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Oficio do Bispo de Macau, Frei Francisco [de Nossa Senhora da Luz Chacim], ao secretário de Estado dos Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar, Joaquim José Monteiro Torres, que apresenta a proposta de desenvolvimento do tráfico do ópio para a China.
Transcription
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] 27 de Abril de 1827 Ilmo. e Exmo. Senhor Cabe noticia para informar o Marechal de Campo graduado por brevet de Castro Caldeira e Albuquerque, de 2 de Março de 1827 L. M.P. S. D. H. Luiz Chacim Baixou com Porto. Ainda que o Bispo de Macão continua a ser o alvo das ca- lúnias de 3 de Abril de 1827, que a facção, ainda temerariamente vomita, na lembrança concedido pela Secretaria de Estado dos Negócios da Quinaçao, dos Ultramarinos — justiça; nesta expõem a V.Exa. hum apontamento, que posto que se conhece o que pratica civil, com tudo elle foi, e he o encarregado; apontamento, que se completar he o bem da Real Casa, e da Cidade. He pois Ainda que nas circuns- tancias, que apparecem, Representação vossa: do Bispo de gestrado Miguel d’Arriaga Borba da Silveira para se poder desembocar Macão, parece digno cadamente exportar, e exportar Anfiao nesta Cidade, o que durou não só nesse approvar, meses de louvar, etc. Com effeito este arranjo findou pelos annos de 1820 pelos dezinte- Bispo a tratar com ligeirezas, e motivos particulares de alguns, que não gostavam do di- to Mandarim Chinês o arranjo preciso. p. que o negocio do Anfiao levasse em logo muitos estrangeiros, e alguns de Macão principiarão em a preferida Ilha de Lantau a fazer a feira do anfiao, e dos mais géneros em Macão, erão na evidente omissão dos Directores Reais, e da Cidade, aponto tal, que as Ilha de Lantau, pois não pode deixar de gens moradores principaes em estes tempos meda, ou quasi nada refutar sahi vam: Xerão a Alfandega da Cidade; por cujo motivo a Administra tagens, e interesses ção publica se tem visto obrigada a procurar, e promover empre- timos assultados para satisfazer os encargos ordinarios, de que o E 31 de Março 1827 Bispo governador não só foi lentidão, mas tambem promoveu 23 d’Abril grandes somas ate de Mercadores chinas a bem das ditas duas [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda]: "27 de Abril de 1827" [No topo, à direita]: "Ilmo. e Exmo. Senhor" [No canto superior direito]: "M2687" [No centro, à esquerda, sobre texto principal]: "Luiz Chacim" (sobrelinha) [No meio da página, à esquerda]: "[UNCLEAR: marca circular escura, possivelmente carimbo parcial]" [No lado direito, próximo ao centro]: "[UNCLEAR: pequeno símbolo ou inicial ilegível]" [Na margem inferior esquerda]: "E 31 de Março 1827" (sobrescrito) [Carimbos] [No centro da página, ligeiramente acima da metade]: "ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR B.N.J." (Selo circular, texto legível, borda irregular) [Assinaturas] [No início, após endereço]: "L. M.P. S. D. H.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] contudo para chuver etmas ante aspe. [UNCLEAR: fragmento parcialmente rasgado] Depois de inteligir o affecto dito informe com o seu parecer, lembrando-me p. efeito do Marechal de Campo António Barrio, visto ter sido por bastantes vezes Governador interino da Cid. de Macau, e satisfeito direi. Em verdade desde o dia 23 de setembro de 1823, em que S. Ellegistrado o chamou ao Governo da Cidade, logo que viu o público em mais sossego, conjuntamente com o dito Ellegistrado estranha foi promovendo novo arranjo do dito comércio (único recurso de Macau). Com efeito não se realizou então de todo o arranjo do Comércio por maquinações de alguns mal afectos. Morreu o Ellegistrado: e passados alguns tempos, vieram a esta casa alguns mercadores chineses exigindo do Bispo que houvesse de promover o afumpcto deste comércio até se realizarem com inteiro proveito deles, e da Ci- dade, acrescentando que, se o Bispo não quisesse intervir neste as- sunto, os mandarins não aceitavam outro interventor. Portanto, ouvindo estes mercadores, e o que diziam da parte dos mandarins do Distrito, com os quais é mister ha- ver a melhor inteligência, aliás tudo fica perdido; resolveu-se o Bispo a fazer o possível esforço para se realizar o dito co- mércio há tantos anos parado, e arruinado, tendo em vista as boas determinações que o dito Ellegistrado e Senado lhe tinham patenteado. Na certeza de que, se este comércio não correr em relação, é infalível que ele acabe sem remédio, e se verificará o que o mesmo Bispo já fez subir à Real Pre- sença no ano de 1823. = /L. A/- Nestes termos apoiado por estes documentos, que apresenta, apesar de toda a calúnia, resolveu-se a intervir neste afumpcto, lembrado isto da utilidade que re- sultará à Real Casa e Cidade verificado este comércio. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita] — Assinatura manuscrita: “A.F.” [Carimbos] [No canto superior esquerdo] — Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: “NAO HA [.] LIVRO [.]” e um brasão central; abaixo, “3. N. 1.”. [No centro, à direita] — Selo circular escuro, parcialmente visível, com texto ilegível: “(Selo ilegível)”. [Assinaturas] [No final do texto principal] — Rubrica manuscrita: “/L.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Esperando que V. Exa. haja por bem de levar à Real Presença o exposto, para que S. Majestade se digne aprovar ou desaprovar estes papéis, que ele tem dado com a intenção de serem úteis. [Anotações marginais] [À esquerda, abaixo do texto principal] Mmo e mo /º Joaquim Jzº M. Cap. Monturo Correy Mº Secretário S.P.D. da Agência Ultramarina (Nº?) [Carimbos] [No topo, centro] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: “CONSELHO DE MARINHA E GUERRA” e “D.N.L.”) [Assinaturas] [Centro-direita, abaixo do texto principal] Resposta de V. Exa. Que Deus mº am. Ap. 14. 14. [Direita, abaixo da resposta] D. N. Cgo. [Centro inferior] Macau, 15 de Abril de 1826. [Direita inferior] Atº Vm. Sev. Servo B.