Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 11, 1607-1610. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1904.
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'Venice: October 1607', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 11, 1607-1610, ed. Horatio F Brown( London, 1904), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol11/pp40-53 [accessed 28 November 2024].
'Venice: October 1607', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 11, 1607-1610. Edited by Horatio F Brown( London, 1904), British History Online, accessed November 28, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol11/pp40-53.
"Venice: October 1607". Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 11, 1607-1610. Ed. Horatio F Brown(London, 1904), , British History Online. Web. 28 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol11/pp40-53.
October 1607
October 1. Collegio Secreta. Esposizioni Principi. Venetian Archives. | 77. The English Ambassador was summoned to the Cabinet where the Doge congratulated him on his return to the city in good health. | ||
---|---|---|---|
The Ambassador returned thanks; said it had done him good to be away for a few days; that he had been in Friuli and had taken the opportunity to steal a visit to the famous fortress of Palma. He praises it as the finest he had ever seen in all Europe. | |||
The Doge said he was glad to hear it as the Republic had been at great and even excessive cost over it. The Republic undertook this work, not merely for the defence of her own dominion, but for the safety of Italy, which has frequently been attacked from that quarter. | |||
The Doge then said that the Ambassador had been invited to attend in order to hear a resolution of the Senate. | |||
The Ambassador returned thanks for the resolution as to the anchorage tax. | |||
Returned thanks for what had been done about Sherley, in the interests both of his Master and himself, for it did not befit his dignity that subjects of his Sovereign should negotiate in Venice unknown to him. This Sherley, on his return from Barbary, went to Spain, where he gave himself out as Ambassador of the Emperor, though he was never treated as such, nay, public officers frequently entered his house without any scruple. But when that Jesuit, who had had part in various plots, and recently in this Powder Plot, arrived in Spain from England, Sherley attached himself to him and worked away until he obtained the commission he now holds from the King. The Ambassador formed no good opinion of this Sherley and his objects, and so had informed the Doge. | |||
As regards the ship “Corsaletta” the Ambassador hopes that it will be found out not to be a privateer. It is the King's resolve that all his ships should respect the ships of the Republic; the Ambassador is impressing this on all English merchants. | |||
Petitions again on behalf of Antonio Dotto. | |||
After reply from the Doge, the Ambassador assures him that the Venetian subjects in England always have been and always will be well treated. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
October 3. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 78. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
The Earl of Tyrone (fn. 1), the greatest nobleman in Ireland, along with ten other gentlemen of that island, has suddenly fled towards Spain; so cautiously and secretly was this done that they got the news from Brussels sooner than from Ireland itself. This event has considerably disturbed the King and Council, who hold frequent meetings about it. The sudden departure of such important personages, Catholics, and in that direction, can not possibly have been brought about except by some serious cause. It is not thought likely that, at a time when the Spanish are so anxious to maintain friendly relations with England, they would have meddled with a matter that must necessarily disturb those relations, still the suspicion is aroused when the great influence that Spain had in Irish affairs is called to mind, especially as they made use so largely of Tyrone, who was the head of all the Irish risings. The people begin to murmur against that nation, and so do the aristocracy, and the King himself is said to have made some important remarks on the subject. They will carefully observe the treatment which these persons meet with in Spain. If, as some think, these gentlemen left the country only because of a deep suspicion of the King's intentions towards them, it ought not to be difficult for the Spanish to free themselves from all shadow of doubt as to their conduct; though it is difficult to see how his Majesty can keep quiet when some of his greatest and also most suspected subjects are living with those whose chief instruments they were in the late commotions. Orders have been sent to the Viceroy to secure the persons of some other Irish gentlemen, and Lord Danvers, who has fought in that island before, is commissioned to forestall any signs of a movement amongst the people. All this gives no little colour to the opinion held here about the arrest of Sherley, and confirms the supposition that some understanding between him and his brother in Spain may have been discovered; but I must add that I am informed by those who ought to know, that he was arrested on the charge of attempting, in your Serenity's interests, to divert English commerce from the Levant; they say his letters have been intercepted at Venice. I think this must be all vain talk, put out the better to conceal the truth of the matter. Princess Mary, second daughter of their Majesties, is dead. Although she was under three years old her death has caused them great sorrow. They remain on at Hampton-court, on account of the plague. The three-monthly assize for the discharge of civil and criminal cases in London has been postponed for a few days. About the peace in Flanders there is nothing to be said until the ratification arrives from Spain; only it seems that it is considered secure owing to the general inclination of both parties towards it. | |||
