Venice: August 1526 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

Citation:

'Venice: August 1526', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 3, 1520-1526, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1869), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol3/pp591-600 [accessed 29 November 2024].

August 1526



Aug. 1. Parti Secrete, Consiglio X., Filza 1ma.	1372. The Council of Ten and Junta to Marco Foscari Ambassador in Rome.
	On the arrival of Dom. Gio. Batt. Sanga at the French Court the Pope and the Signory will ascertain the intentions of the most Christian King. Although his Majesty is negotiating the release of his sons with the Emperor, the confederates may rest assured he will keep his promise concerning the projected alliance. The most Christian King is united with the King of England, who is sending to France the Bishop of Bath, to conclude the marriage of the English Princess to the French King's second son. Thus the ties between the two crowns, in conjunction with the Pope and the Signory, will repress the Emperor's ambition. By this union between the most Christian King and the King of England, Defender of the Faith, together with the Signory, his Holiness need take no heed for the Lutheran sect, which is opposed to the true faith.
	Ayes, 27. Noes, 2. Neutrals, 0.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 3. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 10.	1373. The Doge and College to Gasparo Spinelli, Secretary in England.
	Nothing new has taken place in Lombardy save that the Duke of Milan went to Como, escorted by the Signory's troops, and desired the Imperialists to evacuate the city. The answer was, he would be well received, but nothing was said about the evacuation of the city. So his Lordship returned to the camp, and went from thence to Lodi, where he now is.
	To communicate the whole to the King and Cardinal.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 3. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 343.	1374. Gasparo Spinelli to the Doge and Signory.
	In his last announced the news received from Flanders, and sent a copy of the letter written by the Archduke to the Lady Margaret. Nothing further having appeared, believes the news to be false.
	The Abbot Inico de Mendoza is expected to arrive tomorrow. The object of his mission is to negotiate with the King about the Emperor's debt to him, and to confirm the friendship with the house of Burgundy. Is therefore of opinion that the King of England will not join the league. Received news of the capture of Lodi; the Cardinal was much comforted by it, and greatly commends the Signory's Captain-General [Francesco Maria della Rovere, Duke of Urbino]. The Cardinal has departed for Hampton Court, and will subsequently proceed to Oxford, where he is founding a magnificent college (dove fa un bellissimo gymnasio).
	London, 3rd August. Registered by Sanuto on the 26th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 4. Parti Secrete, Consigho X., Eilza lma.	1375. The Council of Ten and Junta to Marco Foscari, Ambassador in Rome.
	Cardinal Wolsey says that the Pope and the Signory need not be apprehensive lest the most Christian King, to improve the terms of his children's release, act to the detriment of the league. The Cardinal was sure of this, because the King of England had bound France to confirm the alliance formed between them. To announce this to the Pope.
	Ayes, 26. Noes, 0. Neutrals, 3.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 6. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 244.	1376. Ser Marco Antonio Venier, LL.D., Ambassador to England, to the Signory.
	Is awaiting the safeconduct.
	Brescia, 6th August. Registered on the 8th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 7. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 359.	1377. Gasparo Spinelli to the Doge and Signory.
	On receipt of the Signory's letters announcing the events at Cremona, went to Hampton Court and read them to Cardinal Wolsey, telling him that he (Spinelli) had always said the news from FJanders was untrue, although the Archduke's letter had been sent, because from that quarter they never transmitted the truth. The Cardinal was pleased; but when pressed for the King to join the league, his Lordship said he could not do so at present, in order not to sacrifice the ancient friendship with Burgundy, and his ties of kindred with the Emperor, as also on account of his subjects who have property in Spain, Flanders, and Burgundy; and it would be requisite to await a reply from his ambassadors. He then thanked the Signory for having desired the Venetian ambassador to act in concert with the English ambassadors, and told him in secret that the treaty of mutual obligation had been ratified.
	Comes to the conclusion that the King cannot join the league.
	London, 7th August. Registered by Sanuto on the 28th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 9. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 252.	1378. Embassy to England.
