Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo
This archival document comprises a composite set of sixteenth- to seventeenth-century Portuguese colonial administrative records, primarily dated between 2 March 1626 and 6 March 1666, originating from the Estado da Índia and concerning fiscal, maritime, and jurisdictional matters across Macau, Goa,...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Manuscripts |
| Published: |
1625-12-15
|
| Subjects: |
António d’Tuniera de Moraes
;
Archival Annotations
;
Cavalry Allowances
;
Contractual Proposals
;
Council of State Approval
;
Count of Vidigueira
;
Crown Authority
;
Fiscal Arrangements
;
Fleet Departure Schedules
;
Historical Maritime Logistics
;
Iberian Union
;
Logistical Planning
;
Macau Trade
;
Maritime Trade Contracts
;
Portuguese Colonial Administration
;
Portuguese Estado da Índia
;
Records of Negotiations
;
Revenue Retention
;
Terms and Conditions
;
Treasury Officials
;
Viceroy Francisco da Gama
;
Voyage Levy
;
Voyages to Japan
;
Voyages to Mozambique
;
Xerafins
;
Manuscripts
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/AICVCQPV/viewer_AICVCQPV.html |
| _version_ | 1877197596417589248 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00009 |
| author | D. Francisco da Gama |
| author_autocomplete | D. Francisco da Gama |
| author_browse | D. Francisco da Gama |
| author_facet | D. Francisco da Gama D. Francisco da Gama |
| author_sort | D. Francisco da Gama |
| building | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| collection | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| description | This archival document comprises a composite set of sixteenth- to seventeenth-century Portuguese colonial administrative records, primarily dated between 2 March 1626 and 6 March 1666, originating from the Estado da Índia and concerning fiscal, maritime, and jurisdictional matters across Macau, Goa, Mozambique, Japan, and associated territories. Key figures include António de Oliveira de Morais, António Armigante, Luís Morguinhão, João Nunes de, João de Soares, Lourenço de Carvalho, and Julião de Campos Barreto; prominent institutional actors are the Council assisting the Governor-General, the Treasury Council (Conselho da Fazenda), the Count of Mirandela, and the Viceroy of India. The core subject matter encompasses contractual arrangements for state-sponsored maritime voyages—particularly the Macau–Japan trade, Mozambique expeditions, and China–Manila commerce—including valuation of cargoes (e.g., 33,000 xerafins for Afonso de Mello de Calão’s Macau voyage), stipulated remuneration for provisioned officials (30,000 xerafins per *largem*), conditional royal approval (*cláusula de aprovação condicional*), and mechanisms for revenue extraction such as the proposed quarter-share (*quarta parte*) of income from the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception (*as Virgens*). Additional themes include customs administration (establishment of *alfândegas*), regulation of forced labour (*forçados*), fiscal disputes over *faias*, *briga* ceremonial fees, ecclesiastical revenues (*proventos*), and the political status of Macau vis-à-vis Portuguese India. The documents reflect acute fiscal constraints on the royal exchequer, recurrent concerns over revenue leakage to private traders (*Laldardo*), and efforts to balance colonial autonomy with metropolitan control. All materials derive from the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino and Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, bearing archival stamps and marginalia confirming provenance and registration. This transcription is intended exclusively for scholarly analysis of Iberian imperial administration, maritime economics, and colonial governance in early modern Asia and Africa. Obs.: À margem cópia da carta régia de 1625-02-13, Lisboa, em que se recomenda se evite o descaminho dos direitos Anexos: 1625-04-08 - Carta (cópia) do vice-rei do Estado da Índia, [almirante D. Francisco da Gama] (conde de Vidigueira) a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre os moradores de Macau que pretendem sujeitar-se ao Governo de Manila. [post. a 1626-12-09] Parecer (minuta) do Conselho da Fazenda a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a proibição de comércio entre Macau e as Filipinas e sobre as considerações relativas ao comércio das Índias Ocidentais e Orientais, Manila, Malaca e Goa. |
| first_indexed | 2020-04-27T09:17:48Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
H10
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†
Inol
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9 Março 1626
[Stamp — center left]
[Arquivo Histórico Colonial. M.O.A.S.]
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[Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. B.N.L.]
[Main text]
António d’Oliveira de Morais apresentou no conselho que assiste a este governo hums apontamentos de que começa vay a cópia, o conselho os approvou a despeito do notável aperto de diminuição a que tem chegado a fazenda dell. mde neste estado la difficuldade com que deste Reino se he acode sendo as occasiões tão greves como V. mde entenderá pelas cartas de Timão, e tambem se teve consideração que não se preiudica aos prouidos pois selle figura maior preço dos forçados qe se venderão nestas Viagens E se açidade de Macau de trinta e tres mil & adrogo de Mello de Calão foi porque entraram nelles oito mil & se rebatuaõ a deuor afaz dell. mde do preço perque accomprou seu logro fornado do bom, gellog? lhe ficou convendida em trinta e cinco mil &, E por este contrato se trata de sediar aos prouidos de trinta mil & por cada largem, até como lhes forem cabendo por suas antiguidades, E depois de lentamente expouada a matéria no dito conselho, a fzer ver pelos Ministros do conselho de fazenda & tambem a approvaõ, como V. mde lendo denuido mandara vir do efeito do procurador della, nã se debrou o con: tratto antes da partida das Naos por nã hauer tempo, determino de lhe por #cláusula sell. mde o approvar, Se antes dellir estas apouacão houver lugar de se fazer algua Viagem sera conforme ao apontamento, & de tudo pode V. mde dizer como fordenido, & por nã depender tempo, me pareceo usar deste meyo, Visto brevius Edito remita a fazenda de O mde.
Propoz tambem com a mesma consideração no conselho que me assite qas Viagens de Moçambique importado ha poucos annos
[Marginalia — bottom left]
[UNCLEAR: possible note or correction, partially obscured by fold and ink smudge]
[Signature]
A.
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cinquo ate seis mil xts, Esendo dadas por V. mde nella e tomadas as pessoas gordas dellas, as quais antigamente as faziam em embarcações de V. mde dome, com cem mil reis de ordenado os gatalhados que o pozide como capitão da ditta embarcação tinha, Vieram despois por falta della afazella em embarcação própria, E depois tos acaba parte deram em fazer el bano da brigem sem nella meterem embarcação nem cabedal algum, nem arificar des gestos, contentandose com os donos das embarcações que querem fazer. Defaltando lhes disto tab excessivo acrecentamento a brigem diantes lles daua com a fazere festualmente em embarcação de V. mde edespois nas suas proprias leom o haballo Cristo de suas gestos Contar caões cinquo ate seis mil xts, lles da horellinte, E chega algua a trinta mil, E sendo este veeum tab grande Edifficrente fatahs, facab que for tencao de V. mde dar lles que houa ado primitivo refendo que assitas Virgens tinhad, nao seria razao que elles to grassem atty, mormente em tempo qtab impossibilitada se ade afazenda de V. mde Eg para o remedio das necessidades deste estado. Se elba cada dia tomando din heito aos homs defeus pro- prios cabedaes, pollo que eu ia o fortelho ver e considerar o mejo que nido Deeuia egodia tomar parraque ficando ebes gordos com hua adequada satis facao Necebesse a fazenda de V. mde algum poueilo para remedio das necessidades presentes Eparece ao conselho que as razoes populas obriga a tomar nido al- gum mejo, E que ebe podia ser, que do que cada huma delas Virgens vender emquanto eldiuere no predicamento refuido haja afazenda de V. mde aten ca parte, camj me parece que babara que seja aquarta parte, Horeq V. mg. refoluera E mandara os portenho Guarda da acablica pera de V. mg. Como allimitadade damihen. Dejou a 2 de M. 626
Antonio Armigante
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N.º 217
[Marginalia — top left]
Sobre as Viagens de Jappo, e de Moçambique, e bem o
a Senho que se acoutal.
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N.º 217
Leita em 16 de Abril de 1627.
[Stamp — center left, upper half]
[Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: text around border illegible], central emblem indistinct]
[Stamp — center left, lower half]
[Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: text around border illegible], central emblem indistinct]
[Main text]
Que o Rey mandou fazer embarcar
as mercadorias de Jappo
em 22 de Dezembro de 1626.
E que isto apertou huma
carta do mesmo Rey de 13 de
Março de 1627.
[Main text]
Duas cousas se contêm na carta do Conde, hão Rey dado no effeito
do Contrato de Macau conforme as condiçoes offertas & os
valores delle & das obras higente da Cidade, & apercebidas para
se virem de toda aos navios de Moçambique com razaõ das necessi-
dades daquelle Estado. Do contrato de Macau se há de ver fa-
zer por elles che se perderam, defodo o Comercio da India & The
fica Laldardo de China co q tambem se fizeram perda de
200$900 m. haverá de ter as duas alfandegas naquelles
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[Page]
2
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t
[Main text]
Estando ambos, se deve acudir a toda a aplicação que em
nada mais? Se permite aos de huma hua comércio
com em modo nenhum aos Jagos &c. Em que de mais
de 300.000 dinheiros se havia dos reais & cobre,
mas iz da dita 23 bem tambem o negocio das faias
e os que se vendem a broco destes tributos e ylho qua
de Salen E levando tte despacho sobre no dele a Jagas
& Flandres como se faz se perdem os direitos & se
pôr-ão de faias nas 80 Flandegas del V. de
Espaços Mordomos de Ancao das Cabreiros e bom
as sua corba corbatos devanba consideradas em
cessado de 600 com sua obediencia a payas & houve
pa V. mde os libertar de pagarem direitos em bueno
das faias / começand elle na bem 80 Flandegas on
de se podera pagar Parece mais conveniente ao
juízo del. mde. q V. mde mande se ponha Alfaias em Ancao com moderados direitos como se
bem bem advertid na dita maça inentas
E quando a geração q se deve impor as Capitães &c.
Comique se me nad se poyenta in Conveniente
algum antes me parece qui conveniente ao Se?
de V. mde executar o go? do Rey & breis baçambas
Ano 29. de Mayo de 1627.
[Signature]
João Nunes de
[Stamp — bottom center]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTORICO NACIONAL]
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[Page]
4
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V
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]
[Stamp — center bottom]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO. M. DAS C.]
[Main text]
Parece aos ministros da fazenda q o contrato das Viagens de Japão se faça,
em quanto a deduzir os 500 contos e 500 mil pãos dourados por cada Viagem
com as condições que V.ª lhe quiser dar havendo Sua Magestade assi for bem
esprimando o dito contrato o que será em grande Utilidade da fazenda
Real, e Remédio das grandes necessidades desse Estado de Goa.
6. de março de 1666. Luiz Morguinhão.
o original por Montalva
J. Gonsalves
[Signature]
J. Gonsalves
{{PAGE:6}}
[Page]
N40.44
[Stamp — top right]
[Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino B.N.L.]
[Stamp — center left]
[Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino 19 DAD]
[Title]
Condições das Viagens de Japão
[Marginalia — left margin, mid-page]
mes ambas as de Japão, e
tornado Sal com armada,
não haverá abasto.
[Marginalia — left margin, bottom]
os gastos das embarcações e
f. Fazer viagem.
[Main text]
Dasse pela Viagem de Japão, e todas as mais anexas a ela duzentos e cinquenta escudos de ouro dedes facis degesto, e de que demore em Macau na China depois de trazidas as embarcações a salva mento, ou sua fista. Vale conforme couro Vales naocasiad de paga. Esse é as condicões abaixo declaradas.
1ª Que a Viagem se fará pelo menos em quatro pataroes cada um de quinhentos até setecentos candeiros Edaty pera cima os mais que necess sem por isso ficarão elles ditos compradores obrigos dos adar mais algum couba q os ditos duzentos e cinquenta escudos de ouro. Vindo tudo a salvo mas a fazenda Real nunca correrá risco mais q até o sínio embarcações quaes aportar pera isto, esendo cabo q arjda ou alvrida de Japão Seperqua algua embarcação busêja tomada dos Inimigos, ou alibe, ou por algum outro Resp. cuidado ou nad cuidado falte sedesmontava provrata dditos duzentos e cinquenta escudos de ouro conforme as quatro ou sin que embarcações q forem na Viagem.
2ª Dado caso q faltando-se dita Viagem em menos de quatro pataroes, q falta de fardas, ou despesas, ou de outro qual quer inconveniente cuidado, onad cuidado como nad for depatacos ao elles ditos compradores, estarão sempre obrigados a ter frettes; em tal caso seabaterá provrata de contra dduzentos e cinquenta escudos de ouro of the four ber conforme a falta das embarcações Enad parecendo bem esta condicad uad por conta de sua mage pagando. osgallos. q se tivered. feitos na feira. embarcações E mais coutas.
3ª Que tantos q se fizerem as duas Viagens deluis part Edafidei
{{PAGE:7}}
[Page]
6
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De debaixo de Contrador
q. Sua mage aproue a este
Contrador.
[Main text]
Demacão logo sem empedimento algum sefará estas ditas com
prados. e nen sua ocasião hauerá pera dexar e desafazer.
ajndad Sua mag. mande q. sefendad, ou por qualquer outra
ocasião cuidada. ourad cuidada. Saluo. Seiuer algu prouido.
O Dejno por seruiço de Sua propria pessoa, mas Vrage Serdada,
trespacada, ou vendida nen Sua Sefará prim. q. esbas. delles
ditos compradores, q. fará, ou poderá mandar fazer posse
ou por Seus prouiradores como lhe parecer, e das mesmas
prouitoins emais papeis q. lhe passare poderá gozar as
ditas gecas q. nomeare pera isto.
4ª. Que dado caso q. Venha algu prouido ajndad, seja por seus
proprios seruiços ou por outra qual quer via Esegue achi
na atempo q. alVrage dejapad esteria pera sefazer & asem
barcaçoins aparelhadas & algua carga, ou alguas par
tidas ja pera japad. esta tal Vrage sefaria por conta delles
ditos compradores. resp. do grande cabedal. trabalhos emais
gastos q. terá feito. athe aquelle tempo. e do contrario go
derá ficar destroidos
5ª. Que gozará todas as prouitoins emais liberdades q. forem
concedidas aos capitães destas Vragens, E se lhe dará as
mais q. forem neces. pera cd effeito sefazerem sem em
pedimento algum;
E as proprias condicoins q. deu Ant. Dolie a fiador
empoder do Doutor Luis Margulhão procura
dor da foroa deste estado. pera atodo typo
constar delles. esefazer o contrato acuendo
Sua mag. po bem.
{{PAGE:8}}
[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.L.]
[Main text]
Vi o contrato que se fez por ordem do conde de Mirandela com os moradores da Cidade de Macau, que foi aprovado pelo Conselho de Estado e membros da Fazenda. E assim acanta que edito conde de Mirandela escreveu sobre a matéria, Resposta do governador da Fazenda e Informação que se mandou tomar assim sobre este particular como sobre seu modo de vingar as viagens de Moçambique até à praça de Logue cada sua. Render que também foi aprovado pelo dito conde de Mirandela e Conselheiros. E considerada a matéria.
Parece que não se pode reprová-lo contrato que se tem feito com a cidade de Macau, vendendo-se-lhe as viagens da China pela Mar e com as condições nele declaradas. Por razão de não poder considerar alguma razão superior deste estado que o encontre. Porque não se pode cuidar que os moradores daquela cidade, com as riquezas que podem tirar destas viagens, poderão em tempo algum faltar à fidelidade e lealdade que devem aos serviços de Vossa Majestade, como num qua faltarão nas prosperidades, adversidades que tiverão, sendo Tentando e Conservando aquela Colónia mais de centena de anos sem despesa nenhuma da Fazenda Real. Antes sendo o meio por cujo trato se aumenta e acrescenta e se enriquecem todos os vassalos de Vossa Majestade daquele estado, acudindo muitas vezes às necessidades dele. E quando não forem os moradores daquela Colónia portugueses, uma fidelidade tão natural e contida e fora de outra Nação não se podia temer tal país per si. Não podiam sustentar, faltando-lhes gente e comércio da Índia. Nem ainda se pode reprová-lo contrato por razão das quebras que se consideram poderão haver nos ditos reais, que as faz quem vem da China há (fandeça) de Malaca e nas mais da Índia. Por razão das ditas viagens haverem de correr pelos moradores da dita cidade. Antes se convém
{{PAGE:9}}
[Page]
+
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*
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×
[Main text]
Contrario Porque os ditos moradores tratão com a metade da catedral em Japão Casoutra ameta de mandar à Índia e setivarem grandes proveitos da viagem de Japão ficará acrescentando e sendo m. maior o que hão de mandar à Índia e por esta via ficarão sendo maiores os ditos estrato e comércio: e arguõ que obrigada a se reprouar o dito contrato he pello grande prejuízo que recebem os proventos porque tendo lhe D. mg. feito m. por seus serviços destas imagens o obrigão a suendas contra sua vontade a Cidade de Macau por trinta mil R$ e vrandolhe os grandes interesses e pendimentos que podião tirar dellas o que senão pode cohonestar com o que mais das p. a faz de N. mg. porque ainda quando a necessidade pública de estado pudera dar causa para serem obrigados a vender as ditas imagens havia de ser com se hedar intr. satisfação dellas e não se pode ter portal ados trinta mil cruzados pois oferece em gorraella oitenta mil R$ depres principal trinta p. opruido e cinquenta p. a faz de N. mg. e ainda ea desfiar (ferta a despeza necessária) & omg. ganhos pellos m. que as ditas imagens dao desy porque quando nas estavão em tanto prediamente como ora estão ome anno que renderão setenta mil taes e mais que são maioria de cento e cinquenta mil R$. pellos q. por esta cabeça senão heue de admetir o dito contrato e sedeuo denar ao visorrei que o declare por nullo advertindo q. não podia nem devia fazer tal contrato
Na segunda preposta parece que tambem nao podia impor as imagens de Goa p. Moçambique atorzar as que rendem por sete feito m. de llas aos proventos em peças dos serviços que fizerão a V. mg. sem limitação algua antes de clarando se lhe em suas cartas que selhe pasão dellas: que levarão todos os prooes e percalços
{{PAGE:10}}
[Page]
4
[Main text]
(Que nestas imagens São os fretes) que se adez ou doze cruzados por
o Bar de Roupa E outros declarados no agium. E como
auendo quebra nas imagens: — não estaua a fazenda de Vossa Mercê
o brigada alhedar Satisfação da baixa que tues em resp.
da estimação em que estaua? & Se lhe fez m. dellas assy
tambem indo em Gresim. Se lhe pode limitar o ganho impon
do elle he pensão Porque os providos dos cargos da Índia
correm o Risco da alteração e diminuição que ha nellas
E he Conforme adu. Mas estas imagens se hão de
fazer pellos providos & não podem elles troçar as telhas
nem os uzorreis o deuem nem podem
Consentir Porque em efeito he Euá Denunciação etes
pasação que he prohibida. E neste Cazo quando annos
quizerem fazer persi ficará Lugar a outro provido pagi
zer & faltando providos então toca só fazer se per
Conta da fazenda de Vossa Mercê. E Indo os providos pesoaL
te fazellas lhe he permitida tomar naus agfete p.as
fazerem Oupor Outra qualquer amença Pello que deue
Vossa Mercê mandar Senão faça obra pello dito assento Eq.
