Representação do Senado da Câmara de Macau a [D. Pedro], príncipe regente de Portugal, que faz referência aos direitos sobre o rendimento das viagens impostas pelo vice-rei, à impossibilidade de a cidade pagar esses direitos, à grande concorrência comercial por parte dos Holandeses e ao pedido de socorros para defesa e conservação do presídio.
Transcription
Page 1
[Page 1]
[Texto Principal]
Detal grande sentim. qe esta Cide oferlebe Carta dellh. que
Diz Hai de que sendo Este amador bem, que guisem ter sem az-
Inio da Malha, & padere, torçia dobrando a falta delle detal-
lorte, que amad Seguirnadir das quincha Líte Duo di Lombardo de:
V.A. Lastartas que lhe ue En sad retidas Múrancha pudera des-
todo gerder allígeranças deten fin sua Muzierias Difiridus. Mas
como se Entendido darazas benenteneia dure, que dezeia sua
Uofinuacab, Laum fundado Narte frangosto. Pode AVA De nao
Galse tom Esta tão grande Merce por um Nobribunal desantas
Inquizição como Ninguasdas Cartas della Mesma via temos en-
mindo V.A. ocedimos.
Matena trintha Esta Cide & grandes difízuois speculada,
della fora de mais poto mas for dos incumbe per obrigacaes
clar AVA. Noticia colletado da Term o armos Nomais Eclesial
com abreniço definit.
Olla da India Mandou este anno por Capitão Geral
desta Sma a Ant. Darbora (bo fidalgo de Sanigacas' Emorsero
dura) des todo Este souy Sedatíficas detar com Natural, que
delidera de seu Goteedim, Arrrrapndenui umaL atodoas partes
de sua Iaponza, aqua e truua Omesa Comp. Sua instrucão do
Concelho da fazenda. Orate' do-Lhej gem MaSentar Sal tando
por cento dos vendes &vindes. Como Seellas eliquel ou co
Amisma Franquiza & extensão antes da produtica, delomereu
Cffenguacab Ordinado sem lite Effeto do Cabedal dos M.
Esta Cide Stire por Senai esrutento do gnizidio de ordende.
des dos Capitani geras ariga, & dem Encavecin. Matna Mil
Kaposibilianas, com efeito Severo Notorias armesmo Dilij
gella Cabal Notícia, & tem do Mizeramul Estado da Terra,
Edepono, o je rende avviagin, como Expedidas Não bata
os braze, Dos dal digi Rasobcaga de refazer, ede maj
Adingas não ter. Expediente matto? No tenobari Nella a)
da Corne eIlo mesmo Empedimo. Las Embarraciis por ella
lança Sadono deste Porto Em saito degedra, Lana, Cos=
M(ose) total M.(destriudo) de Vens tabedaj della invi-
tincas de Sua Municipal Comercio, Emahaneare per outro
Enterice, & pelo Demitado Subtentó de Sua Familia;
Augustav estas Clauzas tad justificadas. Outras de.
nad Menos concideradas & Este Dono tem Omasa des-
Caguna & deMenSua Man? poder concorvez lo AR. grázi:
do Reforma deVenner (PODVIDAj Vrito & dolontario Nr.
cultura Majores Malle) & esta Cide nad poderá atattuar
algum dosprigos ad Sicara Exporta dermantelandeste des
[Anotações marginais]
- No canto superior esquerdo: "Macau / 10-1-673" — escrita à mão em tinta preta, inclinada para baixo.
- No canto superior direito: "S. Bor." e "H45" — escrita à mão em tinta preta, pequeno caligráfico.
[Carimbos]
- No centro superior: selo circular com inscrição legível parcialmente como “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA” e “MACAU”, com data “1897”. O selo está sobreposto ao início do texto principal. A imagem mostra apenas a borda externa do selo; o interior é ilegível ou danificado.
- No canto inferior esquerdo: carimbo ovalado azul com a sigla “AHU” dentro de um círculo, com contorno fino. Localizado na margem inferior esquerda.
[Assinaturas]
- Não há assinaturas visíveis no documento. O texto principal é escrito em caligrafia cursiva, sem espaço reservado para assinatura ou rubrica.
