Translation / modern text
Târgoviște, July 27, 1652. Matei Basarab to János Kemény.
I have conveyed to you the news about the numerous army, its [strength?], and the credibility of these reports. Although rumors reach us as well, we do not have certain knowledge, as we have not received direct confirmation. Regarding the Cossack hetman, we have heard that he has returned to his place along with the Cossacks. The Tatars are in Crimea; also, the detachments from [Budjak?] and other areas remain in their places. It is said, however, that Ale Aga, who commands the [Budjak Tatars?], wants to set up camp with his men near [uncertain location].
A man from the Khan has arrived to us. The Khan demands that we capture and hand over several Polish lords and youths who stayed with him or among the Tatars and have since fled. He directs a similar demand to [Vasile?], with whom he is also angry. The author compares this accusation to the fable of the wolf and the lamb, in which the stronger finds a pretext against the weaker. According to the copy, among the fugitives were the son of Potocki and the grandson of Kamieniecki.
Original wording — transcription
Терговіста, 1652. VII. 27. Мате[й] Басараба до Івана Кеменя.
Вістки маєте від мене про те безконечне військо, про його [силу?] і певність. Хоча й в нас є чутки про се, вельми нам не відомо, бо нам не дано до відомости. Про козацького гетьмана зачували так, що він посунув ся на своє місце вкупі зі своїми козаками; також і татари сидять у Кримі, а Бу[з?]ацькі та й з других околиць татари сидять також на своїх місцях; але про Але-Ага, що бузацьким розказує, кажуть, що зі своїми татарами хоче під Б[а?]льцем таборувати. Від хана прийшов до нас чоловік, через котрого хан просить нас дуже за те, що в нього або поміж татарами перебували якісь польські пани та паничі, що відти втікли, та так [жадає?] від мене і також від Василька (бо й на нього сердатий), аби ми їх схопили та йому передали. Але се таке, як байка про вовка й барана, де вовк доводить силу, поки [...] зкамкнутав йому води. Сих поляків, що втікли, було щось [шістьох?], самих передних людей, між ними син Потоцького, внук Каменецького і т. д.
Reading notes
The preserved scan is not a 17th-century original, but a later handwritten copy of a translation into Ukrainian; it is identified as a copy on the cover and in the header. No reconstruction of the original wording has been attempted. Uncertain readings include, among others, the designation of the Tatars, the name of the planned camp location, the name Vasile, and the number of fugitives. The translation has informational value, but for historical citation, it is necessary to find the original or an older edition and collate.
Location in scan: 132/1/256, PDF p. 2: later copy of a Ukrainian translation; p. 1: cover; p. 3: later annotation.
Translation of the original: no
Notes on the translation (transferred from the text): so stated in the later copy. Surnames and family connections require verification.
Location in scan: 132/1/256, PDF p. 2: later copy of a Ukrainian translation; p. 1: cover; p. 3: later annotation.
Translation of the original: no
Notes on the translation (transferred from the text): so stated in the later copy. Surnames and family connections require verification.