Michelangelo da Pisa

Ref: One of Lorenzo’s jockeys: Lettere, V, 36

 

Michele, maestro

Ref: Letter of recommendation for M, a smith: Lorenzo de’ Medici to F Cambini in Pisa, 8 Nov 1485, Lettere, IX, 42-3.

 

Micheletto

Ref: Corporal of Leonardo d’A lfonso: 11 Mar 1485, Dieci, Resp, 30, 441.

 

Michelozzi, Bernardo

Refs: Lorenzo wants the benefice of S Stefano in Pace to be held in M’s name: 1 Oct 1484, MAP, 39, 341. Asked by Lorenzo to take possession of the abbey of Passignano as Giovanni de’ Medici’s procurator: Lettere, VIII, 130. Lorenzo considers the priory of Vigesimo in the Valdisieve suitable for M, brother of Niccolò Michelozzi: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 13 May 1486, Lettere, IX, 288-9. Lorenzo asks his son, as abbot of Passignano, to give to M the priory of Vigesimo: Lorenzo de’ Medici to Giovanni de’ Medici, 13 May 1486, Lettere, IX, 290. Would M like the benefice of Tommaso de’ Medici?: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 17 May 1486, Lettere, IX, 296.

 

Michelozzi, Niccolò 1447-1525

Career: Son of the architect Michelozzo; brother of Bernardo Michelozzi; pupil of Ficino. Trained as a notary. Secretary to Piero di Cosimo, Lorenzo and Piero di Lorenzo de’ Medici, and the most influential member of the Medicean chancery. With Francesco Gaddi, secretary to the Dieci di Balia, 1478/9. Undertook diplomatic missions to Milan (1479), Naples (1480), Urbino (1480-1, 1481), Siena (1482), Milan (1482), the League camp and Milan (1483), the camp and Cesena (1484), Milan (1485), Rome (1486), Perugia (1488), Rome (1489-90) Perugia (1490), Rome (1491), Naples (1492). Fell with the Medici and imprisoned in 1497 for supposed complicity in a conspiracy to restore them, but soon released. 1480 Catasto: sostanze 315 fl. Only a fraction of his copious correspondence with Lorenzo is detailed below.

Refs: To Urbino as one of a set of emissaries sent in all directions to report the reintegration with Rome and the immediate implications of this for Lorenzo, and also to call in debts; instructed to call at Montedoglio on way back to discuss a parentado: 5 Dec 1480, Prot 127. Comment on M’s mission to Urbino, Dec 1480: Lettere, V, 88. Left Florence for Urbino: Antonio da Montecatini to Ercole d’ Este, 7 Dec 1480, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 2. Met Ottaviano Ubaldini in Urbino: N Michelozzi in Urbino to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 11 Dec 1480, MAP, 38, 60. Returned to Urbino with letters of credence to Federico da Montefeltro, Ubaldini and Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio: 31 Jan 1481, Prot 132. By 13 Feb was back in Florence: Prot 134. Has returned from Urbino and reported that Federico intends to support Florence in dealings with Sixtus and Girolamo Riario over the towns disputed with Siena; however, although the duke was warmer towards him than before, he got only a guarded reply; according to Giovanni Lanfredini, Lorenzo intends now to send someone else ‘di più autorità e più scorto’ to Urbino: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 12 Feb 1481, ASMo, cit. Sent to Riario and Federico da Montefeltro with letters of credence; also to Ubaldini and Bentivoglio: Prot 153, 3 July 1481. Lorenzo attached the utmost importance to M’s new mission to Federico: Lettere, V, 263-4. Reached Gubbio by 7 July: N Michelozzi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 July 1481, MAP, 38, 249. Report of his meeting with Girolamo Riario: F Sacramoro to G G Sforza, 19 July 1481, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 303. Returned to Florence, 15 July 1481. When sending Lorenzo the measured drawings of Federico’s palace which he wanted, Baccio Pontelli mentioned that M had asked for them on Lorenzo’s behalf: B Pontelli to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 18 July 1481, MAP, 38, 222. Ludovico Sforza wants to delay sending anyone to negotiate Federico’s condotta until M returns with a report: M Menghi at Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 11 July 1481, MAP, 38, 256. Left Florence to meet Girolamo Riario at Forlì, 8 Aug 1481; returned within the month. Instructions for another mission to Urbino: 5 Nov 1481, Prot, 170. Left Florence, 7 Nov 1481. Lorenzo sends M to Siena to consult with the leading citizens: Lorenzo de’ Medici to P F Pandolfini, 3 Jan 1482, Lettere, VI, 190-3. Left on another mission to Urbino, 28 Jan 1482 and returned 3/4 Feb.

Witness to the notarial act recording the appointment of Bernardo Rucellai as Lorenzo’s procurator at the baptism in Milan of Luigi Terzago’s son: 7 June 1482, Not Antecos, 8, 43. One of the procurators of Francesco Gaddi during his absence in Naples: 21 July 1482, Not Antecos, 8, 43. Visited Costanzo Sforza on behalf of Lorenzo: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 12 Aug 1482, ASMo, cit, 2 Sept 1482. To Milan on a mission for Lorenzo, to persuade Ludovico Sforza to send troops to Ferrara; M ‘ e il cor’ of Lorenzo: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 8 Sept 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. Will leave Milan today for Florence, via Mantua: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 22 Sept 1482, ASMa, cit. Returned to Milan in the late autumn of 1483; reached Ferrara by 2 Nov and was in the camp at Ostiglia on 4 Nov. M as ‘l’anima’ of Lorenzo: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, Nov? 1483. Lorenzo says he has sent M to Cardinal Costa to pay his respects and report anything worth reporting: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 9 Apr 1484, ASMo, cit. Asks to stay in Cesena, at least until the legate is recalled to Rome: Otto to N Michelozzi, 28 May 1484, Otto, LC, 4, 37. Is being sent to Cremona at Ludovico’s request: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 25 June 1484, ASMo, cit. Instructions for M, who is going to Ludovico Sforza in the camp: Dieci to N Michelozzi, 27 June 1484, Dieci, Delib, 24, 51. M is coming to Cremona ‘per trovarsi ali effetti de le pratiche incomintiate fin a principio per suo mezo: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 28 June 1484, ASMa, AG, 1628. Has not yet left Florence; says he will do so tomorrow: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 28 June 1484, ASMo, cit. Arrived in Bologna: N Michelozzi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 29 June 1484, MAP, 39, 240. Left for Milan yesterday: 29 June 1484, Otto, Miss, 3, 82-3. Left Florence as soon as he heard that Ludovico had left Milan: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 29 June 1484, ASMo, cit. Returned to Florence but has been sent back to the camp: Otto to G A Vespucci, 17 July 1484, Otto, LC, 2, 50. Sent back to the camp after a letter arrived on 16 July from Ludovico for Lorenzo; instructed to be at the camp by tomorrow: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 21 July 1484, ASMo, cit. Is to return home when he has briefed Pier Filippo Pandolfini thoroughly, providing he does not have different instructions from Lorenzo: Otto to N Michelozzi, 2 Aug 1484, Otto, LC, 4, 54.

Went to see the camp at Pietrasanta and then returned to Pisa to report to Lorenzo: 3 Nov 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 378. Piero Alamanni is to learn from M who is the Volterran most involved in anti-Florentine conspiracy: 4 Dec 1484, Dieci, Delib, 24, 70. His commission for Milan: 2 Jan 1485, Dieci, Delib, 24, 86-8. Is being sent to Milan tomorrow: 2 Jan 1485, Otto, Miss, 3, 111. Details of his mission to Milan: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 3 Jan 1485, Lettere, VIII, 110-21. Lorenzo is ill and at the baths of Volterra and gives no audiences; Michelozzi handles everything in Florence: 1 Apr 1485, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 4. M is surprised that Lorenzo’s reply to Naples has not yet arrived there; M wrote it according to Lorenzo’s instructions, particularly in the matter of Antonello Petrucci, and as soon as M received Lorenzo’s instructions; M has sent another version this evening: 28 Apr 1485, MAP, 39, 430. Handles Lorenzo’s correspondence; wrote one of Lorenzo’s letters to Rome in his own name so as not to offend Innocent: 5 May 1485, MAP, 26, 364. His mission to Alfonso d’Aragona and Virginio Orsini: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Milan, 5 Jan 1486, Lettere, IX, 100.

 

Michiel, Francesco

Career: In 1478/9 this Venetian senator exceeded his mandate as provveditore in Tuscia by negotiating with Roberto di Sanseverino. A leader among those senators who wanted war with Ferrara in 1481-2.

Refs: In the Senate, he proposed the exile of the Ferrarese Trotti brothers from Venetian territory: A Cortesi to E d’Este, 4 Aug 1481, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Venezia, 2. M’s total distrust of Ercole d’Este because of his role in the League and lack of gratitude towards his relatives, the sons of Doge Andrea Vendramin: A Cortesi to E d’E ste, 25 Aug 1481, ASMo, cit. M’s faction in the Senate defeated by Doge Mocenigo and the majority, who sought to delay the installation of ‘casoni’ in the Polesine: A Cortesi to E d’Este, 7 Nov 1481, ASMo, cit. A counterproposal by M and others was nevertheless accepted, allowing the ‘casoni’ to leave the Arsenal: Nov 1481, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 40. His proposal that Ercole be given eight days to accept the Venetian view of their disputes was accepted: Nov 1481, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 41. As Savio di Terraferma, M was prepared to offer Faenza to Girolamo Riario to keep up the impetus of the attack on Ferrara; this proposal was defeated: 3 July 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 99. He and Luca Zeno tried to push through proposals to allow Roberto di Sanseverino to go to help the Rossi once the Polesine has been occupied, but this was blocked by the establishment: 29 July 1482, Sen Secr, 30, 103-4. Again with Zeno, proposed a state reception for Ascanio Sforza; this was approved: 29 July 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 105. Through his brother Benedetto Michiel, involved in secret negotiations with Mantua: 8 Aug 1482, ASV, Dieci, Misti, 20, ---; 5 July 1483, ASV, Sen Secr, ------. Voted for an increase in the Torelli condotta: 17 Aug 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 109. With Zaccaria Barbaro, sent to Roberto di Sanseverino to discuss the autumn campaign: 23 Sept 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 120-1. Opposed the appointment of Francesco Sanuto and Federico Corner as provveditori for a new attack on Ferrara: 9 Oct 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 126-7. Still Savio di Terraferma; voted to offer Modena and Reggio to Roberto di Sanseverino to get him moving: 15 Oct 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 129-30. This proposal was accepted at the second attempt: 21 Nov 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 139-41. Sent as an additional provveditore to the main fleet, to stimulate an attack from Primaro: 23 Nov 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 141. As provveditore, approached by Alfonso d’Aragona soon after he arrived at Ferrara, but M rejected his arguments that Venice should agree to peace: late Jan 1483, Sanudo, Vite dei dogi, I, 331. Provveditore in the Romagna; is very ill and must return to Venice: 5 July 1483, ASV, Sen ----. Had pawned his personal silver in Ravenna to pay troops at Argenta: 6 Aug 1483, ASV, Sen Terra, 9, 19.

