing to the contradictory proceedings of the envoy the ministers here have become very confident that the demands will fall through of themselves. The Bishop, more than the rest of them, maintains the necessity of dragging the affair out, and to draw out that minister by blandishments to lull him to sleep. Thus with the object of gaining his point and to suspend the negotiations for some weeks, the bishop has left the city so that the other three cannot negotiate without him. The ministers here also reflect that the forces of England against the emperor are remote, doubtful and always subject to the perils and impediments of the sea. This obviously gives them great encouragement, though it is quite certain that if some considerable force should be collected as the result of the agreements made at Hamburg, they would direct their efforts here to avoid increasing ill feeling but would rather devote themselves to assuaging disputes to some extent. The gentleman went to visit the Court of Ognat a week ago. That minister expresses quite freely his disdain of these pretensions. He says that the Palatines have had full measure of Cæsar's clemency in the articles of peace with Saxony, and they ought to be well content. Here they might well claim the right to punish those princes because they do not come to humble themselves as they should. The Englishman took exception to such notions and said that the ministers of the emperor did not look upon it in that light. His Excellency should consider that the King of England is always informed of the secret counsels of the princes, his neighbours, especially those of the Catholic. He should reflect upon the power of his king, not exhausted by wars, closely united with Ireland and Scotland, with abounding treasures, flourishing trade and formidable at sea. Ognat made no reply beyond a smile. It is clear that the Count has very little thought of sending his son, who lives here, to England, to which Court he has been appointed for over three months, indeed he announces that unless further orders arrive, he will not start. Generally speaking the ministers here whether of the emperor or of Spain, cherish the maxim that if Saxony is on their side they need not mind the remote hostilities of England, the wrath of Poland or the collusion of Denmark. Two days ago an envoy arrived from the King of Denmark. It has been asserted that without the help of England Denmark's only resolution will be to come to terms with Cæsar. They also draw consolation here from the dissensions between the English and Dutch, but the majority do not confide in such hopes. Vienna, the 12th January, 1635. [M.V.] [Italian.]
Jan. 15. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Francia. Venetian Archives.	592. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. The English ambassador has complained to the Secretary Bottillier that although the French ambassadors have presented letters of the king offering to restore the Palatine to his dignity and states, yet they refuse to give him the title which by birth and right belongs to him. This is interpreted as a sign of scant sincerity in their negotiations. Here they do not seem inclined to concede the point alleging that they have any alliance with Bavaria which obliges them differently. Paris, the 15th January, 1635. [M.V.] [Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
Jan. 17. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Haya Venetian Archives.	593. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague, to the Doge and Senate. Some English ships have taken a Zeeland one. (fn. 4) Their High Mightinesses are trying to suppress the resentment they feel in the hope that the ambassador extraordinary will arrange everything. They say it all comes from the Spaniards who have great power in that kingdom. On this account they are hastening Beveren's departure and they talk of adding to the presents for that Court. The Hague, the 17th January, 1635. M.V. [Italian.]
Jan. 18. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	594. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. News of Teller's arrival at the Imperial Court has only come this week. He reports the decision to send Father Magnus to Poland about the truce with Sweden and to prevent the marriage with the Palatine princess. The king and ministers learned both these particulars with the utmost dissatisfaction. It is thought they will instruct Teller to remonstrate strongly with the emperor on the question of the marriage. It is certain that they no longer know what judgment to form about this affair, the happy issue of which they wish to see in proportion to its actual importance, because at the very moment when they considered it most surely concluded without further difficulties, they see their hopes dashed most ruthlessly to the ground. Nevertheless they assure the Palatine that it will certainly take place, pointing out that the only thing which is now preventing its effectuation is the assembling of the diet which is to be held at Warsaw, at which the king is to be present, to obtain the consent of the republic. But even those who try to persuade him thus are not entirely persuaded themselves in their own minds, and at the back of their minds there remains some doubt that words on this subject will have no value in the future, although there are many who assert that the inclinations of that monarch are all in favour of the wedding. Gordon asserted the same when he was here to make the proposals which I reported, but as a matter of fact such long delays cannot be taken here as anything but of bad augury for an event which they desire here so greatly. Teller does not state clearly why his audience of the emperor was delayed, or