London, 3rd October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
October 8. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 79. Marin Cavalli, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
I enclose the observations made by the Imperial Mathematician (Kepler) on the comet. | |||
Prague, 8th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Letter in Latin, dated 5th October, 1607., enclosed. | |||
October 9. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 80. Franceso Priuli, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
As no further news has come from Flanders, it is supposed that peace negotiations are on a good road. All the same the English Ambassador asserts that an accord will not be reached, but I don't know upon what he bases his remarks, as all the Ministers here speak differently; and so I think it better to wait for facts rather than to engage your Excellencies in vain discourses. | |||
Madrid, 9th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
October 10. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 81. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
The suspicions roused by the flight of the Earl of Tyrone grow daily greater. Meetings are constantly being held, and they are not satisfied with the steps already taken but are proposing to put a large number of ships in commission. But they will not be able to carry that into effect so quickly owing to the lack of money, though they desire that the rumour should go abroad; and Lord Salisbury in the presence of many persons, used words which showed the wish to foster this belief in men's minds. They are calling up the subsidy with more than usual diligence, but that may be explained by the need for money for other purposes. The Council has explained to the Spanish Ambassador its suspicion about the flight of Tyrone. The Ambassador professed to know nothing about it, and sent off a courrier at once to his Master. | |||
London, 10th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
October 10. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 82. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
The Ciaus continues to reside here, but one can not discover that he is carrying on any negotiation; nor has he had any further audience with either King or Ministers after the first one, except a very brief interview with Lord Salisbury. He says he is here about the damage done by privateers, though he has, as yet, hardly pressed on this point at all. He declares that his views on this point were cleared up by information he obtained on his journey. It seems that the only real subject of his mission was to present the letters of the Grand Signor; these are very old and contain nothing but congratulations on the King's accession. I do not know whether, in his interview with the Earl of Salisbury, he mentioned the English ships taken by the great galleys of your Serenity. I must add that by common testimony of English ships themselves, when they come home from those waters, it is admitted that the only way to keep the seas free of pirates is to use the great galleys, which they confess that they can neither fight nor fly. | |||
A commissioner from the King of France has arrived. He brings the money for the Scottish guard commanded by the Duke of York. His Majesty intends by this and other means to keep alive the relations between Scotland and France. These relations constitute one of the chief obstacles in the way of the Union. Parliament is to meet upon that question as soon as the diminution of the plague allows the meeting to take place in London. | |||
From Holland we learn that the States, seeing that the date is passed before which the ratification was to have come from Spain, and being seriously alarmed as to the meaning of this delay, have informed the commissioners of England and France that if their respective Sovereigns would support them they would immediately break off negotiations. Considering the English suspicions about Spain at this present moment it is possible that the request may have more effect than it has had hitherto. | |||
London, 10th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
October 11. Consiglio de Dieci, Processi Criminali, Venetian Archives. | 83. That Giovanni di Fiorenza son of Paolo, a man of medium height, eyes of different colours, red beard, enrolled in the company of Bortolamio Nievo of Vicenza, destined to serve in Syria; and Pasquale da Bitonto, aged about 32, . . . . . charged with being for many days in the company of Alessandro Parasio of Ancona who lived in the house of Ridolfo Poma at Sta. Guistina, in order to plan and carry out the atrocious deed described below (fn. 2) . . . be cited to surrender themselves at the prisons of the Chiefs of the Ten within twenty-four hours. | ||
Ayes | 15. | ||
Noes | 0. | ||
Neutrals | 0. | Expullsis Papistis. | |