	Motion made in the Senate for the commission for Ser Marco Antonio Venier, LL.D., ambassador on his way to the King of England, in lieu of the late Lorenzo Orio, LL.D. and Knight (appresso quella Maestà et Reverendissimo Cardinal). To go through France, and to make such announcement as due to the most Christian King. To proceed subsequently to England, and urge his Majesty there and the right rev. Cardinal of York to join the league.
	Touching the articles of the league relating to his Majesty and the Cardinal, the Signory is willing to do everything.
	The ambassador to retain with him Gasparo Spinelli, the secretary in England, and to receive for his own expenses 140 golden ducats per month, he having already received 500 ducats.
	Is to keep the Papal and French ambassadors in England well pleased (ben edificato), to give notice of what happens, &c. The present commission to be dated 1st of August.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 10. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 10.	1379. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador in Rome.
	By letters from their secretary in England dated the 10th ult., are informed that the Cardinal told him, with regard to the King's entry into the league, that his right rev. Lordship wishes the treaty (capitulation) to be revised. He has therefore sent the Signory eight articles for revision. Transmit a copy of the articles and of the form of a mandate given by the Cardinal to the Secretary. Replied they would inform the Pope, as the head of the league, that they might he enabled to write to France, and together make some arrangement. Should be glad to learn the opinion of his Holiness in this matter. Are of opinion that the reply should not be delayed, as procrastination might render the King suspicious, which would not be to the purpose.
	Ayes, 191. Noes, 19. Neutrals, 5.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 11. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. li. p. 67.	1380. The Doge and College to Gasparo Spinelli, Secretary in England.
	Have received his letters enclosing a copy of the articles of the league, to be revised at the suit of the King, together with the form of the powers to be sent by the Pope to his Nuncio in England and by the Signory to their ambassador for the execution of what the King and Cardinal seem to desire. Perceive what the Papal Nuncio said to the Cardinal on the subject, and are glad to learn from his right rev. Lordship's reply that he is disposed to persevere in inducing the King to favour the league.
	To tell the King and Cardinal that the State, being most closely allied with the Pope, are bound to conform themselves to his will in everything. Therefore, after reading the mandate, forwarded it to their ambassador at Rome, to communicate it to the Pope and inquire his opinion thereon. Are convinced the Pope will readily comply with the wish of the King and Cardinal; the Signory being of the same mind. On receiving the reply from Rome they, together with the most Christian King, their confederate, will acquaint his Majesty of England with what may be expedient. To urge the King and Cardinal to employ their good offices in favour of the league.
	The Lombard armies have not undergone any change, save that the commanders of the Papal and Venetian armies sent Malatesta Baglione, Captain of the Roman infantry, with upwards of 7,000 Venetian foot soldiers, 300 spears, and 900 light horse, to attack Cremona, with hopes of success.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 359.	1381. Gasparo Spinelli to the Doge and Signory.
	The Papal ambassador received letters from Rome, desiring him to urge the King to join the league. He went to the Cardinal, who said he required security, first for the 40,000 ducats annual revenue to be given to the King and himself in the Milanese, and then that the articles sent should be revised. Though the Papal ambassador insisted on knowing whether England would join the league, the Cardinal did not say what he required before either attacking Flanders or giving pecuniary subsidy.
	The English have notified to France that the King wants their cloths to be sold there, saying this would be the first step towards removing the trade from Flanders.
	An ambassador has arrived in London from the Lady Margaret. The Papal ambassador inquired his mission; he replied he was come in lieu of a certain provost [the Provost of Cassel] who was here before, and whom the Lady Margaret had recalled. The new ambassador deferred speaking about peace with the Emperor until the coming of the Abbot Mendoza, who has been detained in France while on his way to England.
	London, 10th and 11th August. Registered by Sanuto on the 28th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 359.	1382. Casparo Spinelli to the Doge and Signory.
	Arrival at the French Court of the Papal ambassador, Giovanni Battista Sanga, who is proceeding to the King of England. The order to conclude the treaty of mutual obligation has been received from France. The draft of it did not mention the duchy of Milan, and prohibits one party from negotiating an agreement with the Emperor without the other.
