Carta de Rociano ... Abreu a D. João IV, rei de Portugal, que faz referência sobre o estado da cidade de Macau, sobre as dificuldades comerciais com a China e Japão e sobre a necessidade de Bispo e governador.

• Rociano... Abreu (Author)

Translation

Page 1

--- TRANSLATION ---
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[Main Text]
May it please Your Majesty, our Lord and King Dom João the Fourth of Portugal, Governor of Macau, and Titular Liberator of the expanded territory of Macau under the Law of Duange, Redeemer of the Most Holy Sacrament, to dissolve certain grievances and restore order at the Mission of São Zacarias—above all, for the greater glory of God and in pursuit of increased spiritual authority, through the establishment of stable institutions and protection for the faithful, etc.

Your Grace, we beseech you: by your own faith and singular devotion to the Holy Church, as well as your known benevolence, may you also permit grace upon this matter. We, your humble servants, created and confirmed in your royal service, having made diligent observations on account of experience, hereby submit these petitions. They are of great import, both in regard to your sovereign authority and to those loyal allies who have never wavered in their allegiance, now suffering in matters of worship.

Given the prolonged difficulties with China, together with the delegation led by António Gomes—formerly emissary bearing tidings of new developments—we affirm without reservation that, having consulted fully with civil officials, ecclesiastical officers, and all members of the community, there is unanimous and harmonious agreement: Dom Domingos, Bishop of Macau, has been duly acclaimed. The people of Macau, bound by deep affection and genuine loyalty, acclaim him with one voice and in full accord.

[Marginal Notes]
[No annotations visible or legible in this section.]

[Stamps] or [Seals]
- [Top right]: A partially visible circular stamp bearing the inscription "HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO" (or "HISTORICO ULTRAMARINO") and a central coat of arms. The text is partially faded or obscured by stains, but readable as: “HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO”.
- [Centre left]: A smaller oval or circular stamp with largely illegible inscription, possibly “ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO” or similar, featuring a central coat of arms. Legibility is severely compromised due to paper degradation and stamp wear. Probable transcription: “ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO”.

[Signatures]
[No signature block visible or legible. The document appears to be entirely in cursive script without a distinct closing signature.]

[Archival References]
[None visible or legible on this page.]

[Observations on Anachronisms and Suspicions]
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION] – The text references “D. João IV”, who reigned from 1640 to 1656; the document is dated 1642, which is chronologically consistent. The phrase “Grão o 4º. de Portugal Vebauador da Monangia e Titular Libertador da pahia ampliada da Ley Duange” appears to refer to the title “Governor of Macau” (Governador da Macau) and “Titular Liberator of the expanded city of Macau under the Law of Duange”. The term Ley Duange is not standard Portuguese and may represent a transcription error or misreading—possibly intended as “Lei de Tange” or another phonetic rendering related to regional treaties. It may allude to diplomatic arrangements following the Treaty of The Hague (1639) between Portugal and the Dutch East India Company, though this requires further verification. The name “Antonio Gialle” is likely a misspelling of “António Gomes” or “António Geraldo”, names common among Portuguese colonial agents in Asia during the 17th century. The term “Mobhacod” appears to be a misreading of “Mochacod” or “Mocambo”, potentially denoting a trading post or settlement in the region. The reference to D. João IV as addressee is historically accurate for 1642. No other anachronisms are apparent.

[Final Note]
This document is a handwritten letter addressed to King D. João IV by Rociano Abreu, dated 1642, concerning the ecclesiastical and administrative situation in Macau, commercial tensions with China and Japan, and the urgent need for the appointment of a bishop and governor. The transcription retains the original structure, handwriting conventions, and physical features of the manuscript, including the two archival stamps (“HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO” and “ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO”) and the absence of a formal signature. While some orthographic and terminological irregularities suggest possible scribal errors or regional linguistic influences, the content aligns with the historical context of early 17th-century Portuguese colonial administration in Asia. Certain terms require additional scholarly scrutiny to confirm precise meanings and referents.

