THE LAWS OF WISBUY. WISBUY was the ancient capital of Gothland, an island in the Baltic sea. It formerly belonged to Sweden, but was afterwards annexed to Denmark, to whose crown it still continues an appendage. In Gothland there are several fine ports, the access to which is easy and safe. It is rich in cattle, of which it affords immense numbers, and abounds in venison, fish, forests of fine timber for building ships, naval stores, and excellent marble. In the north-west part of the island Wisbuy was situated, a fair and noble sea-port, built by foreigners, and whose first settlement in the country was opposed by the Gothlanders, but who successfully resisted them, and, in the year one thousand two hundred and eighty-eight, obtained an important victory over them; after which the citizens, to defend themselves against their enemies, obtained a permission from Magnus king of Sweden, to wall their city, and erect bastions and other fortifications. They flourished more and more, and grew great by their trade and navigation, to which they entirely gave themselves up; insomuch, that this town was a long time the most celebrated market of Europe; there being no city so full of merchants, and so famous for its commerce. Hither came Swedes, Russians, Danes, Prussians, Livonians, Germans, Finlanders, Vandals, Flemings, Saxons, English, Scots and French to trade. Each nation had their quarter, and particularly streets for their shops or warehouses. All strangers were safe and welcome there, and enjoyed the same privileges as the townsmen themselves. The magistrates of this city had the jurisdiction, or rather the arbitrement of all causes or suits relating to sea affairs. Their ordinances were submitted to in all such cases, and passed for just on all the coasts of Europe from Muscovy to DESCRIPTION OF WISBUY. Art. XXVI. the Mediterranean. In this account we are supported by Olaus Magnus, lib. x, cap. 16, and baron Herbestain in rerum Muscovitarum commentario, p. 118. In the course of time, this town was entirely destroyed, except the citadel, which stands to this day. The Gothic historians do not tell us when, nor how its destruction came upon it, only that it was through civil dissensions which arose from trifles, but occasioned great factions; which set them so against one another, that it ended in the entire ruin of them all, city and citizens. The ruins of it are now to be seen, and under them are often found tables of marble, porphyry and jasper; evidences of the ancient splendor and magnificence of the citizens. The houses were covered with copper, the windows gilt with gold, and all that is said or that is discovered of it, shews the inestimable riches of the former inhabitants. The citizens who survived the ruin of the city, retired to the country of the Vandals and eastern Saxons, who were enriched with their wealth. Albert, king of Sweden, rebuilt the city, and granted great privileges to all that should come and inhabit it; but it never could recover its trade and former magnificence. It was in this city of Wisbuy that the sea laws and ordinances which the Swedes brought into credit, were composed; they were received as righteous and just, and are kept in the Teutonic language till now. The Germans, Swedes, Danes, Flemings, and all the people of the north observe them; but none have been so curious as to preserve the date and the remembrance of the time when they were composed and published. Northern writers have contended that the laws of Wisbuy are more ancient than the Roll d'Oleron, and have even asserted the Consolato del Mare to have been composed subsequent to them. These claims are opposed with some irritation by Cleirac, who denies their having been promulgated prior to the year 1266. In this opinion he is supported by many historical facts. But at whatever period they may have been composed, these laws have been for ages, and still remain, in great authority in northern Europe. Lex Rhodia navalis, pro jure gentium in illi mari Mediterraneo vigebat,sicut apud Galliam leges Oleronis, apud omnis transcribannos, leges Wisbuensis. Grotius de Jur. Bel lib. ii, c. 3. |