Venice: April 1546 | British History Online

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.

Citation:

'Venice: April 1546', 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/pp156-162 [accessed 29 November 2024].

April 1546



April 6. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. lxv. p. 10, tergo.	375. The Doge and Senate to the “Bailo” at Constantinople.
	In date of Paris the 17th ultimo, their ambassador writes to them that the most Christian King was intent on making powerful preparations for the recovery of Boulogne, and to fortify himself against the English. Captain Polin, after putting succour into his fortress opposite Boulogne, went with some twenty ships towards the “Pas de Calais,” where he captured seven vessels laden with grain, ammunition, spades, and other things destined by the English for Boulogne.
	King Francis is raising funds, and has sent into Italy as his lieutenant the Prince of Melphi [Amalfi?], who will inspect and repair the fortresses in Piedmont, and for the present has left his company north of the Alps. The most Christian King's commander, Mons. de Lorges, who was in Scotland, has returned to France with the French troops, accompanied by a Scottish ambassador, to demand pecuniary assistance against England.
	Mons. d'Enghien, heretofore his most Christian Majesty's lieutenant in Italy, died lately in France, and on the 30th ultimo the Marquis del Guasto, late Governor in Milan, also died.
	By letters from England, dated the 7th ultimo, it is stated that the King was collecting money and preparing a large number of troops for Picardy, and purposed sending the Earl of Hertford as their commander.
	Ayes, 171. Noes, 5. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
April 14. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no 6.	376. The Chiefs of the Ten to the Governors of Brescia.
	Understands that Ludovico da l'Armi has arrived at Castel Goffredo, (fn. 1) or in those environs, to raise troops for the service of the most Serene King of England; so, with the Council of Ten and Junta, charge them to use diligence to ascertain in detail, adroitly and secretly, all his proceedings, giving notice of the whole to the chiefs of this Council, and executing the orders contained in their other letters about prohibiting the Republic's subjects from entering the service of foreign powers.
	Ayes, 26. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 2. (fn. 2)
	[Italian.]
April 15. Mantuan Archives.	377. Cardinal Ercole Gonzaga, Regent of Mantua, to Monsignor Camillo Capilupo, Mantuan Envoy with the Emperor. (fn. 3)
	Lodovico da l'Armi has come into these parts, as he (Capilupo) may have heard; and according to report, of which there is some confirmation, he is ordered to raise troops for England, some say to march them to Boulogne against France, others, that he is going to Piedmont, to undertake an expedition there, in the name of the Prince of Savoy, which last opinion is the most general. Has been unable hitherto to ascertain the truth; but at any rate this stir disturbs him, both on account of the Mantuan territory, and of that of Montferrat, where Da l'Armi resides, at Castelgiffredo (come del Monferrato, di questo essendo il luogo di Castelgiffredo), saying that he is in the service of England), that place being in the Duchy of Mantua and connected with it; whilst in the opposite direction there is La Mirandola, which in this case, could not but make a similar movement on behalf of France, to impede the intended levies at Castelogiffredo. The Mantuan territory would thus be in the midst of the disturbance, and they would subsequently be in yet greater trouble with regard to the affairs of Montferrat, should these troops be marched to Piedmont, as besides the inconvenience and damage caused by their passage through that State—already so exhausted—the Government of Mantua could not allow them to go freely through the territory, nor act by them as by the Imperialists. It would be dangerous for the interests of the Duke his nephew [Francesco Gonzaga], and for his own, that these troops should remain in the Montferrat territory on their way to undertake an expedition in the name of Savoy, by reason of the claims on Montferrat of that Duke, who, although he has been excluded by right, has not acceded to his Majesty's sentence, and on the contrary, made an appeal, which, although he did not prosecute, he did his utmost to enforce. In addition, is of opinion, that when the Emperor's service is not concerned, it is undesirable for Mantua to evince hostility to France by harbouring in the Mantuan territory troops destined to act against that country, which is now at peace with the Emperor. (fn. 4)
	In order to know how to act, sends this express, desiring him to request the most illustrious Monsr. de Granvelle [Nicole Perrenot, Seigneur de Granvelle, Imperial Chancellor], in the Cardinal's name, to give him advice with regard to the course to be pursued, as he thinks it necessary to be cautious on account of the Emperor's service, because being so devoted to his Majesty, as known to France, any demonstration made by him in favour of England against King Francis might easily be attributed, if not to an order from the Emperor, at least to the conviction that he would approve it. Should the matter rest between England and France alone, and if there be no other consideration, he might act in such wise with the French agents as not to offend King Francis, and should those of England make demands, which he anticipates (from a letter addressed to him by Da l'Armi and which he encloses), he might let them know that as the interests of the Emperor his Lord are not concerned, Mantua would not lean more towards France than towards England. Least of all could the Cardinal favour England, by reason of the enmity professed by King Henry for the Apostolic See; on which account, last year, when the Signor Luigi [Gonzaga] was about to enter the service of England, the Pope wrote to the Cardinal of Mantua to prevent this, and not to allow troops on that service to pass through his territory.