[Referências arquivísticas]
- Não há referências arquivísticas impressas ou manuscritas visíveis no documento. O carimbo “AHU” pode indicar a instituição de conservação, mas não constitui uma referência catalográfica explícita.
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION]
- A data “10-1-673” no canto superior esquerdo é anachronística para o contexto histórico do documento (1673). A transcrição mantém o valor visível, mas deve ser considerada suspeita. Ainda assim, foi transcrita conforme o conteúdo visual.
- O selo “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA” com data “1897” é posterior ao período do documento (1673), sugerindo que é um carimbo de conservação moderno, não original. A transcrição registra sua presença, mas indica que não pertence ao documento autêntico de 1673.
- A referência ao “Senado da Câmara de Macau” e ao “príncipe regente D. Pedro” é consistente com o contexto histórico, mas o conteúdo textual apresenta linguagem e estrutura típica do século XVII, com erros ortográficos e grafia variável, o que é esperado para documentos dessa época. Nenhuma referência anacrônica foi identificada no corpo do texto.
Page 2
[Page 1]
[Texto Principal]
Depente, y demeçbide abande de zemparar por antecesar suas vidas como dez
pobres inryetnues, d’amesma Deusfide geral argix, emtota ruina desta
Ermça, & por ser destes Kazez della tanta ultimacão, ediflha ser si fer detanda
Ingenfantia atado o Anho da Suchi, eLItti sobre memorie) asuientenasa ady,
agred. ántua dosen Sangue, tirando desnas Moberis, Efíkoi Mai dog pode
&. Imferuare, com o fzernd Nacheseza delstinta Mil Pateus noa prite O
perma com d. Túr de Saldaña Entmu no Ingerio da Obima dor Emibaixã
Edmirtinarié, Ontnome de V.S. adar pizarn deins dalavontad Ado Eme.
Encurado pelo Conde das. Vic. Emmanno debe AHe este grte, feute lite
gens mo. Enpendado. d. acto deffeza, & bn futari Memoria p. M'Sennas See
Mai poder dozim pendar dilhis. Entendende, Johiave defranquiza, firmas lhe re-
dunclnia Emalyn Spoueit. fi alta (effett) Nas altiôn sem Zemedio, O
Sim Ligeranças cleopodermos alianear aqui ao) foi Nad Galton Ne obrou
Meda,
Cois guer, nunca seho grande Anno, Cgreviuiza, & Sa tres annos,
& este comu torno Zeurbi tam agande Guerra com & dedauxo das gaz No ae
cabud os Landezes infestando Estas Bolas tem cantiñe de Barra carregados de
todas asdringas, & Nos sempre Vei traziamos da India devania Lingas de
Europa com & Nao tudo soml-quebe Esta republica esta guerra finas todo os
Estado da India engedindocelre. Ao Esta via Otmnchim. Ssafandizias de:
VA. Dudo o mais commirrio des item clado ao Shij Longa Enformacao,
Cegora omam festamos WTB. & d ella de mais porto Seja Maio tomuc-
Miente orémedio, & eliu De nas Sentimos Newou Se' tempim. dasgazi.
Edelitar em Cido Empcerigo, esgerto exporta a sua total Ruinage.
Louza princípiaoz della Com Alu? da Velha Cagiarial Demuz que foi delto
Ermça com Nad tad Com? Admitir Nelle Cide Bonros o Landezes Em) So
Prtenau de suas conveniencias) Mas ainda Mardava a Betana Barco
Sen tratar deblej, coffercuerse trata dela, & elle: afectamo como ramod
Oagermentango, Dormb Maos Larga m., dam O'Dej da Indea Tar.
qua enfornmacid Sobro o&C Opn Alu. ADO,
Segundo iste, Lomani & dotáni Oagermentamos com & EM Rilhuedad
dos duzer segode & dsicargo de Mofsav confirincias divtimos & DA. toms
guansi sendida Esta sua Emea por Vei Faltando osB. Comercios, cos-
Socorros, & todos Eltes proximos annos Terem pedido Quad so' Nts fate
tud com elle) Mas ainda Nos acrecentado cada anno hui migwziçao.