Order to proceed against all the accused. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
October 13. Minutes of Senate, Roma. Venetian Archives. | 84. Motion made to inform the Ambassador in England about the attempted assassination of Master Paul the Servite, and to forward a copy of the sentence of the Ten. | ||
Ayes | 107. | ||
Noes | 1. | ||
Neutrals | 2. | ||
[Italian.] | |||
October 15 Collegio, Secreta. Esposizioni, Roma, Venetian Archives. | 85. The English Ambassador came to the Cabinet and spoke as follows:— | ||
Had I no other business to deal with this morning it would have been reasonable of me to have presented myself in order to offer my congratulations for the providence and protection of God displayed in this late affair of Father and Master Paul. A grave and noteworthy business wherein the Divine hand is clear to see; for it was as easy to slay Father Paul as it was difficult to find his equal. I have read and re-read the sentence issued by the Council of Ten and I have sent it about to various places; and in sooth, in my opinion, neither can the past nor will the future show such another, which displays the protection you extend to those who serve you and will secure you many more devoted dependents. | |||
This affair has made me consider the like events in our own Kingdom, where iniquitous conspiracies have been formed to slay not only Ministers and Councillors but the King himself; and I am persuaded that all these are the result of the teaching of one school; a doctrine taught not in the pulpit nor in books—that would be too impious,—but whisper in private ears; a doctrine which teaches how to deal with all alike from shaven heads to crowned (et che sia una dottrina insegnata non nei pulpiti o nei libri (che sarebbe cosa troppo impia) ma suggerita nelle orrecchie particolari, et sia dottrina che insegna menar tutti eguali comminciando dalle teste rase fino alle coronate). | |||
I must tell your Serenity something that you may not have heard; it is the talk of the Piazza that this Giovanni of Florence, son of Paul, he who wounded Master Paul, is really a Scot who passed here under the name of a Florentine, and that he had been to my house several times a day or two before the event. This I was told by one of my suite who acts as my secretary and who had heard it from various quarters. To this I will reply in the words of Signor Paruta (fn. 3) in the passage where he is speaking of Nicholas Cavazzaga who, by public decree, was arrested in the French Embassy, the passage where his Majesty of France, complaining to the Venetian Ambassador there resident, who was, if I rightly recollect, Giovanni Antonio Venier, remarks “what would you say if such a thing had happened in your house?” “Would to God all your Majesty's enemies were in my house,” answered the Ambassador. So say I, “would to God all your Serenity's enemies were in my house.” | |||
This which I have thought it expedient to say to your Serenity is far removed from any private interest of mine. It is three years since I came to reside here, and my house is not far from the monastery of the Servites, and although I delight in the conversation of the learned both because of the pleasure I derive from it and in order to acquire knowledge, all the same I have never spoken to Master Paul save on one single occasion only in the hall of this palace when, as I was leaving audience, I saw him perchance, and then I merely greeted him; although many both there and in Rome have affirmed that last year, at certain hours of the day, long discussion took place between myself and Master Paul, about the affairs of this Republic; nay, there are those who have had the audacity to print the lie. All this proves how difficult it is to know the truth in human affairs. (Non ho mai parlato a Mro Paulo che una colta solamente in sala di questo Palazzo, che nell' useire di questo Palazzo lo viddi a caso, et fù per semplice salutatione, se ben è stato detto da molti qui et in Roma, che l'anno passato in certe hore del giorno si teneva lunghi ragionamenti fra detto Mro Paolo et me delle cose di questa Serma Republica, et è stato anco chi ha havuto ardire di metterlo in stampa.) | |||
And now to leave this subject and to come to that which brought me here, though much against my will, for I have to lodge a complaint, and that against one of this nobility.” He then read a letter written, upon the King's orders, by the Council, complaining of the capture of the English ship by the Venetian great galleys, but stating that they were sure the blame lay with the officers, not with the government, and ordering the Ambassador to enter a demand for its release. The Ambassador added that one of the crew had deposed that the captain of the Englishman had sent his ship's boat aboard the moment he saw the Venetian galleys, but the Commander had not accepted this as sufficient, but had insisted that the master of the Englishman should come in person, which is contrary to the law and to the custom of the sea which require that the master shall never leave his ship. The Ambassador said that he recalled what had been told him a few days back, that if the ship proved to be a merchantman and not a privateer she was to be set free at once; in this case there was no doubt but that she was a merchantman, for his Majesty himself affirms it, and he therefore begged his Serenity to confirm his orders and to set the ship at liberty. | |||
