Translation / modern text
Esteemed and distinguished gentlemen!
Your reference, in the letter recently delivered to me, to the office of secretary, and your congratulations — admittedly late — on the office granted by His Royal Majesty, my most gracious lord, I attribute to the special goodwill you always show to those endowed with that dignity. I receive these late congratulations neither unwillingly nor ungratefully. I have always been convinced of this city’s and your particular favour towards every virtue and those who possess it, as I myself experienced when I was here some years ago.
Therefore, if you show me the same [...] as my predecessors, you may expect no less from me for yourselves and your affairs than they provided through their labour and diligence.
As to the matter [...] I was pleased to hear the information conveyed by [...]. [The following passage concerning the city’s business, submitted papers and promise of help has not been fully read.] I wish you every happiness.
Warsaw, 2 January 1642. [...] Guttinius.
[Postscript:] I thank you for the gift of fifteen thalers sent to me [part of the formula illegible].
Original wording — transcription
Spectabiles et Mag[nifici] D[omi]ni, D[omi]ni Honorandi.
Quod Spect[abiles] DD VV suis literis, quae mihi nuperrime redditae sunt, [...] Secret[arii] officii [...] meminerint, et ut fateamur licet tarde officium Secret[arii], quod mihi [...] contulit R[egia] M[aiestas], D[omi]nus meus clemen[tissimus], congratulentur: id totum adscribo singulari benevolentiae, quam semper contestantur erga eos, quos hac decorantur dignitate. Quod tardius id fecerint, nec invito nec ingrato animo id suscipio: cum optime semper fuerim persuasus de singulari huius Metropolis ac Spect[abilium] DD V[estrarum] erga omnes virtutes et viros praeditos benevolentia, quod egomet hic ante aliquot annos praesens sum expertus. Quamobrem si [...] DD VV me ea gratitudine, qua me Antecessoribus meis [...] solebant, prosequentur: nihil minus a me sibi et rebus suis [...] polliceri possunt, quod ipsi Antecessores mei sua opera et solertate praestiterunt. Quantum attinet negotium [...] audivi libenter ea quae mihi [...] retulit [...]. [Dalsza część nie w pełni odczytana.] [...] felicitatem auguror. Varsaviae 2 Januarii 1642.
[...] Guttinius.
[Na dole:] Pro munusculo XV talerorum mihi [...] transmisso gratias ago [...] DD VV.
Reading notes
The whole of page 2 was inspected. A long middle and closing passage remains incomplete, without reconstructing the city’s business. The year was read from the date as 1642, not 1672. XV talerorum is legible. The full title of office and circumstances of appointment are undetermined. Author from the cover; signature Guttinius. The gift has not been identified as a bribe.
Other letters in this unit
- Thanks for congratulations and a promise to assist the city
- Goods securing four thousand florins
- Renewed request to redeem goods
- Redemption of a pledge, litigation and an account of 1,300 florins
- Thanks to Hayder and a promise to approach the judge