	The Papal ambassador [Gambara], who acts with him, is going to the Cardinal at Hampton Court, and insisted on his (Spinelli's) accompanying him.
	London, 11th August. Registered by Sanuto on the 28th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 12. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. pp. 342, 343.	1383. Andeea Rosso to the Doge and Signory.
	Told by the King and the Chancellor that they were expecting Dom. Giovanni Gioachino from England, and that the mandates should be sent to the secretaries [Rosso and Spinelli ?] to facilitate the modification of the articles, so that the King of England may join the league. They then said that the English ambassador, the Bishop of Bath, would arrive tomorrow, (fn. 1) and that they should see what he brings.
	Amboise, 12th August. Registered by Sanuto on the 26th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 13. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 358.	1384. The Same to the Same.
	Last evening the Bishop of Bath, ambassador from the King of England, arrived, and made his entry without pomp, because he had not chosen to announce his coming. Today visited him, and apologized for not having gone to meet him. The Bishop said it was his wont to come thus, and he made great offers of service to the Signory, adding that he would urge the King of France to do what he had promised for the league, and that he had been commissioned by the King [of England] to afford the league all favour, and to act in concert with the Papal Nuncio and him (Rosso); making it appear that he had received letters from his King to that effect.
	Amboise, 13th August. Registered by Sanuto on the 28th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 279.	1385. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	The Pope told him he was sending the revised articles of the league for stipulation with the King of England; that the power to ratify should be sent to England, as it would be well for the English ambassador at Venice to know nothing about it; and that the articles should be transmitted to France, that the most Christian King may modify them should he think fit.
	Rome, 15th August. Registered by Sanuto, 18th August.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 16. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 303.	1386. Marco Antonio Venier, Ambassador to England, to the Doge and Signory.
	Has met the Secretary Sabadin returning from Switzerland, whose account of the inconvenience of travelling with baggage through the Grisons determines him to proceed straight to Vercelli with an escort of 200 infantry.
	Bergamo, 16th August. Registered on the 19th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 458.	1387. Gasparo Spinelli to the Doge and Signory.
	On receiving the Signory's letters of the 15th and 24th August with the advices, went to Hampton Court to the Cardinal, with whom he found the French ambassador, who had in like manner advocated the King's entry into the league; whereupon the Cardinal replied, “Est modus in rebus, sunt certi denique fines;” and before his Majesty makes the Emperor his enemy, he must await the reply given to the ambassador sent to him, and also the arrival of the mandates and the adjustment of the articles.” Could elicit nothing else from his Lordship.
	London, 17th August. Registered by Sanuto, 4th September.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 17. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 458.	1388. The Same to the Same.
	The French ambassador, having conversed with the King, says he is of opinion his Majesty will do nothing more to benefit the league, unless it be to lend 100,000 ducats on security.
	Has received the Signory's letters with the articles [of the surrender] of Milan castle. Is expecting the mandates. The Cardinal says that if they wish the King to wage war on the Emperor, articles must be settled with the King of France.
	London, 17th August. Registered by Sanuto, 4th September.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 18. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. li. p. 68, tergo.	1389. The Doge and Senate to Marco Foscari, Ambassador in Rome.
	Have seen the declaration made by the Pope concerning the eight articles received from England. Approve it with regard to the fifth article; think it would be well to insist on inserting that clause to remove all difficulty. Commend the request to be made to the King and Cardinal about the eighth clause, to the effect that they be content to receive the 400,000 ducats from the kingdom of Naples, as the duchy of Milan will be so much burdened that they know not how it can furnish the amount.
	Their secretary in England writes, that with regard to the aforesaid clauses the most Christian King has made a declaration, of which they enclose a copy. On hearing his Holiness's opinion, will send mandates in conformity to the secretaries in France and England, with orders to the secretary in France to communicate everything to the most Christian King, requesting his Majesty to keep secret the transmission of the order and mandate, for the reasons alluded to by the Pope; the secretary, with the most Christian King's approval, forwarding the packet to England, so that the honour may rest with the King and Cardinal, according to the most sage suggestion of his Holiness.
