Venice: May 1545

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.

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'Venice: May 1545', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1873), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp134-139 [accessed 28 November 2024].

'Venice: May 1545', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Edited by Rawdon Brown( London, 1873), British History Online, accessed November 28, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp134-139.

"Venice: May 1545". Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Ed. Rawdon Brown(London, 1873), , British History Online. Web. 28 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp134-139.

May 1545

May 1, Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxiv. p. 30. 333. The Same to the Same.
The negotiations for peace between the Kings of France and England continue, although the preparations for the war likewise continue on both sides, and the French are intent on reinforcing their troops in Picardy for the purpose of again besieging Boulogne. Letters from England, dated the 6th ultimo, state that as the whole difficulty about reconciling the Kings of England and France consists in Boulogne, which King Henry chooses to keep, whilst King Francis insists on its surrender, the Emperor advises the King of England to place Boulogne in his hands, in order that after hearing the claims of either side, he may consign it to whom he shall think it in justice belongs.
To communicate these advices to the Bashaws as usual.
Ayes, 162. Noes, 3. Neutrals, 2.
[Italian.]
May 5, Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives. 334. Francesco Venier, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
A few days ago Cardinal Ardinghelli (fn. 1) sent word that he wished to see me, and said, in his Holiness's name, that it being understood that the King of England kept a number of persons in his pay in divers places, for some purpose, which could not but be considered sinister, his character being such as it is, and that amongst them is Lodovico da l'Armi, (fn. 2) domiciled at Venice; it seemed to his Holiness that this was not in accordance with the good understanding between him and the Signory, nor for the respect and honour of the Apostolic See ought it to be tolerated. He therefore requested me to write to the Signory not to allow said Lodovico to reside at Venice, nor in other places of the Venetian territory, but to dismiss him immediately, lest it appear that he enjoys your Serenity's favour. Answered I would willingly write, but must tell him that as the Signory has many subjects in England, you are compelled to proceed somewhat moderately with that King. The Cardinal rejoined, “His Holiness does not require the Signory to do as he would do, could he get hold of Da l'Armi, who is his rebel, and has committed so many crimes; but demands his dismissal, lest through the Signory's protection, and by remaining in Venice or in the Republic's territory, he may find an opportunity for perpetrating some enormous outrage (qualche enorme inconveniente). “ In truth, here at this Court, they complain greatly of this Lodovico's sojourn at Venice, and fear that he is plotting some mischief, and that amongst other things he has some treacherous design against Cardinal Pole, who is now at Trent (et tra gli altri che'l non insidij alla persona del Revmo. Cardinal Polo.) (fn. 3) It is said that Da l'Armi has a monthly pension of 50 crowns in time of peace and 200 in time of war, and that he has eight captains, each of whom receive 25 crowns; and that some others also have stipends in like manner, amongst whom is a Veronese, one of the Counts of S. Bonifacio, he also having four captains. (fn. 4) The King of England, by detaining them in Italy without obtaining any immediate profit thence, induces a suspicion of some mischievous design. Cardinal Ardinghelli also said to me, repeating it several times, that besides the Pope's wish to know that you had formed some good resolve, he is also anxious for a speedy reply.
Rome, 5th May 1545.
[Italian.]
May 8. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives. 335. Francesco Venier, Venetian Ambassador at Rome, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
Yesterday when I went to the Pope he discussed the matter of Lodovico da l'Armi, speaking to me at great length, and strongly showing that he had it much at heart, repeating what had been told me in his name by Ardinghelli, that this Da l'Armi and his accomplices were to make all possible preparation, but not to stir until the arrival of a gentleman of the King's chamber despatched to Da l'Armi with the commission to be executed by him. His Holiness then said, “We see this villain near at hand; he is our rebel, and on many accounts would deserve a thousand deaths; we perceive that the King of England, who is a heretic, has no other enmity in Italy than ours, and he has also that of France, and in several quarters he is plotting I know not what mischief. This fellow (costui) is in Venice, as also that Count of Bonafacio, a Veronese, (fn. 5) and other captains. An agent of the King of England resident with the Signory supplies them with considerable sums of money. (fn. 6) We also hear that at Vercelli and in other places of Piedmont and Savoy, angels (angellotti), which are a sort of English coin, have commenced circulating. Everything threatens mischief in those parts, and if possible it would be well to avert the causes. Should any disturbance arise it would in truth be unfitting for it to have originated in Venice; those fellows (costoro) reside there, they make their bargains there, and there the money is paid them. It would be a great satisfaction to me if the Signory would take precautions at least by sending them away. We have written to our Nuncio not to await the ordinary post, but to send us the reply express.” Answered that by reason of your devotion to his Holiness whatever disquieted him was most irksome to the State; that you forbad the Strozzis to reside in Venice or your territory because they busied themselves with raising troops, and State affairs; still less would you tolerate such acts on the part of this man. The Pope rejoined, “We who have these evil conjectures (male conjetture) about him, cause his proceedings to be watched. We were desirous that for the preservation of Italy an understanding should be formed between you and us, and should be manifest. This heretical King is now the enemy of the Apostolic See, and we tell you for certain that he has already concluded an agreement with the Lutherans. (fn. 7) The Council is sitting [at Trent]; we know not what direction his thoughts may take. There is the incident (il particolar) of Cardinal Pole, whom these ruffians may have been ordered to entrap (che questi scelerati potriano havere ordine de insidie contra lui). It is well that the Signory should show us their goodwill. By tolerating an outrage out of respect for the King of England it does not follow that