Source catalogue

King Sigismund I the Old, at the General Sejm in Piotrków, settles a dispute between the burghers of Lviv and the Jews, introducing an ordinance limiting the commercial activities of Lviv and suburban Jews. The document prohibits them, among other things, from home-based and itinerant trade, forbids the sale of spices and silk, and strictly regulates the trade in cloth, wax, hides, and oxen.

Martin Burckhart thanks Arthur Forbeß for his fatherly advice and the recommendation provided. He also informs him of the successful commencement of his new position in Kraków at the beginning of May 1692.

King Sigismund I the Old confirms the settlement ruling of a royal commission regulating the rates and collection principles for customs, bridge tolls, causeway tolls, and market fees on the route from Lviv to Wallachia. The privilege protects Lviv burghers and merchants from arbitrary and burdensome charges by defining tariffs for specific localities in Ruthenia and Podolia.

Burnett asks Forbes to mediate between John Lithgow and John and Godfried Bell. He reports a brawl and threats of further insult as hearsay; he recommends a settlement and confidentiality.

Burnett complains about the failure of William Thomson to repay a loan of 292 pieces of coin. He threatens to instruct his servant James to seize the debt if the debtor does not pay within a week or two; he mentions a general shortage of money.

King Sigismund I the Old restricts the right of Lviv Jews and foreigners to trade exclusively to annual fairs and to transactions involving oxen, wax, and raw hides for cash or cloth cut by the ell. He forbids them from peddling in towns and villages under penalty of confiscation of goods for the benefit of the Lviv castle.

Georg Buchan discusses the transport and sale of a batch of cloth at a fair and explains the reasons for withholding the purchase of increasingly expensive crimson fabrics. He also urgently requests the enforcement of payment on a bill of exchange from Paul Galbreath due to his own liquidity problems.

George Buchan informs Arthur Forbes about the difficulties in the cloth and rash trade caused by the severe winter and high prices, and shares news about the troop movements of King William. Furthermore, he asks the addressee to urge Paul Galbreath to settle an outstanding payment.

Georg Buchan informs Arthur Forbes about the progress of procuring cloth, pricing difficulties, and a change of correspondence address to Zamość. He also reports the death of the recipient's godson and conveys war and political news from Western Europe.

George Buchan informs Arthur Forbes about payment difficulties, the suspension of cloth orders due to high wool prices, and conveys family and social news from Gdańsk.

George Buchan urges Arthur Forbes to collect a debt from Carol Galbreath in Lviv due to his own financial difficulties in Gdańsk. He also discusses the unprofitability of selling hare skins and the sharp rise in prices for wool and cloth on the market.

Georg Buchan discusses the issue of an incomplete payment from Galbraith and clarifies the matter of an undelivered package of fabrics for James Buchan and the ordered packing canvas. He also points out the negligence of Forbes's servant, who failed to deliver to the addressee a letter with cloth samples sent to Rzeszów.

Georg Buchan from Gdańsk informs the Lwów merchant Arthur Forbes about the progress in preparing a batch of cloth and the shipment of stockings, fabrics, and herrings via the city carrier. He requests instructions regarding further transport of the goods, their potential sale to cover a debt, and the delivery of part of the cargo to James Buchan in Sambor.

George Buchan informs Arthur Forbes about sending a batch of cloth to Lviv and asks for instructions regarding its sale or forwarding to Jarosław, as well as a decision on purchasing further batches of goods. He also notifies him of a loan taken from Patrick Forbes and the issuance of a bill of exchange, asking him to ensure its acceptance and payment.

Gdańsk merchant Georg Buchan discusses with Arthur Forbes in Jarosław the purchase and pricing of cloth, financial settlements, and the status of entrusted goods. He concludes with current political and military news from Great Britain.

The authorities of the city of Riga certify that the Riga burgher Tilemann Hersefort has appointed proxies to collect a debt from the Lwów resident Jan Broda. At the same time, they request legal assistance from the Lwów city council for the creditor to avoid the necessity of resorting to the arrest of merchant goods.

Christian Weiß requests Arthur Forbes to release a stored package to Jacob Marlin only after collecting the due amount of 43 imperial thalers. The author instructs the recipient to transfer the collected money to a designated intermediary.

Friedrich Weiß confirms the settlement of the account by Mr. Ebmüller in the amount of 292 thalers and informs about the shipment of ordered goods, including terzanella silk fabrics. He attaches the relevant statements, offers saffron for sale, and declares readiness for further transactions before the St. Michael's fair.

