Anno de 1634 [Maio 21]. Da Jgreja dos Catecumenos N. Senhora do Amparo.
Transcription
Page 1
[Page 160] [Texto Principal] Anno de 1634 Da Igreja das Catecúmenos N. S.ª do Amparo Os Senhores do governo da Cidade me mandarão muitos enchões 20 de Maio, já depois das Ave-Marias, hum delegado do Mandarim da Casa Branca e está gelado que os mesmos Senhores me havia enviado sobredito chapa que vierão de Mandarins maiores p.ª se derem huma ou alguma obra, e cousas desta Cidade: entre elas se ordenava q. se derrochasse húa pequena casa, q. à ope deste Monte de S. Paulo q. é aparte da freguesia de Macau edificado q.ª nela se poderem catequizar com maiores commodidades os q. à Nossa Santa Fé se quizessem converter. A húa casa fez pra lo por nós confirmarmos com todas as cidades da Índia em q. há semelhantes casas, dias tambem garo dentro da China, e na mesma Corte de Pekim temos ta- nhas para este ministério em q. com effeito se ensina aos outros convertidos o catecismo. Sepodia temer com prudente fundamento que esta casa de es- trangeira, pois se fazia, a onde se houvera obras, e nesta Cidade de Macau, a onde já se tem sinais ou filas de Mandarins, e assentaram santas Igr.ªs muito em particular q. os Chinas não proibiam a conversão deles na tornarem à Nossa Santa Fé; e também ajudava a isto se não houver apreçados co- tanto segurado o medo nella matéria, que havendo em outras cidades da Índia de [UNCLEAR: palavra parcialmente visível] perados descontos sobre elles catecúmenos afuas com versões nella G.D. emq. ca estes annos ainda nenhum houve demente. Além destas razões, q. para defazer esta obra parecia muy cabal. Se offerecia outra de forçosa obrigação para se haver defazido: por que António de Costa, prim. morador nesta Cidade, fallecendo nella via hora de 600 deixou hum legado de 450 taeis à este Col.º de Macao para se fazer húa casa de catecúmenos. E enquanto se julgou muito necessário andava este dinheiro agendos datorré. e delles se davam 24 taeis cada anno a hum Chino que ajuda muito no ministério ao Rey dos Açores: e os que trabaxavam com outras escolas degastavam com os ditos catecúmenos e outros pobres. Por bõa vez de representando monumentos, como de hum agontado, antes muito serviço de Deus em se fazer esta fazenda: e hum de por outra vêz esta obrigação faze precizão tratamos de cumprir este le- gado como as azas apelas: com effeito se fez sua vizinha de seis braças em comprido. [Anotações marginais] [No canto inferior direito, abaixo do texto principal, um número circulado:] 6 [Carimbos] [Nenhum selo ou carimbo visível na página.] [Assinaturas] [Nenhuma assinatura ou rubrica visível no corpo do texto.] [Referências arquivísticas] [Nenhuma referência arquivística visível na página.
Page 2
[Page 62] [Texto Principal] coisas de larga & se julgou por bastante para a que se pretendia). Mas antes de se fazer & e comunicar esta Resolução ao Cristo Senhor de Japão, & a Deus em Sua glória), que M. aprovou: Depois dele Morro, ao Mr. R. P. Governador do Bispado, que também aprovou; e confirmou esta obra: ele assentiu de comunicar aos Senhores, que governavam a Cidade: No ano de 1638. e se lhe pedia algum lugar para se fazer esta Casa, o qual ora levou dm. Doz Dos Muros apontados, e considerou aquele em que se fez esta Casa, que se apontou, comprando por dinheiro um pequeno pedaço, para João Moisés de Bartolomeu de Freitas; além de outro que era da Sra. Isabel Dachida, para esta concessão. E também outros locais em que os Sam Chinde tinham suas sepulturas de seus maiores, que foi necessário instalar com dinheiro para que nelas fizessem matinadas. Sobre tudo, che se pediu licença ao Cristo Capitão-geral Manuel de Ramires de Noronha, que ademais por julgar, como a Vazas & Matias Pinto havia inconveniente em se fazer. Suposta esta vila em todo muito apelhada aonde, e vela esta esta casinha, ou pequena igreja dentro dos limites, aonde já estivera casa, aonde estão as ruínas delas como deve ser como os ditos antes ficaram se meter mau elemento para as roças. Nenhuma cousa há p. Reforçar as ordens dos mandarins, afe dourar esta Casa já dedicada a Deus, pois o muro de cara branca vai propor ordem de juiz de ela esta casinha dentro e fora dos limites da Cidade. antes de defini-la a gora nela. Ela petição, fora aberta uma portela M. larga, e esperava para tudo o mais intentaram como costumam fazer egos experientes com todo entanto cópia de cousas. Por onde Nem em Deus So glorioso, Nem em Deus So bom governa golhes, Seny. Numa De