Draft letter: the Naviglio water right, a lawsuit, two Madonnas
A message to a patron, sent with Salai, above a row of small mechanical sketches
The lower two-thirds of the sheet carries a draft letter to a patron, complaining that none of the writer's many letters have been answered, announcing that he is nearly through his lawsuit with his brothers, and that he will come at Easter bringing two pictures of Madonnas made for the most Christian king. He asks where he is to lodge, whether his allowance continues, and begs help in obtaining possession of a water right on the Naviglio that the king had granted him. Above the text a row of small mechanical sketches is drawn; these are not part of the transcription.
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Draft letter: unanswered letters, a lawsuit, two Madonnas and a water grant
The writer fears his poor return for great benefits has angered his patron, since none of his many letters have been answered. He sends Salai to report that his lawsuit with his brothers is nearly settled and that he will come at Easter with two pictures of Madonnas for the most Christian king. He asks where to lodge and whether his allowance continues, and begs that the president be reminded to put him in possession of the water on the Naviglio that the king gave him.
Row of small mechanical sketches above the letter
Along the upper part of the sheet is a band of small, lightly drawn mechanisms with slender arms and linkages, similar to the shuttle-passing devices on the other side of this leaf. These drawings are not covered by the transcription, so their exact function is not given in the bundle.