Spring 43 BCE: To Quintus Cornificius (in Africa) from Cicero (at Rome)
Cicero meddles in the matter of a will
Quintus Turius, who did business in Africa and was a good and honourable man, left as his heirs men of similar character: Gnaeus Saturninus, Sextus Aufidius, Gaius Anneus, Quintus Considius Gallus, Lucius Servilius Postumus, and Gaius Rubellinus.
From speaking with these men I have gathered that they would rather I send you a letter of thanks than one of recommendation. For they have told me how very generously you treated them—I understand that you did more for them than I dare to ask. Still, I do dare to ask—for I know how much weight my recommendations have with you.
So please, allow this letter to add the finishing touch to the generosity you have already shown them even without a letter from me.
But the main point of my recommendation is that you should not allow Turius Eros, the freedman of Quintus Turius, to steal Turius’ property, as he has done until now, and in all other matters you should consider these men1 as highly recommended by me.
You will be most satisfied by the respect of these distinguished men. I ask this as an important and pressing favour.
Latin text of ad Familiares 12.24.3 | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE
i.e. Quintus Turius’ heirs.