pareced, que tal & é permito, anty toy por cousa muito errada em consequência de grandes males, que se podem ocorrer, a definir a estas obras. Com tudo Me parece, que de se concertar uma petição M. acordada & bem estas cousas, ele dirá mandar com presteza ao mandarim da Cidade, que é acabou, e cuidado dele limite estritar por todas as vias, e grande secreto Me goçacions de ordens, a bons termos, pode ser que outras cousas algum bom efeito o mandarim he pedir licença para se mandarem alguns Portugueses obre eles peguem no Catual, por q podera bem ser que entendendo eles quem deveras de ello torna, a que para ello fimo se apreender alguns chãos, e acorda se que enviem, tomando [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à esquerda] + [UNCLEAR: possível número ou marca de folha] [Carimbos] [Nenhum selo ou carimbo visível] [Assinaturas] [No final, centro inferior] (Assinatura cursiva, parcialmente ilegível) [UNCLEAR: possível "J. M.
Page 3
[Page 151] [Texto Principal] Ser qualificado como autor de Revoltas & das Conquistas, porque elle he ceduo que entre Chinas, com julgou neste preto De S. não demarcar esta aca- bada, julgo em os outros quadros para chapas de apontado: e com ello Depo- sito dom Peres a 20.º de Meu Parecer Nesta Madriz, e com ello obrari em todas partes, por julgar que cho & o que convem ao bem público. Do_ Coll: aos 24 de Maio de 1654. [Assinaturas] André Palmeira.
Translation
Page 1
— PAGE 160 —
[Main Text]
Year 1634
From the Church of the Catechumens, Our Lady of Refuge
The municipal authorities of the City [of Macau] sent me, on 20 May—already after the Angelus—*a delegate of the Mandarin of the White House*, accompanied by a formal edict. This document, previously transmitted to me by the same authorities, had originated from senior Mandarins and instructed that certain works and civic improvements be undertaken in this City. Among its provisions was an order to demolish a small house situated at the foot of Mount St Paul—a site belonging to the parish of Macau—and to construct, in its place, a dedicated catechumenate, wherein those wishing to embrace the Catholic Faith might be instructed with greater convenience and dignity.
Such catechumenates were already well established throughout the Portuguese Estado da Índia, and indeed within China itself: even at the imperial capital of Peking, we maintain similar institutions for this very ministry, where—*in practice*—the catechism is systematically taught to converts. It could reasonably be feared, on prudent grounds, that this proposed establishment would be regarded as foreign in character; yet such concern appeared unwarranted, given that analogous foundations had long existed elsewhere in the Indies without provoking official censure. Moreover, in this City of Macau, there were already visible signs—or rather, *formal assurances*—from Mandarins, and the Holy Churches had been especially emphatic in affirming that the Chinese authorities did not prohibit their subjects’ conversion to the Catholic Faith. Furthermore, no serious apprehension arose in this matter, since—unlike other Indian cities (where, in recent years, catechumens have occasionally suffered punitive fines or confiscations under the jurisdiction of the *Governador-Geral*), *no such penalties have been imposed in Macau during this entire period*.
Beyond these compelling reasons—which rendered the project both justifiable and timely—there existed another obligation, binding in conscience and law: António de Costa, one of the principal residents of this City, having died here at the age of sixty, bequeathed four hundred and fifty *taels* to the College of Macau specifically for the construction of a catechumenate. For some time, this sum remained unspent, held in trust (*agendos datorré*); from it, twenty-four *taels* were disbursed annually to a Chinese lay assistant who rendered invaluable service to the mission—particularly in instructing the ‘King of the Azores’ (a local designation for the catechist-in-charge)—while the remainder supported other schoolmasters and was used to sustain both catechumens and the indigent.
Given the evident spiritual benefit accruing from such an undertaking—and considering it not merely as a pious memorial but as an act of urgent pastoral duty—it was deemed both right and necessary to fulfil this legacy with due diligence and solemnity. Accordingly, a new building was erected adjacent to the original site, measuring six *braças* in length.
