Stalled debt recovery and news from the Sejm

Warsaw, 16 March 1685. Worthy and affectionate patron, I send my highest respects. My last letter was dated the 9th of this month. I write about the progress of my affairs, which have scarcely begun. Nothing is happening here; I cannot recover a penny of the debts, since the debtors currently have no money. Jewish merchants from Kalisz, Poznań and Leszno are here with various silk goods, together with [...] merchants. They sell taffeta and damask at 4/8 [price notation uncertain]. Yesterday before evening a marshal was elected, a Lithuanian [?] called Gulgura [?], the grand Lithuanian clerk. An improvement is now expected—God grant it. I shall press diligently for payment according to the debtors’ obligations. Simervall has arrived. Mr Bell wrote to Patrick Gardin, with whom I share a room. It is supposed that, since the Saxon duke’s envoy is here, Simervall wishes to obtain court documents concerning the arrest in Leipzig [the precise effect of the documents is uncertain]. This is a secret known only to him, Mr Wast, Gardin and myself. They do not intend to obstruct him now: they will allow him to obtain what he wants, then seek a contrary document that will thwart his intentions. They have more friends at court than he does. There is no other news yet. Mr Farquver from Lublin, together with Mr Ahenhiue [?] and Thomas Marshall, arrived on the 12th and left for Gdańsk on the 14th. Ahenhiue and Marshall intend to continue from there to Holland. May the Almighty guide them safely. I recently received a letter from the goodman [unidentified person]: all our friends are well. I commend you and yours to God’s care. Your humble and obedient servant, Alexander Huison. [Address:] To Arthur Forbes, merchant in Lviv.

Sir. Warszaw Ao 1685 d 16 march. Worthy and affectioned Patron, my best and dutyfull Respects being tendred unto you, my last to you was d 9 present. Sir these ar acquainting you of my proceedings, which as yet hes no beginning, heir is nothing adoe, not a gr of debts I can get in; they have no gr just as yet. Ther is Jews from Kales, Posnan, Lesna, with all kind of silk goods with slyes [word uncertain] marchents, they sell the Taft & damist at 4/8 [notation uncertain]. Yesterday before night they have chosen an Marshall an Latner [uncertain] called Gulgura Pisarz wielki Liewsky [name uncertain], now they expect amendment, God grant it. I shall be Instant and strive to obtaine from them according to ther obligations. Simervall is come heir, so Mr Bell hes written unto Patrick gardin, with whom I stand heir in on chamber, suposeing his earand is, being the duke of Saxonis embassader is heir, to get ut som patents from the Hoff to wear that arrest in Lypck [reading uncertain]. This is secret, sauf only, hee Mr wast, Mr Gardin & mee; they intend not tee hinder him, but that he get his mind and then hee contromind him, in getting ut ye after which will cause his malice is of no value, they having mor friends at court as he hes. Heir is no news as yet. Mr Farquver from Lublin in company of Mr Ahenhiue [uncertain] and Tho marshall came on here d 12, and journeyed from her tee dantzig d 14. Mr Ahenhiue and Tho marshall from thence intends for Holland, whom I wish the Almightie tee Conduct. I had an ltr ye last from the goodman, all friends being in health, so Committs you with yours to the Almighty. Rests Sir your humble & obedient Servant, Alexr Huison. [Address:] For Mr Arthur Forbess, merchant, in Lemberg.