7. Tamás Bosnyák (1572–1634), captain of the fortress of Fülek.

... Autograph signed letter in Hungarian to Count György Thurzó, perpetual lord lieutenant of Árva County (later Palatine of Hungary).
He informs the recipient that he has received reports from Fülek stating that the frontier soldiers, similarly to the situation at Érsekújvár, are dissatisfied with their insufficient pay and are prepared to renounce the agreement concluded with György Thurzó and the ruler. They threatened that, should the “nustra” not be fulfilled (that is, should the agreed wages not be paid), they would first cause damage to the property of Bosnyák himself and of other officials. Since the little property he possesses is located at Fülek, he would greatly regret losing it through no fault of his own. The frontier soldiers are united and capable of causing considerable destruction, therefore he urges Thurzó to write to the ruler concerning the payment of wages. He further reports that the Ottomans have begun raiding the villages, and that Ahmed’s deputy (kihaja) allegedly wrote that unless the inhabitants are protected, they will abandon the area (according to information kindly provided by the National Archives of Hungary).
Tamás Bosnyák fought alongside Tamás Erdődy, Ban of Croatia, on the southern frontier and later served throughout the Long Turkish War, participating in the Battle of Mezőkeresztes as well. At the end of the sixteenth century he was captain of Surány, later becoming a supporter of Bocskai. From 1605 until his death he served as captain of the frontier fortress of Fülek, in which capacity the ruler granted him the title of baron approximately two months after the date of the present letter. The recipient is likewise an important historical figure: György Thurzó was perhaps the most prominent member of his family and largely responsible for its rise as one of the most influential noble dynasties in Royal Hungary. He held numerous offices, enjoyed the confidence of Matthias II, received the title of count, and, two months after the date of this letter, was elevated to the dignity of Palatine. As a Protestant magnate, he pursued a policy of religious tolerance and was respected even by Catholic aristocrats.
1 written page, with the remains of a wax seal.
Dated: Surány, 5 October 1609.
 
Starting price: 400 000 Ft