Bishop Håkon promises Jon Havtoresson an eight oared boat
DN 9/134 · 13 June [1341.] · Bergen
What the letter says
On 13 June, probably in 1341, Bishop Håkon of Bergen thanks Sir Jon Havtoresson for a loving letter, for news and for kindness. Jon had asked to be given a boat that eight men could row. The bishop cannot provide it so quickly, but promises to do so as soon as he can.
The letter in modern English (excerpt)
To Sir Jon Havtoresson. We thank you greatly for the loving letter and the tidings we last received from you, and for all the other kindness and courtesy you have shown us. That we will and shall repay with good, as far as we are able. You mention in your letter that we might obtain for you a boat that eight men could row aboard. We have no possibility of that so suddenly. But as soon as we are better placed, we will gladly let you have it. God keep you with his grace, always, and all who wish you well. Written in Bergen on the Ides of June (13 June).
Original text (excerpt)
Ad dominum Johannem Hafthorie. Mykilægha þokkum ver yder firir kærlæght bref ok tiðende er ver nest af yder fænghom. ok alla adra dyghd ok hœfuersko oss teeda. vilium ver ok skulum þat med godo skylda. æftir mætte. þeer gator ok vm j. brefe ydru. at ver mættem fa. yðer. æin baatt. þan sem roa mætte aatta menn a bord. hofwm ver þess ænghin æfni. aat suabunu. en þeghar ver kunnum betr lidughir værda vilium ver gerna lata værda yder. Gœymi yder gud med sinum nadom jamfnnan ok alla yder væl viliande
Background
Jon Havtoresson was the brother of Sigurd Havtoresson of Sudreim, who married Ingeborg Erlingsdatter and in this way linked the Sudreim family to Giske. The brothers were grandsons of King Håkon V through their mother. The bishop is probably Håkon Erlingsson, Bishop of Bergen from 1332, who is known for a large collection of preserved letters. The letter is a private letter and a rare example of friendly correspondence between magnates in the Middle Ages. A boat for eight rowers corresponds to an åttring, a common type of boat on the coast. The year is missing from the letter and is the editor's estimate.