	To acquaint the most illustrious De Granvelle with these particulars, and ascertain his opinion on the subject, sending the reply by express, as should Da l'Armi and his comrades (costoro) do anything, it may be supposed that they will not long delay. To beware, above all, of speaking in such a way as to have it suspected that he wishes to hear anything about this most important political business (questo importantissimo negotio politico) (fn. 5) as the Cardinal has no such desire, and merely cares to know what can affect the common weal; and should he be unable to obtain a single word, as the Cardinal foresees, he will do the best he can, bearing always in mind the Emperor's service. Is not to allow anything to escape him about the possibility of a demand from France to have an agent, (ci ricercasse uno) at Castel Giffredo (in order still better to inconvenience his Imperial Majesty), nor of his inability to refuse; nor yet of La Mirandola's being much inclined to arm and cross the Po; as it would seem as if—being unable to withstand such turmoil—the Cardinal were asking for assistance.
	Is to send information on this subject with all possible speed, and not to omit giving his own opinion.
	Mantua, 15th April.
	[Italian, Original draft.]
April 15. Mantuan Archives.	378. Lodovico da l'Armi to Ercole Gonzaga, Cardinal Regent of Mantua.
	Having commissions and letters of credence for the Duke of Mantua, &c., from the King of England, my master, I acquaint your Lordship with the fact, in order to know whether it be your pleasure I should execute his Majesty's commission.
	From Castello Giuffredo, 14th April 1546.
	Your most illustrious and most esteemed Lordship's Very obedient servant, (Signed:) Lodovico da l'Armi. (fn. 6)
	[Original. Italian.]
April 16. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 18.	379. The Doge and College to Giacomo Zambon, Venetian Secretary in England.
	Enclose summary of advices for communication to the King and Ministers as usual.
	[Italian.]
April 17. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., File no. 6.	380. Motion made in the Council of Ten and Junta.
	That the proclamation sent for publication to the Signory's cities, prohibiting our subjects from entering the service of foreign powers, be also published from the “Edict Steps” at St. Mark's and Rialto.
	Ayes, 10. Noes, 16. Neutrals, 3.
	Carried in the negative.
	[Italian.]
April 20. Mantuan Archives.	381. Camillo Capilupo, Mantuan Envoy with the Emperor, to Ercole Gonzaga, Cardinal Regent of Mantua.
	Having deciphered the letter relating to Lodovico da l'Armi, went at 3 p.m. to Mons, de Granvelle, and after having read to him Da l'Armi's letter to your Lordship, expressed my apprehensions about him. His Excellency interrupted me, and well nigh laughing, said, “Do you not know Da l'Armi? He is a frivolous man (egli è vano). I will tell you something, but do not talk or write about it, save to the Cardinal. It will all end in smoke. What means have they for harassing France?” He then added, “I had already heard of this affair and complained greatly about it; nothing will be done.” I continued, “Should my master be asked for facilities by England, what can they reply, for the Cardinal, being a churchman, would be loth to consent?” Granvelle rejoined, “He must not allow Lodovico to speak to him, but send an excuse saying that the Duke is a minor, and that he, the Regent, being a Cardinal, cannot lawfully listen to him, nor could he do so without offending the Pope; and let him issue an edict forbidding anyone to enter into the pay (che vadi al soldo) of other governments.” Rejoined, “Should the French, in order more surely to prevent the English from making this stir, demand some fortress (luogo) [in the Mantuan territory], what is to be done then?” He [Granvelle] replied, “Give them the answer made to the English, and say that the Duke is a minor.” I then said that there were places which could not be defended, and that it would perhaps be better policy to cede what could not be kept, rather than let it be taken; whereupon Granvelle, being irritated, answered, “If they do not choose to be neutral, it is another affair.” I rejoined that you had sent an express solely from fear of doing what might displease the Emperor, and therefore asked counsel of his Excellency. Granvelle replied that his Majesty would not interfere in this business; that he wished to be friends with all parties, and that the Emperor would say nothing more to me. I continued that I had no commission to speak to anybody but his Excellency, as they intended abiding by his advice; and as at that moment the Secretary Rios entered, and as Mons. de Granvelle was talking loud, I closed the conversation by saying that I would write what his Excellency had said to me, but that the best remedy would be not to give the General Luigi [Gonzaga] (fn. 7) permission to engage himself to England, as without a license he would not be allowed to raise levies. I said this, because the General sent me the enclosed memorial (fn. 8) for the Emperor, which I had first received at Spires from the Cardinal of Trent, but would not deliver it, as it was not couched in its present form; and I wrote to the Cardinal of Trent that General Luigi had better send an envoy of his own, but subsequently he returned the document modified (honestato), as, it stands. I had also urged Mons. de Granvelle to have the General taken into the Imperial service, and he said he would speak about it to the Emperor, and gave fair hopes either of refusing the license or of engaging him. Therefore I now reminded Mons. de Granvelle of this, and the answer was that the license would not be given, and that [General] Gonzaga would be told that the Emperor does not interfere in the matter. I will, however, endeavour to do better, should a fair opportunity present itself. So your Excellencies [the Cardinal and the Duchess of Mantua, co-regents] may be certain that as yet nothing is concluded.
