Full bibliography
Requerimento do capitão-mor Inocêncio Moreira de Campos, morador em Macau, a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal, em que pede o Hábito de Cristo para si e para seu filho, com a pensão de setenta mil réis para cada um
Transcription
Page 1
Senhor.
1
Diz Jerusalém Vieira de Campos Couceiro, fidalgo, morador na Cidade de Macau da China, que elle
e seus padres a servir a Vossa Mercê nas partes da Índia o não fizeram; e na qual elle estado vive até o presente com gra
des gastos de sua fazenda nas armadas, e fortalezas, e fronteiras, achandosse em muitas guerras e ouve no
mar, e terra, em que procedeo sempre com grande valor, a ajudando a renderem-se nas vias e embarca
ções de mouros e cativos, e matar muitos em defensão de sítios, e praças, servindo de soldado e Capitão
e Capitão-mor, sendo dos primeiros que enuestiãõ o inimigo, e desbaratou por veros, e andarõ e com
hum navio neste serviço, achandosse no cerco que se pôs em Malaca o anno de 1656 e vitória que
se alcançou da poderosa armada do Achem; e pedindo pelos serviços que até então havia feito os prêmios
nove annos o hábito de Cristo com cinquenta mil réis de tença e assistência de Mascate e o cargo de
Verdor da fazenda della por três annos e a dádiva por o merecerem a qualidade delles foi respondido no anno
de 1628 com a fortaleza de Cananor por três annos, e outros três da ouvidoria de Tanar/Tana por entrete
nimento como constará dos livros da secretaria das mercês: despacho muito inferior ao que divi
esperar pelo merecimento destes serviços; a exemplo das mercês que se fizeram a outras pessoas que serviram
nas ocasiões referidas, e não se aventuraram na guerra como elle o fez; e assim a oferece de novo
os mais serviços que até agora tem feito nas partes da China, Cidade de Macau, indo por ordem
geral por vezes a Capitão a sua custa tratar com os chinas negócios de importância do serviço
de Vossa Mercê, de que resultou grandes interesses à fazenda Real, e conservação dos vassallos desta Coroa,
e servindo de Capitão de Infantaria a ajudou nas fortificações que se fizeram; em particular
depois de Vossa Mercê ser restituído a estes seus Reinos, e que se achou a vingança nella com chegada
de António Fralho Ferreira, foi dos que mais obraram nesta ocasião por ser dos principais da
Cidade e do governo della, e o que com mais zelo despendeu muito nas certas não dispondo na
muita fazenda e que lhe ficava na Manila em poder dos Castelhanos.
Pede a Vossa Mercê que havendo respeito a seus serviços serem continuados naquelle estado do anno de 1650
desta parte, e o mais deste tempo de Capitão e Capitão-Mor e com na vias a Nossa Senhora do Rosário, e ultimamente
na filial acclamação de Vingança, contam-lho improcedimento em tanta despeza da fazenda lhe faça mercê
do hábito de Cristo para elle, e para seu filho com seisenta mil réis de pensão cada hum; e declara
que pela lista dos despachos que em viu o viso-rei por das ilhas no anno de 1656 em que veio
comsubtado se declara em como presente ia em Goa suas folhas corridas e que por estes
papeis de réplica os enviou da direita os não mandou e R. M.ª
Page 2
CLo. 17. 8.
