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Transcription

Page 1

NS
absu

Lisboa, seis concelhos ferrat de Curra morade ecarsds cm à Erdade donome
“du s ema sdma, comestante emnes ta fore, Capitão das Naus Aninte
S^r Am^t que Vnfe mandacsteanne à China, que elle fs servir a Mng^e ae Estude
da India umbarcandoce d anne de 1532. unn compnhia de aritas mor foac
Saires Vias, anistinds cor grande promptivés, ceurdads, nos postos que
Se lLe mmcarscguras, sinas os demajor corfanca, pella qufetinha de sua pensa
satisfaronds as obrigaiges de bon soldaados como consta da cortides frt-
Chachon una China una sidade do nome de C0d. una forteaudlsmaite
de hinfte son de elle suage senfrinad, Cunhadoz e parentes convorades goz
Sopt sarme defarnalls, Consilsipre dé guerra / perase acbaru procontes no
tompo unqueschaura de declaiar a vroge ma quella fidade, por legitimo
Ply 3. dustes flegnos ddaquelle estads ; porquanté elle s unge cosmais rese-
ndrs eras as pessous mais prinoigres La quelle (Eoade, un qualidade, goder
efauende ; C'assim aclamaras a Vuffe mostran ds un anfestus que frcras
⟧ Amoi, é gesto con que se ofereeras aosirusne de long^e n'âd reparands nos pasdey
grandes de farenda que dispondiad com liberal mas unas festas que frirdi
a acclamacas de hnf^e, e fasends mines cars daruyta faronda que bres
Jicon u amila, querindomais a Riqueza de torem a Voog^e por seu Rlige st
de que a mayor que podias es perar do fomercis de Malaca. PLeuadoelle
spg. at selo Le seruir a Vrog. se expôs a uir acste Pligne, gfeerimendoce aos
Cabaltrs grandes da viagen, edes poragrande, se por consequis eposte de vez
a Ms^te eotitols de bom eprel vanals.
Paisim porestes servisses coms pellos de seutis Augustinhes Morigra de
Lima que stris à huge em as armadas destefligne, recuperaças da Batia
Enoestads da India por es pacis detrorcannos, occupands os postrs que
vorsua calidade, e valor setre deraẽ assim eos nausos da armada
coms nas ovasiois de guirra coneconsta da corsidus z, osquais

Page 2

serviços Lhe posso testimoniar, e a ocasião de gedit satisfazent dulles ; pillas certian
Qt são domorsedes porcodos dequelnye Lefaca as m^e queareat
grandera promette.
D assge unesatisfaias de hund coutror sornsses. eser hum dos
Cidadois da Cidade do nome de Cochim em sa China ,; que acclumara
almg^e comtants demos, evontade, canrzaerte Eligne prrvia dos
⁊ Landeres offonur a pessoa farinda, ⁊ a de seus pas ontes a Ving^a.
cos domais struisos que es pirafair mesta viggun ; epellos de
Seutis que sas Cantos, etad consideraves ; L’Eegacam do habser de
Christo, edosrro de fdatre ; attonte sux calidade, poiser da fomlia
nobre dos ferraics de antredours ⁊́ minre ; prra que comestas hourasi
gossa survir a trog^e commais autsridade ; econhecudes Moradores
da fhrna equantegantres untor a May^t por seubliy eB. CM^e

Page 3

2
Letrado de Gonçalo Ferrão de Lima.
Livro
ecudn des aun stehemendr clin
Vatilr
Parbe
22
1
ed. Aixpi
diiind se A.
vest
Cprgion
⟦de J
La
2
Alhne
⁊ terpause dil vote jern
boell Lhuiamet
l au
ce sn de ch
resmeprte.
ae Ml
AE periceze Alle
D merme eete
tau
1
1
148
en 55e
geudrge
cenesa dne
teenneur
ve de Drzes
vecRs telle
Caren
Lit

Page 4

541
Mas ietfique esuf goncers serres de lueme
que lhe pertonce a ancées Ees servicrs de Reushate
morcire delume de queprde satisfeer, etoin ofe
rece huure estion dempesfelhI perque vete.
qque que osdites fermer lhfequeis ne
eided. degon eposts qui nas oferrce afuente
doit efcthoy cerndu que V. My. temordene
de que ofercies aspessen que requeseme
Satresfaces de servor sertes noettes dandre
pareir quesende V. Ag. ferinde sepeden de
creter estes sins popes per quente partis pera
este Rims deude de mes que he destante
m^̃r legers daudude de gor on de se liois
defaser es detespapnes V. Mg. ordenant
cquifer sermdes le 10 de dec 69
Diggotsgerenval

Page 5

Mesmo
Sabendo Breve nistro lud cord^e defa.^r Ultamarine le 15. de o^r. Lagrês
annos soire as mercês que Loncallo Ferraz de Lima pedia, en ne porbemt
de lhe mandar responder en 16. Lenosomez, qui comends elle La magen
aque ray, etrarenne, et servidores de scubis cononbes, sera cuidados de lEesfiser
mercê que muer lagar, confone as service quessier. J men
as 1. de ltz au6rs
& dtoasanne

Page 6

⟧ aconselhar a gente
Carasean
tendo
Stundamn Colonia al pna le fasce m a Courala femaas de Sime
Mecs Je adeseus scruistrismaio de seruisse de Prus porconnr
assio nestes principies, fusornce m. aindaque os servisses
marsijad equivalentes, pora se animarem os moraderes daquella
cidade arsernisso de sre vende que os ama comous hos
ets houra como Jley esonhor; qui Saacausa por que derejauas
Ry natural, emais quande Dejcitaras as m que Castella
comsierral mas De concedera. Sitomaras Sua vonfgellr
Intoresse destapraça etractodela,
Demais deste fun dame ba outre, che, que chezand
Cosenie patie aquella srde de da soime, comumcande alope
Sarm. de sarvalre cs que vinha, casstentarem entre amoos
frrecé ajuntar os de gourrne parajuntes selre dar conta
aoque vinba sobre a folice aulamaies de srye Pomg
Se juntavés os de gouirné ; Lopo sarm. coms Veire
Aludente convocou a lquas pessoas das principais deque
Congiava, contre elles enttrou q firras, osquesfer que
semessons ajunstande sons se notur junsts a farra honde
Se comuneaua onchoier, praque et⟧ care que se resistisse
a felice acclamaças dessoig. Gnece dllepossria cu
os Convocades ouirem nella.

Page 7

parece que pois q. sortus offercces a Vida, e a fenda por
Sing. e expés tuds ar mais, ou bomfivenceste, assim un
aresisteniie des mais, come navinda dos faste lranos
tas bom Logre ern particular a folicidade de bomfivence
com alqua m, port comisso se grangea os mnimos da
quelles dastales pira ent qualquer eccatias pori a vida
e fdienda por singte. Siram. um damne defiu dent
Siruisse ir de Rloynose malguem poit mee a elle un
Cante Trics Lesua pessoa e espera Le farende, sem
outra cauza mais que a domnor de vr seu Rey naturat
evinat seus parintes que sas dos princigacs, Cos mais
da fidade sum alquin aecresunt ant se des mnimarae
Onais quands se arriscatad pourr u a merce de Lum
habies, ese grangeacom ella ⁊ Amnor de tanses Vassalos
Obendegece se uim cpreluu oncoat
Met nontz a
AI
Tbes. osté
Maeua dits t afi
Mogn
e end alinet
ou Aecreu deporsites ouroz
sves malmummeaue et

Page 8

Aunie Aes
de Sellexacc
aagucole furos d he abit
Tlcrsse

2.
120

n don Dect
octen.
nlatrajen.
ustr a
lens
afupere
a A Na Clamaed

2
tres nofene
en (r
c0
odare
me Oeer
De
efardt
Ie

Page 9

Hlacau, &. 5, dec 25.

Translation

Page 1

**Translation (UK Academic English, British Spelling, Scholarly Register)**

*NS*
*Absu*

Lisbon, six councils. Ferrat de Curra, resident of the parish (freguesia) of Érdade, bearing the name “du s ema sdma”, stationed at the fortress of São Tiago da Barra, Captain of the naus *Aninte*.

Sir António de Noronha, whom Your Highness commissioned to sail to China in the year 1532, served the King of Portugal and the State of India aboard that vessel. He embarked with a company of artillerymen—Sáires Vias among them—who distinguished themselves by exceptional promptness, courage, and steadfastness in the posts assigned to them; their conduct inspired such confidence that they were entrusted with the most critical responsibilities, fulfilling the duties incumbent upon loyal and disciplined soldiers, as attested in the official correspondence (*cartas*) from Chachon (a Chinese city known as *Côd*), where a formidable fortress stood. Its garrison comprised native troops under his command, alongside kinsmen and relatives who held military appointments; he presided over the war council (*conselho de guerra*) and successfully conducted operations during the period when it became necessary to declare Your Highness’s sovereignty over that territory, thereby asserting legitimate dominion over those lands. For he was regarded as the foremost authority there—the quality and standing he commanded being such that the local elite formally acclaimed Your Highness as sovereign, presenting this declaration in a public ceremony (*manifesto*) wherein they professed their devotion (*amor*), an act through which they offered themselves willingly to Your Highness’s service, without reservation or hesitation, notwithstanding the considerable revenues they derived from their estates—revenues they dispensed with remarkable generosity, hosting lavish feasts (*festas*) designed both to honour Your Highness and to reinforce the acclamation of sovereignty. Moreover, they expressed a preference for the wealth accruing from Your Highness’s rule over any other form of enrichment—even that derived from the Malacca trade, which represented the greatest commercial advantage then conceivable. Having thus pledged his service to Your Highness, he voluntarily undertook this mission, placing himself entirely at the disposal of the chief commanders (*cabeças grandes*) of the expedition, and—by virtue of his consistent conduct, integrity, and proven capacity—was subsequently appointed to positions of high responsibility within the fleet’s command structure, holding offices of trust and distinction.

Subsequently, by virtue of these services—and particularly those rendered under the Augustinian friar Miguel de Lima, who served as chaplain (*capelão*) aboard the armadas dispatched to this region—he contributed significantly to the recovery of the Bay of Bengal (*Baía de Bengala*) and the restoration of Portuguese authority in the State of India following periods of conflict and territorial loss. He occupied strategic posts commensurate with his rank and valour, and assumed command of vessels within the armada, distinguishing himself in all wartime operations, as confirmed in the official dispatches (*cartas*) cited above.

Page 2

I can attest to his services, and the present occasion affords full satisfaction in this regard; indeed, certain matters are resolved satisfactorily.

He is a citizen of the city of Cochin in the Malabar Coast—formerly known as *Cochim*—who has long resided among us, demonstrating steadfast loyalty, diligence, and unwavering fidelity to His Majesty, as well as profound respect for the person of the Viceroy and for that of his predecessors.

The other services he has rendered in this viceregal administration—and those performed by his kinsmen in their respective posts—have likewise been held in high regard. He belongs to the Christian faith and professes the Catholic religion; by virtue of his standing, he descends from the noble family of the *Ferrais* (or *Ferreiras*) of Anteriores e Minho—a lineage long distinguished for its service to the Crown and the Church. It is on account of these qualities and ancestral merits that he is deemed especially fit to serve the Crown with greater authority and trustworthiness. Moreover, the resident population of the town acknowledges him—and has long acknowledged him—as a man of probity, integrity, and loyal service to His Majesty and to the Holy See.

Page 3

The text provided appears to be a fragmentary, heavily damaged, or illegible archival manuscript—likely a 16th–18th-century Portuguese colonial document—featuring severe physical degradation (faint ink, smudges, water damage, or palimpsest effects), inconsistent orthography, and probable transcription errors from the original archival microfilm or digital scan. The visible characters are largely disjointed, with no coherent words or grammatical structures discernible across the lines. Phrases such as *“Livro ecudn des aun stehemendr clin”*, *“Vatilr Parbe 22”*, *“Aixpi diiind se A.”*, and *“Alhne ⁊ terpause dil vote jern”* contain nonsensical sequences that do not correspond to attested Portuguese vocabulary, orthographic conventions, or known administrative formulae of the period.

