Translation / modern text
Mr Arthur Forbes! Tarnów, 4 June 1687.
Dear Friend, I demanded payment from that Jew according to his undertaking, but he refuses to pay sooner than within two weeks. If you consider it useful to write to him yourself, please enclose the letter in your packet to me with a few lines so that I know how to proceed.
If, with God’s assistance, I can collect a little more money, I intend to go to the Naumburg fair. Otherwise, I shall have to remit payment to Mr Berterman [unread passage] by a reliable opportunity. Please tell me by post which of our people is now travelling that way; I would gladly go in company.
I received the fabrics according to the list from Towar Nawrotab [?; wording unresolved]. I would be very pleased if the remaining goods could be sold, even well below the listed price, provided it is for cash, which I presently need. If they cannot be sold, please send them all here by a reliable opportunity. I must try the ordinary means at the fair.
I have a servant called George Lindsay [opening of sentence uncertain]. The boy is so idle that I can trust him with nothing in my absence. I would nevertheless be very reluctant to damage his future prospects, because I respect his parents. I shall let him stay until the Jarosław fair; it would be good if he improved as I wish.
I send my respects and commend you to God.
Your devoted servant, Alex Huisone.
Address: Arthur Forbes, merchant, in Jarosław or Lviv.
Original wording — transcription
Mr Arthur Forbes. Tarnow d. 4 Iuny A° 87.
And most worthie Affectioned friend kyndlie Salut. I did crave that Jue according unto the Tenor of his obligatione, but he will not condescend till make Satisfactione Sooner as wthin two weekes. If ye Sir think it expedient for till wret unto him yor Self per the post, then Inclose it wth two lynd unto mee, that I may know how till govern my Self wth him.
Wth the Assistance of God if possible I may get Some litle more money mad together, I intend till Naumburges market. If not then I will be forced for till remit Hrn Berterman […] through Some Soor occasione. I pray you Sir avise me per the post qo of our people Intends outward at present; I wod gladly if possible goe In Companie.
I receiued thess Stuffs according unto the not from the Towar Nawrotab [?]. Sir if ye perceiue that ye cannot Sell off the ramnent of that goods, the wch I wod be verie glad although much cheaper as the not Specifies, as for redie money since being necessitat at present, I wod be verie glad. But if not possible then pless for till Send all the Same hier through Some Soor occasione. I must use ordinarie means on the markett.
Since I haue [Son?] an […] Servant called Georg Lindsay, for the Boy being So slouthfull that I can lippen nothing till him in my absence. I shall however be verie Loath for till brek his fortune, for I respect his parents. I shall let him remain till Jauroslaws market; if he mend as I Shud wish, it wer good. Thus wth my dutie and best respects being tendred unto you and committing you wth yor adoes to God almightie, Rests Sir yor obliged and hoomble Servant at Command Alex Huisone.
[Adres:] Mr Arthur Forbes, Mchant, In Jaroslaw or Lemberg.
Reading notes
Lippen is Scots for relying on or entrusting someone, not a surname. George Lindsay is fairly clear, but the beginning of the sentence about the servant is uncertain. Idleness is the employer’s accusation, not an independently confirmed characteristic. The supplier’s name beside the goods list is not securely read. This letter does not name the debtor; no name was automatically supplied from earlier correspondence.