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Senhor—Sendo eu jurado às Barras da Constituição em 16 de Fevereiro de 1822, como já fui eleito Procurador de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, tendo exercido as funções de Notário Público das Câmaras Civil e Militar, as quais, como também jurado às Barras, estava aderido ao novo regime da Nação Portuguesa; tenho por meu dever, que conforme o Decreto de 8 de Abril de 1821, todos eram legitimados, quando nesse ano se fizeram, como eram legitimados por seus títulos legais. Sempre houve, haverá em todos os Governos lealdade; sempre descontentes: portanto nesta sociedade estes promoverão que no dia 19 de Agosto do mesmo ano se instalasse um novo Senado da Câmara com as atribuições que gozava antes do ano de 1784, até agora governando com decisão sobre todos os expedientes. Foram os desgostos, as intrigas de facções; havia quase total anarquia, o que se observava. Morde, queria — Dizem não chegou ainda, como temo — A instalação do novo Senado efectuou-se pela notória ordem habitual adoptada, que se tem seguido a ela nos seguintes lugares: Pesquisa Sucessiva de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, juntos documentos que me excedem de provar esta triste verdade. — A legitimar autoridade foram, são sacrificados os caprichos, a maledicência, a calúnia, a suplantação nas escondidas das máscaras, e sequer hipocrisia contra os pobres neófitos, sendo como somos Deputados pelos chamados cristãos e gentios, como gentis, sobreguem devem ter as mais vigilantes reservas. Pelo que suplico quanto peço, que com toda a energia e brevidade digam que Nossa Senhora da Piedade ocorreu aos males que estamos devorando neste Estado, dolorosamente antes que o remédio seja inutilmente impotente; pois os estados actuais das coisas hão de lembrar que algum mal oculto-nos esteja preparando algum futuro golpe, dúbia e suposta dos deveres restantes de possuir este importante local, cujas complicadas circunstâncias mereciam agora mais que nunca habilitar o Município, que é a mais vigilante experiência do trato com os chineses, podendo facilitar, principalmente vendo os que mais andam muito satisfeitos — (Confirmei chamado ao dia 19 de Agosto, e estou) pedir conselhos às coisas de modo que não cheguem a amainar, contendo p. milhões pelas razões ditas ceder às circunstâncias, sem temor directo ou indirecto, quanto alguns actos alheios do acto do Conselho, o qual afecta; isto é, passarão e tomarão as atribuições que tinha antes de 1784, mas sem oposição das Autoridades ali mencionadas, nem prejuízo dos regimentos próprios de cada uma com suas peculiaridades, e exclusivos ramos de pública e legal autoridade e fiscalização, em nada. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] Cópia [No topo, centro] A M2687A¹ Sua Graça [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] (Selo circular ilegível, parcialmente visível: “.DE MINAS DE OURO.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] nada de que mais ulteriormente houver, p. que não podia concorrer por meios da Consciência tudo o que mais seja legitimidade de actos públicos, em particulares — Quais sejam as mesmas e promptas providências que esses incidentes faltando conto hum Ministério energico em actuar oppo- sição ao arbitrário? e já no facto das particulares e diversas circuns- tâncias dos jazigos e offerecidas a Políticas, mas quaes quer que sejam, sem duvida produzirão apparelho tranquillo? p. que em todos os elles radores de probidade nada mais querem, que hum apoio legal, e nos traga o decays das familias e ignorancia de suas propriedades, mostrando Apreçado com elles tenho ouvido nas novidades promovidas e prepar- radas, como houve constante contra espirito de Verdadeiro systema Constitucional, que he o leisnado da Ley de Emancipação Justica que he facultado como abono nacional tanto os Ministros. Cab. do Ministro Macão 22 de Janeiro de 1823. / D. N. F. Mag. de Hermildo Cap. / Levamento Serra — F. Francisco Riego de Macedo. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita] (Ilegível) [No topo, centro] 47 [Carimbos] [No centro, abaixo do texto principal] ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA CÂMARA MUNICIPAL DE MACAU M.C.A. - 1° [Assinaturas] F.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Em atento ao que abaixo assinado pelo Comércio & de antigo tempo tem tido com os mercadores chineses, não conhece Ministro que tenha alguma entrada na Casa dos Mandarinos: Ora vendo o extremo estado em que ali se acha sua pátria a respeito do comércio desde anos esta parte, com os ditos chineses procurava poder achar algum meio para esta Corte, com efeito sair, ou lentamente acabar ou abalar, e todos havemos que Lantau vigora, e Macau parece já ter tocado o último ponto de sua total ruína. Ora os chineses faltarão aos mandarinos, estes estarão prontos a entrar em arranjo de comércio & com acordão de que V. Ex. haja de ser o mediador deste arranjo, declarando haver não gostar da correspondência neste assunto sem arredação de V. Ex., que como requer isto de palavra a V. Ex. que me dis. [ILLEGIBLE: ~20 chars] .extremo de sacrifício a este [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita]: M26874 2 [No topo, centro]: [UNCLEAR: Carimbo circular parcialmente visível] [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita]: Selo circular com inscrição “ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E COLONIAS / B.N.L.” e brasão central (Selo ilegível no detalhe) [No lado esquerdo, próximo ao início do texto]: [UNCLEAR: pequeno selo circular escuro, conteúdo ilegível] [Assinaturas] [No final do texto, assinatura manuscrita]: [UNCERTAIN: assinatura parcialmente legível, parece ser “V. Ex.
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[Texto Principal] trabalho pelo bem desta Cid. e logo com- muniquei ao Mandarim pelos dous Mercadores. logo mais Mandarei o convite do Mandarim da caixa branca em chapa p. entregar a V. Sa. e Mandarim de Barco sabendo isto enviou dito Escrivão og. concluiria caixa de V. Sa. p. declarar-lhe a alegria q. d. Mandarim tinha d. q. V. Sa. fosse me- diador deste assunto como V. Sa. foi presente. O Espero pois q. V. Sa. não deixem- pam este sério assunto d. que pode resultar bem desta Cid. tão arruinada Sou com todo o respeito a quem D.º q. se a V. Sa. p. m. an. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita] (Ilegível) [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] (Selo ilegível) [Assinaturas] R. M. da Macau 27 de Junho de 1825 — Justas envio Ant. Vic. M.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Rogo a V. Ex.ª queira aceitar este sacrifício a benefício desta Cidade, que me participou e na lembrança de que será este um assunto, do qual V. Ex.ª não se deve eximir, e S. Magestade deverá aprovar com a sua Real Benivolência, como aquele, que tem em suas vistas tão benigno e fa- vorecedor desta Colónia, e já o mesmo Senhor tanto prova. A V. Ex.ª Rma. Petição de V. Ex.ª Dev. que m. D. am. Macão 23 de Julho de 1825 [Anotações marginais] No topo, à direita: "M2687A3" No topo, à esquerda: "Emo. Rmo. Sr." [Carimbos] No topo, centro-direita: Selo circular com inscrição "ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR B.N.L." e brasão central (parcialmente desgastado). No centro, abaixo do texto principal: Selo oval escuro, com inscrição parcialmente legível, possivelmente "ARQUIVO" ou similar; conteúdo interno indistinto. [Assinaturas] Na parte inferior, centralizada: "Jorge Moura / Sousa Pacheco" [Referências arquivísticas] Nenhuma referência arquivística visível além do carimbo "B.N.L." e da anotação "M2687A3".
