Source catalogue

King Sigismund II Augustus pledges on his royal word that for a period of twelve years he will neither redeem nor reclaim from the metropolitan chapter in Lviv the villages of Honiatycze and Czerkasy in the Szczerzec district. He confirms the inviolability of the peaceful possession of these estates along with all benefits until the expiration of this term.

King Sigismund II Augustus confirms the right of the Lviv Chapter to collect the third measure from the mill at the Halych Gate in Lviv for a period of thirty years. After this time has elapsed and the pledge sum has been repaid, the mill is to fully return to royal administration.

King Sigismund II Augustus exempts the Lviv town hall building from the obligation of hosting land courts, noble assemblies, and commission courts, reserving it exclusively for the office and judiciary of municipal law. The decision is justified by the cramped conditions of the town hall premises and the necessity for the councilors to exercise authority without interference in a multicultural city burdened with numerous duties.

Bishop Andrzej Chryzostom Załuski complains about the unlawful designation of winter quarters for confederated troops in his residence and the indifference of the authorities. He also cites a Warsaw sermon calling for a decisive, forceful suppression of the soldiers' mutiny, following the Lithuanian example.

King Sigismund II Augustus settles a dispute between the city of Lwów and the heirs of Kazimierz Hynek, ordering them to return documents and vacate the third share of the Zimnowodzki mill located before the Kraków Gate upon payment of the due sum. The monarch appoints a land bailiff to execute the intromission in favor of the city under a penalty of 1000 marks, with the assistance of the Starosta of Lwów.

King Sigismund II Augustus confirms two earlier documents from 1417 and 1499 concerning the boundary demarcation between Lwów and the estates of Zubrza and Sychów, as well as the rules for using the local forests. The act grants perpetual legal force to the previous agreements and established boundary markers.

King Sigismund II Augustus confirms the ancient privilege of King Władysław Jagiełło exempting the city of Lviv from the obligation to provide transport services (podwody) and related fees, despite the resolution of the Warsaw Sejm. At the same time, the King dismisses the lawsuit brought against the city authorities by the Crown Instigator regarding overdue contributions.

King Sigismund Augustus restores an eight-year exemption from public taxes for Lwów burghers affected by fire and plague, revoking the effects of the annulment of immunities from the Lublin Sejm. Furthermore, he declares that the city of Lwów is obliged to pay tax collectors only the 'szos' (land tax) and 'czopowe' (excise tax on alcohol) according to ancient custom.

King Sigismund II Augustus sentences in absentia the customs collector Melchior Kośla to a fine of 3000 marks for the benefit of the authorities and commonalty of Lwów due to his failure to appear in court and take an oath. At the same time, the monarch confirms the total exemption of Lwów burghers from all customs duties within the Crown and its subordinate lands.

King Henry Valois confirms in the form of a vidimus a decree of Sigismund Augustus from the Lviv land records, which clarifies and solidifies the privilege of Queen Jadwiga exempting Lviv burghers from customs duties. The document ensures perpetual legal force for the customs freedoms granted to the city of Lviv within the Crown and its subordinate domains.

Alexander Sommer informs Arthur Forbes about discussions regarding financial settlements with Messrs. Tamson, Galbrecht, and Beillie, and about the sum remaining after the payment to Mr. Robert. He announces an imminent night departure for Gdańsk and awaits instructions regarding the return of the funds in his possession.

Petter Sommerwell refers to previous discussions in Kraków and asks Arthur Forbes for information regarding the actions of Robert Forbes and for his written intercession with Albert Moller to prevent further financial losses. He also requests discretion and that the reply be sent to his wife due to his possible absence.

Petter Sommerwelle proposes to the merchant Arthur Forbes to settle a debt by delivering 200 pieces of plain taffeta to be collected in Lublin by Michael Hertmicor. He requests an amicable resolution of the dispute, the return of the debt note, and that the entire transaction be kept confidential.

Petter Sommerwelle appeals to Arthur Forbes for an amicable resolution of a financial dispute and proposes the settlement of his debt with 200 pieces of taffeta. He points out the dishonest actions of the plenipotentiaries and asks for leniency instead of further increasing his losses.

Petter Sommerwell expresses his regret over the arrest of his person and goods in Lublin at the request of Arthur Forbes, explaining the state of their mutual accounts and the difficulties in selling his property. He asks the addressee for consideration, repayment within reasonable limits, and proposes an amicable settlement of the dispute with the help of mutual acquaintances.

