King Hans does not trust Knut Alvsson
DN 8/444 · 29 Septbr. 1499 · Kjöbenhavn
What the letter says
On 29 September 1499 King Hans writes from Copenhagen to Sir Henrik Krummedike, commander at Båhus. Krummedike is to keep himself informed about what Knut Alvsson is up to and report if anything seems suspicious, for the king does not know whether he can trust him. He is also to make sure that the wreck that has drifted in near Tønsberg is not taken from the king, and to pay the three lasts of butter he was left owing at the last accounting.
The letter in modern English (excerpt)
Hans, by the grace of God king of Denmark, Sweden, Norway etc., duke in Schleswig and in Holstein, Stormarn and Dithmarschen etc. Our special favour first. Dear Sir Henrik, if you learn of any errands from Sir Knut Alvsson that sound or appear otherwise than they should, give us word of it. Keep yourself informed and inquire into what he is up to. We do not know whether we can trust him much. Also see to it, or have it seen to, that the wreck that has come in near Tønsberg is not taken from us. And let us have the three lasts of butter (a last is a shipload, here a fixed measure) that you were left owing us when you last rendered account to us. In this you will do us a special favour, which we will gladly repay. We commend you to God. Written at our castle Copenhagen on St Michael's Day (29 September) in the year [14]99. Under our signet. Endorsement: Address: To our beloved Sir Henrik Krummedike, knight, our man, councillor and official at Båhus.
Original text (excerpt)
Hanss met gudz nade Danmarckes Sueriges Norges etc. konungh hertug i Sleswiig oc i Holtzstenn Stormarnn oc Ditmerskenn etc. Wor sønnerlig gunst tilfornn. Kære her Henrich forfare (i) nogre ærende aff her Knudh Alffszonn som anderledes lude eller haffue seg en som tilbørlige ere tha giffuer oss thet at kende oc ware vde om oc forhøre hwat hanss bedrifft er wij vide ey om wij oss meget till hannum forlade mwge. Oc bestiller eller lader bestille at thet wrag som ved Tonsbergh kommet er worder oss e
Background
Knut Alvsson of Tre Rosor was the son of Alv Knutsson, who had received the Giske estate, and he was one of the most powerful noblemen in Norway. The letter shows that King Hans mistrusted him two years before he rebelled in 1501. Krummedike and Knut were rivals for power and fiefs in Viken, and it was Krummedike's men who killed Knut under safe conduct in 1502. The letter is a private royal letter with instructions to a trusted official. It also shows the king's revenues: wrecks that drifted ashore belonged to the Crown, and officials had to render account for taxes and dues, often in goods such as butter. A last was a large trade measure for goods.
People: Knut Alvsson