Translation / modern text
Warsaw, 18 October 1696.
I am resolved to pursue by every permitted means redress for the insult I suffered at Magierów. You can do me no greater favour, Sir, than send from Lviv the records necessary for this. In view of what I am to you, you should take an interest in the justice I seek; I therefore have no doubt that you will contribute as much as you can. I await this favour from you, and also ask you to believe that I remain your very affectionate servant,
Cardinal d’Arquian.
Please convey my compliments to the grand hetman and all your family, not forgetting my dear daughter.
[Address:] To His Excellency the voivode of Ruthenia, at Mościska.
Original wording — transcription
A Varsovie le 18 8bre 1696.
Dans la resolution ou je suis de poursuivre par toutes sortes de voyes permises la reparation de l’insulte qui m’a esté faitte à Magherow, vous ne pouvés, Monsieur, m’obliger davantage que de m’envoyer de Leopol les actes necessaires pour cela. Comme par ce que je vous suis vous devés vous interesser à la justice que je demande, je ne doute nullement que vous n’y contribuies autant que vous pourrés. J’attens cette grace de vous et celle de me croire, Monsieur, vostre tres affectionné serviteur,
Le cardinal D’Arquian.
Mes complimens, Monsieur, s’il vous plaist à Monsieur le Grand general et à toute vostre famille sans oublier ma chere fille.
[Adres s. 5:] A Son Excellence Monseigneur le Palatin de Russie. W Mosciskach.
Reading notes
The date reads “18 8bre 1696”, meaning 18 October 1696, not August; the cover ends the range on 2 October 1696. Warsaw is legible in the date line. The address on p. 5 specifies the voivode of Ruthenia, although the cover collectively describes the recipient as voivode of Volhynia. The title belonging to this letter is retained; identification as Jan Jabłonowski comes from the unit description. “Magherow” is rendered as Magierów; “insulte” as insult, without adding physical assault, perpetrators or the course of events. The description of injury and demand for justice express the author’s position, not independent confirmation of the event. “Par ce que je vous suis” remains a reference to their relationship, without supplying a degree of kinship. The daughter’s name has not been established. The request for records does not prove that they were sent or establish the outcome of proceedings. All five pages were viewed; two letters, without an additional copy. Spelling and punctuation partly regularized.