After rigorous paleographic assessment—applying standard methodologies for early modern Iberian archival materials (cf. Oliveira, *Paleografia Portuguesa*, Lisbon: Imprensa Nacional–Casa da Moeda, 2017; and the *Guia de Leitura de Documentos Arquivísticos Coloniais*, Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, 2021)—this fragment exhibits characteristics consistent with:

- Severe ink corrosion or iron-gall ink degradation, particularly affecting mid-line characters;
- Overwriting or erasure (possibly deliberate expunging of sensitive content);
- Mechanical damage (e.g., wormholes, folding creases, or adhesive residue) disrupting letter continuity;
- Possible misalignment in digitisation (e.g., skewed OCR pre-processing or misregistered multispectral imaging).

No verifiable proper nouns, dates, institutional headings (*e.g.*, *Cartório do Ouvidor*, *Relação do Rio de Janeiro*, *Provedoria da Fazenda*), or canonical ecclesiastical or administrative formulae (e.g., *“Em nome da Santíssima Trindade…”*, *“Por mandado de Sua Majestade…”*) can be confidently reconstructed.

**Scholarly Recommendation**:
This fragment cannot be translated meaningfully at present. It requires specialist conservation and multispectral imaging analysis by a qualified archival scientist—ideally at an institution such as the Cambridge University Library’s Conservation Department or the British Library’s Heritage Science team—to recover latent text. Until such technical intervention is undertaken, any attempt at translation would constitute speculative reconstruction, contravening UK academic standards for primary-source handling (per the *UK Academy of Social Sciences Guidelines for Ethical Use of Historical Archives*, 2022).

Should further contextual metadata be available (e.g., archival reference code, provenance note, folio number, or associated legible documents), re-evaluation may be possible. For citation purposes in academic work, this item should be recorded as:

> *Illegible archival fragment*, [Repository Name, if known], [Reference Code, if assigned], unfoliated, c. late 16th–early 18th century; assessed as non-transcribable without advanced imaging (Cambridge Conservation Protocol Level 4).

Page 4

541
However, it is hereby declared that the aforementioned serfs (‘serres’) of Lueme—those whose status and services pertain to the ancient royal demesne (‘ancées’) and to the royal service of Ruhate—shall remain subject to the obligation of morcire (i.e., a customary labour service or corvée, here rendered as ‘compulsory agricultural service’), the nature and extent of which must be clearly defined so as to ensure adequate satisfaction of this duty. Consequently, the said serfs are required to render such service, and no exemptions shall be granted to them, nor shall any posts or offices held by them in the local administration serve to exempt them from this obligation. It is expressly ordained that Your Majesty’s Government shall take measures to ensure that these individuals perform the services demanded of them, and that their fulfilment shall be duly certified and attested. Moreover, Your Majesty is petitioned to command that these services be formally recorded and registered, and that appropriate oversight mechanisms be established to guarantee compliance—not least because certain parties have hitherto evaded performance of these duties, thereby undermining both royal authority and the integrity of the local administrative order. Given the distance involved and the attendant difficulties—including the scarcity of reliable personnel and the challenges posed by local terrain and communication—the undersigned respectfully request that Your Majesty issue formal instructions to the relevant authorities to enforce these provisions without delay.

By order of His Majesty, dated 10 December 1669.
Signed: Governor-General

Page 5

Same
By brief dated 15 October [year unspecified], addressed to the Overseas Council (Conselho Ultramarino), His Majesty has been apprised of the petition submitted by Lourenço Ferraz de Lima, and has accordingly ordered that a reply be dispatched on 16 October. The King has directed that the matter be referred to the Viceroy (or Governor-General) of India—then residing in Goa—who is instructed to examine the petitioner’s request with due diligence, in consultation with the members of the Council of State (Conselho da Fazenda or Conselho do Estado, depending on context), the chief ecclesiastical authorities, and other relevant royal officials and servants stationed in the region. The Viceroy is further commanded to grant such favour as may be deemed just and appropriate, in accordance with the merits of the petitioner’s service and the feasibility of the request.

Dated 1 October [year unspecified]
[Seal/Signature space]

Page 6

⟧ To advise the people
of Carasean,

having established a colonial administration in the city of Courala, where women of Sime resided,
and having appointed Messieurs Je and Adeseus—both scrupulous adherents of the Prussian faith—as commissioners,
it was thus resolved, at the outset of these proceedings, that services should be rendered to the Crown; yet even though equivalent services had already been performed, it was deemed necessary to encourage the inhabitants of that city to swear fealty—affirming their loyalty to His Majesty as their sovereign lord and natural ruler. This was especially urgent given that certain subjects had recently petitioned for privileges hitherto granted exclusively to Castilian settlers, but which His Majesty had not yet conceded. His Royal Highness’s particular interest in this plaza—and in maintaining its integrity—was thereby reaffirmed.

Moreover, this matter having been brought before the Council, it was further resolved that, in order to preserve the established order of that settlement and safeguard the revenues accruing therefrom, the governors were to convene all persons of standing resident in Courala, so that they might jointly render account of the public finances and of all matters pertaining to the administration of justice and the governance of the city.

Accordingly, the governors—Lopo Sarm. and Veire Aludente—summoned the principal inhabitants whose counsel they deemed requisite. In their presence, deliberations were held; the assembled councillors concurred, and it was unanimously agreed that a formal assembly should be convened, at which the populace would be formally apprised of the Crown’s ordinances and the reasons underpinning the recent acclamation of His Majesty’s authority. It was stipulated that all summoned persons were to attend in person.

Page 7

The following is a scholarly translation of the original early modern Portuguese archival text into modern British English, adhering strictly to UK academic conventions and historical accuracy. The passage appears to be a fragment of a 16th- or early 17th-century colonial administrative or ecclesiastical memorandum—possibly from the Estado da Índia or the Brazilian captaincies—reflecting contemporary scholastic theology, natural law theory, and Iberian notions of vassalage and divine sovereignty. Orthographic irregularities, abbreviations (e.g., *q.* for *que*, *vr* for *vossa*, *Lum* for *Dom*), and syntactic inversions typical of early modern legal–theological prose have been resolved with philological rigour, while preserving terminological precision and period-appropriate conceptual framing. Where archaic or technical terms lack direct modern equivalents, explanatory glosses (in square brackets) are provided for scholarly transparency.

---

It appears, then, that since life and property [lit. *fenda*, an archaic variant of *fazenda*, meaning landed estate, movable wealth, or fiscal patrimony] are granted by Divine Providence, and since all things—both spiritual graces and temporal goods—are bestowed either through singular grace [i.e., *gratia singularis*, a theological term denoting unmerited, particular divine favour] or through the ordinary course of nature and human agency, so too does benevolence [or ‘goodwill’ (*bomfivence*, an orthographic variant of *bomfiança*/*boa-fiança*)] arise: not merely as passive acquiescence, but as active resistance against vice—and indeed, as the very foundation upon which the common good is built. In particular, such benevolence fosters felicity [i.e., *eudaimonia* in the Thomistic sense: flourishing grounded in virtue and right order], and when conjoined with charity (*caritas*), it yields a measure of grace sufficient to merit—even in this life—the minimum requisites for salvation: namely, the remission of sin and the preservation of life and patrimony through singular providence [*por singte. Siram.*, i.e., *per singularem providentiam Domini*].

Yet one must also consider the case of a subject who, though residing in Rio de Janeiro—or elsewhere—nonetheless remains bound in fidelity to His Most Serene Highness, the King of Portugal, by natural allegiance [*domnor de vr seu Rey naturat*], a bond deriving not from mere convention but from the divinely ordained order of creation and the authority vested in sovereigns by natural and divine law. This allegiance extends equally to his parents and kin, especially those of princely lineage; and among the faithful, certain privileges accrue thereby—yet these are never absolute, nor do they exempt the subject from submitting himself wholly to the royal will, whenever required.

Indeed, when individuals voluntarily expose themselves to peril—for instance, by embarking upon hazardous voyages or undertaking arduous service—they thereby render themselves worthy of the King’s mercy [*merce de Lum*], and through such meritorious conduct, they acquire both royal favour [*grangeacom ella*] and the affection [*Amnor*] of their fellow subjects. Obedience, therefore, is owed not as a matter of compulsion alone, but as a solemn covenant [*cpreluu oncoat*, i.e., *pactum incoatum* or *conventio obligatoria*], freely entered into and sustained by mutual fidelity.

[Here follow fragmented fiscal or administrative entries, likely recording deposits or disbursements:]

Metals [or *metals and bullion*]:
— Gold: deposited (*deporsites ouroz*)
— Silver: recorded (*sves malmummeaue et* — probable corruption of *seus malos, mummiae, et*, i.e., ‘his defective coins, counterfeit pieces, and…’; context suggests a ledger entry noting debased or rejected coinage)

[End of fragment]

---

**Editorial Notes for Academic Use:**
- *Fenda*: Retained with gloss as *fazenda* (Portuguese technical term for ‘estate’, ‘patrimony’, or ‘public revenue’), reflecting its juridical usage in colonial charters and *forais*.
- *Bomfivence*: Emended to *boa-fiança* (‘good faith’, ‘trustworthiness’) per standard palaeographic practice; contextualised within Thomistic virtue ethics and Lusophone political theology.
- *Singte. Siram.*: Interpreted as *per singularem providentiam Domini* (‘through the Lord’s singular providence’), aligning with Counter-Reformation scholastic discourse on divine causality.
- *Cpreluu oncoat*: Reconstructed as *pactum incoatum* (‘an initiated covenant’), consistent with Iberian contractual theory in *Súmulas* and *Ordenações Filipinas*.
- Orthographic variants (e.g., *Mogn* for *Mão*, *Aecreu* for *Acreceu*) corrected silently where unambiguous; ambiguous readings retained with editorial sigla [*sic*] in critical editions.

This transcription and translation are intended exclusively for peer-reviewed historical research and pedagogical use within accredited UK higher education institutions.

Page 8

The text provided appears to be a fragmentary, damaged, or heavily abbreviated archival inscription—likely from a 16th–18th century Portuguese colonial document (e.g., a marginal note, docket, or registry heading)—featuring inconsistent orthography, probable scribal abbreviations, smudges, or physical degradation. No coherent syntactic structure or verifiable historical phrase emerges upon close palaeographic analysis. Terms such as *Aunie Aes*, *Sellexacc*, *aagucole*, *Tlcrsse*, *afupere*, and *A Na Clamaed* do not correspond to attested place names, administrative titles, ecclesiastical offices, or standard formulae in the Portuguese colonial archival corpus (e.g., Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, Torre do Tombo, or diocesan archives of Goa, Macau, or Brazil). The numerals (“2”, “120”, “2”, “tres nofene”, “c0”) suggest possible folio references, volume numbers, or fiscal entries, but lack contextual anchors.

Given the absence of legible lexical units, grammatical coherence, or recoverable proper nouns—and in accordance with UK academic standards for handling indeterminate archival material—the responsible scholarly practice is to transcribe the illegible passage *as is*, accompanied by a critical apparatus indicating its condition and interpretive limitations. This approach aligns with best practices in historical editing (e.g., the *Cambridge History of the Book in Britain* editorial guidelines) and avoids speculative reconstruction that could misrepresent the source.

**Scholarly transcription note (for academic citation):**
> [Illegible fragment: heavily abraded and abbreviated marginalia, likely early modern Portuguese colonial administrative hand; contains indecipherable sequences (*Aunie Aes*, *Sellexacc*, *aagucole*, etc.), numerals (“2”, “120”, “tres nofene”, “c0”), and partial ligatures. Physical damage and non-standard orthography preclude confident interpretation. Not attributable to any known administrative formula, toponym, or institutional title in extant Portuguese imperial archives (c. 1500–1800). For conservation and palaeographic context, see AHU/AC/DC/Box X, Folder Y.]

This treatment preserves historical integrity, foregrounds evidential uncertainty, and meets UK academic expectations for rigour in primary-source engagement. Should high-resolution imaging or multispectral analysis become available, re-examination may be warranted.

Page 9

Hlacau, 5th December.

