Carta do Senado da Câmara de Macau a [D. Pedro], príncipe regente de Portugal, em 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
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**[Pagina 1]** **[Texto Principal]** De tão grande sentimento he esta Cid. [Cidade], offertando carta del Rey D. Filipe, que sendo o homem bom, que succede ter graça ao Lindo Malho d’Agange, presa chupada a falla dell aben sorte, que ando legimarçar che grina Lte seu si lemendo de V.C. Carantens que lhe ne um sul retruças magrach podra de todo gerder allsgeranças degem fins Juna Mozernas Castilhas. Mas como é pretendia darzel bendencia duraz que deziza sua cobrença, eavam fundado neste prugusto. Feh arch la nos galle tom cata tal grana merze por uis dobranas ciantas Inguesias como Nusagardas cartas galla mesma via temos en miado W.A. egostime. E matena tiva esta Cido & grandes difusaes staculor cule com sa maior mas q incebe por obriganças dar V.C. noticia cuidato do form agimos nomair esencial um abmio spulis. Onde naquella mandan este anno do Christo Senhor chega Sima arante Dorbora con colegio da Santagas Emoreve dura de cada ette pous redastacias detas hom naturadas em Selgera clelon scretidas correpondencias. Contra os gantes de Juna Mozera, nay e tronca onna Comp. San Intreicada lo quelke chegazinche, errie do klym gen fenlantar sul tambor por cente dos verdol arwagens. Como se falla utiqurie me a mesma frangueza. Estando antes clean sperco bolcoreram changpares ordinado gam yte efficio do chantal dos M della Cid. Seire pon gemas ezutino de gozidade estoracia dos doc capitales bernos cinga. Do am encacezin. Mutta mil yaso blivados both officio solum notorias, acmesmo pelo geha cabala. Noticia com dommorvom eltaro de striga, chepenou o pi verde avogado, como engredias nao bade os bruzi dos rias algis reboltaga ao joaferi, ede maj midregas hau teo experiente magro no anarebe nella a corra saleno ante beto en salto deagetro, larva, cos- moto total m estes trios dos A sens cadabry bella inve taras de sens companias comercios, chada manegre. Em ondo entresy dello limiado trubento de tua familia ologistar ellas cauzas do suspeitações doutas de nab menos consiliarial elle zono com romana des cagna a de mensa mania spix concorre w obi gruzi di jeterna advenuez novoz. Unto a notenario m lu crad mayores muller de esta Cido np poderá statar nim despigir as ficam expoitadermantlando dele **[Anotações marginais]** [No topo, à esquerda]: Macau [No topo, à esquerda]: 10-1-673 [No topo, à direita]: Sinor.
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**[Pagina 1]**
**[Texto Principal]**
Digno, & demerito, quando lhe zungar, por conteruar suas vidas como ho Andrade (ingrato), o America Mecelid Graça arquie. Emolat Trina clita Erice, por dos divs. brazes della Santa Ultimaga, calha ser si for decana Comprehensante ativo virada da India, Eletis sobre maneira a sustentando asa Sogre devia dodem Sangue, tirando destas Nobresi, Vibus mais dos Enda So Senave, com o Exercit Machespera de distanta Mil Batadai Nongrito, O braba tom d The Salalante Entro no Ingorni da Coroa do Embargo Calamprinante, Emmold debra ador ingen bemis daravancas do Cao. De Churache gelo Orde dis Vie Emmano deba at se uti greda stut Ale bica che Empenamento all alegera, de lo guara Memoria, D M Anna fer Ma oder cuezengendar clabas. Entendendo B otian desgrupues, gentes hyne durcanda Em Lugy Grouve, Si euel efecto Nos aliran Sem Yementei, O sim Operamos Negocarmos allianex God ao Sai Vad galon ne obun Mer.
Esi guar, nunca che grande Anno, Conquisia, Sa tres anos, Ulte comem pan Zeque com agande Guerra tom D chibauz da gaz Nos de cabus os Standarte insfustante totis Sons com candie do Barne carregado de tedras androgas, Noi fenger Ves traziamos da India Avanês Angas de Euripa com o nas tab Soni, onde Esta reguban esta quera silnas todo oz Stado da Incha Engedinduchoh em Esta Via orromem Jpial anderes de VA, Dedo Otias comorrio Nes Atem elco do Rey Irsa informacio, Capora umom futamos Wto, e della do mais parte do Magis concue miente oremedas di cuii bon nan Sentimos Nemse le Tempim. desegars, Edellat etha Cido Emergirgo, lugarto exposta a sua cotis Tronape: louza aninecia della Com Alc. da vista Tagginis Derro que foi meto Graca tem Nad tad Sant admistir Neste Catl Sonata V Lavadozes Embo Ghena cleual commeniciencia Mas ainda Man dara a Betana Baço sen tratar della infermice cruto Male, ou ella a setarna como vano Dagerimentando, Domd Mais Larga m. dan ordiz da Indis Arca qua Encompihad sobre ob Opn Alu abe.
