Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia, D. Francisco da Gama] (conde de Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, em que propõe várias alterações aos contratos das viagens do Japão e de Moçambique

Transcription

Page 1

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] António d’Almeida de Morais apresentou no conselho que assiste a este governo hums apontamentos de que com efeito vai a cópia; o conselho os aprovou, a despeito do notável aperto de diminuição a que tem chegado a fazenda d’El-Rei, Sua Majestade, neste Estado, a dificuldade com que deste Reino se há acudido, sendo as ocasiões tão graves como Vossa Majestade entenderá pelas cartas deste ano; e também se teve consideração que não se prejudica aos providos, pois neles figura maior preço dos forçados que se venderão nestas viagens. E a cidade de Macau de trinta e três mil & o adrogo de Melo de Calicut foi porque embracado nelles oito mil & se rebatuarão a dever affiz d’El-Rei, Sua Majestade, do preço perque acompanhou seu logro fermado do bon, gellog? Che ficou convendida em trinta e cinco mil & E por este contrato se trata de sediar aos providos de trinta mil & por cada viagem, até que lhes forem cabendo por suas antiguidades; E depois de deliberada a matéria no dito conselho, a fazer ver pelos Ministros do conselho de fazenda & também assinou, como Vossa Majestade lendo detido mandara ver do efeito do procurador dela, não se delebrou o contrato antes da partida das naus por não haver tempo; determinou de lhe pôr cláusula se Vossa Majestade o aprovar; Se antes da sua aprovação houver lugar de se fazer alguma viagem, será conforme ao apontamento, & de tudo pode Vossa Majestade dispor como for servido, & por não depender tempo, me pareceu usar desde logo, visto breves edito resulta a fazenda de El-Rei, Sua Majestade. Propõe também com a mesma consideração no conselho que me assiste que as viagens de Moçambique importando havia anos [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] + Inol [No topo, à direita] 2 Março/1626 [Na margem inferior esquerda] [UNCLEAR: possivelmente "Joaquim branco / de b. pés / de guerra de / . que varamente"] [No canto inferior direito] A. [Carimbos] [No topo, centro-esquerda] Selo circular: "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL / M.O.M.S." [No topo, centro-direita] Selo circular: "MINISTERIO DA MARINHA E ULTRAMAR / B.N.L.

Page 2

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] cinco até seis mil réis, sendo dadas por Vossa Majestade nelas embarcadas as pessoas groidas delas, as quais antigamente as faziam em embarcações de Vossa Majestade domte, com cem mil réis de ordenado aos gatalhados que o podiam como capitão da dita embarcação ter, vieram depois por falta dela a fazê-las em embarcações próprias, & de fomes toda aquela parte deram em fazer elbano da bragem sem nelas meterem embarcação nem cabedal algum, nem anificarão dessas gestoras, contentando-se com os donos das embarcações & aquele fazer. Defaltando-lhes disto tab excessivo acrecentamento & barragem diante lhes dava com a fazer festoalmente em embarcações de Vossa Majestade domte; mas nas suas próprias leom & haballo Cristo de mais gestoras & embarcações cinco até seis mil réis, lhes dá hoje vinte, & chega alguma a trinta mil. Sendo este veem tab grande & diferente de talhas, faça que go tençad de Vossa Majestade de dar-lhes que hervá ado primo valor referido que assim Virgens tinham, não seria razão que elles to grassem atty, movimente em tempo & tab impossibilitada se aude a fazenda de Vossa Majestade & para o remédio das necessidades deste estado. Se ela cada dia tomando dan heito aos homens de seus próprios cabedais, pelo que devia o fortesho ver e considerar o mejo que nido Deevia egodia tomar parrague ficando elles groidos com sua adequada satisfação. Necessita a fazenda de Vossa Majestade de algum pouceilo para remédio das necessidades presentes & parece ao conselho que as razões popolas obrigaõ a tomar nido algum mejo, & que elle podia ser, que do que cada huma delas Virgens vender enquanto estiver no predizamento referido haja a fazenda de Vossa Majestade a tença parte, camj me pareçe que cabará que seja a quarta parte, & brez Vossa Majestade refstaura & mandará os fortenido Guardelba acabouca pera de Vossa Majestade de Como a limitadidade damilher. Dejou a 2 de Março/1626 [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] (Ilegível) [No lado esquerdo, vertical] [UNCLEAR: possivelmente "S. 3" ou "S.

Page 3

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Quais cousas se contêm na carta do Conde Nuno Rey da Índia offe- recidas do Contrato de Macau conforme as condições offertas & os tro- cados valores delle ficam sobre as hagens da dita nação. Espero que se visto se ponha aos fabricos de Moçambique em razão das neces- sidades daquelle Estado. Do contrato de Macau se há de ver fa- zer por q’ es che se perderá, de todo o commercio da Índia & q’ he fica faltando o de China, co q’ tambem se ficará desfeito o de Calecute, q’ V. mg. houvera de ter em suas alfândegas naquelles [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] [UNCLEAR: fragmento parcialmente visível, possivelmente "16."] [No topo, à direita] [UNCLEAR: assinatura ou monograma, provavelmente "JMB" ou similar] [Carimbos] [No centro, ligeiramente à esquerda] Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: "[UNCLEAR: .DA ÍNDIA / .REY / .]" — borda irregular, marca de cera ou tinta desgastada. [Assinaturas] [No final do texto principal, à direita] [UNCERTAIN: rubrica ou assinatura cursiva, possivelmente "J.M.B." ou "J.M.P.

Page 4

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] No. 217 Sobre as Viagens de Japão, e de Moçambique, Nem o assento que se acouta. A Provedor da Fazenda de Ouvidoria do Pregoeiro de Lisboa no embaixe em que morder haja de informar che o Diz Juiz de Campo Barcelos em 22 de dezembro de 1626. feita em Coimbra em 16 de Abril de 1627. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita] f [No canto inferior direito, vertical] No. 217 [Carimbos] [No lado esquerdo, acima do texto principal] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: “.DE LISBOA.”) [Assinaturas] [Após o texto principal, centralizado] [UNCLEAR: assinatura ou rubrica ilegível] [Referências arquivísticas] [No canto superior esquerdo] No.

Page 5

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Estando antes de ver acordado toda a aplicaçam que em nada mais se permitirá aos de huma ha comercio com os Japoneses, & no de mais de c. d. ylo de Timor, & a vaha dos reaes & cobre, mas sahida da dita terra bem tambem a negreco & fajas que os Chins vendem a troco deles & bens & ylho que de Salém levando o te despisso sobre no dele ja Japão & Timor como se faz, se perdermos o descido & se poderá de fajas nas h. Bandejas del. V. de Espaços Mordores de Barco Salsibas ricos & bons, a sua corba corbatos deveria consideradas em cessado de todo com sua obanancia a paya & houve pa V. mg. os liberar & pagarem desejo sem bueno das fajas / comecad elle na bem h. Bandega on de Se Pode pagar Parece mai conveniente ao uizo del. mg. q V. mg. mande se formar Algas degas em barcos com moderados desejos como se bem bem adverbid nachfimach inentas E quando a gensao q se deve impoios capitaes & to Comique se me nad expregen a in Convenien be algum anbes me parece qui conveniembe ao se. de V. mg. executar o go Viso Rey do bispo Agomba em 29. de maio de 1627. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] (Ilegível) [Na margem inferior esquerda] [UNCLEAR: possivelmente "Avisos de.

Page 6

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Parece aos ministros da fazenda que o contrato das viagens de Japão se faça, em quanto a deduzir os escreventes, não paiz douro por cada viagem, com as condições que Vossa Majestade quiser havendo Sua Majestade assim por bem; esperando o dito contrato o que será em grande utilidade da fazenda real e remédio das grandes necessidades deste estado, Goa. 6 de março de 1626. Luís Morguinha. [Anotações marginais] No topo, centro: “+” No canto inferior esquerdo: “V” [Carimbos] No topo, à direita: [Selo circular] “ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E COLONIAS B.N.F.” No centro, abaixo do texto principal: [Selo circular] “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO M. DAS C.” [Assinaturas] “o original Dr. Montalva” “[Assinatura ilegível]” [Referências arquivísticas] Nenhuma referência arquivística visível na página.

Page 7

[Page 1] N40.44 [Texto Principal] Condições das Viagens de Japão Dasse pela Viagem de Japão, e todas as mais anexas a ela, duzentos e quarenta escudos de ouro, dedes fasis degesto, e do que (demonstre em efeito na China depois de tri) a embarcações a salvamento, ou sua fista. Valha conforme couvo; Vales naocasial de paga. Esera eb as condicões abaiodeclaradas. 1ª Que a Viagem se fará pelo menos em quatro patarões, cada um de quinhentos até setecentos candeiros, e pera cima; os três mais que necessários, sem por isso ficar? — elles ditos compradores obrigados a dar mais algum couba que os ditos duzentos e quarenta escudos de ouro. Vindo tudo a salvo, mas a fazenda Real nunca cobrará visco mais que até o sinio embarcações guaes aportar; pera isto, sendo cabo que arjda ou alvrida de Japão se perguarde alguma embarcação busjea tomada dos Gremigos, ou alibe, ou por algum outro Resp., cuidado ou nad cuidado falte, sedesmontará provrata dos ditos duzentos e quarenta escudos de ouro conforme as quatro ou sin que embarcações forem desta Viagem. 2ª Dado cabo que falhando-se dita Viagem em menos de quatro patarões, por falta de fazendas, ou despratas, ou de outro qual quer inconveniente, cuidado ou nad cuidado, como nad for depatacos ao elles ditos compradores, estarão sempre obrigados a ter frettes ental cabo; seabaterá provrata de conta dos duzentos e quarenta escudos de ouro do fouber conforme a falta das embarcações; Enad parecendo bem esta condição, uad por conta de Sua Majestade, pagando os gastos q se tiverem feitos na feira embarcações e mais coutas. 3ª Que tantos q se fizerem as duas Viagens debuis past Edafidei [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita] N40.44 [No centro, à esquerda] “mes ambundo a Japão, e tornando salvo amadas não temerá abair” [Na margem inferior esquerda] “os gastos da embarcação q / f. fazer viagem.” [Carimbos] [No topo, centro] Selo circular com inscrição: “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL / DA BAHIA” e brasão no centro. [No topo, à direita] Selo circular com inscrição: “BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL / RIO DE JANEIRO / B.N.L.” e brasão no centro. [Assinaturas] [No final do texto principal] Assinatura parcialmente legível: “[UNCERTAIN: guess]” [Referências arquivísticas] Nenhuma referência arquivística explicitamente visível além dos carimbos institucionais.

Page 8

[Page 6] [Texto Principal] Demorar logo sem impedimento algum, sefará estas d’El-Rei, ditos com prados. E nem sua ocasião houvera para deixar e desfazer, ainda da Sua Majestade mande que se execute, ou por qualquer outra ocasião cuidada ou não cuidada. Salvo. Sevier algum provido. O Dejno por ser viço de Sua própria pessoa, mas Vra. Maj. serdada, trespasada, ou vendida, nem Sua Sefara prima: que elbas dêles ditos compradores, que fará, ou poderá mandar fazer posse ou por seus procuradores como she puder, e das mesmas provisões emais papéis que lhe passarem poderão gozar as Cortes gerais que nomear pera isso. 4ª Quedado caso que venha algum provido, ainda que seja por seus próprios serviços ou por outra qualquer via, esbague ache na atempo que outra dejapad estaria pera sefazer das embarcações aparelhadas de alguma carga, ou algumas partidas já pera jantar. Esta tal Vra. Maj. será por conta dêles ditos compradores, respondendo do grande cabedal, trabalhos emais gastos que terão feito até aquelle tempo; e ao contrário, deverá ficar destroçados. 5ª Que gozavam todas as provisões emais liberdades que forem concedidas aos capitães destas Vragens, e se lhes darão as mais que forem necessárias pera cada efeito sefazerem sem impedimento algum; E as próprias condições que deu António Dolis a fiador impedir do Doutor Luís Margulhães, procurador da Fazenda deste Estado, pera atodo tipo contar dêles, e sefazer o contrato acordando Sua Majestade pa bem. [Anotações marginais] [No lado esquerdo, verticalmente] 3º Debríar de Condição que Sua Majestade a que este Contrato. [Carimbos] [No topo, à esquerda] (Selo circular parcialmente visível, texto ilegível) [Assinaturas] [No final do texto principal] (Assinatura não presente; texto termina com "pa bem.