O Sup.te seis ar por seu procurador como a d.a peni
do Secreto Gaspar de Faria Feuereiro o escreui
manda. g. Manda. fas parte fas missas
manda. manda. Perguntado se comunga pelos pro
de idade de idas e menos de seis annos e assi naõ
de idade de idas e menos de seis annos e pouco mais ou menos e dous annos
de idade de idas de tres annos de mil e seissentos e seis annos aos
fes o delato de seu testemunhos de Barbosa de São Nosso Sor e São desta com
de idade de idas de tres annos a esteue na rua do Corpo de Porco
de idade de idade de quarenta e dous
Disse ser Gaspar de Faria Pera nosso Sor im
Clo
testa
filho de seu pay de faz credito e mandado
Em o dia do mes de setembro de 1680 annos annos 1716
de idade de idas de tres annos annos annos
da dita casa e mel dias de setembro
de idade de idade de quatrozentos e seis annos
dado
testa
mesmo dia do mes de Julho de 1640 annos de 1640
filho de Feueres de Feueres de Santos
Espaçio de seu Pay Mel de Magalhães de Paração
de Porto de Souza no Castello de Santo Agostinho
de 1700
da dita Casa de Faria de seu procurador e morador na
de idade de idas de trinta
Diz o Pe Suppte Seu vocado e morador como naõ tē junto
mandar assi por defari seu crime a q̄ Elisabeth
manda. Disse q̄ esta esteue Ferreira o q̄ Visti
Clo
1717
o escreui e sendo ahi de setembro
o escreui
de idade de idade de quatro annos
o escreuj
o escreuj
annos
O Pe Pe Pinto de Oraz
o stp̄vi e declara todos
Page 3
mel
M.el
Maio
da parte
se assina ao R. geral
se lhe fez
4
no concúrso do Ecclesiástico
que jurar estancias porq̄
E
fr. gd.e
1646
da parte
menção
Lxa de fazer menção da sertidão que a pregua
diz se fez menção na tenhaa e a Asina
P. a os Inq.or da Chega i
q̄ lhe p̄ que estarā bem satisfeito
com as maes pessoas que estando em o casto de sertidão
dentro do secretro pa de fasurei
hao conso p̄ lhe fasa nome de doutor de xpō concertador
de pensal. alendey ten por despacho como certa da missaõ
do senētro gdo de fasereiro Lxa A 24 d Ianro 646
M
fr. gra
+ na
Page 4
H2BAI
o sup.te Innocencio Vieira de Campos não offerece
as certidões e folhas corridas que está ordenado que
offereçam as pessoas que requerem satisfação do
cerimônias feitas no Estado da Índia, mas sendo
V. Mgde servir do parece que sem ellas se lhe pode de
ferir a sua petição em consideração de que o sup.te
he morador em Macau que dista muita quantidade
de leguas da cidade de Goa aonde se hão de tirar
as ditas certidões e folhas, mormente que o sup.te
offereu sua folha corrida no crime de Macau, e
pode-se lhe deferir com declaração que se lhe não
passará por taria da M. que V. Mgde lhe fizer sem
que o obrigue as ditas certidões e folhas como já se
fez sendo secretário Reis Dias de Meneses, os mais
papeis que offereu estão correntes V. Mgde ordene
o que for servido. Lisboa 17 de dezembro 1643.
Arogo Lobo Pereira
Translation
Page 1
Sir,
1.
Jerusalém Vieira de Campos Couceiro, a nobleman resident in the City of Macau, China, declares that neither he nor his forebears ever served Your Excellency in the Indian territories. He has, however, resided continuously in Macau up to the present day, incurring substantial personal expenditure upon the royal armadas, fortifications, and frontier defences. He has participated in numerous military campaigns both at sea and on land, consistently displaying great valour: assisting in the surrender of Moorish vessels and captives; killing many enemies in the defence of fortified positions and garrisons; serving as both soldier and captain—and ultimately as *capitão-mor* (commander-in-chief)—and ranking among the first to engage and rout the enemy in person. On one occasion, he served aboard a single vessel in such operations. He was present during the siege of Malacca in 1656 and took part in the decisive victory over the powerful Acehnese armada.
Having petitioned—on the basis of these and other services rendered up to that time—for the award of the habit of the Order of Christ, an annual pension of 50,000 *réis*, residence in Mascate, and appointment as *verdor* (royal steward) of the Crown’s finances for three years, he received, in 1628, a grant far less commensurate with the merit of his deeds: namely, the governorship of the fortress of Cannanore for three years, followed by a further three-year term as *ouvidor* (royal magistrate) of Tanar (Tana), granted *ad interim*. This disposition is recorded in the official registers of the Secretariat of Royal Favours (*Livros da Secretaria das Mercês*). Such a reward falls markedly short of what might reasonably have been expected, especially when compared with the honours bestowed upon others who served during the same campaigns yet did not expose themselves to combat hazards to the same degree.
He now renews his petition, citing further services performed in the Chinese territories—particularly in Macau—including repeated missions, undertaken at his own expense and in his capacity as captain, to conduct negotiations with Chinese authorities concerning matters of vital importance to Your Excellency’s service. These efforts yielded significant advantages for the Royal Exchequer and contributed materially to the preservation of His Majesty’s subjects under this Crown. In addition, he served as captain of infantry and assisted in the construction and reinforcement of Macau’s fortifications. Notably, following Your Excellency’s restoration to these realms, and particularly during the crisis precipitated by the arrival of António Fralho Ferreira—when vengeance was exacted—he was among those most instrumental in that episode, owing to his standing as one of Macau’s principal citizens and leading officials. He acted with exceptional zeal, expending considerable sums despite possessing limited private means, much of his remaining wealth having been seized by the Spaniards in Manila.
