Letters of the Royal Family of Prussia 1419-1819
This collection of letters includes selected pieces from a long period in Prussian and German history. The authors are as varied as the time period, but are centered on members of the Royal family of the various houses that during this period held sway over that nation known as Prussia. The letters were discovered among other artifacts in a previously walled over vault in the ancient city of Konigsburg, nee Kalingrad. They appear in sequence of date, but they are incomplete. Readers will have to make assumptions on the events and personages described therein, or refer to other histories.
Chapter I
Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Michael Kuchmeister von Sternburg, January 1419
My Liege :
Greetings from your holdings in Prussia. All is well throughout your holdings here, in Memel, Danzig, and Preusslandt. I trust our alliances with the Lords of Pommern, Bremen, Mecklenburg, and Holstein remain firm.
I have taken the liberty of allowing Orthodox services to be held in this realm, so long as the pretence of secrecy is kept. Various and several travellers from the East have alerted me to the growing influence of the Boyars of Novgorod and Muscovy, and I think it well that we should curry some tolerance among them.
I also continue to conduct drills with the Prussian Knights, emphasizing the importance of attacking over all other forms of combat. We are confident this will terrorize any who unwisely wish to challenge our mutual holdings.
I remain your faithful servant, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Prince Johan III of Mecklemburg, April 19 1419
Prince Johan :
Greetings from the Knights of Prussia.
I bring news of treachery. The Poles have once again decided to make war on Prussia. We are in receipt of a letter from the Polish Council that they consider our vassalage to the Knights of Teuton and our holdings in Danzig to be in breach of various written agreements which no one can either remember or find.
Consequently, I must ask you, and the rest of the signatories to the Hansa, to fulfill obligations to the Knights of Prussia and immediately declare war on Poland – Lithuania. Surely if we all remain united, the tyranny of the Poles can once and for all be broken.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Michael Kuchmeister von Sternburg, November 3, 1420
Greetings from your Loyal Knights of Prussia in Belarus,
I bring good tidings. Our knights here have been ravaging Lithuanian holdings and destroyed several isolated detachments of these lackeys of the Poles, and now the Szjem of Lithuania have offered to remove their forces from this unjust war for the small sum of 2,400 ducats. I have agreed and paid this paltry sum.
And so this letter should arrive to you at Riga along with orders from the Lithuanian Szjem to their footmen holding your beloved City of Riga to evacuate and return the gate keys to your Lordship.
I will arrive in Riga shortly, where our Prussians will unite and march against the Poles. We may also move to the assistance of our Hansa brothers in Pommern.
Advice to your Liege to focus your efforts on building up a strong army, and leave the tax collecting to our current contractors.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, March 13, 1422
Greetings from your Loyal Prussian Knights,
Accept our warmest and most gracious congratulations on your accession to High Knight of the Teutonic Order.
We renew our pledge of vassalage to your Lordship.
The Poles continue to harass our holdings, and those of our Brothers in Pommern. Unfortunately, as you know, most of the Hansa have opted for an acceptance of money from the Poles rather than continue to fulfill their signatory obligations. We are not in a position to bring the conflict to an end. Danzig remains besieged, and we periodically receive the standard Polish demand to turn over the gate keys to this city, which we will not do so long as we remain united.
Several months ago the Prussian nobles voluntarily contributed 100 ducats to the cause.
We are planning several marches to Danzig and Pommern to attempt to break the sieges there.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, June, 1422
Greetings from your Loyal Prussian Knights,
We were able to raise the siege of Stettin, but could not destroy the Polish army there. We hurry back to Preusslandt to consolidate our forces and raise more.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, March, 1423
Greetings from your Most Loyal Prussian Knights,
We have won a great victory over the main Polish army in Preusslandt, putting some 10,000 to the sword in three separate battles over 10 days, and driving them from the Fatherland. We march on Mazovie.
yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of Pommern Kazimeirz V, June, 1423
Greetings to our Brothers in the West,
We most happily assume our signatory obligations to your Knightship, and declare war on Brandenburg.
How craven that the Brandenburgers and their allies the Saxons and Madgeburghers have chosen a time of your most serious distress to advance their claims by the sword.
We believe we shall soon prevail over Poland, by which Stettin will be restored to you, and our armies march to your assistance. Until then we remain,
Your loyal servants, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of Pommern Kazimeirz V, January, 1423
Greetings to our Brothers in the West,
I am not sure if this letter will reach you in Stralsund. Consequently, I cannot divulge much information other than what is already known to our enemies, but which may be unknown to you.
Our siege of Warsaw was foiled by a raid of several thousand Winged Hussars just as it was about to succeed.
We have arrived at Stettin and are attempting to regain that city for your Knightship. I cannot promise or say whether we can come to aid you at Stralsund, but do not give up hope. If we are able to defeat the Poles and obtain a favorable settlement, the entire war can swing to our favor.
I can tell you that the Poles are now weak after our victory of last year, their army is not much of a threat other than these damnable raids.
I am sorry to report that Mecklemburgh has fallen to the Brandenburgers, and they have imposed a settlement that allows Mecklemburgh to continue to exist as a principality under suzerainty of the Brandenburg house.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of Pommern Kazimeirz V, February, 1424
Greetings to our Brothers,
I have delivered the keys to the Gates of Stettin to your Regent here, the Poles have been smashed.
