Source catalogue

Archbishop of Lwów Jan Sienieński, together with the cathedral chapter, re-establishes the town of Kozłów, devastated by a Tatar raid, under Magdeburg law following the model of Dunajów, and grants the inhabitants a fifteen-year tax exemption. After this period, the document specifies the permanent obligations of the subjects, including monetary rents, the extent of corvée labor, and tributes in kind to the archbishop's court.

Jona Israelowic informs Peter Simson that a local Armenian has sent 275 pieces to his account with the principal. He asks the addressee to collect the shipment, issue a receipt, and announces a final settlement upon his arrival.

Jonas Izraelowicz sends debt notes to the Krakow merchant Ertor Forbus for mutual settlements and notifies him of the shipment of a batch of tallow and tobacco via the merchant Marek, who is to make payment in Krakow under the security of the goods. He also informs him about a debt owed by an Armenian in Lviv and his current stocks of morocco leather and wax, promising a final settlement of accounts after their meeting.

Antonio, son of Nicola of Carzano, sells a garden and a meadow located in Carzano to Giovanni Battista Buffa of Telve di Sotto. The transaction is paid for and notarized in the presence of witnesses.

Marek Izaakowic informs Arthur Forbes of his imminent departure and requests the settlement of accounts for goods, with a deduction for the sold lemons. He also asks for credit to be opened for the Lviv customs officer Beer and for the return of unfulfilled promissory notes from Rzeszów debtors.

King Stephen Báthory transumes his edict of February 20, 1577, in which he cancels all commissions appointed to investigate the complaints of the commoners against the Lwów magistrate and reserves the case exclusively for the royal court under a penalty of 15,000 ducats. He orders both parties to appear with evidence before the monarch's court, prohibiting any conflicts or violations of legal order in the meantime.

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.

King Stephen Báthory resolves a multifaceted dispute between the commonalty and the magistracy of Lwów, regulating, among other things, issues of income from municipal estates, the rendering of accounts, the election of councilors and the college of forty men, and the observance of the staple right. He orders both parties to maintain harmony and obedience under penalty of one thousand marks.

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.

King Stephen Báthory confirms to the shoemakers' guild of the city of Lviv two privileges of King Casimir Jagiellon from 1466 and 1469. These acts limited the number of craftsmen allowed to reside and sew shoes under the castle to only two and prohibited the practice of shoemaking in suburban houses and noble manors.

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.

Liberalis, son of Rosmo, transfers a meadow and arable plot in the locality of Bisagha, valued at 158 lire, to Giovanni of Cesco San Pietro in order to settle a debt. The act, originally drafted by the deceased notary Nicolas a Fabro, is transcribed and authenticated with a notarial sign by the imperial notary Jacobus Glerius.

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.

Grzegorz, son of the late Franciszek of Cesco in San Pietro, sells to Jan of Cesco a plot of arable land and meadow located in a place called "sotto polpezza" for the price of 380 lire. The seller reserves the right to redeem and repossess the sold property within a period of four years.

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 reiterates his request to the merchant Arthur Forbes for information regarding the sums collected by Robert Forbes under the power of attorney granted in Kraków. He requests the payment of 200 florins in Lwów and the transfer of the remaining funds to his wife for the maintenance of the family.

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.

King Stefan Batory approves the commission act establishing the valuation of income and executing the redemption of the third share of the Zimna Woda mill in the Lwów suburb by the Castellan of Sieradz, Andrzej Dembowski, from the heirs of Kazimierz Hynek for the sum of 4684 florins. He grants Dembowski the right to peaceful possession of the mill until such time as it might be redeemed by the King for the same sum.

Alexander Sommer sends Arthur Forbes the sum of 30 florins via a courier to repay a loan, apologizing for the delay. He expresses deep gratitude for the help received in his time of need and declares his lifelong readiness to serve.

Alexander Sommer informs Arthur Forbes about sending a remittance from Gdańsk by post and returning the enclosed receipt handed over by the courier. He also reports paying 20 Rhenish guilders to the courier traveling to Radziechów.

Alexander Sommer inquires about news regarding Mr. Cusing's return to Krakow and the matter of purchasing harnesses and lending horses to Robert Forbes. He also declares his intention to travel to Jarosław to assist the wagoners and sends greetings to the household.

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.

Pope Gregory XIII notifies the vassals of the Archdiocese of Lviv of the preconization of Jan as Archbishop of Lviv following the death of Archbishop Stanisław. He obliges them to swear an oath of allegiance to the new metropolitan and to perform their due duties under pain of ecclesiastical penalties.

Bartłomiej Zimorowicz informs Marcin Haider about drafting a privilege incorporating his suburban brewery into the city's brewery system, which will protect the investment from opposition by the commoners. He also mentions the costs of Tomanowicz's mediation and the fruitless deliberations of the Sejm in Warsaw.

King Stephen Báthory grants the tailors of Stryi permission to establish a guild and approves the statute regulating the functioning of the brotherhood, the rights of masters, the admission of foreign craftsmen, and the emancipation of journeymen, modeled on the laws of Lviv.

Brother Raymund Zimnicki OP, while studying in Naples, apologizes to his mother for a previous bitter letter caused by poverty and harsh living conditions. He begs his parents for financial support to pay for books, bedding, academic promotion, and his return to the country, indicating safe ways to send the money.

Father Rajmund Zimnicki informs his father about the complaints made by the Prior of Rohatyn against his brother-in-law concerning an unresolved legal dispute. The friar asks his father to treat the matter with kindness, announcing that the Prior will provide further details in person.