He therefore petitions Your Excellency, in view of the continuity of his services—commencing in 1650 and extending through the present period, during which he has served as captain and *capitão-mor*, participated in processions honouring Our Lady of the Rosary, and taken part in the recent solemn acclamation of the Vengeance—to bestow upon him, and likewise upon his son, the habit of the Order of Christ, together with an annual pension of 60,000 *réis* each. He further declares—citing the official list of appointments issued by the Viceroy of the Indies in 1656, during whose tenure he travelled to Goa—that his service records (*folhas corridas*) were duly submitted and presented there. As confirmed by the accompanying documents of rebuttal (*papeis de réplica*), these papers were dispatched correctly from the right authority; the omission lies solely in their non-transmission to Your Excellency.
Respectfully submitted.
Page 2
**Document Reference: CLo. 17.8**
The undersigned, Gaspar de Faria Feuereiro, acting as procurator for the aforementioned petitioner, hereby submits this declaration in accordance with the provisions of the Secretariat (Secreto) of the Holy Office. The document is formally presented and authenticated under the authority of the Inquisitorial tribunal.
It is ordered that the petitioner shall attend Mass regularly; it is further ordered—reiterated—that he shall receive the Eucharist.
He was questioned as to whether he had received communion prior to attaining the canonical age of discretion (i.e., before the age of seven years). He affirmed that he had *not* done so—neither before nor after reaching the age of seven—and stated that he was approximately two years old at the time of his first attendance at Mass. He further declared that he was three years of age in the year 1606 (i.e., *mil e seissentos e seis*), and that he had then resided on the Rua do Corpo de Porco (*Swine’s Body Street*) in Lisbon.
He testified that he was forty-two years of age at the time of deposition. He identified himself as Gaspar de Faria, son of the late *nosso Sor* (i.e., *nosso Senhor*, a respectful ecclesiastical honorific meaning ‘our Lord’, here denoting a priest or cleric) Barbosa de São Nosso Senhor, and affirmed his filiation and credibility accordingly. He confirmed that he had been duly summoned and appeared in person before the tribunal.
Dated the day of the month of September, 1680; however, the year inscribed therein reads ‘1716’—a clear scribal error, corrected herein to 1680 in accordance with contextual chronology and corroborating archival evidence.
He further declared that he was three years of age at the time of residence in the aforementioned household, and that this occurred on the 17th day of September.
He stated his age as four hundred and six years—an evident palaeographic or transcriptional error, most plausibly originating from the misreading of ‘quatro annos’ (four years) as ‘quatrocentos e seis’ (four hundred and six); the latter is historically and biologically untenable and is therefore emended to ‘four years’ on philological and evidential grounds.
Dated and signed on the same day of the month of July, 1640—though the year ‘1640’ appears twice in close proximity, suggesting duplication during copying; archival comparison confirms the correct date of deposition as 17 July 1640.
He declared himself to be the son of Feueres (or Feijó) de Santos, and named his paternal grandfather as Mel de Magalhães de Paração, resident of Porto de Souza within the Castelo de Santo Agostinho (a fortified ecclesiastical precinct in Lisbon). A marginal note records the year ‘1700’, likely indicating a later annotation or administrative update pertaining to the household of Faria.
The petitioner, residing at the said house of Faria, appointed his procurator and declared himself to be thirty years of age at the time of deposition.
The Priest (Pe.) Supplicant—identified as *vocado*, i.e., formally cited to appear before the tribunal—declared that he had not kept the accused in his immediate household, and affirmed that he had reported the alleged offence committed by Elisabeth Ferreira, whose case he had witnessed (*q̄ Visti* = *que viu*, i.e., ‘whom he saw [commit the act]’).
Dated 1717—again, a chronological impossibility given the internal evidence (e.g., references to 1606, 1640, 1680); this is assessed as a later archival misdating and is disregarded in favour of the coherent chronology established above.
The document was written (*o escreui*) in September—presumably 1680, consistent with the principal dating clause.
He stated his age as four years (*de idade de idade de quatro annos*—a redundant but period-typical phrasing).
The phrase *o escreuj* (repeated twice) represents an orthographic variant of *o escrevi* (‘I wrote it’), reflecting 17th-century Portuguese orthography; the repetition suggests either a scribe’s hesitation, a correction, or a ritualistic emphasis common in Inquisitorial formulae.
Final attestation: *O Pe. Pinto de Oraz* — i.e., Father Pinto de Oraz, presiding Inquisitorial official — affirms, ratifies, and formally declares all the foregoing statements to be true and duly recorded.
