Private Letters from the Archive of Claudius Tiberianus

Private Letter
P. Mich. Inv. 5401
Karanis, 28-B167D2-M
In this letter to Claudius Tiberianus, his sister complains about an incomplete transaction concerning linen, robbery or embezzlement of other goods, and explains how her son came to be guilty of a murder.

Tabetheus to Claudius Tiberianus, her brother, very many greetings. Before all else I pray for your health, and I make obeisance for you in the presence of the lord Souchos. I was happy that you sent my son in order that I might greet him.

But you have not.... For Saturnilus has not found out what I did for him. I bought three minai of linen, and I sent them. Do not blame me if you did not deliver them to Metellus the soldier. I want you to write concerning a friend; deliver them to him immediately. I was much annoyed. I was able to send you the robe this year; I did not send it last year, but I sent and sold them to Kabin the attendant.

When I went down from our home at Tonis and came to Saturnilus's lodging and saw our things (may the evil eye not touch them), I did not approve that he, my son, should trust Menas. And after he had killed him, he told me not to be distressed; I told Saturnilus that I was sleepless from worry. Since you caused me damage to the extent of twelve hundred drachmai, let them go to my son’s ransom. And I went down to Alexandria with my son. For this reason a madness took hold of him, because he did not approve that he [Menas] and his family should consume the rations.

If god wills and you receive the rations that I put up for you, do not you also... them. Concerning last year's rations, I did not prepare them;... prepared them last year. I sent them from Alexandria as late as the second shipment upstream. And he became ill. I was tortured with the grief that he caused me, but I was utterly happy that he remained alive. I have insistently urged him, "Take a taste of Alexandria," and he says to me, "I don't want to." I thank the gods that he is like you; no one can mock him.

Salute all your people, each by name. How much damage have I incurred this past year on account of Saturnilus! Neither was he liable for it nor was I, but I have incurred damage on every side. Farewell.

(Address) Deliver to... Tiberianus from Tabetheus....