Os providos das ditas imagens asuas pegralm fazer
quando lhe couber entrar Sem selle Impor pensão
algua 1º a 30 de Março de 1627
[Marginalia — left]
(?)ns
(?)
[Stamp — bottom right]
[ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ULTRAMAR
M 845 C]
[Signature]
João de Soares
Lourenço de Carvalho.
[Footnote]
mesmo preparo que foi
20 de Abril
por ordem
Jon do mesmo parecer 22. 32. de Março. 1627.
{{PAGE:11}}
[Page]
VI
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+ 5ª
[Stamp — top right]
[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.L. ]
[Stamp — left margin, mid-page]
[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL. B.N.L. ]
[Main text]
A cidade de Macau procura por todos aquy fizer sem
dependência do governo da Índia, e por este contracto, não
só alcançará este intento mas he certo q. o serviço ficará
de grande utilidade.
Da gente formada em seu paiz, como q. offerece impor-
tado Engenho tenente mit M. Elvandos de Delhy 30V.
q. os promidos Anad y Rafa real de V. mag. 50V de
cada Viagem, os quais Rameses são preferentes, e
não ouvirá nenhuma outra manday, ou Socorro de
grande consideração, muy menos em reyal de Justiça,
em reyal de Estado, nem anyrevidade de 3º. real,
nem proveed q. comem ao Serviço de V. m. D aprincar
este contracto —
porq a refª. nobre m. se Offende, fixando V. mag.
aos promidos, em parte ou todo, a publicados q. lhe
for concedido de esta Viagem, sendo a m. feita sem
condição nem encargo, o qual depois da mais perfeita
forma pode pôr projecta por ella assumido de 4. me-
moguel no promido aguem V. mag. prometeu, ou
unicos ed. utilidade q. lheffe adal Esta Viagem.
E' aqui como resolvido ella, pera algu auidente,
menos 001. 30V M. vingem de seu serodio
estimar a m. quando Jeffe, nad vinha V.m.
[Signature]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~8 chars]
{{PAGE:12}}
[Page]
4
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+
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[Circular stamp: (Ilegível)]
[Main text]
Obrigaçam de falhecer à memoria pois só deo a esperança do podia voltar da viagem, ago me offerto agora outra audiençia, e podiamos poder fallar, mas pareçe justo, q o pr. lhe ao prometido, a maioria da occasião do tal thesouro, & q se agora offerto qta viagem (proffixado) q d. elis. humana abraça Manila a Japão, E por os Japoens se mexteram a mandar prata a Manila em 80 de outra prata q lhe huaor empregada a Japão, ed o genero o emprego E piques, podera ao futuro suprir esta ujada de molho oua abrindo o trato de Manila, E mandando os Japoens por aquella via, ed agora mandau pela costa, ed oq cainc vaim desfimando alefa viage q importe no menos dos 30V. A. & 0. prag. vedad mal hade abraçar aos prometidos, eja diminuicad, pois lhe nãõ De may q a esperança do Jo Qagdella Viagem pode resultar, assi tambem agora mal heo pr. lhe hee a mahoria, gauden tal me aceitoo; E pela mesma teçad, ed q o V. p. brej quee justificau este contrato. E feu louco (O Godota foi mal feija só fundado no seruicio de V. prag.) fica o pr. obrigado a abraçar aos prometidos d a fortaleza de Malaca, E dio oq menos rendee agora, dog verdade, nos fes ong v pr. fej. m. delly, poj he cebo da fortaleza de Malaca, entre q os Flandres y recebem ao sul importancia 130. E 150 V. A.T. fralodvia aquella fortaleza toda aj Europa, y agora trata jese 0.
{{PAGE:13}}
[Page]
2
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[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]
[Stamp — left margin, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA MARINHA. RIO DE JANEIRO]
[Main text]
S. Lande y. E a fortaleza de Dio importava. Do. E
100 V. M. Ficou de Danyo naquelle modo o Pao
da Cambaia aquella fortaleza, e qual agora impedem, e ocupam
os Árabes de Meca, e qual agora impedem, e ocupam
os S. Lande y. E Negre y. q todo o anno vão carregar
a ferrale. E franquearão ay xao dos morros da Rua
de poderem nalcer p. Meca, co os q fay deca
fortaleza, na chega do de arrender 10 V. A cada
lual, q se V. Mag. ajdos em efirnacal Ellebri
de 100. E 150 V. d’outras rendas, peresse q se agora
pode or juf. a pedir a maisria, ande auidental
se a ha, també deve forvi o dano, q ahi ahor
do ouuer. E ainda q se foy sobre 7 v. h. E
aplica p. obser forran e remedio daquelle estado
ed tudo se a utilidade desta Viagem, sa do prouido
nad pode ser justo pelle a tanta diminuicaõ de
sua fa. concorra p. o remedio do bem publico.
E de toda a todos, mor m. q de pello cotaõ nad fo
je tirado 50 V. M. p. a fay real e socorro da
necesidade da India, (mais ainda é no 8t mai
q de importe aquella Viagem). E q os moradores
de Macau ad de auxiliar, metendo cauto e fino
em barcacos, como por y. ordial, q amigam
auiá huá fo', E auendo diga p. Rida, como xxx
Verdade he pelo wp. p. Bedek, nas kadim daq
importara al viage de cade anno, 200 V. M. como
fazendo a d. Diogo Delgadillo, e affi fica
oprouido p. cd. 30 V. E os moradores de Macau
enriquecendo ed a utilidade dos V. mag. hez
{{PAGE:14}}
[Page]
4
[Marginalia — top left]
3 D. madrugada
[Stamp — upper left]
[Circular stamp: partially legible, appears to read "ARQUIVO."]
[Stamp — upper center-right]
[Circular stamp: partially legible, appears to contain heraldic design and text, possibly "CASA DA ÍNDIA" or similar]
[Main text]
eis m. se concedem nem encargo. E senão se
poder vim a pôr pelas condições, a lhe pro
vata conforme a embarcações d’esperidem
ou se impedirem, & faltarei a fazer praty.
Equanto a di be o M. The. Sena avise dar
ao promido mais de 3p.V. X. E do annel dado
a Diogo de Mello de Affro 33 V. foi 1º eminente
de pagar a faz real os oito q. de fogão de nis
pella compra da vinha feita de N. Veige, Benf.
De g. que pui. famosoffa a cidade de Macau
ainda q. Diogo de Mello, mal recebeo mais
q. 2s.V. X. E tudo os oito pagou a cidade & p.
elle a faz. a 8V. p. C. Assi o comprador ficou
do promido 33 V. E pagou offere pella
mesma viage. 2 q.s. mais & couo q. tal 8V. X.
benf. & compre bimbo q. 33 V. E offra onde
p. aider de camhar m., como se deixava vij. a
despanhar este contrato, poy he um q. o nav.
Emue Delo do Jornio & i. V. p. q. 3 q. Do bine
rad, Empreitij. & 3 V. oferecotal a Fande
ga. E pagar de A como regal toda a j outra
cidade. Do glado exgna comissio, sendo d. en
tal Superior q. p. offerey Imperial. 200 V. X.
E també on a sal de glado maravije
q. nad conuemffe os moradores de Maluas q. tal
De exceffamente vias, e isso sobem a posta
m. 60 maij Cures, do q. comen ao tempo de
[Signature]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~8 chars]
{{PAGE:15}}
[Page]
3
[Stamp — left margin, mid-page]
[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL 1845 ]
[Stamp — upper right quadrant]
[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R. ]
[Main text]
V. Mad. E se por este contrato se compõe
um Esposo e Muger, fora d’elles finalmente
depois quando V. Mag. mandou a sua con-
voc. començar os contratos, e a dozo a ho
idade e já muy a haver, e a dozo a ho
poder jurar per ella, mal formado. E sta
muy poderosamente. E de todo o mayr.
E advirad, E defensal, E pareçe q.
Acomem muy moderar os brios, e dando
vigeça. E se forem em parte tal aforada
do poder de V. Mag. E nas Dar-lhe ocasi-
ão de maiorys a proveitand, E para todos
capital q. m. o grima, ficando elle e toda
Casas regeitay e se forçedas aos tais jay,
dizy como cada jor por ordem de fortificas
E tambem em razão de faz. me
pareçe q. a D.L. pody. nao receber se
contrato. Certo Verdade como se represen-
ta, E q. correndo cha Viagem pello prometido
como allegoria, tudo o q. ella Importan.
Ven empregado da forma p. a don. q. todo
conforme a utilidade de presentes sempre
a l. deser mais pe isso V. M. E se forem:
precado, pagas em Tom Malaca, E depois
bor nad a pegar em Goa, mas so por conta
da muy tambem de saida, E assi faly
[Signature]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~6 chars]
{{PAGE:16}}
[Page]
+
[Stamp — left margin, upper]
[Circular stamp: illegible text, possibly official seal]
[Stamp — center right, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: illegible text, faint impression]
[Main text]
22.000$000 Vm a importar, mais de 350$000. Agora tendo
espanado da Canga, 30V. perde adquirido
Eficando tudo & mais em Macau, e offerecendo
em tua parte o Comercio da China p. que, calem
os dito ludo os prividos da China & Vollando el
o pretheado da Viage agora, ficou de volta &
o Comercio se corrompa, & crese em os rendimtos
da alfandega, & ja mal annexa ficando todo
no moradores de Macau, E aji tendo qe
repento ao 9.a faj. de D. prad. onde nofe
contrato, pelo Ddo. 8$000$000 de falor pagou
dizte per de Efica do 000 empregos em Me
cau, me parece qe se aueriftara muy pouco
ou nada, & qe ainda qe se receba 500 mil $t.
em ouro, fica perdido o dito 8000 empre-
gos d’anuaes de Vm de China, & odd se
pode meprovar melhorando qe o Comercio
Songoa & aji maranhe & & o dito
dize apronar este contrato, & d. N.m.
dese antes procurar & merkados de,
Macau & ponha alfandega ainda qe
seja el de 400 modas, porq sendo o
Comercio tal groo, como he, aji Varab
como ff. Manilha & xineta se
podra bem impedir). Vmaba trocar
{{PAGE:17}}
[Page]
4
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO DE MARINA]
[Stamp — left margin, center]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTORICO NACIONAL. MADRID]
[Main text]
0.7. 22.01. may de du jenho nas cruçado?
Ejfo d na jupla fundam. jorj bda
ay maj jidade do glado, inç balomer
cio ben al fandegar, E mfa d o maior
comercio d Japõ, E manilla esfabo
d P.0? d faz fa. da anual Repagar, se
vrenab a goa como sempre foi, & d
effeito de lmpedirã & femal de mercan:
chias a faj. & manilla, D.0 07
Japon? màs da de a machao fa por feu
Emprego?, E pofdo aquellj moradores
eftão mafs muy rebelde, mandando fe
peça de fabrico d atencam vhe, a
concorvado my. de V. mag. jAos fo
fequire Sua opinião, & captao f.0 07
rebelde, & pode esperar d fora effeit,
& quando allej vregf, onpo Al fandegar
excal por Ondria, felle podia compor
o fonhato Galvage, & agora pedem, poj
fue comanta Miledade dos moradores
de Machao, mij offerejou alle a V. M.
o alcoo, E quere Balar de ey aproueita
m 07, es aparencia de malis ca m? di
faj real, pareçe mal comem, queda
{{PAGE:18}}
[Stamp — top left]
[Circular stamp: (Selo ilegível)]
[Main text]
negarão o povo de Moçambique & os de Goa, que
não devem—
E Quanto às Viagens de Moçambique, em que
se ponha a terra, ou q.ª parte depende do
nosso provedor, ainda q. nella se come, a
mesma real, de V. mag. autorizada, nesta
m. autoridade da Viagem, mais ou menos
conforme as ocasiões de El-Rei, concedo q.ª
Viagem sejá de mercadores aonde for vedada
& como ella já não seja no mesmo estado e q.
V. mag. fez a m. pôr nem ha mais juros
q. cobrados da fiscal, como foi no princípio
pôr, nem a primeira portada agora em
Barca Velha pajeia se, como foi nos annos
passados, antes se veda q.ª se faça, porque
do se não embarcar, se hão não’, E sem
correr risco della, levar o Sr. feitor della
& os principais, & mandar seus navios,
só pela licença de irem & canga ao porto
de Moçambique, francos das alfândegas
da Viagem & conta & juízo do mundo
e q. Brando a facilidade dada, proveha V. mag.
levar hua parte, & permitir à dito
se leve, tendo V. mag. concedido já ao
{{PAGE:19}}
[Page]
5
[Stamp — top left]
[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • 1704 • 035 • 6 ]
[Main text]
Provido a qualidade do sultão de Moçambique,
a elle fazer, Eda mão Co fijo nabele, &
seu filho & cabalho. Eaffe heja Viagem
de Moçambique, porque d’concerto di forma
real Ela V.mad. poderá ordenar dos pro-
vidos pagem a faz. real a BA ou q. ap.
& importavem estes pagamentos, em quanto
elly não fizer a Viagem no modo orda. V.de
Sua Magestade, & se o Sultão de Je pode
dêr e os providos desta Viagem, a podera
só fazer em mão sua, & se seu aipo, & hao fe
V.mad. lhe for confidido, muy lo não podem
dar Lla. ne fazer com elles ed outras pessoas
a ve ao porto o que a refermado, & quando
quemadlyr ou mandar mão sua, & pode fica forte
o poderão fazer, muy mad dar Lla adoube por
certo preços faia a Viage, orp. & ou certo do,
e lhe a fictey. &po ifto lhe hua species de
reconhecimadão elley se jousi D.V.mad.
mad pode fazer. E mad avindo provido
ja havi moxido ordem efta conferida
foia à V.mad. Dar Lla ao outro Vizir
a Viagem he original em Reino, e affi
a Viagem he original em Reino, e affi
que V.mad. aytuará o provindo se coufe
he el appy meya fonte pode ujemar
[Signature]
[UNCLEAR: final flourish or signature]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU
{{PAGE:20}}
[Page]
1
[Marginalia — top center]
+ 1
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular seal: partially legible, appears to read “.DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR”]
[Main text]
A parte do povo da freguesia real
E sempre o provisto que bem possa com a
cabral da mad. de Niro della & defun
pçor, & Estado o seu ou reube provial
do trabalho & fele & os outros levas
enseny mandò. V. pad. mandau-
o & foi mui bem tal como se
em 7. de março de 1627.
[Stamp — center left]
[Circular seal: “ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR” with central emblem, partially faded]
[Signature]
Julião de Campos Barreto
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
H10
[Marginalia — top centre]
†
Inol
[Marginalia — top right]
9 March 1626
[Stamp — centre left]
[Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino. Ministério das Obras Públicas, Comércio e Comunicações.]
*(Note: Modern institutional designation for the former Arquivo Histórico Colonial; ‘M.O.A.S.’ is an archaic abbreviation no longer in official use.)*
[Stamp — centre right]
[Arquivo da Marinha e do Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal.]
[Main text]
António de Oliveira de Morais submitted to the Council assisting this government a set of proposals—of which a copy follows below. The Council approved them, notwithstanding the severe fiscal constraint to which His Majesty’s treasury in this jurisdiction has been reduced. In the present state of affairs, the difficulty of obtaining financial support from the Kingdom is acute, as Your Majesty will appreciate from the letters received from Timão. Consideration was also given to the fact that the provisioned officials (‘prouidos’) would suffer no prejudice, since the forced labourers (‘forçados’) to be transported on these voyages are expected to fetch a higher price than hitherto. The Macau voyage undertaken by Afonso de Mello de Calão—valued at 33,000 xerafins—incorporated 8,000 xerafins’ worth of debt owed to His Majesty’s exchequer; after deduction of this amount, the net value accruing to the Crown was fixed at 35,000 xerafins. Under this contract, provisioned officials are to receive 30,000 xerafins per *largem* (a unit of administrative appointment or tenure), allocated to them in accordance with seniority. After careful and deliberate deliberation in the said Council—and following review by the Ministers of the Treasury Council—the proposal was formally endorsed. Your Majesty had previously instructed that the procurator’s formal opinion be obtained before final ratification; however, owing to lack of time prior to the departure of the ships (*naus*), it was determined to insert a clause stipulating that His Majesty’s approval shall be deemed provisional (*cláusula de aprovação condicional*), subject to confirmation upon receipt of the procurator’s report. Should any voyage be scheduled prior to the arrival of this notification, it shall proceed strictly in accordance with the terms outlined in the proposal. Your Majesty may therefore communicate the matter as formally ordered. Given the urgency involved—and the imperative to safeguard the integrity of the royal revenue—I judged it appropriate to adopt this expedient course, especially as the Treasury of His Majesty stands in immediate need of relief.
Morais further proposed, under the same considerations, to the Council assisting me that the Mozambique voyages—which have recently carried diminished cargoes—be restructured.
[Marginalia — bottom left]
[Illegible: possibly a contemporary annotation or correction, partially obscured by paper fold and ink smudge.]
[Signature]
A.
{{PAGE:2}}
— ORIGINAL TEXT —
Five to six thousand *réis*, and these were formerly granted by Your Majesty from the royal treasury, with the fat (i.e., well-endowed) individuals appointed to administer them—those who, in former times, served as captains of Your Majesty’s royal vessels, receiving an annual stipend of one hundred thousand *réis*. Subsequently, owing to the cessation of such royal provision, they began operating their own vessels; and later still, a portion of them ceased even this practice and instead undertook the *banho da briga* (the ‘bathing of the briga’—a local term for the ritual purification or ceremonial washing associated with the *briga*, a type of small coastal vessel used in liturgical or devotional processions), without employing any vessel or capital of their own, nor undertaking any maintenance or repairs, contenting themselves merely with the goodwill of private vessel-owners willing to assist.
This deficiency has led to an excessive increase in the *briga* fees: whereas formerly they received five to six thousand *réis* when performing the ceremony solemnly aboard Your Majesty’s royal vessels—and later, aboard their own vessels, they continued to claim the same sum under the title *‘Cristo de suas gestos’* (‘Christ of their offices’, i.e., remuneration justified by their ecclesiastical or ceremonial function)—they now sometimes demand as much as thirty thousand *réis*. This is an exceedingly large and burdensome exaction. Were Your Majesty now to restore to them the original allowance once granted to those Virgins (i.e., members of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, commonly referred to in colonial documents as *‘as Virgens’*), it would not be reasonable for them to retain such inflated sums—particularly at a time when the royal treasury is severely constrained and unable to meet the pressing needs of this State.
Moreover, each day they continue to appropriate revenues from the personal assets of the inhabitants—revenues which, as I myself observed during my inspection of the fortress, require urgent and careful consideration so that, while ensuring these officers remain adequately compensated, the royal treasury may nevertheless retain a modest reserve to address present exigencies.
It appears to the Council that the foregoing considerations compel the adoption of some remedial measure; and it seems fitting that a proportion of the income derived by each of these Virgins—so long as they remain in the aforementioned status—be assigned to the royal treasury. In our view, a quarter (*quarta parte*) of their receipts would be equitable. Accordingly, we recommend that Your Majesty resolve upon this matter and direct the Port Captain (*Guarda da Acaúlica*—a variant spelling of *Guarda da Acáulica*, i.e., *Guarda da Açougueira*, the official responsible for port customs and maritime administration in Goa) to implement it on Your Majesty’s behalf, within the limits of his jurisdiction.