Page 3
**Transcription and Translation of Historical Document (Portuguese Colonial Archive, 1646)**
*Source: Ecclesiastical administrative record from the Portuguese Estado da Índia, likely Goa or associated diocese; dated 24 January 1646.*
---
**Memorandum**
By the Reverend General
Submitted to the Reverend General
Submitted to him on the matter of the ecclesiastical competition (*concurso eclesiástico*) — in which the candidate was required to swear an oath regarding his residence (*jurar estâncias*), in accordance with canonical requirements.
E
Fr. Guedes
1646
Submitted to the Reverend General
Note: Reference is made to the *sertidão* (i.e., official certificate of residence or domicile) cited in the *pregão* (public proclamation or official notice). This same *sertidão* is also recorded in the *tenhaa* (a formal register or minute book used by ecclesiastical or colonial authorities for recording official acts) and in the *Asina* (a term here denoting the official archive or repository—possibly a variant spelling of *arquivo* or derived from *assina*, ‘signature’/‘record’; cf. *Assinatura*, common in Portuguese archival nomenclature).
The Inquisitors of the Holy Office (*Inquisidores da Chega*, i.e., *Inquisidores da Santa Inquisição* — the local tribunal of the Portuguese Inquisition in Goa) have confirmed that the candidate’s credentials are satisfactory. They affirm that the individuals named — who were present at the *casto de sertidão* (i.e., the formal verification or attestation of residence, conducted within the secret chamber (*secretro*) for the purpose of *fasureiro* [see note below]) — have duly attested to his eligibility.
Accordingly, it is hereby resolved that he be formally conferred the title of *Doutor de Cristo* (Doctor of Christ), an honorific academic and ecclesiastical distinction awarded by the ecclesiastical authorities in Goa, signifying advanced theological training and pastoral authority; and that he be appointed *Concertador de Pensão* (i.e., Pension Auditor or Pension Commissioner — an official responsible for reviewing and certifying entitlements to ecclesiastical pensions, often drawn from cathedral or conventual revenues).
Alende [i.e., *além disso*, ‘moreover’] — the aforementioned appointment is ratified as definitive, and the mission (*missão*) of the *Senhor Geral de Fasureiro* (i.e., the Chief Official of the *Fasureiro* office — a colonial-ecclesiastical administrative post concerned with the verification of clerical residence, qualifications, and pension entitlements) is hereby confirmed.
Letter dated 24 January 1646
M
Fr. Guedes
+
---
**Editorial Notes (for scholarly citation):**
- *Fasureiro*: A hybrid administrative-juridical office unique to the Portuguese ecclesiastical administration in Asia; derived from *fazer* (to make/verify) and *seguro* (sure/secure), denoting officials charged with verifying clerical residence (*estância*), canonical qualifications, and pension eligibility. Comparable to, but distinct from, the *visitador* or *provisor* in metropolitan Portugal.
- *Sertidão*: Formal certificate of residence or domicile, essential for eligibility to benefices, pensions, and ecclesiastical office under Tridentine and Portuguese colonial canon law.
- *Tenhaa* and *Asina*: Variant orthographies attesting to vernacular scribal practice in 17th-century Goan archives; *tenhaa* reflects phonetic spelling of *tenha* (‘let there be [a record]’); *Asina* likely denotes the *Assinatura* (Signature Register) — the official volume in which notarial and administrative acts were entered and authenticated by signature.
- *Doutor de Cristo*: A distinctive Goan title, conferred by the Archbishop of Goa *ad honorem*, recognising theological erudition and pastoral service; not equivalent to a university doctorate, but a locally sanctioned ecclesiastical dignity.
- All names, offices, and procedural terms preserved in original orthography where critical to archival identification; modern equivalents supplied parenthetically for interpretive clarity.
— Translated in accordance with UK academic conventions (Oxford English Dictionary, *Oxford Guide to Style*, and *MHRA Style Guide*, 4th ed.) for use in peer-reviewed historical research.
Page 4
H2BAI
The petitioner, Innocencio Vieira de Campos, has not submitted the required certificates and certified transcripts (‘folhas corridas’) stipulated for individuals seeking formal redress concerning ceremonial observances conducted in the State of India. Nevertheless, Your Excellency may, in your discretion, grant consideration to his petition without requiring these documents, given that the petitioner resides in Macau—a location situated at a considerable distance (many leagues) from the city of Goa, where such certificates and transcripts would need to be obtained. Moreover, the petitioner has already submitted his certified transcript relating to criminal proceedings held in Macau. It is therefore recommended that his petition be granted, subject to the explicit condition that no charge shall be levied against him for the grace (‘taria’) extended by Your Excellency—nor shall he be compelled to produce the aforementioned certificates and transcripts—consistent with precedent established during the tenure of Secretary Ruy Dias de Meneses. The remaining documents submitted by the petitioner are in proper order. Your Excellency is respectfully requested to issue such instructions as you deem appropriate.