	Ratisbon? 20th April 1546.
	[Original. Italian.]
April 21. Mantuan Archives.	382. Camillo Capilupo, Mantuan Envoy with the Emperor, to Ercole Gonzaga, Cardinal Regent of Mantua.
	In the foregoing did not reply to the last paragraph in the Cardinal's ciphered letter of the 15th concerning England, whereby their Excellencies [the Cardinal and the Duchess] desire him to write them his opinion either apart or together with that of Granvelle. Had not time to do so, nor did it seem necessary to him, as Granvelle spoke very plainly. At present, out of obedience to their Excellencies rather than from presuming to accept so great a favour, informs him that he thinks it would be well, in conformity with what Granvelle said, to issue a general order [against enlistment], but to give the French agents tacitly to understand that this has not been done with reference to his most Christian Majesty, to whom he also thinks that, as it would not injure the Emperor (da chè non ci ha il desservitio dello Imperatore), it would be well to make many concessions, and give what cannot be sold, as besides obliging the French, the places would be better treated than if they were taken by force,—endeavouring to obtain a promise that they shall not be fortified. Should England complain of the favours granted to the French rather than to her, which would be undeniable, the Cardinal might apologize on account of his ecclesiastical grade, as England cannot injure him.
	Ratisbon? 21st April 1546.
	[Original. Italian.]
April 24. Mantuan Archives.	383. The Same to the Same.
	The General Luigi [Gonzaga] has no decision (risolutione) either from England or the Emperor; Granvelle assures me that no expedition will be made in Piedmont, and thinks the whole affair will vanish into smoke. Granvelle recommends the Cardinal to apologize for not giving audience to Da l'Armi, on account of his [the Cardinal's] ecclesiastical grade, and that Mantua should remain neutral.
	Ratisbon? 24th April 1546.
	[Original. Italian.]
April 30. Mantuan Archives.	384. Lodovico da l'Armi to Ercole Gonzaga, Cardinal Regent of Mantua.
	Understanding that from personal considerations it does not please you I should come to Mantua, and as it is not my office to argue what is “comodo” or honourable for your Excellency, I merely say that for your satisfaction, and knowing that the King, my Lord, desires the utmost welfare of all the illustrious family of Gonzaga, I have sent you his Majesty's letters accrediting me, and also a paper containing part of my commissions from the King for his Excellency the Duke, by the hands of the Vicentine Christiano Dressino, (fn. 9) my gentleman, referring myself for the rest to what will be told you by said Marquis Christiano, to whom your Lordship will vouchsafe to give such credence as you would to myself in virtue of his Majesty's credentials.
	Therefore I say that his Majesty determined some weeks ago to send me to Italy for the performance of various commissions, and after detaining me many days in England, at length despatched me at the end of March. Amongst the chief commissions given me, one was to visit the Duke, and to remind him of the goodwill which had subsisted between his Majesty's predecessors and those of his Excellency, and of that which had prevailed between his Majesty and the Duke's predecessor. The King also wishes that not only may the same last between himself and his Excellency, but increase and augment, and continue with their posterity; offering him his favour, authority, and all his forces, the importance of which may well be comprehended, considering that the power of England is not inferior to that of any other King in Christendom. His immense wealth is much greater than that of many other princes, and the valour and dignity of his well proportioned frame (et il valor, et dignità delta persona sua proporzionata) may vie with any other sovereign. In addition to this, the perfect understanding and brotherhood at present existing between him and the Emperor has also bound to his service “quell' altro Signore d' Italia tra state et verno, più che mediocre” [Charles III., Duke of Savoy], through whom for the future he will have much more power and opportunity for obliging and profiting his friends and harassing and injuring his enemies, a thing to be held in very great account. Therefore, as a person most attached to his Excellency, and obliged to your Lordship, and being his Majesty's most faithful servant, I would wish your Lordship and his Excellency to reply to my offers and demands made in the King's name, by addressing such a letter to me as would enable me, for the benefit of his Excellency, not only to maintain the King in his high opinion (honorata opinione) and goodwill with regard to the Duke and all the Gonzaga family, but to increase it, so that his Excellency may on all occasions avail himself of the various and abundant resources of England, and of his Majesty's forces and inestimable treasure, for the conservation and exaltation of his territory and person, and also of those ranks of which your Lordship is truly worthy. So together with your letter to the King, you should send a copy, that I may know what report to make to his Majesty of the Duke's mind, besides the testimony of your letter.
	Most affectionate servant, (Signed) Lodovico da l'Armi.
	Venice, last day of April 1546.
	[Original. Italian.]