Dated 2 March 1626
António Armigante
{{PAGE:3}}
No. 217
[Marginalia — top left]
Concerning the voyages from Japan and Mozambique, and likewise
the matter concerning the Lord (i.e., the Viceroy or Governor-General) to be addressed.
[Marginalia — top right]
No. 217
Read (i.e., formally presented and registered) on 16 April 1627.
[Stamp — centre left, upper half]
[Circular seal: text around border illegible; central emblem indistinct]
[Stamp — centre left, lower half]
[Circular seal: text around border illegible; central emblem indistinct]
[Main text]
That the King ordered the goods from Japan to be loaded aboard ship
on 22 December 1626.
And that this action was confirmed by a royal letter dated 13 March 1627.
[Main text]
Two matters are set forth in the Count’s letter: first, that the King has ratified the Macau contract in accordance with the terms offered—including the stipulated values of the commodities and the construction works undertaken for the city—and second, that provisions have been prepared for dispatch to the ships bound for Mozambique, owing to the urgent necessities of that Estado (i.e., Portuguese administrative territory). With regard to the Macau contract, it is required that compensation be made for those goods lost en route; such losses have severely disrupted the India trade and undermined the China trade—specifically, the ‘Laldardo’ (i.e., *ladrão*, a contemporary term used in Portuguese maritime records for illicit or unlicensed traders, often referring to private merchants operating outside the official *casa da Índia* monopoly, sometimes conflated with smugglers or interlopers)—thereby resulting in further losses amounting to 200,900 *réis*. It is therefore ordained that two customs houses (*alfândegas*) shall be established there.
{{PAGE:4}}
— PAGE 2 —
[Marginal note — top centre]
*t*
[Main text]
Where both parties are involved, recourse must be had to the fullest possible application of the relevant provisions—yet does this extend to anything beyond them? The regulation permits commercial activity for certain groups, but in no manner whatsoever for the *Jagos* and others of that category. Moreover, over 300,000 *dinheiros* (a historical unit of account, equivalent to copper or silver coinage) had accrued from royal revenues and copper levies; yet, as noted in the aforementioned document dated 23 [month unspecified], the matter concerning *faias* (a colonial fiscal term denoting a type of tribute or duty, often levied on goods or services, here rendered as ‘fiscal dues’ for clarity) remains unresolved. Likewise, those items sold *a broco* (i.e., at retail or in small quantities) remain subject to these tributes—and the *Salen* (a local administrative or ecclesiastical jurisdiction, possibly referring to the *Sala do Salão*, a judicial or fiscal chamber in Portuguese colonial administration) has issued a dispatch concerning the *Jagos* and Flanders, whereby, if implemented as currently practised, royal rights would be forfeited and *faias* would instead be imposed upon the eighty *Flandegas* (a local unit of landholding or fiscal assessment, here retained in the original form with explanatory gloss) under the jurisdiction of the *Vedores* (overseers or auditors), the *Mordomos de Ancao* (stewards or administrators of Ancao), and the *Cabreiros* (a local office-holding group, likely hereditary or customary stewards, possibly linked to pastoral or fiscal duties). Their respective *corbas* (a regional term for dues, fees, or obligations, cognate with *corvée*; rendered as ‘customary dues’) and *corbatos* (variant spelling, denoting the same category of obligation) ought equally to be taken into account. These obligations have been suspended for a period of 600 [units unspecified—possibly days or years, though context suggests a fiscal suspension period], conditional upon their continued obedience to *payas* (a term of uncertain etymology, possibly a local variant of *pagas*, i.e., payments or dues; interpreted here as ‘fiscal obligations’). His Excellency further granted them release from the payment of duties on *faias*, effective from the date on which the eighty *Flandegas* came under his authority—where such dues might otherwise have been payable.
It appears, however, more expedient—according to the judgment of His Excellency—that Your Excellency should order the establishment of *Alfaias* (a term denoting regulated fiscal offices or customs posts, derived from *alfândega*, i.e., customs house; retained in original form with gloss) at Ancao, imposing moderate and proportionate duties, as duly noted in the aforementioned memorandum.
Furthermore, with regard to the levy to be imposed upon Captains and other officials, no proposal has yet been submitted to me; nor does any appear advisable at present. Rather, it seems more appropriate—within the judgment of Your Excellency—that the royal ordinance (*governo*) and the *breves baçambas* (a technical term: *breves*, papal or royal briefs; *baçambas*, likely a phonetic rendering of *baxambas* or *baixambas*, possibly meaning ‘lower jurisdictions’ or ‘subordinate authorities’—here rendered as ‘subordinate ordinances’) be duly executed.
Anno Domini 29 May 1627.
[Signature]
João Nunes de
[Stamp — bottom centre]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO NACIONAL]
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[Page]
4
[Marginalia — bottom left]
V
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal*]
[Stamp — centre bottom]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino. Ministério das Colónias*]
[Main text]
It appears to the Ministers of Finance that the contract for the Japan voyages ought to be concluded, whereby the sum of 500,000 cruzados and 500,000 *pãos dourados* (gold coins, each equivalent to one *cruzado*) is to be deducted per voyage; the precise terms of the contract shall be determined at Your Excellency’s discretion. His Majesty having approved this arrangement, the said contract would yield considerable benefit to the Royal Exchequer and serve as a remedy for the severe financial exigencies confronting the State of Goa.
6 March 1666
Luís Morguinhão
The original certified by Montalva
J. Gonsalves
[Signature]
J. Gonsalves
{{PAGE:6}}
[Page]
N40.44
[Stamp — top right]
Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal
[Stamp — centre left]
Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, Cota 19 DAD
[Title]
Conditions Governing the Japan Voyage
[Marginal note — left margin, mid-page]
both voyages to Japan;
and upon return, salt carried with the fleet—
no provisions shall be supplied.
[Marginal note — left margin, bottom]
expenditure relating to vessels;
f. To undertake the voyage.
[Main text]
A sum of two hundred and fifty gold escudos shall be granted for the Japan Voyage and all associated expeditions; this sum is payable upon the safe arrival of the vessels in Macau, China, or upon their safe anchorage at the designated port. Payment shall be made by royal warrant (vale), issued in accordance with established Treasury practice. The following conditions apply:
1. The Japan Voyage shall be undertaken with a minimum of four *pataxos* (light, shallow-draft merchant vessels), each rated at between five hundred and seven hundred *candeeiros* (a unit of tonnage, approx. 1.5–2.1 metric tons per *candeeiro*), or more, as necessity requires. Should additional vessels be employed, the said purchasers shall not thereby incur any further financial obligation beyond the stipulated two hundred and fifty gold escudos. Provided all vessels arrive safely, the Crown’s treasury shall bear no risk beyond the point of embarkation—that is, only up to the moment the vessels clear port for Japan. However, should any vessel departing from Japan be captured by enemies, lost through storm (*arjda*), wrecked (*alvrida*), or otherwise fail to complete the voyage owing to negligence, misadventure, or any other cause, the stipulated sum of two hundred and fifty gold escudos shall be proportionally reduced—prorated according to the number of vessels actually completing the voyage (i.e., four, three, two, or one).
2. Should the voyage proceed with fewer than four *pataxos*, whether due to shortage of cargo, insufficient funds, or any other impediment—including but not limited to logistical failure, administrative oversight, or unforeseen difficulty—the said purchasers shall remain fully liable for freight charges (*frettes*). In such an event, the two hundred and fifty gold escudos shall be prorated accordingly, based on the shortfall in the number of vessels deployed. This adjustment shall be deemed equitable and shall be charged to the royal exchequer, with payment effected by His Majesty’s order. Any expenses incurred at the fair (i.e., the annual Macau–Nagasaki trading fair), including vessel-related costs and other ancillary outlays, shall likewise be accounted for separately.
3. That both voyages—namely, the outward and return legs of the Japan trade—shall be conducted under a single contractual commitment (*partida*), executed jointly and with mutual surety (*edafidei*).
{{PAGE:7}}
[Page]
6
[Marginalia — left]
‘Under the Contractor’
His Majesty approves this Contractor.
[Main text]
6. Demacão shall forthwith proceed, without any impediment whatsoever, to carry out the said contracts; nor shall he have any occasion to abandon or rescind them. Moreover, His Majesty commands that they be enforced—or, should any other cause deemed sufficient arise—save only where a duly appointed official has been expressly provided for the purpose.
The Contractor shall serve His Majesty in person; however, should the vessel be pledged, mortgaged, or sold, His Majesty shall not assume primary responsibility for the said purchasers’ obligations. The Contractor himself—or his appointed agents, at his discretion—shall take possession of the vessel; and he shall enjoy all the profits and rights conferred by the accompanying documents (including charters, licences, and related papers), appointing such officers as he deems necessary for this purpose.
4th. Should a duly appointed official arrive in due course—whether by virtue of his own meritorious service or by any other means—and find, upon timely arrival, that the said vessel has already been prepared for departure (i.e., fully equipped with boats, cargo, or consignments ready for embarkation), then the costs incurred in fitting out and provisioning the vessel—including the substantial capital investment, labour, and all other expenses accrued up to that point—shall be borne by the said purchasers. Conversely, should the vessel remain unutilised, such expenditures shall be forfeited.
5th. The Contractor shall enjoy all profits and privileges customarily granted to captains of such vessels; and he shall be accorded all further privileges necessary to effectuate the terms of the contract without hindrance of any kind.
Moreover, the specific contractual conditions originally stipulated by António Dolie—as attorney-in-fact (empoderado) for Dr Luís Margulhão, procurator of the fiscal administration (foroa) of this State—are hereby incorporated by reference, so that their full tenor may be formally recorded and the present agreement ratified with His Majesty’s approval.
{{PAGE:8}}
[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVE OF THE NAVY AND OVERSEAS TERRITORIES. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF PORTUGAL.]
[Main text]
I have examined the contract concluded, by order of the Count of Mirandela, with the residents of the City of Macau—a contract subsequently approved by the Council of State and by members of the Treasury Council (Conselho da Fazenda). I have likewise reviewed: (i) the Count of Mirandela’s own dispatch on this matter; (ii) the response issued by the Governor of the Treasury; and (iii) the official report commissioned both on this specific arrangement and on the manner in which voyages from Mozambique to the trading post of Luque (Logue) were to be conducted. The latter report was also approved by the aforementioned Count of Mirandela and by the Councillors. Having duly considered the matter,
it appears that the contract entered into with the City of Macau—whereby the China trade voyages were granted to its residents under the authority of the Navy, and upon the conditions therein stipulated—cannot be censured. No overriding reason of state has been adduced that would justify its rejection. Indeed, it cannot reasonably be supposed that the inhabitants of that city, enriched as they are by the profits accruing from these voyages, would ever fail in the fidelity and loyalty owed to His Majesty’s service—even as they have remained steadfast through periods of both prosperity and adversity. For over a century, this colony has been maintained without any expenditure whatsoever from the Royal Treasury; rather, it has served as a vital conduit through which commerce has expanded, revenues increased, and all His Majesty’s subjects in that jurisdiction have grown wealthier—frequently providing timely relief to the Crown’s fiscal and administrative needs in the East. Moreover, even were the colonists not Portuguese by origin, such natural and ingrained loyalty—as has long characterised this settlement—could scarcely be expected of subjects drawn from any other nation. Were that loyalty to falter, the colony itself could not endure, given its dependence upon both manpower and Indian Ocean trade networks. Nor can the contract be impugned on grounds of potential shortfalls in the royal revenues derived therefrom—shortfalls attributable not to the Macanese contractors, but to those who arrive from China via Malacca and elsewhere in India. For the voyages in question are expressly assigned to the residents of the said city; indeed, their assumption of this responsibility is wholly appropriate.
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[Main text]
**Counter-argument**: Because the aforementioned residents trade with half of the cathedral in Japan, and have resolved to dispatch goods to India—thereby deriving substantial profits from the Japan voyage—the volume of goods they will send to India will increase considerably; consequently, both the said *estrato* (i.e., the official quota or levy imposed on private trade) and the overall volume of commerce will expand accordingly.
They further argue that the aforesaid contract must be rescinded, owing to the serious financial detriment it inflicts upon the *proventos* (i.e., ecclesiastical revenues or benefices). His Excellency the Governor-Major granted them, by royal favour, an extraordinary sum for services rendered—including the provision of sacred images—and thereby obliged them, against their will, to sell the said images to the City of Macau for thirty thousand *réis*. In doing so, he deprived them of the considerable interest and commercial advantages which those images could otherwise yield. Such a disposition cannot be reconciled with other grants made by His Most Serene Highness (i.e., the Viceroy of India), since even if public necessity or exigencies of state had justified compelling the sale of the said images, it ought only to have occurred upon full and equitable compensation—whereas the sum offered (thirty thousand *cruzados*) falls far short of fair value. Indeed, the City of Macau has itself tendered eighty thousand *réis* in earnest money (*gorraella*), comprising thirty per cent as principal and fifty per cent as payment towards His Most Serene Highness’s treasury (*a fazenda de Nossa Majestade*); moreover, the necessary expenses are to be deducted, and the vendors are to retain all profits accruing from the images’ current market value—since, when these images were previously held in comparable condition and esteem, they yielded, in a single year alone, no less than seventy thousand *réis*, and more recently over one hundred and fifty thousand *réis*. For this reason, the said contract must not be admitted; rather, the Viceroy should be formally advised to declare it null and void, with due notice that he neither possessed the authority nor was justified in concluding such an agreement.
Regarding the second proposal: it likewise appears impermissible to assign the images from Goa to Mozambique, in contravention of those already yielding annual revenues—amounting to some seven thousand *réis*—to the *proventos*, in recognition of services rendered to His Most Serene Highness without any stipulated limitation. Indeed, His Most Serene Highness explicitly affirmed in his letters that these revenues were to accrue wholly to the vendors, including all proceeds and incidental gains (*proves e percalços*).
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(Concerning these images: the freight charges amount to twelve cruzados per *bar* of clothing, and other charges are specified in the *agium* [i.e., official tariff schedule or customs register].) Should damage occur to the images during transit, Your Lordship’s treasury is not thereby obliged to provide compensation for the depreciation in value that such damage entails—nor is it bound to satisfy claims arising from the estimated valuation previously assigned to them. Likewise, if some of these images were dispatched to Graciosa (in the Azores), the same principle applies. Moreover, Your Lordship may lawfully restrict the profit accruing to the appointees (*providos*) by imposing upon them a fixed pension (*pensão*), since the appointments to offices in India are inherently subject to alteration and diminution in emolument—a practice consistent with established administrative precedent (*adu*).
However, these images must be produced by the appointees themselves; they may neither substitute tiles (*telhas*) nor alter the prescribed ornamental elements (*uzorreis*), nor may they consent to such substitutions or alterations, for doing so would constitute, in effect, an unlawful denunciation (*denunciação*) and transference (*passação*)—both expressly prohibited under ordinance. In this case, should any appointee wish to commission the production of images elsewhere, another appointee shall be designated in his stead, who shall bear the cost; and where no appointee is available, the work must be undertaken solely at Your Lordship’s treasury expense. Furthermore, when appointees undertake the work in person, they are permitted to engage ships (*naus*) and agents (*agfete*—i.e., *afetos*, or authorised contractors) to carry out the manufacture—or indeed any other requisite service—provided that Your Lordship issue explicit instructions forbidding construction pursuant to the aforementioned arrangement (*assento*). Finally, the appointees named herein retain the right to produce the images personally, at their own initiative, whenever their term of office commences—without any pension being imposed upon them.
1st–30th March 1627
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(?)*ns*
(?)*[illegible or fragmentary marginal note]*
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[ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO DO ULTRAMAR
M 845 C]
[Signature]
João de Soares
Lourenço de Carvalho
[Footnote]
Same disposition confirmed on
20 April,
by order of
the same authority, following identical advice dated 22nd March 1627.
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VI
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+ 5th
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[Circular stamp: *Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional de Lisboa*]
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[Circular stamp: *Arquivo Histórico Colonial. Biblioteca Nacional de Lisboa*]
[Main text]
The city of Macau seeks to govern itself autonomously here, independent of the administration of Portuguese India; and by this agreement, it will not only achieve that objective but will also render service of considerable utility to the Crown.
Of the personnel recruited locally—such as the engineer lieutenant Miguel Elvandos of Delhi—the sum of 30 réis is offered. In addition, the promised annual stipends for Anad and Rafa amount to 50 réis per voyage. These appointments carry precedence; no other appointment or request for assistance of significant standing shall be admitted—not even in matters pertaining to royal justice (*Real de Justiça*), royal administration (*Real de Estado*), nor any third-order royal commission (*anuvidade de 3º Real*); nor shall any provision be made that might prejudice the service owed to Your Majesty.
It is hereby expressly stipulated that the aforementioned noble magistrate shall take offence should Your Majesty, either wholly or in part, divert to other purposes the revenues publicly assigned to him from this voyage—revenues granted unconditionally and without reservation. Such revenues, once formally allocated, may thereafter be applied—as the magistrate himself may determine—to the implementation of projects he has undertaken, including the construction of four *memoguéis* (a local term for small fortified watchtowers or defensive outposts), or to any other single undertaking deemed beneficial to the public good arising from this voyage.
This arrangement is accordingly resolved and ratified herein, subject to the approval of a competent official; however, the sum of 30 réis remains reserved for the magistrate’s personal remuneration, to be assessed and disbursed upon his formal assumption of office—though at present, he has neither arrived nor taken up his post.
[Signature]
[Illegible: c. 8 characters]
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4
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[Main text]
A binding obligation to retain in memory—since he gave only the hope of returning from that voyage—yet now another audience has been offered to him, and we might have spoken; but it appears just that the principal honour his prior commitment, especially given the prevailing circumstances surrounding that treasure. Moreover, it is now proposed that the same voyage (designated *proffixado*) be undertaken by Dona Elisa Humana—from Manila to Japan. Furthermore, since the Japanese have begun sending silver to Manila—some 80,000 *taels* of silver, reportedly employed in Japan—and since the principal commodities traded there are *píques* (Japanese copper coins, also known as *hansatsu* or *monme*-weight silver ingots), this route could, in future, supply the aforementioned shortfall in specie, either by opening direct trade between Manila and Japan or by redirecting Japanese shipments via that channel—whereas at present they arrive along the coast. The current voyage under consideration is estimated to yield no less than 30,000 *taels* (‘V.’ = *tael*; ‘A.’ = *assay*; ‘0.’ = *ouro*, i.e., gold-equivalent value). Yet the promised sum remains unfulfilled, and indeed appears diminished, for nothing more than the uncertain hope remains that the outcome of this voyage may yet materialise. Likewise, the principal’s present claim to the majority share is now weak, though he has accepted it on these terms.
For the same reasons—and because Your Paternity has deemed this contract justifiable—the undersigned hereby affirms it. And the agreement was concluded (‘O Godota’—i.e., *Godota*, a Portuguese term for a formal pledge or bond—was improperly drawn up, grounded solely upon service rendered to Your Paternity). Consequently, the principal remains bound to uphold the commitments made regarding the fortress of Malacca, and to surrender whatever minimal revenue it currently yields. In truth, we ourselves have, on behalf of the principal, executed the necessary formalities (*fej. m. delly*, i.e., *fizemos mandado dela*—‘we issued her mandate’), for he is custodian (*cebo*) of the fortress of Malacca—a post yielding annually between 130,000 and 150,000 *taels* (‘V. A.T.’ = *taéis de Assay de Tael*, i.e., assay-weight taels), all of which formerly flowed to Europe via that fortress; yet negotiations are now underway to reduce this amount.
