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Letter #1742

[Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Jan CHOJEŃSKI]
Graudenz (Grudziądz), 1537-10-05

English register: Dantiscus expresses his conviction that Chojeński is a mainstay for him in the matters about which he wrote to him extensively in the letter of October 1 (letter CEID 1.1, No. 48, p. 262-269 IDL 1737). He informed him about the sessions of the Prussian assembly in the brief letter sent through Mikołaj Nipszyc (letter CEID CEID 1.1, No. 51, p. 275 IDL 1740). The present letter serves as authorization for Mikołaj Nipszyc as the messenger who will orally present an urgent matter of state importance at the royal court on behalf of the Prussian Council. Dantiscus asks Chojeński to help Nipszyc reach the king and present the problem. Nipszyc has not been supplied with credentials with the seal of the Prussian Council because the envoys from Elbląg, whose councilors are traditional keepers of the seal, have still not reached the assembly. These credentials, addressed to Chojeński (CEID appendix II ID 163 ) and to the king (CEID appendix I ID 162), will be sent at a later date.


Manuscript sources:
1rough draft in Latin, autograph, BCz, 244, p. 271

Auxiliary sources:
1register in Polish, 20th-century, B. PAU-PAN, 8248 (TK 10), f. 609

Prints:
1CEID 1/1 No. 52, p. 276-278 (in extenso; English register)

 

Text & apparatus & commentaryPlain textText & commentaryText & apparatus

 

Reverendissime in Christo Pater et Domine, Domine mi colendissime. Salutem et mei commendationem plurimam.