[Marginal Annotations]
[In the lower right-hand corner, below the main text, a circled numeral:] 6
[Stamps]
[No visible seals or official stamps on this page.]
[Signatures]
[No signatures or rubrics visible in the body of the text.]
[Archival References]
[No archival references visible on this page.]
Page 2
[Page 62]
[Main Text]
matters of considerable scope—and it was deemed sufficient for the purpose intended). However, prior to implementing and communicating this Resolution to the Lord Christ of Japan and to God in His glory), it was first submitted for approval to M. [i.e., the Provincial Superior], who endorsed it; then to the Reverend Father Rector, Governor of the Diocese, who likewise approved it and formally confirmed the undertaking. He agreed that the proposal should be communicated to the civic authorities governing the city. This occurred in the year 1638.
A site was requested for the construction of this residence (or ‘house’), and the location ultimately selected was the plot known as *Doz Dos Muros* [‘Two Walls’], which had been identified and surveyed. The specific site chosen for the building—also previously indicated—was acquired by purchase: a small parcel was bought for cash from João Moisés de Bartolomeu de Freitas; another adjacent portion belonged to Dona Isabel Dachida, whose consent was secured for this concession. Additionally, other plots—occupied by the *Sam Chinde* (a local community or lineage group) as burial grounds for their ancestors—had to be acquired through monetary compensation, so that these sites might be cleared for the construction of the residence and for the holding of morning devotions (*matinadas*).
Above all, formal permission was sought from the Most Excellent Captain-General of Japan, Dom Manuel de Ramires de Noronha, who, having considered the matter, concurred with the reservations previously expressed by Vasconcelos and Matias Pinto regarding the advisability of proceeding.
It is worth noting that this village lies in a densely populated area, where this small dwelling—or modest chapel—has been erected within the municipal boundaries. A structure formerly stood on this same site, the ruins of which remain visible, just as they were before; yet their presence is now judged detrimental to the surrounding agricultural holdings (*roças*).
Nothing whatsoever exists to reinforce the edicts of the mandarins, nor to facilitate the consecration of this house—already dedicated to God—since the whitewashed wall facing the street appears to contravene the magistrate’s directive concerning the spatial demarcation of this small building, both within and beyond the city limits. Indeed, its precise legal status remains undefined at present.
In consequence of the petition, a narrow doorway (*portela*) was opened—measuring approximately one *vara* in width—and preparations were made for all remaining works, following the customary practice of experienced builders, who proceed with due diligence and ample provision of materials.
Thus, neither the Most Glorious God nor the Most Good God governs these matters—my Lord—nor does any equitable authority prevail here. It seems to me, rather, that such an undertaking is profoundly ill-advised and fraught with grave danger, given the serious consequences that may ensue if these works are formally sanctioned.
Nonetheless, I am of the opinion that a carefully drafted and mutually agreed petition should be prepared. Such a document, once finalised, ought to be dispatched without delay to the city’s mandarin, with instructions that he strictly enforce the municipal boundaries by all available means and with utmost discretion. Through tactful engagement and observance of proper protocol, it may be possible to secure some beneficial outcome. In particular, the mandarin might be persuaded to grant permission for the dispatch of certain Portuguese artisans to work upon the *Catual* [a term likely denoting a local administrative or religious official, possibly derived from Japanese *kantō* or *kantō-sho*, though retained here in its contemporary orthography]; for it is quite possible that, once they understand the true nature and purpose of the project, they may themselves initiate measures—including the acquisition of suitable land—and agree to the dispatch of personnel accordingly.
[Marginal Annotations]
[Top left corner] + [Unclear: possibly a folio number or archival mark]
[Stamps] None visible
[Signatures]
[Bottom centre] (Cursive signature, partially illegible) [Possibly “J. M.”]
Page 3
[Page 151] [Main Text] To be qualified as author of the *Revolts and Conquests* [Revoltas & das Conquistas], since he is the same individual who, among the Chinese, judged in this matter concerning S. [i.e., São Paulo or Santo — context suggests a reference to the Jesuit mission at São Paulo dos Campos de Piratininga or a related ecclesiastical jurisdiction]; he did not demarcate this matter definitively, but instead referred it for adjudication in the other councils (i.e., the collegiate bodies or consultative assemblies) for formal deliberation and record; and thereby deposited the case with Dom Pero (or Dom Pedro) on the 20th [day] — my opinion herein, expressed in this capital city [i.e., Lisbon, as the seat of the Portuguese Crown’s central administration], and thereby directing action to be taken throughout all relevant jurisdictions, inasmuch as he deemed this course both lawful and consonant with the public good.
