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Letter #4644

Gdańsk Town Council to Ioannes DANTISCUS
Gdańsk (Danzig), 1546-07-02
            received Heilsberg (Lidzbark Warmiński), 1546-07-04

Manuscript sources:
1fair copy in German, in secretary's hand, AAWO, AB, D. 97, f. 106-107

Auxiliary sources:
1register in German, 20th-century, B. PAU-PAN, 8250 (TK 12), f. 311

 

Text & apparatus & commentaryPlain textText & commentaryText & apparatus

 

AAWO, AB, D.97, f. 106r

Hochwirdiger in Gott Furst, / Gnediger Herr(r).

Unnsere bereitwillige unnd unvordrossene dienste / seint Ew(er) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) bsundern vleisses czuvorn entpholen. /

Gnedig(er) Herr(r). /

Es hott unns unser vilgeliebter burgermeister / der eddele und bestrenge her Johann von Werden (Constellatus, cf. HE, No. 148, p. 150, footnote No. 12) (*1495 – †1554), 1526 Mayor of Gdańsk (Danzig), from 1527 Starost of Neuenburg (Nowe), 1532-1535, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1551 Burgrave of Gdańsk, from 1535 Starost of Preußisch Mark (Przezmark) (1535-1540 together with Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)), 1536/1537 envoy of the Council of Royal Prussia to the Diet of the Kingdom of Poland held in Cracow (SBPN 4, p. 433-435; ZDRENKA 2, p. 368-369; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 93, 161)Johann von WerdenJohann von Werden (Constellatus, cf. HE, No. 148, p. 150, footnote No. 12) (*1495 – †1554), 1526 Mayor of Gdańsk (Danzig), from 1527 Starost of Neuenburg (Nowe), 1532-1535, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1551 Burgrave of Gdańsk, from 1535 Starost of Preußisch Mark (Przezmark) (1535-1540 together with Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)), 1536/1537 envoy of the Council of Royal Prussia to the Diet of the Kingdom of Poland held in Cracow (SBPN 4, p. 433-435; ZDRENKA 2, p. 368-369; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 93, 161) / ufs Neuenburg (Nowe), town in northern Poland, Pomerania, on the Vistula river, 19 km N of GraudenzNewburckNeuenburg (Nowe), town in northern Poland, Pomerania, on the Vistula river, 19 km N of Graudenz und Preußisch Mark (Przezmark), village in northern Poland, Pomerania, 28 km S of Elbing (Elbląg), large castle formerly belonging to the Teutonic OrderPreuschenmarcktPreußisch Mark (Przezmark), village in northern Poland, Pomerania, 28 km S of Elbing (Elbląg), large castle formerly belonging to the Teutonic Order heuptman vormeldeth, / das E(wer) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) nicht vor guth und radtsam angesehn hab(e). / Dweil sich der czuck der verordenten batten des landes vorczeucht, / das sich die unsernn von den andern herren geschicktenn sundern / unnd also in unsern privat(e) Gdańsk (Danzig, Dantiscum), city in northern Poland, on the Bay of Gdańsk at the mouth of the Vistula, on the Baltic, the biggest and wealthiest of the three Great Prussian Cities (Gdańsk, Thorn (Toruń), and Elbing (Elbląg)) with representation in the Council of Royal Prussia; a member of the Hanseatic LeaguestadtGdańsk (Danzig, Dantiscum), city in northern Poland, on the Bay of Gdańsk at the mouth of the Vistula, on the Baltic, the biggest and wealthiest of the three Great Prussian Cities (Gdańsk, Thorn (Toruń), and Elbing (Elbląg)) with representation in the Council of Royal Prussia; a member of the Hanseatic League geschefftenn / die wir Johann von Werden (Constellatus, cf. HE, No. 148, p. 150, footnote No. 12) (*1495 – †1554), 1526 Mayor of Gdańsk (Danzig), from 1527 Starost of Neuenburg (Nowe), 1532-1535, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1551 Burgrave of Gdańsk, from 1535 Starost of Preußisch Mark (Przezmark) (1535-1540 together with Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)), 1536/1537 envoy of the Council of Royal Prussia to the Diet of the Kingdom of Poland held in Cracow (SBPN 4, p. 433-435; ZDRENKA 2, p. 368-369; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 93, 161)s(eine) g(nad)eJohann von Werden (Constellatus, cf. HE, No. 148, p. 150, footnote No. 12) (*1495 – †1554), 1526 Mayor of Gdańsk (Danzig), from 1527 Starost of Neuenburg (Nowe), 1532-1535, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1551 Burgrave of Gdańsk, from 1535 Starost of Preußisch Mark (Przezmark) (1535-1540 together with Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)), 1536/1537 envoy of the Council of Royal Prussia to the Diet of the Kingdom of Poland held in Cracow (SBPN 4, p. 433-435; ZDRENKA 2, p. 368-369; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 93, 161) auf<e>rlegt / an die Sigismund II Augustus Jagiellon (Zygmunt II August) (*1520 – †1572), 1529-1572 Grand Duke of Lithuania (ruled from 1544); 1530-1572 King of Poland (crowned vivente rege (ruled from 1548, after the death of his father); son of Sigismund I Jagiellon and Bona Sforzajunge ko(niglich)e ma(ieste)tSigismund II Augustus Jagiellon (Zygmunt II August) (*1520 – †1572), 1529-1572 Grand Duke of Lithuania (ruled from 1544); 1530-1572 King of Poland (crowned vivente rege (ruled from 1548, after the death of his father); son of Sigismund I Jagiellon and Bona Sforza begeben thette ... illegible...... illegible viewol wir solchs alles yn unnsern radtschleg(en) bey uns bewog(en). Dweil wir aber aus den ursachen / wie gemelter unser lieben Johann von Werden (Constellatus, cf. HE, No. 148, p. 150, footnote No. 12) (*1495 – †1554), 1526 Mayor of Gdańsk (Danzig), from 1527 Starost of Neuenburg (Nowe), 1532-1535, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1551 Burgrave of Gdańsk, from 1535 Starost of Preußisch Mark (Przezmark) (1535-1540 together with Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)), 1536/1537 envoy of the Council of Royal Prussia to the Diet of the Kingdom of Poland held in Cracow (SBPN 4, p. 433-435; ZDRENKA 2, p. 368-369; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 93, 161)burgermeisterJohann von Werden (Constellatus, cf. HE, No. 148, p. 150, footnote No. 12) (*1495 – †1554), 1526 Mayor of Gdańsk (Danzig), from 1527 Starost of Neuenburg (Nowe), 1532-1535, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1551 Burgrave of Gdańsk, from 1535 Starost of Preußisch Mark (Przezmark) (1535-1540 together with Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)), 1536/1537 envoy of the Council of Royal Prussia to the Diet of the Kingdom of Poland held in Cracow (SBPN 4, p. 433-435; ZDRENKA 2, p. 368-369; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 93, 161) uns anczeiget unnd / E(wer) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) erczelet hab. / Auch weitter der erbar unnd namhaftige her Georg Schewecke (Georg Scheffke) (*1491 – †1547), 1522 Gdańsk alderman; 1525 - town councillor; 1528 - judge; 1531 - mayor; 1536-1537, 1540, 1542-1545 - burgrave; 1534 Gdańsk envoy to convention in Lüneburg in affairs of seafaring and conflicts with Lübeck (AT 15, p. 501, 510; AT 16/1, p. 42, 44; ZDRENKA 2, p. 275)Jurg(en) SchevckeGeorg Schewecke (Georg Scheffke) (*1491 – †1547), 1522 Gdańsk alderman; 1525 - town councillor; 1528 - judge; 1531 - mayor; 1536-1537, 1540, 1542-1545 - burgrave; 