1613 is an important date both in the history of the Royal Hungary and of the Principality of Transylvania. In this year, the Turks put an end to the reckless and inordinate political career of Gábor Báthory, helping his former devotee, Gábor Bethlen, into the throne of Transylvania. With this, a long blooming started in the life of the Principality. The centre of Bihar county, the castle of Várad played an important strategical role already during the 15-Year War, Várad meant the gate to Transylvania. The Royal Hungary put efforts into getting the castle back – in vain – even after the death of Gábor Báthory. András Nagylucsei Dóczy received order for the turning over of Várad first as a royal commissioner, and then as the chief of the Castle of Szatmár. In my study, I present the relationship of the two castles in the closing days of the principality of Gábor Báthory based on the extensive correspondence of the chief of Szatmár.