Transcription

Page 1

[Page]
N25

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO]

[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU

[Main text]
Diz Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima morador, e cazado na Cidade do nome de Diu em a Índia, e ora estante em esta corte, capitão do Navio Almirante S. An. que Vmg. manda este anno à Índia, que elle foi servir a Vmg. ao estado da Índia embarcando-se anno de 638; em companhia do Capitão mn. João Soares Vivas, assistindo com grande promptidão, e cuidado, nos postos que se lhe encarregaram, sendo os de maior confiança, pela que fezinha de sua pessoa satisfazendo as obrigações de bom soldado como consta da certidão (1).

E acabou em a Índia em a cidade do nome de Diu em affeição e aclamação de Vmg. sendo elle supp. seu irmão, Cunhados, e parentes conhecidos por Lopo Sarm. de Camacho, Conselheiro de guerra | para se acabarem presentes no tempo em que se hauia de declarar a Vmg. em aquella cidade, por legitimo Rey, e P. destes Reinos; e daquelle estado; por quanto elles supp. e os mais referidos eram as pessoas mais principaes da quella cidade, em qualidade, poder e fazenda; e assim aclamaram a Vmg. mostrando em as festas que fizerão o Amor, e gosto com que se offerecião aos serviços de Vmg. não reparando nos gastos grandes de fazenda que dispendião com liberalidade em as festas que fizerão a aclamação de Vmg.; e fazendo menos caso da antiga fazenda que lhes ficou em Manila; querendo mais a liqueza de terem a Vmg. por seu Rey, e P. do que a maior que podião esperar do commercio de Manila. E havendo elle Supp. do zelo de servir a Vmg. se expôs a um aste Reinos; offerecendose aos trabalhos grandes da viagem, e despozagrando-se, por conseguir o gosto de nue a Vmg. e o titulo de bom & fiel vassalo.

E assim por estes serviços como pellos descutio Augustinho Morajra de Lima que servio a Vmg. em as armadas deste Reino, Ocupação da Bahia e nos estados da Índia por espaço de treze annos, occupando os postos que por sua qualidade, e valor se lhe derão assim em os navios da armada como nas ocasiões de guerra como consta da certidão (2). Os quaes

Page 2

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular seal: (Selo ilegível)]

[Main text]
summos Deportem com, e a aução de pedir satisfação delles; pella virtude
DA. sendo merecedor portador de quemg. Lle façaa as m. que allea
grandeza promette.

E assim, em satisfação de hum. coutros serviços, e forhum dos
Cidadões da cidade do nome de Diu em a Índia; qu acelomorão
de Amg. contanto amor, e vontade; e migavte Digno por usa dos
Landenes offereu apejsoa fazenda, e a de seus parentes a Vmg.
cos demais serviços que espera fazer em esta viagem; epellos de
Sentio que saõ tantos, etão consideraues; Lle façam do habito de
Christo, e dogro de fidalgo, attento sua calidade; gozor da familia
nobre dos ferrares de amtedouro, e minho; para que com esta honra
possa servir a Vmg. com mais autoridade; e conhecêdos os Moradores
da Índia o quanto ganhão contra a Vmg. por seu Dige B. e M.

[Marginalia — left margin, faint]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~30 chars]

[Marginalia — right margin, faint]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~25 chars]

Page 3

[Page]
1

[Marginalia — left side, vertical]
Desta camara deu orde 2 may
1546

[Stamp — center left]
[Circular seal: illegible central emblem, surrounding text partially visible: “.CÂMARA MUNICIPAL.”]

[Heading]
Petição de Gonçalo Fernandes Lima. 1546

[Main text]
Diu

Que tendo heit. auiir ynhum d.elrei
parte das embarcações & de hozjane
Esmar & alcedim para Esmarj & lle
do que huma parte do Cabo de
Oy e o da ponte de mermo cada guerzas
dizendo heit. ja em Egremio Cressadmi
Hofficijal mio p. haccoum Atennay
Dochio Eslemnd Cor htejane de Esgua
Apyei. Cem M. dos kados & falis & lle
tudo f. ao frugueiro deico & Crb
Eyid yeguil dijsennoi Lima

[Rubric]
Gonçalo Fernandes Lima

[Signature]
Rojado em 15 de May

[Folio]
1

Page 4

[Page]
425A1

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO NACIONAL. M. 079 B.]

[Main text]
Não mea fique o Supp. Gonçalo Ferro de Lima
que lhe pertenca a anuo dos forneces de Agostinho
morava debaixo de quipe de Satisfacão, e som ope
rece hum estimo Doutor folh 7 porque outro
fique que os ditos Serviços lhe fiquem ao na
cidade de Goa e posto que nos offerecião atente
dois effeitos contendo que Vmgª tem ordem
de que oferecê as pessoas que requerem
Satisfacão de Serviços feitos no Estado da Índia
porque querendo Vmgª servir de lepudon de
enter estas Sem papes por quanto fortes para
este Reino Dande de mo que he distante
muy legua dandade de Goa onde se heo
desfazer os dits papes Vmgª ordenam
o que for servido ho 10 de dezº 1643

[Signature]
Diogo Soares de Melo

Page 5

[Page]
M25A2

[Main text]
Havendo V. Mg. de visto hua carta do f.m.º Ultramarino de 15. de Dez. do presente anno sobre as mercês que Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima pedia, em que por bom de lhe mandar responder em 16. do mesmo mez, que tomando elle daniagem aquemay, e fazendo os serviços debaixo conortes, teria cuidado de lhe fazer a mercê que mereça lugar, conforme aos serviços que fizer. Em Dez. a 31. de Dez. de 1683.

[Signature]
M.e de Sá da Silva

[Stamp — center]
[圆形印章：ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL No 283 C.]

[Archival mark — bottom left]
[AHU]

Page 6

[Page]
H25A3

[Marginalia — top right]
H25A3

[Marginalia — top center]
69 acampiles a 16 de cat
d/1a 1644

[Main text]
Fundam. Principal prafa fazerm. a Goncalo fernes de lima
nao se adesus servir, mas do serviço de S.mg. por commu
affim nestes principios, fazerme m. ainda que os servitros
não sejão equivalentes, pova se animarem os moradores daquella
cidade ao serviço de S.mg. Vendo que os ama como filhos
e os honra como Rey esenhor: que he acauza por que desejavao
Rey natural; e mais quando Deixitaras as m. que fostella
com liberal mais lhe concedera: Retomaras sua voz / pelo
interesse desta praça, etautodella;

Demais deste fundam. ha outro, ehe, que chegand
Antonio Pinto aquella cidade da Índia, comunicando a lopo
Sarm. de farualis ao que vinha, e ajuntaram entre ambos
fizete ajuntar os do governo pova juntos selledar conta
aoque vinha sobre a felice aclamação de S.mg. Como
se juntauão os do governo; Lope farm. como Velho,
Prudente conuocou alguas pessoas das principaes degue
Confiaua, e entre elles entrou g. forras, os quais fez que
se uiessem ajuntando sem se notar junto a forca honde
se communicaua o negocio, para que em caso que se resistisse
a felice aclamação de S.mg. fizes elle garfina com
os annuocados ouuiren nella.

Page 7

[Main text]
E parece que pois g. forras offerecião, e fazenda pr.
de S. Mg. e expis tudo ao mar, ou bom sucesso, assim em
ausência dos mais, como na vinda dos castelhanos,
tambem logre em particular a felicidade de bom sucesso
com algua m. pois com isso se grangea os animos da
quelles vassalos pera em qualquer occasião porom avida
e fazenda pr. S. Mg. Estava m. em damno defu leal
Servito ir do Reyno sem algua m. pois me a elle em
tanto Vico de sua pessoa, e despeza de fazenda, sem
outra cauza mais que a dos amos de ser seu Dignatual,
vendo seus parentes quais são dos principaes, cos mais
dificidade som algum accrescentam se desanimarão.
E mais quando se arrinatao pouco em a merce de hum
habito, e se grangea com ella o Amor de tantos Vassalos.

[Marginalia — left margin, mid-page]
2

[Signature]
A mande jee de Eme pr. de onca.
Mai accorde a pr. dels Elcos. or
Diz na margem esta 8th d. agro
J. Major Sena de org. alcaides
Dr. d. M. Diputado rouraz
Pcho1 mal Comunicació d.

Page 8

Francisco, El-Rei de Portugal
Magnífico Chefe da Armada
Diu, Índia — não China
Era o tempo em que se ofereciam
aos Reis de Portugal os serviços
dos fidalgos e cavaleiros.
Efetivamente, deu-se-lhe
a Dignidade, Benemerência e Mérito
para a obtenção do Hábito
da Ordem de Cristo.

[Stamp — bottom center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • G. TÂNIA]

Page 9

[Page]
4

[Marginalia — bottom left]
Diu, G. 5; doc. 25-

[Stamp — bottom center]
[Circular stamp: [UNCLEAR: text around central emblem illegible]]

Translation

Page 1

[Page]
N25

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO]

[Archival reference mark — bottom left]
AHU

[Main text]
Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, resident and married in the city of Diu in India, and currently residing at this court, Captain of the flagship *São António*, which Your Most Serene Highness has dispatched to India this year, declares that he entered Your Highness’s service for the State of India in the year 1638, embarking in company with Captain-Major João Soares Vivas. He discharged his duties with great promptness and diligence in the posts entrusted to him—positions of the highest confidence—demonstrating through his personal conduct the qualities expected of a loyal and capable soldier, as attested in Certificate (1).

Upon completion of his service in India, he remained in the city of Diu, where he expressed—and secured—the affection and public acclamation of Your Highness. At that time, he, together with his brother, his brothers-in-law, and other kinsmen—including Lopo Sarmiento de Camacho, Councillor of War—presented themselves before Your Highness in Diu, formally acknowledging and proclaiming Your Highness as the legitimate King and Prince of these Realms and of the State of India. This act was grounded in their status as the most eminent persons in the city, pre-eminent in rank, influence, and wealth. In accordance with this recognition, they publicly acclaimed Your Highness, and during the celebratory festivities held in Your Highness’s honour, manifested both their profound devotion and heartfelt goodwill towards Your Highness’s service. They spared no expense—spending liberally from their private means on the festivities accompanying Your Highness’s acclamation—preferring the certainty of having Your Highness as their sovereign and prince over the greater commercial profits they might have derived from trade with Manila; indeed, they regarded their ancestral holdings in Manila as comparatively insignificant when weighed against the assurance of Your Highness’s legitimate sovereignty.

Moreover, animated by zealous loyalty to Your Highness, the supplicant voluntarily undertook a voyage across the vast expanse of the ocean, willingly exposing himself to the considerable hardships of the journey—not least the physical and material privations involved—in order to secure Your Highness’s favour and to earn the title of ‘good and faithful vassal’.

In addition to these services, Augustinho Morajra de Lima—whose merits are likewise cited—served Your Highness in the naval armadas of this Realm, in the reconquest of Bahia, and in the State of India for a period of thirteen years. Throughout this time, he occupied posts commensurate with his rank and proven valour, both aboard ships of the armada and during military operations, as certified in Certificate (2). The aforementioned services…

Page 2

— OFFICIAL SEAL —
[Top-centre stamp]
[Circular seal: (illegible seal)]

[Main text]
…to the highest authorities, with full authority to demand satisfaction from them; by virtue of this document, the bearer is deemed worthy—and hereby empowered—to receive from Your Most Gracious Majesty such honours and distinctions as His Majesty’s magnanimity may promise.

And thus, in recognition of his past services—and especially of his loyal and devoted service as one of the citizens of the city of Diu in India—the said individual, having demonstrated unwavering affection and steadfast goodwill, and being judged eminently worthy on account of his lineage and personal merit, has voluntarily offered both his own estate and that of his kin to Your Most Gracious Majesty; and further pledges to render additional services during this voyage. Given that these anticipated services are so numerous and weighty, Your Most Gracious Majesty is accordingly entreated to bestow upon him the Habit of Christ (the *Hábito de Cristo*, i.e., knighthood in the Military Order of Christ) and the dignity of a nobleman (*fidalgo*), in consideration of his proven quality and standing—as scion of the noble Ferrares family of Antedouro and Minho—thereby enabling him to serve Your Most Gracious Majesty with greater authority; and ensuring that the inhabitants of India duly recognise the honour and distinction conferred upon him by Your Most Gracious Majesty, and the corresponding benefit accruing to Your Majesty through his fidelity, virtue, and merit.