As a ploy, our brothers in the order of Teuton have settled with Poland for 5,000 ducats. This means all of the Teutons will be marching to your immediate assistance, while the Prussian Knights continue to deal with Poland.
All of us in Preusslandt are inspired by your valiant defense in Stralsund. I remain,
Your servant, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of Pommern Kazimeirz V, March, 1427
Greetings to our Brothers,
I am in complete agreement with your proposal to give over governorship of the Stralsund province to the Brandenburgers, which brings their entire craven undertaking to a close.
I give you my most humble condolences for the failure of our Orders to render you more effective assistance. In the many marches we made across Polish territory, our attempts to reduce Warzawa were thrice foiled by greatly inferior Polish numbers for reasons we cannot adequately explain. Had this strategy been successful, I have no doubt our Orders would have come to your aid.
We appreciate your remaining steadfast in the struggle against Poland, at least. Advise you to build up an army as quickly as possible to assist the Orders in the reduction of Polish forts south of Preusslandt.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, November, 1427
Greetings to our Brothers,
The Polish Szjem has brought in 20,000 ducats as a peace offer to our Order and our allies who remain faithful to the cause, Pommern and Holstein. This will result in a payment of 5,000 Ducats to each of us, which will reimburse our Teuton brothers for their earlier payment as against Lithuania. I have been recommended to this settlement by all of the Aides de Camp of our allies, and have therefore accepted. We believe this is an honorable settlement, and that the Poles have paid dearly for their transgression including loss of most of their army and several other settlements they have made during the war. Poland will never again be the same.
yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, September 1, 1428
My Liege
At your request we herewith provide the sum and record of your holdings in all the Prussian lands over the last year.
Last year all the serfs and nobles of the domain paid 4,770 ducats as an annual tax. We collected 2,238 ducats from trade tax. Monthly taxation amounted to 3,371 ducats for the year. Tolls and manufactory taxation resulted in 1,197 and 368 ducats respectively for the year. As of the date of this letter we have 2,400 ducats in gold in the vault in Koenigsburg. Prices have been stable since I was granted control of the Prussian Knights.
The Order maintains 14,000 footmen and just over 4,000 Knights of Prussia. The number of Knights is well below our desired number of 8,000 due to the long Polish war. Salary, wages, and sundries for these men amount to 50 Gold Ducats monthly, amounting to 27 coppers per man. As you know, in Prussia 100 coppers equals one Silver Ducat or Thaler, and 100 silver Ducats equals 1 Gold Ducat. The wages sum could double in the event of war.
We have in our employ various smiths, armorers, tanners, and some learned men, to whom we forward some 400 ducats monthly to improve on our arms, horseshoes, bolts, and the implements of war. We feel this is a sum well spent as recruiting just 1000 new footmen would require over 700 ducats. Our army is and will remain second to none.
The lands and the trade therein can support 15,000 men easily, beyond that we must set up special wagon trains to collect food from the countryside, as we are now doing to a small extent. The various precincts report that we could raise 4,000 troops per year without seriously affecting the collection of crops.
As we already discussed in the last exchange, we have granted Lithuania permission to cross our territory with troops. Lithouania has also guaranteed the independent existence of your loyal Prussian Knights. Several of our noted knights have married into the Lithuanian family. With these arrangements, we feel the Polish threat greatly diminished. They would not dare violate these agreements or risk the fury of their women, nor allow their Polish cousins to do so.
We have set up a new tax collection office in Pruesslandt.
Our plans for the coming year include bringing the Knights up to establishment, maintaining in addition at least 15,000 footmen.
You will find in the bags accompanying this letter additional reports, as well as our annual tribute in gold.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, June 11, 1429
My Liege
The recent annexation of the ancient city of Pskov by the Muscovites concerns us as well. You will recall one of our first letters upon ascending to the Exalted Knighthood of the Prussian Knights. We join you in declaring this act by the Muscovites unlawful, and dispatch word to your Loyal Knights to remain at the ready to defend Prussian Lands. Due to the Polish threat we feel unable to detach even a small force to assist you in dealing with the Muscovites.
We lessened our requirements for joining the Footmen of the Knights, and got rid of various expenditures that had been tradition. Our cost for raising footmen is now 60 ducats per 1000.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, August, 1430
My Liege
Our prayers are full of hope for your army. We are saddened to learn of your recent defeat near Pskov.
In Preusslandt we declare tithing throughout the holdings to increase our revenues during this time of trial for our northern Brothers in the Order, some of our merchants and other money men call this War Taxation. The term means nothing to us. The lesser nobles and serfs are aware that any conflicts require blood and treasure, even if none of our blood is being spilled.
Our Brandenburg neighbors are now reaping the fruit of treachery. Italians of various stripes are invading their lands in retribution for their annexation of part of Pommern.
We have signed trade agreements with Mecklenburg, Portugal, and Venice, and despatched 5 of our most notorious merchants to Venice. We hope these agreements will stabilise our trade income. Last year our Trade income was 2,652 ducats, an improvement over the year 1428.