1534 Gdańsk envoy to convention in Lüneburg in affairs of seafaring and conflicts with Lübeck (AT 15, p. 501, 510; AT 16/1, p. 42, 44; ZDRENKA 2, p. 275) / unser obligen / Ew(er) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) berichtenn wirt / nicht sehn / wie wir ane ungelimpt und ko(niglicher) ungnade / die Sigismund II Augustus Jagiellon (Zygmunt II August) (*1520 – †1572), 1529-1572 Grand Duke of Lithuania (ruled from 1544); 1530-1572 King of Poland (crowned vivente rege (ruled from 1548, after the death of his father); son of Sigismund I Jagiellon and Bona Sforzajunge k(oniglich)e ma(ieste)tSigismund II Augustus Jagiellon (Zygmunt II August) (*1520 – †1572), 1529-1572 Grand Duke of Lithuania (ruled from 1544); 1530-1572 King of Poland (crowned vivente rege (ruled from 1548, after the death of his father); son of Sigismund I Jagiellon and Bona Sforza u(nser) a(llergnediger) h(err) czubeschicken nochlossenn mögenn. / Dweil wir eygentlich(e)n berichtet seint, / das ihre Sigismund II Augustus Jagiellon (Zygmunt II August) (*1520 – †1572), 1529-1572 Grand Duke of Lithuania (ruled from 1544); 1530-1572 King of Poland (crowned vivente rege (ruled from 1548, after the death of his father); son of Sigismund I Jagiellon and Bona Sforzako(niglich)e ma(ieste)tSigismund II Augustus Jagiellon (Zygmunt II August) (*1520 – †1572), 1529-1572 Grand Duke of Lithuania (ruled from 1544); 1530-1572 King of Poland (crowned vivente rege (ruled from 1548, after the death of his father); son of Sigismund I Jagiellon and Bona Sforza gereth ethwan nicht geringe arckwanickeit(!) jegenn unns / aus dem vorfasseth hott, / das solche bothschafft von uns vorm jare nicht vortgegangenn ist. / So wie superinscribedwiewie superinscribed wir dassmol vorgehabt / ihrer ko(nigliche)n ma(ieste)t bey kommenn ist. Dweil ab(er) aus vilen ursach(e)n unsers erachtenns / die wir unserm obgemeltenn lieben Johann von Werden (Constellatus, cf. HE, No. 148, p. 150, footnote No. 12) (*1495 – †1554), 1526 Mayor of Gdańsk (Danzig), from 1527 Starost of Neuenburg (Nowe), 1532-1535, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1551 Burgrave of Gdańsk, from 1535 Starost of Preußisch Mark (Przezmark) (1535-1540 together with Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)), 1536/1537 envoy of the Council of Royal Prussia to the Diet of the Kingdom of Poland held in Cracow (SBPN 4, p. 433-435; ZDRENKA 2, p. 368-369; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 93, 161)burgermeisterJohann von Werden (Constellatus, cf. HE, No. 148, p. 150, footnote No. 12) (*1495 – †1554), 1526 Mayor of Gdańsk (Danzig), from 1527 Starost of Neuenburg (Nowe), 1532-1535, 1538, 1539, 1546, 1551 Burgrave of Gdańsk, from 1535 Starost of Preußisch Mark (Przezmark) (1535-1540 together with Achatius von Zehmen (Cema)), 1536/1537 envoy of the Council of Royal Prussia to the Diet of the Kingdom of Poland held in Cracow (SBPN 4, p. 433-435; ZDRENKA 2, p. 368-369; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 93, 161) czugeschrieben / auff weitter erwegen E(wer) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) czuvormelden / und unsers erachtens AAWO, AB, D.97, f. 106v nicht unradtsam were / do yo der czuck noch Cracow (Kraków, Cracovia), city in southern Poland, Małopolska, on the Vistula river, from 1038 capital of the Kingdom of PolandCrakaCracow (Kraków, Cracovia), city in southern Poland, Małopolska, on the Vistula river, from 1038 capital of the Kingdom of Poland yn einen aufsthub gelangete, / das der yn LithuaniaLittawenLithuania yo czum wenigsten abgelegt were. / Derwegen