Katarzyna Sommerowa protests against the unlawful sequestration of her own goods in Leipzig for her husband's debts. She announces that she will sue Arthur Forbes before the Crown Tribunal in Lublin if he does not return the seized property.

Wacław Kostka Zubczewski reports to Hetman Jan Stanisław Jabłonowski on the planned reconciliation between the rokosz rebels and the King, as well as troop movements and the defeat of Ogiński in Lithuania. He also informs about the proceedings of the Crown Tribunal in Lublin and the holiday break in the deputies' sessions.

Jan Traszko addresses Lviv councilor Jędrzej Wachlowicz with a request for intervention and assistance in recovering outstanding money from the Starosta of Łomża. He assures him of his lifelong gratitude and readiness to compensate for any efforts made in this matter.

Jan Ignatowski demands that the scribe Gołębiowski immediately repay a long-standing debt of over 162 Polish zlotys via the Lviv burgher Elian. He reminds the addressee of previous unfulfilled promises, his own poverty, and the religious and moral obligation to return another's property.

Thomas Cuming inquires Arthur Forbes about the settlement of Captain Barclay's bill of exchange, requesting a reply to be sent to an address in Lublin. He also asks for the collection of the remaining debt of 1020 florins from Sobak.

Jacob Carmichel informs Arthur Forbes about the difficulties in collecting money from Lviv through Peter Benson and asks for support to avoid the need for a personal trip. He also refers to the matter of payment from Thomas Bondy in Lublin and the issue of transporting goods through Mościska.

Johann Ketschir expresses regret over the insufficient discount offered by Arthur Forbes on the purchase of planes and reiterates his request for a reduction of 63 florins to avoid losses. The letter also mentions the approaching wedding ceremony dates.

Address of the letter sent by Ferdynand Kicki to the president, mayors, and councilors of the city of Lviv.

President of the Crown Tribunal, Fr. Ferdynand Kicki, thanks the authorities of Lwów for the New Year's greetings sent. On behalf of the Tribunal and himself, he reciprocates the wishes for prosperity and God's blessing, assuring them of his respect.

King Sigismund III Vasa confirms and orders the transcription onto durable parchment of seven agreements concluded between the Lviv burghers and councilors and the local nobility, concerning the collection of customs, tolls, and cattle grazing fees (spasne). Under these agreements, the nobility pledged to respect the royal commercial immunities of Lviv and to refrain from collecting undue fees.

Archbishop of Lviv Jan Dymitr Solikowski, together with the cathedral chapter, grants his brother Wojciech Solikowski the village of Siemikowce for life and leases him the village of Marków for twelve years. In return, the recipient undertakes to pay annual fees, maintain economic facilities, and repair and maintain a fish pond damaged by a flood.

Bishop of Kamianets Franciszek Antoni Kobielski declares his support for the Lviv Magistrate in defending municipal rights and privileges, announcing his intervention after the July chapter. He advises the city authorities to obtain favorable decrees regarding noble jurisdictions and to draw upon solutions secured by the great Prussian cities.

Franciszek Koller concludes his letter to the Lviv authorities with a formula of respect. In a postscript, he notes that he has received the specified sum of 76 florins and 46 kreutzers from the syndic, and therefore it should no longer be included in the accounts.

Imperial-Royal agent Franciszek Koller informs the authorities of Lviv about a favorable resolution of the Supreme Council of Justice in the case against Mr. de Witofsky and requests instructions regarding the payment of chancery and postal fees necessary for the dispatch of the decree. He also expresses gratitude for his semi-annual remuneration and confirms the settlement with the syndic.

Metropolitan of Kiev Michael Rahoza, together with the Ruthenian bishops, announce their accession to unity with the Apostolic See and the conclusion of the union of the Ruthenian Church with the Roman Church in Brest. The document contains the signatures and seals of the hierarchs, as well as later provenance and oblation entries.

Jan Krajewski informs the authorities of Lwów about the failure of the planned settlement and advises them to appeal directly to the Chancellor, reporting the breach of agreements. He also suggests that the Magistrate should seek to have Krajewski officially entrusted with the mission of representing the city's interests before the Court.

Jan Krasiński explains to Jan Jabłonowski the reasons for his irregular correspondence, citing burdensome investigations and legal intrigues that are detaining him in Lublin. He promises to make up for the backlog with doubled diligence as soon as he resolves the matter.

Jan Krasiński informs Jan Jabłonowski of his urgent departure with witnesses to Lublin for a scheduled investigation, and of the order given to his son to return directly from Vienna to Warsaw without stopping to see his beloved in Rymanów. He also conveys congratulations to the Field Quartermaster (oboźny) with wishes for the quick arrival of offspring.