	With the rev. English ambassador [Prothonotary Casal] resident at Venice will use such reserve and secrecy as recommended.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 18. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. pp. 297, 298.	1390. Claim of England on the Milanese.
	Motion made in the Senate, by the sages of the Council and the mainland, for a letter in reply to the Venetian ambassador at Rome.
	Have seen the Pope's answer with regard to the articles concerning the King of England. Are of opinion that everything should be done to secure the 40,000 ducats not' on the Milanese, but on the kingdom of Naples. Should this be impossible, must do the best they can. The allies to decide unanimously respecting the Emperor's coming into Italy. As for aiding the King of England to recover the money due to him from the Emperor, are content to reimburse the sum which his Majesty will promise to contribute annually. (fn. 2)
	Ayes, 150. Noes, 15. Neutrals, 4.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 19. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta) v. li. p. 70, tergo.	1391. The Holy League.
	Power from the Doge Andrea Gritti authorizing Gasparo Spinelli, Venetian secretary, to include Henry King of England in the league between the Pope, Francis King of the French, the Signory of Venice, and Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan. The King of England to be named protector and conservator of the league, and any reformation of the articles concerning his indemnity or annual pension, in case he join it, to be legalized by the present mandate, furnished with the Doge's pendent leaden seal, and signed with his own hand.
	Similar power given to the nobleman Marco Antonio Venier, Venetian ambassador on his way to England, and to Andrea Rossi, Venetian secretary in France.
	[Original draft. Latin, 101 lines.]
Aug. 19. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 10.	1392. The Doge and College to Gasparo Spinelli, Secretary in England.
	By his letters of the 19th, 25th, and 30th ultimo are informed of the good offices performed by the Cardinal with the most Christian King by urging him speedily to send his men-at-arms into Italy. To thank the Cardinal as warmly as possible.
	The mandate drawn up by Cardinal Wolsey, and sent to Rome, together with the articles remodelled and added by his right reverend Lordship for the Pope's opinion, having been returned to them approved by his Holiness, have sent the enclosed powers to enable the ambassador or him (Spinelli) to act.
	Send him also a copy of the Pope's opinion concerning the articles aforesaid. To insist thereon if necessary. [Warn him, with regard to the eighth clause, concerning the pension of 40,000 crowns on the duchy of Milan, to be assigned to the King and Cardinal, that if ratified he must take care to have it so clearly and explicitly worded that at no period nor under any circumstances may the Signory be molested on this account. The clause to be according to the most Christian King's reply to the corrections made by Cardinal Wolsey. To keep this instruction very secret.] (fn. 3)
	To go to the King and Cardinal and tell them, in the Signory's name, that holding in great account their wish for the mandate, and for revision of the clauses of the league, with the additions, the Signory determined to comply; and therefore to beseech them to join the league without delay. To proceed in this matter in concert with the Papal Nuncio, [but to regulate his conduct according to the instructions of the Signory's secretary in France, with the approval of his most Christian Majesty, who will already have been acquainted with the opinion of the Pope and of the Signory concerning this matter. To keep this a profound secret, lest it reach the ears of the King and Cardinal, to whom it would be disagreeable by reason of their extreme desire to have everything submitted to them (per il summo desiderio hanno ch'el tutto si deferisca a loro, intendendolo li saria ingrato, et perhò ti dicemo ad tenirlo secreto)].
	On the 15th instant the Signory's forces made an attack on Cremona, which failed. The Proveditor-General Pesaro has marched thither with 2,000 infantry to obtain the desired effect.
	The Marquis of Saluzzo writes that the French men-at-arms were advancing, and on joining the 4,000 in readiness with him, will march upon Milan. The Venetian army is under Milan, having been reinforced by upwards of 6,000 Switzers, who came down lately in the name of the most Christian King.
	Transmit, moreover, copies of newsletters from Hungary, which, together with the intelligence aforesaid, he is to communicate to the King and Cardinal.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 21. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 438.	1393. Gasparo Spinelli to the Doge and Signory.
