Letter #1489
[Ioannes DANTISCUS] to [Matthias, Abbot of the Cistercian monastery in Koronowo]Löbau (Lubawa), 1536-06-21
English register:
Dantiscus urges Abbot Matthias to keep to the truth of his earlier statements on the drastic circumstances of the death of Matthias, guardian [of the Franciscans] in Kulm. He quotes those testimonies as well as the words of the deceased man’s confessor, uttered in the addressee’s presence when the two of them visited Dantiscus, that the deceased had entrusted vengeance on the murderer and his associates to God.
Based on those statements, Dantiscus launched proceedings for murder. Dantiscus warns Abbot Matthias that he will appeal to the authority of the primate of the Kingdom of Poland. In Dantiscus’ view the new testimony, stating that the guardian’s death was allegedly caused by a fall into a ditch near the furnace before the baths, is a lie. He warns the Abbot about sinning against the Holy Spirit and about divine punishment for lying. He demands a reply, because he does not want to act too hastily.
Manuscript sources:
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