This will be my last note to you. The Order has elected Herr Blankenfelde as Most High Exalted Knight of the Prussian Knights. I resume my duties as an ordinary bearer of arms.
yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, December, 1434
Most Gracious Sir
Reply to yours in which we discuss the Teuton’s war against the Muscovites.
At long last that idiotic war is over, as we have in hand a herald from His Most Gracious Highness the High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf indicating they have paid over 10,000 ducats to the Muscovites in return for the withdrawal of their army from Livonia and return of Dorpat.
However ill advised this war was, it did serve our own purposes. We had in mind that the only real balance to the twin threat of Lithouania and Polandt was the rise of a greater power in the east, and perhaps it shall be the Muscovites after all. Along the eastern borders of Poland-Lithuania is a great area that has no organized suzerain. Were these territories to be organized by a powerful presence replacing the Mongol legacy, surely the Poles would see the stupidity of persisting in their claims against us. Now we have effectively given 10,000 ducats to this goal, while having at the same time preserved our honor and met our obligations to the Teutons. Moreover, we were able to collect large sums of taxation during the war.
I regret taking the army to the field as I did, since most of the taxation we collected went to the buildup of the army, where we took many casualties. The goal was laudable, defeating the Muscovites in the field so that they would offer us a hefty sum to leave the side of the Teutons, which I’m sure Lord Bellizer would have agreed to, since he holds both the Teutonic and Prussian holdings and would thereby have gained something at least.
Your advice is most appreciated and we trust in your discretion, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, December, 1435
Most Gracious Sir
The Holders of Pommern would benefit greatly from your advice. They have stupidly decided on a war of Revanche against the Elector of Brandenburg. Where reason escapes is the fact that the province they lost during the Brandenburg conflict was returned to the Holders of Pommern when a local Pommeranian Baron and his serfs rebelled against the Elector, captured Strasund, and declared for Pommern. The Elector had no choice as his realm was beset by all manner of Italians, Austrians and Bohemians.
So we must now once again join in a rather pointless war. We shall endeavor to protect only our own lands from attack.
I receive your welcome news that the new tax registry office is nearly completed in Danzig.
Your advice is most appreciated and we trust in your discretion, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, undated, 1437
Most Gracious Sir
Your recommendation to hire Maurice of Orange is received and we have taken your advice to hold him at court for a period of 3 years to instruct our young Knights on new methods of warfare. Herr Maurice also told us that he had heard of the early efforts of Friedrich Karl some years ago, and thought we would make excellent candidates for his new teachings.
The war in Brandenburg continues. Our army returned from an unsuccesful attempt to invest Kustrin and essentially ransom it back to the Elector for a sum. Ah, well, such is the way of things.
Aside from the above, nothing new to report. Have you heard from the Rothchilds regarding our loan?
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, The New Year Of 1440
Most Gracious Sir
We have taken Kustrin. Unfortunately, the Brandenburghers seem to have an extraordinary ability to rebuild their armies. We must, in cooperation with our allies, bide our time. The Rothschild loan will be due in 1442, so we cannot really afford a new army to deal the Brandenburghers a final blow.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, The New Year Of 1441
My Liege
We congratulate you on your accession to the position of High Knight. We renew our fealty to the Order. Our armies are at present besieging Berlin, and in depot at Danzig. Assistance would be most appreciated, but not expected. The Brandenburghers have 20,000 investing Kustrin.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, July 1441
My Liege
We have taken Berlin and concluded an arrangement with the Elector of Brandenburgh, which awaits now only your approval. We will return the cities of Berlin and Kustrin to the Elector, restoring his realm, in return for his vassalge and a payment of 750 ducats in good faith. As we are your vassals, according to the ancient laws, you must approve the acquisition of any oaths of fealty to our person. This arrangement will leave Pommern at war with Saxony and Brandenburg separately, but we trust the promises of the Elector to dull these sharp edges.
We remain
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, January 1442
My Liege
We are in receipt of your request to declare war on Lithuania in view of their recent declaration of war against the holdings of the Teutonic Order. We must decline.
Your status as our suzerain does not give you the power to force us to war. It does give you the power to collect various rents which we continue to provide.
Our advisors at the seat of the Prussian Knights advise us that the combinant powers of Denmark, Sweden and Lithuania are more than our armed retainers and economy can sustain for long. Moreover, we have just engaged in a series of wars at the behest of the Order and its allies, and find ourselves in a need of rest that spans a generation of men. Some of our oldest Knights can count on one hand the number of years of peace they remember. The Prussian Knights have started none of these wars.
Finally, wisdom recalls the due of our Rothschild loan this year, which renders us unable to raise any substantial forces this year and possibly the next, so we would be of little assistance to you.
As we remain at peace, think on one half of your holdings being untouched by this present havoc thanks to our chosen course.
We pray for your prevalence in these dark times,
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, January 1443
My Liege :
Attached find our yearly reports for 1442
Census Taxes : 3,050d
Production : 655d
Taxation : 1,507d
Tolls : 1,197d
Trade : 4,069d
Tariffs : xxxx
Vassals : 1,250d (Brandenburg)
Total 11,728d
Our expenses last year were 576d to the maintenance and salaries of the Prussian Knights, about 2 silver thalers per year per man. We repaid a 20,000d Rothschild loan. The balance of our monthly incomes was spent on the improvement of roads, markets, silos, stills, and subsidies for various traders. We have 3800d in the Koenigsburg vault.