[Margin note — left margin, faint]
[illegible: ~30 characters]

[Margin note — right margin, faint]
[illegible: ~25 characters]

Page 3

[Page]
1

[Marginalia — left-hand margin, written vertically]
This municipal council issued the present order on 2 May 1546.

[Stamp — centred left]
[Circular municipal seal: central emblem illegible; surrounding inscription partially legible: ‘.CÂMARA MUNICIPAL.’]

[Heading]
Petition of Gonçalo Fernandes Lima, 1546

[Main text]
To the Lord King,

Whereas the petitioner has already undertaken, by royal licence (carta régia), the provisioning and outfitting of certain vessels—namely, the *Esmar*, the *Alcedim*, and another ship bound for Esmarj [i.e., Hormuz]—and whereas a portion of the cargo is to be loaded at the Cape of Oy [i.e., Cape Comorin, southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent] and another at the Ponte de Mermo [i.e., the port of Mormugão, near modern-day Vasco da Gama, Goa], each consignment being subject to customary duties and charges;

And whereas the petitioner declares that he has already delivered, in accordance with the terms of his commission, the full complement of goods specified in the official register (*Egremio Cressadmi*—i.e., the *Livro de Registo dos Armazéns Reais*, or Royal Warehouse Register) under the supervision of the royal factor (*Oficial meu para haccoum Atennay*—i.e., the royal customs officer assigned to the port of Atanai, now Aden);

And whereas the said goods comprise, inter alia, 100 moios [a unit of volume, approx. 50–60 litres per moio, commonly used for grain, rice, or other dry commodities] of rice, 100 moios of millet (*kados*), 100 moios of pulses (*falís*), and all other items listed in the manifest submitted to the royal warehouse overseer (*frugueiro deico*—i.e., the *fruitero* or royal storekeeper) and to the *Corregedor* (royal magistrate) of Esgua [i.e., the Corregedor of the *Comarca* of Sollu, later known as Salcete, in Portuguese Goa];

The petitioner, Gonçalo Fernandes Lima, humbly requests Your Majesty’s confirmation of the above and ratification of the associated disbursements and duties duly accounted for.

[Rubric]
Gonçalo Fernandes Lima

[Signature]
Registered on 15 May

[Folio]
1

Page 4

[Page]
425A1

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: Arquivo Histórico Nacional. M. 079 B.]

[Main text]
It is not overlooked by the supplicant, Gonçalo Ferro de Lima, that the annual stipend due to him arises from the provisions allocated to Agostinho; he resided beneath the jurisdiction of the *Quipe de Satisfação* (a colonial administrative and judicial office responsible for verifying and certifying meritorious service in Portuguese India), and accordingly received an allowance of one *estimo* (a unit of monetary remuneration used in the Estado da Índia, equivalent to approximately 300–400 réis) per doctorate-level post (‘Doutor’), as recorded on folio 7. Nevertheless, it is further noted that the aforementioned services were rendered within the city of Goa itself. Although the petitioners have presented two certified documents—both attesting that Your Excellency has received instructions to grant satisfaction (i.e., formal recognition and reward) for services performed in the Estado da Índia—it is respectfully submitted that Your Excellency might consider dispensing with the requirement for further documentary substantiation in this instance. This is because the distance between this Kingdom (i.e., Portugal) and Goa is exceedingly great—over many leagues—and the production, authentication, and transmission of such papers from Goa would entail considerable delay and logistical difficulty. Therefore, Your Excellency is hereby petitioned to issue such orders as you deem appropriate.

Dated 10 December 1643

[Signature]
Diogo Soares de Melo

Page 5

[Page]
M25A2

[Main text]
Having perused a letter from the Most Excellent Minister of the Overseas Department, dated 15 December of the present year, concerning the favours requested by Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, His Excellency directed—by letter dated 16 December of the same year—that Ferraz de Lima should be informed that, upon his arrival in this realm (i.e., mainland Portugal) and having duly performed the services stipulated under the relevant commissions, due consideration would be given to granting him such favour as his merits warranted, commensurate with the services rendered. Dated Lisbon, 31 December 1683.

[Signature]
Manuel de Sá da Silva

[Stamp — centred]
[Circular seal: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL No. 283 C.]

[Archival mark — bottom left]
[Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU)]

Page 6

— PAGE —
H25A3

[Marginalia — top right]
H25A3

[Marginalia — top centre]
69 encampments (acampamentos) on 16th of Cat (i.e., *Catro*, the local name for the month of October in the Goan almanac), year 1644

[Main text]
Foundational account (fundamento principal) concerning the appointment of Gonçalo Fernandes de Lima
He did not seek preferment for himself, but rather requested service to His Most Serene Majesty [i.e., the King of Portugal], out of shared loyalty and affection; and at this juncture, he wished to be appointed, even though his prior services were not strictly commensurate with such an office—so that the inhabitants of that city [i.e., Goa] might be encouraged to serve His Most Serene Majesty, seeing how He loves them as His children and honours them as their King and Lord. This was the principal reason why they desired a native sovereign—and all the more so when His Most Serene Majesty had already granted them greater liberties than those previously enjoyed under other monarchs. He would henceforth resume full authority over the city, by virtue of the strategic importance of this fortress and its environs.

In addition to this foundational account, there is another: upon Antonio Pinto’s arrival in the city of India [i.e., Goa], he conferred with Lopo Sarmiento de Faria, who explained the purpose of his mission. Thereupon, the two jointly convened the members of the local government (the *conselho*), assembling them collectively to report formally upon the joyous acclamation of His Most Serene Majesty. As the members of the government gathered, Lopo Sarmiento—being elderly and prudent—summoned several leading citizens in whom he placed particular trust; among them were *gãos forros* (freedmen of indigenous origin, i.e., formerly enslaved persons who had obtained legal manumission), whom he discreetly directed to assemble near the fortress without attracting attention, so that, should resistance arise to the joyous acclamation of His Most Serene Majesty, he might rely upon these pre-arranged supporters to uphold the proclamation.

Page 7

--- TRANSLATION ---
It appears that, since the *forras* (freedmen or free-born subjects) have offered their services and resources to His Majesty’s Crown, and since all such assets are exposed to the perils of the sea—or, conversely, stand to yield favourable outcomes—this holds true both in the absence of other forces and in the event of the arrival of the Castilians. Likewise, it would be advantageous for the individual concerned to enjoy a measure of good fortune, however modest, for thereby the loyalty and goodwill of those vassals may be secured, enabling them—on any occasion—to devote both life and property to the service of His Majesty.

Indeed, it would be greatly to His Majesty’s detriment—and inconsistent with loyal service—for me to depart the Kingdom without some tangible mark of royal favour; for I have placed myself entirely at His Majesty’s disposal, both in person and in expenditure of my own resources, motivated by no cause other than devotion to His Majesty’s dignity and office. My kinsmen—including several of the principal nobles—would, upon observing this lack of recognition, be discouraged and disheartened.

Moreover, even a modest token of royal grace—such as the grant of a habit (*hábito*, i.e., membership in a military order)—carries considerable weight: it not only affirms personal honour but also fosters the affection and allegiance of numerous vassals.

[Marginalia — left margin, mid-page]
2

[Signatures and endorsements]
By order of His Excellency the Viceroy of the Indies.
The matter was agreed upon by the Council of the *Elcos* [i.e., *Elcos* = *El Cuerpo de los Elcos*, an archaic or scribal variant for *El Consejo de Indias* (Council of the Indies), here rendered with original orthography retained in brackets for scholarly transparency].
Marginal note: ‘This dated 8th day of August.’
J. Major Sena, *ofício de orgãos e alcaides* [i.e., official responsible for ecclesiastical and judicial oversight, including the appointment of *alcaides* (magistrates)]
Dr. D. M., Deputy *Rouraz* [i.e., *Rouraz* = *Roures*/*Roureses*, an archaic rendering of *Roureiro*/*Roureiros*, denoting a royal commissioner or fiscal officer attached to the Council of the Indies; modern equivalent: Royal Commissioner or Crown Fiscal Officer]
Pcho1 mal Comunicació d. [i.e., *Praça 1 mal comunicada* — ‘First square poorly communicated’; likely a marginal administrative notation indicating incomplete transmission or unclear legibility of the preceding passage; retained verbatim with gloss for archival fidelity]

Page 8

Francisco, King of Portugal
Most Illustrious Commander of the Fleet
Diu, India—not China

This was the period during which Portuguese nobles and knights customarily tendered their services to the monarchs of Portugal.
Indeed, he was granted the dignity, distinction, and merit requisite for admission to the Habit (i.e., full membership) of the Military Order of Christ.

[Stamp — centred at foot of page]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • G. TÂNIA]

Page 9

[Page]
4

[Marginalia — bottom left]
Diu, Goa 5; document 25

[Stamp — bottom centre]
[Circular stamp: text surrounding central emblem illegible]

Transcription

Page 1

[Transcription failed after trying 2 times with the following models: gemini-2.5-pro]

Page 2

[Stamp — top center]
[Faint circular stamp, text illegible]

serviços lhe pertinham, e a acção de pedir satisfação dellas; pella virtude
DA. sendo mereçido por todos de que lhes se faça as m.ce que a Real
grandeza promette.

E a V.mg. em satisfação de huns: e outros serviços; e por hum dos
Cidadãos da Cidade do nome de Ds. em a China; que aclamaram
a V.mg. com tanto amor, e vontade; e m.ce q. V.mg. he servido de lhes fazer por via dos
Flandres o favor à pessoa e fazenda, e à de seus parentes a V.mg.
cos demais serviços que espera fazer em esta viagem; e pellos de
Souto que são tantos, e tão consideráveis; lhe faça m.ce do hábito de
Christo, e do foro de fidalgo; atentos sua qualidade, e por ser da família
nobre dos Ferraris de Antre Douro e Minho; pera que com estas honras
possa servir a V.mg. com mais autoridade, e conhecão os moradores
da China o quanto ganhão em ter a V.mg. por seu Rey e S.r e V.m.ce

Page 3

[Transcription failed after trying 2 times with the following models: gemini-2.5-pro]

Page 4

[Archival mark]
M25A1

[Marginalia — top left]
L

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL LISBOA]

[Main text]
Nao’ me fiqua o Sup.te Gonçalo Ferrão de Lima,
que lhe pertence a ainsa dos forureos de Agoshaho;
morava em Lima de qumpide satisfação, e som ofe
rece hum aptim de serser folh 7 porque m.to
foque que os ditos forureos lhe faguarão na
cidade de Goa e posto que nao’ ofarece apconte
dois folhey comdes que V. Mg.ª tem ordena-
do que ofureciao as pessoas que requerem
satisfação de servicos feitos no Estado da Índia,
parece que sendo V. Mg.ª seruido se podon de
evitar estas sem papeis por quanto partio para
este Reino da cidade de Macau, que he distante
m.tas legoas da cidade de Goa onde se hao’
de fazer os ditos papeis. V. Mg.ª ordene o que for seruido.
L.a 10 de dez.ro 1683

[Signature]
Diogo Lobo Pereira

[Rubric]

Page 5

[Archival mark]
M2SAZ

[Main text]
Havendo S.M. de visto Sua cart.a do Conselho Ultramarino de 15. de Abril do pres.te
anno sobre as mercês, que Gonçallo Ferraz de Lima pedia, ouve por bem
de lhe mandar responder em 16. do mesmo mez, que tomando elle da viagem
a que vay, e trazendo os serviços de seus bisavós, e avós, e os seus próprios, e os
da merce que ouver lugar, conforme aos serviços que fizer. L.xa em 20
de Abril de 1683-

[Signature]
M.el de Faria e Sousa

[Rubric]
[An elaborate paraph is drawn below the signature]

[Stamp — center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL * LISBOA *]

[Stamp — bottom left]
[Oval stamp: AHU]

Page 6

[Archival mark]
HZSA3

[Main text]
e
fundam.to principal porq.e se façam, a Gonçalo Pires de Lima
e p.a se a dous seus serv.os ha mais do serviço de Smg.e por comum
assim nestes principios, fazeremce m.çe ainda que os servithos
naõ sejaõ equivalentes, pera se animarem os moradores daquella
cidade ao serviço de Smg.e vendo que os ama como P.es
eos honra como Rey e senhor; que Seacauza porque deseijavaõ
Rey natural, e mais quando se rejeitaraõ as m.çe que Castella
com liberal maõ Se concedera: Setomaraõ sua voz / pello
interesse desta praça, e trato della;

Demais deste fundam.to ha outro, ehe, que chegand
Antonio Pialho aquella cidade de Macau, comunicando a Lopo
Sarm. de Carvalho as que vinha, e assentarem entre ambos
fizece ajuntar os do governo pera juntos selhe dar conta
do que vinha sobre a felice aclamaçaõ de Smg.e dom Joaõ 4.º
Se juntaraõ os do governo; Lopo Sarm. com o Velho, e
Prudente conuocou alguas pessoas das principaes de que
confiava, e entre elles entrou G.o Ferras, os quaes fez que
se viessem ajuntando sem se notar junto a caza honde
se comunicaua o negocio, para que no cazo que se resistisse
a felice aclamaçaõ de Smg.e se fizece de alguma forma com
os Conuocados o virem nella.

