Niccolo Machiavelli (Machiavelli, Niccolo)
5 December, 1511
Bibbiena

LETTER.

Magnificent Signori, etc.: —

To-day I have given the advance to one hundred new men to serve in the cavalry, and have distributed them under the same banners; namely, Val d’ Arno, Val di Chiana, and Casentino. I found the two hundred infantry of the first levy in the best order; and these new ones will be fully equipped during this month, after which your Lordships can employ these three hundred cavalry wherever you may wish. I leave here to-day for Val di Bagno, to execute the order of the Nine, and commend myself to your Lordships, quæ bene valeant.

Servitor
Niccolo Machiavelli,

Secret.
Bibbiena, 5 December, 1511.