Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 2
1629-03-28
I wrote unto you bearing date the 13 of March, stil: nov: being then newly come out of the Lazaretto, where noe man comming at us, nor knowing noe man to send my letters to 76be conveied, I deferred writing to you till my liberty gave me better occasion. I advised you of our arrivall heere the 9 of Feb: after 6 weeks at sea, having touched at Zante by the way and some other ports. Yesterday I receyved yours of the 7 of Feb: then which nothing could have beene more welcome, being very glad to understand of your welfare. Therein I understand of another from you of the 12 of January, with the draught of your Statues inclosed, which never came to my hands, which had I met withall I would have used much diligence therein, espetially in Venice, Padoa, and those citties heereabout, where only I have spent my tyme, since I came hither. Further into Italy I think I shall not goe, nor stay heere long, but thereof I shall not be resolved till the next weeke. The Lady Wake being to depart very shortly for England, and much good company going along, I doubt I shalbe drawne that way, but thereof I shall further advise you when I know more certainly. I found Mr. Prise2 in Padoa to whome I delivered your letter, who was very glad to heare and receive a letter from so good a friend. He spoke to me of the great friendship between yourself and him. Mr. Petty3 is also at Padoa, but I have not seene him; he staieth to passe with my Lady into England. I hear that there is a booke got out of some of the inscriptions of his antiquities by Mr. Selden in England, without his knowledge.4 The cheife newes heere is of the French king, who since his comming into Italy hath taken the Spanish generall prisoner, succored the Casell,5 a castle neare Mantua besieged by the Spaniard, made a peace betwixt Savoi and Mantoa, is now in Savoi, and is thought will goe against Genoa: he filleth world with great expectations of his actions what the event of them may be. He hath had the cytty of Orange delivered up to him by the treachery of the Governour selling it into his hands for a great summe of money.6 It is rumored that the Hollanders have againe taken some caracks of Portugal 77worth over the 6000000 ducats. Of the former I suppose you have heard, being old newes when we came to Zante. So with my love and service remembred, I commend you to the Divine tuition and rest Your truest friend to serve you,
I pray present my service, etc.
Original lost;
L. and L.
, I. 272–273; 5
Collections
, VIII. 15–17.
Probably D. N. B.
William Petty, agent in Italy and earlier in the Orient for Thomas, Earl of Arundel, and his son and heir Lord Maltravers, for the purchase of paintings and other works of art. B. M., Additional MS. 15,970, contains forty-three letters of the Howards addressed to Petty at Venice, Florence, and Rome. Selden, in his preface to the work named in the next note, speaks in high terms of Petty's learning, judgment, and zeal.
One of the most celebrated of archaeological publications: Marmora Arundelliana, sive Saxa Graece incisa, ex venerandis priscae Orientis Gloriae Ruderibus, Auspiciis & Impensis Herois Illustrissimi Thomae, Comitis Arundelliae & Surriae,. . . Publicavit & Commentariolos adjecit Joannes Seldenus, J. C. Londini, 1628.
Casale. See page 73, supra.
This intrigue centered around the possession of the citadel of Orange, which was then reckoned one of the strongest fortresses in Europe. Richelieu, knowing that the Huguenots sought to gain possession of the place, won over the Prince of Orange's governor, Valkenburg, by dazzling offers of rank and money. Antoine de Pontbriant, Histoire de la Principauté d'Orange (Avignon, 1891), 188–196; Calendar of State Papers, Venetian, 1628–1629, 460, 560.