Source catalogue

The King orders the Lviv magistrate to strictly observe monetary universals. He mentions Jews, Scots, and others dealing in money, who are forbidden from trading in ducats and thalers contrary to the law, or buying them up for export. He prohibits the import and sale of the specified foreign currency. The office is to punish offenders without delay; negligence or toleration of violations will result in the city authorities themselves being held liable.

King Sigismund III Vasa instructs his envoy Adam Kisiel before the district sejmik in Zhytomyr. He urges him to persuade the local nobility to reach an agreement with other voivodeships and to take action to save the Fatherland in the face of urgent state necessity.

The King expects an amicable resolution of disputes between Doctor Marcin Campian, a member of the Lwów authorities, and various offices and private individuals. The parties are to jointly appoint honest burghers who will lead to a settlement without violating the city's rights. The King also informs about a separate letter to the Archbishop of Lwów.

At the request of the Uniate and non-Uniate Ruthenians, the King schedules a general synod in Lviv for October 28, 1629. The city authorities are to ensure the safety of the participants, prevent riots, cooperate with the royal envoy, and assist the Metropolitan of Kyiv. They should designate quarters and lodging for the clergy and other participants in advance.

The King considers a complaint from the burghers of Lwów against lustration commissioners who, under the pretext of the new 'kwarta' tax, are imposing previously unknown burdens and duties towards the castle. He explains that the lustration applies to the estates of starostas and leaseholders, not to municipal property and its income. He orders the removal of unlawful burdens or an explanation for their imposition, recalling previous warnings.

The King responds to a complaint from the burghers of Lwów regarding new obligations entered into the lustration records. He orders that merchants and craftsmen not be burdened beyond the law and that such entries be removed, despite extracts having already been issued to the starosta.

The King authorizes the use of cash from the deposit of the Voivode of Kiev to cover the shortfall in military funding. The release requires security provided by the commissioners and the consent of the Crown Subchamberlain as tutor; jewels and other items are to remain in the deposit.

The Prince accepts the armorer Stanisław Sołtysowicz into his service. He requests the city authorities' benevolence, freedom to earn additional income from selling beverages, and a reduction in rent for the municipal grinding mill, whose operations are interrupted by the draining of the pond, lack of water, and repairs to the embankment.

The Prince orders the release of two cannons entrusted to the city to Stanisław Kazanowski, requests a short-term loan of 200 cannonballs and the necessary amount of gunpowder, and asks for assistance with transport.

King Władysław IV instructs the commissioner on border negotiations with Moscow, ordering firmness regarding the demands of the Muscovite side, while also exercising prudence so as not to exacerbate disputes before spring. He also draws attention to the problem of unauthorized occupation of disputed tracts of land, which gave the Muscovite side grounds for filing complaints and making threats.

The King orders the starosta to provide timber from the starostwo forests for palisades and wooden defensive obstacles. He demands effective assistance to the magistrate in collecting fortification contributions from the residents of noble and ecclesiastical houses as well.

The King orders the Lwów magistrate to return goods brought to the fair by the Jews, which were seized without waiting for the resolution of the dispute. He forbids hindering their trade until a verdict is reached.

In view of the threat from enemies, the King is sending artillery and equipment to Lviv. He requests the temporary storage of gunpowder, cannonballs, and equipment in the city arsenal, as well as a plot of land for a royal arsenal according to the plan of Paweł Grodziecki.

King Władysław IV orders the authorities of Lviv to stop and seize all shipments of saltpeter being exported against current law and without royal permission. The goods are to remain under municipal guard until further royal instructions are received.

The King recommends assisting the Augustinians, who acquired the site of the former convent of the Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena outside the Halych Gate. He points to the consent obtained from the Archbishop and requests municipal support and the absence of obstacles to construction.

The King reports a complaint from the Jews of the suburbs regarding attacks by students and other unruly persons, and the robbery of homes, goods, and money. He orders the magistrate to ensure order and punish the perpetrators in an exemplary manner.

King Władysław IV Vasa admonishes the Lwów magistrate in connection with a complaint from the local Armenians, who are suffering prejudice to their rights and privileges granted by monarchs. He orders the city authorities not to violate Armenian liberties and to refrain from causing them any harm or obstacles.