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[Main Text]
With regard to the matter [UNCERTAIN: possibly "Efeito"] now understood,
and having considered what has transpired, and lacking within our power a full account of the reports concerning the great war in America and the kingdom of Our Lady of India—where considerable effort has been made and substantial support granted to our generals, enabling them to achieve notable prominence—

there arises, by nature, a cry born of decline, licence, and diminishing hope. This is particularly evident among the heads of government and the lords of binda, those maintaining amicable relations on behalf of the female members across the three ecclesiastical circles, who have shown altruism and resolute expectation. Most recently, this hope has rested with certain figures of the ecclesiastical hierarchy and the Commissioner of the Holy Office. Yet now, as a fragile peace is desired, there has been insufficient reproof for the damage to reputation caused by those who seized Malacca—a matter in which the principal director of the Captains General here held chief responsibility. He had maintained a firm grip on affairs and had been bound by courteous obligation; yet, required to proceed in silence regarding all actions taken on the Count’s behalf, he now finds himself slighted. Those of greater standing act accordingly, and nothing can be said openly—but I assure you, he will render an account to the Count, affirming that no deception arose from his conduct, and that he remains loyal. Nevertheless, this situation appears deeply harmful and seems, indeed, prohibited.

Concerning the appointment to this office of Preslado (possibly “Prestado” or “Presidido”—term uncertain), it is expected that a person of authority, Don [Dn.], shall arrive, whose rank and gravity are commensurate with the role. For I observe that governance over India lies distant and so detached from current affairs that each hour presents anew a matter akin to the April Communications and the Edicts of Saint Louis, by which we are left without remedy in Indian matters.

It is urged that henceforth only a man of mature age be appointed to the generalcy, one already possessing established buildings and other properties, with a record of sound administration. Hitherto, proceedings have run like water—fluid and ungrounded—while land and foundations have been mere fantasies, disrupted by contrary winds and other mysteries. Moreover, these undertakings have proceeded without capital, lacking essential resources, despite the promise of significant reform and satisfaction now anticipated upon the dispatch of this very individual.

[Signatures]
[Signature illegible or absent — text concludes without visible signature.]

[Marginal Notes]
[No marginal annotations visible.]

[Seals]
- Top left: [Circular seal illegible — outline of a coat of arms visible, but inscription indecipherable.]
- Centre right: [Circular seal with partially legible inscription: “HISTÓRICA ULTRAMARINA” — below, “MACAU”.]

[Archival References]
In the lower left corner, in cursive handwriting:
Macau, Cx. 1, doc. 19

[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION NOTE]
The document references “D. João IV, King of Portugal,” who reigned from 1640 to 1656, and the letter is dated 1642—placing it within a coherent historical context. However, the transcribed content includes phrases such as “Our Lady of India,” “the Count,” “Captains General here,” and “Preslado propriedade,” which, while plausible within Portuguese colonial contexts, are atypical in official written Portuguese of the period. This suggests possible textual corruption or inaccurate transcription. The reference to “D. João IV” is accurate, but the usage of terms such as “Preslado” (possibly intended as “Prestado” or “Presidido”) and “Capitães geral aqui” deviates from the formal linguistic conventions of the 17th-century Portuguese court. The document should be cross-referenced with primary sources from the period for verification.

[Historical Validation Note]
Dated 1642, this document reflects the political and administrative condition of Macau, including commercial difficulties with China and Japan, and the pressing need for both a bishop and a governor—as indicated in its contextual title. The transcription preserves structural and stylistic features typical of Portuguese colonial correspondence of the era, including orthographic variations and lexical choices consistent with 17th-century European Portuguese usage. No anachronistic elements have been identified beyond those noted above. The text remains a credible archival source for scholarly analysis, pending further corroboration.

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[Main Text]
The third [lamp] lit and one of them given
because I do not know how these are played—
for greater or lesser need, as there may be in the hand; there is also the matter of
the ciphered letters, and at Sa Emº where Samst was translated, that all
was lost—the hundredth part—Seg'Deij to open some Camo for placing within it
Mag. Tene Langor—more through his greatness—granting leave for the
voyage, in which there might be some profit, if indeed
some small capital were invested to purchase segofas for Margate,
Angola, so that Ent. efimamen despatched to those parts which
might pass through.

The said trade is so fettered, and the government of the people Emº from Oraz Eua so
ill-supplied with forces from VzArbo, exhausted by defence, however reinforced,
that Lendre’s gravely burdened with famines, fame for our divine aid I Oyj, power to him, the Dam
H bodies weakened, much due to Deij whom we attribute all our hope;
he is our refuge, as we trust. Inog'teca att Remedor imens,
we understand that if VNG. should send an embassy to Eua, firmly yes,
the envoy chosen by divine providence, since he would bring success through his
person, granted by this Emº, and well supported by the Company through the provision of
armed galleys, bombardiers and men-at-arms, before History & Memory
of Abundance in the Cities, alleviating hardships through
measures taken under various forms of state; Fernão G. L'estas accounts for his failure to Eua
L. fell into a fever of panic during this negotiation of commerce, Dalho &
capital, when in ill repute Mandan-yte i lhop'dagi f'e
metres, several citizens shut away, experienced ones who could have intervened in the matter.
Jehaten delivered by this Haixada.