ist unser dinstlich unnd fleissick bith, / es wolle E(wer) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) sich dissmol durch uns dohin bewegenn / unnd in der gnade finden lossenn / und dem Tiedemann Giese (Tidemannus Gisius) (*1480 – †1550), in 1519 ennobled by King Sigismund I; 1504-1538 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1516-1527, 1533-1537 Judicial Vicar and Vicar General of Ermland; 1523-1538 Custos of Ermland; 1537-1549 Bishop of Kulm (Chełmno); 1549-1550 Bishop of Ermland (BORAWSKA 1984, passim)hernn vonn ColmenseheTiedemann Giese (Tidemannus Gisius) (*1480 – †1550), in 1519 ennobled by King Sigismund I; 1504-1538 Canon of Ermland (Warmia); 1516-1527, 1533-1537 Judicial Vicar and Vicar General of Ermland; 1523-1538 Custos of Ermland; 1537-1549 Bishop of Kulm (Chełmno); 1549-1550 Bishop of Ermland (BORAWSKA 1984, passim) / sampt dem hern Stanisław Kostka (*1487 – †1555), as a leader of the so-called nobles' party active in Royal Prussia since 1536, Kostka stood in opposition to most of the members of the Council of Royal Prussia, who wanted to maintain the autonomy of the province and a "balance of power" in terms of governance. The tension between the Prussian Subtreasurer and the Council had been increasing since the Diet in Graudenz (Grudziądz) in 1533. Kostka, connected with the royal court since his youth, was sent to Graudenz as the King's deputy and, contrary to custom, decided to take part in the proceedings. In response to such a step, the Council members stopped the meeting. Kostka accused them of hostility towards the Poles and intervened on this matter at the court. In the absence of the then Bishop of Ermland (Mauritius Ferber) it was Dantiscus who chaired the Graudenz Diet. The incident badly harmed his future relationships with Kostka; 1531-1555 Treasurer of the Prussian lands and Treasurer of Marienburg (Malbork); 1544-1545 Castellan of Elbing (Elbląg), 1545-1546 Castellan of Kulm (Chełmno); 1546-1549 Vice-Voivode of Kulm; 1546-1551 Voivode of Pomerania; 1551-1555 Voivode of Kulm (PSB 14, p. 356; Urzędnicy 5/2, p. 216; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 119-123)marienburgisch(e)n woywoddennStanisław Kostka (*1487 – †1555), as a leader of the so-called nobles' party active in Royal Prussia since 1536, Kostka stood in opposition to most of the members of the Council of Royal Prussia, who wanted to maintain the autonomy of the province and a "balance of power" in terms of governance. The tension between the Prussian Subtreasurer and the Council had been increasing since the Diet in Graudenz (Grudziądz) in 1533. Kostka, connected with the royal court since his youth, was sent to Graudenz as the King's deputy and, contrary to custom, decided to take part in the proceedings. In response to such a step, the Council members stopped the meeting. Kostka accused them of hostility towards the Poles and intervened on this matter at the court. In the absence of the then Bishop of Ermland (Mauritius Ferber) it was Dantiscus who chaired the Graudenz Diet. The incident badly harmed his future relationships with Kostka; 1531-1555 Treasurer of the Prussian lands and Treasurer of Marienburg (Malbork); 1544-1545 Castellan of Elbing (Elbląg), 1545-1546 Castellan of Kulm (Chełmno); 1546-1549 Vice-Voivode of Kulm; 1546-1551 Voivode of Pomerania; 1551-1555 Voivode of Kulm (PSB 14, p. 356; Urzędnicy 5/2, p. 216; MAŁŁEK 1976, p. 119-123) gnedicklich schreibenn, / das sie sich dissmoll nuth dem landes befehlich / ann die Sigismund II Augustus Jagiellon (Zygmunt II August) (*1520 – †1572), 1529-1572 