Venice: December 1591 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 8, 1581-1591. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

Citation:

'Venice: December 1591', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 8, 1581-1591, ed. Horatio F Brown( London, 1894), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol8/pp564-570 [accessed 25 November 2024].

December 1591



Dec. 1. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1128. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	The King began the siege of Rouen. The English were lodged in the suburb of Darental, the only suburb which was not burned by the defenders. They thought none of the enemy would venture to occupy it as it lay between the city and Fort St. Catherine. The garrison made many sorties against the English, who were thrice driven out of their cantonments and thrice most bravely recovered them. They are now running a trench to stop any assault from Fort St. Catherine; and a battery is to be built for the English.
	Chartres (Sciartres), 1st December 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
Dec. 2. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1129. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	At present there are no signs of preparation by the League for the relief of Rouen. All the troops that look for some benefit from the war are now engaged in the siege, for it is a general expectation that the city will be given over to a sack, if it holds out till assaulted; and the King will be powerless to prevent this, for the English and German troops will refuse to obey. The Duke of Lorraine is held in check by the Duke of Bouillon and the Duke of Parma by Count Maurice. Letters from the King of Spain have been intercepted; from these it is clear that his Catholic Majesty is resolved to send the Duke of Parma into France to succour Paris or Rouen.
	Chartres (Sciartres), 2nd December 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]
Dec. 7. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1130. Giovanni Moro, Venetian Ambassador in Rome, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Pope said that he had news that the English troops, which were with the King of Navarre, had been forced to retire hurriedly on account of the death of the Queen.
	Rome, 7th December 1591.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 7. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1131. Tomaso Contarini, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate.
	The Marquis of Seralva is to be given some high command. He is greatly esteemed as a soldier, having fought in Flanders and having defended Corunna against the siege of the English.
	Madrid, 7th December 1591.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 14. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1132. Lorenzo Bernardo, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	I have just learned from a safe quarter that the English Agent has been this morning for a long time with the Capudan Pasha, with a view to inducing him to oppose Spanish negotiations here. I am assured that the Agent found the Capudan very well disposed; and he went at once to the Sultan's secretary, the same as upset the negotiations for a truce once before, after the truce had been concluded and signed; at the time of Siavus Pasha. I have also learned that the present Grand Vizir has declared that even should an Ambassador from Spain come to the Porte, still the truce will not be concluded, as the Turks are quite aware that this is merely a Spanish ruse; for once before during the continuance of a truce Spain took the occasion to seize Portugal, and this time France is their object. But this will never happen, for although the advent of a Spanish Ambassador would be very pleasing to the Sultan whose Porte is open to all comers, and whose dignity is enhanced when the greatest Princes of the world send to humbly beg for peace, still a truce will only be granted on conditions which suit the Turk, whose intentions are very different from those of the King of Spain. The arrival of a Spanish Ambassador will merely serve to enrich the grandees of the Porte. The arrival of Ferrari has caused the . . . to delay writing to Elizabeth and Navarre who had received the promise of large assistance from the Sultan. And as a matter of fact the reply to England and Navarre will depend upon the result of the negotiations with Spain.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 14th December 1591.
Dec. 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archiyes.	1133. Lorenzo Bernardo, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	With the occasion of Giovanni Stefano, Ferrari's departure for Ragusa I send to your Serenity the duplicates of my preceding despatches, which were sent by ordinary post, but may be delayed owing to snow and bad roads, and Ferrari will travel quicker as he starts from Olacco together with Chavasses who are sent to meet Count Ruggiero Marigliani and to accompany him to this Porte. Of his business I will advise your Serenity later on; this is neither the time nor the opportunity.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 20th December 1591.
	[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.]