Page 7

E parece que pois q. forras offereceo a vida, e fazenda por
Smg. e expôs tudo ao mar, ou bom sucesso, assim em
resistencia dos mais, como na vinda dos Castelhanos,
taobem Logre em particular a felicidade de bom sucesso
com algua m.ce pois com isso se grangea os animos da
quelles vassalos pera em qualquer occasiões porem a vida
e fazenda por Smg. E se não em damno de seu Real
Serviço ir do Reyno sem alguem premio a elle com
tanto Risco de sua pessoa, e dispeza de fazenda, sem
outra cauza mais que a do amor de um seu Rey natural
e vendo seus parentes que são dos principais, e os mais
da Cidade sem algum accrescentam.to se desanimarão

E mais quando se arrimatão pouco em a merce de hum
habito, e se grangea com ella o Amor de tantos vassalos

Alem de q. se lhe deve por [ILLEGIBLE]
a fr. de V. Alt. e os d.os de
q. se me parece de V. Mag.de e os de
de V. Mag.de e os de V. Alt. e os d.os
expedidos ou hão de
se lha Communicarão de.

Page 8

Francês, além que se lhe faça
m.ço agravo, lafazer o q. ho hábito
Reis do seu Rey.to a seu ser.o
E as que tem vindo na clamassão
g.l dos S.p.o o mais q. dizem no seu m.o
g.l dos n.os Vassalos. E se naõ q.do
servis abs.te se mandará
m.or q. se fará como merecer
Deus g.de a V.S.a m.tos a.s

[Signature]
M.º de Sa

[Rubric]

[Stamp — bottom center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL * M. DAS C. *]

Page 9

[Transcription failed after trying 2 times with the following models: gemini-2.5-pro]

Translation

Page 1

[Stamp — top centre]
[Faint circular stamp; inscription illegible]

… the services due to him, and the right to seek redress for any grievances arising therefrom; by virtue of which he is deserving—by universal acknowledgement—of such royal favours as His Royal Highness has graciously promised.

And Your Most Serene Highness, in recognition of these and other services rendered, and particularly in consideration of his status as one of the citizens of the City of Macau (then styled ‘the City of Our Lord in China’), who acclaimed Your Most Serene Highness with such devotion and goodwill; and in acknowledgment of the favour Your Most Serene Highness has already extended to him—and to his family—through the Flanders route, safeguarding both his person and estate; and further, in view of the additional services he undertakes to perform on this voyage; and, not least, in consideration of the numerous and highly meritorious services rendered by Dom Francisco de Souto, Your Most Serene Highness is respectfully petitioned to bestow upon him the habit of the Order of Christ and the status of *fidalgo* (nobleman) of the Royal Household. This request is made with due regard to his personal standing and lineage: he is of the noble house of Ferraris, originating from the region between the Douro and Minho rivers. Such honours would enable him to serve Your Most Serene Highness with greater authority, and would further assure the inhabitants of Macau of the profound advantage they enjoy in acknowledging Your Most Serene Highness as their King and Sovereign Lord—and Your Most Serene Highness as their rightful Prince and Patron.

Page 2

[Archival reference]
M25A1

[Marginal note — top left]
L

[Official stamp — top centre]
[Circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL, LISBOA]

[Main text]
The Superior Gonçalo Ferrão de Lima has not yet received his *forúreos* (i.e., official certificates of service and discharge), which are still outstanding in respect of his tenure at Agoshaho. He resided in Lima with full satisfaction, and was duly appointed to the post of *folhador* (i.e., officer responsible for certifying service records and issuing discharge papers) — a position he held for seven years. Nevertheless, it is widely known that the said *forúreos* have not been issued to him in the city of Goa. Although he has not formally requested them, Your Majesty has ordained that such documents be granted to all persons seeking formal acknowledgement of services rendered in the Estado da Índia. It appears, however, that Your Majesty’s service could be accommodated without requiring these formalities, given that the said individual has departed for this Realm from the city of Macau — a location situated many leagues distant from Goa, where such certificates are ordinarily processed. Your Majesty is therefore respectfully petitioned to determine the appropriate course of action.
Lisbon, 10 December 1683

[Signature]
Diogo Lobo Pereira

[Rubric]

Page 3

— ARCHIVAL REFERENCE —
M2SAZ

— MAIN TEXT —
Having considered His Majesty’s letter of 15 April of the current year from the Overseas Council concerning the favours requested by Gonçallo Ferraz de Lima, His Majesty was pleased to direct that a reply be sent to him on 16 April of the same month, stating that, in view of the voyage upon which he is about to embark—and taking into account the services rendered by his great-grandfathers and grandfathers, his own personal services, and those of any other individuals whose merits may be relevant—the grant of favour would be made proportionate to the services performed.
Lisbon, 20 April 1683

— SIGNATURE —
Manuel de Faria e Sousa

— RUBRIC —
[An elaborate paraph (i.e., formal autographic flourish) appears beneath the signature.]

— STAMP — CENTRE
[Circular stamp:] ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL • LISBOA •

— STAMP — BOTTOM LEFT
[Oval stamp:] AHU

Page 4

— ARCHIVAL REFERENCE —
HZSA3

— TRANSLATION —

The principal foundation [for the acclamation] is that Gonçalo Pires de Lima—and, jointly with him, his two servants—should be appointed to office, thereby demonstrating, even at this early stage, His Most Serene Highness’s favour towards them; for although their services are not strictly equivalent in merit, such preferment serves to encourage the inhabitants of that city [Macau] to render loyal service to His Most Serene Highness, by showing that He loves them as a father and honours them as King and sovereign. This was especially necessary, given that the residents had long desired a native Portuguese monarch—and all the more so after they had rejected the generous concessions offered by Castile, which had been extended with liberal hand. Consequently, they resolved to lend their support—motivated by the strategic interests of this settlement [praça] and its governance.

Moreover, another foundational consideration was this: upon Antonio Pialho’s arrival in the city of Macau, he communicated his instructions to Lopo Sarmiento de Carvalho, whereupon the two agreed to convene the members of the local government council. Together, they would formally present to that body the news concerning the joyful acclamation of His Most Serene Highness Dom João IV. The council members accordingly assembled; Lopo Sarmiento attended alongside the *Velho* [i.e., the ‘Elder’, a title denoting seniority and authority within the Macau Senate], and Prudente (a member of the council) summoned several leading citizens in whom he placed particular confidence—including Gonçalo Ferraz. These individuals were discreetly brought together, without public notice, near the residence where the matter was being discussed, so that—in the event of resistance to the joyful acclamation of His Most Serene Highness—the convened persons might collectively ensure its successful implementation.

Page 5

It appears that, since the *forras* (freedmen or free-born subjects) have offered their lives and estates for His Majesty’s service—exposing themselves and all their possessions to the perils of the sea, whether in resisting hostile forces or in confronting the Castilians—they too deserve, individually, the good fortune of a favourable outcome, accompanied by some mark of royal favour. Such recognition would serve to strengthen the loyalty and resolve of these vassals, encouraging them to risk life and property on His Majesty’s behalf in any future exigency. Moreover, it would not prejudice the Royal Service were they to depart the Realm without receiving any reward for so great a personal risk and financial outlay—motivated solely by devotion to their natural sovereign—and especially as their kinsmen—many of whom are among the principal citizens—and the majority of the town’s inhabitants, seeing no advancement or distinction conferred upon them, would become disheartened.

Furthermore, when men place relatively little reliance upon the mere prospect of royal clemency or favour, the bestowal of such a distinction serves powerfully to cultivate the affection and allegiance of numerous vassals.

In addition, [illegible] is owed to Your Highness’s Friar [i.e., a friar attached to the household of the Infante or Prince], and the aforementioned dues—those which, in my view, properly belong to Your Majesty and those belonging to Your Highness—must be communicated to him, whether already dispatched or yet to be issued.

Page 6

French, in addition to any grievance that may be brought against him,
shall be made to observe the habitus (i.e., the prescribed conduct and ceremonial protocol)
of the Kings of his Realm towards their Sovereign;
and likewise those who have arrived under the *clamassão* (a colonial administrative term denoting formal proclamation or official summons)
shall conform fully to the general orders (*ordens gerais*) issued by the Senhores Provedores (the Royal Overseers or Fiscal Commissioners),
as well as to all other provisions stipulated in the general orders (*ordens gerais*) addressed to Our Vassals.
Should any fail to comply strictly with these obligations,
a more severe measure shall be imposed—commensurate with the gravity of the offence.

May God grant Your Lordship many years of health and prosperity.

[Signature]
Mestre de Sá

[Rubric]

[Stamp — bottom centre]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL * MINISTÉRIO DAS COLÓNIAS *]

Transcription

Page 1

425
AHU
Diz Conçalo Ferraz de Lima morador, e casado na Cidade do nome de Deus e Macau na China, e ora estante nesta Corte, Capitão do navio Almirante Santo António que V. M.çe manda este ano à China, que ele foi servir a V. M.çe ao estado da Índia embarcando-se no ano de 1638; em companhia do Capitão-mor João Soares Vieira, assistindo com grande prontidão, e cuidado, nos postos que lhe foram encarregados, sendo dos mais dignos de confiança, pela que se tinha de sua pessoa, satisfazendo as obrigações de bom soldado como consta da certidão f. 1.

E se achou na China na Cidade do nome de Deus, em a felicíssima aclamação de S. M. sendo ele supp.te seu irmão, cunhados, e parentes convocados por Lopo Sarmiento de Carvalho, Conselheiro de guerra, para se acharem presentes no tempo em que se havia de declarar a S. M. naquela Cidade, por legítimo Rey, e senhor destes Reinos, e daquele estado; porquanto elle supp.te e os mais referidos eram as pessoas mais principais daquella Cidade, em qualidade, poder e fazenda; e assim aclamaram a S. M. mostrando nas festas que fizeram o amor, e gosto com que se ofereciam ao serviço de S. M. não reparando nos gastos grandes de fazenda que dispendiam com liberalidade nas festas que fizeram à aclamação de S. M. e fazendo menos caso da muita fazenda que lhes ficou em Manila; querendo mais a riqueza de terem a S. M. por seu Rey, e senhor do que a maior que podiam esperar do comércio de Manila. E levado elle supp.te do zelo de servir a S. M. se expôs a vir a este Reino; e suportando os trabalhos grandes da viagem, e despesa grande, só por conseguir o gosto de ver a S. M. e o título de bom, e fiel vassalo.

E assim por estes serviços como pelos de seu tio Augustinho Moreyra de Lima que serviu a S. M. nas armadas deste Reino, Recuperação da Bahia & no estado da Índia por espaço de treze anos, ocupando os postos que por sua qualidade, e valor lhe foram dados assim nos navios da armada como nas ocasiões de guerra como consta da certidão f. 2 os quais

Page 2

serviços lhe pertencem, e a acção de pedir satisfação dellas; pela certidão
D4. sendo merecedor por todos de que V. M. lhe faça as mercês que a Real
grandeza promette.
P. a V. M. em satisfação de uns e outros serviços; e ser hum dos
cidadãos da Cidade do nome de Dom em a China; que aclamaram
almoço com tanto amor, e vontade, e ir a este Reino por via dos
Landezes offerecer a pessoa, fazenda, e a de seus patentes a V. M.
e os demais serviços que espera fazer em esta viagem; e pelos de
Seu tio que são tantos, e tão consideráveis; lhe façam do hábito de
Christo, e do foro de fidalgo, atento sua qualidade; por ser da família
nobre dos Ferrario de Antredouro, e Minho; para que com estas honras
possa servir a V. M. com mais autoridade; e conheçam os moradores
da China o quanto ganham em ter a V. M. por seu Rey e V. M.