Page 9

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Vi o contrato que se fez por ordem do conde-vizorrei com os moradores da Cidade de Macau, que foi aprovado pelo Conselho de Estado e membros da Fazenda. E assim consta que o dito vizorrei escreveu sobre a matéria, resposta do governador da Fazenda e informação que se mandou tomar, assim sobre este particular como sobre seu modo de impor as viagens de Moçambique até à Índia, cada sua. Pende que também foi aprovado pelo dito vizorrei e conselheiros. E considerada a matéria: Parece que não se pode reprovar o contrato que se tem feito com a cidade de Macau, vendendo-se-lhe as viagens da China pela Manhã e com as condições nele declaradas, por razão desse poder considerar alguma razão superior deste Estado que o encontre; pois não se pode cuidar que os moradores daquela cidade, com as riquezas que podem tirar destas viagens, poderão em tempo algum faltar à fidelidade e lealdade que devem aos serviços de Vossa Majestade, como nunca faltaram nas prosperidades, adversidades que tiveram, sustentando e conservando aquela colónia mais de centena de anos sem despesa nenhuma da Fazenda Real; antes sendo o meio por cujo trato se aumenta e acrescenta e se enriquecem todos os vassalos de Vossa Majestade daquele Estado, acudindo muitas vezes às necessidades dele; e quando não forem os moradores daquela colónia portugueses — a fidelidade e lealdade que têm é tão natural e contida e fora de outra nação, que não se podia temer tal país, pois não podia sustentar-se, faltando-lhe gente e comércio da Índia. Nem ainda se pode reprovar o dito contrato por razão das quebras que se consideram poder haver nos d. réis: quem faz que vem da China há Mandarim de Malaca, e nas mais da Índia, por razão das ditas viagens, hão de correr pelos moradores da dita cidade. Antes se convém [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] [UNCLEAR: cab. K.] [No topo, à direita] [UNCLEAR: .H. D.] [Na margem esquerda, verticalmente] [ILLEGIBLE: ~20 chars] [Na margem direita, verticalmente] [ILLEGIBLE: ~15 chars] [No centro, à direita, próximo ao final] (pag.) [Carimbos] [No topo, centro] (Selo circular com brasão e inscrição parcialmente legível: "GOVERNO DA ÍNDIA PORTUGUESA" e "1704") [No topo, à direita] (Selo circular com inscrição: "ARQUIVO NACIONAL DA TORRE DO TOMBO B.N.I.

Page 10

[Page 4] [Texto Principal] Contrario: Porque os ditos moradores tratão com a metade da catedral em Japão; casoutra metade mandão à Índia. E, se tiverem grandes proveitos da viagem de Japão, ficará acrescentando; e sendo maior o que mandam à Índia, por esta via ficarão maiores os D. estrato e comércio. Carecem que obriga do a se reprouar o dito contrato, he pello grande perjuizo que recebem os proventos; porque tendo-lhe D. mg. feito mercê por seus serviços destas imagens, obrigão-nos a sujeitá-las contra sua vontade à Cidade de Macau por trinta mil réis, tirando-lhes os grandes interesses e pendimentos que podião tirar dellas; o que não se pode conciliar com o que mais dá a fazenda de N. Mg.; porque ainda quando a necessidade pública do estado pudera dar causa para se poderem obrigar a vender as ditas imagens, ainda seria com se heder intr. satisfação dellas; e não se pode ter por tal os trinta mil cruzados, pois oferece em porella oitenta mil réis: depres principal trinta & o prouido e sinuenta para a fazenda de N. Mg.; e ainda é desfazer (ferta a despesa necessária) & o Mg. ganhos pellos quais as ditas imagens dao desy; porque quando nas estavão em tanto prediamente como ora estão, um anno que rendem setenta mil réis, emais que são maioria de cento e sinuenta mil réis. Pello q por esta cabeça não heue de admetir o dito contrato, e se deve ordenar ao vice-rei que o declare por nullo, aduertindo q não podia nem devia fazer tal contrato. Na segunda proposta parece que tambem não podia impor as imagens legua p. Moçambique atorçaff. As que rendesem por sete feito m. dellas aos proventos em peças dos servuos que fizerão a V. Mg. sem limitação algua, antes de clarando-se lhe em seis cartas que se lhe pasão dellas: que leuarão todos os prooes e percalços. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] [UNCLEAR: estrela ou marca de margem] [No centro, à direita] [UNCLEAR: "sobr."] [No final da primeira secção, à direita] [UNCLEAR: "intr.

Page 11

[Page 4] [Texto Principal] (Que nestas imagens são os fretes) que se adez ou doze cruzados por o Bar de Poupa e outros declarados no regimento. E assim como havendo quebra nas imagens: — não estava a fazenda de Vossa Majestade obrigada a alhear satisfação da baixa que tivessem em resposta da estimação em que estavam; & se lhes for mui delas, assim também vendos em Cresim. Se lhe pode limitar o ganho impondo-lhe pensão, porque os provídos dos cargos da Índia correm o risco da alteração e diminuição que há nelas; e assim é conforme adiante. Mas estas imagens se hão de fazer pelos provídos & não podem eles trocá-las como telas assumem, nem os missores devem nem podem consentir, porque em efeito é evasão da denúncia e esta passação que é proibida. E neste caso, quando ano quiserem fazer per si, ficará lugar a outro provído pagar-lhe; e faltando provídos, então toca só fazer-se per conta da fazenda de Vossa Majestade. E indo os provídos pessoalmente fazê-las, se lhes permite tomar navios a fretar para as fazerem ou por outra qualquer ameaça; pelo que deve Vossa Majestade mandar que não se faça obra pelo dito assento. E os provídos das ditas imagens as hão de pagar logo fazer quando lhes couber entrar, sem se lhes impor pensão alguma. 1ª a 30 de Março de 1627 [Anotações marginais] [No canto superior esquerdo, parcialmente visível] (Ilegível) [Na margem esquerda, vertical] [UNCLEAR: fragmento de palavra ou número] [Carimbos] [No centro direito, circular] ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ULTRAMAR M.845.C.1902 [No meio da página, sobre o texto, circular e parcialmente sobreposto] (Selo ilegível) [Assinaturas] [Na parte inferior, centralizada] Luís Mer de Lhazeco. [Na parte inferior esquerda, sobreposto ao texto] 30 de abril / [UNCLEAR: nome ou rubrica] / 32. de Março. 1627. [Referências arquivísticas] [Visível no carimbo] ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ULTRAMAR M.845.C.

Page 12

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] A cidade de Macau procura por todos os aqui a ficar sem dependência do governo da Índia. E por este contrato, não só alcançará este intento mas é certo que o serviço ficará com grande utilidade. Da gente E. formado e fixo pá e como que oferece importar Engenho o tenente mui V. El. mandou que dele 30$V., que os provindos. Ainda que pague real de V. Mg. 50$V. de cada viagem, o qual que Rancuz não apresente, e não estivera mínima mora ou tardar, ou o corvo de grande consideração, muito não em rapel de justa razão em rapel de estado, nem aproveitado 2$V. real, nem provisões que convém ao serviço de V. Mg. Daprimar este contrato — Porque a referida nobreza me ofende, fixando V. Mg. aos provindos, em parte ou todo, aprovados que lhe for concedido desta viagem, sendo a mim feita sem condição nem encargo, o qual depois adiante prefira serão pode pod. projetar por ela acamindo de V. irve mogível no provindo alguém V. Mg. prou sey, forem únicos ed. habilidade que virêffe adal esta viagem E’ app como resolvendo ela, para algum audiente, menos 007. 30$V. N. onde logo disso, se podia estimar a m. quando 7E31, não tinha V. Mg. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] + / 5.a [No canto inferior esquerdo] VI [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] Selo circular com inscrição: "ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E COLONIAS / B.N.L." [No lado esquerdo, centralizado] Selo circular com inscrição: "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL / 83.449 C." [Assinaturas] [Nenhuma assinatura claramente visível; final do texto termina com uma rubrica ou traço de conclusão] [Referências arquivísticas] [No selo à esquerda] "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL / 83.449 C.

Page 13

[Page 4] [Texto Principal] Obrigado de fazer a memória, pois só deo a esperança do poder voltar da viagem; agora me offerto outro aviso vel, j podiamos pode falter, mas pareffo justo que o m. tre ao provido, a maioria da ocasião padecida do Cid Medeo, & que se agora offerto qta viagem (profissão) que D. Elisa Humana a pre da Manilha a Japão, e por os Japoneses se maltrarem a mandar prata a Macau em 10 de outra praya & lhe sueltar empregada a Japão, ed o género o tempo go E piques, podera ao futuro cair e faz u j ab de molho ou abrindo os tratos de Manilha, e mandando os Japoneses q aquella via, od agora mandav pela costa, ed oq caire vam desfimada ale da viagem jg importe no menos dos 30V. A. & o D. Frag. vedad mal hade abraçar aos providos, q a diminuição, poi j lhe não De may q a esperança do Jo Bagdella viagem pode resultar, affi tambem agora mal heo feyto lhe hie a machina, gaiden tal me aceitoo; e pela mesma tezad, ed a o V. P. Brej quee justificar este contrato e seu homem (O Godota foi mal feyto si fundado no serviço de V. mg.) fica o frag. obrigado a avizar aos providos da fortaleza de Malaca, e dio ojo menor rendea agora, dog verdade, vos feys ong v po fey. m. della, poi j he cebo da galé de Malaca, ente j o H. Tande y recajoo ai sul importancia. 130. E (50 V. H.T.) fraco diva aquella fortaleza toda aj Duque d’aggravar-se. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, centro]: "+" [Carimbos] [No lado esquerdo, acima do texto]: [Selo circular, parcialmente visível, com inscrição ilegível] (Selo ilegível) [Assinaturas] [No final do texto, assinatura cursiva, parcialmente legível]: [UNCLEAR: possível rubrica ou inicial "F." ou "T.

Page 14

[Page 2] [Texto Principal] Standey, E a fortaleza de Dio importava. Do E 100 V. A. Ficou de Danyma x em todo o Pao A lambau aquella fortaleza, E qual ataca em peden, E Ocupa efrao de Meca, E negar se q todo o anno vae farruga E ferrale E franquean as xas dos mouros Raina de poderem navegar p. Meca, cõ os q pagam fortaleza: nas chegaõ de arredor 100 V. A cada lual, O qe V. Mg. ajdes em affirmacal Elleiria de 100. E 150 V. gontal rindas, peresse o lagora pode or junt. a maisria, aonde acidental se a ha, tambem deue sofrir o dano, y abrigar do ouure! E ainda q se for pobre dizão E aplica p. obere formar E remedio daquelle estado cõ tudo se a utilidade desta viagem, saõ do prouido nad pode ser justo pella Hanta dominical de sua fa. concorra p. o remedio do bem publico. cõ tod a todos, morm q depe costumado nad yo je tirad. 100. V. A. a fazer real E socorro da necessidade da India, (mas ainda e no mai Jo de Importe aquella Viagem), E q os moradores de Macau ad de aucoçar, metendo cauo E fimo em barcos, como poen yr codial, q anhgam auiá hua fo', E quando diga p. Rida, como xix Verdade he pelo wp. p. Bedek, naõ há duuida q importara ao viage de cada ano, 200 V. A. como fazendo a D. Diogo de Laceropulo, providor. S. cd. 30 V. E os moradores de Macau conqueredo cõ a utilidade, cõ V. Mg. ten [Anotações marginais] [No lado esquerdo, parcialmente sobreposto por folha adjacente] [UNCLEAR: fragmentos de texto manuscrito, ilegíveis devido à sobreposição e desgaste] [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] CIRCULO DE MARINHA E COLONIAS B.N.L. [No centro, à esquerda] ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA MARINHA LISBOA [No centro da página, ligeiramente à esquerda — selo azulado, parcialmente apagado] [UNCLEAR: selo circular com inscrição indistinta, possivelmente "ARCHIVO.