The Doge returned thanks for the Ambassador's observations in the case of Master Paul. As to the denial that the Ambassador had dealt with the said Father, every one was sure he had not; though it was impossible to suppress all the lies of the market-place. As regards the ship, orders had been sent to the commander of the great galleys, that if the ship were not a privateer he was to set her free; and nothing remained but to wait for his answer, which he was amazed to see was so long delayed. The report of the commander shows that the capture was caused by the Englishman failing to make the proper signs of respect; nay, she replied with ball to the signal from the Venetian galleys to show her colours. | |||
The Ambassador repeated that there could be no doubt that the ship was a merchantman, for his Majesty affirmed it; and he again requested that the government should write to the commander. | |||
The Doge said they would take this into consideration and reply. | |||
[Italian]. | |||
October 17. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 86. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
Although the Catholic Ambassador at his last audience with Council did all he could to convince them that his Master was resolved on peace with these Kingdoms, that his fleet took the sea without the smallest intention of rousing suspicion far less of doing any damage, and that the flight of Tyrone took place without Spanish connivance and chiefly on religious grounds, so that it might be supposed that the Earl was making for Rome rather than for Spain, all the same from what I hear I gather that they were not fully satisfied by his words; for on the one hand they asked the Ambassador to procure from Spain a confirmation of his remarks, and on the other they continue to mass troops for Ireland, and have begun their naval preparations. It is true that all this is of the nature of a demonstration, to avoid danger by displaying a readiness to meet it. These suspicions cause them to rouse themselves over Dutch affairs; and the Dutch agent does not miss the opportunity to urge them on. He affirms that owing to Spanish tergiversation in this affair of the truce the States are not so eager for peace as they were. But the results of the change of attitude here can not be known until the upshot of the Earl of Tyrone's flight is cleared up. | |||
All else is quiet; and in matters of religion it seems that custom makes the regulations lighter for the Catholics. And so there may well be peace for a period about such subjects, unless some event in Ireland or the Pope's rumoured intention to substitute for the Archpriest, (Blackwell) who is now in prison, some one of higher rank, do not succeed in breaking it. | |||
Three days ago the King passed through London, stopping for a few hours only. He alighted at the Palace of the Prince, for the death of an official at the Royal Palace caused some suspicion of contagion. He left at once for Royston, meaning to spend some days in the chace there. | |||
The Commissioners in Holland write that they hope to act in concert with the French Commissioners but that their powers are so limited that they will not be able to effect anything of moment. | |||
London, 17th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 19. Collegio, Secreta. Esposizioni, Roma, Venetian archives. | 87. The Secretary of the English Ambassador came this morning to the Cabinet and spoke as follows:— | ||
Lodges complaint about an English ship which had been detained on account of the Anchorage Tax, but the official declared that he had no knowledge of the exemption recently conceded. The Ambassador begs the Government to take the necessary steps. | |||
The Ambassador also reminds the Cabinet that this is despatch day, and asks if they can give him any information about the affair of Father Paul; he permits himself to believe that just as his Majesty communicated the details of Gunpowder Plot to his Serenity through the English Ambassador in Venice, so his Serenity will have communicated this affair of Father Paul by means of the Venetian Ambassador in London to his Majesty, who is a curious Prince. | |||
The Secretary was invited to retire while the Cabinet considered its answer. He was then reintroduced and his Serenity said, it was by oversight that the order had not been sent to the Admiralty; but this omission would be remedied at once. | |||
As regards Father Paul the Cabinet had already communicated to the Ambassador all that was necessary. Nothing new has occurred except the proclamation of the twelve rowers who helped the assassins to escape. Ambassador Giustinian has been informed and instructed to lay the case before his Majesty should occasion offer. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 19. Minutes of the Senate. Venetian Archives. | 88. On the 25th of last month a motion was passed, and read Minutes of the to the English Ambassador, that in order to please his Majesty the ships of his subjects were to be released from the anchorage tax, but the declaration giving effect to the decree was omitted. | ||
Be it decreed that all English ships, belonging to subjects of the King of England, now lying in this port or that may in the future put in here, shall be free of the anchorage dues as paid by foreigners, but subject to them as paid by Venetians. | |||
That this decree be sent to the office of the Arsenal, to our Ambassador in England to the English Ambassador resident here. | |||
Ayes | 119. | ||
Noes | 1. | ||