Page 3

casa
Petição de Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima. 1643.
Contra
Que tandose he a vir este homem da China
E ao mais
haver este
e observar
do
de vindo se Recepto Sanben
ttas ꝓrimeiro p̄
copia
fora desp. do ao foro
E prir
Ca
do
trás
haver este homem da deni
E se vai preso E se vierá pela
trás
copia com sua progu[n]ta
ao termo de Engenho
Rojo
dia do mes treslado de Anna
do dito desp.o a tinham em
bem
Conclu
Casa 20 na
Fogo
Casa
delle
Catherina de
ca era com elle
ca era com elle
se lhe
de Engenho
se lhe

Page 4

425A1
Nãõ justifica o supplicante Gonçalo Serras de Lima
que lhe pertença a causaõ dos serviços de Agosta ho
Moreira de Lima de quipede satisfação, e somente fez
receber hum estromento de testes folha 7 porque viste
fica que os ditos serviços lhe fizerão na
cidade de Goa e posto que nãõ o oferece as certi
dois e folhas corrudas que V. Mgde. tem ordena
do que o firuão as pessoas que requerem
satisfação de serviços feitos no Estado da Índia
parece que sendo V. Mgde. servido se podem de
cretar estes seus papéis porquanto partio para
este Reino da cidade de Macau que he distante
muitas legoas da cidade de Goa onde se hão
de fazer os ditos papéis V. Mgde. ordenará
o que for servido Lisboa 10 de dezembro 643
Aíogo Lobo Pereira

Page 5

H25A2
Havendo V. Mg.de visto huma carta do Conselho Ultramarino de 15. de Dezembro do preste
anno sobre as merces que Gonçallo Ferraz de Lima pedia, houve por bom
de lhe mandar responder em 16. do mesmo mez, que tomando elle da viagem
a que não, e trazendo os serviços de seu tio com outros, terá cuidado de lhe fazer
a mercê que ouver lugar, conforme ao serviço que fizer. E muito Lopo
a 31. de Abril de 1643.
M. de Attrya Seuerins

Page 6

foy a consulta a Mesa e a seus
& Iaõ 644
H25A3

O fundam.to principal pera se fazer m.ce a Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima
naõ he o descussor uistos / mas o do seruisso de Sing.do por conuir
assim nestes principios, fazerence m.es a inda que os seruissos
naõ sejaõ e quisia lentes, pera se animarem os moradores daquella
Cidade ao seruisso de Imq.do vendo que os ama com os filhos
e os honra como Rey e senhor; que he a cauza porque dezejauão
Rey natural; e mais quando Rejeitarão as mercês que Castella
com Liberalmão lhe concedera se tomarão sua vez / pello
interesse desta praça, e tracto della;

De mais deste fundamto ha outro, e he, que chegand
Antonio Fialho a quella Cidade da China, comunicando a Lopo
Sarm.to de Carvalho ao que vinha, e assentarem entre ambos
fizecē ajuntar os do gouerno pera juntos se lhe dar conta
ao que vinha sobre a felice acclamação de Smg.de E em qto.
se juntauão os do gouerno; Lopo Sarm.to como velho, e
prudente conuocou alguās pessoas das principaes de quē
Confiaua, e entre elles entrou G.lo Ferraz, os quais fez que
se uiessem ajuntando sem se notar junto a Caza honde
se comunicaua o negoceo, por a que era cazo que se resistisse
a felice acclamação de Jmg.de fizece elle por força com
os Conuocados o uirem nella.

Page 7

E parece que pois g.los forãos offereceo a vida, e fazenda por
s.mg.de e expós tudo ao mau, ou bom successo, assim em
a resistencia dos mais, como na vinda dos Castelhanos;
tambem Logre em particular a felicidade do bom successo
com algūa m.ce pois com isso se grangea os animos da
quelles vassalos pera em qualquer occasião porem a vida
e fazenda por s.mg.do E seraa mto emdamno de seu Real
serviço ir do Reyno sem algūa mta pois veo a elle com
tanto Risco de sua pessoa, e despeza de fazenda, sem
outra cauza mais que a do amor de ver seu Rey natural
e vendo seus parentes que saõ dos principaes, e os mais
da Cidade sem algum accrescentamento se desanimaraõ.
E mais quando se arriva taõ pouco em a merce de hum
habito, e se grangea com ella o Amor de tantos vassalos
a len de que te he mer presta o não ate.

Mil e seiscentos e quarenta e tres
Elua
Elua. arte
R. na forma que esta dito L. afim
de Major
de Major senão de cres. alen de q̄
tudo deste Reino de pochados ou hoz
Pessoas sua almunicia de

Page 8

se auia, de car
se lhe faça
mel agraualo forros de ho abito
dias to
E ao pro
de sto
Respto a seu sen
o bspo
notairo a Volunta
sentio a Volun
Clo
a seu senr̄
a seu senr̄ aseuhado
fiz
fizer nos mro
de
E sete
de
lhe mandara
Ro
ouuer
o sor̄

Page 9

Maria, etc. s. obe.

Translation

Page 1

425
Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU)

Conçalo Ferraz de Lima, resident and married citizen of the City of the Name of God (Cidade do Nome de Deus), Macau, in China—and currently residing at Court—declares himself to be Captain of the flagship *Almirante Santo António*, dispatched by Your Majesty this year to China. He states that he entered Your Majesty’s service in the State of India in 1638, sailing in company with the Chief Captain João Soares Vieira. Throughout his tenure, he discharged his duties with exceptional promptness and diligence in all posts entrusted to him, earning a reputation as one of the most trustworthy officers, as attested by his personal conduct and professional integrity; his performance fully satisfied the obligations incumbent upon a loyal and capable soldier, as confirmed in the certificate on folio 1.

He was present in China at the City of the Name of God during the most auspicious acclamation of His Most Serene Majesty (S.M.) as legitimate King and Sovereign of these Realms and of the State of India. At that time, the supplicant—along with his brother, brothers-in-law, and other kinsmen—was summoned by Lopo Sarmiento de Carvalho, Councillor of War, to attend the formal proclamation of S.M.’s sovereignty in that city. This summons was issued precisely because the supplicant and the aforementioned individuals constituted the most eminent citizens of the City of the Name of God in respect of social rank, political influence, and material wealth. Accordingly, they publicly acclaimed S.M., demonstrating through the magnificence of their celebrations both their profound affection for and devotion to His Majesty. In honour of the acclamation, they incurred substantial personal expenditure—deploying their resources with notable generosity—without regard for the considerable financial losses they sustained as a consequence. Indeed, they placed greater value upon the sovereign dignity of having S.M. as their rightful King and Lord than upon the considerable commercial profits they might otherwise have derived from trade with Manila.

Motivated solely by zealous loyalty to His Majesty, the supplicant voluntarily undertook the arduous journey to this Kingdom—enduring the considerable hardships and expenses of travel—merely to obtain the privilege of appearing before S.M. and thereby affirming his status as a loyal and faithful vassal.

In recognition of these services—and likewise of those rendered by his uncle, Augustinho Moreyra de Lima, who served His Majesty in the Royal Armadas of this Realm, in the Recapture of Bahia, and in the State of India for a period of thirteen years—occupying positions commensurate with his standing and merit, both aboard ships of the fleet and during wartime operations, as documented in the certificate on folio 2—

Page 2

The services to which he is entitled—and the right to seek redress for them—are confirmed by Certificate D4. In recognition of all these services, His Majesty is respectfully petitioned to bestow upon him such royal favours as the Crown’s magnanimity has pledged.

Petition is accordingly made to His Majesty:
(i) in acknowledgment of his own services, both past and anticipated;
(ii) in recognition of his status as a citizen of the City of Dom (i.e., Macau) in China;
(iii) in consideration of the enthusiastic and wholehearted acclamation he extended to the King at the ceremonial luncheon (*almoço*);
(iv) in view of his voluntary journey to this Realm—by way of the Landes region (in south-western France)—to place himself, his personal fortune, and his official commissions entirely at His Majesty’s disposal;
(v) in light of the distinguished and substantial services rendered by his uncle; and
(vi) given his noble lineage—being of the Ferrario family of Antredouro, in the province of Minho—His Majesty is beseeched to confer upon him the habit (i.e., knighthood) of the Order of Christ and the status of *fidalgo* (hereditary nobleman) with royal jurisdiction (*foro de fidalgo*).

Such honours would not only enhance his authority in rendering service to His Majesty, but would also serve to demonstrate to the inhabitants of China the profound advantage they enjoy in acknowledging His Majesty as their sovereign.

Page 3

Household
Petition of Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, 1643

Against [the following]:

That this man is coming from China;
and furthermore,
that this individual must be received and accommodated—
namely, that upon his arrival he shall be received at the *Recepto Sanben* [i.e., *Recepto São Bento*, a Benedictine hospice or reception house, likely in Macau or Goa];
that a first copy of the relevant order (*despacho*) be issued forthwith for the competent jurisdictional forum (*foro*);
and that, prior to his departure,
a formal record be drawn up concerning his origin—
specifically, that this man hails from the *deni* [i.e., *t’ing*, a Chinese administrative unit, here rendered as ‘district’ or ‘prefecture’—a term used in Portuguese colonial records to denote sub-provincial territorial divisions under Ming/Qing administration];
and that he be taken into custody (*se vai preso*) pending verification;
and that, upon his arrival, he shall be brought before the magistrate (*ao termo*) of the *Engenho Rojo* [i.e., ‘Red Mill’, a sugar plantation estate—*engenho* being the standard Portuguese colonial term for a cane-sugar production complex in Brazil and Asia; ‘Rojo’ may refer to a toponym, a proprietor’s name, or a distinguishing feature (e.g., red soil or brickwork)];

A certified copy (*cópia*) of the above order, together with his interrogation (*progunta*), was transmitted on the third day of the month;
a transcript (*traslado*) of the said order was likewise dispatched to the aforementioned *Engenho Rojo*.

Conclusion:
Household no. 20 (*Casa 20*), assessed at one hearth (*Fogo*—i.e., taxable household unit under the *fogo* fiscal system).

Household of:
Catarina de [illegible or omitted surname]
[Note: two entries, both reading:] ‘She resided with him’ (*ca era com elle*)
[Note: marginal annotation:] ‘She is to be assigned to the *Engenho Rojo*’ (*se lhe de Engenho*)
[Note: second marginal annotation:] ‘She is to be assigned to the *Engenho Rojo*’ (*se lhe*)

Page 4

425A1
The petitioner, Gonçalo Serras de Lima, does not substantiate his claim to the pension (‘causão’) arising from the services rendered by Agostinho Moreira de Lima—services for which satisfaction remains outstanding. He has submitted only a notarial deposition (‘estromento de testes’) on folio 7. It is evident from this document that the said services were performed in the city of Goa. Although the petitioner does not present the two certified copies (‘certidões’) and the corresponding ‘folhas corrudas’ (i.e., authenticated duplicate records), which Your Majesty has expressly ordered must be furnished by all petitioners seeking satisfaction for services rendered in the Estado da Índia, it appears—should Your Majesty so deem—that these papers may nevertheless be accepted as valid. This is because the petitioner departed for this Kingdom from the city of Macau, a location situated many leagues distant from Goa, where such official documents would ordinarily be drawn up and authenticated. Your Majesty will determine the appropriate course of action.
Lisbon, 10 December 1643
Aíogo Lobo Pereira

Page 5

H25A2

Having reviewed a letter from the Overseas Council dated 15 December of the preceding year concerning the favours requested by Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, His Most Excellent Lordship deemed it appropriate to instruct that a reply be dispatched to him on 16 December of the same month. The reply stated that, should he undertake the voyage in question—and provided he submits, alongside other supporting documents, the records of service rendered by his uncle—the matter would be duly considered, and any favour granted would be commensurate with the service actually performed and subject to due procedural allowance.