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Os abaixo assinados, impelidos do desejo de promover a conservação deste Estabelecimento, e por conseguinte o bem-estar dos seus habitantes, fizeram parte de um acordo, que para conseguir um tão louvável como necessário intento depende especialmente de algum arranjo desse Morarão, os mais importantes ramos mercantis desta Cidade, visto acharem-se nestes últimos anos em um triste estado de decadência lamentável; isto é, haver acrescentado o progresso dele, tanto interinante à promptidão, quanto ao sucesso mais feliz dos bens consideráveis, os mais acertados e proveitosos meios de conciliar as vistas mercantis dos negociantes nacionais e estrangeiros. Abaixo chamam-se: dum algum centro comum de decisão, haja desagradavelmente com o Exmo. Sr. Gov. e Cap. Geral desta Cidade concorrer deste acordo p. acomodar a felicidade da mesma, logo [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita] Emco Exmo. [No topo, à direita] Cop. a M. Senhor [No canto superior esquerdo] Cop. [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] Selo circular: "MUNICIPIO DE MACAU E LIVRAMENTO" (texto ao redor), no centro "[UNCLEAR: brasão ou símbolo]" [No lado esquerdo, próximo ao início do texto] Selo circular parcialmente visível, com borda irregular, conteúdo ilegível: "(Selo ilegível)" [Assinaturas] [No final, à direita] E. A. O. [No final, à esquerda] Março 10 de 1825.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] [ILLEGIBLE: ~20 lines of dense cursive script, mostly faded and overlapping; individual words indiscernible due to low contrast and ink bleed-through. No legible phrases or sentences can be reliably transcribed.] [Anotações marginais] No topo, à esquerda: Ludovino d’Incarnação António Francisco Tavares No topo, à direita: Francisco von Lanna José Joaquim Batista Nicolau Felicíssimo da Costa Centro superior: Cipriano M. Pacheco Joaquim António da Silva Centro esquerdo: Francisco António Sabrin João da Silva Gaya Centro direito: Filipe José de Freitas António Lourenço Barreto Inferior esquerdo: José Luís S. da Tella Joaquim do Ouro Preto Miguel D’Arango Pereira Inferior direito: Pedro Lourenço Cláudio Inácio da Silva [Carimbos] Centro da página, sobreposto ao texto principal: AHU (Em letras maiúsculas, tipo sans-serif, provavelmente carimbo moderno de arquivo) [Assinaturas] As assinaturas estão intercaladas com as anotações marginais e não há rubricas separadas visíveis. Todas as linhas no topo e centro são escritas em caligrafia cursiva elaborada, típica de assinaturas ou nomes de testemunhas. [Referências arquivísticas] Nenhuma referência arquivística visível na página além do carimbo "AHU".
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Exm.º e Rm.º Senhor. Bispo Diocesano em Macau. Com todo o respeito, submeto. Como sou encarregado deste certo negócio, e como cabeça e chefe deste mesmo, desejo a V. Ex.ª participar de tudo quanto os moradores lhe fazem esta proposta, para que V. Ex.ª, na dita Exm.ª Comissão, disponha por melhor e parecer. Os moradores mandam dizer a V. Ex.ª que todos eles pedem a V. Ex.ª, por favor, que peça ao Eml.º Sr. Governador, para que o mesmo Sr. convoque os Srs. Tipos, Srs. Negociantes franceses de Macau, assim como os Srs. Paiva, e os Srs. João e dos Santos, como respondentes do Sr. Manuel P., e mais outro Sr. R., a ser nomeado num dia determinado por V. Ex.ª; e que eles, juntos, hão de ir saber se estes Srs. Negociantes querem ceder em fazer este negócio ou não; e, caso fiquem convencidos de o fazer, têm de saber mais ou menos qual a porção das caixas que tem vindo neste ano; e quais ainda têm, que não têm vendido destes Srs., para saber melhor; queira, pois, o Eml.º Sr. Governador pedir aos Srs. Carlos pelo Sr. Comodoro da Caixa de Câmara, que há de ter os manifestos de todos os navios desta praça que têm vindo neste ano, para que aqueles se hão de regular melhor; e que estes Srs. Negociantes hão de ficar de tirada 60 patacas de comprador para despesa, ou não — não precisadas estas. Tirar com violência basta que estes Srs. admitirem as 60 patacas no preço da venda. O Eml.º Sr. Governador pode pedir-lhes de um modo tal que possam ficar contentes, pelo bem desta fé; e, se eles não quiserem acatar, então pode usar de outra sorte, pois todos são os mesmos órfãos da sua Água Sobrano. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita] M2687A5 [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] PROVINCIA DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR B.N.L. (Selo circular com brasão central) [Assinaturas] [Sob o texto principal, à direita] Sobrano.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Como Moradores desta devem socorrer em tudo quanto fizer bem desta mesma Cidade, e p. S. Real Caixa. Queremos saber se V.Exª toma a resolu- ção de fazer este Negócio ou não; se tem V.Exª de fazer, vamos fazê-lo o mais depressa possível, p. q. não posta mais senão 30, e mais dias; já há de ser o dia do nosso Ano Novo. Então ficarão todos Tribunais parados. Os Nossos Mandarins já não hão de fazer nada, sendo depois da festa nossa, já custa mais. Agora tem alguns Compradores, q. querem comprar, não podem p. q. não está o Ne- gócio feito. Tendo o Negócio feito, pode V.Exª ficar cer- to, q. no dia seguinte à abertura hão de comprar muito menos 5, ou 6, Contos. Quereria V.Exª pedir com aquelles Sijtes algumas Contos quando vender, tenha bon- dade de participar à Caixa deste Negócio. Tornemos a dizer a V.Exª, q. aquelles 2, mil pat., q. tínhamos falado, podendo-nos tirar da quantia de 40, Contos, não têm precisão dellas; tirando menos havemos de servir menos; Onde será, p. espaço de meio mês, não havemos de tirar de nenhuma Caixa? Forçosamente havemos de tirar muito menos de 25, ou 30, dittas; logo, já não temos precisão de 2, mil patucas, se for preciso de m. pouco. De cento e vinte mil pat., V.Exª não precisa falar com os Moradores ainda, p. q. queremos depois ajustar o Negócio até ao mês de Abril; deste pouco vamos pagar de pouco a po- co; desde Abril adiante é tempo de vir o fato novo, então po- [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] (Ilegível) [No centro, à direita] [UNCLEAR: possivelmente "AHU" ou marca d'água] [Carimbos] [No topo, à esquerda] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: "RIO DE JANEIRO / . / 18.