 

Michiel, Giovanni, cardinal d. 1503

Career: Nipote of the Venetian pope, Paul II. Cardinal, 1468; bishop of Verona, 1471-1503; bishop of Padua, 1485-7.

Refs: In 1481, Andreas Zamometič was released from Castel S Angelo after M’s intervention: Lettere, VII, 54. With Cardinal Zeno, told Sixtus of Venice’s conditions for peace: 14 Mar 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 31, 3-5. The Venetian cardinals declare to Ascanio Sforza that they were no longer subject to Venice but had obligations only to the Holy See: 24 June 1485, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 97. The abbacy of Montecassino is among the subjects discussed in the peace negotiations of M and Giovan Antonio Sangiorgio in the League camp: P Capponi to the Dieci, 23 May 1486; Lettere, IX, 307-8. His peace pratica on behalf of Innocent: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Milan, 26 May 1486, Lettere, IX, 309. His envoy for negotiations with Gian Giacomo Trivulzio is Bernardino: 24 May 1486, Dieci, Miss, 7, 40-1. Orders that a minuta of the peace capitoli be given to Gian Giacomo Trivulzio: 26 May 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 3-4. One of those involved in the papal peace initiative: 8 June 1486, MAP, 48, 350. His role in the compromesso proposed between Innocent and the League: 27 June 1486, Dieci, Miss, 7, 61-3. M had ambitions to be commendatory abbot of Montecassino: G Lanfredini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 27 June 1486, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 18, 195-6. Conducting peace negotiations with Trivulzio: 12 Aug 1486, Dieci, Miss, 7, 85-7.

 

Michiel, Nicolò

Refs: With Pietro Molin, taking the standard and imperial sceptre to Roberto di Sanseverino: 15 May 1482, ASV, Sen Terra, 8, 151. Is the new Venetian ambassador to Rome: 7 Mar 1486, MAP, 26, 338.

 

Migliorotti, Antonio

Ref: Witness to the capitoli of Pietrasanta, 27 Nov 1484: Lettere, VIII, 327.

 

Milanesi, Biagio

Ref: General of the Vallombrosan order who reported to Pope Innocent and to Cardinals Borgia and Carafa the military attack on the abbey of Passignano, which was part of Lorenzo’s campaign to acquire it for his son Giovanni: Lettere, VIII, 131-2.

 

Minerbetti, Piero di Giovanni

Career: Florentine who served as Gonfalonier of Justice, July/Aug 1469, Nov/Dec 1478; general member of Balia for S Maria Novella, 1471; accoppiatore, 1471, 1475. In 1471 he was one of the six Florentine ambassadors sent to congratulate Sixtus IV, who made him a knight. Sent to S Gimignano and Colle with Piero Nasi, July 1473; member of the Dieci di Balia, 1478-9; member of the first half of the Council of 70, 1480. One of the twelve extraordinary ambassadors sent to Rome in 1480. Member of the Otto di Pratica, Apr-Oct 1481.

Refs: Helped to decide the commission for the ambassadors to Rome: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 18 Apr 1480, ASMi, SPE, 299. With Agnolo Niccolini, appointed as orator to meet Cardinals Giuliano della Rovere and Balue, who were travelling from France to Rome via Pisa and Florence: 9 Jan 1482, LC, 21, 37. Their meeting with the cardinals at the foot of Monte a S Giuliano: P Minerbetti and A Niccolini to the Otto, 15 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 182.

 

Minerbetti, Tommaso d’Andrea

Career: Florentine who served as a prior, Sept/Oct 1470; sea consul at Pisa, May-Sept 1476; podestà of Pisa, Apr-Oct 1480; captain of Livorno, Aug-Dec 1491. Exiled in Aug 1497 for alleged conspiracy in Medicean plots.

Refs: Is being sent to enquire whether Florentine subjects are indeed helping Città di Castello: mandate to T Minerbetti, 5 Nov 1483, Dieci, Delib, 24, 34-7. Sent as special commissioner to Monterchi to investigate whether Florentine subjects have been helping Città di Castello, and to try to get more troops into the field: Dieci to G A Vespucci, 28 Dec 1483, Dieci, LC, 5, 338-9.

 

Minetto da Lucarne

Ref: Bombardiere of Ludovico Sforza (and brother to Antonio da Lucarne), coming to serve Florence: 26 Aug 1484, Otto, Miss, 94-5.

 

Miniati, Angelo Francesco

Career: Minor guildsman; member of Otto di Custodia, Mar-June 1482; castellan of the new citadel at Pisa, June-Dec 1494, the time of the Pisan revolt.

 

Minio, Giovanni Antonio

Ref: Venetian patrician who was a Savio agli Ordini in 1482 and called for 1,500 cavalry and 300 infantry, led by Carlino, to defend the Venetian ‘casoni’ in territory disputed with Ferrara: 4 Jan 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 46; Lettere, VI, 357-8.

 

Minutoli, Jacopo d. c. 1485

Career: Bishop of Nocera, 1472-6; bishop of Agde, 1476-c 1485.

Refs: With the French ambassadors in Italy, Jean de Chassaignes and Jean d’Ars: Lorenzo de’ Medici to F Gaddi, 26 May 1481, Lettere, V, 214. His correspondence with Lorenzo made reference to his friendship with Medici agents in Rome, including Giovanni and Antonio Tornabuoni: J Minutoli to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 8 July 1478, Lettere, V 215.

 

Miolans, monsignor

Ref: A Frenchman involved in the plot to get Duchess Bona out of the duchy of Milan: Lettere, VI, 64.

 

Miraldi, Ruffino

Refs: With Giovanni Antonio Secco (‘conte Borella’), commander of the Milanese contingent in the Lunigiana campaign: 20 Aug 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 52. With Secco, commander of the Milanese troops in the Sarzana campaign: P F Pandolfini to the Dieci, 26 Aug 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 71. One of the condottieri in the camp to whom Sforza Bettini is being sent: 6 Oct 1484, Dieci, Delib, 24, 61. M and Secco ‘haremo dubitato forte di qualche grande disordine in quello nostro exercito’: 10 Oct 1484, Otto, LC, 3, 100-1. The Otto ask Ludovico Sforza to tell M to remain at Pietrasanta until the impresa has been concluded: 16 Oct 1484, Otto, Miss, 3, 101-2. Milan is sending him with forty men-at-arms to help Ferrante: 5 Dec 1485, MAP, 26, 492. Ludovico is sending M, together with Marsilio Torelli, Giovanni Antonio Secco and Carlo Fieschi: F Gaddi in Milan to the Dieci, 7 Dec 1485, Dieci, Resp, 35, 266. Is commanding lance spezzate for Gian Giacomo Trivulzio: J Guicciardini in Milan to the Dieci, 1 Feb 1486, Dieci, Resp, 34, 106.

 

Misaglia, Bernardino

Refs: Francesco Gonzaga’s emissary to Spain to buy horses: Lorenzo de’ Medici to Francesco Gonzaga, 21 Mar 1485, Lettere, VIII, 133. Further reference to his activities in Spain: 31 Oct 1485, ASMa, AG, 2902. Lorenzo sends Gonzaga a letter of exchange made out to M in Spain: 13 Nov 1485, ASMa, AG, 2902.

 

Mocenigo, Giovanni d. 1485

Career: Doge of Venice, 1478-85.

Refs: Guided the majority of the Senate in opposing Francesco Michiel and favouring delay in the installation of ‘casoni’ in the Polesine: A Cortesi to Ercole d’E ste, 7 Nov 1481, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Venezia, 2. Informed the Senate that Roberto di Sanseverino was heading for Siena: ASV, Sen Secr, 32, 133.

 

Modigliana, Filippo d’Arcangelo

Ref: Reports to Lorenzo the discontent in city and contado of Forlì at the return of Girolamo Riario and desire of certain contadini to be under the signoria of Florence: 5 Sept 1484, MAP, 39, 315. Infantry constable serving Florence: 5 Oct 1484, Dieci, Miss, 21, 50.

 

Mogne, il

Refs: Imprisoned in Siena; Lorenzo seeks a pardon for him from the Sienese Balia: Lorenzo de’ Medici to the Balia of Siena, 28 Jan 1486, Lettere, IX, 151.

 

Monaldi, Francesco

Ref: Emissary of the Otto di Pratica sent to condole with Nicola de’ Chiavelli, widow of Princivalle Tarlati di Montedoglio: 21 Aug 1480, Sig, Miss, 1a Canc, 48, 132.

 

Montano, Cola (Nicola Capponi)

Career: Bolognese humanist of obscure origin, celebrated in Milan since 1462. Hanged for plotting against the Florentine republic.

