Source catalogue

A merchant writes to Forbes about a difficult settlement with Gordon, the sale of goods, and a planned trip to Lublin. He requests goods and the recovery of debts, and sends his regards to Robert Forbes.

King Sigismund I the Old incorporates the Lviv deanery, following the death of the incumbent Jan Krupski, into the common table of the Cathedral Chapter in Lviv. He further stipulates that future deans must be chosen exclusively from among the local canons and receive an annual supplement of 10 marks from the deanery's income.

King Sigismund II Augustus confirms and transumes four privileges granted by kings Casimir Jagiellon and Sigismund I to the shoemakers' guild of the city of Lwów. These concern the limitation of the number of shoemakers in the castle suburb to two masters, the prohibition of practicing the shoemaking craft in noble manors outside the city walls, the rules for the sale of hides by tanners, and the prohibition of purchasing hides before the city gates.

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.

The writer addresses a high-ranking woman, discusses a matter requiring further action, and mentions a sum or account; the reading of details is uncertain. The closing dateline gives 20 December 1685.

A young Scottish merchant or clerk, John Livingston, staying in Kraków, writes to merchant Arthur Forbes in Lwów, humbly apologizing for wasted time and lack of progress in his studies or work, and solemnly promising improvement and faithful service.

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.

King Władysław IV orders Lwów merchants to pay border customs duties on imported goods, abolishing the Armenian lump sum of twelve kopa, while simultaneously releasing the townspeople from past arrears and upholding their exemption from internal customs duties.

Jakub Murray, regretting his abandonment of trade for ruinous military service, asks Arthur Forbes to intercede with his brother-in-law French and Mr. Franklen. He hopes for support that will allow him to return to his former occupation, earn his bread, and pay off his creditors.

Archbishop of Lviv Jan Tarnowski, at the request of the local parish priest, erects and approves the Confraternity of the Most Holy Body of Christ at the parish church in Komarno. The document defines papal indulgences as well as the statutes and duties of the confraternity members, modeled on Roman and Lviv rules.

Grand Chancellor of the Crown Jerzy Ossoliński intercedes with the authorities of Lwów on behalf of the royal postmaster Robert Bandinelli regarding an ongoing property dispute. He appeals for an amicable and fair resolution of the conflict with the city, without resorting to burdensome legal procedures.

John Ritchie informs Arthur Forbes about a conversation with Mr. Gordon, who stated that he would settle the debt only at the Sokal fair. The sender conveys greetings and announces an upcoming trip to Greater Poland.

Robert Cień sends the sum of 50 zlotys from Przemyśl to merchant Arthur Forbes, explaining his inability to pay a larger amount due to the lack of trade fairs and the instructions of his principal. He also reports on his efforts to recover a debt from Marek Dawidowic Krzeszowski.

William Chalmer informs merchant Arthur Forbes about handing over bills of exchange to a lawyer and paying for a court decree to forcibly collect debts from recalcitrant debtors. He also reports on the intervention of Robert Low and announces his imminent departure from Lublin to Gdańsk.

William Chambers wishes Arthur Forbes a successful trip to Jarosław and asks him to purchase a pair of sables there and send them to Robert Forbes in Kraków, where payment will be made. He also includes greetings from his family to relatives and friends in Kraków and asks for the enclosed letters to be delivered.