Dec. 27. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1134. Lorenzo Bernardo, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	Giovanni Stefano Ferrari has left for Ragusa, where he is to join the Spanish Agent, whom the Turks style Ambassador, and to accompany him to the Porte. In spite of the lively opposition of the English Agent, who, in speech and in a memorial presented to the Sultan, has raised violent objection, and notwithstanding that the majority of the Pashas are unfavourable to the reception of this Agent, still, with the support of the Grand Vizir alone, who has been bribed with gifts, or more likely by promises made by Ferrari, or who desires to vent his hatred of Cigala, the Capudan Pasha, who is afraid lest the conclusion of a truce will prevent the fleet from putting out to sea, the Spaniard will be received. The Capudan is in continual consultation with the English Agent and with the Mufti, also with Mehemet Pasha, and with the Secretary to the Grand Signor, all of them studying the way to traverse these negotiations. The English Agent makes use of the influence which the Sultana has over the Grand Vizir; the Mufti opposes the truce on religious grounds; Mehemet Pasha uses his age and his experience, as he is the last representative of the school of Sultan Suleiman, and enjoys the highest reputation for prudence and wisdom in council; the Capudan exerts all his influence to dissuade the Sultan from this course upon grounds of State policy. The Nisangi, who was intimate councillor to the Sultan, acts with these, and each and all declare that Spain is using all her subtlety to protect herself against the power of this Grand Signor, with the object of finding herself freer to harass France and England precisely as she did in the case of Portugal, whose example ought to suffice to exclude all question of a truce. They urge that it does not comport with the honour of the Sultan to abandon the Queen of England now, when she, for so many years, has fought single handed against Spain, to the great benefit and security of the Turks, who were at that time occupied in the Persian war (che non è dignità di questo Re abbandonar hora la Regina d'Inghilterra la quale per tanti anni ancora ha guerreggiato sola contra Spagna, con tanto beneficio et sicurtà di questo Signor); during all this period she was never assisted nor favoured by the fleet that had been so often promised her, and now she would be left exposed to the great power of Spain, whose sole object is aggrandisement.
	All reasons of State urge the reduction of the power of Spain. And if these ancient and faithful allies (England and France) are abandoned by the Porte no Prince will be able to repose any more confidence in this Crown. In short, that this Embassy cannot be received with dignity, considering that its real object is to spy out the naval preparations which are in progress, and to lull to sleep the forces of the Sultan which have been so often promised in support of France and England that it would be unreasonable to refuse them now.
	These and other arguments are adopted to prevent the Sultan from receiving the Ambassador. Others, however, make use of the opportunity to extract presents from the Agent of England; others, again, do the same by Spain; and, finally, some hope to overthrow the Grand Vizir in the course of these negotiations by convincing the Sultan that the reception of the Spanish Agent is prejudicial to his dignity. The Secretary of Sinan Pasha, now in disgrace, is often in council with the anti-Spanish party. Sinan hopes that as he had much to do with the preparations for the fleet last year the Sultan may give him the supreme command, and this would be a great pledge for his restoration to his former position of Grand Vizir. The present Grand Vizir greatly dreads this result, and is altogether favourable to peace, partly because he hates the Capudan Pasha, partly from his dislike of the English Agent, who, through the Sultana, was able to override his authority. The Vizir represents to the Sultan how great is the dignity of the Porte when the mightiest Prince sends to beg for peace; she urges that the promises already given to Ferrari bind them to receive an Ambassador whenever the King of Spain sends one; that England and France were not fighting Spain in Turkish interests but in their own. Turkish interest was to allow both sides to consume themselves; that the King of Spain was ill and old; and that it was advisable to wait and see what changes his death brought about; finally, that it was undesirable for his Majesty to expend money and forces in other parts until it was certain what would take place in Persia.
	The end of the matter is that the Sultan has allowed the Spanish Ambassador to come. The considerations of glory weighed much with him.
	The English Agent has even gone so far as to attempt to persuade me to oppose the truce in the interests of the Republic; and Mehemet Pasha sent for my dragoman, and said, “What is the Bailo about? Doesn't he see that Spain means to conquer France, and then all Italy? God forgive the Sultan for believing in the naval power of Spain. She is always beaten. It is the Venetians who, by their naval victory (Lepanto), have given this reputation to Spain.”
	This English Agent, who fills this post with little prudence and less respect towards the Republic, sent to me the other day his confidant, Paulo Mariani. He is young and a merchant, with little knowledge of affairs, and is carried away by his passions.
	Mariani told me that the Agent was extremely active in his opposition to the truce, and in the course of his operations he had discovered something of moment to the Republic, which was this, that the Grand Vizir, among the arguments which he employed to win over the Sultan, pointed out that if he signed the truce with Spain he would have his hands quite free, and all his troops fresh to demand from the Republic either the payment of tribute or the kingdom of Crete.
	I, on hearing this diabolic invention, could not contain myself; I gave Mariani a sharp answer, and complained of the English Agent's conduct; I begged to inform him that by the grace of God the Republic was in good peace and understanding with Spain and with Turkey; and both were prepared to include the Republic in any treaty. The English Agent's suggestions were scandalous, and the Grand Vizir had cause to complain of his false and malignant machinations.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 27th December 1591.
Enclosed in preceding Despatch.	1135. Translation of Memorial presented by the English Agent to the Grand Signor.