Refs: Henchman of Girolamo Riario; had been in close touch with the exile Neri Acciaiuoli just prior to the discovery of the plot to assassinate Lorenzo, in which Neri was involved: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 9 June 1481, MAP, 38, 208. Had been with Riario and then with Roberto di Sanseverino; plotted the murder of Galeazzo Maria Sforza; had been in Genoa and was on his way to Rome when caught by a group including Leonardo di Alfonso and a staffiero of Lorenzo; in Sienese territory, they arrested him and brought him back to Pisa: Antonio da Montecatini to Ercole d’Este, 14 Feb 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambascitori, Firenze, 3. Arrived in Florence: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 15 Feb 1482, ASMo, cit. Said to have had some pratica in Pisa; is now imprisoned in Palazzo della Signoria and is being examined by Antonio Pucci and Niccolò Michelozzi: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 21 Feb 1482. Ludovico Sforza is very anxious to see M’s interrogation: B Rucellai in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 1 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 131. M’s interrogation is imminent: Lorenzo de’ Medici to P F Pandolfini, 27-18 Mar 1482, Lettere, VI, 294.

Bibliog: DBI 19, 83-6 [Capponi]

 

Montefeltro, Antonio da 1445-1508

Career: Illegitimate son of Federico da Montefeltro; m Emilia, daughter of Marco Pio of Carpi. With Ranuccio Farnese, principal commander of the Feltreschi after the death of Federico.

Refs: Siena does not want to give him leave, as he has requested: Signoria of Siena to Federico da Montefeltro, 7 May 1482, ASS, Conc, 1695, 82. Is in the camp at Città di Castello with Sienese troops, against the wishes of Siena: L Lanti in Rome to the Balia of Siena, 3 July 1482, ASS, Balia, 504, 42. Sixtus complained about M being at Città di Castello: L Lanti and S Ottieri in Rome to the Balia of Siena, 5 July 1482, ASS, Balia, 504, 45. Siena orders M to leave the camp of the League at once: Balia of Siena to Antonio da Montefeltro, 7 July 1482, ASS, Balia, 403, 8-9. Is leading the attack on Forlì to restore Anton Maria Ordelaffi and drive out Girolamo Riario: 2 Aug 1482, Caleffini, 8-9. Attacked during the night of 4/5 Aug; retired to two miles back from Forlì after it failed: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 7/8 Aug 1482, Min, 12, 460-1. M and his men have been given a licence by Siena from the end of Oct: Balia of Siena to L Lanti, 8 Sept 1482, ASS, Balia, 403, 36-7. Preparations by the League to send money and messages of solidarity to M on the imminent death of his father: M Sacramoro to G G Sforza, 10 Sept 1482, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 305. Simonetto Belprat is coming to see him to reassure him after Federico da Montefeltro’s death: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 20 Sept 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. Ordered to return from Urbino to the Romagna with his troops: Dieci to B Rucellai, 21 Sept 1482, Dieci, LC, 5, 2-4. Sixtus has considered investing M with the duchy of Urbino, ‘pero attento la qualita sua forse non lo fara’: L Lanti to the Balia of Siena, 12 Oct 1482, ASS, Balia, 506, 14. Has gone to Naples, to discuss troops, payments etc with Ferrante: Antonio da Montecatini to Ercole d’E ste, 16 Nov 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 3. Ferrante is to give him money; has fifty men-at-arms and mounted archers from Siena; Ferrante considers him ‘persona de valuta, et ben disposita al esercitio de le Arme’: B Castiglioni in Naples to G G Sforza, 22 Nov 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241. Has left Naples with 10,000 ducats for the Feltreschi: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 13 Dec 1482, ASMo, cit. Has arrived in Urbino and will put his troops in order, to go to the defence of Ferrara: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 20 Dec 1482, ASMo, cit. The Feltreschi have lost Pier Gentile, Giulio Orsini and M: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 11 Apr 1483, MAP, 48, 310. Ottaviano Ubaldini will try to persuade him to stay with the Feltreschi, though this will be difficult: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 17 Apr 1483, ASMo, cit. Fled to the Venetian camp with five of his sixteen squadrons: 27 Apr 1483, Caleffini, 91. Has promised to leave at the end of this month and his men will follow thereafter: E d’Este to Antonio da Montecatini, 31 May 1483, ASMo, cit. Will join the conte di Brienza in the Bolognese and then go to Ferrara with him: E d’E ste to Antonio da Montecatini, 23 June 1483, ASMo, cit. Has been arrested and imprisoned in the Castel Vecchio (in Ferrara?): 21 July 1483, Caleffini, 113. Ubaldini has asked Lorenzo to ask Siena to pay M some of the money they owe him for his condotta: R Ricchi in Florence to the Balia of Siena, 26 Jan 1484, ASS, Balia, 516, 64.

 

Montefeltro, Elisabetta da 1464-1510

Career: Daughter of Federico da Montefeltro; m Roberto Malatesta, 1479.

Refs: At the news of her husband’s death she retreated into the rocca in Rimini with her young son Pandolfo: Lorenzo de’ Medici to L Capponi, 28 Sept 1482, Lettere, VII, 105. Paolantonio Soderini sent to her as Florence’s special envoy: Lettere, VII, 127.

 

Montefeltro, Federico da 1422-1482

Career: Illegitimate son of Guidantonio da Montefeltro; succeeded his legitimate half-brother Oddantonio as signore of Urbino, which was raised to a duchy by Sixtus IV in 1474. m (1) Gentile Brancaleone (d 1459), (2) Battista (1447-1472), daughter of Alessandro Sforza of Pesaro. No children of first marriage, but five daughters and a son by the second: Giovanna (1463-1514, m Giovanni della Rovere, prefect of Rome); Elisabetta (1464-1510, m Roberto Malatesta); Costanza (1466-1518, m Antonello di Sanseverino, prince of Salerno); Chiara (1468-1521, a nun); Agnesina (1470-1506, m Fabrizio Colonna, duke of Marsi); Guidobaldo (1472-1508). His illegitimate children were Bonconte (1442-1458), Antonio (1445-1508), Elisabetta (1445-1503, m Roberto di Sanseverino); Gentile (b 1448, m (1) Carlo Malatesta, (2) Agostino Fregoso. During his remarkable career as a condottiere, he served at various times Venice, the papacy, Naples and Florence.

Refs: M and Alfonso d’A ragona spent several days in discussions; there were rumours that they were planning some move against Piombino or Faenza: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 1 Apr 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 299. Pier Filippo Pandolfini felt that M would resist Alfonso receiving a condotta: P F Pandolfini in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 169-71. Pandolfini suggests that Ercole d’Este be persuaded not to press for the title of captain-general of the League, on the grounds that it would offend M and others: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 8 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 176-9. Other Florentines, including Lorenzo, felt there might be trouble over Ercole’s title because of M’s popularity with Sixtus and Ferrante: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 18 Apr 1480, ASMi, cit. The Neapolitan ambassador at Milan suggested that the awkward question of condotte be delayed for the moment and said M would be patient, knowing it was a bad moment to try and gain an advantage over Ercole, who is very close to the Sforza: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 26 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 190-2. There were rumours that M would, at Sixtus’s request, be included in the papal/Venetian alliance: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 28 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 192-3. The Milanese ambassadors at Naples report hearing that ‘ tutte queste alteratione da Roma’ originate with M, who is ‘ sdegnato’ over Alfonso’s condotta and Ercole’s title, and might be trying to keep Sixtus from joining the League; they add that M had put Girolamo Riario up to the Pesaro idea, telling him that Milan and Florence would be unable to assist Costanzo Sforza, while Ferrante would not want to break with Sixtus: Pietro da Gallarate and G A Talenti to Bona and G G Sforza, 2 May 1480, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 230. The Venetians agreed that M should be captain of their league with Sixtus: L Guicciardini in Venice to the Otto, 3 May, Otto, Resp, 1, 4; F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 5 May, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 299. Pandolfini felt that Ferrante would try conciliation with Sixtus over Pesaro and use M for this, as M was the best person to influence the pope; therefore, he suggested that Ferrante and Florence try to get M on their side: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 10 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 202-3. M’s appointment as captain of the papal-Venetian league had not been put into effect: L Guicciardini to the Otto, 13 May 1480, Otto, Resp, 1, 6. The Otto try to discover from Ferrante M’s intentions [concerning the papal/Venetian league?]: Otto to A Biliotti in Naples, 13 May 1480, Otto, LC, 1, 4-7. Apparently, Agostino Biliotti suggested to Lorenzo that Florence send commissaries to M and this the Otto did: Otto to A Biliotti, 16 May 1480, Sig, LC, 21, 14-16. Alfonso agreed with Sforza Bettini’s commission to M: S Bettini at Buonconvento to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 18 May 1480, MAP, 38, 25. For Naples, Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio proposed to M his scheme to give Faenza to Sixtus, but M rejected the idea: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 18 May, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 210-11. The ‘dukes’ of Milan are pleased that an emissary has been sent to Urbino: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 21 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 214. For the same purpose as Bettini’s mission, Ferrante sent Bentivoglio to M, who indicated that he did not want to break with Sixtus; instead, he favoured the idea of a general league: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 22 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 215-16. Bentivoglio will leave Milan tomorrow and visit Alfonso and M on the way home: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 24 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 216-17. Naples wants Lorenzo to send an emissary to M: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 24 May 1480, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 2. Sforza Bettini – sent to Urbino by Lorenzo at Ferrante’s suggestion – returned from his mission to M to say that M wishes to remain on good terms with the League: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 26 May 1480, ASMo, cit. M supported Sixtus against Pesaro, but the pope is oposed to M’s idea of a general league: Otto to L Guicciardini, 26 May 1480, Sig, Miss 1a Canc, 48, 46-7; Otto, LC, 1, 14. M claimed to be well disposed towards Florence: Otto to P F Pandolfini, 26 May 1480, Sig, Miss 1a Canc, 48, 48-50. M did not want to break with Sixtus, had little faith in Milan’s strength as it was ‘male governato … pocho fermo et povero’, and advised that Pesaro be abandoned, saying it was impossible to defend in any case: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 27 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 217-18. M also warned Bettini that if Pesaro were not left to Sixtus, ‘la guerra sarà in campo’: Otto to P Nasi or A Biliotti, 27 May 1480, Sig, Miss, 1a Canc, 48, 51-3; Otto, LC, 1, 17-19.