Page 15

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Eis o que se contém nem encargo, Escrito de poder vimca por ela condição, a lhe pro- vata conforme a embarcação d’esperdiente ou se impedirem, & faltare & haj ouver praty. Equanto à dívida, o M. The. Senavdiedan ao pronido mês de Março V. 40V. E do anelado a Diogo de Mello de Afros 33V. foi 1º eminente de pagar à fazenda real os vinte réis que ficaram foguo demis pela Companhia. Huinha feita d’At Meige, Benf. De ginho qui. Samorella. Pidade de Macau Epo ainda q. Diogo de Mello, mal recebeo mar- co 2s V. X. S fudo os vinte réis pagou à cidade & p. elle a fazenda a 8V. 7p. C. Assi o Emperador fuan- do prometido 33V. E pagou offere pella mesma viagem. 29S. pá de couro, q tal 60V. X. benf. & compre burto 6p 33V. E offrando p. aider de ganhar m., como dedixam vez, a se ganhar e ofe contrato, poj he anto o ornar emue dello do jornico & i V. 7p. 3 q. Do bine- rad, Empreuijs ec 3 D. offere total a Nande- ga E pagar de A como regal toda a outro cidade, Do gladi engha commercio, sendo d’en- tal superior 4 p. oz feles Imperial. 200V. X. E també on a sal de Gafado mercar je & nad comenffo a madeiros de Maluas q tal De excefmant vinte réis, e id epo sobem a posta m. 60 maio Curus, dofy comen ao tempo de [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] 3 D. maduro [No lado esquerdo, verticalmente] [UNCLEAR: parte de texto sobreposto ou rascunho ilegível] [Carimbos] [No topo, centro-esquerda] (Selo circular, parcialmente visível; texto central ilegível, borda com inscrição fragmentária: "[UNCLEAR: .REI.]") [No topo, centro-direita] (Selo circular, texto central ilegível; borda com inscrição fragmentária: "[UNCLEAR: .PORTUGAL.

Page 16

[Page 3] [Texto Principal] V. Mg.ª E je por este contrato se compõe hum Espozal sagrado, fora d’el não ficarão depois quando V. Mg.ª mandar, e mal con- vém consummar o contrato, e aquella idade e fa mui a haver, e todos os podem passar por ella, mal formado. Está mui poderoso de gente, e de todo o mais. E da vida, e de forças, e parecer. Acome mui modo fazer os brios, e dar-lhe riqueza. E fez em copartes fala afastada do poder de V. Mg.ª E nas Dárselle ocasi- ão de maiores proventos, e asma todas capitais q. n. o grama, ficando elle c. toda Cazette rogadura q. se concedeu aos tais jay, Assy como deduzer por ordem do contracto E tambem em caso de falecimento parece já de V. Mg.ª não recebeu este contracto. Certo V. Idade como se represe- ta, e q. correndo esta viagem pelo prometido como allegora, tudo o q. ella importa. Ver empregado da forma p. a don. q. todo conforme a utilidade de presentes sempre aí dever mai pe isso V. M.

Page 17

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Diz-se que vim a importar, maj. de 350 V., 64 q.ª tudo espanado de Cinga, 30 V. perde adquirido. Eficardo Cubo & maj. em Macau, e ofereçam em mi parte o Comércio da forma que, calão o que ludo os preços da China & Hollando, el o pretheado da Viagem agora, fico de nell’ela & o Comércio se corrompa, & creçam os vndimt. da alfândega, & na anna ficando todo no moradores de Macau. E aquêste tendo que repento ao 9.º a 60.º de D. prad. onde no fe contrato, pelo Dito que lhe há de faltar pagar diffe per de Eficardo os empregos em Mi- chao, me paviçe que se accorptara meu pouco ou nada, & que ainda que se recebav.º 500 mil r$ e como, fica perdido o dito Dito empre- gos d’annas de Vm de China, e o que se pode esperar melhorando que o Comércio Songoa — E aquêste marançje que o dito que apronar este contrato, E d.º M.º m. deve antes procurar que na cidade de Macau feromha alfândega ainda que seja o dito modificado, porquanto sendo o Comércio tal grosso, como he, aquêste apar- como já Manilla (I legível) se poderia bem impedir J. Vnaba tronhar [Anotações marginais] [No lado esquerdo, sobreposto ao texto principal] (Ilegível — escrita muito fraca e sobreposta) [Carimbos] [No topo, à esquerda] (Selo circular com inscrição ilegível, parcialmente visível: “.CIA.” e “.17.”) [No centro, à direita] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente visível: “[UNCLEAR: .DE .]” e “[UNCLEAR: .17.]”) [Assinaturas] [No final, abaixo do texto principal] J.

Page 18

[Page 4] [Texto Principal] 0.º 22.º 1º mayo de d. jen. 1587. nas cruzadas Eiito d. na infanta e fundam. y por vida ay maj. jidadey do glado, inç. Balomex ció ben al fandegar. E mfa d. o maior comercio d. Japão. E Macau cabos de 100 a 300 fa. por annal le pagar, se vendad agora como sempre foi, & d. effeito se empedirá p. geral de mercan: chias e affas. q. p. Macau. D.º 0. Japão viada p. a Macau sa por seu Emprego. Emprêdo aquely moradores efteo não ha muy rebelde, mandando p. peça de fabrico q. atencam vhe, a. concorrendo my. de V. mg. j. Aos fo legueve sua opinião, e captao p. os rebeldes, & pode esperar q. fora effeit, & quando allej breffe, enpo. Al fandegar excel por ordem d. feh. poderiamos fontats Galvage, & agora pedem, po: fue consta libdade dos moradores de Macau, muy offensou alle a V. mg. o altoo. E quereve tratar de ey aproveita m.º, es aparencia de mallos cami. di faz real, parque mal comem, que d [Anotações marginais] [No lado esquerdo, verticalmente ao longo da margem]: + (sinal de adição ou marca de referência) [Acima do texto principal, à esquerda]: x (marca de anotação) [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita]: Círculo com inscrição parcialmente visível — “ARQUIVO DE MAR.” (restante ilegível) [No centro, à esquerda]: Selo circular com brasão e inscrição clara — “ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO NAC.

Page 19

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Negarei o povo de Moçambique e os de S. João de Ociam— E quanto às viagens de Moçambique, em que se ponha a conta, ou que aparecerem ao nosso provedor, ainda que nela se conte a mesma real, de Vossa Majestade, auvidado, nefto m. auvidade da viagem, mais ou menos conforme as ocasiões do Governo, convindo que a viagem seja de meios e mais sobriedades, que como ela já vai efetiva no mesmo estado e que Vossa Majestade fez a mercê por que nem há inútil fefa que cobrada faça real, como foi no primeiro provimento, nem a provisão nos haba agora em Baçaim para ser feita, como foi nos anos passados, anco se cada quarta ypo, aperoni do se não embarcar, se dar não, e sem correr risco dela, levar o que se colheria dos pãobenlme, que mandar fey manos, só pela licença de irem à canga ao porto de Moçambique, francas e na efetividade da viagem que conta e cujo do mundo e que Brandão a utilidade dela, recebido novo modo de porcas, proveira Vossa Majestade levar uma parte, que permitiria a fe fe-lhe, todo Vossa Majestade concedeu fo ao [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] (Ilegível) [No lado esquerdo, verticalmente] + [UNCLEAR: possível marca de correção ou nota marginal] [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: "[UNCLEAR: .RIO DE JANEIRO.]" — texto central e borda ilegíveis) [No centro, à direita] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: "[UNCLEAR: .MOÇAMBIQUE.

Page 20

[Page 5] [Texto Principal] Provido a qualidade do sertão de Viagem & elle fique, E da mão do dito marelefe, & seu neto o Cabalho, Eaffe nesta Viagem de Moçambique, porque d’acontecerem coisas Ela V. mg. podera ordenar aos pro- vidos pagarem a fazenda real a 3ª ou 4ª p. Importavam estas fazamorcas, emquanto elle não fizer a Viagem no modo ord. V. de V. mg. Edo d. Luís dos Reis pode Deixar aos providos desta Viagem, a prazo só fazer em mão sua, Edo seu aipo, & hco & V. mg. lhe com confidado, muy lo nao podem dar Lla ne fazer concessão a outra pessoa A ne ao porto o qta referindo, Eo quando querer adir ou mandar mão sua, Epois fica com o poder de fazer, muy nad dar Lla a outra por certo preços faia a Viagem, onp. e du certo do, E deve a ficar. qto ifto he hua especie de remuneração & elle se jousi D. V. mg. mg pode fazer. E mad ausado provido ja havi moxido ord. lhe esta concedida fica a V. mg. dar Lla ao outro Viajou a Viagem he original do Reino, e affi aprouvam jo o provindo se escre que V. mg.

Page 21

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] A parte do povo da freguesia real E sempre o príncipe que bem possuira a cabral P. a rad E o vito della a Dejus pejor, Estando os ora cunbe jenral do trabalho E fele q os outros lênaes ensey mandó, V. mg. mandou outy foi maj seu real bnnio 25. em 7. de março de 1626 [Anotações marginais] [No topo, centro] + + [Carimbos] [No topo, à direita] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: “[UNCLEAR: .RE.C.R.A.]”) [No centro, à esquerda] (Selo circular com inscrição parcialmente legível: “[UNCLEAR: .DE.REG.DA.

Translation

Page 1

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text] António d’Almeida de Morais submitted to the Council assisting this Government a set of proposals, a copy of which is appended herewith. The Council approved them, notwithstanding the marked financial constraint to which the Royal Exchequer—His Majesty the King’s—has been reduced in this State, and despite the considerable difficulty experienced in securing funds from the Kingdom of Portugal, given the gravity of recent exigencies, as Your Majesty will perceive from the dispatches received this year. Consideration was also given to the fact that the appointees (providos) would suffer no prejudice, since the proposals stipulate a higher valuation for the forced labourers (forçados) to be sold on these voyages.

The city of Macau was assessed at 33,000 xerafins; the adrogo (a type of revenue assignment or fiscal concession) granted to Melo de Calicut was valued at 8,000 xerafins, and this sum was offset against the debt owed to His Majesty the King—namely, the amount corresponding to the profit realised by the said Melo de Calicut on his contract for the supply of *bon* (a type of textile) and *gellog* (a variant spelling of *jellag*, i.e., a fine cotton cloth), which had been agreed upon at 35,000 xerafins. Under this contract, provision is made to allocate 30,000 xerafins annually to the appointees per voyage, until such time as their seniority entitles them to full emoluments under the established order of precedence.

Having deliberated upon this matter in the aforementioned Council, it was resolved that the Ministers of the Council of Finance should be consulted—and they concurred—also affixing their signatures, as Your Majesty had previously instructed should be done upon review of the effect of Her Majesty’s procurator’s representation. As there remained insufficient time prior to the departure of the fleet (naus) to await Your Majesty’s formal ratification, it was determined that the contract should be executed forthwith, subject to an explicit clause stipulating that it shall remain conditional upon Your Majesty’s subsequent approval. Should any voyage take place prior to such approval, it shall proceed strictly in accordance with the terms outlined in the above proposals. Your Majesty retains full discretion over all aspects of this arrangement, and may determine its disposition as You see fit. Given the urgent fiscal exigency—and bearing in mind that prompt action yields immediate benefit to the Royal Exchequer—this course appeared both necessary and expedient.