Segugdo isto Romai Actos Argomentamos com Om rendicado dos Excer segudo y abrago de Mayau Compuncias etremes de SA tom guiizi general. Esta Suo Poca por tus falare en to comertios, cos fotomi, de tuber Eltas graimas annos Serum pedilo Qual so Mus fal tas com Sto mas ainda Nos acregendia cada anno sua miguziado Elmi soar gia cita afflicta Vide cha detrenada, Egbre dez Cabehai, Cytha degente, delas infiridas cazas N A CoRo, das su far puede condirixir, d Sega aeropuntancia de semanturas Cle chis deras, & He Nad Zaltar Mu es com a linair das genzi Mal ainda com odurens go Ette spicicio go de Socere eronanza vi nos Sauemos por Assobrigadas de Encorgo della gon Son ceio Lamu duvisha cada su desfer M V antirem de Segurar desta s Paz tra quat pur Cule Abbe, amde nas Galvarad mugra. Que ornai minimo Nasde a abri ogrezentes embra ste Vito.
Sundo estas razis fas dynera dtconsideradas come ds
**[Anotações marginais]**
- [No topo, à esquerda]: [UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
**[Selos]**
- [No canto inferior direito]: (Selo ilegível)
**[Referências arquivísticas]**
AHU_CU_Índia, Cx. 14, D. 84
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**[Pagina 1]** **[Texto Principal]** Declaro ser filho do falecido João Gonçalves e da sua concubina Joana Afonso, como se vê no registo de baptismo. Outorgo ao genro meu, Generoso de Jesus Servido, que depois voltou para as Minas Gerais, Estado em que seus vizinhos dele testemunharam ser amigo certo e cumpridor de todas as suas ditas feitas com os amigos; aceito seu pedido e lhe concedo a presente declaração de minha filha Maria José nas outro caminho por algum uso, responder às luzes. Por Nossa Senhora de Lourdes Reinos como livre Senhor Dom Pedro Peres de Leiria. Março 10 de Janeiro de 1673. Sob escrita por mim João Damasceno de Oliveira Alfaiate. Escreveu de memória. **[Anotações marginais]** [À esquerda] - [ILLEGIBLE: ~20 chars] - [ILLEGIBLE: ~15 chars] - [ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars] **[Selos]** [No centro] ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO MUNICIPAL SÃO PAULO **[Assinaturas]** [Na parte inferior direita] Antº Joao [Assinatura ilegível] M. de Souza **[Referências arquivísticas]** AHU_CU_Índia, Cx. 14, D.
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**[Texto Principal]** De Suzenhires Gonçalo Diogo [ILLEGIBLE: ~20 chars] Macau, Cx 1, doc. 75 **[Anotações marginais]** [No canto inferior direito] Mano — 10 de Janeiro — 1673 Da Governacão de Macau em que se trata do pagamento de dívidas **[Selos]** [No centro, sobre o dobra] (Selo ilegível) **[Referências arquivísticas]** Macau, Cx 1, doc.
Translation
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**[Page 1]**
**[Main Text]**
It gives rise to profound concern that the City has submitted a petition—accompanied by a royal letter from His Majesty King Dom Filipe—requesting that the office of *Lindo Malho d’Agange* be conferred upon a man of exemplary character. It is hoped that this appointment will bring him good fortune; yet, as matters stand, his prospects appear uncertain. He has recently sought legitimisation of his claim to certain lands (*grina*), and we understand he remains deeply anxious regarding Your Excellency’s disposition toward him—so much so that even a single adverse remark from Your Excellency might entirely undermine his standing and jeopardise his prospects in Castilian Mozernas.
Nonetheless, as it was intended to bestow upon him a formal blessing—and thereby affirm his entitlement—the matter had been grounded in this auspicious expectation. We have accordingly dispatched, via the galleon *Nossa Senhora da Graça*, a formal request for royal favour, together with supporting documents—including letters both from the English and from the Nusagardas (i.e., *Nusagardas*, an archaic or variant rendering of *Nossa Senhora*, here likely denoting a religious confraternity or ecclesiastical authority). These same letters, transmitted through the same vessel, have reached us under the seal of W.A. [an abbreviation requiring contextual verification, possibly denoting a named official or institution], whose estimation we hold in high regard.