King Stephen Báthory confirms and ratifies the rights, articles, and privileges of the Tailors' Guild of the city of Lwów, originally granted by King Sigismund I the Old.

Wojciech Zimnicki reiterates his request to Jan Rudawski to undertake the defense of Lviv councilor Marcin Hayder in a dispute with the Scotsman Tomzicki. He assures that the trial records will be sent and that the due remuneration will be paid through Mr. Lewos and the steward Samuel Edward.

King Stefan Batory confirms all rights, privileges, immunities, and ancient customs granted to the Armenian community of Lwów by his predecessors. The monarch orders the Starosta of Lwów and the municipal authorities to observe and protect these rights inviolably.

Wojciech Zimnicki informs the Lviv authorities about his arrival in Warsaw, the status of municipal lawsuits, especially the dispute with the Ruthenian community, and the suspension of court proceedings due to the Deputy Chancellor's illness. He also mentions the lack of prospects for convening the Sejm and reports political news regarding peace with Turkey.

Miller Matthew and his son Jerome transfer a mill, a fulling mill, and property in Telve Inferiore to John the Baptist and Peter, the de Buffis brothers, in satisfaction of debt claims (datio in solutum). Simultaneously, the creditors lease these goods back to them for nine years with the right of redemption upon repayment of the debt and outstanding rents.

Wojciech Zimnicki explains to his wife that, at the request of the Lviv city councilors, he must remain in Warsaw after the Sejm to finalize municipal matters. He also provides instructions regarding the management of their garden, recommending an increase in the lease fee or cultivating the land personally for household needs.

Helena Zimnicka explains to her brother the reasons for the delay in correspondence and shares news about the good health of their mother and relatives, expressing relief at dismissing rumors of his alleged death. She also reports on the passing and testamentary provisions of their brother Sebastian and expresses a fervent desire for a prompt personal meeting.

Lviv Archbishop Stanisław Słomowski grants the Lviv Cathedral Chapter a perpetual monetary tithe, known as 'biskupizna', collected from Lviv and surrounding villages. In exchange for the transferred income, the chapter is obliged to perform services and prayers for the archbishop's intention during his lifetime and after his death.

Jakub Zyzański, the wójt (reeve) of Chęciny, sends New Year's greetings and small gifts to Wojciech Zimnicki, clerk of the wójt court in Lwów, and his family. At the same time, he asks him to take his son, Jan, under his care so that he may assist in the Lwów chancellery and learn under the addressee's guidance.

The document certifies an agreement for the exchange of a meadow plot for an orchard plot in Telve Inferiore, concluded between Pietro Buffa, acting also on behalf of his brother Giovanni Battista, and Giovanni de Zanzotto. The contract regulates the transfer of ownership of both properties, including the assignment and subrogation of the rents and monetary and grain annuities encumbering them.

Fabian Zywiert sends Jan Jabłonowski correspondence received by post along with current news. He mentions with regret the sad events and the mourning that has affected the Lubomirski family.

Fabian Zywert informs Jan Jabłonowski about the proper dispatch of correspondence delayed by the courier's difficult crossing of the Vistula, and about the night watches of regiments and guilds on the ramparts of Lwów. He also mentions the arrival of the weakened Mr. Gościmiński in the city.

Fabian Zywert reports on the arrival in Lwów of an envoy from the Voivode of Vilnius, who demands the return of cannons from near Kamieniec, and recounts the heavy contributions imposed on Lithuania by Saxon troops. He also informs about the death and funeral of the Halych Master of the Hunt, Kurdwanowski.

Fabian Zywert informs Jan Jabłonowski about the commencement of letter dispatches via Mr. Lamprecht and declares full readiness for further shipments, provided he receives precise instructions. He also encloses current news with the letter.

Fabian Zywert informs Jan Jabłonowski about the execution of his order and the sending of a payment order for two hundred thalers to Mr. Radzowski via Dominik Winkler, after receiving the sum from Mr. Szymunowicz. On this occasion, the author sends the recipient humble wishes for prosperity and God's graces for the newly begun year.

King Henry Valois confirms the rights and privileges of the Lviv Shooting (Cock) Brotherhood, originally granted by Sigismund II Augustus. The document mandates the cultivation of crossbow and firearm shooting exercises, provides tax immunities for the marksmen, and guarantees annual payments from the city treasury.

The correspondent reports on the positions of the Crown troops near Kamieniec Podolski, the lack of enemy activity, and reports of successes by Muscovite forces in battles against the Tatars. He also informs about the movement of the royal couple towards Buczacz for a planned war council with the hetmans.

Fabian Zywert informs the resident about the King's departure with his troops on an expedition towards Kryłów and the organization of military patrols in the Lviv region. He conveys optimistic news about the state of military affairs, the approach of Hetman Mazepa's Cossacks, and refutes circulating false rumors.

Fabian Zywert reports to Franciszek Głogowski on the secret Sejm deliberations concerning the Berlin affair and the accusations of treason leveled against the Grand Marshal of the Crown and the Sapieha family. He also informs about the arrest of the Marshal's Italian secretary and the lack of decisions on public and military matters.

The author reports on the progress of the Polish envoy's mission in Istanbul, an audience with the mufti, and efforts to liberate Polish captives. He also describes the movements of dignitaries in Lviv, the capture near Kamianets of a notorious impostor claiming to be a Danish prince, and the damage caused by a violent storm in Przemyśl.

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.