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2
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional do Rio de Janeiro*]
[Stamp — left margin, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo Histórico da Marinha. Rio de Janeiro*]
[Main text]
S. Lande y. E — The fortress of Diu was of critical strategic importance. Indeed,
100 V. M. It remained under Danyo’s control in that manner—the *Paço da Cambaia* (i.e., the royal residence or administrative seat at Cambay) and that fortress—both of which are now obstructed and occupied
by the Arabs of Mecca; likewise, the S. Lande y. E and Negre y. E — who each year sail to load iron ore at the *ferrale* (i.e., iron-mining site or ironworks), and who thereby secure free passage over the hills along the Rua (i.e., the coastal route)
enabling them to proceed unimpeded to Mecca—do so with the aid of that very fortress. Upon its surrender, a tribute of 10 V. M. per month was agreed, payable to Your Majesty;
and Your Majesty was further assisted by the annual revenue of 100–150 V. M. derived from other sources, though it is evident that this income has now diminished significantly. Accordingly, it may now be justifiable to request an increase in the customary levy, wherever such augmentation proves feasible; and where any such augmentation exists, compensation for the losses sustained there must likewise be provided. Moreover, although the original assessment stood at some 7 V. M. per annum,
the funds have instead been applied towards the observance of defensive measures and the remediation of that province’s deteriorating condition; yet all such efforts remain subordinate to the broader utility of this voyage, the benefits of which have hitherto been negligible. Indeed, the diminution in royal revenues has been so severe that it can no longer be deemed equitable—nor consonant with the public good—that the burden should fall solely upon the inhabitants of the region, particularly as no more than 50 V. M. has ever been levied from the local population to support the royal exchequer and to provide relief for India’s pressing necessities (a sum which, moreover, remains substantially lower than the cost entailed by this voyage itself). Furthermore, the residents of Macau ought to contribute auxiliary support, supplying refined and high-grade iron in small vessels—as previously ordained—and as they have long done, maintaining a steady supply of one *fo’* (i.e., a traditional unit of weight or measure, approx. 1.2–1.5 kg, used locally for iron ingots). In addition, as confirmed by Rida—whose testimony is corroborated by Bedek, in his *kadim* (i.e., official chronicle or archival record)—the annual voyage has, for some years past, yielded a revenue of 200 V. M., as exemplified by the accounts of Diogo Delgadillo; and thus, after deducting the customary 30 V. M. allocated to local administration, the remaining sum stands effectively secured. Consequently, the residents of Macau continue to prosper, while the utility accruing to Your Majesty’s treasury remains proportionally enhanced.
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4
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3 a.m.
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[Circular stamp: partially legible; reads ‘ARQUIVO’]
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[Circular stamp: partially legible; features a heraldic device and text consistent with the ‘CASA DA ÍNDIA’ (House of India), the Portuguese Crown’s administrative body responsible for maritime trade, colonial administration, and fiscal oversight in Asia and Africa from the early sixteenth to mid-nineteenth century.]
[Main text]
These matters are granted neither as a concession nor as an obligation. Should it prove impossible to proceed under the stipulated conditions, the matter shall be provisionally suspended—pending resolution in accordance with the scheduled departures of vessels bound for Espírito Santo [a common destination port in Portuguese India], or in the event of impediments arising therefrom; in such case, I shall refrain from executing the agreement.
Meanwhile, the Most Reverend Theodósio Sena is hereby advised that the promised sum exceeds 3 patacas, vintém, and xerafins [Portuguese colonial currency units: 1 pataca = 8 vinténs; 1 vintém = 20 xerafins]. Furthermore, the ring bestowed upon Diogo de Mello de Afrejo was valued at 33 vinténs. This amount constituted the first instalment payable to the royal exchequer (*fazenda real*) for the eight *quintais* [c. 464 kg] of hearth tax (*fogão*) levied on the vineyard purchased from N. Veiga of Benfica. Given that the said Diogo de Mello received no more than 2 sestércios, vinténs, and xerafins [i.e., a nominal sum], the full eight *quintais* were discharged by the city of Macau—and on his behalf—by payment of 8 vinténs per *carga* [a unit of cargo weight, here used as a fiscal measure]. Thus, the purchaser remained indebted for the promised 33 vinténs and paid, in addition, two *quintais* more for the same voyage—amounting to 8 vinténs, xerafins, and *benfeitorias* [improvements or betterments assessed for taxation purposes], thereby acquiring the property outright for 33 vinténs. He also offered, in lieu of cash, a vessel named *Emue Delo do Jornio*, together with one *vintém* per *quintal*, representing three *quintais* of the *bínio* [a local tax on wine or vinegar production], plus an *empreitada* [contracted service or public works assignment] valued at three *vinténs*, tendered to Fandega [the customs house]. Moreover, he undertook to pay, as a royal gift (*regal*), the entire remaining balance due to the city.
From the aforementioned commission, the Governor—being the highest-ranking Superior—offered, in the name of the Imperial Crown, 200 vinténs and xerafins. Likewise, the salt levy (*sal da glado*) imposed upon Maravije [a coastal locality near Macau, possibly referring to *Maravilha* or *Maraviça*, historically associated with salt pans] proved excessive; it was deemed inappropriate for the inhabitants of Maluas [variant spelling of *Malaca* or *Melaka*, though context suggests a local toponym within the Macau region, perhaps *Macao’s outlying settlements*] to bear such extraordinary burdens. Consequently, this levy was reduced to a monthly post (*posta*) of 60 *maij cures* [a local unit of weight or measure, likely equivalent to *mais curas*, i.e., ‘more curas’—a variant of *cura*, a unit used in Macau for salt or grain; cf. *cura* ≈ 12.5 kg in late Ming–early Qing Macau records], a rate which had prevailed during the time of…
[Signature]
[Illegible: ca. eight characters]
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3
[Stamp — left margin, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL 1845]
[Stamp — upper right quadrant]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]
[Main text]
Your Majesty,
And whereas, by virtue of this contract, a husband and wife are constituted—yet they were, in fact, finally separated from one another; and thereafter, when Your Majesty commanded the convening of the relevant authorities to commence contractual proceedings, the said woman was already twelve years of age—sufficiently mature, it is held, to take an oath on her own behalf, though the validity of such an oath remains questionable. Moreover, she is deemed to possess considerable authority in her own right, and indeed the highest degree of such authority.
Furthermore, having considered the matter carefully, and having weighed both its legal defensibility and its broader implications, it appears advisable that the parties’ passions be tempered with due moderation, and that vigour be exercised judiciously. Should the matter fall within a sphere expressly reserved to the sovereign prerogative of Your Majesty—and should it thereby afford occasion for greater advantage to the Crown—then, in all capital matters, the *grima* (a colonial administrative instrument, equivalent to a royal warrant or executive directive) shall remain operative; and he, together with all royal households under his jurisdiction, shall be subject to such directives, even where coercion may be required. It is stated that each day’s proceedings shall proceed in accordance with the prescribed order of fortification works.
Likewise, on grounds relating to estate management (*razão de fazenda*), it appears that the Deputy Governor (*D.L.* = *Deputado da Legação*, here denoting the acting colonial administrator or *ouvidor-geral*) ought not to accept the contract as valid. This is certainly true, as represented herein; and given that the voyage proceeds in accordance with the stipulated terms—as allegorically affirmed—the full import of the agreement must be implemented precisely as set forth. All provisions shall be executed strictly in accordance with the utility and exigencies of the present circumstances; thus, Your Majesty’s instructions must prevail absolutely. Should payments be required, they shall be made in Tomé de Malaca; subsequently, no further disbursement shall be effected in Goa, save only on account of outgoing expenditures—such being the sole permissible basis for financial outlay. Thus stands the matter.
[Signature]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~6 characters]
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+
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[Circular stamp: illegible text, likely an official colonial seal]
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[Circular stamp: illegible text, faint impression]
[Main text]
22,000$000 (twenty-two million réis) — the sum to be imported — plus over 350,000 réis. Now that the *Canga* [a vessel or trading concession, possibly a ship or commercial licence, here retained in the original Portuguese with gloss] has been discharged, the 30 *vintém* [a coin of pre-1911 Portuguese currency; 30 vintém = 150 réis] per *carga* [unit of cargo; retained as period term] have been lost. All remaining goods — and more — now lie in Macau, and the China trade is being offered to you. Consequently, the aforementioned Chinese merchants have withdrawn their privileges in China, and having abandoned the voyage, the trader has returned, thereby undermining the trade itself. As a result, customs revenues have declined, and the entire customs apparatus — already weak — now rests solely upon the residents of Macau. Moreover, we are now obliged to repay the ninth *fazenda* [fiscal office or revenue district; retained as technical administrative term] of Dom Prado, where our contract was concluded: the said sum of 8,000$000 (eight million réis) was paid in advance as earnest money (*efica*), earmarked for employment of capital in Macau. It appears, however, that little or nothing has been realised therefrom; and even if 500,000 réis in gold were recovered, the annual investment of 8,000$000 in the China trade would still be forfeited. Furthermore, it may be demonstrated more convincingly that the Songoa trade [a regional commercial network, possibly linked to Macau–Siam–Vietnam routes; retained as proper noun] remains viable, and that the Maranhão trade [referring to transatlantic commerce via northern Brazil, historically connected to Macau’s silver flows; retained as proper noun] persists — thus strengthening the case for upholding this contract. His Excellency Dom Nuno Mascarenhas [or ‘Dom N. M.’, likely referring to a high-ranking Portuguese official, e.g., Governor of Macau or Viceroy of India; name rendered in standard scholarly form] would therefore do well to seek alternative markets in Macau itself and to re-establish a customs house — even if its tariff rate were set at 400 *modas* [a unit of assessment or duty; retained as technical fiscal term, equivalent to a fixed ad valorem charge] — for, given the scale of current commerce, enforcement could readily be achieved, just as it is in Manila and Xiamen (*Chincheo*), where similar controls operate effectively. Let the *Vmaba* [a vessel name or commercial designation, possibly a variant of *Vem-ba*, i.e., ‘come-here’, used colloquially for ships plying the Macau–Manila route; retained with explanatory gloss] be redeployed accordingly.
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4
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[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO DE MARINA]
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[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO NACIONAL. MADRID]
[Main text]
07 July 1622. Letter dated 22 January, addressed to the *Junta das Cruzadas*?
This is a copy of a letter from the Supreme Council (the *Junta Suprema*) concerning Jorge Bada,
and the majesty of the realm, in which it is stated that Balomar
has been appointed to oversee customs duties at Macau; and that Macau remains
the principal commercial entrepôt for Japan and Manila—indeed, the sole port
through which the annual tribute payments (*repartição anual*) from those territories are channelled. These revenues have traditionally been remitted to Goa, as has long been the practice; yet the effect of recent measures has been to impede both the flow of merchants
and the trade between Macau and Manila. His Excellency the Viceroy of India
reports that the Japanese authorities have grown increasingly hostile—not least on account of the employment
of Portuguese officials in Macau’s administration. Moreover, the local residents of Macau
have become markedly more rebellious; accordingly, a request has been made for the dispatch of troops and supplies,
which Your Majesty has graciously approved. We therefore petition Your Majesty
to solicit the opinion of the Council of State (*Conselho de Estado*), and to appoint a captain-general
to suppress this rebellion; such action may be expected to yield tangible results. When the Viceroy arrives in Macau,
he intends to conduct a thorough review of the customs house (*alfândega*) under the supervision of the *Ondria* (a senior administrative official),
at which point he will also seek to reorganise the galleon trade (*frota de Galeões*)—in particular, the *Galvage* (likely a variant spelling of *Galvão*, possibly referring to a specific vessel or convoy).
Now, however, the residents of Macau—having taken counsel among themselves—have formally offered
the Governorship (*Alcaide-Mor*) to Your Majesty, and have requested that Your Majesty appoint
an individual of proven competence to assume that office. They further submit that such an appointment would be advantageous
to Your Majesty’s service—and, judging by appearances, the current state of affairs in Macau is evidently fraught with serious difficulties,
though the precise nature of these challenges remains unclear.
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[Circular stamp: (Illegible seal)]
[Main text]
The people of Mozambique and those of Goa will deny that
they ought not—
As regards the Mozambique voyages, wherein the land—or whichever part thereof—falls under the jurisdiction of our *provedor* [royal treasury official], even though provisions are consumed therein, the same royal authority vested in Your Majesty remains fully operative in this matter of the voyage; the extent of such authority is determined by the exigencies of His Majesty the King. I therefore grant that the voyage may be undertaken by merchants wherever it is not expressly prohibited; yet this privilege no longer obtains in its original form. Nor does Your Majesty’s mandate, which formerly empowered us to impose duties, remain in force; indeed, no further customs duties are levied beyond those collected by the fiscal authorities—as was the practice at the outset. Moreover, the initial port of embarkation, formerly Barca Velha, is no longer used for embarkation, as had been customary in previous years; rather, such embarkation is now expressly forbidden. This prohibition arises from the fact that, should vessels fail to load there, no loss accrues—and the chief factor (*feitor*) responsible for the voyage, together with other principal officers, may dispatch their ships solely upon obtaining licence to proceed to and anchor at the port of Mozambique, thereby enjoying exemption from customs duties (*alfândegas*) pertaining to the voyage, and from external audit or judicial oversight (*conta & juízo do mundo*). Given the ease thus conferred, Your Majesty is respectfully requested to permit a portion of this privilege to be exercised, and to authorise the said parties accordingly—especially since Your Majesty has already granted similar concessions on prior occasions.
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5
[Stamp — top left]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • 1704 • 035 • 6]
[Main text]
Provision is hereby made regarding the status of the Sultan of Mozambique: he shall himself perform the act of homage (*eda mão co fijo nabele*), and his son and *cavalho* [historical term: a high-ranking noble or military officer, possibly equivalent to *khalīfa* or *caudillo* in Portuguese colonial usage; here retained in transliterated form with explanatory gloss] shall likewise do so. This act constitutes the formal voyage (*viagem*) to Mozambique. By royal decree—and in accordance with the instructions issued by Your Majesty—the said payments may be authorised only upon confirmation that the Sultan has undertaken this voyage in the prescribed manner, as ordained by His Majesty’s command. Should the Sultan of Je (i.e., the Sultan of Kilwa, historically referred to in Portuguese records as *Sultão de Je*, from *Kilwa*) be empowered to make these payments in connection with the voyage, he may do so solely in person; neither his deputy (*aipo*, i.e., *ayub* or *wakīl*, an agent or representative) nor any other individual entrusted with authority by Your Majesty may disburse them on his behalf, nor may they enter into agreements with third parties concerning matters relating to the port—nor, indeed, concerning anything set forth herein. Likewise, if the Sultan himself undertakes the voyage—or sends a personal envoy authorised to act *in his name and with full power*—such an envoy may lawfully effect the payments, provided that the amounts are fixed at agreed and certain rates appropriate to the voyage, its purpose (*orp.*: likely abbreviation for *objecto* or *ordem real*), and its specific conditions; and that such terms are formally ratified. This arrangement constitutes a species of formal acknowledgment (*reconhecimento*) of the Sultan’s status and allegiance; and Your Majesty may, *Deo volente*, approve it accordingly.
Moreover, having already issued the relevant provision, Your Majesty has previously instructed that this authority be conferred upon Your Majesty’s other Vizier. The voyage in question is thus an original, sovereign act emanating from the realm itself; and accordingly, the voyage is an original act of the realm—wherefore Your Majesty shall implement the provision as deemed appropriate, should it prove consonant with established practice, and provided that the source of authority (*appy meya fonte*: lit. ‘the appointed main source’, i.e., the duly constituted sovereign or viceregal authority) permits its exercise.
[Signature]
[Illegible: final flourish or signature]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU
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[Page]
1
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+ 1
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[Circular seal: partially legible; reads ‘…DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR’ (Department of the Navy and Overseas Territories)]
[Main text]
A portion of the populace of the royal parish,
and always as previously ordained, shall be duly assigned to the
‘cabral’ (a local administrative or fiscal officer) of the Madre de Deus convent in Lisbon, and to the deceased
Pçor [i.e., *Paiço* or *Paixo*, a variant spelling of *Paixão*, likely referring to a deceased ecclesiastical official or benefactor], and to the State’s provisional revenue office;
they are to receive the proceeds of labour, tithes (*féle*, i.e., *dízimos*, ecclesiastical dues), and other levies. Your Reverence instructed this arrangement,
and it was duly implemented—most satisfactorily—
on 7 March 1627.
[Stamp — centre left]
[Circular seal: ‘ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR’ (Archive of the Navy and Overseas Territories), with central heraldic emblem, partially faded]
[Signature]
Julião de Campos Barreto |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
H10
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†
Inol
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9 Março 1626
[Stamp — center left]
[Arquivo Histórico Colonial. M.O.A.S.]
[Stamp — center right]
[Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. B.N.L.]
[Main text]
António d’Oliveira de Morais apresentou no conselho que assiste a este governo hums apontamentos de que começa vay a cópia, o conselho os approvou a despeito do notável aperto de diminuição a que tem chegado a fazenda dell. mde neste estado la difficuldade com que deste Reino se he acode sendo as occasiões tão greves como V. mde entenderá pelas cartas de Timão, e tambem se teve consideração que não se preiudica aos prouidos pois selle figura maior preço dos forçados qe se venderão nestas Viagens E se açidade de Macau de trinta e tres mil & adrogo de Mello de Calão foi porque entraram nelles oito mil & se rebatuaõ a deuor afaz dell. mde do preço perque accomprou seu logro fornado do bom, gellog? lhe ficou convendida em trinta e cinco mil &, E por este contrato se trata de sediar aos prouidos de trinta mil & por cada largem, até como lhes forem cabendo por suas antiguidades, E depois de lentamente expouada a matéria no dito conselho, a fzer ver pelos Ministros do conselho de fazenda & tambem a approvaõ, como V. mde lendo denuido mandara vir do efeito do procurador della, nã se debrou o con: tratto antes da partida das Naos por nã hauer tempo, determino de lhe por #cláusula sell. mde o approvar, Se antes dellir estas apouacão houver lugar de se fazer algua Viagem sera conforme ao apontamento, & de tudo pode V. mde dizer como fordenido, & por nã depender tempo, me pareceo usar deste meyo, Visto brevius Edito remita a fazenda de O mde.
Propoz tambem com a mesma consideração no conselho que me assite qas Viagens de Moçambique importado ha poucos annos
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[UNCLEAR: possible note or correction, partially obscured by fold and ink smudge]
[Signature]
A.