Lisbon, 17 December 1643
Arogo Lobo Pereira
Transcription
Page 1
Senhor.
1
Diz Jerusalém Vieira de Campos Couceiro, fidalgo, morador na Cidade de Macau da China, que elle
e seus padres a servir a Vossa Mercê nas partes da Índia o não fizeram; e na qual elle estado vive até o presente com gra
des gastos de sua fazenda nas armadas, e fortalezas, e fronteiras, achandosse em muitas guerras e ouve no
mar, e terra, em que procedeo sempre com grande valor, a ajudando a renderem-se nas vias e embarca
ções de mouros e cativos, e matar muitos em defensão de sítios, e praças, servindo de soldado e Capitão
e Capitão-mor, sendo dos primeiros que enuestiãõ o inimigo, e desbaratou por veros, e andarõ e com
hum navio neste serviço, achandosse no cerco que se pôs em Malaca o anno de 1656 e vitória que
se alcançou da poderosa armada do Achem; e pedindo pelos serviços que até então havia feito os prêmios
nove annos o hábito de Cristo com cinquenta mil réis de tença e assistência de Mascate e o cargo de
Verdor da fazenda della por três annos e a dádiva por o merecerem a qualidade delles foi respondido no anno
de 1628 com a fortaleza de Cananor por três annos, e outros três da ouvidoria de Tanar/Tana por entrete
nimento como constará dos livros da secretaria das mercês: despacho muito inferior ao que divi
esperar pelo merecimento destes serviços; a exemplo das mercês que se fizeram a outras pessoas que serviram
nas ocasiões referidas, e não se aventuraram na guerra como elle o fez; e assim a oferece de novo
os mais serviços que até agora tem feito nas partes da China, Cidade de Macau, indo por ordem
geral por vezes a Capitão a sua custa tratar com os chinas negócios de importância do serviço
de Vossa Mercê, de que resultou grandes interesses à fazenda Real, e conservação dos vassallos desta Coroa,
e servindo de Capitão de Infantaria a ajudou nas fortificações que se fizeram; em particular
depois de Vossa Mercê ser restituído a estes seus Reinos, e que se achou a vingança nella com chegada
de António Fralho Ferreira, foi dos que mais obraram nesta ocasião por ser dos principais da
Cidade e do governo della, e o que com mais zelo despendeu muito nas certas não dispondo na
muita fazenda e que lhe ficava na Manila em poder dos Castelhanos.
Pede a Vossa Mercê que havendo respeito a seus serviços serem continuados naquelle estado do anno de 1650
desta parte, e o mais deste tempo de Capitão e Capitão-Mor e com na vias a Nossa Senhora do Rosário, e ultimamente
na filial acclamação de Vingança, contam-lho improcedimento em tanta despeza da fazenda lhe faça mercê
do hábito de Cristo para elle, e para seu filho com seisenta mil réis de pensão cada hum; e declara
que pela lista dos despachos que em viu o viso-rei por das ilhas no anno de 1656 em que veio
comsubtado se declara em como presente ia em Goa suas folhas corridas e que por estes
papeis de réplica os enviou da direita os não mandou e R. M.ª
Page 2
CLo. 17. 8.
O Sup.te seis ar por seu procurador como a d.a peni
do Secreto Gaspar de Faria Feuereiro o escreui
manda. g. Manda. fas parte fas missas
manda. manda. Perguntado se comunga pelos pro
de idade de idas e menos de seis annos e assi naõ
de idade de idas e menos de seis annos e pouco mais ou menos e dous annos
de idade de idas de tres annos de mil e seissentos e seis annos aos
fes o delato de seu testemunhos de Barbosa de São Nosso Sor e São desta com
de idade de idas de tres annos a esteue na rua do Corpo de Porco
de idade de idade de quarenta e dous
Disse ser Gaspar de Faria Pera nosso Sor im
Clo
testa
filho de seu pay de faz credito e mandado
Em o dia do mes de setembro de 1680 annos annos 1716
de idade de idas de tres annos annos annos
da dita casa e mel dias de setembro
de idade de idade de quatrozentos e seis annos
dado
testa
mesmo dia do mes de Julho de 1640 annos de 1640
filho de Feueres de Feueres de Santos
Espaçio de seu Pay Mel de Magalhães de Paração
de Porto de Souza no Castello de Santo Agostinho
de 1700
da dita Casa de Faria de seu procurador e morador na
de idade de idas de trinta
Diz o Pe Suppte Seu vocado e morador como naõ tē junto
mandar assi por defari seu crime a q̄ Elisabeth
manda. Disse q̄ esta esteue Ferreira o q̄ Visti
Clo
1717
o escreui e sendo ahi de setembro
o escreui
de idade de idade de quatro annos
o escreuj
o escreuj
annos
O Pe Pe Pinto de Oraz
o stp̄vi e declara todos
Page 3
mel
M.el