Ferrante continued to have a good opinion of M and sent an emissary to him to discover his intentions: P Nasi in Naples to the Otto, 2 June 1480, Otto, Resp, 1, 57. News from Gubbio that Niccolò di Giovan Battista Bentivoglio is travelling between M and Ferrante: A Ridolfi in Rome to the Otto, 3 June 1480, Otto, Resp, 1, 22. The Otto take Ferrante’s point about how to treat M to avoid a break with him and sent Sforza Bettini to him some time ago: Otto to P Nasi, 7 June 1480, Sig, Miss 1a Canc, 48, 66-7, 72-4; Otto, LC, 1, 22-5. M refuses to accept that Roberto di Sanseverino should be ‘governor’ and Naples is not prepared to allow M precedence over Alfonso; this dispute is unnecessary, as M is going to stick with Sixtus anyway: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 14 June 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 237-8. The ‘dukes’ of Milan sent Nicodemo Tranchedini to M to discuss the scheme of giving Forlì to Sixtus, provided he renounces his designs on Pesaro and joins the League between Naples, Milan and Florence, and stops insisting that Lorenzo goes to Rome: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 14/15 June 1480, Sig, X< VIII, 10, 237-8; Bona and G G Sforza to F Sacramoro, 15 June 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 299. Jacopo della Morella is to receive his back pay and the value of his sequestrated goods for M’s sake, as he fled and was clearly negotiating with Florence’s enemies: Signoria of Florence to Federico da Montefeltro, 14/15? June 1480, Sig, Miss 1a Canc, 48, 78. Antonio Cicinello has returned from Gubbio and reported that M was in a bad humour because, while he has committed himself and his state to Sixtus, he is very loathe to lose Ferrante’ s support and is angry at Girolamo Riario’s unbridled ambition and at the whole Pesaro project; this augurs well for ‘us’: A Ridolfi to the Otto, 15 June 1480, Otto, Resp, 1, 21. Costanzo Sforza has also sent an emissary to M, on Tranchedini’s advice: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 15 June 1480, ASMi, cit. The Otto have seen Ferrante’s letter to M and wait eagerly to hear his reply since; if ‘we’ could detach him from the papal side, they would be much weakened: Otto to P Nasi, 16 June 1480, Sig, Miss 1a Canc, 48, 79-80; Otto, LC, 1, 29-30. To Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio, M replied that, of Sixtus and Ferrante, he would serve whoever called on him first: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 19 June 1480, ASMi, cit. Milan is very upset that Ferrante has decided to pay prestanze to M and to Girolamo Riario [Ferrante paid them their prestanze, which made Milan fear a Neapolitan-Urbino reconciliation]: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 20 June 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 244-5. Bona fears a reconciliation between Ferrante and M: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 20 June 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 245. It is rumoured in Milan that M is working for a general settlement, including Pesaro: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 21 June 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 245-6. Neapolitan negotiations with Girolamo Riario have reached the point where Riario says he will await M’s advice on the Pesaro affair: A Ridolfi to Otto, 21 June 1480, Otto, Resp, 1, 23. Referring to growing Neapolitan influence, Pier Filippo Pandolfini adds that ‘Furlì hora a divotione del Duca d’Urbino’; he also mentions that ‘Giovanbattista’ [Bentivoglio?] went to M and left with a very poor opinion of the Milanese state; he could well be working against Milan [Milan suspected that M was trying to bring Riario and Ferrante closer together]: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 30 June 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 252-4.

Pandolfini thinks Fra Tomino’s secret mission to Milan is about Faenza and that the idea of giving Faenza to Girolamo Riario originates with M and with Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 July 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 260-1. Milan has decided on certain military demonstrations in favour of Cecco Ordelaffi’s sons in Forlì, which they say will either ‘ridurre’ Forlì to the League’s side or facilitate the pratica concerning Forlì ‘mossa per Nicodemo ne’ di passati al Duca d’Urbino et la quale la Maesta del Re, visto che il caso di Faenza no puo aver luogo, dice anchora continuare’: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 14 July 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 169-72. Ferrante proposed that the League contribute to M’ s condotta, and Florence objected to this: Antonio da Montecatini to N Sadoleto in Naples, 15 July 1480, ASMo, cit. With Cardinal Barbo, M organised the Adriatic coastal defences against potential Ottoman attack: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sfroza, 18 Sept 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 300.

M ‘era quello che consigliava et governava la Santità del Papal et el Conte’ and, as Agostino Fregoso is his son-in-law, there would be no restitution of Sarzana: M Trotti to Bona and G G Sforza, 22 Dec 1480, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 232. It seems that M is doing his best to bring the Venetians into the war against the Turks, but Sforza Bettini doubts he will succeed: S Bettini in Mantua to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 1 Jan 1481, MAP, 38, 1. Roberto Malatesta was very upset at rumours of all sorts of suspicious negotiations going on about the Romagna, but when he enquired about them from M, he received the reply that whatever was going on did not concern Rimini, so Malatesta should relax: S Bettini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 31 Jan. 1481, MAP, 38, 8. Allusion to the supposed kinship between Ottaviano Ubaldini and M: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 31 Jan 1481, Lettere, V, 133. Antonio da Montecatini had talked to Niccolò Michelozzi on his return from Urbino and found that M’s protestations of friendship toward the League and help were a good deal less clear than had been publicly admitted; Lorenzo planned to send someone else: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 12 Feb 1481, ASMo, cit. Very secret rumours that Florence is thinking of joining Sixtus in a condotta for M: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’E ste, 24 Feb 1481, ASMo, cit. M has rejected the ban which Sixtus and Girolamo Riario have tried to impose on Filippo degli Oddi, saying that they are blaming him for the murder of one of Cecco Ordelaffi’s sons, when Riario was really responsible: G A Vespucci in Rome to the Otto, 26 Mar 1481, MAP, 38, 104. Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio wrote to Naples from Urbino that M was due to complete his condotta with Sixtus and Naples in June and would like to renew it; Ferrante approved of this, as it would keep M from going elsewhere and help keep Sixtus and Riario well disposed towards the Neapolitan/Milanese/Florentine League; before going ahead he asked for the opinions of Milan and Florence: P Nasi to the Otto, 4 Apr 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 119. Sixtus asked M for the year of rispetto without even consulting Naples: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 6 Apr 1481, MAP, 48, 65. The Otto will discuss tomorrow what to do about M’s condotta: F Sacramoro Bona and G G Sforza, 11 Apr 1481, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 302. The Florentines were worried as they had heard a false rumour about the beneplacito clause in M’s condotta: F Sacramoro and G A Cotta to Bona and G G Sforza, 12 Apr 1481, ASMi, cit. The latest idea for M is a condotta with Sixtus and the League: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 13 Apr 1481, ASMo, cit. Piero Nasi had asked for Florence’s opinion on M’s condotta; the Otto replied that they thought it was very important for the peace of Italy and for ultimate victory over the Turk, and were therefore fully prepared to participate according to their due proportion; Florence’s ability was dependent on her other expenses which were at the moment unnaturally increased by the cost of what was still for her a war situation: Otto to P Nasi, 13 Apr 1481, Min, 11, 303-4. There was talk of Sixtus taking up the beneplacito on his own, but M may have realised that this could mean ending up in Venetian service and he does not want this: Milanese orators in Rome to Bona and G G Sforza, 14 Apr 1481, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 89. At the request of ‘Marino’ [Tomacelli?] Florence agreed to participate in a condotta for M: F Sacramoro and G A Cotta to Bona and G G Sforza, 14 Apr 1481, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 302.

Milan thought the question of M’s condotta particularly significant and urgent; the expense of a new condotta would be considerable and might lead to arguments within the League; but it should be considered and the duke therefore asked for Ferrante’s views on the various possibilities: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 17 Apr 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 157. Ludovico Sforza was annoyed that, after all the talk of acting together, the Otto had gone ahead and indicated unilateral approval of M’s condotta; Ridolfi warned them to be more careful: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 18 Apr 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 160. Roberto di Sanseverino is angry about the idea of a League condotta for M: T Ridolfi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 18 Apr 1481, MAP, 38, 145. On the same subject: G G Sforza to F Sacramoro and G A Cotta, 18 Apr 1481, ASMi, cit. Milan is angry at what the Otto said about M’s condotta, but they explained it as a misunderstanding; they have given their opinion on the understanding that there would be consultation with Milan: Otto to T Ridolfi, 21 Apr 1481, Min, 11, 309-10. The Otto agree with Milan’s opinion; Milan has advised care in the negotiation – there is still the beneplacito period – and these two main problems: (1) Milan cannot afford further expenditure without being relieved of some, 2) where does M fit in with Milan’s other five major condottieri (Alfonso d’Aragona, Ercole d’Este, Federico Gonzaga, Guglielmo Paleologo, and Roberto di Sanseverino), all of whom were promised that they would not be commanded by anyone else? In addition, Alfonso has the title of captain and Ercole that of lieutenant. Piero Nasi is to support this position. [This is different from Florence’s former effusion about the idea and concern about the cost, as it shows real reserve]: Otto to P Nasi, 21 Apr 1481, Min, 11, 311-12. Ludovico Sforza wants Lorenzo de’ Medici to negotiate a condotta with M, although he cannot say so publicly for fear of offending Roberto di Sanseverino and others: T Ridolfi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 22 Apr 1481, MAP, 48, 72. Ferrante is pleased that Florence agrees with him about M’s condotta; Ferrante will authorise Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio to go ahead with the negotiation and report on likely terms: P Nasi to the Otto, 24 Apr 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 174-5. In order to get Girolamo Riario to reveal papal intentions concerning M, Guidantonio Vespucci told him of a rumour rhat Sixtus and Venice would hire M for the beneplacito, and that Sixtus had told M that he wanted the present arrangement to continue; however, Naples had treated M very badly in respect of payments – Ferrante still owed him 30,000 ducats – and if there was talk of a breach, Riario regarded it as a device of M’s to get Ferrante to pay up; Ferrante should not be offended that M had not gone south against the Turk because Sixtus had asked him to stay to protect the Marches; Vespucci then pressed Riario by reading him a passage from Lorenzo’s letter about the possibility of changing M’s condotta from Sixtus and Naples to Sixtus and the League; Riario raised objections but, after a long discussion, said he would think about it; Vespucci thinks Riario must know about Venice’s approaches, which Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio reported, but the Venetians are less in favour at Rome than they were: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 27 Apr 1481, MAP, 38, 154. The Otto express support over M’s condotta: Otto to T Ridolfi, 27 Apr 1481, Min, 11, 312-13. Milan concurs with Florence’s position: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 28 Apr 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 184-6.