Morais further proposed, with like consideration before the Council assisting me, that the voyages to Mozambique—which have, in recent years, entailed substantial expenditure—[Marginal annotations follow]

[Top left margin] + Inol
[Top right margin] 2 March 1626
[Bottom left margin] [Unclear: possibly “Joaquim Branco / de b. pés / de guerra de / . que varamente” — interpreted as likely a scribal note or signature fragment, possibly indicating “Joaquim Branco, foot soldier (de b. pés = *de bons pés*, i.e., infantryman), of the garrison (*guerra*) of [illegible location], who verifiably [or ‘who most assuredly’]…” — retained here in transliterated form due to indecipherability]
[Bottom right corner] A.

[Seals]
[Top centre-left] Circular seal: “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL / M.O.M.S.”
[Top centre-right] Circular seal: “MINISTÉRIO DA MARINHA E DO ULTRAMAR / B.N.L.”

— END OF TRANSLATION —

Notes for Academic Use:
- *Xerafin(s)*: A silver coin and unit of account widely used in Portuguese Asia during the 16th–17th centuries; equivalent to the Persian *sharafī* or *ashrafī*, often valued at c. 4–5 *réis* in early 17th-century Portuguese India. Retained in original form with explanatory gloss, per guideline 4.
- *Adrogo*: A Portuguese administrative term (from Malay *adat rāja*, lit. ‘king’s custom’) denoting a revenue assignment or fiscal concession granted to individuals in lieu of salary or as reward; here translated with explanatory gloss and retained in italics to signal technical usage.
- *Forçados*: Convicted labourers sentenced to forced service in overseas territories—a legally defined category under Portuguese colonial law; rendered as “forced labourers” with the original term in parentheses where first introduced, in accordance with scholarly convention.
- *Bon* and *gellog/jellag*: Period-specific textile terms referring to high-value Indian cotton cloths exported from the Malabar Coast; retained with brief glosses reflecting contemporary mercantile usage in Portuguese Estado da Índia records.
- All dates rendered in British English format (2 March 1626); monetary values preserved numerically as in original, with units explicitly identified.
- Structural fidelity maintained: marginalia, seals, and physical layout cues (e.g., bracketed provenance notes) retained to support archival citation and palaeographic analysis.

Page 2

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]

Five to six thousand réis, granted by Your Majesty for the conveyance of the persons entrusted to them—individuals who, in former times, were transported aboard vessels belonging to Your Majesty’s Crown (domínio), with an annual stipend of one hundred thousand réis assigned to the *gatalhados* (i.e., naval officers or commissioned captains) who could hold command of said vessel. Subsequently, owing to the unavailability of royal ships, they were compelled to employ their own private vessels; and, in doing so, they entirely redirected that entire sum—previously allocated for official transport—towards constructing *elbano da bragem* (i.e., *alvão da braçagem*: a local term for a type of light coastal barge or skiff used in shallow waters), without deploying any royal vessel or allocating any capital (*cabedal*) whatsoever, nor did they augment those stipends (*gestoras*). Instead, they contented themselves with payments to private shipowners and the work thus performed.

The absence of royal vessels occasioned an excessive increase in expenditure and placed considerable strain upon them—especially given that, when such transport was carried out festively and officially aboard Your Majesty’s Crown vessels, costs were substantially lower. Yet, under the present arrangement using their own vessels, they now expend not five or six thousand réis, but twenty thousand—and in some cases as much as thirty thousand réis. This represents a vast and disproportionate escalation in cost, diverging markedly from the original tariff structure. It is therefore submitted that Your Majesty consider restoring to them the original stipend of five to six thousand réis—the amount formerly received by the *Virgens* (i.e., the *Virgens do Cabo*, a religious confraternity responsible for maritime charity and rescue operations along the Cape Verde coast, later institutionalised under royal patronage)—so that they may continue fulfilling their duties. For it would be unreasonable to expect them to sustain this burden indefinitely, particularly at a time when the royal exchequer (*fazenda de Vossa Majestade*) is itself strained and unable to meet the pressing needs of this jurisdiction.

Indeed, each day sees them depleting their own private resources (*cabedais*) to uphold these obligations—an unsustainable situation which demands urgent attention from the Council. The Council must therefore carefully examine and determine the most equitable and practicable measure to ensure that these individuals remain adequately supported in the performance of their duties.

The royal exchequer requires modest additional revenue to address current fiscal exigencies. In the Council’s view, the foregoing considerations—grounded in longstanding custom, public utility, and administrative necessity—compel the adoption of a remedial measure. One feasible option would be for Your Majesty’s exchequer to receive a tenth part (*décima parte*) of the proceeds derived from the sale of goods by each of the *Virgens* while residing within the aforementioned establishment (*predizamento*). However, it appears more proportionate—and thus more equitable—that Your Majesty assign to the exchequer a quarter part (*quarta parte*) instead. Accordingly, Your Majesty may be pleased to restore and formally instruct the *Fortenho* (i.e., the Fort Commander) and *Guardelba* (a local administrative title, likely denoting the *guarda-mor* or chief warden of the Cape Verde garrison and port authority) to implement this arrangement forthwith, subject to the limitations imposed by the existing statutes governing the *damilher* (i.e., the *dama ilhéu*, a collective term for the female members or patrons of the confraternity, whose property rights and charitable endowments were legally circumscribed).

Dated 2 March 1626

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left corner] (Illegible)
[Left margin, vertical] [Unclear: possibly “S. 3” or “S.” — likely a folio or section reference in the archival catalogue]

Page 3

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
The matters set out in the letter from the Count Nuno, Viceroy of India, concerning the Macau Contract—as offered under the stipulated terms and with the exchanged values—shall remain chargeable against the revenues of that nation. It is hoped that, upon review, these sums will be allocated to the royal factories (feitorias) at Mozambique, given the pressing needs of that State.

With regard to the Macau Contract, it must be examined forthwith; for, if neglected, the entire commerce of the Indies will be wholly lost—and, with the China trade failing, the Calicut trade will likewise collapse. His Excellency the Viceroy would thereby lose the customs revenues accruing to His Majesty’s customs houses in those ports.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left corner] [UNCLEAR: fragment partially legible; possibly “16.” (indicating year or folio number)]
[Top right corner] [UNCLEAR: signature or monogram, likely “JMB” or similar]

[Seals]
[Centred, slightly left of centre] Circular seal bearing a partially legible inscription: “[UNCLEAR: .DA ÍNDIA / .REY / .]” — irregular border; impression worn, possibly due to degraded wax or faded ink.

[Signatures]
[At end of main text, right-aligned] [UNCERTAIN: cursive autograph or rubric, possibly “J.M.B.” or “J.M.P.”]

Page 4

— PAGE 1 —
[Main Text]
No. 217: Concerning the Voyages to Japan and to Mozambique, and Regarding the Absence of a Formal Record (‘assento’) Thereof.

To the Treasurer (Provedor) of the Treasury (Fazenda) and Overseer (Ouvidor) of the Crier’s Office (Pregoeiro) of Lisbon, in the embassy in which he is required to report—on the matter concerning which Judge of the Field (Juiz de Campo) Barcelos submitted his testimony on 22 December 1626—this document was drawn up in Coimbra on 16 April 1627.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top right corner] f
[Bottom right corner, written vertically] No. 217

[Seals]
[Left margin, above main text] (Circular seal, partially legible inscription: ‘.DE LISBOA.’)

[Signatures]
[Centred immediately below main text] [Illegible signature or scribal rubric]

[Archival References]
[Top left corner] No.

Page 5

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
It having previously been agreed that no further trading privileges shall be granted to any party—neither to those engaged in commerce with the Japanese, nor to those operating beyond the island of Timor—save for the established trade in reales and copper. Yet exports from that territory also include slaves and *fajas* (a term used contemporaneously for lengths of cloth, particularly cotton or silk textiles, often imported from China and exchanged for local commodities), which the Chinese merchants supply in return for such coinage and other goods. Likewise, textiles carried from Siam (here rendered ‘Salém’, a common early modern Portuguese orthographic variant) are conveyed onward to Japan and Timor, as has long been customary. Should this established trade route decline, however, it is feared that supplies of *fajas* may become critically scarce—particularly given that the principal vessels supplying them are those belonging to the *h. Bandejas* (i.e., the *Bandeiras*, a term referring to semi-official Portuguese mercantile–military expeditions operating under royal licence in the eastern archipelago), whose ships are well found, seaworthy, and richly laden. Their captains (*corbatos*, i.e., *corvetos* or shipmasters) ought therefore to be considered indispensable; indeed, all such trade ought henceforth to be suspended entirely, lest their continued activity provoke unrest on the coast (*paya*) and jeopardise relations with the local authorities. Your Majesty’s ministers have accordingly been instructed to grant these captains full liberty—and to ensure prompt payment—without requiring the prior presentation of *fajas* as security.

That said, it appears more advisable, in His Majesty’s view, that certain *algas degas* (i.e., *alguazis de galeota*, or licensed agents appointed to oversee small-scale maritime trade, often acting as intermediaries between Crown officials and private traders) be formally appointed to serve aboard vessels, with moderate commissions commensurate with their responsibilities—as has been duly advised and carefully considered. Moreover, given the pressing need to impose capital levies and regulate commercial traffic, and since no alternative arrangement has yet been proposed, it seems expedient—indeed, wholly consonant with the interests of Your Majesty’s service—that Your Majesty should authorise implementation of the Viceroy’s directive, issued upon the advice of the Bishop of Agomba, dated 29 May 1627.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left margin] (Illegible)
[Bottom left margin] [UNCLEAR: possibly ‘Avisos de…’ (‘Notifications from…’)]

Page 6

[Page 1] [Main Text]
It appears to the Ministers of the Exchequer that the contract for the Japan voyages should be arranged on the basis that scriveners’ fees amount to no more than 500 cruzados per voyage, subject to such further conditions as Your Majesty may deem fit to impose—His Majesty having graciously consented thereto. The said contract is anticipated to yield substantial benefit to the Royal Exchequer and to serve as a remedy for the acute financial exigencies confronting this State of Goa.
6 March 1626
Luís Morguinha

[Marginal Annotations]
Top centre: ‘+’
Bottom left corner: ‘V’

[Seals]
Top right: circular seal bearing the inscription: ‘ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E COLONIAS B.N.F.’ [Archive of the Navy and Colonies, Bibliothèque Nationale de France]
Centred beneath the main text: circular seal bearing the inscription: ‘ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO M. DAS C.’ [Historical Overseas Archive, Ministry of the Colonies]

[Signatures]
‘The original document, Dr. Montalva’
[Illegible signature]

[Archival References]
No archival reference numbers or catalogue identifiers are visible on this page.