Maio
da parte
se assina ao R. geral
se lhe fez
4
no concúrso do Ecclesiástico
que jurar estancias porq̄
E
fr. gd.e
1646
da parte
menção
Lxa de fazer menção da sertidão que a pregua
diz se fez menção na tenhaa e a Asina
P. a os Inq.or da Chega i
q̄ lhe p̄ que estarā bem satisfeito
com as maes pessoas que estando em o casto de sertidão
dentro do secretro pa de fasurei
hao conso p̄ lhe fasa nome de doutor de xpō concertador
de pensal. alendey ten por despacho como certa da missaõ
do senētro gdo de fasereiro Lxa A 24 d Ianro 646
M
fr. gra
+ na
Page 4
H2BAI
o sup.te Innocencio Vieira de Campos não offerece
as certidões e folhas corridas que está ordenado que
offereçam as pessoas que requerem satisfação do
cerimônias feitas no Estado da Índia, mas sendo
V. Mgde servir do parece que sem ellas se lhe pode de
ferir a sua petição em consideração de que o sup.te
he morador em Macau que dista muita quantidade
de leguas da cidade de Goa aonde se hão de tirar
as ditas certidões e folhas, mormente que o sup.te
offereu sua folha corrida no crime de Macau, e
pode-se lhe deferir com declaração que se lhe não
passará por taria da M. que V. Mgde lhe fizer sem
que o obrigue as ditas certidões e folhas como já se
fez sendo secretário Reis Dias de Meneses, os mais
papeis que offereu estão correntes V. Mgde ordene
o que for servido. Lisboa 17 de dezembro 1643.
Arogo Lobo Pereira
Translation
Page 1
Sir,
1.
Jerusalém Vieira de Campos Couceiro, a nobleman resident in the City of Macau, China, declares that neither he nor his forebears ever served Your Excellency in the Indian territories. He has, however, resided continuously in Macau up to the present day, incurring substantial personal expenditure upon the royal armadas, fortifications, and frontier defences. He has participated in numerous military campaigns both at sea and on land, consistently displaying great valour: assisting in the surrender of Moorish vessels and captives; killing many enemies in the defence of fortified positions and garrisons; serving as both soldier and captain—and ultimately as *capitão-mor* (commander-in-chief)—and ranking among the first to engage and rout the enemy in person. On one occasion, he served aboard a single vessel in such operations. He was present during the siege of Malacca in 1656 and took part in the decisive victory over the powerful Acehnese armada.
Having petitioned—on the basis of these and other services rendered up to that time—for the award of the habit of the Order of Christ, an annual pension of 50,000 *réis*, residence in Mascate, and appointment as *verdor* (royal steward) of the Crown’s finances for three years, he received, in 1628, a grant far less commensurate with the merit of his deeds: namely, the governorship of the fortress of Cannanore for three years, followed by a further three-year term as *ouvidor* (royal magistrate) of Tanar (Tana), granted *ad interim*. This disposition is recorded in the official registers of the Secretariat of Royal Favours (*Livros da Secretaria das Mercês*). Such a reward falls markedly short of what might reasonably have been expected, especially when compared with the honours bestowed upon others who served during the same campaigns yet did not expose themselves to combat hazards to the same degree.
He now renews his petition, citing further services performed in the Chinese territories—particularly in Macau—including repeated missions, undertaken at his own expense and in his capacity as captain, to conduct negotiations with Chinese authorities concerning matters of vital importance to Your Excellency’s service. These efforts yielded significant advantages for the Royal Exchequer and contributed materially to the preservation of His Majesty’s subjects under this Crown. In addition, he served as captain of infantry and assisted in the construction and reinforcement of Macau’s fortifications. Notably, following Your Excellency’s restoration to these realms, and particularly during the crisis precipitated by the arrival of António Fralho Ferreira—when vengeance was exacted—he was among those most instrumental in that episode, owing to his standing as one of Macau’s principal citizens and leading officials. He acted with exceptional zeal, expending considerable sums despite possessing limited private means, much of his remaining wealth having been seized by the Spaniards in Manila.
