Translation / modern text
Mr Arthur Forbes! Tarnów, 14 May 1687.
Dear Friend, yesterday’s letter and the goods arrived safely. I am sorry, however, that the horse travelled so far in vain: the customer wants credit and has a reputation for poor payment. I would rather keep my goods than have no certainty.
Today I met the Jew Ber Smuloss [?] and sharply reproached him for breaking his word. He promises to give four hundred today on your account. If he does, I shall send it through Thomas Burnet. It would be better, however, if you could come yourself, since he may put me off again. If not, please send his handwritten undertaking and I shall try to secure payment.
I send my respects and commend you and your affairs to God.
Your devoted servant, Alex Huisone.
PS. I intend to trade at the Krosno fair at Trinity Sunday. Please send all these fabrics with the ribbons; perhaps God will grant some sales there.
Address: Arthur Forbes, merchant, in Rzeszów.
Original wording — transcription
Mr Arthur Forbes. A° 1687 d. 14 May Tarnow.
Sir and worthy weell Estimed friend Salut. Yours of yesterdays wth things accordingly in Sauffatie Receiued. But am Sorie for wiering the horss so far in vaine, for she desyrs in Creditt, and she having the comendatione of a Slight payer, I rather keep my own as not being Certin of anie thing.
This day miting wth that Jue Ber Smuloss [odczyt niepewny] sharply I aqui[sed?] him in not keeping his word and promise. He promises this day for till giue aff 400 to yor acoumpt. If he doe So I shall Send it you through Tho: Burnet; but if it wer wth yor Conveniencie that yo coud come yor Self alongst I think it wer yet better, for he may well put me off as formerly. But if not then yo can Send his hand wret and I shall if possible procure payment of him.
My best respects and dutie being remembred, wth Committing you and yor adoes to God almightie and him to yor favour qo Remaines Sir yor obliged and Hoomble Servant to abilatie Alex Huisone.
P.S. Being Intendit till keep Crosnas market at Trinitates I intret yo wod Send all thess stuffs wth the Ribans; it may be that God grant Some market ther.
[Adres:] To Mr Arthur Forbes, Mchant, In Reshow.
Reading notes
The figure 400 is clear, but this sentence gives no currency. The debtor’s name looks like Ber Smuloss; a connection with Ber Smul in the earlier letter is likely but not securely normalised. The assessment of the customer is the author’s, not an independent finding about her solvency. Trinitates means Trinity Sunday, not an arbitrary three-day interval.