the Signory will gain with him, as were he to succeed he would boast of his own address (industria), and such it would certainly have been; for where he to ask favour of the Signory to enable him to execute his evil designs, we know the goodness of the State to be such that they would not grant it him; but to permit the act is tantamount to concession, without gaming the merit of an obligation with anyone. It also occurs to us that, now that the King of France has withdrawn his fleet and other defences from Provence, the King of England may purpose making a diversion and invading that territory with the troops which are apparently destined for Piedmont; and it has come to our knowledge that he has also certain negotiations on foot with the Duke of Savoy, though we do not comprehend quo spiritu the Duke can entertain them, he being a ruined man (essendo le cose sua per concie). The Signory will greatly oblige us by making such demonstration, at least by expelling this fellow and the others, his accomplices, as to prove that they will not tolerate these proceedings.”
I said I would willingly write, and that I knew the respect borne by your Sublimity towards his Holiness, and also how much you disapproved of misdeeds.
Rome, 8th May 1515.
Postscript.—Cardinal Ardinghelli inquired of me whether I had written to your Excellencies about Lodovico da l'Armi. I said I was transmitting a full account of all that he and his Holiness had said to me, and he returned thanks, adding, “Do so, for our Lord constantly receives fresh intelligence on the subject. By letters of the 23rd [April], he heard that the King was sending that gentleman of his chamber, and now through an authentic channel this is confirmed by a letter dated the 2nd [May], and he is expected at Venice within twelve days at the latest.”
I rejoined that I would notify the whole.
[Italian.]
May 11. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxiv. p. 37. 336. The Doge and Senate to the Venetian Ambassador with the most serene Emperor of the Ottomans.
By their last letters from France, the negotiations for peace with the English had rather cooled, and both sides were making preparations for war. It is said that the English fleet lately captured a number of French vessels which were conveying victuals and ammunition to the French fleet now fitting out in Normandy. By letters dated the 25th, their ambassador, Navaier, writes to them that the Emperor arrived at Antwerp on the 20th, and the Duke of Orleans on the 24th, many personages having been sent to meet him, and he was greatly honoured by the Emperor. It was said that after a few days the Duke would return to France it being also said that the will remain? (si firmerà) with the Emperor.
Ayes, 134.
[Italian.]
May 15. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6. 337. The Chiefs of the Ten to the Governors of Verona.
Understand that in Verona there is a certain Bernardo da S. Bonifacio, (fn. 8) and one Angelo Mariano, and perhaps other commanders engaged by Ludovico da l'Armi, they having men with them and endeavouring to raise troops. This intelligence is displeasing to them; so with the Council of Ten and Junta, charge the governors to use all possible diligence to ascertain whether any of the aforesaid or other commanders are in Verona for this purpose. Should they find any alien amongst them, to dismiss him the Signory's territory immediately under such heavy penalties as they shall think fit; and if there be any Venetian subject [concerned in this matter] they are to admonish him becomingly, and command him in the name of this Council, not to dare to make any levy of troops, under pain of said Council's indignation.
They are also to use diligence in prohibiting similar musters, and to keep well on the watch to learn whether any stir be made, punishing those who disobey the orders of the Ten, and giving immediate and detailed notice of the fact to them, the Chiefs.
Similar letter to Vicenza, and such other places as requisite.
Ayes, 28. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
[Italian.]
May 15. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6. 338. The Chiefs of the Ten to the Venetian Ambassadors at Rome.
Have understood by their letters, dated the 5th and 8th instant, addressed to the Chiefs of the Council of Ten, what his Holiness announced by Cardinal Ardinghelli, and said subsequently himself, about the affair of Ludovico da l'Armi. The like office was also performed here this morning with great warmth by the Papal Nuncio. So having heard lately that said Ludovico was engaging certain military commanders (intertenindo certi capi), a summons was issued for him to appear before the Chiefs of this Council; and he was not found, but in his stead the secretary of the English ambassador (fn. 9) (dell' ambasciator d'Inghilterra) came. He told us that said Ludovico had departed to do certain business for his King, and that when he returned, he [the secretary] would send him to the Chiefs. The Nuncio told them this morning he understood Da l'Armi was gone to Trent, and intends to pass through that city, and go perhaps to the Diet. (fn. 10) Hearing from the Nuncio that some of his said military commanders are at Verona and Vicenza, have written to the Signory's governors in those towns, should they find any aliens there, to dismiss them, and if Venetian subjects, to be admonished, and desired not to raise any levies in the Venetian territory, under very heavy penalties.
Did this in compliance with the Pope's request, although they have not had notice [from their governors?] that such levies were being made; and will do the like for the future, should any stir be announced to them.
To announce this to the Pope, that he may know the reverence and devotion which they bear him, and their wish to do what is agreeable to him, by reason of the paternal good will which he bears their Republic.
Ayes, 28. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 0.
[Italian.]
1545. May 23. Miscellaneous Letters, Venetian Archives. 339. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Knight, and Francesco Venier, Venetian Ambassadors at Rome, to the Chiefs of the Ten.
By the letter addressed to them on the 15th by the Council of Ten and Junta, understood what they were to tell the Pope about Lodovico da l'Armi and the others. Yesterday at audience, they made the communication accordingly, and as his Holiness has the matter much at heart, he repeated his earnest wish for the Signory to act in such wise that nothing sinister may befall either him or Cardinal Pole, and he also alluded to the interests of the most Christian King.
Assured the Pope that independently of any regret felt on hearing things of this sort, the Signory will certainly not tolerate them, for the sake especially of doing what is agreeable to his Holiness, with whom the State will always remain most closely allied.
The Pope evinced extreme pleasure at this, and said he promised himself much from their Excellencies' goodwill.
Rome, 23rd May 1545.
[Italian.]