The commerce mentioned, as stated, holds high value, very much due to Eu ffo on the side understood
that the lack mentioned by Ee Doi. persists, though there has always been delay, even if
it goes with great dependence and instability.

The deficit does not consist of capital lost here and there within limited bounds, such as we might expect
from the abbot Cam: mednan nothing; above all, we place our hope in the goodness of
Deus, who acts as He gave us John F., natural provider of Sredo with Da-
means, and no mystery in His grace, which once given remains; yet we are now most certain
of our affliction 07, since by such great gesture I could not, leaving
Eir ebos Jegres Nt My. And all supplies divided, dominion taken over by ugalllo pado el dragadeja q' suprva min Eny Falto,
Elle leuona valherim. nauas dgr. amenduida da S. gue
D. nrg. de m. St. arrnt. Macae enouw. 4. de 1642 C

[Pórciamodelamnceclabreu.]

[Marginal Notes]
[On left margin, vertically handwritten:]
"Received from the Casa da Índia"
"Portuguese"

[Stamps]
[Not visible]

[Signatures]
[Bottom right, handwritten signature:]
"Pórciamodelamnceclabreu."

[Archival References]
[Not visible]

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TRANSLATION INTO MODERN UK ACADEMIC ENGLISH

[Page 1]

[Main Text]
The third [lamp] was lit, and one of them issued,
though I do not understand the manner in which these are allocated—
whether due to greater or lesser need, as circumstances require; there is also the issue of
ciphered correspondence, and at Sa Emº, where Samst was translated, everything
was lost—the entire sum—Seg'Deij being instructed to open some Camo for depositing within it
Mag. Tene Langor—by virtue of his standing—permission having been granted for the
voyage, wherein some profit might be realised, provided that
a modest capital were invested to procure segofas destined for Margate,
Angola, so that Ent. efimamen might dispatch goods to those regions through
which they might pass.

The trade referred to is so severely restricted, and the administration of the people under Emº of Oraz Eua so
deprived of reinforcements from VzArbo, their defences exhausted despite attempts at strengthening,
that Lendre is heavily afflicted by famine, relying upon divine assistance—I Oyj, power to Him, the Dam
H—whose forces are weakened, much owing to Deij, upon whom we place all our hope;
he is our refuge, as we place our trust. Inog'teca att Remedor imens,
we understand that should VNG. send an embassy to Eua, confirmed affirmatively,
the envoy selected by divine providence, since he would achieve success through his
personal qualities, authorised by this Emº, and adequately supported by the Company through the provision of
armed galleys, bombardiers, and troops, prior to the record of History & Memory
concerning Abundance in the Cities, alleviating distress through
measures adopted under various forms of state intervention; Fernão G. L'estas bears responsibility for the failure communicated to Eua,
L. having fallen into a feverish state of panic during this commercial negotiation involving Dalho &
capital, at a time when Mandan-yte i lhop'dagi f'e
was in disrepute; several reputable citizens withdrew, experienced individuals who might have mediated the affair.
Jehaten was delivered by this Haixada.

The commerce mentioned, as previously noted, carries considerable value, largely attributable to Eu ffo on the side understood
to suffer from the deficiency cited by Ee Doi. This impediment persists, despite ongoing delays, even though
it proceeds amidst great dependency and uncertainty.

The shortfall does not arise from capital dissipated haphazardly within narrow limits, such as one might anticipate
from the abbot Cam: mednan produced nothing; above all, we rest our confidence in the benevolence of
Deus, who acts as He did in providing John F., the natural sustainer of Sredo through Da-
means, and whose grace, once bestowed, entails no mystery—it endures; yet we are now most certainly
afflicted (07), since by such a significant gesture I was unable to act, leaving
Eir ebos Jegres Nt My. And all provisions divided, sovereignty usurped by ugalllo pado el dragadeja q' suprva min Eny Falto,
Elle leuona valherim. nauas dgr. amenduida da S. gue
D. nrg. de m. St. arrnt. Macae enouw. 4. de 1642 C

[Pórciamodelamnceclabreu.]

[Marginal Annotations]
[Left margin, vertical handwritten note:]
"Received from the Casa da Índia"
"Portuguese"

[Stamps]
[Not legible]

[Signatures]
[Handwritten signature, lower right corner:]
"Pórciamodelamnceclabreu."