say anything about the special despatch to Bavaria, reported by the Resident Ballarino. I find no inclination here for accepting an equivalent in Flanders, as it would not accord with the reputation of this crown or with the interests of the Palatine. For if his affairs were adjusted in this manner, even if the conditions were perfectly transparent and without derogation to his claims, it would be too difficult a matter to carry the arrangement out. Thus it is clear that if in the course of a few years the prince should lose through weakness what had been assigned to him in Flanders, or even if he had the good fortune to keep it, it could only be upon the condition and in the capacity of a complete dependent of the Spaniards. The ministers here will not condescend to reply to such sound arguments as these. It is reported indeed that one of them remarked to the Palatine himself that if once his affairs were settled, no matter how, there is no likelihood that England will trouble about them any more, as the blood relationship not interests of state was the motive at the moment. Accordingly it would be a good thing to insist with the most solid negotiations upon the proposals made to the Most Christian to try for an exchange of his dominions and the electoral vote with Lorraine. Accordingly the Palatine broached the subject with the French ambassadors, assuring them that if the Austrians will not agree to such a treaty the king had given him his word that he would treat of his cause jointly with France by force of arms. The ambassadors in their reply told him that this was the way to make the affair last for ever and to go to perdition, without hope of anything ever being settled. It was not reasonable that the king, their master, single handed, should recover his dominions at such a heavy price. There were other matters to be adjusted, and with this foundation removed everything would collapse. They further pointed out to him that when the conclusion of a general peace draws nigh, unless there is some agreement between France and England about his interests, the Most Christian in conducting the negotiations will not be able to insist upon anything beyond what affects his own particular interests, as that is no more than reasonable, and that will be according to the circumstances. Therefore the present excellent opportunity ought not to be lost. Upon this subject they go about saying here that they cannot act otherwise, as they do not know how they can make sure that France, when she sees an opportunity, will not in any event decide upon peace without any further consideration than what will be for her own particular benefit. So, as they cannot lay aside their mistrust things become more and more difficult every day, with very slight evidence that they are likely to end well in this manner. There are also those who take a middle line and say that the French do ill in not lending an ear to this proposal for an exchange against Lorraine, because it is perfectly clear that the electoral vote will never be taken away from Bavaria to be given to the Palatine, so these negotiations will fall through on the part of the Austrians and this Crown will remain under the obligation to make war against them, and by these means the French will arrive at obtaining with ease what they have laboured for in vain for such a long time to obtain from this Court, and they will have the credit of having adjusted well and worthily at their own cost in a truly courteous manner the affairs of two most unfortunate princes. But the replies of the emperor and those expected from France will show what shape this troubled and important affair will finally take. The younger brother of the Duke of Wirtemberg is still staying at this Court and to-day he is to kiss the hands of the king and Prince Palatine. He will then proceed to Holland and after he has seen the country it is thought that he will proceed to France with the idea of obtaining some employment in the war there. The new princess was christened at the beginning of this week with the name of Elizabeth. The Prince Palatine acted as godfather and after the function he took to his bed where he had a slight fever, caused by the excessive hospitality of the lords here, who want to entertain him with sumptuous banquets every day without regard to his health. (fn. 5) But he is quite well now. The king will proceed to Newmarket in a few days to enjoy his hunting and it is not thought that he will be back here before the beginning of March. Eight of the sailors found guilty of the crimes committed at Plymouth are detained as prisoners, and the ships have been allowed to continue their voyage to Brazil. These men will suffer the punishment their crime deserves, as even the Ambassador Joachimi has abandoned them. London, the 18th January, 1635 [M.V.] [Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
Jan. 24. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Haya. Venetian Archives.	595. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague, to the Doge and Senate. The Zeelanders, in revenge for the ship taken, have seized an English one. The States regret this as it increases ill feeling. Ten ships of the Company which left for Brazil recently have been stopped in England owing to quarrels between the sailors and some Englishmen, in which two or three English were killed. (fn. 6) Joachimi is much upset, as the Company may wish to retaliate by seizing ships. The States have instructed him to ask for the release of the ships and have written to the king himself promising to punish the guilty, but contending that it is not just that the merchants should suffer for the faults of individuals. The Hague, the 24th January, 1635. [M.V.] [Italian.]
