Letter from Eurylochos to Athenodoros about a dispute with a sheep overseer TM 23353Herakleopolites, Ägypten6. Juni 4 v.Chr.

[recto] Eurylochos to his dearest Athenodoros, greetings and continued good health and prosperity. Having behaved in a disorderly way up to now, they obstructed the letter about the knives, although the prefect had ordered it to be written, using many devices; but it has been drafted; it remains for it to be engraved (?). Horos, the overseer of the sheep, was brought before me on the 12th by Tel[…]phonas, claiming that the matter of the lambs of year 22 of Caesar is a false accusation, from him […] neither […] the money tax; but even if he wants me to exact from him […], if I did not receive anything, also the fleece-dues […] and of all from the same fleece […], no other herdsman doing this. So, convicted by me of doing wrong, he reluctantly admitted that it was the ignorance of the scribe, having earlier claimed that the account was not his either; however, as it was necessary to speak frankly, I did so. Tomorrow we have to go to Soterichos, since someone is making a claim against him; and as soon as we get there, I will send him up to you to take herdsmen who swear to judge justly […]. If, wishing crudely to stir up trouble, he gives a bribe (?), I, knowing the just disposition, will not submit unless it is judged; unless it will be decided on the spot before the person appointed by you. The letter which I have brought I am not allowed to deliver until the one about the knives […] the letters sent to you from outside […] through […] of Seleukos son of Ptollas […] son, through the adopted (?) son, both mine and those to the strategos which Laomedon has given. Take care of yourself so that you stay healthy. Farewell. Year 26 of Caesar, Pauni 12. [verso] To his dearest Athenodoros.