THE EMPEROR'S PRIVILEGES 



these hundred yeres was never so warme weather in this 

 countrey at this time of the yeere. But as yesternight 

 wee received a letter from Christopher Hudson from a 

 citie called Yeraslave, who is comming hither with cer- 

 taine of our wares, but the winter did deceive him, so 

 that he was faine to tarie by the way : and he wrote 

 that the Emperours present was delivered to a gentleman 

 at Vologda, and the sled did overthrow, and the butte 

 of Hollocke was lost, which made us all very sory. 



I pray you be not offended with these my rude 

 letters for lacke of time : but assoone as sales be made, 

 I will flnde the meanes to convey you a letter with 

 speed : for the way is made so doubtful, that the right 

 messenger is so much in doubt, that he would not have 

 any letters of any effect sent by any man, if he might, 

 for he knowes not of these : and to say the truth, the way 

 is not for him to travell in. But I will make another 

 shift beside, which I trust shall serve the turne till he 

 come, if sales be made before he be readie, which is 

 and shall be as pleaseth God : who ever preserve your 

 worship, and send us good sales. Written in haste. 



By yours to commaund 



George Killingworth 

 Draper. 



A copie of the first Privileges graunted by the 

 Emperour of Russia to the English Marchants 

 in the yeere 1555. 



Ohn Vasilivich, by the grace of God 

 Emperor of Russia, great duke of 

 Novogrode, Moscovia, &c. To all 

 people that shal see, reade, heare or 

 understand these presents, greeting. 

 Forasmuch as God hath planted al 

 realmes and dominions in the whole 



A.D. 

 1555- 



world with sundry commodities, so as the one hath 

 neede of the amity and commodities of the other, and 



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