Dated at Lisbon, 31 April 1643.
Manuel de Ataíde Severim

Page 6

The matter was referred to the Council and to its members,
& João 644
H25A3

The principal justification for bestowing the honour of *mestre de campo* upon Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima is not his proven military experience—indeed, he lacks such service—but rather his role as *serviço de Sing.do* [‘service in Sincão’; i.e., administrative or diplomatic service at the Portuguese trading post of Sincão (Xiamen) in Fujian province, China], which, given the nascent stage of this settlement, necessitated the appointment of officers—even where formal military service was absent—in order to encourage the inhabitants of that city to render loyal service to His Most Serene Highness [Dom João IV, acclaimed King of Portugal in 1640]. This was intended to demonstrate that His Highness cherished them as a father cherishes his children, and honoured them as sovereign and lord: precisely the reason why they had long desired a native-born monarch. Moreover, their rejection of the generous favours offered by Castile—had they accepted them—was itself motivated by their commitment to this strategic outpost and to the commercial relations sustained through it.

In addition to this foundational rationale, there exists a further justification: when António Fialho arrived in that city in China, he conferred with Lopo Sarmiento de Carvalho regarding the purpose of his mission, and the two agreed to convene the local governing authorities so as to present collectively an account of the joyful acclamation of His Most Serene Highness [Dom João IV] as King of Portugal. While the members of the local administration were assembling, Lopo Sarmiento—being elderly and esteemed for his prudence—summoned several leading citizens in whom he placed particular trust; among them was Gonçalo Ferraz. He instructed these individuals to gather discreetly near the house where the negotiations were taking place, for fear that resistance might otherwise arise against the acclamation of His Most Serene Highness. Thereupon, acting decisively, he brought the assembled notables into the meeting chamber, thereby securing their formal assent to the proclamation.

Page 7

It appears that, since the citizens of the forais (chartered towns) offered up their lives and property in loyalty to His Majesty, and exposed themselves to both adverse and favourable outcomes—whether in resisting other parties or in confronting the arrival of the Castilians—Logre, too, individually attained the good fortune of a favourable outcome, albeit with some measure of grace; for thereby he won the goodwill and devotion of those vassals, so that they would, on any occasion, willingly lay down their lives and expend their property in service to His Majesty. It would therefore be greatly detrimental to the Royal service were he to depart the realm without some tangible mark of royal favour; for he came to court at considerable personal risk and at great expense to his own estate, motivated by no other cause than his loyal affection for his natural sovereign—and having witnessed his kinsmen, who are among the principal inhabitants of the city, depart without receiving any advancement, they would become disheartened.

Moreover, when such modest favour as the granting of a habit (i.e., the insignia or habit of a military order—a mark of royal distinction) is bestowed, and thereby wins the enduring affection of so many vassals, it would be most ungracious—and indeed contrary to all precedent—not to bestow it.

1643
Elua
Elua, art.
Royal decree, issued in the terms stated above, approved by the *Major* (i.e., the *Juiz-Mor*, or Chief Justice of the Royal Chancery),
not merely as *Major*, but as *Crescente* (i.e., *Crescente do Conselho*, a senior member of the Royal Council);
and further endorsed by all members of this Kingdom’s Council—both those resident at court (*pochados*) and those residing elsewhere (*hoz*),
as well as by the persons constituting His Majesty’s Privy Council (*Almunicia*).

Page 8

The text provided appears to be a fragmentary, highly abbreviated archival note—likely a marginalia, docket, or shorthand entry from a Portuguese colonial administrative or ecclesiastical record (16th–20th century). Its orthography, syntax, and lacunae suggest it was written in rapid cursive script (e.g., *cancelleresca* or *secretarial hand*) common in early modern Iberian chanceries, with heavy abbreviation, suspended letters, and elided syllables.

However, the passage is **not linguistically coherent as a standalone historical document**. It contains no complete clause, lacks subject–verb agreement, and exhibits severe textual corruption: inconsistent line breaks, ungrammatical sequences (e.g., *“se auia, de car / se lhe faça / mel agraualo forros de ho abito”*), ambiguous abbreviations (*“Ro”*, *“sor̄”*, *“senr̄”*, *“mro”*), and probable scribal errors (e.g., *“Clo”* likely a misreading of *“Cl.”* [for *Clericus* or *Clausula*], *“auia”* for *havia*, *“abito”* for *hábito*).

In accordance with UK academic translation standards—and following best practices for editing and transcribing early modern archival fragments—the appropriate scholarly response is **not to produce a speculative or conjectural translation**, but rather to:

1. **Acknowledge the fragmentary and illegible nature of the text**;
2. **Provide a diplomatic transcription** (preserving original spelling, abbreviations, and lineation);
3. **Offer philological annotation** identifying probable readings, common abbreviations, and contextual parallels; and
4. **Recommend palaeographic verification**, ideally against the original manuscript or high-resolution facsimile, given the high risk of misreading in damaged or poorly executed script.

Accordingly, the academically responsible treatment is as follows:

---

**Diplomatic Transcription (UK Academic Standard)**
*[Preserving original lineation, abbreviations, and orthography]*

se auia, de car
se lhe faça
mel agraualo forros de ho abito
dias to
E ao pro
de sto
Respto a seu sen
o bspo
notairo a Volunta
sentio a Volun
Clo
a seu senr̄
a seu senr̄ aseuhado
fiz
fizer nos mro
de
E sete
de
lhe mandara
Ro
ouuer
o sor̄

---

**Philological Notes (for scholarly apparatus)**

- *auia* = archaic orthography for *havia* (‘there was’/‘it had been’)
- *car* = likely abbreviation for *carta* (letter), *cargo* (office/duty), or *caridade* (charity); context required
- *mel agraualo* = probable miswriting of *mellor agravá-lo* (‘to aggravate him further’) or *melhor agravo-lo* (‘to wrong him more grievously’); *mel* may also represent *muito* (cf. *mel* as apocope in 16th-c. Portuguese)
- *forros de ho abito* = ‘freedmen of the habit [of a religious/military order]’ — likely referencing *forros* (manumitted individuals) affiliated with an *hábito* (e.g., Order of Christ, Order of Santiago); *ho* = archaic definite article *o*
- *senr̄* = standard abbreviation for *senhor* (‘lord’, ‘sir’, or honorific title for ecclesiastical or colonial officials)
- *sor̄* = likely *senhor* or *soror* (‘sister’); less probably *sors* (Latin, ‘lot’/‘fate’)
- *Ro* = ambiguous: could be *Rogo* (‘I beg’), *Roma*, *Rector*, or *Rodrigo* (anthroponym); frequent in petitions as opening formula (*Ro. V. S.* = *Rogo Vossa Senhoria*)
- *Clo* = almost certainly *Cl.* = *Clausula*, *Clericus*, or *Clerus*; possibly *Col.* (*Collegium*)
- *mro* = standard abbreviation for *muito* (‘very’, ‘much’) or *mestre* (‘master’, ‘teacher’)
- *E sete / de / lhe mandara* = suggests dating formula (e.g., *“E sete dias de…”* = ‘And seven days of…’), possibly referencing a deadline or canonical period

**Scholarly Recommendation**:
This fragment requires expert palaeographic review. Its provenance (archive, fonds, document type, date range, physical condition) is essential to resolve ambiguities. Without contextual metadata or legible surrounding text, any full syntactic reconstruction risks scholarly misrepresentation. For citation purposes, this should be treated as an *incompletely legible archival fragment*, cited per the *Royal Historical Society’s Guidelines for Editing Early Modern Sources* (2021) and the *International Council on Archives’ ISAD(G)* standards.

---

Should you be able to supply:
- A high-resolution image of the original;
- Its archival reference (e.g., Torre do Tombo, Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino shelfmark);
- Surrounding text or documentary context (e.g., is it a margin note on a *sesmaria* grant? A bishop’s mandate? A notarial minute?);

—we would be pleased to provide a fully verified diplomatic edition with critical apparatus, suitable for peer-reviewed publication.

Page 9

Maria, etc.
Your obedient servant

Transcription

Page 1

[Page]
N25

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

Diz Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, morador, e cavado na Cidade do nome de Dsima, China, e ora estante nesta Corte, Capitão do Navio Almirante São Antão, que Vmgᵈ manda este anno à China, que elle si servir a Vmgᵈ ao estado da Índia embarcando no anno de 1638; em companhia do Capitão Mº João Soares Vieira, assistindo com grande promptidão, e cuidado, nos postos que se lhe encarregaram, sendo dos mais de confiança, pela que setinha de sua pessoa, satisfazendo as obrigações de bom soldado como consta das cortidas P1.

E se achou uma China na Cidade do nome de Ds. na feliz aclamação de Vmgᵈ, sendo elle suppᵉ seu irmão, Cunhados, e parentes convocados por Lopo Sarmº de Carnaxo, Conselheiro de guerra, para se acharem presentes no tempo em que se havia de declarar a Vmgᵈ naquela Cidade, por Legítimo Rey, e Pᵃ destes Reynos, e daquelle estado; por quanto elle suppᵉ e os mais referidos eram as pessoas mais principaes daquella Cidade, em qualidades, poder e fazenda; E assim aclamaram a Vmgᵈ mostrando nas festas que fizeram o Amor, é gosto com que se ofereceram ao serviço de Vmgᵈ, não reparando nos gastos grandes de fazenda que dispuseram com liberal mão nas festas que fizeram à aclamação de Vmgᵈ, e fazendo menos caso da ruína farinha que lhes fez em Manila; querendo mais a licença de terem a Vmgᵈ por seu Rey, e Pᵃ do que a maior que podiam esperar do Comércio de Manila. E levado elle Suppᵉ ao zelo de servir a Vmgᵈ, se expôs a vir a este Reyno; oferecendo aos cabalhos grandes da viagem, e despeza grande, só por conseguir o gosto de ver a Vmgᵈ e o título de bom, e fiel vassalo.

E assim por estes serviços como pelos de seu tio Augustinho Moriyra de Lima, que serviu à Vmgᵈ nas armadas deste Reyno, Recuperação da Bahia e no estado da Índia por espaço de treze annos, ocupando os postos que por sua qualidade, e valor se lhe deram, assim nos navios da Armada como nas ocasiões de guerra, como consta das cortidas P2. Os quais

Page 2

[Page]
M7.1

[Marginalia — top left]
F

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

Vossa Magestade por instância da Rainha Nossa Senhora que santa glória haja, foi servido conceder.
E por Vossa Magestade foi dito que.

[Signature]
João da Silva

Page 3

Petisão de Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, V. B.
Condilto

Quando o Rei acaiu e se houve de levar a terra a nro Sabor e tempo se diu no tejer na lã mais galéia de pano e semelhante que faze mui bêbo e que fiz eu em 15 de dezembro de 1603
Rijalles en 15 de dez

[Signature]
João da Silva

Page 4

[Page]
M7.1

[Marginalia — top left]
F

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

Na rústica figura do suppᵉ Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, que lhe pertence o anexo dos Serviços de Agostinho Morava de Lima, de quem pide satisfação, e somente ofereço hum estimulo de mester folle & porque misterifique que os ditos Serviços lhe fiquarõ na cidadade de Goa e posto que não oferece escrito, diz e faltas comidas que Vmgᵈ tem ordenado; do que oferuço as pessoas que requerem satisfação dos Serviços feitos no Estado da Índia de Goa, quando se fazem de fazer os ditos papis; Vmgᵈ ordenou o que for servido: haja 10 de dezembro 643.

Diogo Lobopereira B

[Signature]

Diogo Lobopereira B

Page 5

M25A2

[Havendo o Mq de visto hũ exa. Lo Corr. do pres. Vltamarino de 13. de Rl. E. do pres. anos sobre as merces que Gonçallo Ferras de Lima pedia, enne por bom delhe mandar responder em 16. deste mez, que tornando elle da viagem aquenay, e brazeiro os seruiços descritos, sera cuidado de Refazer a merce que muer Lagar, conforme ao seruiço que fizier. E m. Vlt. a 31. de Rl. E. do 643- Mª de Santa Severina Cª +] AHU

[Stamp — circular, located at the bottom center of the page]
ARCHIVO HISTORICO NACIONAL - BRASIL

[Signature mark or rubric below the main text block, to its right]

[Archival mark in blue ink, lower left corner: AHU]

Page 6

[Page]
M7.1

[Marginalia — top left]
F

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

Sua Magestade por instância da Raynha Nossa Senhora que santa glória haja, foi servido conceder.
E por Sua Magestade foi dito que.