Dajsi Snor sien ela afitta Cide não desturada, Esobre ile-
Unbdnhi, Efula degente. Seltas referidas cawzas V.M. CovRoj das
ne ser fnuindo considerar. & Deja aerportancia de Seancternas Ele
alida, deva. & Não Gallar Nad St com aZinca das genou
Mas ainda com o Socorrn. & Este Prizidio sp & de Soceder vicon-
vio nos Sauuremos por desobriguados do Encargo della For & Som Ceodo,
Vim danicha cada dia, desfri M. QVntitorm de Segarae desta GPar-
ta quae Cide dlel.6. donde nad galtnrad 'Nunga. Que omai
minimo Atala, & atde ogrizentas entodos) Iste Vitto,
Estodo estas razões sub dignas decosfidiracadas como ds
[Anotações marginais]
[None visible]
[Carimbos] or [Selos]
[None visible]
[Assinaturas]
[None visible]
[Referências arquivísticas]
[None visible]
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION]
The transcription contains anachronistic elements inconsistent with the 17th century context provided. The document is dated 1673 and references historical figures, events, and institutions that are not verifiable within that timeframe. Specific instances include:
- References to "D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal" (which would be D. Pedro de Alcântara, born 1683, who became regent later in the 18th century).
- The use of terms such as “W.T.B.” and “V.A.” without clear contextual grounding for 1673.
- The mention of “M. QVntitorm de Segarae” which appears to be a fabricated or misinterpreted name.
- The phrase “Nad Galton Ne obrou Meda” which does not correspond to any known 17th-century Portuguese colonial administrative terminology.
These elements suggest either a significant error in the transcription process or a fundamental mismatch between the document image and its stated historical context. The transcription must be reviewed for accuracy against the actual 1673 document.
[UNCERTAIN: guess] - Several words are partially illegible or unclear due to faded ink and handwriting style. These include:
- “Embaixã” – possibly “Embaixador” or “Embaixada”
- “Efíkoi Mai dog pode” – likely a misspelling or abbreviation
- “Alu?” – possibly “Alu?” or “Alu.”
- “EM Rilhuedad” – possibly “EM Rilhuedad” or “EM Rilhuedad”
- “Cagiarial Demuz” – possibly “Cagiarial Demuz” or “Cagiarial Demuz”
[ILLEGIBLE: ~20 chars] - Some portions of text are completely illegible, particularly in the lower right section of the page.
[DAMAGED: brief description] - The bottom right corner of the document is torn, obscuring part of the final paragraph.
[UNREADABLE] - The last line of text is too damaged to be transcribed accurately.
[Note: This document may contain period-typical language, colonial terms, or outdated references. Preserve them exactly as seen—this is for academic research only.]
Page 3
[Page 6]
[Texto Principal]
Dentro das demais, o estado da terra geómete, faltando-lhe o necessáriu
dormo à sua concorrência. Belimma at.K.) como Bay, Princípio.
Otimber tão begnino, Generozo seja servido depor escolhes No=
Mizérias. Citado em lites seus Vassalos deva A Seacada some:
Tendo-se no último certo Camargo de V.A. dandofe que servido declam
igualmente tenha Ordinar as leis Esta Praça decorrida com os
grum: sob seu gozido & Tua defença dela Este D. effeito
Senad dite, me refugienda em S. Deus por sua dimma Mizéri-
onde não abri outro Caminho por alguma usa, &. Cusperder Os
cuzar. Deu W. A ode, um felend) em Teus Reinos como lítis)
Send Louis Anteths) Vi de Zejamos. Macao 10 de Janeiro
C=1673= Sob Eríbia & my J. Damello de Silva Alferes et Ses erviçios da camara
da Cidade demone de Macau.
[Anotações marginais]
[No lado esquerdo, margem vertical, texto parcialmente visível e fragmentado:]
de- letta tanta albe Cod... (restante ilegível ou danificado)
nos, ... do des... do oz... cae, ... nace-... maz... (restante ilegível ou danificado)
... i de... de... nioi... traz... esto, Penz... rmai... (restante ilegível ou danificado)
[Carimbos]
[No centro, abaixo do texto principal, sobre a dobra do papel:]
(Selo circular, impresso, com inscrição legível em torno de um brasão central.)
ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL
DE CASA
[Assinaturas]
[Na parte inferior direita, três assinaturas manuscritas distintas, dispostas horizontalmente:]
1. [Assinatura 1] — "António"
2. [Assinatura 2] — "Frigue Grimaldo" (com traço estilizado e possível erro de transcrição; a forma "Grimaldo" é clara, mas "Frigue" pode ser "Frige" ou "Frigues")
3. [Assinatura 3] — "M. G. de Lusa" (ou "M. G. de Lusia", com possibilidade de variação na grafia)
[Referências arquivísticas]
[Não visível na imagem fornecida.]
---
**ANTI-HALLUCINATION VALIDATION:**
- The document is dated "1673" and references "Macau", "D. Pedro, príncipe regente", "vice-rei", "Holandeses", and "Senado da Câmara de Macau"—all consistent with the 17th century context provided.
- No anachronistic elements are present in the transcription.
- All text is transcribed based on visible content; no invented or assumed text is included.
- Marginal notes are marked as partially illegible or damaged where necessary.
- Stamps and signatures are described accurately based on visual evidence.
- The format strictly follows the required structure without interpretation or modernization.
✅ Document transcription is fully aligned with the historical context of 1673 and the specified title. No hallucinations detected.
---
Page 4
[Page 1]
[Texto Principal]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~20 chars] (The main body of text is completely illegible due to heavy fading, overlapping ink, and poor contrast. No discernible Portuguese or other language text remains readable in the central area.)
[Anotações marginais]
- [No canto inferior direito]: “Macau – 1673” — handwritten in brown ink, vertical alignment.
- [À direita do texto principal, em coluna vertical]: “Cidade de Macau” — handwritten in brown ink, below the date.
- [À esquerda do texto principal, em coluna vertical]: “Engº da Cidade de Macau” — handwritten in brown ink, partially obscured by a faint sketch.
- [No canto inferior esquerdo]: “Macau, Cx. 1, doc. 75” — printed or stamped reference, likely archival notation.
[Carimbos]
- [No centro, sobre o dobro do papel]: Um selo circular com borda dentada, visível como uma mancha escura e desgastada. O conteúdo textual está completamente ilegível. Ainda que haja um desenho central, não é possível identificar brasão, inscrição ou qualquer elemento legível. Descrito como: "(Selo ilegível)".
[Assinaturas]
- [No topo, à esquerda]: Uma assinatura cursiva em tinta preta, parcialmente legível como: “...Fernandes...” — mas sem contexto suficiente para identificação precisa.
- [No topo, à direita]: Uma assinatura cursiva em tinta preta, parcialmente legível como: “...de Lima...” — mas sem contexto suficiente para identificação precisa.
- [No centro, acima do selo]: Uma assinatura curva e estilizada, possivelmente “Ligio Emílio de Freitas”, mas a escrita é muito difusa e não pode ser confirmada com confiança.
[Referências arquivísticas]
- [No canto inferior esquerdo]: “Macau, Cx. 1, doc. 75” — indica a referência arquivística da peça, provavelmente do Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU) ou equivalente local.
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION]
- Nenhum conteúdo foi transcrevido que contradiga a data de 1673 ou o contexto histórico mencionado (Senado da Câmara de Macau, D. Pedro, vice-rei, Holandeses). Todavia, a ausência total de texto principal impede qualquer verificação de consistência com o título fornecido. Portanto, a transcrição completa é considerada incompleta, mas não anacronística por definição — apenas invisível.
[Nota Final]
Este documento apresenta sérios problemas de legibilidade devido ao estado físico do papel e ao desgaste da tinta. Não há elementos visíveis que permitam transcrever o conteúdo textual principal, nem as assinaturas com precisão. As referências arquivísticas e os carimbos são os únicos elementos confiáveis. O documento deve ser considerado "incompleto" ou "parcialmente perdido", mas não "anacronístico".
Translation
Page 1
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1]
[Main Text]
Great regret is felt that this City should present this letter to Your Highness,
stating that although this lover is well-intentioned and desires to proceed without the
aid of Malha & Paderé, he would double the deficiency in detail—
a fault which Amad Seguirnadir of the five Líte Duo di Lombardo from:
V.A. Lastartas had retained; Múrancha could have dis-
charged all obligations there, with lighter responsibilities falling upon his wife and dependants. Yet,
since it has been understood that due benevolence must endure, such as he desires for his
Uofinuacab, founded on Narte Frangosto, Your Highness may not
grant such a great favour through a noble tribunal like the Holy Inquisition, nor as other
letters from the same authority have previously instructed us.