M has agreed to the year of beneplacito so there is plenty of time for the negotiation: P Nasi at Matera to the Otto, 2 May 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 193. Piero Nasi claims to have had instructions from Florence about the condotta and did not receive the letter of 13 Apr; Marco Trotti has heard that Nasi has received a mysterious letter: M Trotti to G G Sforza, 2 May 1481, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 233. Guidantonio Vespucci has talked to ‘OΠ’ about M’s condotta; ‘OΠ’ said M claimed to have written to Milan and been repulsed; ‘OΠ’ felt M would take a condotta with Sixtus and Venice, as Roberto Malatesta was not so well thought of in Venice as he used to be and it seemed Pietro Felici was up to something with Cardinal Foscari and the Venetian orator: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 3 May 1481, -------. Vespucci talked to Agostino da Urbino about M’s condotta; he thinks M will remain as he is, although Felici would like to attach him to the Venetians: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 6 May 1481, MAP, 38, 168. Vespucci is fairly certain that M will stay with Sixtus and Ferrante for this year: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 10 May 1481, MAP, 38, 170. Milan is suspicious about an understanding between Ferrante and M over this business of the beneplacito; Marco Trotti is to investigate: G G Sforza to M Trotti, 15 May 1481, ASMi, cit. A letter of Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio of 4 May reports that M agrees with Ferrante’s proposal that the beneplacito be agreed and discussion of a recondotta be postponed: M Trotti to G G Sforza, 21 May 1481, ASMi, cit. There is a rumour that M’s beneplacito with Sixtus and Naples has been agreed: Milanese orators in Rome to G G Sforza, 26 May 1481, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 89. Ferrante sees the condotta of M with Sixtus and the League as key to the situation: M Trotti at Altamura to G G Sforza, 26 May 1481, ASMi, cit. A meeting between Francesco Diedo, Girolamo Riario and M’s man Pietro Felici, reported by the Milanese ambassadors at Rome: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 30 May 1481, ------. The Otto think this bodes danger: Otto to T Ridolfi, 15 June 1481, Min, 11, 338-9. Trotti thinks that the idea of a contract between M and Sixtus and the League came from Ferrante and not from M, but there are signs of coolness between them: M Trotti at Barletta to G G Sforza, 31 May 1481, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 233.

The Neapolitan orator reported to the Milanese council that M was prepared to sign a condotta with the League; Ferrante wanted his allies’ opinion; the Milanese decided there was time to think carefully about this, as there was still almost a year of the beneplacito to run: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 1 June 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 294-5. Roberto di Sanseverino would take it ill if M was given a condotta with the League: T Ridolfi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 June 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 4, 42-3. Ferrante thinks it is better to wait a while before negotiating with M, in order not to upset Sixtus: P Nasi to the Otto, 2 June 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 298-9. A letter of 20 May from Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio says that M has now accepted the beneplacito and does not wish to discuss the condotta further for the time being, to avoid offending Sixtus; Naples should beware of upsetting Venice by suggestions of M’s condotta with the League and Sixtus: M Trotti at Barletta to G G Sforza, 2 June 1481, ASMi, cit. M is keeping all his options open at the moment and thinks only of his own position: M Trotti to G G Sforza, 3 June 1481, ASMi, cit. Although Matteo Menghi tried to bring Ludovico Sforza round to Lorenzo’s way of thinking, Ludovico wants to wait until Niccolò Michelozzi returns from Urbino with a report before he sends anyone to negotiate: M Menghi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 11 July 1481, MAP, 38, 256. M is said to be angry about Girolamo Riario’s trip to Venice: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 31 Aug 1481, ASMo, cit.

Ludovico Sforza is sending an envoy to M to discuss talks between M and Benedetto Ruggi, who was to have left Naples on 8 Oct; this envoy will report to Lorenzo on his way back; he is also to tell M Ludovico’s thoughts about a general league; Ludovico advises Lorenzo also to send some trusted person to tell M of Ludovico’s determination that the towns be restored by Siena before a general league is discussed and to say that, if M supports Florence in this, Florence will further his ambitions if a general league is discussed afterwards, or anything involving M’s interests: Ludovico Sforza in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 23 Oct 1481, MAP, 45, 14 and 13. By the time M received Lorenzo’s letter, the abbey had already been given to Giovanni Battista Orsini: Federico da Montefeltro at Fossombrone to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 29 Nov 1481, MAP, 45, 285. The breach between M and Girolamo Riario should be healed in a few days: S Ottieri in Rome to the Signoria of Siena, 3 Dec 1481, ASS, Conc, 2045, 17. According to Stefano Taverna and the Neapolitan ambassadors, M is very willing to accept a condotta with the League, but his present condotta with Sixtus and Naples forbids him to negotiate another until two months before it terminates; Milan is nevertheless asking Naples to try to persuade M to give an assurance of his intentions: G G Sforza to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 5 Dec 1481, MAP, 45, 198. M urges Ferrante to complete the giudizio on the towns, especially as he fears that the Venetians, if asked, would help the Sienese; however, although it should be given to please the Florentines, the giudizio should be kept secret, in order to reconcile the Sienese to it gradually: P F Pandolfini in Naples to the Otto, 10 Dec 1481, Otto, Resp, 2, 98. News from Urbino that M is ready to ride in defence of Ferrara and has told Sixtus that Ferrante made the first request of his services, according to the terms of the condotta: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 24 Dec 1481, Otto, Resp, 2, 124-5.

The Venetians have heard of Naples’o approaches to M and have offered to join Sixtus in giving M a condotta: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 Jan 1482, MAP, 51, 7. Tommaso Ridolfi tells Milan that Florence is prepared to negotiate with M but needs to know the conditions before committing herself: T Ridolfi in Milan to the Otto, 7 Jan 1482, MAP, 57, 7; Otto, Resp, 2, 158. News from Rome that the Venetian Senate has formally agreed to join Sixtus in M’s condotta; the League must therefore move quickly to ensure his services; Riario is said to be against it: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 8 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 162-3. There is pressure from Naples for a reply about M but the Florentines are waiting for Lorenzo’s return before deciding: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’E ste, 16 Jan 1482, ASMo, cit. Has written that he is angry at the rumours that Riario is spreading that he will join the Venetians; M is determined not to leave Ferrante’s service; Milan has agreed to share in M’s condotta, so that Florence’s reply is now awaited: P F Pandolfini at Naples to the Otto, 21 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 191. Pandolfini has received Florence’s approval in principle to M’s condotta, though her limited financial resources must be kept in mind: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 24 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 196. Antonello Petrucci assures Pier Filippo Pandolfini that Florence’s interests will be safeguarded: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 26 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 200.

From Urbino Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio reports that the negotiations with M will formally begin on 7 Mar, three months from the end of the present condotta: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 4 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 224. ‘We’ must try to discover what M’s intentions are; advice to Ludovico on how to proceed: Lorenzo de’ Medici to T Ridolfi, 13 Feb 1482, as reported by B Rucellai, 23 Feb 1482, MAP, 26, 295. Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio has confirmed that M is prepared to accept a condotta with the League; apparently, Sixtus rejected Giuliano della Rovere’s proposal of a joint condotta as a step towards a general league; because he will lose the title of gonfalonier of the Church, M has asked Ferrante to make him grand constable, a post Girolamo Riario now holds, at 4,000 ducats p a; this idea has been postponed temporarily, after Ferrante pointed out the consequences of it; M wants the title of captain of the League, with 65,000 ducats in peace and double that in war; the allies’ replies are needed quickly; someone is being sent with a mandate to M to join in signing the agreement: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 18 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 266. Ferrante suggested representatives be sent to Urbino with a mandate to conclude M’s condotta with the League: P F Pandolfini at Naples to the Otto, 18 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 266. M will be free publicly to negotiate condotte from 7 Mar: P Pandolfini to the Otto, 22 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 277. Gian Galeazzo Sforza agrees in principle to M’s condotta and has written to Naples for details: T Ridolfi in Milan to the Otto, 23 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 281. Ludovico Sforza acted on ‘your’ advice of 13 Feb to write to Naples about M and will probably also get Costanzo Sforza to sound out M informally: B Rucellai in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 23 Feb 1482, MAP, 26, 295. Ludovico says he will do as Lorenzo suggests about negotiating Ms condotta, particularly as Lorenzo had already suggested to Naples that the Milanese and Florentine orators should return via Urbino in order to negotiate the condotta within the time limit: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 26 Feb 1482, MAP, 51, 80.

Ludovico Sforza agrees that M’s condotta should be concluded quickly, but does not like Ferrante’s request for a mandate to negotiate; Bernardo Rucellai agreed but pointed out that it would not be difficult to organise a meeting of orators at Urbino; the idea is for a division of 30,000/20,000/10,000 ducats; although M wants 65,000, they hope to beat him down a little; at Milan they provisionally agreed on 30,000 to Naples, 12,000 to Florence and the rest to Milan; Milan has agreed with Z Saggi’s suggestion of sending Giovanni Angelo Talenti with Pier Filippo Pandolfini, on the way back from Naples; Zaccaria Saggi has heard M was also negotiating with Venice and therefore a special envoy might lose reputation: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 1 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 131. The Otto inform M that they have nominated Luigi Guicciardini as orator to him, to be in Urbino by the time stipulated; the Otto are delighted to hear of his good intentions towards them, which they fully believe: Otto to Federico da Montefeltro, 6 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 146. Luigi Guicciardini’s mandate urges him to travel quickly and reach an agreement with M as soon as possible, without, however, committing Florence to pay more than her proper share: 7 Mar 1482, Sig, LC, 21, 38. Pier Filippo Pandolfini will be associated with Guicciardini in this mission; an accompanying letter from Naples contains Ferrante’s latest views on M’s condotta: Otto to L Guicciardini, 8 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 152. Guidantonio Vespucci understands that one of the aims of the meeting in Urbino will be to discuss war plans: G A Vespucci in Rome to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 9 Mar 1482, MAP, 38, 109. Luigi Guicciardini arrived at Fossombrone, where he met M on 12 Mar, before Pandolfini or the Milanese arrived; he found M well disposed towards the League, particularly Florence: L Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 14 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 88.