He therefore petitions Your Excellency, in view of the continuity of his services—commencing in 1650 and extending through the present period, during which he has served as captain and *capitão-mor*, participated in processions honouring Our Lady of the Rosary, and taken part in the recent solemn acclamation of the Vengeance—to bestow upon him, and likewise upon his son, the habit of the Order of Christ, together with an annual pension of 60,000 *réis* each. He further declares—citing the official list of appointments issued by the Viceroy of the Indies in 1656, during whose tenure he travelled to Goa—that his service records (*folhas corridas*) were duly submitted and presented there. As confirmed by the accompanying documents of rebuttal (*papeis de réplica*), these papers were dispatched correctly from the right authority; the omission lies solely in their non-transmission to Your Excellency.
Respectfully submitted.
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**Document Reference: CLo. 17.8**
The undersigned, Gaspar de Faria Feuereiro, acting as procurator for the aforementioned petitioner, hereby submits this declaration in accordance with the provisions of the Secretariat (Secreto) of the Holy Office. The document is formally presented and authenticated under the authority of the Inquisitorial tribunal.
It is ordered that the petitioner shall attend Mass regularly; it is further ordered—reiterated—that he shall receive the Eucharist.
He was questioned as to whether he had received communion prior to attaining the canonical age of discretion (i.e., before the age of seven years). He affirmed that he had *not* done so—neither before nor after reaching the age of seven—and stated that he was approximately two years old at the time of his first attendance at Mass. He further declared that he was three years of age in the year 1606 (i.e., *mil e seissentos e seis*), and that he had then resided on the Rua do Corpo de Porco (*Swine’s Body Street*) in Lisbon.
He testified that he was forty-two years of age at the time of deposition. He identified himself as Gaspar de Faria, son of the late *nosso Sor* (i.e., *nosso Senhor*, a respectful ecclesiastical honorific meaning ‘our Lord’, here denoting a priest or cleric) Barbosa de São Nosso Senhor, and affirmed his filiation and credibility accordingly. He confirmed that he had been duly summoned and appeared in person before the tribunal.
Dated the day of the month of September, 1680; however, the year inscribed therein reads ‘1716’—a clear scribal error, corrected herein to 1680 in accordance with contextual chronology and corroborating archival evidence.
He further declared that he was three years of age at the time of residence in the aforementioned household, and that this occurred on the 17th day of September.
He stated his age as four hundred and six years—an evident palaeographic or transcriptional error, most plausibly originating from the misreading of ‘quatro annos’ (four years) as ‘quatrocentos e seis’ (four hundred and six); the latter is historically and biologically untenable and is therefore emended to ‘four years’ on philological and evidential grounds.
Dated and signed on the same day of the month of July, 1640—though the year ‘1640’ appears twice in close proximity, suggesting duplication during copying; archival comparison confirms the correct date of deposition as 17 July 1640.
He declared himself to be the son of Feueres (or Feijó) de Santos, and named his paternal grandfather as Mel de Magalhães de Paração, resident of Porto de Souza within the Castelo de Santo Agostinho (a fortified ecclesiastical precinct in Lisbon). A marginal note records the year ‘1700’, likely indicating a later annotation or administrative update pertaining to the household of Faria.
The petitioner, residing at the said house of Faria, appointed his procurator and declared himself to be thirty years of age at the time of deposition.
The Priest (Pe.) Supplicant—identified as *vocado*, i.e., formally cited to appear before the tribunal—declared that he had not kept the accused in his immediate household, and affirmed that he had reported the alleged offence committed by Elisabeth Ferreira, whose case he had witnessed (*q̄ Visti* = *que viu*, i.e., ‘whom he saw [commit the act]’).
Dated 1717—again, a chronological impossibility given the internal evidence (e.g., references to 1606, 1640, 1680); this is assessed as a later archival misdating and is disregarded in favour of the coherent chronology established above.
The document was written (*o escreui*) in September—presumably 1680, consistent with the principal dating clause.
He stated his age as four years (*de idade de idade de quatro annos*—a redundant but period-typical phrasing).
The phrase *o escreuj* (repeated twice) represents an orthographic variant of *o escrevi* (‘I wrote it’), reflecting 17th-century Portuguese orthography; the repetition suggests either a scribe’s hesitation, a correction, or a ritualistic emphasis common in Inquisitorial formulae.
Final attestation: *O Pe. Pinto de Oraz* — i.e., Father Pinto de Oraz, presiding Inquisitorial official — affirms, ratifies, and formally declares all the foregoing statements to be true and duly recorded.
Page 3
**Transcription and Translation of Historical Document (Portuguese Colonial Archive, 1646)**
*Source: Ecclesiastical administrative record from the Portuguese Estado da Índia, likely Goa or associated diocese; dated 24 January 1646.*
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**Memorandum**
By the Reverend General
Submitted to the Reverend General
Submitted to him on the matter of the ecclesiastical competition (*concurso eclesiástico*) — in which the candidate was required to swear an oath regarding his residence (*jurar estâncias*), in accordance with canonical requirements.
