3. Ferenc Geszthy (c. 1545–1595), captain-general of Veszprém.

... Autograph signed official letter in Latin to the councillors of the Austrian Chamber.
He informs the councillors that for seven months neither a muster of the troops nor the payment of their due pay has taken place. The soldiers are therefore in an extremely difficult position, since there are no civilians or merchants from whom they might borrow money or obtain credit, and only through persuasion and strict prohibitions has he been able to prevent them from plundering the property of the neighbouring nobility. He urgently requests that, if nothing else can be provided, at least three months’ pay should be sent. At present he is occupied with arranging the release and ransom of a soldier captured the previous year by Ottoman troops concealed beneath the walls of Veszprém Castle. The man had originally been dispatched to reconnoitre the enemy so that the other soldiers might avoid danger. Geszthy further asks that 500 florins be advanced from his future pay (according to information kindly provided by the National Archives of Hungary).
Before 1566 Geszthy served as a page at Szigetvár and later fought under György Zrínyi on the southern frontier. He subsequently became captain of the hussars at Pápa and in 1574 captain-general of the fortress of Veszprém. After 1578 he served as captain of Keszthely before entering Transylvanian service at the invitation of Prince Stephen Báthory. There he became commander of the fortress of Déva and later captain-general of the field armies.
2 written pages. Paper document with paper-protected wax seal.
Dated: Veszprém, 24 November 1577.
 
Starting price: 300 000 Ft