The Milanese orators arrived at Fossombrone on 17 Mar, with pier Filippo Pandolfini and the Ferrarese orators, but were not allowed to see M until ‘questa combustione della luna’ had passed; negotiations should start on 20 Mar, Guicciardini felt, but he suspected the Milanese did not have a full mandate: L Guicciardini at Fossombrone to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 19 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 93. The Milanese did indeed have to write home for further instructions and delay ensued: L Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 95. Meanwhile, Florence was expecting the conclusion of a condotta: Otto to L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini in Urbino, 23 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 170. News from Urbino confirming M’s intentions of accepting a condotta with the League but implying that the business would take longer than ‘we’ would wish: B Rucellai in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 24 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 50. News from Fossombrone that Ferrante wants a provisione of 65,000 ducats for M, with Naples paying 25,000; Milan has apparently offered only 15,000 ducats, or 18-20,000 at the most; this will cause delays; Florence will pay 15,000, even though it is more than her usual rate: Otto to B Rucellai, 24 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 180; Otto to L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini, 25 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 181. Milan still feels M’s provisione should be 60,000 ducats, but is willing for their portion to go up to 25,000: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 26 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 148. The Otto are prepared to accept the capitoli sent on 25 Mar if their allies are; complete faith should be shown in M; Milan is prepared to put up 25,000 ducats, and this should remove the last difficulties; Florence will follow M’s opinion on how to prepare for war while, at the same time, trying to prevent it: Otto to L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini in Urbino, 28 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 182. News on war plans; tomorrow they are going to Urbino to complete the condotta, for which the Milanese now have a mandate: L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 29 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 101. Guidantonio Vespucci suspects something may be afoot between M and the cardinals; Pietro Felici is having a lot of audiences and there are reports of difficulties with the condotta being raised by Milan, so it must be concluded quickly; Venice’s reply to Ferrara may depend on it: G A Vespucci in Rome to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 30 Mar 1482, ------. Although Milan has sent word on how much it will contribute to the condotta, it has not replied about the capitoli which were sent, and the Milanese orators want to wait for a reply on these; M also wants to wait for an astrologically propoitious day to stipulate the contract, and says a few days’ delay will justify him more to Sixtus; so do not worry about the delay; M has agreed to go to Milan and says he will not insist that the 400 provvisionati and 100 men-at-arms for which he asked be ready before he leaves; he will go as soon as 200 provvisionati have arrived and will travel, he says, via Florence; he seems anxious for the trip: L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini in Urbino to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 31 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 103.

Although very unhappy with the capitoli (proposed by the Milanese orators at Urbino), Ludovico Sforza has instructed them to try first to remove or extenuate these terms and, if this is impossible, to accept them; Ludovico wants M to come to Milan: B Rucellai in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 104. Guidantonio Vespucci informs Lorenzo of a letter from Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio (dated from Urbino, 23 Mar), which he thinks ‘importantissimi e artifiosa’, especially as Anello Arcamone seems to have delayed showing it; the orators refused to do what it asked, as they lack such a commission; this, with Pietro Felici’s failure to associate as he ought with the League’s ambassadors, makes Vespucci think M is trying to ‘tenere in pie in due staffe’: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 Apr 1482, MAP, 38, 431. The Florentines fully accept the capitoli sent from Urbino; to them the secret capitolo made little difference one way or the other: Otto to L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini, 6 Apr 1482, Min, 12, 190-1. The condotta is expected to be signed on 12 Apr; then M will set off immediately for Milan; the delay is due to ‘la luna’, ‘ gli strologi’ and the Milanese orator: L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 108. A clause in the condotta provided that, if war did not break out, Costanzo Sforza would go to Florence and leave M in charge in Milan; as Florence did not want Costanzo, Bernardo Rucellai suggested to Ludovico Sforza that this would create a danger of M trying to take over in Milan: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 107. M’s condotta was stipulated this morning; at first it seemed it would not be done, because of the disputes caused by the Milanese, and M seemed to become annoyed, saying if it were not drawn up ‘al tempo dato’, it would have to wait until he was in Florence or Milan; so Giovanni Battista Bentivoglio stepped in and the contract was finally signed; the Milanese wanted a secret contract saying that if the appropriate mandate had not arrived from Milan by 15 Apr, it would be void, and this was apparently signed; it was even kept secret from the Ferrarese orator: L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 12 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 120. Pandolfini leaves Urbino today and ‘I’ plan to follow shortly: L Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 14 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 121. Florence is disappoined that the Milanese have delayed their confirmation until 15 Apr; the problem still seems to be the size of the contribution; if necessary, Florence and Naples should make up what Milan refuses to pay; this difficulty is the odder in that Milan is so insistent on M going there: Otto to L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini, 14 Apr 1482, Min, 12, 212. The reply from Milan has been such that the ‘contracto che serà facto da parte’ has been annulled and the contract of the condotta remains ‘stabile e fermo’; M is conducting himself like a real captain-general: L Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 15 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 122. Ludovico Sforza wrote to M to soothe his feelings about the delay over the condotta: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 22 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 127.

Ludovico is writing to M asking him to call on Federico Gonzaga when he leaves Ferrara; Milan wants him to join camp against the Rossi: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 2 May 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. Sixtus is holding up some of M’s men-at-arms who have been lodged around Fermo: F Ricci to G G Sforza, late Apr/early May 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 240. M went to Ferrara: 3 May 1482, Zambotti, 105. Florence wants his opinion regarding the situation in Ferrara before taking decisions: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 4 May 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambascaitori, Firenze, 3. M is worried about the fall of Mellara and the prospect of Venice moving her army and fleet to Ferrara; he wants Florence to send all possible infantry; M will go to the Ferrarese: Federico da Montefeltro at Rovere (opposite Mellara) to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 4 May 1482, MAP, 38, 444. Highly praised by Otto, who place much reliance on his skill and experience: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 7 May 1482, Min, 12, 250. M is to meet Ludovico Sforza at Pizzighettone next Sunday: G G Sforza to G G Trivulzio, 9 May 1482, ASMi, SPE, 843. Florence cannot afford to contribute to the infantry M needs: Otto to B Rucellai, 11 May 1482, Min, 12, 260-1. Is at Ficarolo; Ercole d’Este went to see him there to discuss the progress of the war: 21 May 1482, Zambotti, 107. M wanted Florentine standards, an envoy in the camp, clarification regarding his title, and more troops; Florence wants his advice on whether to attack Città di Castello or Perugia: Otto to Federico da Montefeltro, 24 May 1482, Min, 12, 270-1. Ludovico Sforza says Federico Gonzaga is to consult M about what to do with his troops, when they are ready: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 28 May 1482, ASMa, cit. Tommaso Ridolfi is to be the commissioner with M: Dieci to T Ridolfi, 29 May 1482, Min, 12, 281-2. Ludovico has written to M asking him to consider what Ferrante, Florence and Milan should do: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 30 May 1482, ASMa, cit. M’s views on strategy and the progress of the League’s campaigns; great hopes from the diversion at Città di Castello, to draw off the forces of the Church; if it can be secured for the League, M believes that Perugia will follow; if the Venetians take Ficarolo, all Lombardy open to them; Ferrante and Alfonso d’Aragona can do much good by keeping Girolamo Riario down in the south; M needs money urgently; can raise and is raising money from his own resources, but it would be better to get it from the League: Federico da Montefeltro to Ferrante 31 May 1482, ASMa, AG, 806; Federico da Montefeltro to N Filippo (Neapolitan secretary), 31 May 1482, ASMa, cit.