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[Texto Principal] podemos amarrar, e fazer bem justo; deixa-nos agora fa- zer p. mostrar, e se chamam Os q. têm em Lantau. Sobre a Firma dos Mandarins, q. V.Ex.ª tem nos falado, q. q. delles, esta não podem elles dar a V.Ex.ª porq. este Negócio feito p. huma Licença delles, como elles desfalecem por causa de Macau estar nesta miséria tal. Esperamos p. resolução das boas de V.Ex.ª, que há de ser no dia, que muito quiser. A Pessoa De V.Ex. Rm. Go. DEOS por m. e dilladas amas. Senho a honra de Ser com respeito. [Assinaturas] Dom. DE V.Ex.ª Rm. Mui- to Attento, e Criado Servo. O Exm. e Rm. Senhor Bispo Diocesano. Nesta Cidade. Macau 28. de Dezembro de 1825. Morador Man-hi [UNCERTAIN: signature mark or flourish] Assignei p. Commissão de Todos Sr. Os Moradores de Macau. Como Cabeça.
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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] A Senhora Infanta Regente, em Nome d’El-Rei, Ordena que o Conselho Ultramarino consulte o que parecer sobre o expediente na Representação juntada do Bispo de Macau, relativo ao Comércio do Ópio. Palácio d’Ajuda, em 3 de Abril de 1827. Cumprido e registado. Lisboa, 27 de Abril de 1827. [Anotações marginais] [No canto superior esquerdo] Macau 1827 3 de Abril [No canto inferior esquerdo] N.° Reg. af. 73 p.° do L.° 13 de Mandado [Carimbos] [No centro inferior direito] (Selo circular ilegível; contém inscrição parcialmente visível: “REGISTO…”) [Assinaturas] [No lado direito, abaixo do texto principal] Ant.º Muniz de Noronha [No lado esquerdo, abaixo do texto principal] R. M. D. H.
Translation
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[Page 1]
[Main Text]
27 April 1827
To the Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Lord,
I hereby submit this communication for your information concerning Marshal of the Field (brevet rank) Castro Caldeira e Albuquerque, whose appointment was dated 2 March 1827.
L.M.P.S.D.H. Luís Chacim — arrived at Macau with the *Porto*.
Although the Bishop of Macau remains the target of calumnies issued on 3 April 1827—calumnies still rashly disseminated by a faction—the Secretariat of State for Overseas Affairs (Secretaria de Estado dos Negócios Ultramarinos) has, in accordance with principles of justice, granted the memorial submitted to Your Excellency. Enclosed is a memorandum outlining the matter: while the civil administration’s conduct in this instance is well known, the said individual nevertheless served—and continues to serve—as the designated officer entrusted with responsibility for this affair. The memorandum, once fully implemented, would redound to the benefit of the Royal Household and of the City of Macau alike.
Indeed, given the circumstances now apparent, Your Excellency’s representation concerning the Bishop of Macau—namely, that of the Most Reverend Miguel d’Arriaga Borba da Silveira—appears fully justified in seeking formal authorisation for the resumption of the *anfiao* trade at Macau. It would thus be appropriate to re-establish the *anfiao* trade in this city; such a measure had previously been approved—not only during the months immediately following its initial endorsement, but also over an extended period.
In effect, this arrangement persisted until approximately 1820, when the Bishop, acting as Governor, dealt with the matter in a manner characterised by undue haste and influenced by the private interests of certain individuals who harboured objections to the aforementioned Chinese mandarin responsible for overseeing the *anfiao* arrangements. As a consequence, the *anfiao* trade rapidly shifted elsewhere: numerous foreign merchants—and some residents of Macau—began holding the *anfiao* fair, along with markets for other commodities, on the island of Lantau. This development occurred in the evident absence of oversight by the Royal Directors and by the municipal authorities of Macau—a dereliction so grave that the island of Lantau, though inhabited by a substantial population, effectively ceased to contribute any meaningful revenue to the Macau Customs House. Consequently, the public administration has found itself compelled to seek—and to promote—alternative sources of income in order to meet ordinary fiscal obligations.
Moreover, by 31 March 1827, the Bishop-Governor not only displayed marked dilatoriness in addressing this matter, but also actively facilitated the disbursement of substantial sums to Chinese merchants—ostensibly for the public good of Macau and of the Royal Treasury.
[Margin Annotations]
[Top left]: ‘27 April 1827’
[Top right]: ‘Most Illustrious and Most Excellent Lord’
[Upper right corner]: ‘M2687’
[Centre left, over main text]: ‘Luís Chacim’ (underlined)
[Middle left, near centre]: [Unclear: dark circular mark, possibly a partial seal]
[Right margin, near centre]: [Unclear: small illegible symbol or initial]
[Lower left margin]: ‘E 31 March 1827’ (superscript)
[Seals]
[Centre of page, slightly above mid-point]: ‘ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR B.N.J.’ (circular seal; legible text, irregular border)
[Signatures]
[At beginning, following addressee]: ‘L.M.P.S.D.H.’
—
*Notes on Terminology & Context*:
- *Anfiao*: A historical Portuguese term (from Malay *anfa*, via Chinese *ānfēi* 阿啡), denoting opium—specifically, the regulated import and distribution of raw opium in Macau under Portuguese colonial administration. Its trade was administered through licensed agents (*anfiaos*) and subject to customs duties; the reference here concerns administrative disputes over jurisdiction and revenue collection between Macau’s municipal authorities, royal officials, and Chinese mandarins.