Jan Krasiński reports from Lublin on the wait for the announcement of a court decree in his case, hoping for a favorable verdict due to his innocence. He also announces his imminent departure for Warsaw, where he intends to await further instructions from the Voivode of Ruthenia.

Łukasz Lebelowicz congratulates Franciszek Głogowski on his return from Lublin and sends him an authentic laudum and a report signed by the Cupbearer of Chernihiv. He also informs him about the commencement and adjournment of the Bełz courts due to formal legal reasons.

King Władysław IV examines a dispute over an unpaid debt between Maciej Fik of Gdańsk and the Lwów Armenian Gabriel Bernatowicz, and confirms the privilege of Sigismund Augustus exempting Armenians from answering before commission courts. On this basis, the monarch refers the case to the competent Armenian court in Lwów.

Jan Lisowski writes in haste to the Lviv scribe Wojciech Zimnicki, earnestly requesting that while traveling through Lublin to Warsaw, he should not bypass his home and should announce his arrival in advance. He also sends regards to Zimnicki's wife and assures him of his good health.

King Władysław IV issues an authentic transcript of a 1634 decree regarding a dispute between the Lwów magistrate and the College of Forty Men representing the commonalty. The case concerned the failure to submit financial reports on municipal income and expenditures, as well as the neglect of repairs to the defensive walls.

Thomas Marshall informs merchant Arthur Forbes about the fulfillment of an order for a gown, a belt, and the repair of a sword, which he is sending via intermediaries to Lviv. He also attaches a statement of expenses and a settlement of the advance payment.

Thomas Marshall confirms to Arthur Forbes the receipt of payment and presents an account for the sent package of fabrics. He thanks him for settling the payment and expresses hope for more profitable transactions during the next fair.

Marcin Milewski reports to the Lwów councilors on the progress of cases before the Crown Tribunal in Lublin, particularly the dispute with Rachwał and the lawsuit regarding the release of Kindfleisz. He advises raising an objection regarding the incompetence of the land court over municipal jurisdiction and informs them of the approaching end of the Tribunal's session.

Crown Deputy Chancellor Andrzej Stanisław Młodziejowski sends the Lviv Magistrate a complaint from the merchant Pierre Gautier, whom the city authorities forbade from trading due to his employment of a Protestant journeyman. He orders the officials to change their unfavorable decision and to encourage foreigners to settle, rather than discouraging them from commercial activity.

Bishop Andrzej Młodziejowski responds to the Lviv Magistrate concerning military burdens, trade with Gdańsk, and sessions of the Crown Tribunal. He also recommends granting permission for the foreigner De Villier to operate redoubts and taverns, emphasizing the benefits of competition.

The document regulates the organization, rights, and duties of a united guild of multiple crafts in Uhnów, modeled on the guild laws of Lublin, and contains subsequent 18th-century confirmations by successive hereditary owners of the town.

King John III Sobieski confirms the privilege of Sigismund Augustus from 1572 (transumed by kings John Casimir and Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki), which equalized the Greek Rite burghers and suburbanites of Lviv with Roman Catholic burghers in terms of municipal, guild, and commercial rights. The document guarantees them, among other things, access to municipal offices, freedom of trade and crafts, and the right to acquire real estate in Lviv.

The author demands a correct power of attorney. He reports on Debolina's lawsuit regarding a debt and the obtaining of a default judgment; Debolina challenged the claim and seized the sum held by the addressee. He requests a reply to Krasnystaw.

King Augustus III confirms and renews all municipal rights, trade liberties, immunities, and privileges of the town of Kamionka Strumiłowa, transuming and approving previous grants by Polish kings from Sigismund I to John III Sobieski.

Franciszek Salezy Potocki thanks the authorities of Lviv for the congratulations sent on the occasion of the past holidays. In response, he reciprocates the kindness and wishes the city prosperity and the inviolability of its rights and freedoms.

The Voivode of Kraków, Szczęsny Potocki, informs the authorities of Lviv about the planned wedding of his son, the Starosta of Krasnystaw, to a representative of the house of the Field Clerk of the Crown. He requests the addressees to grace the wedding ceremony scheduled for May 29, 1689, in Lublin.

Hieronim Radziejowski expresses regret over the violation of his honor by the authorities of Lviv and announces his arrival in Lublin to settle financial matters. He requests the councilors to immediately send representatives with appropriate authorizations to conduct mediation.