Our army is in depot in Danzig, 12,000 foot and 7,000 Knights of Prussia.
Traders report prices are 2% higher than they were in 1419.
We shall be embarking on a financial program that will result in inflation of about 3 percent over 3 years.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, January 1449
My Liege :
It distresses us that the war is not going well for you. Not a day goes by when some herald does not arrive with news of a new siege, revolt, or other malfeasance besetting you. While things may look bleak with the fall of Riga and the investment of all other Order holdings by either Swedes, Lithuanians, or bandits, do not give up hope. God has a place for you. Our laws hold that God aids those who are on the side of God.
Your holdings in Prusslandt continue to prosper, although we had to spend an inordinate amount of treasure to suppress a large outcropping of a group of rebellious Polish nobles in the Danzig province. Were it not for this misfortune, we would nearly be able to afford dramatic improvements, perhaps even an art academy as has captured the imagination of all Europe.
We note that while the Order’s situation appears grim, our allies in the west have had some success against Denmarck.
We wish for a speedy and successful conclusion of your current troubles, we hope our monthly tribute is of some assistance to you.
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-Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Knight of the Teutonic Order Ludwig Von Erlichshausen, January 1450
My Liege :
While we are saddened at your father’s recent death, we commend you in our prayers on your accession to head of the Order. Your father’s tenure has left you in the unfortunate position of controlling only the province of Riga. However, you are now at peace, and we remain bound to you by vassalage. Think well on what would be best for the Order and the Hansa alliance.
Our report :
Census Taxes : 3,050d
Production : 673d
Taxation : 1,525d
Tolls : 1,245d
Trade : 5,674d
Tariffs : xxxx
Vassals : 1,250d (Brandenburg)
Total 20,340d (includes a compulsory-voluntary Noble contribution of 10,000 ducats).
Expenses last year :
Army Maintenance : 583d (12,182 foot, 7,890 Knights an average of 2.9 silver thalers per man per year)
We also spent 2000 ducats on German colonists for Memel which is still recovering from the Plague several years ago.
We spent 3000 ducats on installing merchants at various Houses around Europe.
Remainder was spent on various and sundry costs throughout the realm.
We have 19,800d in the Koenigsburg vault.
We released from indenture to the Prussian Knights a large number of shipwrights throughout the holdings, instead hiring additional sergeants at arms and barracks to better house and prepare landless nobility, errant serfs, and various young freemen for service in the Knights. This will enable us to call up 1000 footmen for only 600d initial cost, 1000 esquires for 1,500d initial cost.
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-Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, July 1450
Most Gracious Sir
You will immediately join me in Memel. The Poles have declared war on us, and they have over 50,000 men marching north to Danzig, and possibly Koenigsburg. The Poles are without allies, this is a vassalage war between us, as proxies for Lithuania and the Order.
We have no intention of making any compensatory offer to the Poles. This will be a war to avenge all the past wrongs and once and for all end Polish claims on Danzig.
Destroy this note, and ride, Sir.
Yours, etc.
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-Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, The New Year 1454
Most Gracious Sir
My thanks to the efforts of the men in your offices, who have reported increased revenues and trade activity, combined with drop in prices for foodstuffs and other sundries throughout the realm
This good news could not come at a better time. We have the Poles on the run, and have taken Poznan and Gznieo. Our army gathers once again in Danzig for another summer of campaigning against the Poles. The Szjem foolishly rejected our proposals for a payment of 10,000d and transfer of Poznan to the Knights and and end to our campaigns We look forward to more good news, and victory.
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-Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfelde to King Kazimierz IV of Poland, July 16, 1458
Your Royal Highness,
These last 8 years we have seen in you our most resolute adversary. And we need not recall even more troubled times in the history of Poland’s treatment of the legitimate Prussian holdings. Your people should now commend you for recognizing the futility of pursing claims against the holdings of the Knights, which were legitimately given to us by the Teutonic Order long ago, who in turn held them in perpetuity at your request to guard against slavic incursions from the north.
Now with the last fortress held by your armed men having surrendered, and all Polish flags throughout your kingdom in our possession, you will recognize the law of arms and accord with the following :
Of the First, you will cede in perpetuity to the Prussian Knights, loyal vassals of the Teutonic Order, the areas of Poznan and Warsaw/Mazovia.
Of the Second, you will deliver to Koenigsburg the sum of 25,000 ducats as the price of the withdrawal of all Prussian men at arms from what remains of your realm.
Of the Third, all those who have laid down their arms may keep their armor and titles, and we recognize the continued independence of Poland, and we further recognize that Poland and its lands are not held at the will of the Prussian Knights, nor is any of the land held by the Prussian Knights held at the will of Poland.
Of the Fourth, Poland here and forever renounces any claim to Poznan, Mazovie, Danzig, and any other province or territory held by the Prussian Knights.
Given under the seal of the Teutonic Order, the Prussian Knights, the King of Poland, and the Polish Szjem this 19th Day of July, year of our lord 1458.
etc.