Moldavian Hospodar Stephen V guarantees the authorities and merchants of the city of Lviv safe entry and free trade within the territory of Moldavia, provided that the due customs duties are paid. He also confirms the validity of previous trade privileges and pledges to uphold the promises made.

King Sigismund I the Old restricts the practice of the shoemaking craft in the suburbs of Lviv exclusively to two castle shoemakers and forbids merchants from purchasing hides from newcomers outside the city limits. Furthermore, he orders the starosta Stanisław of Chodecz and the municipal authorities to strictly enforce the guild rights of the shoemakers.

King Sigismund I the Old approves the organization and customs of Lviv guilds and removes Lviv masters, journeymen, and apprentices from the authority of Kraków guild masters. He permits Lviv craftsmen to freely train apprentices and confer master titles, guaranteeing them full rights throughout the Kingdom, and entrusts jurisdiction over them to guild elders with the right of appeal to the Lviv city council.

King Sigismund I the Old approves and grants the city of Lviv its existing coat of arms depicting a gate with three towers and a standing lion. Furthermore, the monarch grants the municipal authorities the honorable privilege of sealing all documents and letters with red wax.

George Wastÿ thanks Arthur Forbes for his assistance in the affairs of the city of Jarosław and entrusts him with the mission of collecting money from two bills of exchange from Alexander Bayly in Lwów. He also informs him about the commercial stagnation and the death and funeral of Andrew Pettendrich.

George Wast acknowledges receipt of correspondence and thanks Arthur Forbes for his involvement in city affairs. He wishes him a recovery through the medicines he is taking and expresses hope for a meeting soon.

George Wast informs Arthur Forbes about the delivery of a royal mandate to the city of Jarosław concerning their interests and the delay of the municipal authorities in providing a response. He requests legal steps to be taken, intercession with the Starosta of Wiska, and actions at the royal court.

George Wast informs the Lviv merchant Arthur Forbes about the shipment of a chest of white cups from Gdańsk via the carrier Kazimierz, commissioned by Mr. Seyler. He requests that the shipment be received in good condition and that the transport costs be settled.

Ferdinand Engelhardt informs Robert Forbes about the shipment of cloth via Wieruszów to Jarosław and current merchant correspondence. He also discusses the collection of cash, debt payment deadlines, and difficulties in obtaining bills of exchange before the Leipzig fair.

George Wast informs Arthur Forbes in Lwów from Jarosław about financial matters, settlements with Bukiewicz and Duinskes, and the rental of a room. He also reports on the delivery of lemons, the arrangement of a sugar bowl, and sends greetings to mutual acquaintances.

George Wasto informs Arthur Forbes about trade negotiations in Jarosław, rental prices, and the shipment of cloth via Szczebrzeszyn to Warsaw. He also requests assistance, the issuance of a power of attorney, and intervention with the commandant to enforce and seize the money owed to him.

The author invites the recipient to his wedding with Dorothea Braun, daughter of the late Gdańsk councilor Daniel Braun, scheduled for January 5th. The invitation dated December 30, 1665, was addressed to Jacob Barenham [?] in Kraków.

Peter West informs Arthur Forbes from Warsaw about the progress of legal proceedings before the Marshal's and Grodzki courts and the departure of the parties to Krakow. He also reports on tax issues, disputed settlements with Lądek, and efforts to reach a settlement before the fair.

Peter West informs Arthur Forbes about current financial settlements, the planned transfer of funds by the Jews to Mr. Kuntz, and the shipment of wine to Gdańsk. He also reports on ongoing legal cases, disputes with the Starosta of Rawa, a murder at the Treasurer's office, and the adjournment of the chancellery's work.

Piotr Wast informs the Voivode of Ruthenia, Jan Stanisław Jabłonowski, about the collection of cloth from the merchant de Alberti on the orders of General Brandt. He explains the discrepancy in the number of bolts of red and blue cloth and reports that the goods have been packed and sealed.

King Sigismund I the Old settles a dispute between the burghers of Lviv and the Starosta of Lviv, Stanisław of Chodecz, concerning the collection of customs and market duties on salted fish. He establishes a procedure for merchants to take an oath and confirms the right of Lviv burghers to purchase fish in Busk duty-free.

King Sigismund I cancels his previous trade privilege granted to the Jews of the Lviv suburbs and confirms the exclusive right of the Lviv burghers to trade within the city, prohibiting the suburban residents from doing so. To allow for the liquidation of goods and the repayment of debts, the monarch grants the suburban Jews a two-year transition period with limited trading rights.