Neutrals | 5. | ||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 19. Minutes of the Senate, Roma. Venetian Archives. | 89. To the Ambassador in England. | ||
Sending him information on the attempted assassination of Master Paul the Servite. You are to inform his Majesty, but you are to confine yourself to the bare announcement and to await his Majesty's answer. If he asks what we think about it, you are to say you have no further information, but that it is easy to gather from the sentence of the Council of Ten and the rewards offered what importance the Republic attaches thereto. | |||
You will report to us the way in which this matter is discussed at Court. We send you herewith a copy of the communication made by the English Ambassador resident here this morning, through the mouth of his Secretary, with the answer we sent this evening to his house. | |||
We add our amendment to our previous order about the anchorage dues. | |||
That the English Ambassador here resident be informed that we have nothing to add to what was said to his secretary this morning on the subject of Master Paul, except that we have officially informed our Ambassador in England. | |||
Ayes. | 91. | Expulsis Papistis | |
Noes | 1. | ||
Neutrals | 5. | ||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 20. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 90. Francesco Priuli, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
P.S.—News from Flanders that the States will not name Commissioners to negotiate peace unless they first receive an ample declaration of independence. | |||
The Spanish Ambassador in England has advised his Majesty that the Earl of Tyrone has removed the whole of his family from Ireland to Flanders, and the King of England is on the point of sending a courier to his Ambassador here with instructions to complain that English rebels are sheltered by the Spanish Crown. He will also make complaints in France that the Earl was not arrested in Havre-de-Grace. It is not known how the King of France will reply, but here they will answer with a counter-complaint of English ill-offices in Holland. | |||
Madrid, 20th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Enclosed in preceding Despatch. | 91. Copy of the form of agreement the King of Spain will have to sign before the Dutch will begin to treat of peace. | ||
A supplementary clause to be added to the terms signed and sealed by the Archdukes on April 24, 1607, recognising, on behalf of the King of Spain, the complete independence of the States, over which he has no claim. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 24. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 92. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
I have received your despatches of the 28th of last month instructing me to inform his Majesty and his Ministers that, to please him, you have exempted his subjects from the Anchorage Tax. | |||
I will fulfill my orders as soon as the King returns to town and I will endeavour to obtain from him some reciprocal benefit for Venetian subjects here, although the Anchorage Tax is not imposed in this country. | |||
I meanwhile took steps to inform all the merchants who are interested in the matter; pointing out to them that this is the result of nothing else than of your Serenity's grace and clemency and begging them to give orders that their ships shall obey the regulations as regards the Venetian galleys. The Levant company promised to take such steps as will secure the observance of the convention and will remove all cause of friction for the future. I always do all I can to inspire in the minds of English merchants confidence in our officials, as I know that nothing is more likely to put a stop to their idea of trading elsewhere than the certainty that they will be well treated in Venice. | |||
I have also received a copy of the representations made by the Secretary to Ambassador Wotton in regard to Sherley. I will make use of this. The imprisonment of Sherley's brother here has clearly some connection with those suspicions. | |||
London, 24th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 24. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 93. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
The Earl of Tyrone and his companions, after having been many days at sea with the intention of going to Spain, were at last driven by contrary winds on to the coast of France. He sent at once to ask the King for passage through his territory to Flanders. This was granted to him; but the English Ambassador complained vigorously against this action as a breach of the friendly relations which existed between the two crowns, and protested that the one should not assist the rebels and fugitives of the other. His Most Christian Majesty at once despatched a messenger in all diligence to his Ambassador in London to give him information so that if anything were said to him he might justify his Master on the ground that he was not aware that these gentlemen were fugitives. The King and Council are displeased at this excuse, for as the flight took place long ago they think the King must have known of it. They dissimulate, however, and continue their military and naval preparations, but in such a way that nothing can come of them for a time. | |||