The city is to send representatives familiar with the value of foreign goods to Warsaw by May 27, 1643. They will support the parliamentary commission working with the treasurers to set prices.

The King condemns the financing of the city's ransom using the assets of absent residents. He orders the costs to be distributed according to wealth and demands the return of Mikołaj Boim's property; he reserves the right of confiscation exclusively for the royal court.

King John II Casimir expresses surprise at the sentencing of the Starosta of Łomża by the authorities of Lwów for embezzlement. He informs them of the issuance of a safe-conduct letter and orders the magistrate to send plenipotentiaries to Lublin to settle accounts and issue a receipt.

The Dominicans purchased a house next to their monastery and wish to connect it to the monastery wall. The King demands the city's consent, arguing that voluntary agreement will not infringe upon its privileges.

King John II Casimir orders the Chamberlain of Lwów, Piotr Ożga, to compel the leaseholder Icek to immediately pay 10,000 zlotys from the 'czopowe' tax to the Lwów magistrate. The monarch notes that despite a previous rescript, the city has not yet received the money due to it.

King John II Casimir instructs Voivode Stanisław Lanckoroński to chair a commission receiving accounts from the burghers of Lwów concerning the 'czopowe' (excise) funds allocated for fortifications. Simultaneously, the monarch exempts the residents of Lwów and its subordinate estates from the obligation to provide infantry for the 'pospolite ruszenie' (levée en masse), ordering them to keep the men in place as a city garrison.

King John II Casimir thanks the authorities of Lwów for their loyalty to the Crown and promises compensation for war-related losses. He also instructs them to organize winter clothing for the stationed soldiers in cooperation with the governor, assuring that the funds spent will be reimbursed from the state treasury.

King John II Casimir orders the authorities of Lviv to organize the transport of three hundred lances left in the city and deliver them to Lublin. Krzysztof Bernatowicz is to provide detailed information regarding the transport of the weapons and the banners belonging to them.

The King thanks Lviv for its resistance against the troops of the Voivode of Transylvania and requests a loan of 100,000 zlotys. The security for the loan is to be the customs revenues collected via lease; the Treasurer will provide the details.

King John II Casimir calls upon the authorities of the city of Lviv to reimburse expenses and compensate for losses to Jan Torosowicz, who previously leased the Ruthenian customs and excise duties. The monarch notes that the obligation to satisfy the claims of the previous lessee arises from the terms of the contract concluded by the scribe of the Crown Treasury.

The King places Marcin Raniszewski, who has submitted to the authority of the Lviv magistrate, under his protection and recommends his appointment to the local clerkship and the bench. The preserved text breaks off before the closing of the letter.

Jan Studnicki and Andrzej Zdelejzyk complain about their imprisonment and sequestration despite an unexpired three-year lease of Lviv's revenues. The King orders their release, mandates consideration of hardships and municipal exemptions, and requires the contract to be maintained until the end of its term.

King John Casimir orders the authorities of Lwów to uphold and extend for another three years the interpreter's contract with Mikołaj Bajdułowicz, who has been sent on a foreign mission in royal service, and to accept the deputy appointed by him. The monarch simultaneously annuls any letters contrary to this decision that might have been issued by the royal chancellery.

The King requests Cardinal Virginio Orsini to obtain a judicial commission from the Pope in a dispute between the Mayor of Lviv and the Franciscans. The dispute arises from the detention of a perpetrator of a fatal wounding and the challenging of secular jurisdiction on the grounds of alleged violation of ecclesiastical immunity.

The King instructs the authorities of Lwów to maintain the widow and children of Andrzej Dalczyński, a doctor and councilor of Lwów, in the agreement regarding the hospital village of Malechów. He orders them not to take the village away from them nor to conclude an agreement with any other tenant.

King John II Casimir calls upon the mayor and councilors of Lviv to immediately organize transport for the artillery equipment left in the city and to send it to the royal army, guaranteeing that the wagoners will be paid by the General of Artillery. The monarch warns the magistrate of severe consequences and accountability before the Commonwealth in the event of any delay that might hinder the expedition.

The King again orders the authorities of Lviv to provide the necessary number of carters to transport the ammunition remaining in the city. The captain of artillery is to pay in cash. The King threatens that any further delay will be considered as the city's obstinacy and will result in execution against the persons and property of the authorities.