Collegiate Council [Conselho Ultramarino or Conselho da Índia, depending on context], 24 May 1654.
[Signatures] André Palmeira.
Transcription
Page 1
**[Page 160]** **[Texto Principal]** Anno de 1654 Da Igreja dos Catecumenos N. Srª do Amparo Os Senhores do governo da Cidade me mandaram ⑥⑥ 20 de Maio, que depois das Ave-Marias hum despacho do Mandarim da Casa Branca e sello para licença que os mesmos Senhores lhe tinham enviado sobre tudo chapa que viera de Mandarins Maiores que se derrubassem ou alterassem va- rias obras e cousas desta Cidade: entre estas se ordenava que se derrubasse ⑥⑥ huma pequena casa, que ao pé deste Monte de S. Paulo, na parte do Leste, se tinha edificado para nela se poderem catequizar com maior comodidade os que à Nossa Santa Fé se quisessem converter. Esta casa se fez não só por nos conformarmos com todas as cidades da Índia em que há semelhantes casas, — mas também porque dentro da China, e na mesma Corte de Pequim, temos ou- tras para este ministério, em que com efeito se ensina aos novos convertidos ⑥⑥ o catecismo. Poder-se-ia temer com prudente fundamento que esta casa se es- tranhasse, por se fazer onde já havia outras, e nesta Cidade de Macau, onde já se fizeram chapas ou seus Mandarins, o estranharem, faziam-lhe igre- jas muito em particular que os Chinas não proíbem a conversão de seus na- turais à Nossa Santa Fé, e também ajudava a isso não se temer proceder co- manto resguardo e medo nesta matéria, que havendo em outras cidades da Índia pesados descontos sobre estes catecúmenos e suas con- versões, nesta cidade em que há oito anos unidos nenhum houve de momento. Além destas razões, que para se fazer esta casa pareciam mais ⑥⑦ cabais, ofereciam-se outras de força obrigação para se haver de fazer, pois António de Goa, sendo morador nesta cidade, falecendo nela na era de 600, deixou hum legado de 450 taeis a este Colégio de Macau para se fazer huma casa de catecúmenos, e enquanto se julgou menos necessária andava este dinheiro aganhar da terra; e delles se davam 24 pardaus cada ano a hum chinês que ajuda neste ministério ao pé dos que são: aos que sobejava com outras esmolas se gastavam com os outros catecúmenos e outros pobres. Por onde não se representando inconvenientes, como se tem apontado, antes muito serviço de Deus em se fazer esta casa, e tam- bém por outra parte as obrigações tão precisas tratamos de cumprir este le- gado como o testador o pedia; e com efeito se fez huma cazinha de seis braças em comprido.
Page 2
[Texto Principal] etros de largo, q’ se julgou por bastante para o que se pretendia. Mas antes de se fazer se comunicou esta Resolução ao Ex.mo Bispo de Japão (q’ Deos em sua gloria) que m.to aprovou: e depois da sua morte, ao M.to R.do P.e Governador do Bispado, que tam bem aprovou, e confirmou esta obra, este assento de comunica aos Senhores, que governavam a Cidade no anno de 1638. e se lhes pedia algum lugar para se fazer esta Casa, e pelo acaso lá ver hum tro dos Muros apontado, e concedido aquelle em que se faz; e na guarda as quais se ajuntam, comprando-o por dinheiro hum pequeno pedaço, q’ era de huuns Mossos de Bartholomeu de Rocha, alem de outro que Sua Irmã Isabel da Rocha para isto concedeu, p’la bem outros bucatos em que dous Chinês tinham suas *chapas* de seus Mayores, que foi necessario aquedar- tô-los com dinheiro para que naõ fizessem Matinadas. Sobre tudo, ello se pediu licença ao S.or Capitão geral Manoel da Câmara de Noronha, que adeo por julgar, como a razão lhe mostrava q’ naõ trazia inconvenien- te se fazer. Suposta esta Velação em tudo May, ajustada a verdade, e visto ellas esta cazinhas, ou pequenas Igrejas, fora dos limites, e aonde já estiveram varas, e aonde estão as ruínas dellas, como se vê com os olhos; antes ficaram-se entre May alem para as servas. Nenhua razão há p.a se opor às ordens dos Mandarins afe de arruinar esta Casa já dedicada a Deos, pois o Mesmo de casa branca se propõem; se diz q’ se veja se esta esta cazinhas dentro, ou fora dos limites da Cidade, antes de se deferir, e gora Nisto Sua petição, jura abrir-lhe hua porta p.la larga, e espaçosa para tudo o Mais intentarem como costumam fazer e por experiência nos consta, e n’tanta cópia de cousas. Por onde Nem em Lezes de Christãos, Nem em Lezes de bom governo político, se negue nunca de parecer, que tal se permita, antes seja por cousa Muito errada em consequências taõ grandes de Mal, que se podem recear, e deferir se lhes ordens. Com tudo Me parece que de se converter hua petição m.to acomodada sobre estas cousas, e se lhe deve Mandar com presteza ao Mandarim de Changshan que he acabeu, e Ouvidor de hei limites, a tratar por todas as vias de que se a Secretaria ne gociasse de ordinar, e bons termos, e pode ser que se achará cousa de algum bom efeito; o Mandar se pedir licença por Mandarim alguns Portuguezes sobre estes negócios ao Colao, que se poderá bem ser que entendendo elles quem tivera a elle tomar, e que para ello foi se aprestar alguns chaós, se acomodem, temendo elles.