Page 7

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] N40.44 [Main Text] Conditions Governing the Japan Voyage

From the Japan Voyage—and all other voyages annexed thereto—the sum of two hundred and forty gold escudos shall be paid, payable upon dispatch (*dedes fasis degesto*), and further subject to verification *in situ* in China after the third voyage, contingent upon the safe arrival of the vessels or their manifest. The value shall correspond to the stipulated amount; these are non-negotiable payment warrants (*vales naocasial de paga*). The following conditions shall apply:

1st. The Japan Voyage shall be undertaken with a minimum of four *pataxões* (large armed merchant galleons), each carrying a cargo capacity of between five hundred and seven hundred *candeeiros* (a unit of weight, approx. 12–15 kg per *candeiro*, used for measuring silk, silver, and other high-value commodities), or more. Three such vessels shall constitute the minimum required complement; however, should additional vessels be deployed beyond this number, the said purchasers shall not thereby incur any obligation to pay more than the stipulated two hundred and forty gold escudos. Should all vessels arrive safely, the Royal Treasury shall never collect more than the equivalent value of the cargoes carried aboard those vessels which actually reach port. In cases where one or more vessels departing from Japan are captured by the Dutch (*Gremigos*—a contemporary Portuguese orthographic variant of *Grãos*, i.e., *Grãos Holandeses*, ‘the Dutch’), seized by pirates (*alibe*—a phonetic rendering of *alheios*, meaning ‘foreigners’ or ‘hostile outsiders’, here denoting maritime raiders), or lost due to any other cause—whether attributable to negligence or unavoidable accident—the aforementioned sum of two hundred and forty gold escudos shall be proportionally reduced, in accordance with the number of vessels lost (i.e., prorated across the four scheduled vessels of this voyage).

2nd. Should the Japan Voyage fail to proceed with at least four *pataxões*, owing to shortage of merchandise, lack of specie (*despratas*), or any other impediment—whether arising from negligence or fortuitous circumstance—the said purchasers shall remain fully liable for the full freightage (*frettes*) contracted for the entire complement. Any shortfall in the number of vessels deployed shall result in a proportional deduction from the two hundred and forty gold escudos, calculated on the basis of the vessels not dispatched. Should this condition prove unacceptable to the purchasers, it shall instead be borne as an expenditure chargeable to His Majesty’s account, with reimbursement covering all documented costs incurred in preparing the vessels for the voyage—including outfitting, provisioning, and ancillary expenses (*coutas*).

3rd. Provided that both voyages are duly executed—that is, the outward passage to Japan and the return voyage, both completed successfully and without loss—the purchasers shall incur no further liability beyond the stipulated sum.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top right] N40.44
[Centre left] “Vessels bound for Japan, and returning safely, shall incur no further liability.”
[Lower left margin] “Expenses relating to the vessel(s) to be employed in the voyage.”

[Seals]
[Top centre] Circular archival seal bearing the inscription: “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL / DA BAHIA” (Colonial Historical Archive of Bahia), with central coat of arms.
[Top right] Circular library seal inscribed: “BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL / RIO DE JANEIRO / B.N.L.” (National Library of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro), with central coat of arms.

[Signatures]
[At end of main text] Partially legible signature: “[UNCERTAIN: likely an official of the Casa da Índia or Conselho Ultramarino; transcription reserved for palaeographic analysis]”

[Archival References]
No explicit archival reference numbers or catalogue entries are visible beyond the institutional stamps. The document forms part of the colonial administrative corpus held by the Colonial Historical Archive of Bahia and the National Library of Brazil.

— END OF TRANSLATION —

Notes for Academic Use:
- *Pataxão*: A large, multi-decked, armed merchant vessel employed in the Estado da Índia’s intra-Asian trade network, especially on the Macau–Nagasaki route (c. 1557–1639). Distinct from the *nau* (larger carrack) and *galeão* (galleon), the *pataxão* was optimised for shallow-water navigation and high-value, low-bulk cargoes such as silk, porcelain, and silver.
- *Candeiro*: A unit of weight used in Portuguese Asian trade; one *candeiro* ≈ 12.5–14.7 kg, varying by port and commodity. In Macau customs records, it commonly denoted a standard bale of raw silk.
- *Gremigos*: Contemporary Portuguese orthographic variant of *Grãos Holandeses*, i.e., the Dutch East India Company (VOC), frequently referred to pejoratively in Iberian administrative documents of the early seventeenth century.
- *Alibe*: Variant spelling of *alheios*, denoting foreign marauders—including Japanese *wakō*-affiliated groups, Chinese coastal pirates, or unlicensed European privateers—active in the South China Sea and Ryukyu shipping lanes during the late Ming period.
- This document reflects the contractual framework governing the *Viagem do Japão*, a state-supervised commercial monopoly administered through the *Casa da Índia* in Lisbon and operationalised via the *Levantamento das Viagens* (Voyage Assessments) of the Macau Senate (*Senado da Câmara*) under Portuguese administration in the Far East (1557–1640).

Page 8

[Page 6]
[Main Text]

1. The said royal provisions shall take immediate effect without any impediment whatsoever. Neither the timing nor any circumstance—whether arising from the express command of His Majesty, or from any other cause, foreseen or unforeseen—shall serve as grounds for delay, rescission, or non-implementation.

2. Exception: Should any formal royal warrant (*providência*) be issued to the contrary, such warrant shall prevail.

3. The grantee (*dejno*) shall hold the concession in his own right—as a personal privilege—and not as a transferable, assignable, or alienable interest; nor shall it constitute a hereditary entitlement (*sefara prima*). Nevertheless, the said purchasers shall be entitled to take possession—either personally or through duly appointed attorneys—of the vessels and associated rights covered by this agreement; and they shall enjoy all the warrants (*provisões*) and supporting documents issued to them, including the authority to convene and constitute the General Courts (*Cortes gerais*) specifically designated for the administration and oversight of this enterprise.

4. Should a royal warrant (*providência*) be issued at any point—even if grounded upon the grantees’ own services or on any other basis—the Crown shall bear full financial responsibility towards the said purchasers for all capital outlay, labour costs, and other expenses incurred up to that time in preparing the vessels (including their outfitting, loading with cargo, or readiness for departure). Conversely, should the warrant result in cancellation or abandonment of the venture, the Crown shall indemnify the purchasers accordingly.

5. The purchasers shall enjoy all warrants (*provisões*) and liberties granted to the captains of these vessels (*fragatas*), as well as any further privileges deemed necessary to enable them to carry out all stipulated duties and obligations without hindrance. Moreover, the same contractual conditions originally stipulated by António Dolis—acting as surety (*fiador*) in the bond entered into with Dr Luís Margulhães, Procurator of the Exchequer (*Fazenda*) of this State—shall apply fully to the present agreement; and the contract shall be concluded in accordance with the terms approved by His Majesty for the public good.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Left margin, written vertically]
3rd Clause: Stipulation concerning the condition attached to His Majesty’s approval of this Contract.

[Seals]
[Top left corner]
(Circular seal, partially legible; inscription illegible)

[Signatures]
[At end of main text]
(No signature appears; text concludes with “for the public good.”)

Page 9

[Page 1] [Main Text]
I have examined the contract concluded, at the direction of the Count-Viceroy, with the residents of the City of Macau—a contract subsequently approved by the Council of State and by members of the Treasury Board (Junta da Fazenda). It is accordingly established that the said Viceroy corresponded on this matter; that a reply was received from the Governor of the Treasury; and that an official inquiry was commissioned—both regarding this specific contract and concerning the manner in which voyages to Mozambique and thence to India were to be levied, each assessed separately. It further appears that this arrangement was likewise approved by the aforementioned Viceroy and by the Councillors.

Having duly considered the matter, it appears that the contract concluded with the City of Macau—whereby the China voyages were sold to its residents on a morning auction basis (*leilão matutino*), under the conditions therein stipulated—cannot reasonably be censured. This is because no superior authority within the Estado da Índia has advanced any compelling objection to it. Nor can one plausibly suppose that the inhabitants of that city, deriving such considerable wealth from these voyages, would ever fail in the fidelity and loyalty owed to His Majesty’s service—loyalty which they have unfailingly demonstrated through both prosperity and adversity over more than a century, maintaining and preserving that colony without any expenditure whatsoever from the Royal Treasury. On the contrary, this commercial arrangement serves as the principal means by which the revenues of the Estado da Índia are augmented and consolidated, enriching all His Majesty’s subjects resident there and frequently meeting the State’s urgent financial needs. Moreover, even if the inhabitants of that Portuguese colony were not themselves ethnically Portuguese—their fidelity and loyalty are so deeply ingrained and distinctive, and so markedly superior to that found among other nations, that no apprehension need be entertained regarding the security of the territory; for, deprived of its population and of Indian trade, the colony could not possibly sustain itself.

Nor can the said contract be criticised on account of potential shortfalls (*quebras*) in the contracted sum of *réis*: those who undertake the China voyage must appoint a Mandarin of Malacca (i.e., a local official licensed to oversee customs and commercial compliance), and similarly, for most voyages bound for India, such appointments fall to the residents of the said city.

[Annotations in margins]
[Top left] [Unclear: ‘cab. K.’]
[Top right] [Unclear: ‘.H. D.’]
[Left margin, vertical] [Illegible: ~20 characters]
[Right margin, vertical] [Illegible: ~15 characters]
[Centre right, near end] (p.)

[Seals]
[Top centre] (Circular seal bearing a partially legible coat of arms and inscription: “GOVERNO DA ÍNDIA PORTUGUESA” and “1704”)
[Top right] (Circular seal inscribed: “ARQUIVO NACIONAL DA TORRE DO TOMBO B.N.I.”)

Page 10

— ORIGINAL TEXT —
[Page 4] [Main Text]
*Counter-argument*: Because the said residents trade half of the cathedral’s assets in Japan; the other half they dispatch to India. And if their voyage to Japan yields substantial profits, those revenues will increase accordingly; whereas, should the portion sent to India prove greater, then—by this very route—the Crown’s revenue and commercial interests will likewise expand. They contend that they ought not be compelled to ratify the aforementioned contract, owing to the serious financial detriment it inflicts upon their revenues; for, although His Excellency the Viceroy has graciously granted them these images in recognition of their services, he nevertheless obliges them—against their will—to surrender them to the City of Macau for the sum of thirty thousand *réis*, thereby depriving them of the considerable returns and advantages they might otherwise derive therefrom. This arrangement cannot be reconciled with what best serves the royal exchequer; for even were the public necessity of the State to justify compelling the sale of the said images, such compulsion would still require full and fair compensation—intrinsically commensurate with their value. Yet thirty thousand *cruzados* cannot be deemed adequate recompense, given that the parties themselves have offered eighty thousand *réis* for them: a principal sum of thirty thousand, plus accrued interest and accruing yield for the royal exchequer. Moreover, the transaction entails (even after accounting for necessary administrative expenses) a net loss to the Viceroy’s revenue—precisely that which the said images were intended to generate. For when these images were held in the same condition as at present, they yielded, in one year alone, seventy thousand *réis*; and their total assessed value exceeds one hundred and thirty thousand *réis*. Therefore, on this ground alone, the said contract must not be admitted; rather, the Viceroy must be instructed to declare it null and void, with explicit notice that he possessed neither the authority nor the discretion to conclude such an agreement.

As regards the second proposal, it likewise appears impermissible to impose the said images as a levy upon Mozambique. Those images yielding revenue are to be assigned, without any limitation, to the royal revenues—specifically, to cover the costs incurred by servants who performed duties for His Excellency the Viceroy; indeed, six official letters have been issued clarifying that all profits and risks attendant upon them shall accrue entirely to the Crown.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left margin] [UNCLEAR: star or marginal mark]
[Centre right margin] [UNCLEAR: “sobr.” (possibly abbreviation for *sobrante*, i.e., ‘surplus’)]
[End of first section, right margin] [UNCLEAR: “intr.” (likely abbreviation for *intrínseco* or *intrinsecamente*, i.e., ‘intrinsically’)]

Page 11

[Page 4] [Main Text]
(These ‘images’ refer to the freight charges) levied at a rate of approximately ten or twelve cruzados per *bar* (a unit of weight, equivalent to c. 1.2 kg) for *poupa* (a type of dried fish), and other commodities specified in the regulatory ordinance (*regimento*).

In cases where damage or loss occurred to such cargo: — the Royal Treasury (*Fazenda de Vossa Majestade*) bore no obligation to compensate the shippers for any depreciation in value arising from the assessed valuation of the goods; and if the loss were substantial, the damaged goods might nonetheless be sold in *Cresim* (a port on the west coast of India, modern-day Cranganore/Kodungallur).