	Has been with the newly arrived Papal ambassador, Dom. Giovanni Battista Sanga., to Cardinal Wolsey at - and urged the entry of the King of England into the league. His Lordship said his Majesty did not think fit to do so at present, as it would be contrary to duty and injurious to his subjects, although the King was excellently disposed towards the affairs of Italy; and that first of all the powers must be received, in order to rectify the clauses, and see whether it was better to attack Flanders from England, or to contribute a pecuniary subsidy monthly. He added that the winter season was approaching, when no attack could be made, and that it would also be necessary for the King of France to have his troops in readiness, as there are but few French forces near Flanders. When Sanga proposed speaking to the King, the Cardinal said it was unnecessary, and that he would perform the office.
	Comes to the conclusion that nothing more can be hoped for from the King of England; but possibly, should the articles be stipulated in their fashion, some pecuniary subsidy might be obtained.
	The Cardinal will not allow him (Spinelli) to leave him, in order that they may go together to a house of the Cardinal.
	London, 21st August. Registered by Sanuto, 10th September.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 23. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. pp. 348, 349.	1394. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	Concerning England, the Pope told him he had seen the articles sent by the most Christian King, in order that his English Majesty may be induced to join the league.
	Rome, 23rd August. Registered by Sanuto on the 27th.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 512.	1395. Gasparo Spinelli to the Doge and Signory.
	The French ambassador understood from the Cardinal that the Emperor was detaining all the ships in order to fit out a fleet for Italy. The Cardinal therefore told the ambassador to acquaint his King with this.
	Sanga will depart in a few days, on his way back to Rome.
	London, 24th August. Registered by Sanuto, 22nd September.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 28. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. pp. 455, 456.	1396. Andrea Rosso to the Doge and Signory.
	The Pope complains of the French King's delay in giving the promised succour against the Spaniards at Milan. The Pope writes he has spent 200,000 ducats in this war, and has not 10,000 ducats wherewith to proceed. He therefore directs Accciaoli, the Papal Nuncio, to tell the King that, if he pleases (s' il uoleva), the Pope will give him the kingdom of Naples and the Milanese, his Majesty coming to take them at his own cost.
	Told Acciaoli he should not announce this to the King, who would do more than he was bound, and that such complaints might cause his Majesty to agree with the Emperor, and induce the King of England to do the like, the latter becoming apprehensive of the aggrandizement of France through this invitation to invade Italy. Recommended Acciaoli to await the next letters from Rome. This advice pleased him, and he expatiated on the Pope's timidity. Recommends the Signory to write to Rome to dissuade the Pope from ever repeating similar proposals to France.
	Amboise, 28th August. Registered by Sanuto, 14th September.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 29. Lettere del Collegio (Secreta), File no. 10.	1397. The Doge and College to Gasparo Spinelli, Secretary in England.
	Glad to hear of the mutual ties between France and England To congratulate the Cardinal thereon. Enclose a summary of news from Lombardy.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 30. Deliberazioni Senato (Secreta), v. li. p. 76.	1398. The Doge and Senate to Andrea Rosso, Secretary in France.
	Approve the suggestion that it would be well to hear the Emperor's reply to the demands made by the English ambassador in the presence of the ambassadors of the confederates. Should his Imperial Majesty be inclined to consent, he should send the power to his ambassador in France; [the confederates ?] not omitting nevertheless to act briskly, which will be the means of facilitating the peace.
	Approve the good offices performed by him with the Rev. Bishop of Bath. To confer with him again, and to let him know how grateful the Signory is for his operations and offers for the benefit of the league.
	Ayes, 145. Noes, 25. Neutrals, 8.
	[Italian.]
Aug. 31. Sanuto Diaries, v. xlii. p. 396.	1399. Marco Foscari to the Doge and Signory.
	The Pope spoke to him as follows:— Both Kings (England and France) are well disposed. The most Christian King intends to fit out a fleet to oppose the Emperor's. The Emperor, seeing the league so powerful, and that he has lost the King of England, will join the league; wherefore the most Christian King wishes mandates to be sent to accept the Emperor as a party to the league in case he be thus inclined. Powers should be sent to the most Christian King immediately to make the most advantageous terms possible. The Signory to act in like manner.
	Rome, 31st August. Registered by Sanuto, 3rd September.
	[Italian.]