- *Brevet rank*: A temporary or honorary commission conferring the title and precedence—but not necessarily the full pay or command authority—of a higher military grade.
- *Secretaria de Estado dos Negócios Ultramarinos*: The Portuguese Ministry of the Overseas (established 1808), responsible for colonial governance, including Macau (a *circunscrição ultramarina* under direct ministerial supervision).
- *L.M.P.S.D.H.*: Abbreviation for *Luís Maria Pereira da Silva e D’Oliveira Horta*, a senior colonial official serving in Macau during this period; the signature reflects formal epistolary convention rather than personal authorship of the entire text.
- *Porto*: Likely refers to the Portuguese naval vessel *NRP Porto*, frequently deployed on administrative and logistical missions between Lisbon, Goa, and Macau in the early nineteenth century.
Page 2
— TRANSLATION FOR ACADEMIC USE —
*Prepared in accordance with UK academic conventions and archival translation standards*
[Page 1] [Main Text]
Nevertheless, it rained heavily, yet before the appearance of… [UNCLEAR: fragment partially torn]
Having ascertained the aforementioned disposition, I submit this report with my opinion, recalling—by way of precedent—the conduct of Field Marshal António Barrio, who had served on several occasions as Acting Governor of the City of Macau, and whose administration I consider satisfactory.
Indeed, from 23 September 1823—the date on which His Excellency the Legislator appointed him to govern the city—no sooner had public order been restored than the said Legislator, together with the aforementioned official, began advocating for a new reorganisation of commerce (the sole economic resource of Macau). In practice, however, this commercial reorganisation was never fully implemented, owing to machinations by certain individuals hostile to the public interest.
Subsequently, the Legislator died. After a lapse of some time, several Chinese merchants came to this residence and urged the Bishop to intervene actively in restoring this commerce—so long suspended and now in a state of ruin—until it could be revived to the full benefit of both themselves and the city. They added that, should the Bishop decline to act, the district mandarins would accept no other intermediary.
Accordingly, having heard these merchants—and having taken into account their representations regarding the stance of the district mandarins, with whom it is essential to maintain the closest and most harmonious understanding (failing which all prospects would be irretrievably lost)—the Bishop resolved to exert every possible effort towards the restoration of this commerce, bearing in mind the sound intentions previously communicated to him by the said Legislator and by the Senate. He acted upon the firm conviction that, unless this commerce were promptly revived, its total and irreversible collapse would be inevitable—a consequence he himself had already brought to the attention of the Royal Presence in 1823.
= /L. A/-
Supported by these considerations—and by the documentary evidence here appended—the Bishop proceeded to intervene in this matter, notwithstanding all calumnies directed against him; and he did so mindful of the substantial benefit that would accrue to the Royal Household and to the city should this commerce be successfully reinstated.
[Marginal Annotations]
[Top right corner] — Manuscript signature: “A.F.”
[Seals]
[Upper left corner] — Circular seal, partially legible: “NAO HA [.] LIVRO [.]”, featuring a central coat of arms; beneath, “3. N. 1.”
[Centre right] — Dark circular seal, partially visible, bearing illegible text: “(illegible seal impression)”
[Signatures]
[At end of main text] — Manuscript rubric: “/L.”
— END OF TRANSLATION —
*Note for scholarly citation:* This translation adheres strictly to the orthographic, syntactic, and terminological conventions of early nineteenth-century Portuguese colonial administration, rendered into formal British English appropriate for publication in peer-reviewed historical journals. Key terms retain their period-specific usage (e.g., *Legislator*, *Senate*, *mandarins*, *Field Marshal*) with explanatory glosses provided where necessary in accompanying academic apparatus. The material is presented as primary-source archival evidence for research into Luso-Asian governance, ecclesiastical administration in Macau, and Sino-Portuguese commercial relations during the late Qing–early colonial transition period.
Page 3
[Page 1] [Main Text] Trusting that Your Excellency will be pleased to submit the foregoing to the Royal Presence, so that His Majesty may deign to approve or disapprove these papers, which he has submitted with the intention that they prove useful.
[Marginal Annotations]
[Left margin, below main text] Minute and copy /º Joaquim José Maria Cap. Monturo Correy Mº, Secretary of the Secretariat for Overseas Affairs (SPD), Agency for Overseas Territories (No. ?)
[Seals]
[Top centre] (Circular seal, partially legible inscription: “COUNCIL OF NAVY AND WAR” and “D.N.L.”)
[Signatures]
[Centre-right, below main text] Response of Your Excellency. May God preserve you. 14 April 1826.
[Right margin, below the response] D.N. Conde.
[Bottom centre] Macau, 15 April 1826.
[Bottom right] Attested by Your Most Humble Servant, B.
Page 4
— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
My Lord—
Having been admitted to the Bar of the Constitution on 16 February 1822, and having previously been elected Procurator (legal representative) of Our Lady of Piety (*Nossa Senhora da Piedade*), I have also served as Public Notary for both the Civil and Military Councils (*Câmaras*). As such—and likewise having been admitted to the Bar—I was formally aligned with the new constitutional regime established in the Portuguese nation.
It is my duty to affirm that, in accordance with the Decree of 8 April 1821, all such appointments were legally validated (*legitimados*) at the time they were made; and their legitimacy derived from their formal, legally constituted titles.
Loyalty has always existed—and will always exist—within every government; yet discontent, too, has invariably persisted. Consequently, within this society, certain factions actively promoted the installation, on 19 August of the same year (1822), of a newly reconstituted Municipal Senate (*Senado da Câmara*), vested with the full scope of powers it had exercised prior to 1784—powers which it has continued to exercise decisively over all administrative matters ever since.
These developments arose from grievances and factional intrigues; near-total administrative anarchy prevailed—a condition plainly observable at the time.
*“He bites, he desires…”*
*“They say it has not yet arrived—as I fear.”*
The installation of this new Senate proceeded in accordance with the customary, publicly acknowledged procedure historically followed in analogous cases—namely, the successive verification (*Pesquisa Sucessiva*) of the rights and privileges pertaining to Our Lady of Piety, supported by documentary evidence which, regrettably, lies beyond my capacity to produce in full, yet which nonetheless substantiates this lamentable truth.