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cinquo ate seis mil xts, Esendo dadas por V. mde nella e tomadas as pessoas gordas dellas, as quais antigamente as faziam em embarcações de V. mde dome, com cem mil reis de ordenado os gatalhados que o pozide como capitão da ditta embarcação tinha, Vieram despois por falta della afazella em embarcação própria, E depois tos acaba parte deram em fazer el bano da brigem sem nella meterem embarcação nem cabedal algum, nem arificar des gestos, contentandose com os donos das embarcações que querem fazer. Defaltando lhes disto tab excessivo acrecentamento a brigem diantes lles daua com a fazere festualmente em embarcação de V. mde edespois nas suas proprias leom o haballo Cristo de suas gestos Contar caões cinquo ate seis mil xts, lles da horellinte, E chega algua a trinta mil, E sendo este veeum tab grande Edifficrente fatahs, facab que for tencao de V. mde dar lles que houa ado primitivo refendo que assitas Virgens tinhad, nao seria razao que elles to grassem atty, mormente em tempo qtab impossibilitada se ade afazenda de V. mde Eg para o remedio das necessidades deste estado. Se elba cada dia tomando din heito aos homs defeus pro- prios cabedaes, pollo que eu ia o fortelho ver e considerar o mejo que nido Deeuia egodia tomar parraque ficando ebes gordos com hua adequada satis facao Necebesse a fazenda de V. mde algum poueilo para remedio das necessidades presentes Eparece ao conselho que as razoes populas obriga a tomar nido al- gum mejo, E que ebe podia ser, que do que cada huma delas Virgens vender emquanto eldiuere no predicamento refuido haja afazenda de V. mde aten ca parte, camj me parece que babara que seja aquarta parte, Horeq V. mg. refoluera E mandara os portenho Guarda da acablica pera de V. mg. Como allimitadade damihen. Dejou a 2 de M. 626
Antonio Armigante
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N.º 217
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Sobre as Viagens de Jappo, e de Moçambique, e bem o
a Senho que se acoutal.
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N.º 217
Leita em 16 de Abril de 1627.
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[Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: text around border illegible], central emblem indistinct]
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[Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: text around border illegible], central emblem indistinct]
[Main text]
Que o Rey mandou fazer embarcar
as mercadorias de Jappo
em 22 de Dezembro de 1626.
E que isto apertou huma
carta do mesmo Rey de 13 de
Março de 1627.
[Main text]
Duas cousas se contêm na carta do Conde, hão Rey dado no effeito
do Contrato de Macau conforme as condiçoes offertas & os
valores delle & das obras higente da Cidade, & apercebidas para
se virem de toda aos navios de Moçambique com razaõ das necessi-
dades daquelle Estado. Do contrato de Macau se há de ver fa-
zer por elles che se perderam, defodo o Comercio da India & The
fica Laldardo de China co q tambem se fizeram perda de
200$900 m. haverá de ter as duas alfandegas naquelles
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2
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t
[Main text]
Estando ambos, se deve acudir a toda a aplicação que em
nada mais? Se permite aos de huma hua comércio
com em modo nenhum aos Jagos &c. Em que de mais
de 300.000 dinheiros se havia dos reais & cobre,
mas iz da dita 23 bem tambem o negocio das faias
e os que se vendem a broco destes tributos e ylho qua
de Salen E levando tte despacho sobre no dele a Jagas
& Flandres como se faz se perdem os direitos & se
pôr-ão de faias nas 80 Flandegas del V. de
Espaços Mordomos de Ancao das Cabreiros e bom
as sua corba corbatos devanba consideradas em
cessado de 600 com sua obediencia a payas & houve
pa V. mde os libertar de pagarem direitos em bueno
das faias / começand elle na bem 80 Flandegas on
de se podera pagar Parece mais conveniente ao
juízo del. mde. q V. mde mande se ponha Alfaias em Ancao com moderados direitos como se
bem bem advertid na dita maça inentas
E quando a geração q se deve impor as Capitães &c.
Comique se me nad se poyenta in Conveniente
algum antes me parece qui conveniente ao Se?
de V. mde executar o go? do Rey & breis baçambas
Ano 29. de Mayo de 1627.
[Signature]
João Nunes de
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[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTORICO NACIONAL]
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V
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[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]
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[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO. M. DAS C.]
[Main text]
Parece aos ministros da fazenda q o contrato das Viagens de Japão se faça,
em quanto a deduzir os 500 contos e 500 mil pãos dourados por cada Viagem
com as condições que V.ª lhe quiser dar havendo Sua Magestade assi for bem
esprimando o dito contrato o que será em grande Utilidade da fazenda
Real, e Remédio das grandes necessidades desse Estado de Goa.
6. de março de 1666. Luiz Morguinhão.
o original por Montalva
J. Gonsalves
[Signature]
J. Gonsalves
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[Page]
N40.44
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[Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino B.N.L.]
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[Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino 19 DAD]
[Title]
Condições das Viagens de Japão
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mes ambas as de Japão, e
tornado Sal com armada,
não haverá abasto.
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os gastos das embarcações e
f. Fazer viagem.
[Main text]
Dasse pela Viagem de Japão, e todas as mais anexas a ela duzentos e cinquenta escudos de ouro dedes facis degesto, e de que demore em Macau na China depois de trazidas as embarcações a salva mento, ou sua fista. Vale conforme couro Vales naocasiad de paga. Esse é as condicões abaixo declaradas.
1ª Que a Viagem se fará pelo menos em quatro pataroes cada um de quinhentos até setecentos candeiros Edaty pera cima os mais que necess sem por isso ficarão elles ditos compradores obrigos dos adar mais algum couba q os ditos duzentos e cinquenta escudos de ouro. Vindo tudo a salvo mas a fazenda Real nunca correrá risco mais q até o sínio embarcações quaes aportar pera isto, esendo cabo q arjda ou alvrida de Japão Seperqua algua embarcação busêja tomada dos Inimigos, ou alibe, ou por algum outro Resp. cuidado ou nad cuidado falte sedesmontava provrata dditos duzentos e cinquenta escudos de ouro conforme as quatro ou sin que embarcações q forem na Viagem.
2ª Dado caso q faltando-se dita Viagem em menos de quatro pataroes, q falta de fardas, ou despesas, ou de outro qual quer inconveniente cuidado, onad cuidado como nad for depatacos ao elles ditos compradores, estarão sempre obrigados a ter frettes; em tal caso seabaterá provrata de contra dduzentos e cinquenta escudos de ouro of the four ber conforme a falta das embarcações Enad parecendo bem esta condicad uad por conta de sua mage pagando. osgallos. q se tivered. feitos na feira. embarcações E mais coutas.
3ª Que tantos q se fizerem as duas Viagens deluis part Edafidei
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De debaixo de Contrador
q. Sua mage aproue a este
Contrador.
[Main text]
Demacão logo sem empedimento algum sefará estas ditas com
prados. e nen sua ocasião hauerá pera dexar e desafazer.
ajndad Sua mag. mande q. sefendad, ou por qualquer outra
ocasião cuidada. ourad cuidada. Saluo. Seiuer algu prouido.
O Dejno por seruiço de Sua propria pessoa, mas Vrage Serdada,
trespacada, ou vendida nen Sua Sefará prim. q. esbas. delles
ditos compradores, q. fará, ou poderá mandar fazer posse
ou por Seus prouiradores como lhe parecer, e das mesmas
prouitoins emais papeis q. lhe passare poderá gozar as
ditas gecas q. nomeare pera isto.
4ª. Que dado caso q. Venha algu prouido ajndad, seja por seus
proprios seruiços ou por outra qual quer via Esegue achi
na atempo q. alVrage dejapad esteria pera sefazer & asem
barcaçoins aparelhadas & algua carga, ou alguas par
tidas ja pera japad. esta tal Vrage sefaria por conta delles
ditos compradores. resp. do grande cabedal. trabalhos emais
gastos q. terá feito. athe aquelle tempo. e do contrario go
derá ficar destroidos
5ª. Que gozará todas as prouitoins emais liberdades q. forem
concedidas aos capitães destas Vragens, E se lhe dará as
mais q. forem neces. pera cd effeito sefazerem sem em
pedimento algum;
E as proprias condicoins q. deu Ant. Dolie a fiador
empoder do Doutor Luis Margulhão procura
dor da foroa deste estado. pera atodo typo
constar delles. esefazer o contrato acuendo
Sua mag. po bem.
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[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.L.]
[Main text]
Vi o contrato que se fez por ordem do conde de Mirandela com os moradores da Cidade de Macau, que foi aprovado pelo Conselho de Estado e membros da Fazenda. E assim acanta que edito conde de Mirandela escreveu sobre a matéria, Resposta do governador da Fazenda e Informação que se mandou tomar assim sobre este particular como sobre seu modo de vingar as viagens de Moçambique até à praça de Logue cada sua. Render que também foi aprovado pelo dito conde de Mirandela e Conselheiros. E considerada a matéria.
Parece que não se pode reprová-lo contrato que se tem feito com a cidade de Macau, vendendo-se-lhe as viagens da China pela Mar e com as condições nele declaradas. Por razão de não poder considerar alguma razão superior deste estado que o encontre. Porque não se pode cuidar que os moradores daquela cidade, com as riquezas que podem tirar destas viagens, poderão em tempo algum faltar à fidelidade e lealdade que devem aos serviços de Vossa Majestade, como num qua faltarão nas prosperidades, adversidades que tiverão, sendo Tentando e Conservando aquela Colónia mais de centena de anos sem despesa nenhuma da Fazenda Real. Antes sendo o meio por cujo trato se aumenta e acrescenta e se enriquecem todos os vassalos de Vossa Majestade daquele estado, acudindo muitas vezes às necessidades dele. E quando não forem os moradores daquela Colónia portugueses, uma fidelidade tão natural e contida e fora de outra Nação não se podia temer tal país per si. Não podiam sustentar, faltando-lhes gente e comércio da Índia. Nem ainda se pode reprová-lo contrato por razão das quebras que se consideram poderão haver nos ditos reais, que as faz quem vem da China há (fandeça) de Malaca e nas mais da Índia. Por razão das ditas viagens haverem de correr pelos moradores da dita cidade. Antes se convém
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*
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×
[Main text]
Contrario Porque os ditos moradores tratão com a metade da catedral em Japão Casoutra ameta de mandar à Índia e setivarem grandes proveitos da viagem de Japão ficará acrescentando e sendo m. maior o que hão de mandar à Índia e por esta via ficarão sendo maiores os ditos estrato e comércio: e arguõ que obrigada a se reprouar o dito contrato he pello grande prejuízo que recebem os proventos porque tendo lhe D. mg. feito m. por seus serviços destas imagens o obrigão a suendas contra sua vontade a Cidade de Macau por trinta mil R$ e vrandolhe os grandes interesses e pendimentos que podião tirar dellas o que senão pode cohonestar com o que mais das p. a faz de N. mg. porque ainda quando a necessidade pública de estado pudera dar causa para serem obrigados a vender as ditas imagens havia de ser com se hedar intr. satisfação dellas e não se pode ter portal ados trinta mil cruzados pois oferece em gorraella oitenta mil R$ depres principal trinta p. opruido e cinquenta p. a faz de N. mg. e ainda ea desfiar (ferta a despeza necessária) & omg. ganhos pellos m. que as ditas imagens dao desy porque quando nas estavão em tanto prediamente como ora estão ome anno que renderão setenta mil taes e mais que são maioria de cento e cinquenta mil R$. pellos q. por esta cabeça senão heue de admetir o dito contrato e sedeuo denar ao visorrei que o declare por nullo advertindo q. não podia nem devia fazer tal contrato
Na segunda preposta parece que tambem nao podia impor as imagens de Goa p. Moçambique atorzar as que rendem por sete feito m. de llas aos proventos em peças dos serviços que fizerão a V. mg. sem limitação algua antes de clarando se lhe em suas cartas que selhe pasão dellas: que levarão todos os prooes e percalços
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4
[Main text]
(Que nestas imagens São os fretes) que se adez ou doze cruzados por
o Bar de Roupa E outros declarados no agium. E como
auendo quebra nas imagens: — não estaua a fazenda de Vossa Mercê
o brigada alhedar Satisfação da baixa que tues em resp.
da estimação em que estaua? & Se lhe fez m. dellas assy
tambem indo em Gresim. Se lhe pode limitar o ganho impon
do elle he pensão Porque os providos dos cargos da Índia
correm o Risco da alteração e diminuição que ha nellas
E he Conforme adu. Mas estas imagens se hão de
fazer pellos providos & não podem elles troçar as telhas
nem os uzorreis o deuem nem podem
Consentir Porque em efeito he Euá Denunciação etes
pasação que he prohibida. E neste Cazo quando annos
quizerem fazer persi ficará Lugar a outro provido pagi
zer & faltando providos então toca só fazer se per
Conta da fazenda de Vossa Mercê. E Indo os providos pesoaL
te fazellas lhe he permitida tomar naus agfete p.as
fazerem Oupor Outra qualquer amença Pello que deue
Vossa Mercê mandar Senão faça obra pello dito assento Eq.
Os providos das ditas imagens asuas pegralm fazer
quando lhe couber entrar Sem selle Impor pensão
algua 1º a 30 de Março de 1627
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(?)ns
(?)
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[ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ULTRAMAR
M 845 C]
[Signature]
João de Soares
Lourenço de Carvalho.
[Footnote]
mesmo preparo que foi
20 de Abril
por ordem
Jon do mesmo parecer 22. 32. de Março. 1627.
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[Page]
VI
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+ 5ª
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[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.L. ]
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[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL. B.N.L. ]
[Main text]
A cidade de Macau procura por todos aquy fizer sem
dependência do governo da Índia, e por este contracto, não
só alcançará este intento mas he certo q. o serviço ficará
de grande utilidade.
Da gente formada em seu paiz, como q. offerece impor-
tado Engenho tenente mit M. Elvandos de Delhy 30V.
q. os promidos Anad y Rafa real de V. mag. 50V de
cada Viagem, os quais Rameses são preferentes, e
não ouvirá nenhuma outra manday, ou Socorro de
grande consideração, muy menos em reyal de Justiça,
em reyal de Estado, nem anyrevidade de 3º. real,
nem proveed q. comem ao Serviço de V. m. D aprincar
este contracto —
porq a refª. nobre m. se Offende, fixando V. mag.
aos promidos, em parte ou todo, a publicados q. lhe
for concedido de esta Viagem, sendo a m. feita sem
condição nem encargo, o qual depois da mais perfeita
forma pode pôr projecta por ella assumido de 4. me-
moguel no promido aguem V. mag. prometeu, ou
unicos ed. utilidade q. lheffe adal Esta Viagem.
E' aqui como resolvido ella, pera algu auidente,
menos 001. 30V M. vingem de seu serodio
estimar a m. quando Jeffe, nad vinha V.m.
[Signature]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~8 chars]
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[Circular stamp: (Ilegível)]
[Main text]
Obrigaçam de falhecer à memoria pois só deo a esperança do podia voltar da viagem, ago me offerto agora outra audiençia, e podiamos poder fallar, mas pareçe justo, q o pr. lhe ao prometido, a maioria da occasião do tal thesouro, & q se agora offerto qta viagem (proffixado) q d. elis. humana abraça Manila a Japão, E por os Japoens se mexteram a mandar prata a Manila em 80 de outra prata q lhe huaor empregada a Japão, ed o genero o emprego E piques, podera ao futuro suprir esta ujada de molho oua abrindo o trato de Manila, E mandando os Japoens por aquella via, ed agora mandau pela costa, ed oq cainc vaim desfimando alefa viage q importe no menos dos 30V. A. & 0. prag. vedad mal hade abraçar aos prometidos, eja diminuicad, pois lhe nãõ De may q a esperança do Jo Qagdella Viagem pode resultar, assi tambem agora mal heo pr. lhe hee a mahoria, gauden tal me aceitoo; E pela mesma teçad, ed q o V. p. brej quee justificau este contrato. E feu louco (O Godota foi mal feija só fundado no seruicio de V. prag.) fica o pr. obrigado a abraçar aos prometidos d a fortaleza de Malaca, E dio oq menos rendee agora, dog verdade, nos fes ong v pr. fej. m. delly, poj he cebo da fortaleza de Malaca, entre q os Flandres y recebem ao sul importancia 130. E 150 V. A.T. fralodvia aquella fortaleza toda aj Europa, y agora trata jese 0.
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2
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[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]
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[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA MARINHA. RIO DE JANEIRO]
[Main text]
S. Lande y. E a fortaleza de Dio importava. Do. E
100 V. M. Ficou de Danyo naquelle modo o Pao
da Cambaia aquella fortaleza, e qual agora impedem, e ocupam
os Árabes de Meca, e qual agora impedem, e ocupam
os S. Lande y. E Negre y. q todo o anno vão carregar
a ferrale. E franquearão ay xao dos morros da Rua
de poderem nalcer p. Meca, co os q fay deca
fortaleza, na chega do de arrender 10 V. A cada
lual, q se V. Mag. ajdos em efirnacal Ellebri
de 100. E 150 V. d’outras rendas, peresse q se agora
pode or juf. a pedir a maisria, ande auidental
se a ha, també deve forvi o dano, q ahi ahor
do ouuer. E ainda q se foy sobre 7 v. h. E
aplica p. obser forran e remedio daquelle estado
ed tudo se a utilidade desta Viagem, sa do prouido
nad pode ser justo pelle a tanta diminuicaõ de
sua fa. concorra p. o remedio do bem publico.
E de toda a todos, mor m. q de pello cotaõ nad fo
je tirado 50 V. M. p. a fay real e socorro da
necesidade da India, (mais ainda é no 8t mai
q de importe aquella Viagem). E q os moradores
de Macau ad de auxiliar, metendo cauto e fino
em barcacos, como por y. ordial, q amigam
auiá huá fo', E auendo diga p. Rida, como xxx
Verdade he pelo wp. p. Bedek, nas kadim daq
importara al viage de cade anno, 200 V. M. como
fazendo a d. Diogo Delgadillo, e affi fica
oprouido p. cd. 30 V. E os moradores de Macau
enriquecendo ed a utilidade dos V. mag. hez
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3 D. madrugada
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[Circular stamp: partially legible, appears to read "ARQUIVO."]
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[Circular stamp: partially legible, appears to contain heraldic design and text, possibly "CASA DA ÍNDIA" or similar]
[Main text]
eis m. se concedem nem encargo. E senão se
poder vim a pôr pelas condições, a lhe pro
vata conforme a embarcações d’esperidem
ou se impedirem, & faltarei a fazer praty.
Equanto a di be o M. The. Sena avise dar
ao promido mais de 3p.V. X. E do annel dado
a Diogo de Mello de Affro 33 V. foi 1º eminente
de pagar a faz real os oito q. de fogão de nis
pella compra da vinha feita de N. Veige, Benf.
De g. que pui. famosoffa a cidade de Macau
ainda q. Diogo de Mello, mal recebeo mais
q. 2s.V. X. E tudo os oito pagou a cidade & p.
elle a faz. a 8V. p. C. Assi o comprador ficou
do promido 33 V. E pagou offere pella
mesma viage. 2 q.s. mais & couo q. tal 8V. X.
benf. & compre bimbo q. 33 V. E offra onde
p. aider de camhar m., como se deixava vij. a
despanhar este contrato, poy he um q. o nav.
Emue Delo do Jornio & i. V. p. q. 3 q. Do bine
rad, Empreitij. & 3 V. oferecotal a Fande
ga. E pagar de A como regal toda a j outra
cidade. Do glado exgna comissio, sendo d. en
tal Superior q. p. offerey Imperial. 200 V. X.