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Central and Eastern Europe after the Prussian Polish "Settlement of Podolia", 1456
This collection of letters includes selected pieces from a long period in Prussian and German history. The authors are as varied as the time period, but are centered on members of the Royal family of the various houses that during this period held sway over that nation known as Prussia. The letters were discovered among other artifacts in a previously walled over vault in the ancient city of Konigsburg, nee Kalingrad. They appear in sequence of date, but they are incomplete. Readers will have to make assumptions on the events and personages described therein, or refer to other histories.
Chapter I
Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Michael Kuchmeister von Sternburg, January 1419
My Liege :
Greetings from your holdings in Prussia. All is well throughout your holdings here, in Memel, Danzig, and Preusslandt. I trust our alliances with the Lords of Pommern, Bremen, Mecklenburg, and Holstein remain firm.
I have taken the liberty of allowing Orthodox services to be held in this realm, so long as the pretence of secrecy is kept. Various and several travellers from the East have alerted me to the growing influence of the Boyars of Novgorod and Muscovy, and I think it well that we should curry some tolerance among them.
I also continue to conduct drills with the Prussian Knights, emphasizing the importance of attacking over all other forms of combat. We are confident this will terrorize any who unwisely wish to challenge our mutual holdings.
I remain your faithful servant, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Prince Johan III of Mecklemburg, April 19 1419
Prince Johan :
Greetings from the Knights of Prussia.
I bring news of treachery. The Poles have once again decided to make war on Prussia. We are in receipt of a letter from the Polish Council that they consider our vassalage to the Knights of Teuton and our holdings in Danzig to be in breach of various written agreements which no one can either remember or find.
Consequently, I must ask you, and the rest of the signatories to the Hansa, to fulfill obligations to the Knights of Prussia and immediately declare war on Poland – Lithuania. Surely if we all remain united, the tyranny of the Poles can once and for all be broken.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Michael Kuchmeister von Sternburg, November 3, 1420
Greetings from your Loyal Knights of Prussia in Belarus,
I bring good tidings. Our knights here have been ravaging Lithuanian holdings and destroyed several isolated detachments of these lackeys of the Poles, and now the Szjem of Lithuania have offered to remove their forces from this unjust war for the small sum of 2,400 ducats. I have agreed and paid this paltry sum.
And so this letter should arrive to you at Riga along with orders from the Lithuanian Szjem to their footmen holding your beloved City of Riga to evacuate and return the gate keys to your Lordship.
I will arrive in Riga shortly, where our Prussians will unite and march against the Poles. We may also move to the assistance of our Hansa brothers in Pommern.
Advice to your Liege to focus your efforts on building up a strong army, and leave the tax collecting to our current contractors.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, March 13, 1422
Greetings from your Loyal Prussian Knights,
Accept our warmest and most gracious congratulations on your accession to High Knight of the Teutonic Order.
We renew our pledge of vassalage to your Lordship.
The Poles continue to harass our holdings, and those of our Brothers in Pommern. Unfortunately, as you know, most of the Hansa have opted for an acceptance of money from the Poles rather than continue to fulfill their signatory obligations. We are not in a position to bring the conflict to an end. Danzig remains besieged, and we periodically receive the standard Polish demand to turn over the gate keys to this city, which we will not do so long as we remain united.
Several months ago the Prussian nobles voluntarily contributed 100 ducats to the cause.
We are planning several marches to Danzig and Pommern to attempt to break the sieges there.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, June, 1422
Greetings from your Loyal Prussian Knights,
We were able to raise the siege of Stettin, but could not destroy the Polish army there. We hurry back to Preusslandt to consolidate our forces and raise more.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, March, 1423
Greetings from your Most Loyal Prussian Knights,
We have won a great victory over the main Polish army in Preusslandt, putting some 10,000 to the sword in three separate battles over 10 days, and driving them from the Fatherland. We march on Mazovie.
yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of Pommern Kazimeirz V, June, 1423
Greetings to our Brothers in the West,
We most happily assume our signatory obligations to your Knightship, and declare war on Brandenburg.
How craven that the Brandenburgers and their allies the Saxons and Madgeburghers have chosen a time of your most serious distress to advance their claims by the sword.
We believe we shall soon prevail over Poland, by which Stettin will be restored to you, and our armies march to your assistance. Until then we remain,
Your loyal servants, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of Pommern Kazimeirz V, January, 1423
Greetings to our Brothers in the West,
I am not sure if this letter will reach you in Stralsund. Consequently, I cannot divulge much information other than what is already known to our enemies, but which may be unknown to you.
Our siege of Warsaw was foiled by a raid of several thousand Winged Hussars just as it was about to succeed.
We have arrived at Stettin and are attempting to regain that city for your Knightship. I cannot promise or say whether we can come to aid you at Stralsund, but do not give up hope. If we are able to defeat the Poles and obtain a favorable settlement, the entire war can swing to our favor.
I can tell you that the Poles are now weak after our victory of last year, their army is not much of a threat other than these damnable raids.
I am sorry to report that Mecklemburgh has fallen to the Brandenburgers, and they have imposed a settlement that allows Mecklemburgh to continue to exist as a principality under suzerainty of the Brandenburg house.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of Pommern Kazimeirz V, February, 1424
Greetings to our Brothers,
I have delivered the keys to the Gates of Stettin to your Regent here, the Poles have been smashed.