Grand Duke of Lithuania (ruled from 1544); 1530-1572 King of Poland (crowned vivente rege (ruled from 1548, after the death of his father); son of Sigismund I Jagiellon and Bona Sforzajunge ko(niglich)e ma(iesta)tSigismund II Augustus Jagiellon (Zygmunt II August) (*1520 – †1572), 1529-1572 Grand Duke of Lithuania (ruled from 1544); 1530-1572 King of Poland (crowned vivente rege (ruled from 1548, after the death of his father); son of Sigismund I Jagiellon and Bona Sforza czuczih(e)n bekemenn / und den selbig(en) bey s(eine) jung(en) ko(nigliche)n ma(iesta)t ablegenn woltenn den so E(wer) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) in mitlerczeit von Cracow (Kraków, Cracovia), city in southern Poland, Małopolska, on the Vistula river, from 1038 capital of the Kingdom of PolandKrakeCracow (Kraków, Cracovia), city in southern Poland, Małopolska, on the Vistula river, from 1038 capital of the Kingdom of Poland bescheide uberkumpt / das die Sigismund I Jagiellon (Zygmunt I) (*1467 – †1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1506-1548); Duke of Głogów (Glogau) (1499-1506), Duke of Opava (1501-1506), Governor of Silesia (1504-1506); son of King Kazimierz IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth of Austriako(niglich)e ma(ieste)tSigismund I Jagiellon (Zygmunt I) (*1467 – †1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1506-1548); Duke of Głogów (Glogau) (1499-1506), Duke of Opava (1501-1506), Governor of Silesia (1504-1506); son of King Kazimierz IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth of Austria unns vor dem Diet of Poland reichstageDiet of Poland , / wie wir aus mennicherley bedencken acht(en) nicht gescheen wirt / hoen wolte. / Als dann konnte E(wer) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) uns solchs jegen der wille durch einen reittenden botten vormeldenn, / das wir von do ab vortczögenn. / Do auch ihre Sigismund I Jagiellon (Zygmunt I) (*1467 – †1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1506-1548); Duke of Głogów (Glogau) (1499-1506), Duke of Opava (1501-1506), Governor of Silesia (1504-1506); son of King Kazimierz IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth of Austriako(niglich)e ma(ieste)tSigismund I Jagiellon (Zygmunt I) (*1467 – †1548), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1506-1548); Duke of Głogów (Glogau) (1499-1506), Duke of Opava (1501-1506), Governor of Silesia (1504-1506); son of King Kazimierz IV Jagiellon and Elisabeth of Austria unns in dem Diet of Poland reichstageDiet of Poland czuhörenn auffschube / so were yo der wegk geendt(?) / und konnen mith mehrem fugk unnd bekennickeit. / Auch vorhuttunge unnuczer czerunge alhier von haus jen Cracow (Kraków, Cracovia), city in southern Poland, Małopolska, on the Vistula river, from 1038 capital of the Kingdom of PolandKrakeCracow (Kraków, Cracovia), city in southern Poland, Małopolska, on the Vistula river, from 1038 capital of the Kingdom of Poland / den ... illegible...... illegible von hin in LithuaniaLittawennLithuania, durch Littawenn durch jen Kraka geczogen wurd(en) / welchs wir alles E(wer) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) ihrem vonn Gott / hern furstlich(e)n verstannde noch / czuer wegenn / wollenn ann heim gesseczt habenn.

Die wir hiermit dem liebens Gott inn lange leibs geAAWO, AB, D.97, f. 107rsuntheit paper damaged[ntheit]ntheit paper damaged unnd glucksseliger regierunge thuenn entfehlenn.

E(wer) H(ochwirdigste) G(nade) dinstwillige Gdańsk Town Council burgermeistere und radtmanne der ko(nigliche)n stadt DanczickGdańsk Town Council