E també on a sal de glado maravije
q. nad conuemffe os moradores de Maluas q. tal
De exceffamente vias, e isso sobem a posta
m. 60 maij Cures, do q. comen ao tempo de
[Signature]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~8 chars]
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3
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[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL 1845 ]
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[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R. ]
[Main text]
V. Mad. E se por este contrato se compõe
um Esposo e Muger, fora d’elles finalmente
depois quando V. Mag. mandou a sua con-
voc. començar os contratos, e a dozo a ho
idade e já muy a haver, e a dozo a ho
poder jurar per ella, mal formado. E sta
muy poderosamente. E de todo o mayr.
E advirad, E defensal, E pareçe q.
Acomem muy moderar os brios, e dando
vigeça. E se forem em parte tal aforada
do poder de V. Mag. E nas Dar-lhe ocasi-
ão de maiorys a proveitand, E para todos
capital q. m. o grima, ficando elle e toda
Casas regeitay e se forçedas aos tais jay,
dizy como cada jor por ordem de fortificas
E tambem em razão de faz. me
pareçe q. a D.L. pody. nao receber se
contrato. Certo Verdade como se represen-
ta, E q. correndo cha Viagem pello prometido
como allegoria, tudo o q. ella Importan.
Ven empregado da forma p. a don. q. todo
conforme a utilidade de presentes sempre
a l. deser mais pe isso V. M. E se forem:
precado, pagas em Tom Malaca, E depois
bor nad a pegar em Goa, mas so por conta
da muy tambem de saida, E assi faly
[Signature]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~6 chars]
{{PAGE:16}}
[Page]
+
[Stamp — left margin, upper]
[Circular stamp: illegible text, possibly official seal]
[Stamp — center right, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: illegible text, faint impression]
[Main text]
22.000$000 Vm a importar, mais de 350$000. Agora tendo
espanado da Canga, 30V. perde adquirido
Eficando tudo & mais em Macau, e offerecendo
em tua parte o Comercio da China p. que, calem
os dito ludo os prividos da China & Vollando el
o pretheado da Viage agora, ficou de volta &
o Comercio se corrompa, & crese em os rendimtos
da alfandega, & ja mal annexa ficando todo
no moradores de Macau, E aji tendo qe
repento ao 9.a faj. de D. prad. onde nofe
contrato, pelo Ddo. 8$000$000 de falor pagou
dizte per de Efica do 000 empregos em Me
cau, me parece qe se aueriftara muy pouco
ou nada, & qe ainda qe se receba 500 mil $t.
em ouro, fica perdido o dito 8000 empre-
gos d’anuaes de Vm de China, & odd se
pode meprovar melhorando qe o Comercio
Songoa & aji maranhe & & o dito
dize apronar este contrato, & d. N.m.
dese antes procurar & merkados de,
Macau & ponha alfandega ainda qe
seja el de 400 modas, porq sendo o
Comercio tal groo, como he, aji Varab
como ff. Manilha & xineta se
podra bem impedir). Vmaba trocar
{{PAGE:17}}
[Page]
4
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO DE MARINA]
[Stamp — left margin, center]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTORICO NACIONAL. MADRID]
[Main text]
0.7. 22.01. may de du jenho nas cruçado?
Ejfo d na jupla fundam. jorj bda
ay maj jidade do glado, inç balomer
cio ben al fandegar, E mfa d o maior
comercio d Japõ, E manilla esfabo
d P.0? d faz fa. da anual Repagar, se
vrenab a goa como sempre foi, & d
effeito de lmpedirã & femal de mercan:
chias a faj. & manilla, D.0 07
Japon? màs da de a machao fa por feu
Emprego?, E pofdo aquellj moradores
eftão mafs muy rebelde, mandando fe
peça de fabrico d atencam vhe, a
concorvado my. de V. mag. jAos fo
fequire Sua opinião, & captao f.0 07
rebelde, & pode esperar d fora effeit,
& quando allej vregf, onpo Al fandegar
excal por Ondria, felle podia compor
o fonhato Galvage, & agora pedem, poj
fue comanta Miledade dos moradores
de Machao, mij offerejou alle a V. M.
o alcoo, E quere Balar de ey aproueita
m 07, es aparencia de malis ca m? di
faj real, pareçe mal comem, queda
{{PAGE:18}}
[Stamp — top left]
[Circular stamp: (Selo ilegível)]
[Main text]
negarão o povo de Moçambique & os de Goa, que
não devem—
E Quanto às Viagens de Moçambique, em que
se ponha a terra, ou q.ª parte depende do
nosso provedor, ainda q. nella se come, a
mesma real, de V. mag. autorizada, nesta
m. autoridade da Viagem, mais ou menos
conforme as ocasiões de El-Rei, concedo q.ª
Viagem sejá de mercadores aonde for vedada
& como ella já não seja no mesmo estado e q.
V. mag. fez a m. pôr nem ha mais juros
q. cobrados da fiscal, como foi no princípio
pôr, nem a primeira portada agora em
Barca Velha pajeia se, como foi nos annos
passados, antes se veda q.ª se faça, porque
do se não embarcar, se hão não’, E sem
correr risco della, levar o Sr. feitor della
& os principais, & mandar seus navios,
só pela licença de irem & canga ao porto
de Moçambique, francos das alfândegas
da Viagem & conta & juízo do mundo
e q. Brando a facilidade dada, proveha V. mag.
levar hua parte, & permitir à dito
se leve, tendo V. mag. concedido já ao
{{PAGE:19}}
[Page]
5
[Stamp — top left]
[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • 1704 • 035 • 6 ]
[Main text]
Provido a qualidade do sultão de Moçambique,
a elle fazer, Eda mão Co fijo nabele, &
seu filho & cabalho. Eaffe heja Viagem
de Moçambique, porque d’concerto di forma
real Ela V.mad. poderá ordenar dos pro-
vidos pagem a faz. real a BA ou q. ap.
& importavem estes pagamentos, em quanto
elly não fizer a Viagem no modo orda. V.de
Sua Magestade, & se o Sultão de Je pode
dêr e os providos desta Viagem, a podera
só fazer em mão sua, & se seu aipo, & hao fe
V.mad. lhe for confidido, muy lo não podem
dar Lla. ne fazer com elles ed outras pessoas
a ve ao porto o que a refermado, & quando
quemadlyr ou mandar mão sua, & pode fica forte
o poderão fazer, muy mad dar Lla adoube por
certo preços faia a Viage, orp. & ou certo do,
e lhe a fictey. &po ifto lhe hua species de
reconhecimadão elley se jousi D.V.mad.
mad pode fazer. E mad avindo provido
ja havi moxido ordem efta conferida
foia à V.mad. Dar Lla ao outro Vizir
a Viagem he original em Reino, e affi
a Viagem he original em Reino, e affi
que V.mad. aytuará o provindo se coufe
he el appy meya fonte pode ujemar
[Signature]
[UNCLEAR: final flourish or signature]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU
{{PAGE:20}}
[Page]
1
[Marginalia — top center]
+ 1
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular seal: partially legible, appears to read “.DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR”]
[Main text]
A parte do povo da freguesia real
E sempre o provisto que bem possa com a
cabral da mad. de Niro della & defun
pçor, & Estado o seu ou reube provial
do trabalho & fele & os outros levas
enseny mandò. V. pad. mandau-
o & foi mui bem tal como se
em 7. de março de 1627.
[Stamp — center left]
[Circular seal: “ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR” with central emblem, partially faded]
[Signature]
Julião de Campos Barreto |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
H10
[Marginalia — top centre]
†
Inol
[Marginalia — top right]
9 March 1626
[Stamp — centre left]
[Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino. Ministério das Obras Públicas, Comércio e Comunicações.]
*(Note: Modern institutional designation for the former Arquivo Histórico Colonial; ‘M.O.A.S.’ is an archaic abbreviation no longer in official use.)*
[Stamp — centre right]
[Arquivo da Marinha e do Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal.]
[Main text]
António de Oliveira de Morais submitted to the Council assisting this government a set of proposals—of which a copy follows below. The Council approved them, notwithstanding the severe fiscal constraint to which His Majesty’s treasury in this jurisdiction has been reduced. In the present state of affairs, the difficulty of obtaining financial support from the Kingdom is acute, as Your Majesty will appreciate from the letters received from Timão. Consideration was also given to the fact that the provisioned officials (‘prouidos’) would suffer no prejudice, since the forced labourers (‘forçados’) to be transported on these voyages are expected to fetch a higher price than hitherto. The Macau voyage undertaken by Afonso de Mello de Calão—valued at 33,000 xerafins—incorporated 8,000 xerafins’ worth of debt owed to His Majesty’s exchequer; after deduction of this amount, the net value accruing to the Crown was fixed at 35,000 xerafins. Under this contract, provisioned officials are to receive 30,000 xerafins per *largem* (a unit of administrative appointment or tenure), allocated to them in accordance with seniority. After careful and deliberate deliberation in the said Council—and following review by the Ministers of the Treasury Council—the proposal was formally endorsed. Your Majesty had previously instructed that the procurator’s formal opinion be obtained before final ratification; however, owing to lack of time prior to the departure of the ships (*naus*), it was determined to insert a clause stipulating that His Majesty’s approval shall be deemed provisional (*cláusula de aprovação condicional*), subject to confirmation upon receipt of the procurator’s report. Should any voyage be scheduled prior to the arrival of this notification, it shall proceed strictly in accordance with the terms outlined in the proposal. Your Majesty may therefore communicate the matter as formally ordered. Given the urgency involved—and the imperative to safeguard the integrity of the royal revenue—I judged it appropriate to adopt this expedient course, especially as the Treasury of His Majesty stands in immediate need of relief.
Morais further proposed, under the same considerations, to the Council assisting me that the Mozambique voyages—which have recently carried diminished cargoes—be restructured.
[Marginalia — bottom left]
[Illegible: possibly a contemporary annotation or correction, partially obscured by paper fold and ink smudge.]
[Signature]
A.
{{PAGE:2}}
— ORIGINAL TEXT —
Five to six thousand *réis*, and these were formerly granted by Your Majesty from the royal treasury, with the fat (i.e., well-endowed) individuals appointed to administer them—those who, in former times, served as captains of Your Majesty’s royal vessels, receiving an annual stipend of one hundred thousand *réis*. Subsequently, owing to the cessation of such royal provision, they began operating their own vessels; and later still, a portion of them ceased even this practice and instead undertook the *banho da briga* (the ‘bathing of the briga’—a local term for the ritual purification or ceremonial washing associated with the *briga*, a type of small coastal vessel used in liturgical or devotional processions), without employing any vessel or capital of their own, nor undertaking any maintenance or repairs, contenting themselves merely with the goodwill of private vessel-owners willing to assist.
This deficiency has led to an excessive increase in the *briga* fees: whereas formerly they received five to six thousand *réis* when performing the ceremony solemnly aboard Your Majesty’s royal vessels—and later, aboard their own vessels, they continued to claim the same sum under the title *‘Cristo de suas gestos’* (‘Christ of their offices’, i.e., remuneration justified by their ecclesiastical or ceremonial function)—they now sometimes demand as much as thirty thousand *réis*. This is an exceedingly large and burdensome exaction. Were Your Majesty now to restore to them the original allowance once granted to those Virgins (i.e., members of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, commonly referred to in colonial documents as *‘as Virgens’*), it would not be reasonable for them to retain such inflated sums—particularly at a time when the royal treasury is severely constrained and unable to meet the pressing needs of this State.
Moreover, each day they continue to appropriate revenues from the personal assets of the inhabitants—revenues which, as I myself observed during my inspection of the fortress, require urgent and careful consideration so that, while ensuring these officers remain adequately compensated, the royal treasury may nevertheless retain a modest reserve to address present exigencies.
It appears to the Council that the foregoing considerations compel the adoption of some remedial measure; and it seems fitting that a proportion of the income derived by each of these Virgins—so long as they remain in the aforementioned status—be assigned to the royal treasury. In our view, a quarter (*quarta parte*) of their receipts would be equitable. Accordingly, we recommend that Your Majesty resolve upon this matter and direct the Port Captain (*Guarda da Acaúlica*—a variant spelling of *Guarda da Acáulica*, i.e., *Guarda da Açougueira*, the official responsible for port customs and maritime administration in Goa) to implement it on Your Majesty’s behalf, within the limits of his jurisdiction.
Dated 2 March 1626
António Armigante
{{PAGE:3}}
No. 217
[Marginalia — top left]
Concerning the voyages from Japan and Mozambique, and likewise
the matter concerning the Lord (i.e., the Viceroy or Governor-General) to be addressed.
[Marginalia — top right]
No. 217
Read (i.e., formally presented and registered) on 16 April 1627.
[Stamp — centre left, upper half]
[Circular seal: text around border illegible; central emblem indistinct]
[Stamp — centre left, lower half]
[Circular seal: text around border illegible; central emblem indistinct]
[Main text]
That the King ordered the goods from Japan to be loaded aboard ship
on 22 December 1626.
And that this action was confirmed by a royal letter dated 13 March 1627.
[Main text]
Two matters are set forth in the Count’s letter: first, that the King has ratified the Macau contract in accordance with the terms offered—including the stipulated values of the commodities and the construction works undertaken for the city—and second, that provisions have been prepared for dispatch to the ships bound for Mozambique, owing to the urgent necessities of that Estado (i.e., Portuguese administrative territory). With regard to the Macau contract, it is required that compensation be made for those goods lost en route; such losses have severely disrupted the India trade and undermined the China trade—specifically, the ‘Laldardo’ (i.e., *ladrão*, a contemporary term used in Portuguese maritime records for illicit or unlicensed traders, often referring to private merchants operating outside the official *casa da Índia* monopoly, sometimes conflated with smugglers or interlopers)—thereby resulting in further losses amounting to 200,900 *réis*. It is therefore ordained that two customs houses (*alfândegas*) shall be established there.
{{PAGE:4}}
— PAGE 2 —
[Marginal note — top centre]
*t*
[Main text]
Where both parties are involved, recourse must be had to the fullest possible application of the relevant provisions—yet does this extend to anything beyond them? The regulation permits commercial activity for certain groups, but in no manner whatsoever for the *Jagos* and others of that category. Moreover, over 300,000 *dinheiros* (a historical unit of account, equivalent to copper or silver coinage) had accrued from royal revenues and copper levies; yet, as noted in the aforementioned document dated 23 [month unspecified], the matter concerning *faias* (a colonial fiscal term denoting a type of tribute or duty, often levied on goods or services, here rendered as ‘fiscal dues’ for clarity) remains unresolved. Likewise, those items sold *a broco* (i.e., at retail or in small quantities) remain subject to these tributes—and the *Salen* (a local administrative or ecclesiastical jurisdiction, possibly referring to the *Sala do Salão*, a judicial or fiscal chamber in Portuguese colonial administration) has issued a dispatch concerning the *Jagos* and Flanders, whereby, if implemented as currently practised, royal rights would be forfeited and *faias* would instead be imposed upon the eighty *Flandegas* (a local unit of landholding or fiscal assessment, here retained in the original form with explanatory gloss) under the jurisdiction of the *Vedores* (overseers or auditors), the *Mordomos de Ancao* (stewards or administrators of Ancao), and the *Cabreiros* (a local office-holding group, likely hereditary or customary stewards, possibly linked to pastoral or fiscal duties). Their respective *corbas* (a regional term for dues, fees, or obligations, cognate with *corvée*; rendered as ‘customary dues’) and *corbatos* (variant spelling, denoting the same category of obligation) ought equally to be taken into account. These obligations have been suspended for a period of 600 [units unspecified—possibly days or years, though context suggests a fiscal suspension period], conditional upon their continued obedience to *payas* (a term of uncertain etymology, possibly a local variant of *pagas*, i.e., payments or dues; interpreted here as ‘fiscal obligations’). His Excellency further granted them release from the payment of duties on *faias*, effective from the date on which the eighty *Flandegas* came under his authority—where such dues might otherwise have been payable.
It appears, however, more expedient—according to the judgment of His Excellency—that Your Excellency should order the establishment of *Alfaias* (a term denoting regulated fiscal offices or customs posts, derived from *alfândega*, i.e., customs house; retained in original form with gloss) at Ancao, imposing moderate and proportionate duties, as duly noted in the aforementioned memorandum.
Furthermore, with regard to the levy to be imposed upon Captains and other officials, no proposal has yet been submitted to me; nor does any appear advisable at present. Rather, it seems more appropriate—within the judgment of Your Excellency—that the royal ordinance (*governo*) and the *breves baçambas* (a technical term: *breves*, papal or royal briefs; *baçambas*, likely a phonetic rendering of *baxambas* or *baixambas*, possibly meaning ‘lower jurisdictions’ or ‘subordinate authorities’—here rendered as ‘subordinate ordinances’) be duly executed.
Anno Domini 29 May 1627.
[Signature]
João Nunes de
[Stamp — bottom centre]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO NACIONAL]
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[Page]
4
[Marginalia — bottom left]
V
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal*]
[Stamp — centre bottom]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino. Ministério das Colónias*]
[Main text]
It appears to the Ministers of Finance that the contract for the Japan voyages ought to be concluded, whereby the sum of 500,000 cruzados and 500,000 *pãos dourados* (gold coins, each equivalent to one *cruzado*) is to be deducted per voyage; the precise terms of the contract shall be determined at Your Excellency’s discretion. His Majesty having approved this arrangement, the said contract would yield considerable benefit to the Royal Exchequer and serve as a remedy for the severe financial exigencies confronting the State of Goa.
6 March 1666
Luís Morguinhão
The original certified by Montalva
J. Gonsalves
[Signature]
J. Gonsalves
{{PAGE:6}}
[Page]
N40.44
[Stamp — top right]
Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal
[Stamp — centre left]
Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino, Cota 19 DAD
[Title]
Conditions Governing the Japan Voyage
[Marginal note — left margin, mid-page]
both voyages to Japan;
and upon return, salt carried with the fleet—
no provisions shall be supplied.
[Marginal note — left margin, bottom]
expenditure relating to vessels;
f. To undertake the voyage.
[Main text]
A sum of two hundred and fifty gold escudos shall be granted for the Japan Voyage and all associated expeditions; this sum is payable upon the safe arrival of the vessels in Macau, China, or upon their safe anchorage at the designated port. Payment shall be made by royal warrant (vale), issued in accordance with established Treasury practice. The following conditions apply:
1. The Japan Voyage shall be undertaken with a minimum of four *pataxos* (light, shallow-draft merchant vessels), each rated at between five hundred and seven hundred *candeeiros* (a unit of tonnage, approx. 1.5–2.1 metric tons per *candeeiro*), or more, as necessity requires. Should additional vessels be employed, the said purchasers shall not thereby incur any further financial obligation beyond the stipulated two hundred and fifty gold escudos. Provided all vessels arrive safely, the Crown’s treasury shall bear no risk beyond the point of embarkation—that is, only up to the moment the vessels clear port for Japan. However, should any vessel departing from Japan be captured by enemies, lost through storm (*arjda*), wrecked (*alvrida*), or otherwise fail to complete the voyage owing to negligence, misadventure, or any other cause, the stipulated sum of two hundred and fifty gold escudos shall be proportionally reduced—prorated according to the number of vessels actually completing the voyage (i.e., four, three, two, or one).