Page 3
[Page 151] [Texto Principal] Ser castigado como autor de devolutas, se as cousas, por que elle he conhe- cido entre Chinas, co q’ julgou neste prato de So não derrubar esta cari- dade; julgo em os outros quatro q’ na chapa se apontão: e com isto depois- ja dou razão a V.M.ª do Meu Parecer Nesta Matéria: e com ella o darei em toda a parte, por julgar que isto he o que convem ao bem público do Collo aos 21 de Mayo de 1654.
Translation
Page 1
**[Page 160]**
**[Main Text]**
Year of Our Lord 1654
From the Church of the Catechumens, Our Lady of Refuge
The governing authorities of the City [of Macau] instructed me, by official dispatch dated 20 May, that—following the recitation of the Angelus—there had arrived a mandate from the Mandarin of the White House, bearing his official seal, granting permission for matters previously communicated to him by those same authorities. This mandate concerned a *chapa* (an official imperial edict or proclamation) issued by senior Mandarins, ordering the demolition or alteration of various structures and civic works within the city. Among these provisions was a directive to demolish a small house situated at the eastern foot of St Paul’s Hill, which had been erected expressly to facilitate the catechisation—under conditions of greater convenience and pastoral suitability—of those individuals desiring conversion to our Holy Faith.
This structure was constructed not only in accordance with the established practice observed in other cities of the Portuguese Estado da Índia—where similar catechumen houses are maintained—but also in continuity with analogous institutions operating within China itself, including at the Imperial Court in Peking (Beijing), where such dedicated premises serve precisely this ministry and are, in fact, used for the systematic instruction of new converts in the catechism.
It might have been reasonably apprehended that the erection of such a house would occasion surprise or objection, particularly given its location adjacent to existing ecclesiastical buildings; yet in this city of Macau—as elsewhere in the Indies—the Mandarins have on several occasions issued *chapás*, and far from objecting, they have even permitted, and in certain instances actively supported, the construction of churches. This reflects their general non-prohibition of the conversion of native Chinese subjects to our Holy Faith. Moreover, such initiatives were undertaken without undue caution or apprehension, especially as—in contrast to other cities of the Indies, where severe penalties and punitive measures have been imposed upon catechumens and their conversions—no such sanctions have occurred in Macau over the preceding eight years.
Beyond these considerations—which appeared, at the time, to constitute the most compelling justifications for constructing the house—additional obligations of a binding nature necessitated its realisation. For António de Goa, a resident of this city, died here in the year 1600 (Anno Domini), bequeathing to this College of Macau the sum of 450 *taéis* (a unit of silver currency, equivalent to approximately one Chinese *liang* or ‘tael’) specifically for the purpose of erecting a catechumen house. Until such time as the need for this building was deemed more urgent, the legacy remained invested in local landholdings, generating modest annual returns: 24 *pardaus* (a monetary unit then current in Macau, roughly equivalent to one Portuguese *real*) were disbursed annually to a Chinese lay assistant who supported this ministry at the site; any surplus, augmented by other charitable donations, was applied towards the sustenance of catechumens and other indigent persons.