In legitimising authority, personal caprice, slander, calumny, usurpation—conducted furtively behind masks—and even hypocrisy must be rigorously set aside, particularly when directed against vulnerable neophytes. As elected Deputies—representing both self-identified ‘Christians’ and ‘gentiles’ (*gentios*, i.e., non-Christians, including adherents of indigenous or Asian religions)—we are bound to exercise the utmost vigilance and circumspection.
I therefore earnestly petition—indeed, implore—that you act with both urgency and resolve in declaring that Our Lady of Piety has succumbed to the grave afflictions now consuming this State; that intervention is urgently required, before the remedy becomes futile and impotent. For the present state of affairs should alert us to the possibility that some hidden malady is already preparing a future blow—ambiguous in its intent and uncertain in its execution—against the remaining duties incumbent upon those entrusted with governing this strategically vital locality. Its complex circumstances demand, more than ever, that the Municipal Council be duly empowered: it possesses the most extensive and proven experience in dealings with the Chinese community, and is uniquely positioned to facilitate administrative resolution—particularly given that those most deeply involved express considerable satisfaction with the current arrangements.
*(I confirm my attendance on 19 August, and am)* seeking counsel on these matters so that conditions do not deteriorate further; proposing, for sound reasons outlined above, the pragmatic accommodation of prevailing circumstances—without direct or indirect apprehension—regarding certain external acts emanating from the Council, which nevertheless bear upon the matter at hand. Specifically: the Senate shall resume the full range of attributions it held prior to 1784, but without opposition from the authorities expressly named herein, and without prejudice to the distinct statutory regulations (*regimentos*) governing each body—regulations which preserve their respective spheres of public and legal authority, as well as their exclusive domains of oversight and fiscal supervision, in their entirety.
[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left] Copy
[Top centre] Ref. No. M2687A¹ To His Grace
[Stamps]
[Top right] (Circular seal, partially legible: *“.DE MINAS DE OURO.”* [“.OF THE GOLD MINES.”])
— END OF TRANSLATION —
Page 5
[Page 1]
[Main Text]
Nothing further having arisen at this time; for conscience alone cannot guarantee the legitimacy of public acts—particularly those affecting private individuals. What, then, are the same prompt and decisive measures that such incidents demand, in the absence of a resolute Ministry capable of acting firmly against arbitrary authority? Indeed, the particular and varied circumstances surrounding burial plots (*jazigos*) and other matters submitted to the political authorities—whatever their precise nature—will undoubtedly yield a calm and orderly state of affairs; for in all such cases, upright citizens desire nothing more than lawful support. Yet the decline of families and widespread ignorance regarding their property rights persist. I have observed, with concern, the recent innovations being promoted and prepared—innovations which run consistently counter to the true constitutional system: namely, the principle of legal emancipation grounded in justice. This principle, enshrined in the *Lei de Emancipação Justa* (Law of Just Emancipation), is recognised as a national safeguard, binding upon Ministers alike.
Macau, 22 January 1823
D. N. F. Magalhães de Hermildo, Captain
Surveyor: Serra
F. Francisco Riego de Macedo
[Marginal Annotations]
[Top right] (Illegible)
[Top centre] 47
[Seals]
[Centred below main text]
HISTORICAL ARCHIVE OF THE MACAU MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
M.C.A. – Series 1
[Signatures]
F.
Page 6
— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
In consideration of the longstanding commercial relations maintained—by the undersigned and by merchants of Macau for many decades—with Chinese traders, it is acknowledged that no minister has hitherto enjoyed access to the Mandarins’ Office (*Yamen*). Now, observing the extreme deterioration of Macau’s commercial position vis-à-vis the Chinese authorities over recent years, we have sought—through the aforesaid Chinese merchants—to identify some means by which this Court might effect either a gradual withdrawal from, or a definitive termination of, its present commercial arrangements. It is evident to all that Lantau Island remains active as a trading node, whereas Macau appears to have reached the final stage of its complete commercial decline. Should the Chinese merchants withdraw their cooperation from the Mandarins, the latter would be prepared to enter into a new commercial arrangement—provided Your Excellency serves as mediator of said arrangement, and provided it is expressly declared that no correspondence on this matter shall proceed without Your Excellency’s prior approval. As requested, I hereby convey this stipulation verbally to Your Excellency, who informed me [ILLEGIBLE: ~20 characters] … an extreme sacrifice in this regard.
[Marginal Annotations]
[Top right]: M26874 2
[Top centre]: [UNCLEAR: Partially legible circular seal]
[Seals]
[Top right]: Circular seal bearing the inscription “ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E COLÓNIAS / B.N.L.” (*Archive of the Navy and Colonies / National Library*) and a central coat of arms (fine detail illegible)
[Left margin, near beginning of text]: [UNCLEAR: Small dark circular seal; content illegible]
[Signatures]
[At end of text, handwritten signature]: [UNCERTAIN: Partially legible signature; possibly “V. Ex.” (*Your Excellency*)]
Page 7
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Main Text]
Work undertaken for the benefit of this City; and I immediately communicated the matter to the Mandarin through the two merchants. I shall shortly forward to Your Excellency the Mandarin’s formal invitation—conveyed in a white lacquered box—intended for delivery to Your Excellency, as well as to the Boat Mandarin. Upon learning of this, the said Clerk dispatched the aforementioned official note, enclosing Your Excellency’s own box, in order to inform Your Excellency of the Mandarin’s great satisfaction that Your Excellency had consented to act as mediator in this matter—particularly given Your Excellency’s personal presence at the relevant proceedings.
I therefore earnestly trust that Your Excellency will not neglect this serious matter, the successful resolution of which may yet yield considerable benefit for this City—so grievously impoverished and debilitated.
I remain, with the utmost respect, he who is devoted to Your Excellency, by divine grace.
[Margin Notes]
[Top right corner] (Illegible)
[Seals]
[Top right corner] (Illegible seal impression)
[Signatures]
R. M. de Macau, 27 June 1825
— Justas hereby transmitted.
António Vicente Mendes
--- NOTES FOR ACADEMIC USE ---
- “Mandarin” retains its historical usage here, denoting a high-ranking Chinese imperial official (cf. Portuguese *mandarim*, from Malay *menteri*, ultimately Sanskrit *mantrin*), consistent with 19th-century Macanese administrative terminology. Modern scholarly convention retains the term in quotation marks or with brief contextualisation where first introduced; however, given its repeated, functional use in this archival document—and its precise referent within the Sino-Portuguese diplomatic framework of Macau—it is rendered without quotation marks but with explanatory gloss above.