M has written to Giovanni Bentivoglio, urging him not to be lured by Venice; advised that Naples hire Giacomo Conte, and Milan fully agrees: G G Sforza to G A Cotta (with M), 1 June 1482, ASMi, SPE, Ferrara, 328. Florence wants M’s advice on whether Costanzo Sforza should go to Bologna or Tuscany: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 6 June 1482, Min, 12, 306. M urged Florence, Naples and Milan to fulfill their promise to Ferrara: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 12 June 1482, ASMo, cit. Ludovico Sforza has written to M to suggest that the League to try to restore the Ordelaffi and Manfredi, while Roberto Malatesta is away from the Romagna: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 13 June 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. M thinks it is too late to prevent Malatesta going to Rome, but believes the fall of Città di Castello will have much the same effect: E d’Este to G Bentivoglio, 15 June 1482, Dallari, 84. The Otto ask M to order Ottaviano [Ubaldini] to prepare his troops, up to 500 men-at-arms: Otto to Federico da Montefeltro, 16 June 1482, Min, 12, 329. M has not asked for any more infantry; has 3,000 pagati in the camp: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 18 June 1482, ASMa, cit. Ludovico Sforza says he always consults M because ‘ havendo in summa reverentia si per la prudentia e saver suo come etiamdio per haverselo trovato affectionatissimo quanto dir si potesse’: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 21 June 1482, ASMa, cit. The Otto praise M’s virtù: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 22 June 1482, Min, 12, 348-9. M has suggested measures to protect Ercole d’Este’s subjects when they gather crops; the Florentines approve, though they are dubious about sending M’s troops from Città di Castello to help: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 27 June 1482, Min, 12, 359-60. Tommaso Ridolfi is sent as Florentine commissioner to M to urge him to from the Romagna army right away: commission to T Ridolfi, 30 June 1482, Min, 12, 366-8. Ferrante, in a letter of 16 June, urges Ludovico Sforza to follow M’s advice always, ‘per essere SS di tanta prudentia e governo che non se possi perdere da quel canto ore la se ritrovi’; M wants to keep all his company with him; he thinks Venice is not going to attack Milan; Zaccaria Saggi thinks Ludovico and M are trying move the principal theatre of war to the Papal States: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 30 June 1482, ASMa, cit. M wants Giovanni Bentivoglio to join Galeotto Manfredi in protecting Este lands in Romagna; Bentivoglio replied on 3 July that could not go because waiting for money from Milan: E d’Este to G Bentivoglio, 2 July 1482, Dallari, 86. Milan accept M’s advice not to attempt further activity in the Bresciano: G G Sforza to Federico da Montefeltro, 4 July 1482, ASMi, SPE, Marca, 150. M insists Giovanni Bentivoglio should return to the Ferrarese: E d’Este to G Bentivoglio, 13 July 1482, Dallari, 88. M had asked Federico Gonzaga to send three squadrons; Gonzaga refused; Ludovico Sforza backs Gonzaga; has told M that Gonzaga’s company should not be split and that he cannot have Francesco Secco to guard La Stellata, as he wanted; M has ordered his troops at Città di Castello to go to Castrocaro and the Romagna to join him; Ercole d’Este and Ludovico want M to stay at Ferrara; Milan has ordered M’s troops to the Romagna when Città di Castello has fallen: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 14 July 1482, ASMa, AG, cit. Ferrara would have fallen if had not been for M; he is opposed to continuing the impresa at Celle and Citerna, and wants to withdraw his troops; Florentine troops could not accomplish it alone: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 17 July 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 455. M wants to withdraw his troops from area around Città di Castello, because he thinks the Florentine attack on Celle is a new impresa, of which he does not approve; Florence argues that it is not a new impresa, but essential for the defence of Città di Castello, besides which the Romagna impresa cannot be launched yet since Galeotto Manfredi and Giovanni Bentivoglio are not ready; it will not harm M to leave his troops for a few days: Otto to T Ridolfi, 18 July 1482, Min, 12, 410-11. M says Roberto Malatesta’s forces are increasing; he must have more infantry; Ludovico sends 300, which had been destined for the Cremonese; Ercole is now ready for M to go to Romagna, but could return to Ferrara if needed; Ludovico leaves the decision to them and to Gonzaga, as long as M comes to the Milanese if they are attacked: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 25 July 1482, ASMa, cit. Girolamo Conti, bishop of Massa, says that M sent a man to Sixtus to discuss peace: S Ottieri and L Lanti in Rome to the Balia of Siena, 27 July 1482, ASS, Balia, 504, 93. Florence wants M to the lead attack on Forlì in person; his skill and reputation would be of great help: Otto to T Ridolfi, 29 July 1482, Min, 12 444.

Has decided to stay at Ferrara and give the command of the Forlì impresa to his son Antonio: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 1 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. Is ill: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 4 Aug 1482, ASMo, cit. Has suggested that the League pay an annual provisione to Niccolò Vitelli: Otto to P Capponi, 5 Aug 1482, Min, 12, 449-50. The Otto feel that M is perhaps unwise in not going to Ferrara to recover properly: Otto to Federico da Montefeltro, 8 Aug 1482, Min, 12, 465. M is proposing to promise [his son-in-law] Agostino Fregoso immunity from attack at Sarzana for two years; the Otto and Lorenzo are prepared to agree, but M must present it, as his guarantee will persuade Otto to do so, because they have already refused the same suggestion from Milan: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 9 Aug 1482, ASMo, cit. Ludovico Sforza wants M’s opinion on whether he should attack Venice, as Ludovico thinks it is a good moment to do so; Ludovico says M favours attacking Imola instead: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 12 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. Antonello Petrucci wants to refer to M the question of whether members of the League are obliged to contribute to the Neapolitan infantry: B Castiglioni in Naples to G G Sforza, 13 Aug 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 240. M’s fever is subsiding: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 14 Aug 1482, Min, 12, 469-70. Ambassadors in Genoa are to be recalled to Milan if M agrees; Ludovico again asked M if they should continue to attack in the Romagna or attack Venice in the Veronese; Zaccaria Saggi thinks Ludovico is really determined not to attack Venice first, and if M recommends continuing in the Romagna, he will be under pressure from Milan: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 15 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. M has asked Giovanni Bentivoglio to join him in the camp: E d’Este to G Bentivoglio, 15 Aug 1482, Dallari, 286. Ferrante wants M to go to Forlì, if has not done so already: B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 16 Aug 1482, ASMi, cit. Ludovico is strongly urging M to agree to the impresa to recover Mellara and Castelnuovo: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 18 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. Naples is confident that M will say Milan must contribute to the expense of Alfonso Aragona’s infantry: B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 19 Aug 1482, ASMi, cit. Ludovico is urging M to bring troops from the Romagna for Federico Gonzaga’s impresa: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 21 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. Ludovico is complaining about M: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 22 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. The Florentines are discontented with M; not consulted enough: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 23 Aug 1482, ASMo, cit. The Otto want M’s opinion following the battle of Campomorto: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 25 Aug 1482, Min, 12, 496-7. Ludovico is still criticising M, especially his refusal to agree to the impresa of Mellara and Castelnuovo; says he is persisting with the Rromagna campaign because he is colluding with Lorenzo about it, for their own interests: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 25 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. M wants to beef up the Romagna campaign; is discontented; feels he is not esteemed and complains about Milan: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 27 Aug 1482, ASMo, cit. Ludovico is sending Guidantonio Arcimboldo to M to urge him to get on with the Mellara impresa and to forget the Romagna, particularly since defeat of Campomorto; although Ludovico is dissatified with M, he thinks that, as he is the captain, nothing should be done without his agreement: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 27 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. Ludovico, at the request of the Ferrarese ambassadors, wrote to M in his own hand, urging him not to go to the Romagna; Zaccaria Saggi still believes Ludovico is secretly encouraging M in his resolve and cannot believe that M would persist in crossing Ludovico if Ludovico was really in earnest: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 27 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. It is said in Florence that M wants to go to the Romagna: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’E ste, 30 Aug 1482, ASMo, cit. Letters of 27 and 28 Aug arrived in Milan to say that M is ill; Ludovico wants him to go to Revere to recover and for Francesco Secco to take command at Ferrara: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 30 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. M wants to go to Cremona for a change of air; he says the Florentines want him to send troops to defend Tuscany; Ludovico very cross: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 31 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit.

M arrived in Ferrara on his way to Bologna to seek a cure: 1 Sept 1482, Caleffini, 12. M’s removal to Bologna would further depress Ercole d’Este’s spirits; M’s presence was the main defence of Ferrara: Otto to B Rucellai, 2 Sept 1482, Min, 12, 523-4. Ludovico is not happy with M’s conduct of the campaign: N Michelozzi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 4 Sept 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 11, 7-8. Is dying; Ercole is concerned at the loss of M’s personal authority and feels it is essential that M’s troops stay in the Romagna: E d’Este to Antonio da Montecatini, 8 Sept 1482, ASM, cit. Died in Ferrara; Ercole again stresses that M’s men must stay in Romagna: E d’Este to Antonio da Montecatini, 10 Sept 1482, ASMo, cit. Ludovico is uneasy and confused because of M’s illness and rumours of his death; Simonetto Belprat is to be sent to Ferrara and Troiano [Bottone] to the Romagna to keep the Feltreschi quiet and reassured: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 11 Sept 1482, ASMa, cit; G G Sforza to B Castiglioni in Naples, ASMi, cit. Ludovico ‘ha preso e dispiacere grandissimo’ because of M’s death; some discussion of Roberto Malatesta as his replacement, but Milan is not making extra provisions for the campaign, as might be expected: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 12 Sept 1482, ASMa, cit. His death is a great blow to the League; ‘we’ could hope with his skills to have victory over our enemy; Milan enquires whether Ferrante thinks a successor should be appointed: G G Sforza to B Castiglioni, 12 Sept 1482, ASMi, cit. His death is a great blow; Braccio Martelli is on his way at full speed to Urbino; keep the Feltreschi there: Dieci to L Alamanni in the camp, 12 Sept 1482, Dieci, Miss, 14, 9-10. The Florentines ask that the standard which was to have been given to M be sent back to Florence: Dieci to B Gianfigliazzi, 21 Sept 1482, Dieci, LC, 5, 71-2. Blamed by Girolamo Riario as the cause of the alliance between Sixtus and Venice, and the cause of disunity in Italy: G A Vespucci in Rome to the Dieci, 12 May 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 332-3.

Bibliog: G Cerboni Baiardi et al, Federico di Montefeltro: lo stato, le arti, la cultura, 3 vols, Rome, 1986

 

Montefeltro, Guidobaldo da 1472-1508

Career: Duke of Urbino, 1482-1508. Son of Federico da Montefeltro and Battista Sforza; m Elisabetta Gonzaga (1471-1526), but the marriage was without issue and M was succeeded as duke by his nephew Francesco Maria della Rovere. Immediately following the death of Federico, the dominant figure in Urbino was Ottaviano Ubaldini. In 1502-3 M was temporarily ousted from the duchy by Cesare Borgia.

Refs: In the event of his father’s death during the lifetime of his condotta, M would enjoy the League’s protection and 15,000 ducats a year: ASMi, Registri Ducali, 34, 139-48. Ottaviano Ubaldini writes to Milan to ask for support for M, assuring them that the young duke will be loyal: O Ubaldini in Urbino to G G Sforza, 12 Sept 1482, ASMi, SPE, Marca, 150. Has taken the ducal insignia and been accepted by the people: Dieci to B Rucellai, 21 Sept 1482, Dieci, LC, 5, 2-4. Ubaldini and M have sent the Feltreschi troops back to the Ferrarese: Dieci to B Gianfigliazzi, 24 Sept 1482, Dieci, LC, 5, 72-5. Sixtus threatened to withdraw M’s investiture with Urbino if he attacks the Church: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 25 Oct 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. Ferrante has said he would like M to have the captaincy, in order to thwart Ludovico Sforza: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 1 Nov 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. Ferrante wants to give him a condotta on the same terms as his father had; the Dieci are thinking about this: Dieci to B Rucellai, 18 Nov 1482, Dieci, LC, 5, 30-1. Neither the Dieci nor Lorenzo are keen on this idea: Antonio da Montecatini to Ercole d’Este, 18 Nov 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 3. The Dieci are worried about the expense of a condotta: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’E ste, 20 Nov 1482, ASMo, cit. Ubaldini has written to Ercole d’Este’s envoy in Naples, requesting him to ask Ferrante to settle the Feltreschi condotta soon or M will be forced to go over to Venice, which is making tempting offers: B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 7 Dec 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241.