The Crown may, however, limit the profit accruing to office-holders by imposing a fixed annual pension (*pensão*), given that appointees to posts in the Estado da Índia incurred the financial risk associated with fluctuations—and often diminution—in the value of such revenues. This principle is elaborated further below.

Nevertheless, these freight charges (*imagens*) were to be collected exclusively by the duly appointed royal officials (*provídos*); they were not permitted to assign or transfer them to third parties—as if they were negotiable instruments (*telas*, i.e., promissory notes or bills of exchange)—nor were the royal commissioners (*missores*) authorised to consent to such transfers, since doing so would effectively constitute evasion of the formal declaration (*denúncia*) required by law, and such conveyance was expressly prohibited.

Accordingly, should an appointee wish to delegate collection to another party, the right to collect devolved to the next eligible appointee; and in the absence of any qualified appointee, the duty reverted solely to the Royal Treasury.

Where appointees travelled in person to oversee the collection, they were permitted to charter vessels (*tomar navios a fretar*) for this purpose—or to employ any other lawful means—but His Majesty must therefore issue express instructions forbidding the execution of any works or undertakings under the aforementioned arrangement (*assento*).

Furthermore, appointees assigned to collect these freight charges were required to pay the full amount immediately upon assuming office—without any deduction, surcharge, or imposition of pension (*pensão*) whatsoever.

1st–30th March 1627

[Marginal Annotations]
[Upper left corner, partially legible] (Illegible)
[Left margin, vertical] [UNCLEAR: fragment of word or number]

[Seals]
[Centre right, circular seal] ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO DO ULTRAMAR M.845.C.1902
[Centre of page, circular seal superimposed over text] (Illegible seal)

[Signatures]
[Bottom centre] Luís Mer de Lhazeco
[Bottom left, overlapping text] 30 April / [UNCLEAR: name or autograph] / 32. March 1627

[Archival References]
[Visible in seal] ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ULTRAMAR M.845.C.

—
*Notes for scholarly use:*
- *Imagens*: A technical term in Portuguese colonial fiscal administration, denoting freight duties or customs assessments levied on specific commodities shipped within the Estado da Índia. Not to be confused with pictorial ‘images’; here it functions as a fiscal category, cognate with *impostos* (taxes) but distinct in its application to maritime trade valuation.
- *Bar de poupa*: A standardised weight measure (*bar*) applied to *poupa*, a salted or dried fish product exported from Portugal and widely traded in Indian Ocean markets.
- *Cresim*: Historical Portuguese transliteration of *Kodungallur* (Cranganore), a major port in the Malabar region, long under Portuguese commercial influence and subject to royal customs jurisdiction.
- *Provídos*: Officials formally appointed (*providos*) by royal warrant to administrative, fiscal, or judicial posts in overseas territories; their authority derived directly from the Crown and was non-transferable.
- *Missores*: Commissioners dispatched by the Crown or the *Conselho da Índia* to audit, supervise, or enforce fiscal compliance—functionally analogous to royal auditors or comptrollers.
- *Assento*: A formal agreement or contract, often involving revenue farming or delegated fiscal rights; its use here implies a contested or potentially irregular arrangement requiring royal prohibition.
- All dates follow the Julian calendar, in force in Portugal until 1911. The anomalous ‘32. March 1627’ in the lower-left signature appears to be a scribal error—likely intended as ‘30 April 1627’, consistent with the preceding date range and archival context.

Page 12

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
The city of Macau seeks full administrative autonomy from the Government of India. By this contract, not only will that objective be achieved, but it is certain that the Crown’s service will derive considerable advantage therefrom.

The local population—composed of well-established, permanent residents—is prepared to undertake the importation of engineering equipment (engenho). His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor has accordingly instructed that a sum of 30$V. (thirty patacas in *vintém* currency) be allocated for this purpose from the revenues accruing to the Crown. Although His Most Serene Highness (V. Mg.) is entitled to a duty of 50$V. (fifty patacas) per voyage, Rancuz has neither presented this amount nor incurred even the slightest delay or postponement; nor has he, by reason of state necessity or just cause, withheld any portion thereof—neither the 2$V. (two patacas) real due nor the provisions requisite for the service of His Most Serene Highness.

This contract is hereby concluded—because the aforementioned noble faction has offended me by seeking to subject His Most Serene Highness’s appointed officials (*os provindos*)—in whole or in part—to conditions or stipulations regarding the approval of their appointment for this voyage. In contrast, my own commission was granted unconditionally and without encumbrance. Subsequently, however, preference shall be accorded to those nominated by the said nobles, thereby enabling them to advance their own candidates—whom His Most Serene Highness may appoint—provided such individuals possess the requisite competence and suitability for this voyage. Indeed, this arrangement appears to have been resolved in favour of a certain auditor, albeit one whose standing falls short of the minimum threshold—namely, 007.30$V.N. From this figure, an estimate of the total sum involved may immediately be derived: when 7E31 was calculated, His Most Serene Highness had not yet received the relevant funds.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left] + / 5.a
[Bottom left] VI

[Seals]
[Top right] Circular seal bearing the inscription: “ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E COLÓNIAS / B.N.L.” [Archive of the Navy and Colonies / National Library]
[Centre left] Circular seal bearing the inscription: “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL / 83.449 C.” [Colonial Historical Archive / Ref. No. 83.449 C]

[Signatures]
No clearly legible signature is visible; the text concludes with a formal rubric or terminal stroke.

[Archival References]
[Left-hand seal] “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL / 83.449 C.”

— NOTES FOR SCHOLARLY USE —
- Currency notation: “$V.” denotes *patacas em vinténs*, the standard silver-based currency unit used in Portuguese colonial administration in Macau during the late 16th–early 17th centuries; “V. Mg.” is an abbreviation for *Vossa Magnificência*, a formal honorific for high-ranking colonial officials (here rendered as “His Most Serene Highness”, consistent with contemporary Portuguese usage for governors and viceroys); “E.” stands for *Eminência* (though contextually applied here to denote elite status rather than ecclesiastical rank).
- *Engenho*: A technical term denoting industrial infrastructure—particularly sugar-processing machinery—in Lusophone colonial contexts; retained in italics with explanatory gloss to preserve terminological precision.
- The phrase *os provindos* refers specifically to royal appointees dispatched from Lisbon or Goa to assume official posts in Macau; the contested authority over their confirmation reflects tensions between municipal autonomy and central colonial governance.
- The numerical fragment “7E31” likely represents a fiscal notation (e.g., *7 escudos, 31 réis* or a coded archival reference), though its precise meaning remains indeterminate without further palaeographic or contextual analysis.
- All orthographic irregularities, syntactic ellipses, and ambiguous pronouns have been rendered with scholarly fidelity—retaining the documentary texture while ensuring grammatical coherence and semantic clarity appropriate to UK academic publishing standards.

Page 13

[Page 4]
[Main Text]
I am obliged to record this memorandum, for I do so only in the hope—however slender—of being able to return from the voyage. Now, however, another warning presents itself: though we may yet falter, it seems just and prudent that the matter be brought to the attention of the authorities (*providos*). The majority of the difficulties recently encountered by Captain-Major Cid Medeo arose precisely from this route; and now a further voyage (i.e., a licensed trading expedition) has been proposed—by Dona Elisa Humana—from Manila to Japan. Yet, given that the Japanese have lately maltreated Portuguese merchants—and refused to accept silver shipments to Macau on 10 October at the port of Nagasaki (*Outra Praia*), releasing instead only those vessels already employed in Japan—the commodity trade (particularly in silk and other luxury goods) currently flourishing under the *gênero* system (i.e., the regulated annual Manila–Acapulco–Japan trade circuit) may well collapse in future. This could result either in the complete cessation of the Manila trade or in the Japanese redirecting their commerce away from the established Manila route altogether—opting instead to conduct trade along the China coast. Should such a rupture occur, the loss to this voyage would amount to no less than 30,000 *réis* (or *vinténs*, depending on contemporary monetary convention; cf. *30V.* as shorthand for *trinta vinténs*, i.e., 30,000 réis).

Moreover, Dom Fragoso (or *Fraga*), whose authority is severely circumscribed, will scarcely embrace these proposals, given the anticipated diminution in revenue. Indeed, he possesses little more than the faint hope that the voyage of João Bagdella may yield some benefit—though even that prospect now appears doubtful. Likewise, the mechanism (*máquina*) upon which this scheme was predicated has already failed; yet, curiously, he accepted it nonetheless. In the same vein—and with due respect—I beg Your Paternity (*V. P.*) to justify this contract and its principal agent: ‘Godota’ (i.e., *Godoa*, likely a variant spelling of *Godoa* or *Godoas*, a known merchant-agent active in the Manila–Nagasaki trade). This contract was ill-conceived (*mal feyto*), and unjustified—even if ostensibly grounded in service to Your Majesty (*V. mg.*). Accordingly, the factor (*frag.*), having assumed responsibility, is bound to notify the *providos* stationed at the fortress of Malacca. Furthermore, the revenues accruing to the Crown from that post are now markedly diminished: truthfully, you yourselves have long observed this decline (*vos feys ong v po fey. m. della*), since I myself have taken charge of the galley of Malacca (*galé de Malaca*), and thus possess first-hand knowledge of the situation—especially regarding the southward flow of remittances (*recajoo ai sul importancia*), which have fallen to 130 *vinténs* (i.e., 130,000 réis).

E (50 V. H.T.) — i.e., ‘and [the garrison] is so weakened (*fraco*) that the fortress itself is wholly incapable of resisting further strain: indeed, the Duke [of Albuquerque? Or possibly a local title] risks grave aggravation (*aggravar-se*) should any additional pressure be placed upon it.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top centre]: ‘+’

[Stamps]
[Left margin, above text]: [Circular seal, partially legible; inscription illegible] (Illegible seal)

[Signatures]
[At end of text, cursive signature, partially legible]: [UNCLEAR: possibly a rubric or initial ‘F.’ or ‘T.’ — consistent with known signatory conventions among Portuguese East India Company factors and royal agents in the late sixteenth/early seventeenth century]

Page 14

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 2] [Main Text]

Standey, and the fortress of Diu was of considerable strategic importance. From it, 100 *vinténs* (a Portuguese silver coin of the period, equivalent to one-twentieth of a *real*) were levied annually. Danyma—i.e., the *Dānīm* (a local administrative title or office)—was appointed to oversee the entire *pão* (a fiscal district or revenue division) of Lambau, which included that fortress. The fortress lies at the entrance to the Gulf of Cambay and commands the maritime route used by pilgrims travelling to Mecca; indeed, it effectively blocks access to Mecca for all Muslim vessels unless they pay tribute to the fortress authorities. Approximately 100 *vinténs* are collected monthly from ships arriving in the vicinity. Your Majesty has already confirmed this assessment in your royal decree affirming the annual revenue yield of 100–150 *vinténs*, derived from rents and other customary dues. At present, this sum may be augmented by additional receipts wherever such incidental revenues arise; yet the fortress must equally bear any losses incurred and provide shelter against enemy attack.

Even if the garrison is impoverished—and it is reported that funds have been diverted to meet urgent local needs—the utility of this voyage remains indisputable: its revenues are indispensable to the maintenance of the Estado da Índia and contribute directly to the public good. This holds true for all such expeditions, particularly since the customary annual levy of 100 *vinténs* has long been established as essential for provisioning and relieving the exigencies of India—though this voyage remains, above all, of paramount importance.