2. Should the voyage proceed with fewer than four *pataxos*, whether due to shortage of cargo, insufficient funds, or any other impediment—including but not limited to logistical failure, administrative oversight, or unforeseen difficulty—the said purchasers shall remain fully liable for freight charges (*frettes*). In such an event, the two hundred and fifty gold escudos shall be prorated accordingly, based on the shortfall in the number of vessels deployed. This adjustment shall be deemed equitable and shall be charged to the royal exchequer, with payment effected by His Majesty’s order. Any expenses incurred at the fair (i.e., the annual Macau–Nagasaki trading fair), including vessel-related costs and other ancillary outlays, shall likewise be accounted for separately.
3. That both voyages—namely, the outward and return legs of the Japan trade—shall be conducted under a single contractual commitment (*partida*), executed jointly and with mutual surety (*edafidei*).
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[Page]
6
[Marginalia — left]
‘Under the Contractor’
His Majesty approves this Contractor.
[Main text]
6. Demacão shall forthwith proceed, without any impediment whatsoever, to carry out the said contracts; nor shall he have any occasion to abandon or rescind them. Moreover, His Majesty commands that they be enforced—or, should any other cause deemed sufficient arise—save only where a duly appointed official has been expressly provided for the purpose.
The Contractor shall serve His Majesty in person; however, should the vessel be pledged, mortgaged, or sold, His Majesty shall not assume primary responsibility for the said purchasers’ obligations. The Contractor himself—or his appointed agents, at his discretion—shall take possession of the vessel; and he shall enjoy all the profits and rights conferred by the accompanying documents (including charters, licences, and related papers), appointing such officers as he deems necessary for this purpose.
4th. Should a duly appointed official arrive in due course—whether by virtue of his own meritorious service or by any other means—and find, upon timely arrival, that the said vessel has already been prepared for departure (i.e., fully equipped with boats, cargo, or consignments ready for embarkation), then the costs incurred in fitting out and provisioning the vessel—including the substantial capital investment, labour, and all other expenses accrued up to that point—shall be borne by the said purchasers. Conversely, should the vessel remain unutilised, such expenditures shall be forfeited.
5th. The Contractor shall enjoy all profits and privileges customarily granted to captains of such vessels; and he shall be accorded all further privileges necessary to effectuate the terms of the contract without hindrance of any kind.
Moreover, the specific contractual conditions originally stipulated by António Dolie—as attorney-in-fact (empoderado) for Dr Luís Margulhão, procurator of the fiscal administration (foroa) of this State—are hereby incorporated by reference, so that their full tenor may be formally recorded and the present agreement ratified with His Majesty’s approval.
{{PAGE:8}}
[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVE OF THE NAVY AND OVERSEAS TERRITORIES. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF PORTUGAL.]
[Main text]
I have examined the contract concluded, by order of the Count of Mirandela, with the residents of the City of Macau—a contract subsequently approved by the Council of State and by members of the Treasury Council (Conselho da Fazenda). I have likewise reviewed: (i) the Count of Mirandela’s own dispatch on this matter; (ii) the response issued by the Governor of the Treasury; and (iii) the official report commissioned both on this specific arrangement and on the manner in which voyages from Mozambique to the trading post of Luque (Logue) were to be conducted. The latter report was also approved by the aforementioned Count of Mirandela and by the Councillors. Having duly considered the matter,
it appears that the contract entered into with the City of Macau—whereby the China trade voyages were granted to its residents under the authority of the Navy, and upon the conditions therein stipulated—cannot be censured. No overriding reason of state has been adduced that would justify its rejection. Indeed, it cannot reasonably be supposed that the inhabitants of that city, enriched as they are by the profits accruing from these voyages, would ever fail in the fidelity and loyalty owed to His Majesty’s service—even as they have remained steadfast through periods of both prosperity and adversity. For over a century, this colony has been maintained without any expenditure whatsoever from the Royal Treasury; rather, it has served as a vital conduit through which commerce has expanded, revenues increased, and all His Majesty’s subjects in that jurisdiction have grown wealthier—frequently providing timely relief to the Crown’s fiscal and administrative needs in the East. Moreover, even were the colonists not Portuguese by origin, such natural and ingrained loyalty—as has long characterised this settlement—could scarcely be expected of subjects drawn from any other nation. Were that loyalty to falter, the colony itself could not endure, given its dependence upon both manpower and Indian Ocean trade networks. Nor can the contract be impugned on grounds of potential shortfalls in the royal revenues derived therefrom—shortfalls attributable not to the Macanese contractors, but to those who arrive from China via Malacca and elsewhere in India. For the voyages in question are expressly assigned to the residents of the said city; indeed, their assumption of this responsibility is wholly appropriate.
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[Page]
+
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*
[Marginalia — bottom left]
×
[Main text]
**Counter-argument**: Because the aforementioned residents trade with half of the cathedral in Japan, and have resolved to dispatch goods to India—thereby deriving substantial profits from the Japan voyage—the volume of goods they will send to India will increase considerably; consequently, both the said *estrato* (i.e., the official quota or levy imposed on private trade) and the overall volume of commerce will expand accordingly.
They further argue that the aforesaid contract must be rescinded, owing to the serious financial detriment it inflicts upon the *proventos* (i.e., ecclesiastical revenues or benefices). His Excellency the Governor-Major granted them, by royal favour, an extraordinary sum for services rendered—including the provision of sacred images—and thereby obliged them, against their will, to sell the said images to the City of Macau for thirty thousand *réis*. In doing so, he deprived them of the considerable interest and commercial advantages which those images could otherwise yield. Such a disposition cannot be reconciled with other grants made by His Most Serene Highness (i.e., the Viceroy of India), since even if public necessity or exigencies of state had justified compelling the sale of the said images, it ought only to have occurred upon full and equitable compensation—whereas the sum offered (thirty thousand *cruzados*) falls far short of fair value. Indeed, the City of Macau has itself tendered eighty thousand *réis* in earnest money (*gorraella*), comprising thirty per cent as principal and fifty per cent as payment towards His Most Serene Highness’s treasury (*a fazenda de Nossa Majestade*); moreover, the necessary expenses are to be deducted, and the vendors are to retain all profits accruing from the images’ current market value—since, when these images were previously held in comparable condition and esteem, they yielded, in a single year alone, no less than seventy thousand *réis*, and more recently over one hundred and fifty thousand *réis*. For this reason, the said contract must not be admitted; rather, the Viceroy should be formally advised to declare it null and void, with due notice that he neither possessed the authority nor was justified in concluding such an agreement.
Regarding the second proposal: it likewise appears impermissible to assign the images from Goa to Mozambique, in contravention of those already yielding annual revenues—amounting to some seven thousand *réis*—to the *proventos*, in recognition of services rendered to His Most Serene Highness without any stipulated limitation. Indeed, His Most Serene Highness explicitly affirmed in his letters that these revenues were to accrue wholly to the vendors, including all proceeds and incidental gains (*proves e percalços*).
{{PAGE:10}}
[Page]
4
[Main text]
(Concerning these images: the freight charges amount to twelve cruzados per *bar* of clothing, and other charges are specified in the *agium* [i.e., official tariff schedule or customs register].) Should damage occur to the images during transit, Your Lordship’s treasury is not thereby obliged to provide compensation for the depreciation in value that such damage entails—nor is it bound to satisfy claims arising from the estimated valuation previously assigned to them. Likewise, if some of these images were dispatched to Graciosa (in the Azores), the same principle applies. Moreover, Your Lordship may lawfully restrict the profit accruing to the appointees (*providos*) by imposing upon them a fixed pension (*pensão*), since the appointments to offices in India are inherently subject to alteration and diminution in emolument—a practice consistent with established administrative precedent (*adu*).
However, these images must be produced by the appointees themselves; they may neither substitute tiles (*telhas*) nor alter the prescribed ornamental elements (*uzorreis*), nor may they consent to such substitutions or alterations, for doing so would constitute, in effect, an unlawful denunciation (*denunciação*) and transference (*passação*)—both expressly prohibited under ordinance. In this case, should any appointee wish to commission the production of images elsewhere, another appointee shall be designated in his stead, who shall bear the cost; and where no appointee is available, the work must be undertaken solely at Your Lordship’s treasury expense. Furthermore, when appointees undertake the work in person, they are permitted to engage ships (*naus*) and agents (*agfete*—i.e., *afetos*, or authorised contractors) to carry out the manufacture—or indeed any other requisite service—provided that Your Lordship issue explicit instructions forbidding construction pursuant to the aforementioned arrangement (*assento*). Finally, the appointees named herein retain the right to produce the images personally, at their own initiative, whenever their term of office commences—without any pension being imposed upon them.
1st–30th March 1627
[Marginalia — left]
(?)*ns*
(?)*[illegible or fragmentary marginal note]*
[Stamp — bottom right]
[ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO DO ULTRAMAR
M 845 C]
[Signature]
João de Soares
Lourenço de Carvalho
[Footnote]
Same disposition confirmed on
20 April,
by order of
the same authority, following identical advice dated 22nd March 1627.
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[Page]
VI
[Marginalia — top centre]
+ 5th
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional de Lisboa*]
[Stamp — left margin, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo Histórico Colonial. Biblioteca Nacional de Lisboa*]
[Main text]
The city of Macau seeks to govern itself autonomously here, independent of the administration of Portuguese India; and by this agreement, it will not only achieve that objective but will also render service of considerable utility to the Crown.
Of the personnel recruited locally—such as the engineer lieutenant Miguel Elvandos of Delhi—the sum of 30 réis is offered. In addition, the promised annual stipends for Anad and Rafa amount to 50 réis per voyage. These appointments carry precedence; no other appointment or request for assistance of significant standing shall be admitted—not even in matters pertaining to royal justice (*Real de Justiça*), royal administration (*Real de Estado*), nor any third-order royal commission (*anuvidade de 3º Real*); nor shall any provision be made that might prejudice the service owed to Your Majesty.
It is hereby expressly stipulated that the aforementioned noble magistrate shall take offence should Your Majesty, either wholly or in part, divert to other purposes the revenues publicly assigned to him from this voyage—revenues granted unconditionally and without reservation. Such revenues, once formally allocated, may thereafter be applied—as the magistrate himself may determine—to the implementation of projects he has undertaken, including the construction of four *memoguéis* (a local term for small fortified watchtowers or defensive outposts), or to any other single undertaking deemed beneficial to the public good arising from this voyage.
This arrangement is accordingly resolved and ratified herein, subject to the approval of a competent official; however, the sum of 30 réis remains reserved for the magistrate’s personal remuneration, to be assessed and disbursed upon his formal assumption of office—though at present, he has neither arrived nor taken up his post.
[Signature]
[Illegible: c. 8 characters]
{{PAGE:12}}
[Page]
4
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+
[Stamp — left margin, upper]
[Circular stamp: (illegible)]
[Main text]
A binding obligation to retain in memory—since he gave only the hope of returning from that voyage—yet now another audience has been offered to him, and we might have spoken; but it appears just that the principal honour his prior commitment, especially given the prevailing circumstances surrounding that treasure. Moreover, it is now proposed that the same voyage (designated *proffixado*) be undertaken by Dona Elisa Humana—from Manila to Japan. Furthermore, since the Japanese have begun sending silver to Manila—some 80,000 *taels* of silver, reportedly employed in Japan—and since the principal commodities traded there are *píques* (Japanese copper coins, also known as *hansatsu* or *monme*-weight silver ingots), this route could, in future, supply the aforementioned shortfall in specie, either by opening direct trade between Manila and Japan or by redirecting Japanese shipments via that channel—whereas at present they arrive along the coast. The current voyage under consideration is estimated to yield no less than 30,000 *taels* (‘V.’ = *tael*; ‘A.’ = *assay*; ‘0.’ = *ouro*, i.e., gold-equivalent value). Yet the promised sum remains unfulfilled, and indeed appears diminished, for nothing more than the uncertain hope remains that the outcome of this voyage may yet materialise. Likewise, the principal’s present claim to the majority share is now weak, though he has accepted it on these terms.
For the same reasons—and because Your Paternity has deemed this contract justifiable—the undersigned hereby affirms it. And the agreement was concluded (‘O Godota’—i.e., *Godota*, a Portuguese term for a formal pledge or bond—was improperly drawn up, grounded solely upon service rendered to Your Paternity). Consequently, the principal remains bound to uphold the commitments made regarding the fortress of Malacca, and to surrender whatever minimal revenue it currently yields. In truth, we ourselves have, on behalf of the principal, executed the necessary formalities (*fej. m. delly*, i.e., *fizemos mandado dela*—‘we issued her mandate’), for he is custodian (*cebo*) of the fortress of Malacca—a post yielding annually between 130,000 and 150,000 *taels* (‘V. A.T.’ = *taéis de Assay de Tael*, i.e., assay-weight taels), all of which formerly flowed to Europe via that fortress; yet negotiations are now underway to reduce this amount.
{{PAGE:13}}
[Page]
2
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. Biblioteca Nacional do Rio de Janeiro*]
[Stamp — left margin, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: *Arquivo Histórico da Marinha. Rio de Janeiro*]
[Main text]
S. Lande y. E — The fortress of Diu was of critical strategic importance. Indeed,
100 V. M. It remained under Danyo’s control in that manner—the *Paço da Cambaia* (i.e., the royal residence or administrative seat at Cambay) and that fortress—both of which are now obstructed and occupied
by the Arabs of Mecca; likewise, the S. Lande y. E and Negre y. E — who each year sail to load iron ore at the *ferrale* (i.e., iron-mining site or ironworks), and who thereby secure free passage over the hills along the Rua (i.e., the coastal route)
enabling them to proceed unimpeded to Mecca—do so with the aid of that very fortress. Upon its surrender, a tribute of 10 V. M. per month was agreed, payable to Your Majesty;
and Your Majesty was further assisted by the annual revenue of 100–150 V. M. derived from other sources, though it is evident that this income has now diminished significantly. Accordingly, it may now be justifiable to request an increase in the customary levy, wherever such augmentation proves feasible; and where any such augmentation exists, compensation for the losses sustained there must likewise be provided. Moreover, although the original assessment stood at some 7 V. M. per annum,
the funds have instead been applied towards the observance of defensive measures and the remediation of that province’s deteriorating condition; yet all such efforts remain subordinate to the broader utility of this voyage, the benefits of which have hitherto been negligible. Indeed, the diminution in royal revenues has been so severe that it can no longer be deemed equitable—nor consonant with the public good—that the burden should fall solely upon the inhabitants of the region, particularly as no more than 50 V. M. has ever been levied from the local population to support the royal exchequer and to provide relief for India’s pressing necessities (a sum which, moreover, remains substantially lower than the cost entailed by this voyage itself). Furthermore, the residents of Macau ought to contribute auxiliary support, supplying refined and high-grade iron in small vessels—as previously ordained—and as they have long done, maintaining a steady supply of one *fo’* (i.e., a traditional unit of weight or measure, approx. 1.2–1.5 kg, used locally for iron ingots). In addition, as confirmed by Rida—whose testimony is corroborated by Bedek, in his *kadim* (i.e., official chronicle or archival record)—the annual voyage has, for some years past, yielded a revenue of 200 V. M., as exemplified by the accounts of Diogo Delgadillo; and thus, after deducting the customary 30 V. M. allocated to local administration, the remaining sum stands effectively secured. Consequently, the residents of Macau continue to prosper, while the utility accruing to Your Majesty’s treasury remains proportionally enhanced.
{{PAGE:14}}
[Page]
4
[Marginalia — top left]
3 a.m.
[Stamp — upper left]
[Circular stamp: partially legible; reads ‘ARQUIVO’]
[Stamp — upper centre-right]
[Circular stamp: partially legible; features a heraldic device and text consistent with the ‘CASA DA ÍNDIA’ (House of India), the Portuguese Crown’s administrative body responsible for maritime trade, colonial administration, and fiscal oversight in Asia and Africa from the early sixteenth to mid-nineteenth century.]
[Main text]
These matters are granted neither as a concession nor as an obligation. Should it prove impossible to proceed under the stipulated conditions, the matter shall be provisionally suspended—pending resolution in accordance with the scheduled departures of vessels bound for Espírito Santo [a common destination port in Portuguese India], or in the event of impediments arising therefrom; in such case, I shall refrain from executing the agreement.
Meanwhile, the Most Reverend Theodósio Sena is hereby advised that the promised sum exceeds 3 patacas, vintém, and xerafins [Portuguese colonial currency units: 1 pataca = 8 vinténs; 1 vintém = 20 xerafins]. Furthermore, the ring bestowed upon Diogo de Mello de Afrejo was valued at 33 vinténs. This amount constituted the first instalment payable to the royal exchequer (*fazenda real*) for the eight *quintais* [c. 464 kg] of hearth tax (*fogão*) levied on the vineyard purchased from N. Veiga of Benfica. Given that the said Diogo de Mello received no more than 2 sestércios, vinténs, and xerafins [i.e., a nominal sum], the full eight *quintais* were discharged by the city of Macau—and on his behalf—by payment of 8 vinténs per *carga* [a unit of cargo weight, here used as a fiscal measure]. Thus, the purchaser remained indebted for the promised 33 vinténs and paid, in addition, two *quintais* more for the same voyage—amounting to 8 vinténs, xerafins, and *benfeitorias* [improvements or betterments assessed for taxation purposes], thereby acquiring the property outright for 33 vinténs. He also offered, in lieu of cash, a vessel named *Emue Delo do Jornio*, together with one *vintém* per *quintal*, representing three *quintais* of the *bínio* [a local tax on wine or vinegar production], plus an *empreitada* [contracted service or public works assignment] valued at three *vinténs*, tendered to Fandega [the customs house]. Moreover, he undertook to pay, as a royal gift (*regal*), the entire remaining balance due to the city.
From the aforementioned commission, the Governor—being the highest-ranking Superior—offered, in the name of the Imperial Crown, 200 vinténs and xerafins. Likewise, the salt levy (*sal da glado*) imposed upon Maravije [a coastal locality near Macau, possibly referring to *Maravilha* or *Maraviça*, historically associated with salt pans] proved excessive; it was deemed inappropriate for the inhabitants of Maluas [variant spelling of *Malaca* or *Melaka*, though context suggests a local toponym within the Macau region, perhaps *Macao’s outlying settlements*] to bear such extraordinary burdens. Consequently, this levy was reduced to a monthly post (*posta*) of 60 *maij cures* [a local unit of weight or measure, likely equivalent to *mais curas*, i.e., ‘more curas’—a variant of *cura*, a unit used in Macau for salt or grain; cf. *cura* ≈ 12.5 kg in late Ming–early Qing Macau records], a rate which had prevailed during the time of…
[Signature]
[Illegible: ca. eight characters]
{{PAGE:15}}
[Page]
3
[Stamp — left margin, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL 1845]
[Stamp — upper right quadrant]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]
[Main text]
Your Majesty,
And whereas, by virtue of this contract, a husband and wife are constituted—yet they were, in fact, finally separated from one another; and thereafter, when Your Majesty commanded the convening of the relevant authorities to commence contractual proceedings, the said woman was already twelve years of age—sufficiently mature, it is held, to take an oath on her own behalf, though the validity of such an oath remains questionable. Moreover, she is deemed to possess considerable authority in her own right, and indeed the highest degree of such authority.