As a ploy, our brothers in the order of Teuton have settled with Poland for 5,000 ducats. This means all of the Teutons will be marching to your immediate assistance, while the Prussian Knights continue to deal with Poland.
All of us in Preusslandt are inspired by your valiant defense in Stralsund. I remain,
Your servant, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to Knight of Pommern Kazimeirz V, March, 1427
Greetings to our Brothers,
I am in complete agreement with your proposal to give over governorship of the Stralsund province to the Brandenburgers, which brings their entire craven undertaking to a close.
I give you my most humble condolences for the failure of our Orders to render you more effective assistance. In the many marches we made across Polish territory, our attempts to reduce Warzawa were thrice foiled by greatly inferior Polish numbers for reasons we cannot adequately explain. Had this strategy been successful, I have no doubt our Orders would have come to your aid.
We appreciate your remaining steadfast in the struggle against Poland, at least. Advise you to build up an army as quickly as possible to assist the Orders in the reduction of Polish forts south of Preusslandt.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, November, 1427
Greetings to our Brothers,
The Polish Szjem has brought in 20,000 ducats as a peace offer to our Order and our allies who remain faithful to the cause, Pommern and Holstein. This will result in a payment of 5,000 Ducats to each of us, which will reimburse our Teuton brothers for their earlier payment as against Lithuania. I have been recommended to this settlement by all of the Aides de Camp of our allies, and have therefore accepted. We believe this is an honorable settlement, and that the Poles have paid dearly for their transgression including loss of most of their army and several other settlements they have made during the war. Poland will never again be the same.
yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, September 1, 1428
My Liege
At your request we herewith provide the sum and record of your holdings in all the Prussian lands over the last year.
Last year all the serfs and nobles of the domain paid 4,770 ducats as an annual tax. We collected 2,238 ducats from trade tax. Monthly taxation amounted to 3,371 ducats for the year. Tolls and manufactory taxation resulted in 1,197 and 368 ducats respectively for the year. As of the date of this letter we have 2,400 ducats in gold in the vault in Koenigsburg. Prices have been stable since I was granted control of the Prussian Knights.
The Order maintains 14,000 footmen and just over 4,000 Knights of Prussia. The number of Knights is well below our desired number of 8,000 due to the long Polish war. Salary, wages, and sundries for these men amount to 50 Gold Ducats monthly, amounting to 27 coppers per man. As you know, in Prussia 100 coppers equals one Silver Ducat or Thaler, and 100 silver Ducats equals 1 Gold Ducat. The wages sum could double in the event of war.
We have in our employ various smiths, armorers, tanners, and some learned men, to whom we forward some 400 ducats monthly to improve on our arms, horseshoes, bolts, and the implements of war. We feel this is a sum well spent as recruiting just 1000 new footmen would require over 700 ducats. Our army is and will remain second to none.
The lands and the trade therein can support 15,000 men easily, beyond that we must set up special wagon trains to collect food from the countryside, as we are now doing to a small extent. The various precincts report that we could raise 4,000 troops per year without seriously affecting the collection of crops.
As we already discussed in the last exchange, we have granted Lithuania permission to cross our territory with troops. Lithouania has also guaranteed the independent existence of your loyal Prussian Knights. Several of our noted knights have married into the Lithuanian family. With these arrangements, we feel the Polish threat greatly diminished. They would not dare violate these agreements or risk the fury of their women, nor allow their Polish cousins to do so.
We have set up a new tax collection office in Pruesslandt.
Our plans for the coming year include bringing the Knights up to establishment, maintaining in addition at least 15,000 footmen.
You will find in the bags accompanying this letter additional reports, as well as our annual tribute in gold.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, June 11, 1429
My Liege
The recent annexation of the ancient city of Pskov by the Muscovites concerns us as well. You will recall one of our first letters upon ascending to the Exalted Knighthood of the Prussian Knights. We join you in declaring this act by the Muscovites unlawful, and dispatch word to your Loyal Knights to remain at the ready to defend Prussian Lands. Due to the Polish threat we feel unable to detach even a small force to assist you in dealing with the Muscovites.
We lessened our requirements for joining the Footmen of the Knights, and got rid of various expenditures that had been tradition. Our cost for raising footmen is now 60 ducats per 1000.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Friedrich Karl to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf, August, 1430
My Liege
Our prayers are full of hope for your army. We are saddened to learn of your recent defeat near Pskov.
In Preusslandt we declare tithing throughout the holdings to increase our revenues during this time of trial for our northern Brothers in the Order, some of our merchants and other money men call this War Taxation. The term means nothing to us. The lesser nobles and serfs are aware that any conflicts require blood and treasure, even if none of our blood is being spilled.
Our Brandenburg neighbors are now reaping the fruit of treachery. Italians of various stripes are invading their lands in retribution for their annexation of part of Pommern.
We have signed trade agreements with Mecklenburg, Portugal, and Venice, and despatched 5 of our most notorious merchants to Venice. We hope these agreements will stabilise our trade income. Last year our Trade income was 2,652 ducats, an improvement over the year 1428.
This will be my last note to you. The Order has elected Herr Blankenfelde as Most High Exalted Knight of the Prussian Knights. I resume my duties as an ordinary bearer of arms.
yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, December, 1434
Most Gracious Sir
Reply to yours in which we discuss the Teuton’s war against the Muscovites.