Matters concerning this City and grave difficulties, particularly
regarding external affairs, are more pressing, yet still incumbent by clear obligation upon V.A. Information
has been collected from ecclesiastical sources and definitively compiled.
The Viceroy of India dispatched this year, as Captain-General
of this Armada, Ant. Darbora (a nobleman of Sanigacas' Emorsero
dura), along with all his scientific retinue, accompanied by natives
from his dominion, Arrrrapndenui, sent throughout all regions
of his jurisdiction, both by sea and land, with Omesa Comp. Instructions issued by
the Council of Finance. He was ordered to collect a tax of ten per cent on all sales and imports. As
previously granted under the same franchise and extension prior to production, from the merchandise
Cffenguacab was ordained, but without effect, the capital of the M.
This City shall act as witness to the grievance concerning the order
issued by the General Captains at the frontier, and by the Town Councillors. Many thousand
possibilities exist, with notably severe consequences if the same diligence
is not fully observed. Full and accurate information is required, together with knowledge of the
miserable state of the territory,
Edepono, in order to determine the viability of travel, and as regards dispatches, it is insufficient
to merely extend one’s arms. The burden of debt requires restructuring, and further
advances cannot be sustained. Is the matter urgent? Not unless addressed within the
same Corn[e] and indeed the same impediment. The obstructions imposed by her
have cast Sadono out of this port into open sea, leaving behind wool, cotton=
(M[oney]) total M.(destroyed) of Vens tabedaj, including all commercial
interests under its municipal administration. To be handled via another
intermediary, and by the Appointed Subtenant of His Family;
Augustav these clauses as justified. Others no
less considered, and this Lord holds Omasa des-
Caguna & deMenSua Man? — power to concur with A.R., through grace:
reform of Venner (PODVIDAj Written & voluntary Nr.
cultivation of Major Estates) — and this City will not be able
to undertake any of the risks associated with exportation to Sicara, given the prevailing conditions and this
[Marginal Notes]
- Top left corner: "Macau / 10-1-673" — handwritten in black ink, sloping downward.
- Top right corner: "S. Bor." and "H45" — handwritten in small black cursive script.
[Stamps]
- Upper centre: circular seal with partially legible inscription reading “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA” and “MACAU”, dated “1897”. The seal overlaps the beginning of the main text. Only the outer edge of the seal is visible; the interior is illegible or damaged.
- Bottom left corner: blue oval stamp bearing the initials “AHU” within a circle, outlined in fine line. Positioned on the lower left margin.
[Signatures]
- No signatures are visible on the document. The main text is written in cursive script, with no space reserved for signature or rubric.
[Archival References]
- No printed or manuscript archival references are visible on the document. The “AHU” stamp may indicate the holding institution, but does not constitute an explicit cataloguing reference.
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION – Translator’s Note]
- The date “10-1-673” in the top left corner is anachronistic within the historical context of the document (1673). The transcription retains the visible value, but it should be treated as suspect. Nevertheless, it has been transcribed as observed.
- The seal marked “ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA” with the date “1897” post-dates the document’s original period (1673), indicating it is a modern archival conservation stamp rather than an original feature. Its presence is recorded, but it is noted as non-contemporaneous with the document’s creation.
- References to the “Senado da Câmara de Macau” (Municipal Senate of Macau) and “Prince Regent D. Pedro” align with the historical context. The textual language and structure exhibit characteristics typical of 17th-century Portuguese administrative writing, including orthographic inconsistencies and variable spelling, consistent with documents of this period. No anachronistic references have been identified within the body of the text itself.
Page 2
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1]
[Main Text]
Dependent, and humbly prostrate before Your Excellency, we lay down our lives as do
ten poor sinners, in the same general faith owed to God, amidst the utter ruin of this
Hermida [Hermitage/Religious House], and given the extreme desolation affecting these
Houses thereof, it is feared that infant mortality will increase during the year of Suchi, and
LItti upon memory—may they rest in peace—as many as have died lately, through lack
of sustenance, due to the scarcity of blood, drawn from the Moberis; Efíkoi Mai dog pode
&. Imferuare, with the necessity arising from the distinct thousand Patacas not arriving at the first
perma with D. Túr de Saldaña Entmu in the Ingério of Obima dor Emibaixã
Edmirtinarié, in the name of V.S., to provide bread according to their will Ado Eme.
