IM 77109

A letter from Nabû-nīrāru’a (NN) to Nabû-nādin-aḫi (NNA), his “brother,” regarding a third man, Šalim (Š). Š had apparently fled from NNA and was now in NN’s area of authority. NNA had previously sent a message urging NN not to let Š out of his sight for fear that one of Š’s “brothers” would help him escape. NNA had also written again, expressing his intent to advocate for Š (abbūtu ṣabātu), with further instructions for NN to capture Š and either deliver him to NNA or keep him in personal custody. The repetition of these messages forms a long preamble to NN’s response.

Now, NN feels that his trustworthiness has been unfairly called into question. He reminds NNA that he has faithfully performed services for NNA in the past – perhaps the recapture of runaway slaves and only asked for a fair compensation in return (the ll.x-x are damaged and the meaning unclear) –. He asks why NNA has captured the runaway (amīlu ḫalqu) and intends to give him to NN’s enemy. It is unclear if the runaway in this case is Š or another man. He also speculates that NNA may be holding the runaway for reserve service (kutallūtu), in which case he asks for da‌šannu jewelry, perhaps as compensation.

Finally, he reminds NNA that their fathers are allied and work for the mutual benefit of one another.

Personal names:

• Nabû-nīrāru'a
• Nabû-nādin-aḫi
• Šalim