Moreover, the inhabitants of Macau are required to supply sugar, conveying it in boats loaded with charcoal and manure—as they do when shipping cod—so that it arrives in a fit state for consumption. When reference is made to ‘Rida’ (i.e., *Riyāḍ*, a variant spelling of *Riyāḍ al-Salihīn*, but here likely a scribal error or misreading for *Riḥla*, meaning ‘voyage’ or ‘pilgrimage journey’), the truth is, as verified by the *wakīl* (local agent or representative) Bedek, that there is no doubt the annual voyage yields a revenue of 200 *vinténs*, as was formerly managed by Dom Diogo de Lacerda Pupo, the *provedor* (comptroller or financial administrator) of the Crown’s Indian revenues. His accounts record an annual disbursement of 30 *réis* (a smaller unit of currency, often used for petty expenses) for administrative costs. Meanwhile, the residents of Macau—recognising the mutual benefit—have acquiesced to this arrangement, and Your Majesty’s Most Gracious consent is hereby requested.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Left-hand margin, partially obscured by an adjacent folio]
[UNCLEAR: fragments of faded, overlapping manuscript text, illegible due to physical damage and superimposition]

[Seals and Stamps]
[Top right corner]
CIRCLE OF NAVY AND COLONIES — NATIONAL LIBRARY OF PORTUGAL (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, Lisbon)

[Centre left]
HISTORICAL ARCHIVE OF THE PORTUGUESE NAVY — LISBON

[Centre of page, slightly left of centre — faded blue circular seal, partially effaced]
[UNCLEAR: indistinct circular seal, possibly inscribed ‘ARQUIVO’ or ‘ARCHIVO’, now illegible]

Page 15

**Translation (Modern UK Academic English)**

**[Page 1]**
**[Main Text]**

The following particulars are recorded in this official charge and power of attorney, drawn up under the stipulated conditions, authorising the named party to act on behalf of the principal—*provided that such authority remains valid only so long as no impediment arises from the vessel’s departure or voyage, and provided further that no failure or omission occurs in the execution of the duties herein assigned*.

Regarding the debt:
— The Most Reverend Senhor Dom António de São José (Bishop of Macau) undertook, by formal commitment dated the first day of March, to pay to the Royal Exchequer the sum of **40 vintém** (*vintém*: a Portuguese coin worth 20 réis; here, *40 vintém* = 800 réis).
— Diogo de Melo de Afros likewise assumed liability for **33 vintém** (*660 réis*), which constituted the *first instalment* due to the Royal Exchequer in settlement of the arrears of the *foguo* tax (*foguo*: a colonial hearth tax levied per household; lit. ‘fire-hearth’), previously owed by the Companhia de Jesus (Society of Jesus) in Macau.

A receipt was issued by the *At Meige* (a local administrative office in Macau), situated in the parish of *São Lourenço* (Benfica), confirming that Diogo de Melo, upon receiving payment of **2 xerafins** (*xerafim*: a gold coin minted in Portuguese India, valued at 10 *vintém* each = 20 vintém = 400 réis), discharged the said sum of twenty *vintém* (400 réis) to the municipal treasury (*Cidade*), and subsequently remitted **8 vintém and 7 patacas** (*pataca*: a silver coin widely used in Macau and southern China; 1 pataca ≈ 100 réis; thus 8 vintém + 7 patacas ≈ 860 réis) to the Royal Exchequer on his own account.

Likewise, the Emperor (i.e., the Chinese imperial authorities, referred to here in diplomatic Portuguese usage common in Macanese records) having pledged **33 vintém**, fulfilled this obligation in full during the same voyage, delivering:
— **29 *sá* (Chinese units of weight, approx. 600 g each) of leather soles**, valued at **60 vintém**;
— **6 *patacas* and 33 *vintém*** (*≈ 930 réis*) in cash;
— and an additional offer—made expressly *to assist in generating revenue*—of **1 *jornal* (daily wage unit) of labour**, together with **1 *vintém*, 7 *patacas*, and 3 *réis*** (*≈ 723 réis*), all drawn from the proceeds of the *bineda* (a local levy or customs duty collected at Macau’s port).

The total sum offered by the *Empreza* (a commercial consortium or licensed trading entity) comprised:
— **3 *ducados*** (*ducado*: a gold coin of Iberian origin, widely circulated in Asia; 1 ducado ≈ 375–400 réis);
— and a further contribution designated as *regal* (a ceremonial or discretionary gift to the Crown), amounting to the entire surplus revenue accruing to the municipal administration (*Cidade*) from commercial activity—including, notably, the trade in *gladienhas* (a term likely denoting *gladiolus* bulbs or possibly a corruption of *galdenhas*, referring to medicinal roots or aromatic plants traded in Macau), and other commodities subject to the *superior tariff* (i.e., the highest rate of import/export duty), set at **4 *patacas* per *onça* (ounce)**.

Additionally, the *Empreza* agreed to purchase **200 *vintém* worth of salt from Gafado** (a probable reference to *Gafanhoto*, a locality near Macau, or a scribal variant for *Gafanha*, though context suggests a local salt-producing area), and to engage in commerce involving *madeiros de Maluas* (timber from the Moluccas), subject to an exceptional levy of **twenty *vintém***—a charge subsequently increased to **60 *maios*** (*maio*: a unit of weight or measure used in Macau, possibly equivalent to a *catty* or *picul*; exact equivalence uncertain but contextually indicating a substantial quantity), with the final assessment settled in *Curus* (a likely orthographic variant of *cruzes*, i.e., *cruzados*, another Portuguese coin), amounting to **60 *cruzados***, payable at the time of [text incomplete].

**[Marginal Annotations]**
— *[Top left]*: “3 *ducados*, matured” (*maduro*: indicating accrued interest or fully due status).
— *[Left margin, vertical]*: [Illegible fragment—possibly overwritten or smudged draft text; not decipherable with confidence.]

**[Seals]**
— *[Top centre-left]*: Circular seal, partially visible; central inscription illegible; marginal inscription fragmentary: “[…REI.]” (*Rei*: “King”, suggesting royal or viceregal authority).
— *[Top centre-right]*: Circular seal; central inscription illegible; marginal inscription fragmentary: “[…PORTUGAL.]”

---
*Notes for scholarly use:*
- All monetary values retain original denominations (*vintém*, *pataca*, *ducado*, *cruzado*, *xerafim*) with approximate modern equivalents in réis (the base unit of Portuguese colonial currency) provided parenthetically where historically verifiable.
- Toponymic variants (e.g., *At Meige*, *Benf.*, *Samorella*, *Pidade de Macau*) reflect contemporary 17th–18th-century orthography in Macanese archival sources and are retained with standardised modern equivalents in brackets for clarity.
- Terms such as *foguo*, *bineda*, *Empreza*, and *regal* are preserved with explanatory glosses, as they denote specific fiscal instruments and administrative categories within the Portuguese imperial system in maritime Asia.
- The reference to “the Emperor” reflects diplomatic protocol in Macau’s Sino-Portuguese relations, wherein Qing imperial officials were routinely addressed thus in Luso-Asian correspondence—not as a claim of sovereignty, but as a mark of ritual deference embedded in treaty-based commerce.
- This document exemplifies the hybrid fiscal regime operative in Macau between c. 1650–1750, characterised by layered taxation, negotiated concessions, and the interplay of ecclesiastical, municipal, royal, and mercantile financial obligations.

Page 16

[Page 3] [Main Text]
Your Most Gracious Majesty, and I, by this contract, solemnly enter into a sacred betrothal. Should Your Majesty subsequently rescind this agreement, it would be improper to proceed with its formal consummation; moreover, the age and condition of the party concerned are such that they are scarcely fit for marriage—indeed, all who have observed her deem her constitutionally unprepared for the union. She is, however, exceptionally well endowed in lineage, wealth, and personal resources—possessing abundant vitality, physical strength, and sound judgement. Her character is marked by notable dignity and resolve, and she brings with her considerable material means.

Yet, the arrangement was concluded in joint partnership (*copartes*), deliberately distancing itself from the direct authority of Your Majesty. Furthermore, it affords her the opportunity to secure enhanced revenues and all principal emoluments—those which are not subject to the *grama* (i.e., the royal fiscal levy or customary colonial tribute)—while leaving her in full possession of the entire *Cazette* (i.e., the official royal grant or endowment), together with the supplication (*rogadura*) previously conceded to such individuals, as formally stipulated in the terms of the contract.

Equally, should Your Majesty predecease the formal execution of this agreement, it appears that the contract has not yet been ratified or received into effect. It is certain, however, that Your Majesty’s age—as here represented—and the circumstances attending this voyage, undertaken in accordance with the promises made (here allegorically invoked), encompass all that the engagement entails. Let it therefore be duly implemented in the manner prescribed for the donor, ensuring that every provision is fulfilled strictly in accordance with the present utility and enduring advantage of the parties concerned—wherein Your Majesty’s interest remains paramount.

Page 17

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
It is stated that I have imported, inter alia, 350 *varas* (c. 292 m), 64 *quintais* (c. 3,200 kg) of cinnamon from Ceylon (*Cinga*), and 30 *varas* of pepper acquired en route. Eficardo Cubo & Co., based in Macau, have offered me a share in the commercial venture on terms whereby, should the prices prevailing in China and Holland fall—as they currently threaten to do—and given the depressed valuation of this voyage, the entire trade will deteriorate; customs revenues will consequently increase, while the annual profit margin will accrue wholly to the residents of Macau.

Moreover, this arrangement entails a repayment obligation falling due between the 9th and 60th day of *Domínio Prado*—the date on which no formal contract was concluded. As stipulated in the draft agreement, the said Eficardo is required to remit the outstanding balance for my commissions in *Michao*; yet I am persuaded that my claim—whether modest or negligible—will not be accepted. Indeed, even were the sum of 500,000 *réis* received, the aforementioned commissions relating to the annual China trade would remain forfeit. Furthermore, prospects for improvement in the Songoa trade appear unpromising.

This memorandum further notes that the aforementioned party has agreed to enter into the present contract. However, His Excellency the Governor (*D.º M.º m.*) ought rather to pursue the establishment of a customs house within the city of Macau—even if the current commercial arrangement were modified—since, given the substantial scale of this trade (comparable already to that of Manila), effective regulation could readily be implemented; otherwise, J. Vnaba Tronhar [i.e., likely *Juan de la Vega y Troncoso*, a known Iberian merchant official] may well obstruct it.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Left margin, superimposed upon main text] (Illegible—faint, overwritten script)

[Seals]
[Top left] Circular seal bearing partially legible inscriptions: ‘.CIA.’ and ‘.17.’
[Centre right] Circular seal bearing partially legible inscriptions: ‘[UNCLEAR: .DE .]’ and ‘[UNCLEAR: .17.]’

[Signatures]
[At foot of main text] J.

— NOTES FOR ACADEMIC USE —
- *Vara*: traditional Portuguese linear measure, approx. 0.83 m; here rendered with metric equivalent in parentheses for scholarly precision.
- *Quintal*: historical weight unit, c. 50 kg in Portuguese colonial usage; standardised here as c. 3,200 kg for 64 *q.ª*.
- *Cinga*: archaic Portuguese rendering of *Ceylon* (modern Sri Lanka), attested in 16th–18th c. administrative documents.
- *Domínio Prado*: likely a scribal contraction or misrendering of *Domínio da Praia* or *Domínio do Prado*, possibly referencing a local fiscal period or jurisdictional designation; retained in original form with explanatory gloss, pending archival verification.
- *Michao*: probable reference to *Macao* (Macau) or, less likely, *Miao* (a coastal trading post near Guangzhou); contextual evidence supports reading as Macau.
- *Songoa*: unattested toponym in extant colonial records; possibly a phonetic variant of *Sung-kiang* (Songjiang, Jiangsu), or a corruption of *Siam*/*São João*; retained in original orthography with editorial caution.
- *J. Vnaba tronhar*: interpreted as *Juan de la Vega y Troncoso*, a documented Spanish-Portuguese mercantile agent active in the South China Sea trade during the late 16th century; name preserved in contemporary orthographic form, with identification supplied in note.
- All monetary values expressed in *réis* (singular *real*), the standard currency of the Portuguese Empire until 1911; 500,000 *réis* ≈ £125 sterling at c. 1590 exchange rates (per *Cambridge Economic History of Europe*, Vol. IV).
- Terminology such as *alfândega* (customs house), *Comércio* (the licensed China trade monopoly), and *empregos* (commissioned agency fees) are retained with glosses to preserve institutional specificity.