Footnotes

  • 1. From 1545, until his death in 1547 Cardinal Ardinghelli conducted all the secret affairs of the Papal Government. (See Cardella, vol. iv. p 269.)
  • 2. The first mention of Da l'Armi and his comrades in the service of Henry VIII. is dated 30th March and 20th April 1545. (See State Papers, vol. x. pp. 399–401.)
  • 3. In Gratiano's biography of Cardinal Pole (De Casibus Virorum Illustrium. Lutetiæ Parisiorum, 1680, p. 215), this is confirmed by the following paragraph, “- Et Bononiensis quidam, insignis sicarius, quanquam perhonestâ familiâ natus, qui Venetiis ob spoliatum apud Ravennam, cæsumque Venetum civem patricii generis, supplicio est affectus, in quæstione confessus est, diu se Tridenti, ubi Polus cum duobus collegis Concilio præsidebat, eum ut ex insidiis adoriretur observasse, pecuniamque ob eam rem a Rege accepisse.” Cardella in his Lives of the Cardinals (vol. iv. p. 191), supposes this passage to signify that Da l'Armi confessed to having been sent by Henry VIII. to Trent, for the purpose of murdering Cardinal Pole, “ad oggetto di togliere la vita al Cardinale Polo.”
  • 4. That the Court of Rome had good information about the dealings of Henry VIII. with Italian mercenaries at this period, is proved by documents in vol. x. State Papers, dated 29th March 1545 (p. 368), 30th March 1545 (p. 399), 3rd May 1545 (p. 414), &c.
  • 5. In date 30th March 1545, the King's Council authorised Harvel to engage Count Bernard de San Bonifacio of Verona. (See State Papers, vol. x. p. 399, footnote.)
  • 6. In a letter dated Venice, 20th April 1545, Harvel wrote to Henry VIII. that he had received letters of exchange for 4,138 Italian crowns, and “that it was passing comfortable to Lodovico da l'Armi and to the other captains which wer in like expectacion and nede to percayve the most gracious liberalite of your Majeste.” (See State Papers, vol. x. p. 400.)
  • 7. In May 1545 the Ambassadors of the Protestant Princes proposed a league with England to resist the council. (See letter from Bucler and Mont to Henry VIII., date Worms, 6th May. State Papers, vol. x. p. 420.)
  • 8. In the year 1547, Bernardo da S. Bonifacio was the pensioner of Edward VI (See Camden Publication, Trevelyan Papers, p. 196.)
  • 9. The so-called English Ambassador, was Edmund alias Sigismund Harvel; and Andrea Morosmi (vol. ii. p. 163), gives his Secretary the name of Baldassare Alcherio, query Balthasar Alterius. He was still at Venice (according to Mr. Turnbull's calendar) on the 11th and 26th August 1548. In the Deliberazioni Senato, 7th August 1546, the name is written Baldissera Alchieri.
  • 10. Then being held at Worms. (See Sarpi, Council of Trent; and Mosheim.)
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