The Ciaus has at last had private audience of the King in company with the Prince of Moldavia. The Ciaus complained of the damage done by English bertons, and more especially that they took service with the Grand Duke; he begged that the King would take such order as would allow his-loyal subjects to be distinguished from privateers, hinting at, though not explicitly citing, the convention made with your Serenity. The King replied that those against whom complaints were lodged were outlaws, and that he could do nothing except to punish them severely if they were caught. | |||
No change here in the attitude towards Dutch affairs. | |||
London, 24th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 24. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 94. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
I am in duty bound in the interests of the owners of the ship “Soderina,” which was captured by the pirate Ward who has his headquarters in Tunis, to inform your Serenity of representations made to me by an English merchant who, on leaving Venice, touched at Tunis this last August and is now arrived here. As the question concerns public as well as private interests your Serenity will take such action as may be dictated by your great prudence. This person tells me in the name of Ward that he and all his followers, who number about 300, offer to give up their piratical career and to return to England, if they can obtain the King's pardon. They know that this they can never obtain without the consent of your Serenity because of the many injuries they have inflicted upon your subjects; he therefore offers to restore all that those subjects have a right to and that he now holds, namely, three ships with all their guns and armament and goods to the value of thirty or forty thousand crowns in silk, indigo and other merchandize. My informant declares that he himself had seen these people, and that Ward would give even more. He pointed out how important it was to remove from his nest a pirate with so large a following, and, as far as England was concerned, this would mean the cessation of piracy in those waters. He says that Ward is in a desperate plight and he fears that the pirate will inflict still worse damage as he is making great preparations and is backed up by Turkish officials who draw great profit from these depredations, and this would make it very difficult to root him out. My informant after having this conversation with the corsair, wished to return to Venice to confer with the Ambassador Wotton, hoping to conclude the matter because of the favourable disposition of the interested parties. But stress of weather forced him to come to England, where he explained the business and the commission he held from Ward, begging me to forward the proposal to your Serenity, for if you would assent to raising no opposition to the pardon, Ward would send the three ships here with the aforesaid merchandize to be consigned to me; he begged me to keep this offer secret, for if the Turks came to hear of it, it was likely they would hinder the design on account of the profits they now draw. He also begged for an early answer so that long delay might not imperil the success of the plan. It is not necessary that I should report my answer, except to say that I passed in review all the points which affected the interests of the injured parties and the dignity of the State, and left the question in such a position that your Serenity may handle it as seems to you best. | |||
London, 24th October, 1687. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 24. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 95. Piero Priuli, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
The Earl of Tyrone, who fled unexpectedly some days ago from England, landed at Havre-de-Grace. The King of England immediately wrote begging the King of France to arrest him if he passed through his dominions. His Majesty issued orders accordingly, and on his landing the Earl was arrested. The Earl at once sent to implore his Majesty's grace, declaring that he had done nothing to merit displeasure, and that if he had left England he had done so on the score of religion. The King was convinced by these arguments but much more by his natural dislike for the King of England though he tries to hide it, and ordered the Earl's release on condition that he promised not to go to Spain but to Flanders. The English Ambassador as soon as he heard of it sought audience and complained that the King of France had shown so little regard for his Master. The King of France affected great sorrow that the King of England should attach so much importance to the affair, and sought to convince the Ambassador that he had not been fully informed on the subject, and that, had he known that the matter was urgent, he would have revoked his order and arrested the Earl. He even sent off a courier express to stay the release; but it was too late; the Earl, with his wife and family, had left for Flanders. | |||
This was merely a ruse by which he hoped to satisfy the King of England and his own animus against that Sovereign. | |||
Paris, 24th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian; the part in italics deciphered.] | |||
Oct. 24. Consiglio de' Dieci, Parti Communi. Venetian Archives. | 96. Motion made that, as Alvise Tiepolo and Antonio Dotto, of Padua, have voluntarily presented themselves at the close prisons of the Chiefs of this Council, which lie on this side of the Canal, they be allowed to pass to the lighted prison on the further side of the Canal. | ||
Ayes | 16. | ||
Noes | 0. | ||
Neutrals | 2. | ||
[Italian.] | |||