King Sigismund I the Old forbids merchants traveling between Turkey and Wallachia and Lithuania and Muscovy from bypassing the Lwów staple right and customs duties by traveling through Kamieniec and side roads. He orders the starostas and municipal authorities of Ruthenia and Podolia to arrest merchants violating the ban without exception and to provide assistance to the envoys of the city of Lwów.

John Wentoung informs the merchant Artuart Forbes in Rzeszów about the transfer of payment from the debtor Browning via Mr. R. Brüss and the settlement of the remaining sum. The correspondence concludes with wishes for successful trade and a commendation to God's care.

King Sigismund I the Old exempts all Christian inhabitants of Lviv from rents, the 'szos' tax, and other fees for twenty years due to the destruction caused by the city fire. Furthermore, he exempts the burghers from the 'czopowe' tax for a period of seven years, ordering that these revenues be allocated for the next six years to the reconstruction of the city walls and fortifications.

B. Werner thanks Arthur Forbes for his New Year's wishes and regrets that they missed each other during his passage through Jarosław. He informs him about waiting for the supply wagons, searching for new cargo, and the potential redirection of the transport to Zamość depending on news from Lviv.

B. Werner informs Arthur Forbes about the arrival of wagons in Jarosław after a difficult winter journey and about plans to send them with cargo to Gdańsk. He further explains the reasons for the failure of the cloth transport from Zamość to Wrocław and announces the organization of goods transport by wagons from Lviv.

Wielopolski asks the mayor to assist a chamber official in recovering debts from Lviv citizens and merchants. He emphasizes the interest of the treasury and the creditor's difficulties due to missed payment deadlines.

Wielopolski requests the authorities of Lwów to assist in settling the dues of Wacław Woyzik [?]. Payment is to be made proportionally, provided there is a genuine signature and a proper account, without protracted execution.

Wielopolski orders the lifting of a previous ban on the release of goods belonging to merchants from Košice and Prešov. He justifies the change by citing losses to the Crown treasury and the restriction of trade.

The judge and deputy judge of the Kraków land court certify the decree of King Sigismund I resolving a dispute between customs officers and merchants regarding routes for driving cattle and transporting goods from Ruthenia, Podolia, Volhynia, and Moldavia. According to the judgment, cattle and goods from Ruthenia, Podolia, and Moldavia must be directed through Lwów, Gródek, and Przemyśl to Sandomierz, while those from Volhynia through Lublin and Radom, under penalty of confiscation.

King Sigismund I the Old, at the request of the Lviv city authorities, moves the annual fair from the Feast of the Holy Trinity to the Feast of Saint Margaret, exempting arriving merchants from customs duties. At the same time, he confirms the holding of the fair on the Feast of Saint Agnes, maintaining the existing obligation to pay customs duties.

Gabriel Wyhowski informs the Voivode of Ruthenia, Jan Stanisław Jabłonowski, about the recovery and repair of his carriage, the return of which was, however, blocked by Monsieur de Béthune. He also requests support for his brother, who is conducting negotiations with the Crown Standard-Bearer.

King Sigismund I grants the Lviv sub-judge Jan Dzieduszycki and his successors the right to collect specific bridge tolls at seventeen crossings within the estates of Dzieduszyce and Młynice. In exchange for the privilege of collecting tolls, the owners are obligated to permanently maintain and repair the roads and bridges.

King Sigismund I the Old grants the authorities and citizens of Lwów the right to collect a new bridge toll of two denarii for every ox driven for sale, exempting Lwów citizens from this fee. The income obtained is to be used for the permanent maintenance and repair of bridges around the city to ensure the safe passage of merchants and travelers.

King Sigismund I settles a dispute between the customs lessee Andrzej of Tęczyn and the Lviv burghers, allowing Lviv merchants to travel through Kraków and Sandomierz to Lublin and beyond, bypassing the customs chambers in Bełz, Chełm, and Hrubieszów, while ordering them to return via these routes if they abandon their further journey. At the same time, he suspends Lviv's customs exemption in these three chambers solely for the duration of the lease of the Tęczyński family's estates, while confirming the general customs privilege of King Alexander.

Winiarski did not find the bill of exchange despite traveling to Gdańsk and Toruń. He writes about the refusal to swear an oath regarding military damages and advises sending grain via the Vistula river as soon as the ice clears.