Letter 12044

**From:** Gregory I, Bishop of Rome **To:** Anthemius, Subdeacon **Date:** ~603 AD **Context:** Addresses the case of Acellus, who had been taken captive by enemies. Acellus has been taken captive by enemies and requires help. I want you to do what can be done to assist in his case — whether that means facilitating ransom negotiations, providing funds from church resources, or ensuring that his family is supported in the meantime. We do not abandon people to captivity when we have the means to help. See what is possible and act on it.

AD ANTHEMIUM SUBDIACONUM. Accello, qui ab hostibus captivum Slephanum zolidis octo redemerat, res(1tuat pretium. Gregorius Anthemio subdiacono Campaniz. Stephanus, presentium portitor, qui uxorem $6 Keclesiz nostra2 ancillam habere perhibet, octo 86 80lidis ab Accello seniore de hostibus comparaium innotuit. Et quia ad eorum restitutionem $e inopem B es8e commemorat, experientia tua diligenter inqui=- rat; et si ita es8e cognoverit, nec habere unde Suurm possit pretium reddere, cum predicto seniore ad quantum potueris ordina , et * pretium ei quod tibi $latuerit restitue Securus, quia lempore quo raliones: tuas positurus adveneris, de captivorum redemptio= ne quod dederis libi restitai ſaciemus.