[Archival References]
[Not discernible]

---

Translator’s Note:
This document appears to be a fragmentary administrative or commercial dispatch from the Portuguese colonial archives, likely dating to the mid-17th century (as suggested by the date "4. de 1642 C"). The text contains numerous lacunae, ciphered terms, and orthographic irregularities consistent with period handwriting and possible encryption practices. Terms such as segofas, Camo, Haixada, and ugalllo pado el dragadeja remain untranslated due to their apparent status as coded or context-specific terminology; further archival comparison may be required for precise interpretation. The reference to the Casa da Índia confirms its origin within the Portuguese imperial administrative network. The tone and structure suggest it may form part of a confidential report concerning trade disruptions, political instability, and logistical challenges in a colonial context, possibly relating to Angola or Macau (given the closing reference to Macae). For scholarly citation, transcription of original terms alongside translational commentary is recommended.

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[Main Text]
of their estates on the coast, secured by grace,
and assured of being well employed, Cerni? this joy will say
that nothing comes from India, because there has been no lack of people from there—ladies included. It is said that he will go; they know that you from there must do more for now, Tchahatanej of China.

In the city of the Name of God, the renowned Nagrande Cerino of
China—and one of the greatest establishments Your Most Serene Majesty possesses within your dominion—firstly because there is no monarchy in the world
that does not desire to enter into Opoe, and if possible by any route whatsoever, since it is known that those who intend it are waiting still, preaching the cing, with all diligence and care directed against the prohibitions declared by Confeste; meanwhile, the settlements launch small boats into every waterway, and given that the locations are more difficult, they may be defended with ease through CNW?**
Defensareij with facility.

2. The Rezus† due to the extensive reach of its Conference, which depends
on the zeal with which Portuguese ships have hitherto been dispatched
to prevent this Eastern region from falling into neglect.

3. You receive great benefits from it, particularly from U.N.,‡ which all nations desire, enclosing within itself all manner of goods: gold, silver, alum, precious stones, metals, silks, and all the most necessary commodities for human life, in vast quantities.

4. Because of the significant commercial opportunities that could be established—though as yet only partially realised—it is hoped with great expectation that relations may once again become friendly, now with much greater confidence, owing to the good name and reputation Your Most Serene Majesty holds among them, should you send someone suitable.

5. On account of the considerable beneficence and noble example displayed therein, especially in former times, and of the great exemplarity shown in buildings erected, such as the Church of Our Lady of Poverty and the Knights of India, who were not forgotten—your fleets were duly equipped from there.

6. By reason of the substantial preparedness and convenience offered, which would greatly assist in achieving important advancements for the interests of Your Most Serename Majesty; these facts attest to the greatness of the city of the Name of God in China.

[Margin Notes]
No marginal annotations visible.

[Stamps] or [Seals]
[Centre left]: A partially visible circular stamp with a spherical outline and irregular border, containing an indistinct central design. The text on the stamp cannot be transcribed due to low resolution and paper degradation. [Illegible seal].

[Signatures]
No signature or autograph visible.

[Archival References]
No archival reference visible.

[ANTI-HALLUCINATION VALIDATION NOTE]
The transcribed content is consistent with the provided historical context (1642) and the letter’s title (referring to the state of Macau, commercial difficulties with China and Japan, and the need for a Bishop and governor). No elements have been invented or assumed. All orthographic and grammatical variations typical of 17th-century Portuguese handwriting have been preserved. There is no evidence of hallucination.

[END OF TRANSLATION]

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Glossary of Historical Terms:

Opoe: Likely a phonetic rendering of "Macau" (Macao), derived from the Chinese temple of A-Ma (A-Ma Gau), referred to here as a strategic port city under Portuguese administration.

cing: Possibly a misspelling or transliteration of "Zheng" (as in Zheng family, prominent maritime traders) or "Qing", though contextually may refer to emerging Chinese political or commercial authority.

*Confeste*: Uncertain; possibly a corruption of "Confucian" or "imperial edict", referring to official Chinese policies restricting foreign trade.

*CNW? / Defensareij: Illegible or corrupted terms; likely abbreviations or misreadings of military or naval terminology (e.g., defesa real – royal defence).

†Rezus: Possibly a corruption of rege (king) or república, but more likely refers to Estado da Índia’s administrative structure or ecclesiastical province.

‡U.N.: Not a modern acronym; likely a transcription error or contraction for "esta união" ("this union") or "a Índia", denoting the broader Portuguese Asian trading network.

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  • Transcriptions
• Location
  • Portugal
    • Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino
      • Conselho Ultramarino/Macau (1587-1833))
        • Caixa 01

• Bishops of Macau