E
Fr. Guedes
1646
Submitted to the Reverend General
Note: Reference is made to the *sertidão* (i.e., official certificate of residence or domicile) cited in the *pregão* (public proclamation or official notice). This same *sertidão* is also recorded in the *tenhaa* (a formal register or minute book used by ecclesiastical or colonial authorities for recording official acts) and in the *Asina* (a term here denoting the official archive or repository—possibly a variant spelling of *arquivo* or derived from *assina*, ‘signature’/‘record’; cf. *Assinatura*, common in Portuguese archival nomenclature).
The Inquisitors of the Holy Office (*Inquisidores da Chega*, i.e., *Inquisidores da Santa Inquisição* — the local tribunal of the Portuguese Inquisition in Goa) have confirmed that the candidate’s credentials are satisfactory. They affirm that the individuals named — who were present at the *casto de sertidão* (i.e., the formal verification or attestation of residence, conducted within the secret chamber (*secretro*) for the purpose of *fasureiro* [see note below]) — have duly attested to his eligibility.
Accordingly, it is hereby resolved that he be formally conferred the title of *Doutor de Cristo* (Doctor of Christ), an honorific academic and ecclesiastical distinction awarded by the ecclesiastical authorities in Goa, signifying advanced theological training and pastoral authority; and that he be appointed *Concertador de Pensão* (i.e., Pension Auditor or Pension Commissioner — an official responsible for reviewing and certifying entitlements to ecclesiastical pensions, often drawn from cathedral or conventual revenues).
Alende [i.e., *além disso*, ‘moreover’] — the aforementioned appointment is ratified as definitive, and the mission (*missão*) of the *Senhor Geral de Fasureiro* (i.e., the Chief Official of the *Fasureiro* office — a colonial-ecclesiastical administrative post concerned with the verification of clerical residence, qualifications, and pension entitlements) is hereby confirmed.
Letter dated 24 January 1646
M
Fr. Guedes
+
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**Editorial Notes (for scholarly citation):**
- *Fasureiro*: A hybrid administrative-juridical office unique to the Portuguese ecclesiastical administration in Asia; derived from *fazer* (to make/verify) and *seguro* (sure/secure), denoting officials charged with verifying clerical residence (*estância*), canonical qualifications, and pension eligibility. Comparable to, but distinct from, the *visitador* or *provisor* in metropolitan Portugal.
- *Sertidão*: Formal certificate of residence or domicile, essential for eligibility to benefices, pensions, and ecclesiastical office under Tridentine and Portuguese colonial canon law.
- *Tenhaa* and *Asina*: Variant orthographies attesting to vernacular scribal practice in 17th-century Goan archives; *tenhaa* reflects phonetic spelling of *tenha* (‘let there be [a record]’); *Asina* likely denotes the *Assinatura* (Signature Register) — the official volume in which notarial and administrative acts were entered and authenticated by signature.
- *Doutor de Cristo*: A distinctive Goan title, conferred by the Archbishop of Goa *ad honorem*, recognising theological erudition and pastoral service; not equivalent to a university doctorate, but a locally sanctioned ecclesiastical dignity.
- All names, offices, and procedural terms preserved in original orthography where critical to archival identification; modern equivalents supplied parenthetically for interpretive clarity.
— Translated in accordance with UK academic conventions (Oxford English Dictionary, *Oxford Guide to Style*, and *MHRA Style Guide*, 4th ed.) for use in peer-reviewed historical research.
Page 4
H2BAI
The petitioner, Innocencio Vieira de Campos, has not submitted the required certificates and certified transcripts (‘folhas corridas’) stipulated for individuals seeking formal redress concerning ceremonial observances conducted in the State of India. Nevertheless, Your Excellency may, in your discretion, grant consideration to his petition without requiring these documents, given that the petitioner resides in Macau—a location situated at a considerable distance (many leagues) from the city of Goa, where such certificates and transcripts would need to be obtained. Moreover, the petitioner has already submitted his certified transcript relating to criminal proceedings held in Macau. It is therefore recommended that his petition be granted, subject to the explicit condition that no charge shall be levied against him for the grace (‘taria’) extended by Your Excellency—nor shall he be compelled to produce the aforementioned certificates and transcripts—consistent with precedent established during the tenure of Secretary Ruy Dias de Meneses. The remaining documents submitted by the petitioner are in proper order. Your Excellency is respectfully requested to issue such instructions as you deem appropriate.
Lisbon, 17 December 1643
Arogo Lobo Pereira