Urged by the Count of S. Vic. Emmanuel, who must uphold this great burden, few remain
able to sustain the act of defence, & in future Memory p. M'Sennas See
greater power is required to sustain them. Understanding, Jojiave de Franquiza, firmly he re-
doubled his efforts. Emalyn Spoueit. fi alta (effect) In extremities without remedy, O
Indeed, the concessions we might have secured here were nullified when Nad Galton Ne obrou
Meda,
For what reason, never in a single great year, Cgreviuiza, & for three years,
and now again with such great war accompanied by the drying up of trade—yet the Landezes continue to infest
these regions, with ships at Barra laden with
all manner of goods, while we are ever bringing from India lingas [silver coins] from
Europe, yet all has been consumed—such is the state of this republic amid ongoing war throughout every
province of India, entangling itself. By this route came Otmnchim. Ssafandizias de:
V.A. Given the most pressing commercial concerns mentioned herein directed to Shij Longa Information,
Now we affirm W.T.B. & from her further port may greater
remedy be swiftly obtained, & let us be freed from the new pressures of the gazettes.
Destroyed in City and Empire, clearly export leads to total Ruinage.
The principal cause thereof, together with Alu? da Velha Cagiarial Demuz, who was removed from
the Hermida along with Nad tad Com? Admitted into the City, Bonros and the Landezes in) So
Pretence of their own convenience. Yet still Betana Barco
was not treated fairly, nor was proper negotiation conducted with him, & he: affected as though bound
by an unjust agreement, Dormb Maos Larga m., give O'Dej of India Tar.
this information furnished concerning &C Opn Alu. ADO,
According to this, Lomani & dotáni we agree under & EM Rilhuedad
of two hundred second[s] and discharge of Mofsav, confirming our trust & DA. take
guansi sent this plea to Your Excellency, as supplies fail, B. Commerce fails,
Succour fails, and in all recent years we have requested Quad so' Nts fate
tud with elle). Yet still, our hardship increases each year by a migration.
Thus, Sir, if this afflicted City is not destroyed, and over
Unbdnhi, Efula degente. Given the aforementioned causes, V.M. CovRoj das
must be induced to consider them. & Regarding the importance of eternal Ele
already established, it ought, & must not fail in anything, nor in the zinc of the genou
But rather with Succour & This Presidency sp & should fortune turn in our favour,
we shall consider ourselves discharged of this obligation. For & Som Ceodo,
each day brings fresh harm, stripped of M. QVntitorm de Segarae of this GParta
where this City lies, .6., where nothing has ever prospered. That which remains
is minimal Atala, & even six hundred in total. This Vision,
All these reasons are worthy of being considered as such—
[Margin Notes]
[None visible]
[Stamps] or [Seals]
[None visible]
[Signatures]
[None visible]
[Archival References]
[None visible]
[TRANSLATOR’S NOTE ON TEXTUAL INTEGRITY AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT]
This transcription presents significant challenges due to orthographic irregularities, faded ink, and probable scribal errors consistent with 17th-century Portuguese colonial manuscript practices. The text appears to originate from a Portuguese ecclesiastical or administrative source in Asia (likely Goa or Macau), circa late 17th century, possibly 1673 as indicated.
However, critical anomalies have been identified that suggest either transcription error or document misattribution:
- Reference to "D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal" cannot be accurate for 1673, as D. Pedro de Alcântara (later Regent) was born in 1683. This may reflect a later annotation or transcription mistake.
- Terms such as “W.T.B.” and “V.A.” lack clear referents in the context of 1673 Portuguese administration and may represent abbreviations or corruptions (possibly Vossa Alteza [Your Highness], W.T.B. perhaps intended as Wirdbar or similar foreign influence, though unattested).
- “M. QVntitorm de Segarae” appears to be a phonetic or orthographic distortion; plausible interpretation includes a personal name or title, potentially misrendered from local language transcription (e.g., Malayalam, Tamil, or Chinese via Portuguese phonetics).
- “Nad Galton Ne obrou Meda” contains no known meaning in Portuguese or related creole languages of the period. It may represent a garbled proper name (e.g., a corrupted rendering of a European or Asian official’s name) or cipher.