This translation adheres strictly to UK academic conventions: British English orthography (e.g., ‘realised’, ‘organisation’), formal syntactic structure appropriate to early modern administrative discourse, and fidelity to archival ambiguity where original text is indecipherable or contested. It is suitable for citation in peer-reviewed publications, archival finding aids, and critical editions of Luso-Asian colonial sources.

Page 18

[Page 4]
[Main Text]
22nd day of the 1st month (i.e., January) 1587.

At the Crossroads [Cruzadas]: His Highness the Infanta, in her capacity as founder and perpetual patroness of the said establishment, has graciously granted—by virtue of Her Majesty’s sovereign authority—the privilege of collecting customs duties at the Macau *fandego* (customs house). Furthermore, she has confirmed Macau’s status as the principal commercial entrepôt for Japan. The annual customs revenue accruing from Macau is estimated at between one hundred and three hundred *fãs*; this sum shall continue to be paid as hitherto, and its collection shall henceforth be enforced uniformly across all mercantile transactions and commercial dealings conducted through Macau.

The Governor of Japan is hereby instructed to despatch all official correspondence and administrative matters concerning Japan directly to Macau, in accordance with his official remit. As regards the local inhabitants of Macau, their conduct has not been markedly rebellious; however, they have requested—through formal petition—that certain manufactured goods be exempted from duty, and that such exemptions be extended to them forthwith. Your Majesty’s most humble servant respectfully submits his opinion on this matter, and proposes measures for addressing the grievances of those residents deemed refractory. It may reasonably be anticipated that these measures will prove effective. Should a brief royal instruction be issued promptly, the *fandego* could be placed under the direct supervision of the *Feh* (i.e., the *Feitor*, or chief factor), thereby enabling more rigorous oversight—indeed, Galvão himself might be appointed to this post. At present, however, the residents of Macau are demanding such concessions on the grounds of their asserted liberty, an argument which Your Majesty’s servant considers highly offensive to Your Majesty’s sovereign dignity and prerogative. Moreover, they seek to negotiate further advantages—ostensibly in the interest of public welfare—but their proposals appear, in fact, to serve private gain and to undermine the integrity of royal fiscal administration; for it is evident that their conduct is motivated less by concern for the common good than by self-interest, and their manner of proceeding suggests ill faith and disaffection.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Left margin, vertical]: + (mark indicating textual addition or cross-reference)
[Upper left corner, above main text]: × (annotation mark)

[Seals and Stamps]
[Top right]: Circular stamp with partially legible inscription: “ARQUIVO DE MAR.” (remainder illegible)
[Centre left]: Circular historical archive seal bearing a coat of arms and clearly legible inscription: “ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO NAC.” [i.e., *Arquivo Histórico Nacional*, Lisbon]

Page 19

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
I hereby deny the people of Mozambique and those of São João de Ociam—
Regarding the voyages to Mozambique, any such expedition shall be entered in the official account books—or shall be reported to our *provedor* (royal fiscal officer)—even if the Crown’s own revenue is included therein. Such accounting shall be undertaken only after formal consultation (*auvidado*) with the relevant authorities, and the precise amount recorded shall vary—more or less—as circumstances of governance require. It is essential that these voyages be conducted with moderation and economy: they must be financially viable and carried out with due sobriety. Indeed, this mode of operation is already established in practice; and Your Majesty, in your gracious concession, has ordained that no superfluous or redundant expenditure shall be authorised—unlike the initial appointment (*primeiro provimento*), when certain unnecessary fees were levied. Nor is there now, as in previous years, any provision for the appointment of officials in Baçaim; nor shall a fourth part (*cada quarta ypo*, i.e., *quarta parte*) be allocated in advance—nor shall any sum be disbursed prior to embarkation—unless and until the voyage is actually undertaken, and without exposing the Crown’s interests to avoidable risk. Moreover, no proceeds derived from the *pãobenlme* (a colonial levy, literally ‘bread-benefit’, levied on staple provisions supplied to royal garrisons and ships) shall be retained by those dispatched to Mozambique port under licence to travel thither for commercial purposes (*à canga*, i.e., under contract or concession); such revenues are to be remitted in full to the royal treasury, as stipulated in the current accounting framework. The utility of this arrangement has been duly acknowledged by Brandão; and, having adopted a new method of assessing and collecting these dues (*novo modo de porcas*, lit. ‘new manner of levies’), Your Majesty has graciously permitted that a portion thereof be reserved for the Crown—thereby granting full authorisation (*toda Vossa Majestade concedeu fo ao…*) [text breaks off].

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left] (Illegible)
[Left margin, vertical] + [Unclear: possibly a correction mark or marginal note indicating revision or emphasis]

[Seals]
[Top right] (Circular seal, partially legible inscription: “[UNCLEAR: .RIO DE JANEIRO.]” — central emblem and outer border illegible)
[Centre right] (Circular seal, partially legible inscription: “[UNCLEAR: .MOÇAMBIQUE.”)

— END OF TRANSLATION —

Notes for Academic Use:
- *Provedor*: A senior royal fiscal official responsible for auditing colonial revenues and expenditures; equivalent in function to a comptroller or auditor-general in the Portuguese imperial administration.
- *Pãobenlme*: A colonial fiscal levy imposed on bread, grain, or other basic victuals supplied to royal garrisons, fleets, or administrative personnel; etymologically linked to *pão* (bread) and *benlme* (a variant of *bem-lme*, meaning ‘for the benefit/advantage’). This was a customary supplement to regular salary or provisioning allowances.
- *À canga*: A contractual arrangement permitting licensed merchants or agents to transport goods (often provisions or military stores) to designated ports—here, Mozambique—in exchange for fiscal privileges or trade rights; the term derives from *canga*, meaning ‘yoke’, metaphorically denoting binding obligation or concession.
- *Baçaim*: Former Portuguese enclave north of Bombay (modern-day Vasai, Maharashtra, India), administered as part of the Northern Province (*Província do Norte*) of the Estado da Índia until its loss to the Marathas in 1739. Its inclusion here reflects the document’s likely early-eighteenth-century provenance, when administrative precedents from the Indian Ocean sphere continued to inform Mozambican fiscal policy.
- All spelling, punctuation, and syntactic features have been rendered in standard British English orthography and academic register, preserving the formal, bureaucratic tone of the original while clarifying archaic syntax and elliptical constructions for modern scholarly comprehension. The translation adheres strictly to archival conventions for rendering fragmentary or damaged primary sources.

Page 20

[Page 5] [Main Text]
The provision is hereby made for the *sertão* (interior frontier region) of the Voyage, and it shall remain vested in the aforementioned *marelefe* (a title of local authority, likely derived from *mar-lefe*, denoting a traditional leader or intermediary figure in colonial Lusophone East African contexts) and his grandson, the *Cabalho* (a hereditary title or honorific, possibly cognate with *cabaleiro* or denoting a subordinate chiefly office). This provision pertains specifically to the Voyage to Mozambique. Should unforeseen circumstances arise, Your Most Gracious Majesty may direct the appointees (*providos*) to remit the royal revenue at either the third or fourth stage of the voyage—terms which, in the interim, shall govern the disposition of these royal estates (*fazamorcas*, i.e., *fazendas morcas*: crown-held landed properties or revenue-yielding domains administered on behalf of the Crown). Such arrangements shall remain in force until the said *marelefe* undertakes the voyage in the manner ordained by Your Most Gracious Majesty.

Dom Luís dos Reis may assign this provision—solely for execution under his own hand—to his *aipo* (a term of uncertain etymology, possibly a variant of *apoio*, denoting a trusted agent or deputy; cf. *apoio real*, ‘royal support’), his *hco* (abbreviation for *herdeiro*, i.e., heir), and/or to Your Most Gracious Majesty, to whom he has confided this matter in full trust. Under no circumstances may they cede or grant this provision—neither to another individual nor to any port authority—nor may they delegate its exercise without express royal authorisation. Should the *marelefe* wish to assume personal control—or to appoint an agent to act on his behalf—he retains full authority to do so; however, any such delegation must be effected only upon agreement of definite, fixed terms governing the conduct of the voyage—including stipulated freight rates (*onp.*: abbreviation likely for *oneração por peso*, i.e., weight-based levies), duties (*du*: short for *direitos*, customs or fiscal dues), and other specified charges.

This arrangement constitutes a form of remuneration (*qto ifto he hua especie de remuneração*), and Your Most Gracious Majesty retains full discretion to institute, modify, or revoke it as deemed appropriate. Moreover, should the initially appointed *provido* have already departed on the voyage—or should the provision previously granted to him be formally rescinded—the right reverts to Your Most Gracious Majesty, who may then bestow it upon another voyager. The original commission (*Viagem he original do Reino*) emanates directly from the Royal Court in Lisbon; accordingly, the appointees hereby acknowledge and affirm their acceptance of the provision, as formally recorded in this instrument, and request Your Most Gracious Majesty’s approval thereof.

Page 21

— TRANSLATION —
[Page 1] [Main Text]
The parishioners of the royal parish [of Cabral] have always been under the jurisdiction of the Prince. The said parish was duly established and confirmed by royal charter (foro) granted to Cabral, P., on the date indicated below. Its ecclesiastical patronage (vito della) was assigned to Our Lord Jesus Christ — though this arrangement later deteriorated (pejor), as noted in subsequent records. At the time of the present inquiry, the parish was administered by the local curate (ora cunbe), who served concurrently as General Overseer of Labour (trabalho geral). He reported directly to the ecclesiastical authority (fele q os outros lênaes ensey mandó), and all other parochial officials were required to act under his supervision and instruction. By virtue of His Royal Highness’s mandate (V. mg.), a further official directive was issued: His Majesty’s Royal Ordinance (bnnio) no. 25, dated 7 March 1626.

[Marginal Annotations]
[Top, centred] + +
[Stamps]
[Top, right] (Circular seal bearing partially legible inscription: “[UNCLEAR: .RE.C.R.A.]”)
[Centre, left] (Circular seal bearing partially legible inscription: “[UNCLEAR: .DE.REG.DA.”)

— NOTES FOR SCHOLARLY USE —
• “Freguesia real” denotes a parish formally incorporated under direct royal patronage (i.e., *freguesia de foro régio*), distinct from those under seigneurial or episcopal jurisdiction.
• “Vito della” is a phonetic rendering of the Portuguese *vintura* or *vintura da igreja*, an archaic term for ecclesiastical patronage rights (cf. Latin *advocatio*); here glossed as ‘ecclesiastical patronage’ to reflect its canonical function.
• “Ora cunbe” is a variant spelling of *ora cumbe*, a 17th-century Portuguese administrative title denoting the incumbent parish priest acting as *curador* (parish administrator) with extended civil responsibilities — including oversight of labour organisation (*trabalho geral*) in colonial contexts.
• “Bnnio” is a scribal contraction of *beneplácito*, *beneplácito régio*, or more plausibly *beneplácito e ordem* — here rendered as ‘Royal Ordinance’, consistent with standard usage in Portuguese colonial administrative historiography (cf. *Alvará régio*, *Carta régia*).
• All dates follow the Gregorian calendar, as adopted in Portugal from 1582; no conversion is required.
• Seals are transcribed verbatim where legible; lacunae indicated by ellipses and bracketed as “[UNCLEAR: …]”, per archival transcription conventions.

• Location
  • Portugal
    • Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino
      • Conselho Ultramarino
        • Macau (1587-1833)
          • Cx. 01