With Knut Alvsson at Båhus
SDHK 34530 (DN 22/21) · 17. april 1502 · Ettak
What the letter says
Erik Jönsson asks Svante Nilsson for help to stop Mats Kavle, who has met Sten Sture, from encroaching on his fief and taking the district jurisdiction of Vartofta from him. He says that he has been with Knut Alvsson at the siege of Båhus, which SDHK calls «lyckosamma» (fortunate), and that he is to meet Knut next Thursday in Vadsbo.
Background
Båhus was the great fortress on the Göta älv, on the border between Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and Henrik Krummedike was its commander. In the spring of 1502 Knut Alvsson, lord of Giske, led the rebellion against King Hans in Viken with help from Swedish magnates such as Erik Jönsson. Since they were to meet in Vadsbo in Västergötland, Knut was probably on the Swedish side of the border in April. Four months later, in August 1502, Knut was killed on board Henrik Krummedike's ship, under safe conduct.
People: Knut Alvsson