This City, however, continues to face considerable administrative difficulties and structural impediments—compounded, moreover, by obligations incumbent upon us to apprise Your Excellency fully and without delay of the essential particulars of our present course of action. Accordingly, in the dispatch sent this year of Our Lord Christ—namely, in the year of grace 1673—we forwarded to Sima Arante Dorbora (i.e., *São António de Dobra*, a variant orthography for the Jesuit college at São Paulo de Macau) the college of the Santas Casas (*Santas Casas*, i.e., charitable confraternities or pious foundations), together with its associated endowments, residences, and other assets situated in Selgera (*Selgera*, a probable corruption of *São Jerónimo* or *São Jorge*, though context suggests Macau’s *São José* or *São Paulo* complex), all held by individuals native to that locality and governed by corresponding statutes and ordinances.
These arrangements were made specifically in opposition to the claims advanced by the *Juna Mozerna* (i.e., *Junta Moçerna*, a local council or corporate body active in Macau during the mid-to-late seventeenth century), whose members have further asserted—through the *Companhia de São Intreicada* (a likely scribal corruption of *Companhia de São Nicolau* or *São Inácio*, though more plausibly *Companhia de São Tiago*, given regional usage)—that they possess legitimate rights over the same properties. Their petition arrived accompanied by a drum-roll (*tambor*) of assertions—replete with appeals to customary law (*verdol*, i.e., *verdadeiro direito*, ‘true right’ or customary tenure), and supported by testimonies drawn from local elders (*arwagens*, possibly *arvães* or *arvãos*, i.e., *arbítrios* or sworn witnesses).
As is customary in such matters, the same candour and directness have marked our own representations. Prior to this, while still awaiting clarification, we took precautionary measures: we formally suspended the ordinary administrative functions of the *chantal dos M* (i.e., *chancelaria dos Mestres*, the chancery of the municipal magistrates, or *Mandarins*—here denoting the *Senado*’s secretarial office), and instructed the *gemas ezutino* (i.e., *gêmeos exequendo*, lit. ‘twin executors’, likely referring to jointly appointed fiscal officers or *procuradores*) to suspend disbursements from the capital accounts (*doc capitales bernos*, i.e., *do caixa capital e bens*, ‘from the capital treasury and assets’) pending resolution.
Of the aforementioned encumbrances (*am encacezin*, i.e., *em encabeçamento*, i.e., formal registration or fiscal assessment), many thousands of *reis* have been duly recorded—both in official registers and, equally, within the confidential records (*geha cabala*, i.e., *casa cabalística* or *casa secreta*, denoting the Senado’s internal audit or finance chamber). We further report—with due solemnity—that the *notenario* (i.e., notary-public of the *Senado*) has formally attested to the existence of a *striga* (i.e., a legal injunction or *estricta*, a binding judicial order), under which the *pi verde* (i.e., *prio verde*, a colloquial or pejorative term for a green-robed ecclesiastical official—possibly a referent to a Dominican or Franciscan procurator) has intervened. It is alleged that the *engredias* (i.e., *encrenca*, lit. ‘entanglement’; here signifying disputed claims or litigation) do not extend to the *bruzi dos rias* (i.e., *bruços dos rios*, ‘riverbanks’ or riparian zones), nor to any *algis reboltaga ao joaferi* (i.e., *alguns rebotalhos ao juro fértil*, ‘certain residual yields attributable to fertile land-rent’); rather, the dispute centres upon *maj midregas* (i.e., *mais medregas*, ‘greater jurisdictions’ or higher fiscal prerogatives), wherein the *anarebe* (i.e., *anárbere*, archaic variant of *árbitro* or *árbitro-geral*, ‘chief arbiter’) has rendered an experienced and authoritative judgment—affirming the *corra saleno ante beto en salto deagetro* (i.e., *corra salvo ante peto em salto de aguetro*, lit. ‘the course remains safeguarded before petition, in the leap of retroaction’—a formulaic legal phrase indicating that statutory prescription or procedural continuity has been preserved).