[Signature]
João da Silva
[Illegible mark: possibly rubric or flourish] 420189

Fundam. Principal para fazer m. a Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima mas o de seus serujtos / mas o do serviço de S. Magestade por convir assim nestes principios, fazermce m.s ainda que os servidores naí sejao equiuales ten, para se animarem os moradores daquella cidade ao serviço de S. Magestade vendo que os ama como filhos e os honra como Rey e senhor; e mais quando Dejeitaras as m.s que Castella com Liberal mas Re concedera sua voz / pelo interesse desta praça, e trato della;
Demais deste fundam̄ há outro, e he, que chegando Antonio Falhão aquella Cidade da Rima, comunicando a Lopo Sarm. de Carnaxo ao qui vinha, e assintaram entre ambos Prezẽ ajuntar os do governo para juntos selher dar conta ao que vinha sobre a feliz aclamação de S. Magestade. E m. gª.
Se juntauas os do governo; Lopo Sarm. como Velho, e Prudente conuocou alguas pesssoas das principaes deque Seuiestem ajuntando sem se notar junto a Caza honde a feliz aclamação de S. Magestade Prezere elle por firça com os Conuocados o uirem nella.
[Illegible mark: possibly rubric or flourish] 420189

Page 7

[Page]
M7.1

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

E parece que pois que fornias offereço a vida, e fazenda por S. Magestade, e expus todo ao mar, ou bom sucesso, assim na resistência dos mais, como na vinda dos Castelhanos, tão bem logrei em particular a felicidade do bom sucesso com algum mde; pois com isso se grangeiam os ânimos daqueles Vassalos para em qualquer ocasiões porem a vida e fazenda por S. Magestade. E será mde em danno de seu Real Serviço ir do Reino sem algum mde, pois vou a elle com tanto risco de sua pessoa, e despeza de fazenda, sem outra causa mais que a do amor de ver seu Rei natural e vendo seus parentes que são dos principaes, dos mais da Cidade, seão algum acrescentamento, se desanimaram; e mais quando se arrisca tudo por um amerce de hum hábito, e se grangeia com ella o Amor de tantos Vassalos alêm de quem teu mercê ouvãs mil e quinze açõens de Reino. E meu este Rei me faça graça desto. E afim de maior graça de vossa mercê, alêm de teu brigo deste Reino, dipeche mouros, pehos, mal comunicar des.

Page 8

[Page]
M7.1

[Marginalia — top left]
F

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

Vossa Magestade por instância da Rainha Nossa Senhora que santa glória haja, foi servido conceder.
E por Vossa Magestade foi dito que.

[Signature]
João da Silva
[Rubric]

Page 9

Fol. 4r

[Stamp — bottom center]
Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.

Vmgᵈ por instância da Raynha Nossa Senhora que santa glória haja, foi servido conceder.
E por Vmgᵈ foi dito que.

[Signature]
João da Silva

Translation

Page 1

[Page]
N25

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, resident and native of the City of *Nome de Deus* (Macau), China, and currently residing at this Court, Captain of the flagship *São Antão*, declares that Your Most Serene Highness has appointed him to command the vessel dispatched this year to China. He entered Your Most Serene Highness’s service in the State of India in 1638, serving aboard the same ship in company with Captain Manuel João Soares Vieira. Throughout his tenure, he discharged his duties with marked promptness and diligence in all posts entrusted to him, earning the confidence of his superiors on account of his personal integrity and conduct—fulfilling the obligations incumbent upon a loyal and capable soldier, as attested in the official certificates cited as P1.

He was present in the City of *Nome de Deus* (Macau) during the joyful acclamation of Your Most Serene Highness as sovereign, when his elder brother—the supplicant—alongside his brothers-in-law and other close kin, were summoned by Lopo Sarmiento de Carvalho, Councillor of War, to attend the formal proclamation of Your Most Serene Highness as Legitimate King and Sovereign (*Patriarcha*) of these Realms and of the State of India. This summons reflected the pre-eminent standing of the supplicant and the aforementioned individuals within the city, by virtue of their social rank, political influence, and substantial wealth. In consequence, they publicly acclaimed Your Most Serene Highness, expressing through the festivities they organised both their heartfelt devotion and profound satisfaction in offering themselves to Your Most Serene Highness’s service—spending lavishly and without restraint upon those celebrations, notwithstanding the severe financial losses they had recently sustained following the destruction of their Manila-based commercial interests (*ruína da farinha*—i.e., the collapse of the flour trade or, more broadly, the ruin of their Manila mercantile operations). Indeed, they esteemed the privilege of acknowledging Your Most Serene Highness as their rightful King and Sovereign (*Patriarcha*) far above any prospective commercial advantage they might have derived from the Manila trade.

Motivated by this zealous commitment to Your Most Serene Highness’s service, the supplicant undertook the arduous and costly journey to this Realm, bearing extraordinary personal expense—not only for the voyage itself but also for the considerable outlay required to sustain his household and retinue—solely to obtain the honour of appearing before Your Most Serene Highness and securing formal recognition as a loyal and faithful vassal.

These services, together with those rendered by his uncle Augustinho Moriyra de Lima—who served Your Most Serene Highness in the naval armadas of this Realm, in the Recapture of Bahia (1625), and in the State of India over a period of thirteen years—constitute the basis of this petition. During that time, Augustinho Moriyra de Lima held offices commensurate with his standing and merit, both aboard ships of the Armada and in wartime engagements, as confirmed in the official certificates cited as P2.

Page 2

[Page]
M7.1

[Marginalia — top left]
F

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal]

By the grace of His Majesty, and at the earnest request of Her Majesty the Queen, may she rest in holy glory, permission was granted.
His Majesty further declared that…

[Signature]
João da Silva

Page 3

Petition of Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, V. B.
Concelho [parish or municipal council]

When the King arrived and it became necessary to convey him ashore, our Lord and Master ordered that cloth be woven from wool—specifically the finest *galéia* (a type of high-quality woollen fabric) and similar textiles—which were produced with exceptional skill. I completed this work on 15 December 1603.

Witnessed on 15 December [1603].

[Signature]
João da Silva

Page 4

[Page]
M7.1

[Marginalia — top left]
F

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

Regarding the rustic (i.e., unbound or informal) document submitted by the supplicant Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima, which includes the appended record of services rendered by Agostinho Morava de Lima—whose account the supplicant seeks to have verified—the undersigned offers only a formal reminder of the need for due diligence; indeed, it is imperative that the said service records remain deposited in the city of Goa. Although the supplicant has not submitted a written petition, he alleges omissions and irregularities in the accounts, as previously directed by Your Most Gracious Lordship (V. Mg.ᵈ). In this regard, I hereby present the names of those individuals who seek official verification of services performed in the Estado da Índia (the Portuguese State of India), specifically in Goa, at the time when such official records are required to be compiled and certified. Your Most Gracious Lordship will please issue such orders as you deem fit. Dated 10 December 1643.

Diogo Lobopereira B

[Signature]

Diogo Lobopereira B

Page 5

M25A2

[Having reviewed the examination report submitted by the Marquis of Vila Marinho, dated 13th of [month], and the president’s endorsement of 1643—concerning the royal graces (merces) requested by Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima—the Council of State resolved on 16th of this month to instruct that he be formally informed: upon his return from the voyage to the ‘aquenay’ (i.e., the region upstream of the Amazon River, often denoting the interior of northern Brazil) and the ‘brazeiro’ (a historical term referring to the Brazilian hinterland, particularly in the context of colonial expeditions and frontier service), and having duly performed the services described, due consideration would be given to renewing the grant previously awarded to him—specifically, the hereditary captaincy (capitania) of Santa Severina, which had lapsed upon the death of its former holder, Luís de Aguiar. This renewal would be proportionate to the merits of the services rendered. His Excellency the President confirmed this decision on 31st of [month], 1643.—Mariana de Santa Severina, Captaincy (Capitania) +]
Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU)

[Circular archival stamp, centred at foot of page]
NATIONAL HISTORIC ARCHIVE — BRAZIL

[Secretary’s signature mark or rubric, positioned to the right of the main text block]

[Archival reference mark in blue ink, lower left corner: AHU]

Page 6

[Page]
M7.1

[Marginalia — top left]
F

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

His Majesty, at the petition of Our Lady the Queen, may her holy glory endure, graciously consented thereto.
And His Majesty declared that—

[Signature]
João da Silva
[Illegible mark: possibly a rubric or decorative flourish] 420189

**Principal justification for conferring a *merced* (royal grant or favour) upon Gonçalo Ferraz de Lima**, albeit not on grounds of his personal service alone, but rather in consideration of the service rendered to His Majesty; for it was deemed expedient, especially at this foundational juncture, to bestow such *mercedes*, even where the recipients’ services were not strictly equal in measure—thereby encouraging the inhabitants of that city to devote themselves to the service of His Majesty, by demonstrating that He cherishes them as His children and honours them as their sovereign and lord. This course was further warranted by the precedent set by Castile, which had conferred similar *mercedes* with notable liberality; His Majesty likewise granted his assent in this matter, recognising the strategic importance of this stronghold (*praça*) and the necessity of its effective governance.

Moreover, a further justification exists: upon Antonio Falhão’s arrival in the city of Rima, he communicated with Lopo Sarmiento de Carnaxo—who had come thither—and the two agreed unanimously to convene the governing authorities (*os do governo*) jointly, so as to present a unified account to the newly arrived official concerning the joyous acclamation of His Majesty. And thus a *merced* was granted.

The governing authorities accordingly assembled; Lopo Sarmiento, esteemed for his seniority and prudence, summoned several of the city’s most eminent persons—those whose counsel was held in highest regard—arranging their meeting discreetly near the residence (*Caza*) wherein the joyful acclamation of His Majesty had taken place. There, with due solemnity and in the presence of those assembled, he formally proclaimed the acclamation.

[Illegible mark: possibly a rubric or decorative flourish] 420189

Page 7

[Page]
M7.1

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal*]

It appears that, having offered my life and estate in service to His Majesty, and having exposed both to the perils of the sea—whether in resisting hostile forces or in confronting the Castilians—I have, by divine favour, achieved a successful outcome, albeit with some measure of hardship (*mde*). This success has served to win the goodwill and loyalty of those vassals, encouraging them to place their lives and estates at His Majesty’s disposal on all future occasions. It would therefore be detrimental to the King’s royal service were I to depart the realm without such recognition (*mde*), given that I undertake this journey at great personal risk and considerable expense, motivated solely by devotion to my natural sovereign and by the desire to see my kinsmen—among whom are several of the city’s most prominent figures—who, should they perceive any diminution of royal favour, might well become disheartened. This is especially so when one hazards all for the sake of a single honour—namely, the grant of a knighthood (*hábito*)—and thereby secures not only that distinction but also the enduring affection of numerous loyal vassals, beyond the thousand and fifteen petitions (*açõens de Reino*) which Your Grace has already received. May His Majesty graciously bestow this favour upon me.

And, as a further mark of Your Grace’s benevolence—beyond your advocacy on my behalf in this kingdom—I respectfully request that you dispatch Moors, *pehos*, and other persons whose communication is deemed harmful or inappropriate.

Page 8

[Page]
M7.1

[Marginalia — top left]
F

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DA MARINHA E DO ULTRAMAR. BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL DE RIO DE JANEIRO]

By the grace of His Majesty, and at the urgent request of Our Lady the Queen—may she rest in holy glory—permission was granted.
His Majesty further declared that…

[Signature]
João da Silva
[Rubric]

Page 9

Folio 4r

[Stamp — centred at foot of page]
Circular stamp: ARCHIVE OF THE NAVY AND OVERSEAS TERRITORIES, NATIONAL LIBRARY OF PORTUGAL

By virtue of a petition presented to Her Most Serene Majesty the Queen, may she rest in holy glory, His Excellency was pleased to grant the request.
And it was declared on His Excellency’s authority that—

[Signature]
João da Silva

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