On board the Maris Stella, Freiburg,
7th day of Primus 1669.
Dear Lucas,
Let me begin by offering you my best wishes for the
new year, although I confess that my expectations are somewhat grimmer
than they were this time last year. Still, I hope I find you in good
health and spirits, and by Theus’ grace in his protection.
You will perhaps be surprised to find the Maris
Stella here but myself gone. I asked for you but Armin did not
know where you could be found. I regret that I have pressing business
south of Freiburg that forces me to travel without waiting for your return.
I apologize for the abruptness of this visit, as well
as for occupying the embassy’s pier. But perhaps it will in fact
increase the look of officialness for the pier to be occupied, as well
as preventing other vessels not connected with the Castillan embassy from
dropping anchor there.
I do not anticipate being gone more than a week or
two, but I have made arrangements to have the Maris Stella taken
care of if after a month I have not yet returned.
I pray I may return soon to see you and greet you more
properly.
Your Cousin,
Constanza Aldana y Orduño