Pauloante, hoc est prima die huius mensis, hinc Dominationi Vestrae Reverendissimae de rebus meis copiose cf. [Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Jan CHOJEŃSKI] Graudenz (Grudziądz), 1537-10-01, CIDTC IDL 1737⌊scripsicf. [Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Jan CHOJEŃSKI] Graudenz (Grudziądz), 1537-10-01, CIDTC IDL 1737⌋, totaque mea spes, quantum homini in hominem licet, in benevolentia et favore Dominationis Vestrae Reverendissimae nititur, et cf. Pl. Mos. 350 occidit spes nostra, nusquam stabulum est confidentiae ⌊stabulum bonae confidentiaecf. Pl. Mos. 350 occidit spes nostra, nusquam stabulum est confidentiae ⌋collocavit. Neque ambigo, quin Dominatio Vestra Reverendissima omnia ea effecerit, quae mihi commodare necessariaque esse existimabat. Quae hinc alia scribam, non habeo, maxime, cum bonus frater meus Nikolaus Nibschitz (Mikołaj Nipszyc) (*ca. 1483 – †1541), royal courtier, diplomat in the service of Sigismund I and Albrecht von Hohenzollern-Ansbach, Dantiscus' friend; from 1525 until his death an official representative of Duke Albrecht at the Cracow royal court; from 1532 royal secretary; 1519 royal envoy to Albrecht von Hohenzollern, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, 1525, 1526 envoy to Hungary, 1527 envoy to the Congress in Wrocław, 1531-1533, 1537 envoy to Ferdinand I of Habsburg, 1535-1537, 1540 envoy to Brandenburg, 1536 envoy to the estates of Livonia⌊dominus NibschiczNikolaus Nibschitz (Mikołaj Nipszyc) (*ca. 1483 – †1541), royal courtier, diplomat in the service of Sigismund I and Albrecht von Hohenzollern-Ansbach, Dantiscus' friend; from 1525 until his death an official representative of Duke Albrecht at the Cracow royal court; from 1532 royal secretary; 1519 royal envoy to Albrecht von Hohenzollern, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, 1525, 1526 envoy to Hungary, 1527 envoy to the Congress in Wrocław, 1531-1533, 1537 envoy to Ferdinand I of Habsburg, 1535-1537, 1540 envoy to Brandenburg, 1536 envoy to the estates of Livonia⌋ cf. [Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Jan CHOJEŃSKI] [Graudenz (Grudziądz)], [1537-10-04], CIDTC IDL 1740⌊non longam, sed vivam litteram de singulis, quae hic acta suntcf. [Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Jan CHOJEŃSKI] [Graudenz (Grudziądz)], [1537-10-04], CIDTC IDL 1740⌋, secum feret. Quem tandem molestissime hic moram ferentem, quantum fieri potuit in mandatis regiis contentum, cum responso Council of Royal Prussia the most important local authority in Royal Prussia. It consisted of two bishops (of Ermland (Warmia), who served as the Council’s president, and of Kulm (Chełmno)), three voivodes (of Kulm, Marienburg (Malbork), and Pomerania), three castellans (of Kulm, Elbing (Elbląg), and Gdańsk (Danzig)), three chamberlains (of Kulm, Marienburg, and Pomerania), and representatives of the three Great Prussian Cities – Gdańsk, Thorn (Toruń), and Elbing (ACHREMCZYK 2016, p. 17-18)⌊domini consiliariiCouncil of Royal Prussia the most important local authority in Royal Prussia. It consisted of two bishops (of Ermland (Warmia), who served as the Council’s president, and of Kulm (Chełmno)), three voivodes (of Kulm, Marienburg (Malbork), and Pomerania), three castellans (of Kulm, Elbing (Elbląg), and Gdańsk (Danzig)), three chamberlains (of Kulm, Marienburg, and Pomerania), and representatives of the three Great Prussian Cities – Gdańsk, Thorn (Toruń), and Elbing (ACHREMCZYK 2016, p. 17-18)⌋ absolverunt. Rogaruntque ab eo, ut quaedam secreto ei communicata, quae tum in rem 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 Austria⌊serenissimae maiestatis regiaeSigismund 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⌋ et Poland (Kingdom of Poland, Polonia)⌊RegniPoland (Kingdom of Poland, Polonia)⌋, tum etiam Prussia, region in central Europe, bordered by Pomerania, Poland, Lithuania and Livonia. From 1466 Prussia was divided into Royal Prussia (Prussia Regalis), which was a part of the Kingdom of Poland, and Teutonic Prussia (Prussia Ordinis Theutonici) – covering the remnants of the former territory of the Teutonic Order’s state in Prussia. In 1525, the Order’s last Grand Master, Albrecht von Hohenzollern, converted to Lutheranism and became the first lay duke in former Teutonic Prussia (dux in Prussia), which from then on was called Ducal Prussia (Prussia Ducalis). At that time, as a result of the treaty of Cracow, Ducal Prussia became a fief of the kings of Poland⌊harum terrarumPrussia, region in central Europe, bordered by Pomerania, Poland, Lithuania and Livonia. From 1466 Prussia was divided into Royal Prussia (Prussia Regalis), which was a part of the Kingdom of Poland, and Teutonic Prussia (Prussia Ordinis Theutonici) – covering the remnants of the former territory of the Teutonic Order’s state in Prussia. In 1525, the Order’s last Grand Master, Albrecht von Hohenzollern, converted to Lutheranism and became the first lay duke in former Teutonic Prussia (dux in Prussia), which from then on was called Ducal Prussia (Prussia Ducalis). At that time, as a result of the treaty of Cracow, Ducal Prussia became a fief of the kings of Poland⌋ commoda atque necessaria esse arbitrati sunt, Dominationi Vestrae Reverendissimae in primis, et deinde cum consilio Dominationis Vestrae Reverendissimae 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 Austria⌊serenissimae maiestati regiaeSigismund 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⌋ referret, dedissentque ei litteras fidem facientes, si habuissent sigillum, quod Elbing Town Council ⌊magistratus ElbingensisElbing Town Council ⌋ [e]x officio apud [s]e conservat[1]. Nuntios [s]uos cum sigillo [h]uc misissent, qui [a]dhuc expectantur. Mittent tamen eiusmodi litteras paulopost[2]. Rogaruntque me Council of Royal Prussia the most important local authority in Royal Prussia. It consisted of two bishops (of Ermland (Warmia), who served as the Council’s president, and of Kulm (Chełmno)), three voivodes (of Kulm, Marienburg (Malbork), and Pomerania), three castellans (of Kulm, Elbing (Elbląg), and Gdańsk (Danzig)), three chamberlains (of Kulm, Marienburg, and Pomerania), and representatives of the three Great Prussian Cities – Gdańsk, Thorn (Toruń), and Elbing (ACHREMCZYK 2016, p. 17-18)⌊domini consiliariiCouncil of Royal Prussia the most important local authority in Royal Prussia. It consisted of two bishops (of Ermland (Warmia), who served as the Council’s president, and of Kulm (Chełmno)), three voivodes (of Kulm, Marienburg (Malbork), and Pomerania), three castellans (of Kulm, Elbing (Elbląg), and Gdańsk (Danzig)), three chamberlains (of Kulm, Marienburg, and Pomerania), and representatives of the three Great Prussian Cities – Gdańsk, Thorn (Toruń), and Elbing (ACHREMCZYK 2016, p. 17-18)⌋ , quantum possem impensius, Dominationem Vestram Reverendissimam orarem, ut ipsi Nikolaus Nibschitz (Mikołaj Nipszyc) (*ca. 1483 – †1541), royal courtier, diplomat in the service of Sigismund I and Albrecht von Hohenzollern-Ansbach, Dantiscus' friend; from 1525 until his death an official representative of Duke Albrecht at the Cracow royal court; from 1532 royal secretary; 1519 royal envoy to Albrecht von Hohenzollern, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, 1525, 1526 envoy to Hungary, 1527 envoy to the Congress in Wrocław, 1531-1533, 1537 envoy to Ferdinand I of Habsburg, 1535-1537, 1540 envoy to Brandenburg, 1536 envoy to the estates of Livonia⌊domino NibschiczNikolaus Nibschitz (Mikołaj Nipszyc) (*ca. 1483 – †1541), royal courtier, diplomat in the service of Sigismund I and Albrecht von Hohenzollern-Ansbach, Dantiscus' friend; from 1525 until his death an official representative of Duke Albrecht at the Cracow royal court; from 1532 royal secretary; 1519 royal envoy to Albrecht von Hohenzollern, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, 1525, 1526 envoy to Hungary, 1527 envoy to the Congress in Wrocław, 1531-1533, 1537 envoy to Ferdinand I of Habsburg, 1535-1537, 1540 envoy to Brandenburg, 1536 envoy to the estates of Livonia⌋ in iis, quae illorum nomine 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 Austria⌊serenissimae maiestati regiaeSigismund 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⌋ exponet, adesse, desideriis eorum et consilio, quod fidelissime in notitiam 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 Austria⌊serenissimae maiestatis regiaeSigismund 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⌋ deduci cupiunt, adminiculum suum praestare dignetur. Quod illi unamecum omni gratitudine et servitiis suis promereri erga Dominationem Vestram Reverendissimam studebunt sedulo. Cui ea in re me et illos in summam benevolentiam et gratiam Dominationis Vestrae Reverendissimae summopere diligentissimeque commendo. Dominus Deus eandem Dominationem Vestram Reverendissimam quam diutissime sospitet {ac} prosperetque in omnibus.