Given that no substantial objections or practical impediments—such as those outlined above—were apparent, and indeed that the construction of this house served a manifest spiritual good and advanced the service of God, we judged it both pastorally necessary and morally imperative to fulfil the testator’s explicit wishes. Accordingly, a modest dwelling—measuring six *braças* (approximately 11.5 metres) in length—was duly erected.
Page 2
**Translation into Modern UK Academic English**
[Main Text]
…metres in length, which was deemed sufficient for the intended purpose. However, prior to commencing construction, this resolution was communicated to His Excellency the Bishop of Japan (may God rest his soul in glory), who gave it his full approval. Following his death, the matter was referred to the Most Reverend Father Governor of the Diocese, who likewise approved and confirmed the undertaking. This decision was then formally communicated to the municipal authorities governing the city in the year 1638, and a suitable site was requested for the construction of this residence. By chance, a section of the city wall was identified and granted for this purpose—the very stretch upon which the building was subsequently erected. To secure the necessary ground for its enclosure, a small parcel of land was purchased outright; this plot had previously belonged to the servants (‘mossos’) of Bartolomeu de Rocha. In addition, Isabel da Rocha—his sister—granted another adjacent portion expressly for this project. Furthermore, two Chinese residents held *chapas* (i.e., official land grants or title deeds) over adjoining plots, issued by their respective elders (*maiores*); it proved necessary to compensate them financially to prevent disturbances (*matinadas*—i.e., public protests or violent demonstrations), which they threatened to stage.
Above all, formal permission was sought from His Lordship Captain-General Manuel da Câmara de Noronha, who, after careful consideration—and guided by sound reason—judged that the construction would entail no inconvenience or detriment.
Assuming, as is manifestly the case, that this ‘Velação’ (i.e., the original act of dedication or consecration) took place in May, and that the truth of the matter has been duly verified, one may observe—by direct inspection—that these ‘little houses’ or small chapels lie *outside* the formal city limits. Their former locations are well attested: vestiges of boundary markers (*varas*) remain visible at those sites, and the ruins of the earlier structures are still plainly discernible to the eye. Indeed, these chapels were originally situated even further beyond the city walls—specifically, in the area designated for domestic servants.
There exists, therefore, no justifiable ground for opposing the Mandarins’ orders to demolish this house, now already dedicated to God—particularly since the Mandarins themselves propose to erect a ‘White House’ (i.e., a government administrative building) on the same site. It has been suggested that the question of whether these chapels lie within or outside the city boundaries be formally investigated *before* any decision is rendered on the present petition. At present, the petitioners undertake to open, at their own expense, a broad and spacious doorway—intended both for practical access and as a gesture of goodwill—thereby enabling all other measures customarily adopted in such cases; experience confirms that such provisions have consistently proven effective and are abundantly practicable.
Accordingly, neither Christian law nor sound principles of civil governance can reasonably justify refusal of this request. On the contrary, to deny it would constitute a grave error, given the serious adverse consequences that might ensue—consequences which are readily foreseeable and deeply concerning. Hence, the Mandarins’ directive should be deferred.
Nevertheless, it appears advisable to submit a carefully drafted and diplomatically worded petition addressing these matters. Such a petition ought to be dispatched without delay to the Mandarin of Changshan—currently serving as Prefect (*Acabeu*) and Overseer of the City Limits (*Ouvidor dos Hei Limites*). He should be urged—through all appropriate channels available to the Secretariat—to pursue the matter with tact, discretion, and due regard for protocol, in the hope of securing a favourable outcome. Moreover, it would be prudent to entrust certain Portuguese subjects—those known to possess influence and credibility—with the task of formally requesting the Colao’s (i.e., the Provincial Governor’s) intervention on this matter. It is possible that, once apprised of the situation and aware that preparations—including the procurement of suitable timber (*chaós*)—are already underway, the Mandarin authorities may accede to the request, motivated by prudence and concern for maintaining stability.
Page 3
[Page 151] [Main Text] He shall be punished as the author of *devolutas*—that is, of lands or properties escheated to the Crown—should it be established that the matters for which he is recognised among the Chinese community in Macau have led him to judge in this case concerning So (a local litigant) in a manner inconsistent with equity and impartiality; I hereby render judgment upon the other four points enumerated on the docket. With this, I now submit to Your Majesty my opinion on this matter, and I shall uphold and reiterate it consistently in all relevant proceedings, deeming this course to be in the public interest of the College [i.e., the Senate of Macau, known formally as the *Leal Senado*]. Dated at Macau, 21 May 1654.