9. Péter Melith (c. 1585–1644), captain-general of Szatmár.

... Autograph signed letter in Latin to King Ferdinand III of Hungary.
He informs the ruler that he has received his letter of command dated 25 May and has endeavoured to gather intelligence concerning the strengthening of the Prince of Transylvania’s army. It is indeed true, he reports, that the prince is attempting to reinforce his forces, and that recruitment is taking place even among the king’s subjects, among whom two banners have reportedly been seen. Meanwhile, a trustworthy person arriving from Transylvania reported that many veteran soldiers have grown weary of warfare and withdrawn from military service. Having settled in their homes, they were nevertheless individually registered and, by princely authority, strictly ordered back into the camp. Likewise, many Székelys, exhausted by war and reduced to poverty and hardship, had entered the service of nobles and magnates as peasant labourers, despite the fact that Gábor Báthory had formerly exempted them from such obligations and declared them free. Prince György Rákóczi I, however, has had them enrolled and compelled once more into military service. Melith further reports that a servant of the prince named Bálintffy travelled to the northern territories under the authority of the King of Poland and, upon his return, secretly visited the prince; what business he conducted there, “only God knows”. Greek merchants returning from Transylvania also report that the Ottomans are making extensive preparations for an attack on the King of Poland, and that even the voivodes beyond the Carpathians fear their wrath. Melith requests that the fortress be reinforced with artillery, grain, wine, and other supplies, as he has already urged the administrators at Kassa, lest deficiencies in provisions endanger the defence (according to information kindly provided by the National Archives of Hungary).
Péter Melith of Brebiri first served as steward at the courts of Matthias II and Ferdinand II. He also held the title of chamberlain, became a sworn assessor of the Royal Table, and was later raised to the rank of baron. From 1636 he served as royal councillor before embarking upon a military career. He was first captain of the fortress of Kálló and between 1633 and 1643 captain-general of Szatmár and the Tiszántúl region.
1 written page, with wax seal.
Dated: Szatmár, 20 July 1639.
 
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