[1 ] The seal of Royal Prussia was used to seal important documents and deeds issued by the Prussian Council and the Prussian general assemblies. Until 1613, the former land seal of the governor of Prussia (this office was in existence in the years 1456-80) was used as the seal of Royal Prussia. The seal was kept at the Elbląg town hall, in the care of the local town council. It was delivered to the assemblies by the Elbląg delegates, and sealing of documents was performed in their quarters. If the Elbląg delegation did not show up at an assembly, the seal of one of the councilors was used, confirmed by a handwritten signature. (cf. cf. GERLACH p. 114-118, 130-131 ⌊Gerlach, p. 114-118, 130-131cf. GERLACH p. 114-118, 130-131 ⌋. Obviously, such confirmation was insufficient for the matter discussed in this letter

[2 ] The matter that Nipszyc was to report to the king and Chojeński concerned the summoning of Gdańsk castellan Achatius Cema by the Brandenburg elector to secret talks in Berlin. The Prussian Council’s letters to Chojeński and Sigismund I on this matter, which Nipszyc was to take, were edited by Dantiscus. Both rough copies – Dantiscus’ autographs – are kept at BCz, 244, p.270 (cf. other letter Council of Royal Prussia Sigismund I Jagiellon Graudenz (Grudziądz) [1537-10-04], CIDTC IDT 162⌊CEID 1.1, p. 373-374, appendix Icf. other letter Council of Royal Prussia Sigismund I Jagiellon Graudenz (Grudziądz) [1537-10-04], CIDTC IDT 162⌋ and cf. other letter Council of Royal Prussia Jan CHOJEŃSKI Graudenz (Grudziądz) 1537-10-04, CIDTC IDT 163⌊CEID 1.1, p. 375-376, appendix IIcf. other letter Council of Royal Prussia Jan CHOJEŃSKI Graudenz (Grudziądz) 1537-10-04, CIDTC IDT 163⌋)