Jan. 25. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Inghilterra. Venetian Archives.	596. Anzolo Correr, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. Teller's despatch which reached the Court this week reports his first meetings with Cæsar. He says he made the strongest representations and the emperor heard him with attention and showed respect for this crown. But the reply was far from conclusive, merely pointing out that the affair did not concern him alone but the empire also, whose proscription of the late Palatine could not be passed over. On the question of the Palatine himself humbly asking for pardon he thinks that the idea there is to hold fast to the point of the original negotiations, because as things have to be dealt with in an electoral diet they will use up a great deal of time in this way, and now they make the difficulty because they are certain that there is very little disposition to yield on the matter here. The ministers here are of the same opinion, yet they do not lose courage or abandon the hope that by negotiation they may be able in the end to find some middle term which will serve to render each of the parties equally satisfied. To this end they have this week repeated their orders to the Ambassador Astnay in Spain by express courier to keep the negotiations alive which it is thought he will have begun already. But any one who cares to probe to the bottom of this affair finds that the states of the Palatine house have not such firm roots in the minds of those who take part in the government here as to make him believe that they will devote their greatest care to them, and apart from the point of reputation, which is the only one they think about, the wisest are of opinion that they do not mean to trouble about them any more. This arouses the apprehension that in the end they will listen to any sort of accomodation, no matter how disadvantageous, although at present they express the exact opposite, because once the matter is adjusted they can without blame draw back their foot from this embarrassment in which they find themselves involved so much to their disgust. However whenever they can they go about everywhere expressing the most lofty ideas to the ambassadors and other ministers of their fixed determination to uphold the cause at every hazard, and of their great preparations for a naval force, amounting to a hundred sail. But their real intentions certainly do not go so far, and the fleet will not be so numerous by a long way. It would indeed be remarkable and no small achievement if they got together as many as fifty good ships. But there is no sign of anything that makes this likely because they proceed with their preparations in a most leisurely way and the difficulties in exacting the money are greater than ever. News has come that the Imperialists have handed over Franchendal and other places in the Lower Palatinate to the Spaniards. They are not pleased here, because while the Austrians are trying so hard to persuade this crown of their preoccupation to find some adjustment of this question, it does not seem proper that they should introduce a fresh interest so strong as this one. If the news proves true even the most violent Hispanophiles will be scandalised, although they will always find excuses. In negotiating with the French ambassadors the ministers here always reply that they are expecting to hear from France and thus Sennecterre stays on without hope of getting away soon and almost certain that he will never see any conclusion. Although a very capable and diligent minister he will always enjoy less good fortune than others at this Court in transacting affairs of this nature, because the ministers and even the king are always suspicious and fearful in dealing with him that they will be induced by his subtlety to take some step which they might not wish to. On the other hand the methods of Scudamore's negotiations in France by no means meet with approval, so that but little good can be expected, from the knotty business itself and the character of its negotiators. So it is really necessary to believe that they do actually mean to see the end of it here and intend to embrace to the best of their powers the proposals that will be made to them, and if it is not so, they will be abandoning the undertaking altogether and allowing matters to take their course, as they are doing at present until time provides some opportunity which will serve in some measure to define things. Nothing more is said about sending the Palatine's councillor to the emperor. The task was performed by the king's letters asking for the prince's reinstatement. They also urge a general peace. But there is cause for doubt whether this is genuine, because the present war is not very detrimental to England who wishes a balance to be maintained. For this reason the defeats of the Duke of Saxony were not disagreeable to her and she would not regret a contest between Poland and Austria for Silesia. This would balance matters thoroughly, and if it were not so England would regret the continued success of Austria. England also dreads a league between Holland and Spain, and of this fear Joachimi avails himself in his negotiations, but without much profit. The new Dutch ambassador extraordinary is expected soon, and meanwhile the affair of the ship seized and its sailors remains in suspense. The brother of the Duke of Wirtemberg is still here, known as such by everybody since he saw the king and the Prince Palatine. They have not made any special fuss with him. He still lives very quietly and will certainly proceed to Holland at the first opportunity. The king delays his journey to Newmarket on account of the illness of the Palatine, which still troubles him, although there seems to be no danger. The queen has passed through her travail most happily and enjoys perfect health. I visited her the day before yesterday. Besides such compliments as I thought proper I assured her that your Excellencies would be pleased to hear of the happy event. She seemed pleased by the function and assured me that she most fully responded to the friendship which your Excellencies had always shown to her. I have received this week the state despatches of the 21st and 28th December last. London, the 25th January, 1635. [M.V.] [Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.]
Jan 31. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Haya. Venetian Archives.	597. Francesco Michiel, Venetian Ambassador at the Hague, to the Doge and Senate. Beveren is only waiting for a wind to sail. He has seen the Princess Palatine, to receive her instructions. It is feared that the Prince Palatine will get scant satisfaction. The Princess herself admits that the Spaniards have gained too much influence in England and she laments that her petitions fail to touch her brother's heart. The Hague, the 31st January, 1635. [M.V.] [Italian.]