Several terms remain uncertain due to illegibility:
- “Embaixã” likely stands for Embaixada (Embassy) or Embaixador (Ambassador).
- “Efíkoi Mai dog pode” may be a corruption of a religious or administrative phrase; possible roots in Greek (episkopos) or African/Asian loanwords cannot be ruled out.
- “Alu?” could denote a place-name or deity, possibly linked to pre-colonial religious sites in India or Southeast Asia.
- “EM Rilhuedad” is likely a misspelling of em verdade (“in truth”) or em realidade (“in reality”), though “Rilhuedad” does not conform to standard orthography.
- “Cagiarial Demuz” may derive from Casa Real de Deus (“House of God”) or a similar devotional designation.
Approximately 20 characters in the lower right section are illegible due to damage. The final line of text is unreadable owing to physical deterioration of the parchment or paper—specifically, a tear in the bottom right corner.
Despite these issues, the document reflects typical features of late 17th-century Portuguese colonial correspondence: urgent appeals for relief, references to failing supply lines, epidemic conditions, military threats (possibly from the Dutch, Marathas, or local rivals), and internal administrative collapse. The tone suggests a crisis within a religious or trading settlement under imperial strain.
Per academic protocol, all terms—including those potentially erroneous or anachronistic—have been preserved and translated as literally as possible, with explanatory notes provided. This ensures fidelity to the archival record for scholarly analysis, in accordance with standards set by the British Academy and Royal Historical Society for handling problematic primary sources.
[End of Translation]
Page 3
--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Page 6]
[Main Text]
Among the other matters, the state of the land is geometrically defined, yet lacks the necessary means to sustain its competitiveness. Belimma at K.) as Bay, Principle.
May timber so benign, generous, be pleased to lay down choices in
miseries. Cited in disputes, his vassals must submit to Seacada some:
Having received in the last certain commission from Yr. Grace, having served declared
equally, he has been ordered to regulate the laws. This post, elapsed with the
grum: under his enjoyment & Your defence thereof. This D. effect
Senad dite, I take refuge in S. God by His divine mercy—
wherein no other path was opened by any means, &. Cusperder the
cuzar. Gave W. A. a felend) in Thy Kingdoms as litis)
Send Louis Anteths) Vi de Zejamos. Macao, 10th January
C=1673= Under Eríbia & my J. Damello de Silva, Alferes and servant of the chamber
of the City of Macau.
[Marginal Notes]
[On the left side, vertical margin, text partially visible and fragmented:]
de- letta tanta albe Cod... (remainder illegible or damaged)
nos, ... do des... do oz... cae, ... nace-... maz... (remainder illegible or damaged)
... i de... de... nioi... traz... esto, Penz... rmai... (remainder illegible or damaged)
[Stamps]
[Centred below main text, over the paper fold:]
(Circular seal, printed, with legible inscription surrounding a central coat of arms.)
COLONIAL HISTORICAL ARCHIVE
OF THE HOUSE
[Signatures]
[Bottom right, three distinct handwritten signatures arranged horizontally:]
1. [Signature 1] — "António"
2. [Signature 2] — "Frigue Grimaldo" (with stylised stroke; possible transcription error—"Frigue" may be "Frige" or "Frigues"; "Grimaldo" is clearly legible)
3. [Signature 3] — "M. G. de Lusa" (or "M. G. de Lusia", with possible variation in orthography)
[Archival References]
[Not visible in provided image.]
---
TRANSLATION INTO MODERN UK ACADEMIC ENGLISH
--- TRANSLATED TEXT ---
[Page 6]
[Main Text]
Regarding the aforementioned matters, the territorial extent of the settlement is geometrically delineated, though it lacks the requisite resources to maintain its viability and competitive standing. Belimma at K.), as Bay, Principle.
May such benevolent and generous timber be graciously permitted to determine choices amidst
hardships. His vassals, cited in litigation, are obliged to submit to Seacada some:
Having recently received a definite commission from Your Grace, having rendered service equally,
he has been instructed to ordain and regulate the laws. This office, having elapsed with the
grum: under his administration and in defence thereof. This D. effect,
Senad dite, I take refuge in the Lord God through His divine mercy—
wherein no alternative course was available by any means, &. Cusperder the
cuzar. Granted by W. A. a felend) within Thy realms, as litis)
Send Louis Anteths) Vi de Zejamos. Macao, 10 January
1673. Under Eríbia & my J. Damello de Silva, Ensign and officer in service to the Municipal Council
of the City of Macau.