Enclosed in preceding document. | 97. The petition of Tiepolo and Dotto, to be allowed a “more courteous prison” till their trial. | ||
[Italian.] | |||
Enclosed in preceding document. | 98. Extract from prison register. | ||
24th October, 1607. | |||
Alvise Tiepolo, | voluntarily surrendered | ||
Antonio Dotto, son of the late Zuanpolo, Paduan, | |||
to the prisons of the Chiefs of the Ten. Taken in custody by Pasqualin Turco, officer. No. 7 upstairs. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 28. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 99. Francesco Priuli, Venetian Ambassador in Spain, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
The English Ambassador has complained vigorously about the reception granted to the Earl of Tyrone. But following its usual style, this government, which never says unpleasant and never does over pleasant things, has answered evasively. The Ambassador tells me he can get nothing out of them; he is now preparing to approach the Duke of Lerma; if he fails there he will write home to say that if fear can wring nothing from them, love will not. He added that this event is good for the Dutch. | |||
Madrid, 28th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 29. Copy of Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 100. Marin Cavalli, Venetian Ambassador in Germany, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
Anthony Scianer (sic,? Sherley) an Englishman, has had audience of his Majesty and was very well received. He left here months ago and has been in Fez to persuade the King to move against the Turks. He came here via Milan. He proposes a joint action with the King of Spain, galleys he gives himself out to be. | |||
Prague, 29th October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 30. Minutes of the Senate, Roma. Venetian Archives. | 101. Motion to send to the Ambassador in England a copy of the Proclamation of the 29th inst. setting forth the measures taken to protect Master Paul the Servite. | ||
We are informed that the assassin escaped in a boat to Ecclesiastical territory. | |||
That the above be communicated to the English Ambassador here resident if he asks for information. | |||
Ayes | 113. | ||
Noes | 4. | ||
Netutrals | 4. | ||
[Italian.] | |||
Oct. 31. Original Despatch, Venetian Archives. | 102. Zorzi Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Doge and Senate. | ||
Since the flight of the Earl of Tyrone from Ireland it seems to be more and more apparent every day that there was some important business on foot in that country. The Viceroy reports that he has discovered that in two of the most important places, an arrangement had been made by some of the leading Irish gentlemen, who on this discovery saved themselves by following Tyrone's example and flying. This leads the ministers here to follow the doings of Tyrone, and since he reached the Flemish Court their attention is attracted to that quarter. The common opinion is that his plans have their root in Spain. It is true that the fact that the King of France gave free passage and other marks of kindness to Tyrone causes them to hide their suspicion, for they do not desire to take offence over an event which may turn out to have a common relation to two such great Princes. All the same the King has not been able to suppress his feelings about the King of France; among his intimates he complains of the action of his Majesty and all the more so that the English Ambassador in Paris informs him that the French Sovereign knew all about Tyrone's flight and in course of a conversation with the Ambassador had with great heat set forth the schemes of Spain and explained how impossible it was for England to rely on the alliance and peace she now preserved with the Spanish. This will have a weighty effect on the King's mind unless some step be taken to clear it up; and to this the Ambassador of his Most Christian Majesty may possibly apply himself as soon as he has recovered from a slight indisposition. Here they show a desire to continue the preparations about which I have already written; and in order that they may be hindered as little as possible by lack of money they have had recourse to the ordinary method of this country and have borrowed five hundred thousand crowns from the city upon the security of certain crown revenues. | |||
Parliament has been prorogued for three months and this news has been received with great satisfaction in the hope that it is the precursor of its total dissolution; although it would greatly pain the King to have this proof of its insistence upon difficulties after so long a sitting upon the question of the Union, others do not believe he will abandon it so lightly, and all the less so should the Duke of Lennox, who is expected every moment from Scotland, bring good hopes as to the inclination of that Parliament. | |||
The fact that the President Richardot, the Archduke's chief minister, has gone to Holland to negotiate is taken here as a sure sign that a satisfactory conclusion will be reached; for he is a person of very great weight and has always professed more affection for his country than dependence on Spain, and in his negotiations with the States he will inspire confidence, as the question will turn chiefly on the explanation of the Spanish ratification and the ability to convince the Dutch that it is in all its details in conformity with their demands. | |||
London, 31st October, 1607. | |||
[Italian.] |