At long last that idiotic war is over, as we have in hand a herald from His Most Gracious Highness the High Knight of the Teutonic Order Paul Bellizer von Russdorf indicating they have paid over 10,000 ducats to the Muscovites in return for the withdrawal of their army from Livonia and return of Dorpat.
However ill advised this war was, it did serve our own purposes. We had in mind that the only real balance to the twin threat of Lithouania and Polandt was the rise of a greater power in the east, and perhaps it shall be the Muscovites after all. Along the eastern borders of Poland-Lithuania is a great area that has no organized suzerain. Were these territories to be organized by a powerful presence replacing the Mongol legacy, surely the Poles would see the stupidity of persisting in their claims against us. Now we have effectively given 10,000 ducats to this goal, while having at the same time preserved our honor and met our obligations to the Teutons. Moreover, we were able to collect large sums of taxation during the war.
I regret taking the army to the field as I did, since most of the taxation we collected went to the buildup of the army, where we took many casualties. The goal was laudable, defeating the Muscovites in the field so that they would offer us a hefty sum to leave the side of the Teutons, which I’m sure Lord Bellizer would have agreed to, since he holds both the Teutonic and Prussian holdings and would thereby have gained something at least.
Your advice is most appreciated and we trust in your discretion, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, December, 1435
Most Gracious Sir
The Holders of Pommern would benefit greatly from your advice. They have stupidly decided on a war of Revanche against the Elector of Brandenburg. Where reason escapes is the fact that the province they lost during the Brandenburg conflict was returned to the Holders of Pommern when a local Pommeranian Baron and his serfs rebelled against the Elector, captured Strasund, and declared for Pommern. The Elector had no choice as his realm was beset by all manner of Italians, Austrians and Bohemians.
So we must now once again join in a rather pointless war. We shall endeavor to protect only our own lands from attack.
I receive your welcome news that the new tax registry office is nearly completed in Danzig.
Your advice is most appreciated and we trust in your discretion, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, undated, 1437
Most Gracious Sir
Your recommendation to hire Maurice of Orange is received and we have taken your advice to hold him at court for a period of 3 years to instruct our young Knights on new methods of warfare. Herr Maurice also told us that he had heard of the early efforts of Friedrich Karl some years ago, and thought we would make excellent candidates for his new teachings.
The war in Brandenburg continues. Our army returned from an unsuccesful attempt to invest Kustrin and essentially ransom it back to the Elector for a sum. Ah, well, such is the way of things.
Aside from the above, nothing new to report. Have you heard from the Rothchilds regarding our loan?
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, The New Year Of 1440
Most Gracious Sir
We have taken Kustrin. Unfortunately, the Brandenburghers seem to have an extraordinary ability to rebuild their armies. We must, in cooperation with our allies, bide our time. The Rothschild loan will be due in 1442, so we cannot really afford a new army to deal the Brandenburghers a final blow.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, The New Year Of 1441
My Liege
We congratulate you on your accession to the position of High Knight. We renew our fealty to the Order. Our armies are at present besieging Berlin, and in depot at Danzig. Assistance would be most appreciated, but not expected. The Brandenburghers have 20,000 investing Kustrin.
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, July 1441
My Liege
We have taken Berlin and concluded an arrangement with the Elector of Brandenburgh, which awaits now only your approval. We will return the cities of Berlin and Kustrin to the Elector, restoring his realm, in return for his vassalge and a payment of 750 ducats in good faith. As we are your vassals, according to the ancient laws, you must approve the acquisition of any oaths of fealty to our person. This arrangement will leave Pommern at war with Saxony and Brandenburg separately, but we trust the promises of the Elector to dull these sharp edges.
We remain
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, January 1442
My Liege
We are in receipt of your request to declare war on Lithuania in view of their recent declaration of war against the holdings of the Teutonic Order. We must decline.
Your status as our suzerain does not give you the power to force us to war. It does give you the power to collect various rents which we continue to provide.
Our advisors at the seat of the Prussian Knights advise us that the combinant powers of Denmark, Sweden and Lithuania are more than our armed retainers and economy can sustain for long. Moreover, we have just engaged in a series of wars at the behest of the Order and its allies, and find ourselves in a need of rest that spans a generation of men. Some of our oldest Knights can count on one hand the number of years of peace they remember. The Prussian Knights have started none of these wars.
Finally, wisdom recalls the due of our Rothschild loan this year, which renders us unable to raise any substantial forces this year and possibly the next, so we would be of little assistance to you.
As we remain at peace, think on one half of your holdings being untouched by this present havoc thanks to our chosen course.
We pray for your prevalence in these dark times,
Yours, etc.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, January 1443
My Liege :
Attached find our yearly reports for 1442
Census Taxes : 3,050d
Production : 655d
Taxation : 1,507d
Tolls : 1,197d
Trade : 4,069d
Tariffs : xxxx
Vassals : 1,250d (Brandenburg)
Total 11,728d
Our expenses last year were 576d to the maintenance and salaries of the Prussian Knights, about 2 silver thalers per year per man. We repaid a 20,000d Rothschild loan. The balance of our monthly incomes was spent on the improvement of roads, markets, silos, stills, and subsidies for various traders. We have 3800d in the Koenigsburg vault.