	Most mighty Cesar. It is well known to your SereDity that when you were at war with Persia, and in doubt lest the King of Spain by attacking your kingdom should divert you from your enterprise, you invited the Queen, our mistress, to move her arms against the King of Spain; and that she, though only a woman, ignoring the greatness of the King's power, did undertake a war on him for no other reason than because of her affection for your Serenity.
	It is, therefore, only right that you should grant to my mistress that assistance which has been so often promised to her whenever your war with Persia was at an end. That war is now over, and I see no reason why you should not help my mistress; but no assistance is asked, only a pledge not to hamper her who has undertaken a war on your behalf alone.
	Often has your Serenity written to my mistress promising to be friend of her friends and foe to her foes, but now it seems that the contrary is to be the case. For the King of Spain has sent an Ambassador to the Porte, and the Ambassador has sent on an Agent to precede him. He made presents to the Grand Vizir, who replied, “Let the Ambassador come; I will secure a peace for him.”
	I know not whether this be by order of your Serenity, but when my mistress has undertaken a war on the King of Spain, and you have many times promised her help, how can you now refuse your friendship, and conclude an alliance with the King of Spain; I leave this to the judgment of the Almighty God, the just judge, to judge between your Serenity and my Queen.
	Last year your Serenity wrote to my mistress urging her to prepare a fleet against Spain, and promising on your part an Armada.
	The King of Spain, hearing the rumour of these preparations, sent an Ambassador to ask for peace, and, as fame reports, you have promised him peace. The King has over and over again sent his Ambassadors to my mistress to ask for peace; but she, a poor woman, out of regard for you, never would consent to grant his request, and has driven the Ambassadors with ignominy from her kingdom. It is not fitting, therefore, that you, the most mighty Prince in the world, should abandon my mistress and make friends with the King of Spain, who, eleven or twelve years ago, on the opportunity of a truce with you, seized the kingdom of Portugal, and now desires a truce again for no other reason than to occupy France, which he has always coveted ever since the death of the murdered King. My mistress hitherto has prevented him; and he, hearing rumour of your preparations, sends to beg peace, especially as there is a severe famine in Spain.
	If your Serenity will send out your fleet you cannot fail to capture the larger part of his possessions.
	I beg your Serenity for an early answer as to your decision, so that I may inform my mistress, and she may cease to arm in case you intend to grant a peace to Spain; but in case you do not she will continue her preparations for war as she has done for the last seven years.
	[Italian.]
Enclosed in preceding Despatch.	1136. Answer of the Grand Vizir to the Count Ruggiero Marigliani.
	To the honoured among the Lords of the Christian nation, to the esteemed among Princes of the nation Nazarene, the Ambassador of Spain; may his end be good.
	From your man, Giovanni Stefano Ferrari, we have received your letter, from which we learn of your arrival in Ragusa, and have understood all he said to us. We have related everything at the foot of the throne of the happy Emperor, preserver of the world. The Emperor has been pleased to send a chavass, together with Giovanni Stefaro, with orders that you should come to the Sublime Porte.
	The first of the month Rabielnel, year one thousand from the transmigration of the Prophet.
	[Italian.]
Dec. 27. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1137. Lorenzo Bernardo, Venetian Ambassador in Constantinople, to the Doge and Senate.
	One of the chief difficulties experienced by Ferrari is in the form of the order for the arrival of Marigliani. Ferrari wished the form to be free, and to run thus, that Marigliani might come and go as he choose; the Grand Vizir would not consent to this and insisted that the order should merely state that Marigliani is free to come.
	Ferrari was forced to be content with this, though many think that Marigliani may take this excuse for not coming any further, as Ferrari has already seen that there is no chance of an Armada being ready by next year, and that is enough at present for the service of the King; while he has encountered such difficulties owing to the machinations of the English and others, that the arrival of Marigliani may only prove a source of insults.
	Dalle Vigne di Pera, 27th December 1591.
Dec. 30. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives.	1138. Giovanni Mocenigo, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate.
	Your Serenity knows how the King, with the support of the Queen of England and the States, embarked upon the siege of Rouen. His Majesty, with his wonted activity, constructed his trenches in a very few days, planted his artillery, and in a short time put an end to the sorties of the garrison. His Majesty ran some risk in his desire to set an example to the others, who are backward at attacking unless his Majesty exposes himself to danger.
	The siege goes on continually, and the English, the Swiss, and a large body of sappers and miners, are chiefly employed.
	Chartres (Sciartres), 30th December 1591.
	[Italian; deciphered.]