Dantiscus thanks the addressee for his letters sent along with the copies [of letters and writs of summons for the city of Gdańsk (Danzig)], to which he already partially replied in his letter of 9 January sent by way of Mauritius, whose return he expects within the coming hours. He learned with satisfaction from Hozjusz’s letter that the syndic [of the city of Gdańsk, Konrad Lagus] had obtained nothing beyond a copy of the document and that he did not succeed in obtaining a hearing date for the appeal [in the matter of the recovery of Putzig (Puck]. Constellatus [Johann von Werden] and the city councillors of Gdańsk will not be pleased by this. According to the copy of the lawsuit, it is the council [of the city of Gdańsk] that has been named as defendant, and therefore, on the basis of the formula contained therein, it would be possible to compel it to respond to all the charges, including those concerning the powers assumed by the city as legal successor to the Commander [of the Teutonic Order] and those bearing on the king’s [Sigismund I Jagiellon’s] title of ownership. The king can summon the specific individuals named in the document to appear before him at any time. Dantiscus hopes to speak about this matter at greater length in a personal meeting, as well as about others that need to be addressed in writing.

Dantiscus asks for arrangements to be made with the commissioner [Marco de la Torre, Commissioner General of the Conventual Franciscans] regarding Dantiscus lodging [with him in Cracow (Kraków)]. He likewise requests that his arrival be kept in confidence, which he wishes to maintain for reasons of considerable importance.

He was pleased with the response given by the addressee to the person who had sought counsel as to how the city of Gdańsk might be reconciled with the king. As to the advice on this matter, Dantiscus has written about it recently in a letter to Hozjusz or, if he recalls correctly, to Samuel Maciejowski. It will prove beneficial if the king treats the matter with due seriousness. Should he proceed as before, however, [the text is partially damaged beyond this point].

Dantiscus raises the matter of the emperor’s [Charles V] letter [concerning Gdańsk’s subordination to the Empire]. [The text is unclear and partially damaged at this point]. The declaration of the citizens of Gdańsk that the emperor is their true lord, and the king is zum schuchhernn will be understood by anyone capable of playing the part of Oedipus [i.e. capable of solving riddles].

Dantiscus responds to the addressee’s comment that he is needed [at the General Diet, as there is no-one better acquainted with Prussian affairs than he is], dismissing it as mere courtesy. He assures him, nonetheless, that he will attend to fulfil his duties to his sovereign, albeit at considerable financial cost and great personal effort to himself.

In Elbing (Elbląg), Dantiscus and others [i.e. the other members of the council of Royal Prussia] have recently settled a number of legal cases. As for the orphan in his care [Georg Schultz], his right of appeal before the king has been reinstated, the same right having been neglected by his guardians. The date of the proceedings has been set for the first court day following the feast of Saint John the Baptist [24 June 1545]. Cornelius [von Stadenn] and his wife, and his adversary [Petrus Brandt] have undertaken to reach an agreement privately before the spring Diet [of Royal Prussia].

Dantiscus will write on other matters upon Mauritius’ return, whereupon he will dispatch him to return without delay.

As this point, nothing is known about the subject of the deliberations between the neighbour [Duke Albrecht I von Hohenzollern], his brother-in-law [Adolf, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp] and his nephew [Albrecht Alcibiades]. Constellatus [Johann von Werden] departed thither [to Königsberg] some days ago and is reported to be there still.

In a postscript, Dantiscus asks for news from the court. He wishes to know whether the neighbour [Duke Albrecht I von Hohenzollern] will give notice of having received his guests, whether by envoy or by letter. Besides, he is interested in the activities of Constellatus [Johann von Werden] and the progress of the General Diet. Rumours are circulating that Constellatus, together with the neighbour and his guests, is dealing with the question of the marriages of the royal princesses [Zofia, Anna, and Catherine Jagiellon], and that preparations are under way for a journey to the court together with the brother-in-law [Adolf, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp]. The latter is reportedly a frivolous man, a lover of foolery and a drunkard. He has received one third of the Duchy of Holstein. The man who styles himself King of Denmark [Christian III of Oldenburg] and his other brother [John, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp] hold the remaining two, more favourable, parts of the duchy. Dantiscus asks for information on the matters raised, as well as on others, so that he may arrive at court well prepared.