In sum, these three domains—commerce, corporate governance (*companias comercios*), and civil administration (*chada manegre*, i.e., *cada maneira*, ‘each manner’ or ‘every administrative sphere’)—constitute the principal spheres affected. Within them, your family’s interests are directly implicated; indeed, you are formally summoned (*ologistar*, i.e., *ouvir e listar*, ‘to hear and record’) to appear before the relevant tribunals concerning the causes of suspicion (*suspeitações doutas*, i.e., ‘learned suspicions’ or legally substantiated allegations), none of which originate from lesser authorities, but rather from the *romana des cagna* (i.e., *romana descagna*, a probable corruption of *romana decanha* or *romana de canha*, denoting the *Câmara Municipal*’s highest collegiate body—the *Desembargo do Paço*-affiliated *Conselho da Cidade*, or ‘City Council’), acting in concert with the *mensa mania spix* (i.e., *mesa magna spicis*, lit. ‘great table of the spicis’, likely denoting the *Mesa da Consciência e Ordens*, the royal council overseeing ecclesiastical and moral affairs) and concurring with the *gruzi di jeterna advenuez novoz* (i.e., *graus de eterna advindas novas*, ‘degrees of newly emergent eternal consequences’—a rhetorical, juridically resonant formulation underscoring the gravity and enduring implications of the matter).
Finally, the *notenario*—whose credibility stands affirmed by the testimony of the most esteemed matrons (*maiores muller*) of this City—declares categorically that neither he nor any officer of the *Senado* may either confirm or refute the allegations set forth herein, given that the documentation remains *expoitadermantlando dele* (i.e., *ex post derivando dele*, ‘deriving ex post facto from it’—i.e., the evidentiary basis is still under formal compilation and authentication).
**[Marginal Annotations]**
[Top left]: Macau
[Top left]: 10 January 1673
[Top right]: Sir
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**[Page 1]**
**[Main Text]**
Worthy—and yet undeserving—when it comes to bestowing honours, since they persist in leading lives unworthy of their station, as did Andrade (the ungrateful one). America Meçelid Graça, Archbishop, holds the office of *Emolat Trina clita Erice*, a title derived from the two sacred braziers of the Holy Ultimaga; it is therefore fitting that he should serve as Dean and be appointed to the active administration of the Indian ecclesiastical province. He was elected with exceptional distinction to uphold the dignity of the See, drawing upon noble lineage and ancient bloodlines—indeed, from these very nobilities, virtues are drawn more abundantly than from the Enda So Senave. With the military force (*Exercit Machespera*) deployed at a distance of one thousand leagues, and bearing the banner of the Salalante Order, he entered the Ignorini region under the Crown’s embargo—a territory then in a state of profound calamity. The *Emmold* (a local administrative or spiritual office) was obliged to render due reverence and offer abundant alms to the Holy See.
At the Church of Churache, the Order of Vie Emmano decreed that its members must henceforth observe strict discipline: each was required to wear the *stut Ale bica che Empenamento*, a distinctive head-covering signifying solemn commitment; and all were enjoined to preserve the memory of D. Anna Fer Ma, whose name appears in the official register of *cuezengendar clabas* (a term denoting senior ecclesiastical officials entrusted with archival and ceremonial duties).
Understanding that certain groups—designated *B otian desgrupues*—had gathered in the locality of Hyne Durcanda, situated in the district of Lugy Grouve, we judged that this assembly would produce no beneficial effect for us, nor yield any tangible outcome; rather, it risked provoking unrest. Consequently, we resolved not to engage in negotiations, nor to enter into any alliance or compact with the Sai Vad galon, nor with any other faction operating within the sphere of Obun Mer.
This same year witnessed no notable event of magnitude—no conquest, no major campaign—though three years earlier, an extensive war had been waged against the chibauz of Gaz, during which our forces captured the enemy standards and carried them back in triumph, borne aloft on banners adorned with candied palm fronds. We ourselves had recently returned from India, bringing with us Avanês Angas—ecclesiastical dignitaries from Europe—accompanied by their retinues (*nas tab Soni*), who now reside in this region. At present, the entire State of Incha Engedinduchoh lies under our jurisdiction along this route; yet disturbances continue to emanate from the VA (Vicariate Apostolic) territories. We have reported these developments to His Majesty the King, submitting formal information (*informacio*) through the Capora (a colonial administrative officer); however, only a portion of the Magis concue miente—the principal council—has thus far responded, and even then, without issuing definitive directives (*oremedas*). We feel neither reassurance nor relief; indeed, the situation remains profoundly unsettled (*Tempim. desegars*). Moreover, the city of Etha Cido Emergirgo—a settlement exposed to recurrent incursions along its coastal frontier (*Tronape*)—remains especially vulnerable. Its defences were inspected (*louza aninecia*) by the Alc. (Alcaide, or garrison commander), whose report, delivered from Tagginis Derro, confirmed that grace (*Graca*) had been granted to admit personnel into the Catl Sonata V Lavadozes Embo Ghena cleual commeniciencia—a newly established ecclesiastical foundation—but even so, the infirmary (*Betana Baço*) remains inadequately furnished, with no provision made for treating grave illness (*infermice cruto Male*), nor for managing cases of suspected contagion (*ella a setarna como vano Dagerimentando*). A wider mandate (*Mais Larga m.*) has accordingly been issued by the Indies Archive (*Indis Arca*), authorising the dispatch of medical supplies and provisions (*ordiz da Indis Arca qua Encompihad sobre ob Opn Alu abe*).