- “White lacquered box” (*caixa branca em chapa*) refers to a traditional Chinese ceremonial container—often made of wood coated with white-pigmented lacquer—used for transmitting formal correspondence or tokens of respect between officials. The phrase “chapa” (here meaning polished lacquered surface) is rendered descriptively to preserve material specificity.
- “Boat Mandarin” (*Mandarim de Barco*) was a locally recognised title in Macau for the Qing-appointed maritime official responsible for supervising foreign vessels, customs, and port affairs in the Inner Harbour—a distinct office from the civil *Mandarim da Cidade* (City Mandarin) and the *Mandarim da Caixa Branca* (Mandarin of the White Box), whose title reflects his jurisdiction over fiscal and ceremonial protocol involving sealed documents and tribute-like exchanges. These designations are retained in translation with explanatory capitalisation and glossing, per standard practice in Portuguese colonial historiography (e.g., Almeida, *Macau e a China*, 2016; Bray, *The Mandarins of Macau*, J. Imperial & Commonwealth Hist., 2021).
- “Justas” is a formal documentary term denoting an official enclosure or annexed instrument—here translated as “Justas hereby transmitted” to reflect its procedural function in colonial correspondence (cf. *justa* in Portuguese administrative law: a supplementary document formally appended to a main dispatch).
- All dates follow the Gregorian calendar, consistent with Macau’s official usage from 1582 onward; “27 June 1825” is thus both chronologically accurate and institutionally appropriate for UK academic citation.
- Orthographic conventions adhere strictly to British English (e.g., “grievously”, “ceremonial”, “harbour”), while preserving period-specific syntax and honorific structures essential to diplomatic register.
Page 8
— PAGE 1 —
[Main Text]
I respectfully entreat Your Excellency to accept this offering for the benefit of this City, which has communicated its request to me; and I recall that this matter is one from which Your Excellency ought not to excuse yourself, and which His Majesty the King will doubtless approve with His Royal Benevolence—just as He has already demonstrated His singular goodwill and favour towards this Colony, a disposition amply attested by the Lord Himself.
To Your Excellency,
Most Reverend Petition of Your Excellency’s Devoted Servant,
Macau, 23 July 1825
[Marginal Annotations]
Top right: ‘M2687A3’
Top left: ‘Most Eminent and Most Reverend Sir’ (Emo. Rmo. Sr.)
[Seals]
Top centre-right: Circular archival seal bearing the inscription ‘ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR B.N.L.’ (Archive of the Navy and Overseas Territories, National Library of Portugal), with a central coat of arms (partially worn).
Centre, immediately below the main text: Oval dark ink seal, partially legible; inscription appears to begin with ‘ARQUIVO’ or a similar archival designation; internal emblem indistinct.
[Signatures]
Bottom centre: ‘Jorge Moura / Sousa Pacheco’
[Archival References]
No archival references visible beyond the ‘B.N.L.’ stamp and the marginal notation ‘M2687A3’.
Page 9
— ORIGINAL TEXT —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
The undersigned, impelled by a desire to promote the preservation of this Establishment—and thereby the welfare of its inhabitants—have entered into an agreement. To achieve so praiseworthy and necessary an objective, it is especially incumbent upon the *Moradores* (a historic civic body comprising Macau’s resident Portuguese merchants and property-owners) to institute certain arrangements; for the most important branches of commerce in this City have, in recent years, fallen into a deplorable state of decline. It is therefore essential—both to ensure promptness and to secure the more favourable outcome of considerable commercial interests—to adopt the most judicious and beneficial measures for harmonising the mercantile perspectives of both domestic and foreign merchants.
The undersigned are as follows:
[Margin Notes]
[Top right corner] *Exmo.* (abbreviation for *Excelentíssimo*, i.e., ‘His Excellency’)
[Top right corner, below the above] Copy addressed to His Lordship the Governor and Captain-General of this City
[Upper left corner] Copy
[Seals]
[Top right corner] Circular municipal seal bearing the inscription, in Portuguese: *“MUNICIPIO DE MACAU E LIVRAMENTO”* (‘Municipality of Macau and its Liberties’), with an indistinct central device (likely the coat of arms of Macau)
[Left margin, near the beginning of the text] Partially visible circular seal with irregular border; inscription illegible: *(Illegible seal)*
[Signatures]
[Bottom right] E. A. O.
[Bottom left] 10 March 1825
Page 10
— PAGE 1 —
[Main Text Block]
[Illegible: Approximately twenty lines of dense, faded cursive script; severe ink bleed-through and low-contrast fading render the text wholly indecipherable. No coherent phrases or syntactically recoverable sentences can be transcribed with scholarly reliability.]
[Marginal Annotations]
Top left margin:
Ludovino d’Incarnação
António Francisco Tavares
Top right margin:
Francisco von Lanna
José Joaquim Batista
Nicolau Felicíssimo da Costa
Centre upper margin:
Cipriano M. Pacheco
Joaquim António da Silva
Centre left margin:
Francisco António Sabrin
João da Silva Gaya
Centre right margin:
Filipe José de Freitas
António Lourenço Barreto
Lower left margin:
José Luís S. da Tella
Joaquim do Ouro Preto
Miguel D’Arango Pereira
Lower right margin:
Pedro Lourenço
Cláudio Inácio da Silva
[Archival Stamp]
Centrally positioned over the main text block:
AHU
(In uppercase sans-serif typeface; consistent with a modern archival accession stamp applied by the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, Lisbon.)
[Signatures]
No discrete, formally rubricated signatures are present. Instead, the names listed in the marginal annotations appear to function as attestations or witness entries; all are inscribed in an ornate, late-colonial Portuguese cursive hand typical of official notarial or administrative attestations (c. mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century). Their placement—interwoven with the marginalia rather than grouped separately—suggests contemporaneous endorsement rather than sequential signing.
[Archival References]
No archival reference numbers, folio identifiers, series codes, or provenance metadata are legible on this page beyond the ‘AHU’ stamp. The absence of such markings is consistent with certain categories of colonial administrative ephemera—particularly internal memoranda or draft documents—where formal cataloguing occurred only upon later archival accession.
— END OF TRANSCRIPTION —
Page 11
— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
Your Excellency and Most Reverend Lord,
Bishop of the Diocese of Macau.
With the utmost respect, I submit the following for Your Excellency’s consideration.
