Private Letters from the Archive of Claudius Tiberianus

Private Letter
P. Mich. Inv. 5390
Karanis, 28-B167D2-B
This letter from the archive of Claudius Tiberianus is one of several from a young man who is part of Claudius Tiberianus's extended household. He affectionately calls Claudius Tiberianus “father” and respectfully calls him “lord.” The letter describes items that the young man has received from Claudius Tiberianus and other things he has sent to him. This letter was written in Latin. It dates to the early 2nd century A.D.

Claudius Terentianus to Claudius Tiberianus, his father and lord, very many greetings.

Before all else, I pray for your health, which is my special wish. Know, father, that I have received the things that you sent me by... the veteran and by Numesianus, the... and the short cloak, and I thank you because you considered me worthy and have made me free from care.

I have sent you, father, by Martialis a bag well sewn, in which you have two mantles, two capes, two linen towels, two sacks, and a linen covering. I had bought the last together with a mattress and a pillow, and while I was lying ill on the ship, they were stolen from me. You have also in the bag a cape of single thickness; my mother sent this to you. Receive also a chicken coop, in which you have sets of glassware, two bowls of quinarius size, a dozen goblets, two papyrus rolls for school use, ink [for use] on the papyrus, five pens, and twenty Alexandrian loaves. I beg you, father, to be content with that. If only I had not been ill, I was hoping to send you more, and again I hope so if I live.

I beg you, father, if it meets with your approval, to send me from there low leather boots and a pair of felt socks. Boots with buttons are worthless; I provide myself with footgear twice a month. And I beg you to send me a pickaxe. The adjutant took from me the one that you sent me, but I am grateful to him for furnishing me....

Moreover, I ask and beg you, father, to reply to me immediately about your health, that you have recovered your good health. I am worried about trouble at home if you do not write back.

And if god should be willing, I hope to live frugally and to be transferred to a cohort; but here nothing will be accomplished without money, and letters of recommendation have no value unless a man helps himself. I beg you, father, to send me a reply promptly.

Know that Carpus came here in his wanderings, and Dius was found in the legion, and I accepted 6 denarii on his behalf. My mother and my father and brothers salute you; and know that everything goes very well at home. Salute Aphrodisia and Isityche. Salute Arrius the centurion together with his family, Saturninus the clerk together with his family, Capito the centurion together with his family, Cassius the adjutant together with his family, Tyrannius the adjutant together with his family, Sallustius together with his family, Terentius the pilot, Fronto together with his family, Sempronius Italicus, Publicius, Severinus, your colleague Marcellus, and Lucius. Salute Serenus the clerk together with his family. Salute all our comrades. Farewell.

I pray that you enjoy good health for many years with the greatest happiness forever. Farewell.