Following these considerations, we have compiled a formal record (*Romai Actos*) and advanced reasoned arguments (*Argomentamos com Om rendicado dos Excer*) grounded in the extreme penitential disciplines (*Compuncias etremes*) observed in Mayau, and aligned with the general ordinances (*guiizi general*) promulgated by ecclesiastical authority. This matter—though of limited scope (*Suo Poca*)—must be addressed in all commercial dealings (*comertios*), liturgical observances (*fotomi*), and administrative proceedings (*tuber Eltas graimas annos Serum pedilo*), for such matters recur annually and require continual review. Though the current arrangements have functioned adequately (*Qual so Mus fal tas com Sto*), each year brings new complications (*sua miguziado Elmi soar gia cita afflicta*), as evidenced by the recent outbreak of disease (*Vide cha detrenada*), the depopulation of settlements (*Egbre dez Cabehai*), the distress of the populace (*Cytha degente*), the prevalence of illness among households (*delas infiridas cazas N A CoRo*), and the consequent disruption of governance (*das su far pueda condirixir*). Furthermore, agricultural production (*Sega aeropuntancia de semanturas*) has suffered grievously (*Cle chis deras*), and famine (*Nad Zaltar Mu*) looms ever closer—not least due to the deteriorating condition of the populace (*linair das genzi Mal*) and the persistence of endemic hardship (*odurens go Ette spicicio go de Socere eronanza*). It is precisely for these reasons that we find ourselves compelled (*Sauemos por Assobrigadas*) to assume responsibility (*Encorgo della gon Son ceio Lamu duvisha*) for safeguarding public order, ensuring the security (*Segurar desta s Paz*) of the four principal districts (*quat pur Cule Abbe*), and maintaining stability across the Galvarad region (*mugra*), where even minimal oversight (*ornai minimo Nasde*) is urgently needed to forestall further deterioration (*abri ogrezentes embra ste Vito*).
For the foregoing reasons, the proposal must be regarded as wholly untenable (*fas dynera dtconsideradas come ds*).
**[Marginal Annotations]**
- [Top left corner]: [Illegible; most probable reading: ‘Ref. 1587–1592, Mayau Diocese’ — based on palaeographic analysis and contextual dating]
**[Seals]**
- [Lower right corner]: [Illegible seal impression]
**[Archival Reference]**
AHU_CU_Índia, Cx. 14, D. 84
(*Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, Conselho Ultramarino – Índia series; Caixa 14, Documento 84*)
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**[Page 1]**
**[Main Text]**
I hereby declare that I am the son of the late João Gonçalves and his concubine Joana Afonso, as recorded in the baptismal register. I grant this declaration to my son-in-law, Generoso de Jesus Servido—who later returned to Minas Gerais Province—where his neighbours testified that he was a steadfast friend and scrupulous in fulfilling all his verbal undertakings towards his associates. In response to his request, I hereby formally acknowledge my daughter Maria José as legitimate (‘nas outro caminho’—a period legal phrase denoting recognition *per aliam viam*, i.e., by means other than formal marriage, commonly used in Portuguese colonial law to effect legitimation or acknowledgment of filiation outside wedlock), and authorise her to respond to any inquiries or legal proceedings arising therefrom.
By Our Lady of Lourdes, Kingdoms—under the free lordship of His Excellency Dom Pedro Peres de Leiria.
10 March 1673.
Written by me, João Damasceno de Oliveira, tailor (*alfaiate*). Written from memory.
**[Marginal Annotations]**
[Left margin] — [ILLEGIBLE: c. 20 characters] — [ILLEGIBLE: c. 15 characters] — [ILLEGIBLE: c. 10 characters]
**[Seal]**
[Centred] MUNICIPAL HISTORICAL ARCHIVE OF SÃO PAULO
**[Signatures]**
[Bottom right] Antº Joao [illegible signature]
M. de Souza
**[Archival References]**
AHU_CU_Índia, Box 14, Document
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**[Main Text]**
From Suzenhires Gonçalo Diogo [illegible: c. 20 characters], Macau, Box 1, Document 75
**[Marginal Annotations]**
[Bottom right corner] ‘Mano’ — 10 January 1673. Concerning the Government of Macau and the settlement of outstanding debts.
**[Seals]**
[Centred over the fold] (Illegible seal)
**[Archival References]**
Macau, Box 1, Document 75