Duke Christian demands tax accounts from fru Inger
DN 23/195 · [13 juli (eller like etter) 1529] · [Oslo]
What the letter says
Duke Christian writes from Oslo in July 1529 to his father King Frederik I that he has arrived safely, but that the Council of the Realm has not yet assembled and that the archbishop will probably stay away and arm himself against the king. He wants to remain in Norway over the winter and asks for ships, men, provisions and weapons, and reports that the castle in Oslo is burnt down and leaking. Through the bishop of Oslo, Henrik Krummedike and Knut Pedersen he has demanded accounts from doctor Vincens Lunge and fru Inger Ottesdatter for the taxes they have collected. Fru Inger answered that the money lay at her farm and was taken by the archbishop together with the registers and more of her own money.
The letter in modern English
Most mighty king, most powerful, high-born prince, gracious lord. Our friendly, diligent service and whatever more love and good we are able to do at all times, first. Gracious lord, friendly dear father, in dutiful and glad intent we will first not conceal from Your Royal Worthiness that we, with all our people (God be praised), have arrived here fresh and healthy, and that the bishop of Oslo, doctor Vincens and herr Mogens Gyldenstierne have received us with all propriety. The country pleases us very well, and we see and learn that this land is such that Your Royal Worthiness and those whom You have placed here, if things went fairly and rightly, could have useful income from it, indeed a great surplus. But many things have been handled unfairly and still are, for self-interest is in our opinion very common here, etc. Secondly we make known to Your Royal Worthiness in friendship that none of the councillors are present here apart from those named, and that we have written to the councillors living round about to come here to us as quickly as possible. As soon as they and the bishop of Børglum have arrived, we will together, as far as lies with us, take counsel to secure the best for Your Royal Worthiness and avert the worst, and in particular carefully consider precautions.
Original text
Durchleuchtiger konninck groszmechtiger hochgeborner furst gnediger herr. Vnnsere freuntlich gevlissen dinst vnnd was wir jeder zeit mehr liebs vnnd guts vormugen zuuorn. Gnediger herr freuntlicher lieber vater dienstlicher erfrawter maynung wollen wir eure konigliche woldeder erstlich nicht vorhalten das wir mit sampt allen den vnnsern (got lob) hie frisch vnnd geszunth angekummen sein vnnd der bischoff von Oszlo doctor Vintentz her Magnus Guldenstern vnns aller billickait entpfangen.
Background
The letter is a draft in German, and German was the language at the court of Duke Christian, who later became King Christian III. King Frederik I had taxes collected in Norway, and those who held the fiefs, such as fru Inger and Vincens Lunge, carried out the collection in their districts and were to send the money on. Arrears (restanser) were taxes that came in late, after the main sum had been sent. Fru Inger's answer links the tax matter to Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson's seizure that spring, when he took over her farm, probably Austrått, with money and registers. The duke doubts the answer and writes that it is easy to complain about someone who is not present. The castle in Oslo is Akershus, which the duke describes as partly burnt down and without a roof.
People: Ingerd Ottesdatter (fru Inger)