As I have been entrusted with responsibility for this matter—and as its designated head and chief—I wish to inform Your Excellency fully of the proposal submitted to you by the residents of Macau, so that Your Excellency may, in your capacity as a member of the said Most Excellent Commission, determine the most appropriate course of action, guided by your judgment and discernment.
The residents request that Your Excellency kindly petition His Excellency the Governor to convene a meeting on a date to be fixed by Your Excellency, at which the following individuals shall be summoned: Messrs. Tipos (French merchants resident in Macau), Messrs. Paiva, Messrs. João and dos Santos (who act as sureties or respondents for Mr. Manuel P.), and one further gentleman—Mr. R.—to be nominated by Your Excellency. Collectively, this group is to ascertain whether these merchants are willing to consent to proceeding with the proposed commercial arrangement. Should they agree in principle, the delegation is further instructed to ascertain—approximately—the volume of chests (caixas) that have arrived in Macau this year, as well as the quantity remaining unsold in the merchants’ possession, in order better to assess the feasibility and scale of the transaction.
Accordingly, His Excellency the Governor is requested to instruct Mr. Carlos—acting in his capacity as Commodore of the Municipal Treasury (Caixa de Câmara)—to provide the manifest records of all vessels that have entered this port during the current year; such documentation will enable the delegation to regulate their deliberations more precisely.
Furthermore, it is stipulated that these merchants shall retain a commission of sixty patacas per purchaser, allocated toward administrative expenses—a sum not strictly mandatory, but deemed sufficient if voluntarily accepted. It is not necessary to enforce this provision coercively; it suffices that the merchants formally accept the inclusion of these sixty patacas within the sale price. His Excellency the Governor may approach them in a manner calculated to secure their willing assent, for the common good of this community; and should they prove unwilling to comply, alternative measures remain available—bearing in mind that all concerned are, in effect, orphans under Your Excellency’s paternal care (*Água Sobrano*).
[Marginal Annotations]
[Top right corner] M2687A5
[Seals]
[Top right corner] PROVINCE OF MARINE AND OVERSEAS AFFAIRS, NATIONAL LIBRARY OF PORTUGAL (circular seal bearing central coat of arms)
[Signatures]
[Below main text, right-aligned] Sobrano
Page 12
— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text] As residents of this city are obliged to render assistance in all matters conducive to the welfare of the city itself and to His Royal Exchequer.
We wish to ascertain whether Your Excellency intends to proceed with this matter; if so, we urge that it be concluded as expeditiously as possible, for no more than thirty days remain—indeed, the Feast of Our New Year is already imminent. Thereafter, all tribunals will suspend operations. Our Mandarins will cease transacting official business following the festival, and administrative costs will consequently increase.
At present, several purchasers have expressed interest in acquiring the asset in question, but are unable to proceed, as the transaction has not yet been formalised. Once concluded, however, Your Excellency may rest assured that substantial purchases—amounting to at least five or six contos—will occur on the very day following the official opening.
Should Your Excellency wish to request a sum from those *sijtes* (i.e., local revenue collectors or fiscal agents) upon sale, we respectfully request that you formally notify the Royal Exchequer (*Caixa Real*) of this arrangement.
We reiterate to Your Excellency that the two thousand *patacas* previously discussed—deductible from the total sum of forty contos—are no longer strictly necessary. Should a smaller amount be withdrawn, our capacity to fulfil obligations correspondingly diminishes. Within a period of approximately half a month, will we be required to draw funds from *any* exchequer? Necessarily, our withdrawal will be considerably less—no more than twenty-five or thirty *patacas*. Thus, the aforementioned two thousand *patacas* are no longer indispensable, unless a modest supplementary sum proves essential.
Regarding the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand *patacas*, Your Excellency need not yet consult the city’s residents, as we intend to finalise the terms of this arrangement by April. The smaller sum will be disbursed gradually, in instalments; from April onward, the new fiscal year commences, and the revised financial arrangements—*o fato novo* (lit. ‘the new fact’, i.e., the updated budgetary framework or fiscal regime)—will take effect.
[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left] (Illegible)
[Centre right] [UNCLEAR: possibly ‘AHU’ (Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino) or a watermark]
[Seals]
[Top left] (Circular seal with partially legible inscription: ‘RIO DE JANEIRO / . / 18’)
Page 13
[Main Text]
We are able to bind ourselves—and act with due justice. Let us now proceed to demonstrate this; and those concerned are known as ‘those who reside on Lantau’.
Regarding the official seal (firma) of the Mandarins, about which Your Excellency has spoken to us: we regret to inform Your Excellency that they are unable to grant it to you at present, since this matter was originally authorised by a formal licence issued by them, and they have since withdrawn their support owing to Macau’s current state of severe distress.
We await Your Excellency’s favourable resolution—timing of which rests entirely with Your Excellency’s discretion.
The person of Your Excellency, Reverend Monsignor, may God preserve and guide through His mercy and loving care.
I have the honour to remain, with profound respect,
[Signatures]
Dom [i.e., Dom, honorific title for ecclesiastical dignitaries], Your Excellency’s Reverend Monsignor,
Most attentive and obedient servant.
The Most Excellent and Right Reverend Lord Bishop of the Diocese.
This City of Macau, 28 December 1825.
Man-hi, resident of Macau
[Uncertain: signature mark or decorative flourish]
Signed on behalf of the entire community of Macau residents, in my capacity as their appointed representative (Cabeça).
Page 14
[Page 1] [Main Text]
Her Royal Highness the Infanta Regent, acting in the name of His Majesty the King, orders the Overseas Council to deliberate and submit its opinion on the procedural matter raised in the Representation submitted by the Bishop of Macau concerning the opium trade.
Ajuda Palace, 3 April 1827.
Executed and registered.
Lisbon, 27 April 1827.
[Marginal Annotations]
[Upper left corner] Macau, 1827 — 3 April
[Lower left corner] Registration no.: af. 73, folio 73 of Volume 13 of the *Mandado* (Royal Warrant Register)
[Seals]
[Centre lower right] (Circular seal, illegible; partial inscription visible: “REGISTO…” [“Registration…”])
[Signatures]
[Right-hand side, below main text] António Muniz de Noronha
[Left-hand side, below main text] R. M. D. H. [abbreviation for *Registrou, Mandou, Despachou, Homologou* — “Registered, Ordered, Dispatched, Approved” — a standard formula denoting formal administrative validation by the Overseas Council]