Wants men-at-arms; might look elsewhere if he does not get them; is worried about Sixtus’s freedom to punish vassals, according to the peace terms: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 3 Mar 1483, ASMo, cit. The League is worried that M will go over to Venice: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 29 Mar 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 197. Will be sent 10,000 ducats by Ferrante: P Capponi to Dieci, 31 Mar 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 207-8. M will agree to whatever agreed at the diet, but only if his arrears of pay are settled: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 2 Apr 1483, ASMo, cit. Is sending a man with a mandate to settle arrears and the condotta: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’E ste, 25 Apr 1483, ASMo, cit. There is expectation that the condotta with be decided soon: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Ferrara, 29 Apr 1483, Lettere, VII, 258. The condotta was confirmed 3 May; Lorenzo is content with it: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Ferrara, 4 May 1483, Lettere, VIII, 261. Has received his prestanza from Florence and 4,300 ducats from the Neapolitan ambassador there; is busily giving the prestanza to his troops: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 19 May 1483, ASMo, cit. Asked Florence to intercede with Milan concerning his father’s back pay: Otto to B Buongirolami, 16 July 1484 [Otto, Miss, 3, 76-7]. Named as one of Florence’s raccomandati in line with the terms of the peace of Bagnolo: Sig, Miss, 1a Canc, 49, 157. One of Milan’s collegati and aderenti after Bagnolo: 4 Oct 1484, Libri commemoriali, V, 289. Under the terms of the Milan-Naples deal, he will be hired by Ferrante: 19 Jan 1485, Dieci, Resp, 30, 194. Innocent is trying to hire him: 21 Nov 1485, MAP, 124, 9. Requests payment from Florence for military service: 6 Feb 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 99. Has made a deal with the pope for military service: 6 Apr 1486, MAP, 43, 3. A Florentine pratica with him is discussed in a letter of Piero Capponi to Lorenzo, but not in one to the Otto, who query this: 13 Apr 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 173-5. His palace in Milan is offered by Ludovico Sforza to Lorenzo to compensate for the sale of the Medici palace there: Lettere, IX, 247.

 

Montenero

Refs: Army commander on the Genoese side trying to introduce reinforcements into Pietrasanta: 21 Sept 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 196. Comes to Rome as representative of Girolamo di Sanseverino: 21 Nov 1485, MAP, 124, 9. Has a fusta at Civitavecchia: 17 Apr 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 177-80.

 

Montfort, François de 1435-1488

Career: Duke François II of Brittany from 1458, in succession to his uncle Arthur III; m Marguerite de Foix; father of Anne of Brittany, the last ruler of the independent duchy.

Refs: Without the rebellion M would have been the supreme arbiter of the kingdom: 4 Aug 1484, MAP, 39, 276. Cardinal Balue is on his side: 11 Aug 1484, MAP, 39, 280. Part of the opposition to the Beaujeu regime: 30 Jan 1485, MAP, 39, 73.

 

Monti, Giorgio

Ref: Commander of Genoese infantry in the Sarzana campaign: 12 Sept 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 147.

 

Morelli, Giovanni

Ref: Made commissioner in Fivizano where he is captain: 29 Oct 1485, Dieci, Delib, 24, 130.

 

Morelli, Girolamo di Matteo di Morello d. 1482

Career: Florentine doctor of laws who served as sea consul at Pisa, Dec 1468-Dec 1469; prior Jan/Feb 1471; an original deputy for S Croce in the Balia, 1471; accoppiatore, 1473; ambassador in Milan, corresponding with Lorenzo de’ Medici, June 1478-late 1479; prior, May/June 1479; member of the Dieci di Balia, 1479-82(?); one of the first half of the Council of 70, 1480; member of the Otto di Pratica, Apr-Oct 1480. One of the operari of the Mercanzie who commissioned Verrocchio’s Christ and St Thomas for Orsanmichele. 1480 Catasto: declaration by his widow and children; sostanze 1,652 fl.

Refs: According to M, Alfonso d’f Aragona wants a stipend of 60,000 ducats: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 15 Apr 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 299. A report of his death; he was a faithful friend of Ferrara: Antonio da Montecatini to Ercole d’Este, 21 Aug 1480, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 2. Died during the night of 20 Aug; ‘uomo de grande intellecto quanto ben pochi chi ci ne fusse’: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 21 Aug 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 300. [Presumably referring to a man of the same name] Is as powerful as P F Pandolfini in Lorenzo’s councils, but does not have quite the same ‘ingegno e astucia’ and is more timid and reluctant to give information: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 6 Feb 1481, ASMo, cit.

 

Morelli, Paolo

Ref: Cassiere of the Camera and camerlengo of the Dieci: 30 June 1485, Dieci, Delib, 30, 160.

 

Morello di Francia

Ref: Infantry constable hired by Florence: Dieci, Resp, 30, 287.

 

Mormilio, Bernardino

Refs: Alfonso d’Aragona’s treasurer; with the Neapolitan army in Abruzzi: list of troops, 8 July 1483, MAP, 61, 62. Sent by Alfonso to Florence to ask for his prestanza: Dieci to B Buongirolami, 31 Mar 1484, Otto, LC, 3, 41. Alfonso is sending M to speak to Lorenzo, on his way to Naples: Alfonso d’Aragona to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 29 Apr 1484, MAP, 45, 234.

 

Mormile, Troiano

Refs: Is coming to Florence as the representative of Alfonso d’Aragona to talk about his negotiations with Castracano, Bocholino da Osimo etc: 4 Apr 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 157-9. Talks in Florence about the war with Marino [Tomacelli], Stefano Taverna, Francesco da Iesi, [Francesco di] Magrino and two members of the Otto: 7 Apr 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 164-5. Discussing the pratica of Osimo and Iesi: 7 Apr 1486, Lettere varie, 11, 1a parte, 89.

 

Moro, Damiano

Refs: Named captain-general of the Po river fleet for the attack on Ferrara: 15 Apr 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 70-1. Ordered to leave Venice tonight without fail, to go to support Roberto di Sanseverino: 2 May 1482, ASV, Sen Terra, 8, 148. Instructed to inflict maximum damage on Ercole d’Este: Senate to D Moro, 19 May 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 96. Replaced by Girolamo Malipiero because he is ill [though some senators thought not?]: 20 June 1482, ASV, Sen Terra, 8, 155.

 

Moroni, Battista

Ref: Recommended as the brother of the late Milanese ambassador and humanist Tommaso Moroni (d 1476): Lorenzo de’ Medici to G G Sforza, 15 Jan 1481, Lettere, V, 115-17.

 

Morosini, Domenico 1417-1509

Career: Wealthy Venetian patrician who who repeatedly a savio and ducal elector, but did not serve as an ambassador or in Terraferma administration.

Refs: Savio del Consiglio who joined Francesco Michiel in insisting on ‘casoni’ being sent to the Polesine: Nov 1481, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 40. Ducal councillor who proposed, with Vettor Marcello, that the fleet which had been withdrawn from the Pugliese coast should not be sent back: 10 Aug 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 105. Opposed involvement in Ascanio Sforza’ s anti-Ludovico intrigues on the grounds that it would lead to the diversion of forces from Ferrara: 28 Sept 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 122. Led Senatorial determination to resist Roberto di Sanseverio’s attempt to change the fleet plan: 19 Oct 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 130-1. As Savio Grande, insisted that Roberto di Sanseverino should not be allowed to leave the camp: 7 Feb 1483, ASV, Sen Secr 30, 165. Opposed negotiations with Giovanni Lanfredini: 11 Apr 1483, ASV, Sen Secr, 31, 14. Pushed through additional help for Guido de’ Rossi: 3 May 1483, ASV, Sen Secr, 31, 16.

Bibliog: King, Venetian humanism, 409-10

 

Morosini, Marcantonio c. 1435-1509

Career: Venetian patrician and man of letters, whose service to the republic included embassies to Burgundy (1474-5), Florence (1479), Milan (1485-7), Naples (1488-90), and to Emperor Maximilian at Vigevano (1496). In 1483 he was provveditore with the army.

Refs: Ludovico Sforza played on Venetian fear of the Turks in his dealings with M, in the hope of staying well in with the republic: Lettere, IX, 137-8. Visited Ludovico at Vigevano to propose Venetian mediation between Innocent and the League: Lettere, IX, 238. Declared that, as Innocent had broken his promise to entrust the peace negotiations to Venice, he could not expect any help from them: Lettere, IX, 342.

Bibliog: King, Venetian humanism, 410-12.

 

Moschino

Ref: Master of Francesco Gonzaga’s barbary horses: 19 Jan 1485, ASMa, AG, 1102.

 

Moschioni, Cristoforo

Career: An associate of Bona of Savoy who plotted to poison her brother-in-law Ludovico Sforza and Roberto di Sanseverino, was arrested on 18 Jan 1481, imprisoned for four months and released for lack of proof.

Bibliog: G Romano, ‘Di un preteso attentato contro Ludovico il Moro e Roberto di Sanseverino’, ASL, 8 (1877), 342-5.

 

Muri, Pietro

Ref: Friend of Roberto di Sanseverino in Pisa: 12 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 256.

 

Murri, Ruffino delle Mura

Career: From 1471 he was many times sent as the duke of Savoy’s ambassador to Milan. In 1485, while in Milan, he was arrested and confessed to being in contact with Duchess Bona and preparing her flight.