Venice: May 1668 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 35, 1666-1668. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1935.

Citation:

'Venice: May 1668', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 35, 1666-1668, ed. Allen B Hinds (London, 1935), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol35/pp218-219 [accessed 20 February 2025].

May 1668



May 8. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni, Corti. Venetian Archives.	289. To the Ambassador in France. The Senate desires you to instruct the Secretary Marchesini to postpone his departure from the Hague and to press the Lords States for help. You will avail yourself of this opportunity to introduce into your remarks to the English ambassador such considerations as may appear to be opportune for the public interest, in order to extract some succour from that crown. Ayes, 145. Noes, 0. Neutral, 2. [Italian.]
May 9. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Spagna. Venetian Archives.	290. Catterin Belegno, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. The Ambassador Sandovich has had his final audience to take leave. Next week he will travel to St. Ander, where two frigates are ready to transport him to London. I went to pay him my respects and also to thank him for many courtesies during my illness, when he came in person to inquire after my health. I congratulated him on the success of his negotiations. He responded cordially and went on to ask if an ambassador in ordinary was being sent from Venice to his king. I replied that an ambassador was appointed but had not yet started. He said there would be a prompt response in sending an ambassador to the republic. He considered such an exchange to be necessary in view of the cordial relations that existed in the past. He told me that on his return to London he meant to offer to take a fleet for the relief of Candia, as it would be a glorious action to succour a prince engaged in such an unequal war, while it would be a great blow if the place should fall because of the political consequences, and for trade. Madrid, the 9th May, 1668. [Italian.]
May 10. Senato, Secreta. Dispacci, Haia. Venetian Archives.	291. Giovanni Francesco Marchesini, Venetian Secretary at the Hague, to the Doge and Senate. The United Provinces are keeping a fleet of forty and more ships all ready and the English likewise have another of the same character. So I do not think it impossible that they might feel disposed to send a part of them to the Levant in order to prevent the transport of munitions and foodstuffs to the Turks in the kingdom and even attempt some diversion by way of attack or some enterprise, supposing a favourable opening presented itself, applying themselves to those middle terms which may be considered well adapted to the avoidance of an appearance of an open rupture with the Porte. The Hague, the 10th May, 1668. [Italian.]
May 11. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni, Corti. Venetian Archives.	292. To the King of Great Britain. Particular satisfaction at the news of the peace between France and Spain. This great work is recognised as being due to the present guidance of his Majesty. While the Christian world applauds his distinguished merits for this most advantageous agreement, the republic, in addition to its joy at the peace, feels peculiarly confident that his Majesty will make perfect the universal relief and applause by succouring the cause of Christendom in the war against the Turk, where the army of the First Vizier at the siege of Candia is always being powerfully reinforced. The Senate, with a lively recollection of the ancient friendship of the crown, is proposing to send to his Majesty its secretary, Giovanni Francesco Marchesini, as he is near that kingdom, and in view of the urgent need of prompt succour, so that he may explain the state of the public distress, the fierceness of the siege of Candia and the vigorous efforts of the Barbarian aggressors. The republic feels confident that his Majesty's goodness and zeal for the cause of Christianity itself, will desire to render efficient help in this pressing emergency, adding fresh laurels to his glory, and increasing their obligations to his crown, which will be reaffirmed by the ambassador destined to his Majesty. Compliments. Ayes, 81. Noes, 1. Neutral, 18. [Italian.]
May 12. Senato, Secreta. Deliberazioni, Corti. Venetian Archives.	293. To the Ambassador in France. In consideration of the advantages of making application direct to the king of England, we have directed the Secretary Marchesini, after he has asked permission of the States of Holland, to cross over to England. For this purpose we have sent another ducale for the king of England, of which a copy is enclosed. You will inform the English ambassador about this step and endeavour to induce him to support this instance by his own particular offices; letting him know that the ambassador destined by us for his Majesty will be there later to reaffirm to him the affectionate regard of the republic. Ayes, 117. Noes, 0. Neutral, 2. [Italian.]