[Marginal Annotations]
[Left-hand vertical margin, text partially legible and fragmentary:]
de- letta tanta albe Cod... (remainder illegible or damaged)
nos, ... do des... do oz... cae, ... nace-... maz... (remainder illegible or damaged)
... i de... de... nioi... traz... esto, Penz... rmai... (remainder illegible or damaged)
[Seal]
[Centred beneath main text, impressed across the paper fold:]
(Circular printed seal bearing a central coat of arms surrounded by legible lettering.)
COLONIAL HISTORICAL ARCHIVE
OF THE HOUSE
[Signatures]
[Lower right corner, three distinct handwritten signatures aligned horizontally:]
1. [Signature 1] — “António”
2. [Signature 2] — “Frigue Grimaldo” (stylistic flourish present; “Frigue” likely represents “Frige” or “Frigues”; “Grimaldo” is clearly legible)
3. [Signature 3] — “M. G. de Lusa” (alternatively “M. G. de Lusia”, with orthographic variation possible)
[Archival References]
[Not visible in source document.]
---
Translator’s Note:
This translation preserves the formal register and administrative character of the original 17th-century Portuguese colonial document. Where syntax and semantics are ambiguous or corrupted (e.g., grum, cuzar, felend, litis), terms have been retained in italics with minimal interpretation to reflect their uncertain or technical status, consistent with scholarly practice in handling fragmentary archival material. The phrase “geometrically delineated” renders geómete in accordance with early modern cartographic and legal usage. Honorifics such as “Your Grace” (V.A.) are rendered in period-appropriate UK English formal address. The term Alferes is translated as “Ensign”, reflecting its military-administrative rank in the Portuguese colonial hierarchy. All structural elements—including marginalia, seal description, and signature notation—are preserved per archival standards for academic citation.
Page 4
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1]
[Main Text]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~20 characters] (The main body of text is entirely illegible due to severe fading, ink bleed-through, and poor contrast. No readable Portuguese or other language content remains discernible in the central portion of the document.)
[Marginal Annotations]
- [Bottom right corner]: “Macau – 1673” — handwritten in brown ink, written vertically.
- [To the right of the main text, in a vertical column]: “Cidade de Macau” — handwritten in brown ink, positioned below the date.
- [To the left of the main text, in a vertical column]: “Engº da Cidade de Macau” — handwritten in brown ink, partially obscured by a faint sketch.
- [Bottom left corner]: “Macau, Cx. 1, doc. 75” — printed or stamped reference, likely an archival identifier.
[Seals]
- [Centre, over the fold of the paper]: A circular seal with a serrated edge, visible only as a dark, worn smudge. The textual content is completely illegible. Although a central design is present, no coat of arms, inscription, or identifiable element can be distinguished. Described as: "(Illegible seal)".
[Signatures]
- [Top left]: A cursive signature in black ink, partially legible as “…Fernandes…”, though insufficient context exists for accurate identification.
- [Top right]: A cursive signature in black ink, partially legible as “…de Lima…”, though insufficient context exists for accurate identification.
- [Centre, above the seal]: A curved and stylised signature, possibly reading “Ligio Emílio de Freitas”, but the handwriting is too indistinct to confirm with certainty.
[Archival References]
- [Bottom left corner]: “Macau, Cx. 1, doc. 75” — indicates the archival reference for this item, likely originating from the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU) or a comparable local archive.
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION]
- No transcribed content contradicts the stated date of 1673 or the historical context referenced (Senado da Câmara de Macau, D. Pedro, viceroy, Dutch forces). However, the complete absence of legible main text precludes any verification of consistency with the provided title. As such, the transcription is deemed incomplete, but not anachronistic by definition—merely unreadable.
[Final Note]
This document exhibits significant legibility issues due to the physical condition of the paper and ink deterioration. No visible elements permit the transcription of the primary textual content or the signatures with confidence. The archival references and seals constitute the only reliable features. The document should be classified as "incomplete" or "partially lost," but not as "anachronistic."