The King condemns the authorities of Lviv for failing to follow his advice and allowing murders and robberies to occur. He demands a strict investigation, the detention of all perpetrators and accomplices, and their imprisonment until the arrival of a commission. He emphasizes that it is forbidden to harm Jews and non-believers or to shed innocent blood, and he intends to punish the guilty as an example to others.

King John II Casimir informs the authorities of Lwów about entrusting the command of the city and the castle to the Lwów wojski Olewiński in order to ensure public safety. He orders the magistrate to cooperate closely with the new commander and to unconditionally submit to his orders.

Following raids by Tatars and Cossacks, the King entrusts the defense of Lwów to Jan Berens, lieutenant colonel of the Ruthenian Voivode's regiment. He orders the city to receive him with his soldiers, administer an oath, provide assistance in defense, and issue funds from the 'czopowe' (excise tax) for the garrison's needs. Expenses are to be settled against city taxes.

King Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki notifies the authorities of Lviv about the conclusion of a marriage contract with Archduchess Eleonora of Austria and the wedding planned for the beginning of March in Warsaw. The monarch calls upon the city representatives to appear ceremoniously in the capital to welcome the new queen.

The King accuses the authorities of Lviv of supporting individuals who harm customs revenues, driving away guards, and allowing goods to pass without clearance. He orders the prevention of such abuses and the punishment of merchants acting under the protection of lords. He threatens proceedings by the Crown Instigator before the royal court.

Based on the report of the Crown Court Marshal, administrator of customs, the King accuses the Lwów interpreter Mikołaj Bajdułowicz of harming customs revenues and inciting others. He demands his removal from office and the appointment of a successor; in case of delay, he will appoint a suitable person himself.

The Dominicans complain to the King about the cramped conditions of their church and monastery and the lack of a proper cemetery, which forces them to conduct burials by a public street. They request permission to purchase tenement houses adjacent to the church. The King orders a commission to be sent to resolve the disputed legal issues and demands the city's assistance without hindering the religious undertaking.

The King expresses regret over the unsuccessful negotiations intended to avert the threat from the Ruthenian lands. He announces the assembly of the pospolite ruszenie (levy in mass) and his own expedition. Until help arrives, he demands a courageous and vigilant defense from Lviv, also mentioning swift infantry support.

The King reminds the magistrate of the subsidy enacted by the Sejm and apportioned to Lviv by universal. The treasury has not received the due payment, so the King reiterates the demand for the immediate transfer of 12,000 Polish zlotys, noting that he cannot waive this sum.

King Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki orders Grand Crown Hetman Jan Sobieski to urgently appoint a suitable commander and garrison for the defense of Lwów against the enemy. He also mandates that he ensure the city's revenues from the tap tax (czopowe) are fully allocated to the city's fortifications and defensive supplies.

The King assures the city of his knowledge of Lwów's loyalty and his efforts against the enemy. He informs that he has ordered the Hetman to immediately assign an appropriate garrison and commander to the city and to ensure that the 'czopowe' tax is used for fortifications. He announces his own arrival, which depends on the assembly of the pospolite ruszenie (levy in mass).

King Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki orders the Voivode of Ruthenia, Jan Stanisław Jabłonowski, to stop the looting and lawlessness of two district expedition banners that are burdensome to the residents of the Lwów suburbs. The monarch notes that the soldiers are already receiving pay and should procure supplies from nearby estates in accordance with martial law, without oppressing the poor population.

King Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki informs the authorities of Lviv of the order for Eliasz Łącki to remain in his post as commandant of the fortress until further notice. He assures the magistrate that the commandant has been instructed not to impose unlawful burdens on residents and visitors, and not to grant preferential treatment to Jews.

The King intercedes on behalf of the under-kitchen master Przemysław [?] Dziurski and orders the immediate consideration of his claim against the burgher woman Krauzowa [?].

The King forbids the commandant, Eliasz Łącki, from imposing new levies on residents and visitors. He is to accept the established honorarium of thirty zlotys from the city and respect municipal jurisdiction.

The King orders both commissions to cooperate in recovering the silver of the Zhovkva church, which was taken from the deposit in the Lviv Cathedral during the Turkish siege. The items or their fair equivalent must be recovered, and those guilty of illegal trade in them must be judged.