Our army is in depot in Danzig, 12,000 foot and 7,000 Knights of Prussia.
Traders report prices are 2% higher than they were in 1419.
We shall be embarking on a financial program that will result in inflation of about 3 percent over 3 years.
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Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to High Knight of the Teutonic Order Konrad Von Erlichshausen, January 1449
My Liege :
It distresses us that the war is not going well for you. Not a day goes by when some herald does not arrive with news of a new siege, revolt, or other malfeasance besetting you. While things may look bleak with the fall of Riga and the investment of all other Order holdings by either Swedes, Lithuanians, or bandits, do not give up hope. God has a place for you. Our laws hold that God aids those who are on the side of God.
Your holdings in Prusslandt continue to prosper, although we had to spend an inordinate amount of treasure to suppress a large outcropping of a group of rebellious Polish nobles in the Danzig province. Were it not for this misfortune, we would nearly be able to afford dramatic improvements, perhaps even an art academy as has captured the imagination of all Europe.
We note that while the Order’s situation appears grim, our allies in the west have had some success against Denmarck.
We wish for a speedy and successful conclusion of your current troubles, we hope our monthly tribute is of some assistance to you.
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-Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Knight of the Teutonic Order Ludwig Von Erlichshausen, January 1450
My Liege :
While we are saddened at your father’s recent death, we commend you in our prayers on your accession to head of the Order. Your father’s tenure has left you in the unfortunate position of controlling only the province of Riga. However, you are now at peace, and we remain bound to you by vassalage. Think well on what would be best for the Order and the Hansa alliance.
Our report :
Census Taxes : 3,050d
Production : 673d
Taxation : 1,525d
Tolls : 1,245d
Trade : 5,674d
Tariffs : xxxx
Vassals : 1,250d (Brandenburg)
Total 20,340d (includes a compulsory-voluntary Noble contribution of 10,000 ducats).
Expenses last year :
Army Maintenance : 583d (12,182 foot, 7,890 Knights an average of 2.9 silver thalers per man per year)
We also spent 2000 ducats on German colonists for Memel which is still recovering from the Plague several years ago.
We spent 3000 ducats on installing merchants at various Houses around Europe.
Remainder was spent on various and sundry costs throughout the realm.
We have 19,800d in the Koenigsburg vault.
We released from indenture to the Prussian Knights a large number of shipwrights throughout the holdings, instead hiring additional sergeants at arms and barracks to better house and prepare landless nobility, errant serfs, and various young freemen for service in the Knights. This will enable us to call up 1000 footmen for only 600d initial cost, 1000 esquires for 1,500d initial cost.
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-Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, July 1450
Most Gracious Sir
You will immediately join me in Memel. The Poles have declared war on us, and they have over 50,000 men marching north to Danzig, and possibly Koenigsburg. The Poles are without allies, this is a vassalage war between us, as proxies for Lithuania and the Order.
We have no intention of making any compensatory offer to the Poles. This will be a war to avenge all the past wrongs and once and for all end Polish claims on Danzig.
Destroy this note, and ride, Sir.
Yours, etc.
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-Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfeld to Baron Lizst of Danzig, The New Year 1454
Most Gracious Sir
My thanks to the efforts of the men in your offices, who have reported increased revenues and trade activity, combined with drop in prices for foodstuffs and other sundries throughout the realm
This good news could not come at a better time. We have the Poles on the run, and have taken Poznan and Gznieo. Our army gathers once again in Danzig for another summer of campaigning against the Poles. The Szjem foolishly rejected our proposals for a payment of 10,000d and transfer of Poznan to the Knights and and end to our campaigns We look forward to more good news, and victory.
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-Knight of Prussia Josef Blankenfelde to King Kazimierz IV of Poland, July 16, 1458
Your Royal Highness,
These last 8 years we have seen in you our most resolute adversary. And we need not recall even more troubled times in the history of Poland’s treatment of the legitimate Prussian holdings. Your people should now commend you for recognizing the futility of pursing claims against the holdings of the Knights, which were legitimately given to us by the Teutonic Order long ago, who in turn held them in perpetuity at your request to guard against slavic incursions from the north.
Now with the last fortress held by your armed men having surrendered, and all Polish flags throughout your kingdom in our possession, you will recognize the law of arms and accord with the following :
Of the First, you will cede in perpetuity to the Prussian Knights, loyal vassals of the Teutonic Order, the areas of Poznan and Warsaw/Mazovia.
Of the Second, you will deliver to Koenigsburg the sum of 25,000 ducats as the price of the withdrawal of all Prussian men at arms from what remains of your realm.
Of the Third, all those who have laid down their arms may keep their armor and titles, and we recognize the continued independence of Poland, and we further recognize that Poland and its lands are not held at the will of the Prussian Knights, nor is any of the land held by the Prussian Knights held at the will of Poland.
Of the Fourth, Poland here and forever renounces any claim to Poznan, Mazovie, Danzig, and any other province or territory held by the Prussian Knights.
Given under the seal of the Teutonic Order, the Prussian Knights, the King of Poland, and the Polish Szjem this 19th Day of July, year of our lord 1458.
etc.
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Central and Eastern Europe after the Prussian Polish "Settlement of Podolia", 1456
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