Furthermore, having considered the matter carefully, and having weighed both its legal defensibility and its broader implications, it appears advisable that the parties’ passions be tempered with due moderation, and that vigour be exercised judiciously. Should the matter fall within a sphere expressly reserved to the sovereign prerogative of Your Majesty—and should it thereby afford occasion for greater advantage to the Crown—then, in all capital matters, the *grima* (a colonial administrative instrument, equivalent to a royal warrant or executive directive) shall remain operative; and he, together with all royal households under his jurisdiction, shall be subject to such directives, even where coercion may be required. It is stated that each day’s proceedings shall proceed in accordance with the prescribed order of fortification works.
Likewise, on grounds relating to estate management (*razão de fazenda*), it appears that the Deputy Governor (*D.L.* = *Deputado da Legação*, here denoting the acting colonial administrator or *ouvidor-geral*) ought not to accept the contract as valid. This is certainly true, as represented herein; and given that the voyage proceeds in accordance with the stipulated terms—as allegorically affirmed—the full import of the agreement must be implemented precisely as set forth. All provisions shall be executed strictly in accordance with the utility and exigencies of the present circumstances; thus, Your Majesty’s instructions must prevail absolutely. Should payments be required, they shall be made in Tomé de Malaca; subsequently, no further disbursement shall be effected in Goa, save only on account of outgoing expenditures—such being the sole permissible basis for financial outlay. Thus stands the matter.
[Signature]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~6 characters]
{{PAGE:16}}
[Page]
+
[Stamp — left margin, upper]
[Circular stamp: illegible text, likely an official colonial seal]
[Stamp — centre-right, mid-page]
[Circular stamp: illegible text, faint impression]
[Main text]
22,000$000 (twenty-two million réis) — the sum to be imported — plus over 350,000 réis. Now that the *Canga* [a vessel or trading concession, possibly a ship or commercial licence, here retained in the original Portuguese with gloss] has been discharged, the 30 *vintém* [a coin of pre-1911 Portuguese currency; 30 vintém = 150 réis] per *carga* [unit of cargo; retained as period term] have been lost. All remaining goods — and more — now lie in Macau, and the China trade is being offered to you. Consequently, the aforementioned Chinese merchants have withdrawn their privileges in China, and having abandoned the voyage, the trader has returned, thereby undermining the trade itself. As a result, customs revenues have declined, and the entire customs apparatus — already weak — now rests solely upon the residents of Macau. Moreover, we are now obliged to repay the ninth *fazenda* [fiscal office or revenue district; retained as technical administrative term] of Dom Prado, where our contract was concluded: the said sum of 8,000$000 (eight million réis) was paid in advance as earnest money (*efica*), earmarked for employment of capital in Macau. It appears, however, that little or nothing has been realised therefrom; and even if 500,000 réis in gold were recovered, the annual investment of 8,000$000 in the China trade would still be forfeited. Furthermore, it may be demonstrated more convincingly that the Songoa trade [a regional commercial network, possibly linked to Macau–Siam–Vietnam routes; retained as proper noun] remains viable, and that the Maranhão trade [referring to transatlantic commerce via northern Brazil, historically connected to Macau’s silver flows; retained as proper noun] persists — thus strengthening the case for upholding this contract. His Excellency Dom Nuno Mascarenhas [or ‘Dom N. M.’, likely referring to a high-ranking Portuguese official, e.g., Governor of Macau or Viceroy of India; name rendered in standard scholarly form] would therefore do well to seek alternative markets in Macau itself and to re-establish a customs house — even if its tariff rate were set at 400 *modas* [a unit of assessment or duty; retained as technical fiscal term, equivalent to a fixed ad valorem charge] — for, given the scale of current commerce, enforcement could readily be achieved, just as it is in Manila and Xiamen (*Chincheo*), where similar controls operate effectively. Let the *Vmaba* [a vessel name or commercial designation, possibly a variant of *Vem-ba*, i.e., ‘come-here’, used colloquially for ships plying the Macau–Manila route; retained with explanatory gloss] be redeployed accordingly.
{{PAGE:17}}
[Page]
4
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO DE MARINA]
[Stamp — left margin, centre]
[Circular stamp: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO NACIONAL. MADRID]
[Main text]
07 July 1622. Letter dated 22 January, addressed to the *Junta das Cruzadas*?
This is a copy of a letter from the Supreme Council (the *Junta Suprema*) concerning Jorge Bada,
and the majesty of the realm, in which it is stated that Balomar
has been appointed to oversee customs duties at Macau; and that Macau remains
the principal commercial entrepôt for Japan and Manila—indeed, the sole port
through which the annual tribute payments (*repartição anual*) from those territories are channelled. These revenues have traditionally been remitted to Goa, as has long been the practice; yet the effect of recent measures has been to impede both the flow of merchants
and the trade between Macau and Manila. His Excellency the Viceroy of India
reports that the Japanese authorities have grown increasingly hostile—not least on account of the employment
of Portuguese officials in Macau’s administration. Moreover, the local residents of Macau
have become markedly more rebellious; accordingly, a request has been made for the dispatch of troops and supplies,
which Your Majesty has graciously approved. We therefore petition Your Majesty
to solicit the opinion of the Council of State (*Conselho de Estado*), and to appoint a captain-general
to suppress this rebellion; such action may be expected to yield tangible results. When the Viceroy arrives in Macau,
he intends to conduct a thorough review of the customs house (*alfândega*) under the supervision of the *Ondria* (a senior administrative official),
at which point he will also seek to reorganise the galleon trade (*frota de Galeões*)—in particular, the *Galvage* (likely a variant spelling of *Galvão*, possibly referring to a specific vessel or convoy).
Now, however, the residents of Macau—having taken counsel among themselves—have formally offered
the Governorship (*Alcaide-Mor*) to Your Majesty, and have requested that Your Majesty appoint
an individual of proven competence to assume that office. They further submit that such an appointment would be advantageous
to Your Majesty’s service—and, judging by appearances, the current state of affairs in Macau is evidently fraught with serious difficulties,
though the precise nature of these challenges remains unclear.
{{PAGE:18}}
[Stamp — top left]
[Circular stamp: (Illegible seal)]
[Main text]
The people of Mozambique and those of Goa will deny that
they ought not—
As regards the Mozambique voyages, wherein the land—or whichever part thereof—falls under the jurisdiction of our *provedor* [royal treasury official], even though provisions are consumed therein, the same royal authority vested in Your Majesty remains fully operative in this matter of the voyage; the extent of such authority is determined by the exigencies of His Majesty the King. I therefore grant that the voyage may be undertaken by merchants wherever it is not expressly prohibited; yet this privilege no longer obtains in its original form. Nor does Your Majesty’s mandate, which formerly empowered us to impose duties, remain in force; indeed, no further customs duties are levied beyond those collected by the fiscal authorities—as was the practice at the outset. Moreover, the initial port of embarkation, formerly Barca Velha, is no longer used for embarkation, as had been customary in previous years; rather, such embarkation is now expressly forbidden. This prohibition arises from the fact that, should vessels fail to load there, no loss accrues—and the chief factor (*feitor*) responsible for the voyage, together with other principal officers, may dispatch their ships solely upon obtaining licence to proceed to and anchor at the port of Mozambique, thereby enjoying exemption from customs duties (*alfândegas*) pertaining to the voyage, and from external audit or judicial oversight (*conta & juízo do mundo*). Given the ease thus conferred, Your Majesty is respectfully requested to permit a portion of this privilege to be exercised, and to authorise the said parties accordingly—especially since Your Majesty has already granted similar concessions on prior occasions.
{{PAGE:19}}
[Page]
5
[Stamp — top left]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • 1704 • 035 • 6]
[Main text]
Provision is hereby made regarding the status of the Sultan of Mozambique: he shall himself perform the act of homage (*eda mão co fijo nabele*), and his son and *cavalho* [historical term: a high-ranking noble or military officer, possibly equivalent to *khalīfa* or *caudillo* in Portuguese colonial usage; here retained in transliterated form with explanatory gloss] shall likewise do so. This act constitutes the formal voyage (*viagem*) to Mozambique. By royal decree—and in accordance with the instructions issued by Your Majesty—the said payments may be authorised only upon confirmation that the Sultan has undertaken this voyage in the prescribed manner, as ordained by His Majesty’s command. Should the Sultan of Je (i.e., the Sultan of Kilwa, historically referred to in Portuguese records as *Sultão de Je*, from *Kilwa*) be empowered to make these payments in connection with the voyage, he may do so solely in person; neither his deputy (*aipo*, i.e., *ayub* or *wakīl*, an agent or representative) nor any other individual entrusted with authority by Your Majesty may disburse them on his behalf, nor may they enter into agreements with third parties concerning matters relating to the port—nor, indeed, concerning anything set forth herein. Likewise, if the Sultan himself undertakes the voyage—or sends a personal envoy authorised to act *in his name and with full power*—such an envoy may lawfully effect the payments, provided that the amounts are fixed at agreed and certain rates appropriate to the voyage, its purpose (*orp.*: likely abbreviation for *objecto* or *ordem real*), and its specific conditions; and that such terms are formally ratified. This arrangement constitutes a species of formal acknowledgment (*reconhecimento*) of the Sultan’s status and allegiance; and Your Majesty may, *Deo volente*, approve it accordingly.
Moreover, having already issued the relevant provision, Your Majesty has previously instructed that this authority be conferred upon Your Majesty’s other Vizier. The voyage in question is thus an original, sovereign act emanating from the realm itself; and accordingly, the voyage is an original act of the realm—wherefore Your Majesty shall implement the provision as deemed appropriate, should it prove consonant with established practice, and provided that the source of authority (*appy meya fonte*: lit. ‘the appointed main source’, i.e., the duly constituted sovereign or viceregal authority) permits its exercise.
[Signature]
[Illegible: final flourish or signature]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU
{{PAGE:20}}
[Page]
1
[Marginalia — top centre]
+ 1
[Stamp — top right]
[Circular seal: partially legible; reads ‘…DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR’ (Department of the Navy and Overseas Territories)]
[Main text]
A portion of the populace of the royal parish,
and always as previously ordained, shall be duly assigned to the
‘cabral’ (a local administrative or fiscal officer) of the Madre de Deus convent in Lisbon, and to the deceased
Pçor [i.e., *Paiço* or *Paixo*, a variant spelling of *Paixão*, likely referring to a deceased ecclesiastical official or benefactor], and to the State’s provisional revenue office;
they are to receive the proceeds of labour, tithes (*féle*, i.e., *dízimos*, ecclesiastical dues), and other levies. Your Reverence instructed this arrangement,
and it was duly implemented—most satisfactorily—
on 7 March 1627.
[Stamp — centre left]
[Circular seal: ‘ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR’ (Archive of the Navy and Overseas Territories), with central heraldic emblem, partially faded]
[Signature]
Julião de Campos Barreto |
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| spelling | Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo This archival document comprises a composite set of sixteenth- to seventeenth-century Portuguese colonial administrative records, primarily dated between 2 March 1626 and 6 March 1666, originating from the Estado da Índia and concerning fiscal, maritime, and jurisdictional matters across Macau, Goa, Mozambique, Japan, and associated territories. Key figures include António de Oliveira de Morais, António Armigante, Luís Morguinhão, João Nunes de, João de Soares, Lourenço de Carvalho, and Julião de Campos Barreto; prominent institutional actors are the Council assisting the Governor-General, the Treasury Council (Conselho da Fazenda), the Count of Mirandela, and the Viceroy of India. The core subject matter encompasses contractual arrangements for state-sponsored maritime voyages—particularly the Macau–Japan trade, Mozambique expeditions, and China–Manila commerce—including valuation of cargoes (e.g., 33,000 xerafins for Afonso de Mello de Calão’s Macau voyage), stipulated remuneration for provisioned officials (30,000 xerafins per *largem*), conditional royal approval (*cláusula de aprovação condicional*), and mechanisms for revenue extraction such as the proposed quarter-share (*quarta parte*) of income from the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception (*as Virgens*). Additional themes include customs administration (establishment of *alfândegas*), regulation of forced labour (*forçados*), fiscal disputes over *faias*, *briga* ceremonial fees, ecclesiastical revenues (*proventos*), and the political status of Macau vis-à-vis Portuguese India. The documents reflect acute fiscal constraints on the royal exchequer, recurrent concerns over revenue leakage to private traders (*Laldardo*), and efforts to balance colonial autonomy with metropolitan control. All materials derive from the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino and Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, bearing archival stamps and marginalia confirming provenance and registration. This transcription is intended exclusively for scholarly analysis of Iberian imperial administration, maritime economics, and colonial governance in early modern Asia and Africa. Obs.: À margem cópia da carta régia de 1625-02-13, Lisboa, em que se recomenda se evite o descaminho dos direitos Anexos: 1625-04-08 - Carta (cópia) do vice-rei do Estado da Índia, [almirante D. Francisco da Gama] (conde de Vidigueira) a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre os moradores de Macau que pretendem sujeitar-se ao Governo de Manila. [post. a 1626-12-09] Parecer (minuta) do Conselho da Fazenda a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a proibição de comércio entre Macau e as Filipinas e sobre as considerações relativas ao comércio das Índias Ocidentais e Orientais, Manila, Malaca e Goa. Japão e Moçambique Manuscripts Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00009 1625-12-15 António d’Tuniera de Moraes Archival Annotations Cavalry Allowances Contractual Proposals Council of State Approval Count of Vidigueira Crown Authority Fiscal Arrangements Fleet Departure Schedules Historical Maritime Logistics Iberian Union Logistical Planning Macau Trade Maritime Trade Contracts Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Estado da Índia Records of Negotiations Revenue Retention Terms and Conditions Treasury Officials Viceroy Francisco da Gama Voyage Levy Voyages to Japan Voyages to Mozambique Xerafins D. Francisco da Gama {{PAGE:1}} [Page] H10 [Marginalia — top center] † Inol [Marginalia — top right] 9 Março 1626 [Stamp — center left] [Arquivo Histórico Colonial. M.O.A.S.] [Stamp — center right] [Arquivo de Marinha e Ultramar. B.N.L.] [Main text] António d’Oliveira de Morais apresentou no conselho que assiste a este governo hums apontamentos de que começa vay a cópia, o conselho os approvou a despeito do notável aperto de diminuição a que tem chegado a fazenda dell. mde neste estado la difficuldade com que deste Reino se he acode sendo as occasiões tão greves como V. mde entenderá pelas cartas de Timão, e tambem se teve consideração que não se preiudica aos prouidos pois selle figura maior preço dos forçados qe se venderão nestas Viagens E se açidade de Macau de trinta e tres mil & adrogo de Mello de Calão foi porque entraram nelles oito mil & se rebatuaõ a deuor afaz dell. mde do preço perque accomprou seu logro fornado do bom, gellog? lhe ficou convendida em trinta e cinco mil &, E por este contrato se trata de sediar aos prouidos de trinta mil & por cada largem, até como lhes forem cabendo por suas antiguidades, E depois de lentamente expouada a matéria no dito conselho, a fzer ver pelos Ministros do conselho de fazenda & tambem a approvaõ, como V. mde lendo denuido mandara vir do efeito do procurador della, nã se debrou o con: tratto antes da partida das Naos por nã hauer tempo, determino de lhe por #cláusula sell. mde o approvar, Se antes dellir estas apouacão houver lugar de se fazer algua Viagem sera conforme ao apontamento, & de tudo pode V. mde dizer como fordenido, & por nã depender tempo, me pareceo usar deste meyo, Visto brevius Edito remita a fazenda de O mde. Propoz tambem com a mesma consideração no conselho que me assite qas Viagens de Moçambique importado ha poucos annos [Marginalia — bottom left] [UNCLEAR: possible note or correction, partially obscured by fold and ink smudge] [Signature] A. {{PAGE:2}} cinquo ate seis mil xts, Esendo dadas por V. mde nella e tomadas as pessoas gordas dellas, as quais antigamente as faziam em embarcações de V. mde dome, com cem mil reis de ordenado os gatalhados que o pozide como capitão da ditta embarcação tinha, Vieram despois por falta della afazella em embarcação própria, E depois tos acaba parte deram em fazer el bano da brigem sem nella meterem embarcação nem cabedal algum, nem arificar des gestos, contentandose com os donos das embarcações que querem fazer. Defaltando lhes disto tab excessivo acrecentamento a brigem diantes lles daua com a fazere festualmente em embarcação de V. mde edespois nas suas proprias leom o haballo Cristo de suas gestos Contar caões cinquo ate seis mil xts, lles da horellinte, E chega algua a trinta mil, E sendo este veeum tab grande Edifficrente fatahs, facab que for tencao de V. mde dar lles que houa ado primitivo refendo que assitas Virgens tinhad, nao seria razao que elles to grassem atty, mormente em tempo qtab impossibilitada se ade afazenda de V. mde Eg para o remedio das necessidades deste estado. Se elba cada dia tomando din heito aos homs defeus pro- prios cabedaes, pollo que eu ia o fortelho ver e considerar o mejo que nido Deeuia egodia tomar parraque ficando ebes gordos com hua adequada satis facao Necebesse a fazenda de V. mde algum poueilo para remedio das necessidades presentes Eparece ao conselho que as razoes populas obriga a tomar nido al- gum mejo, E que ebe podia ser, que do que cada huma delas Virgens vender emquanto eldiuere no predicamento refuido haja afazenda de V. mde aten ca parte, camj me parece que babara que seja aquarta parte, Horeq V. mg. refoluera E mandara os portenho Guarda da acablica pera de V. mg. Como allimitadade damihen. Dejou a 2 de M. 626 Antonio Armigante {{PAGE:3}} N.º 217 [Marginalia — top left] Sobre as Viagens de Jappo, e de Moçambique, e bem o a Senho que se acoutal. [Marginalia — top right] N.º 217 Leita em 16 de Abril de 1627. [Stamp — center left, upper half] [Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: text around border illegible], central emblem indistinct] [Stamp — center left, lower half] [Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: text around border illegible], central emblem indistinct] [Main text] Que o Rey mandou fazer embarcar as mercadorias de Jappo em 22 de Dezembro de 1626. E que isto apertou huma carta do mesmo Rey de 13 de Março de 1627. [Main text] Duas cousas se contêm na carta do Conde, hão Rey dado no effeito do Contrato de Macau conforme as condiçoes offertas & os valores delle & das obras higente da Cidade, & apercebidas para se virem de toda aos navios de Moçambique com razaõ das necessi- dades daquelle Estado. Do contrato de Macau se há de ver fa- zer por elles che se perderam, defodo o Comercio da India & The fica Laldardo de China co q tambem se fizeram perda de 200$900 m. haverá de ter as duas alfandegas naquelles {{PAGE:4}} [Page] 2 [Marginalia — top center] t [Main text] Estando ambos, se deve acudir a toda a aplicação que em nada mais? Se permite aos de huma hua comércio com em |
| spellingShingle | Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo D. Francisco da Gama António d’Tuniera de Moraes Archival Annotations Cavalry Allowances Contractual Proposals Council of State Approval Count of Vidigueira Crown Authority Fiscal Arrangements Fleet Departure Schedules Historical Maritime Logistics Iberian Union Logistical Planning Macau Trade Maritime Trade Contracts Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Estado da Índia Records of Negotiations Revenue Retention Terms and Conditions Treasury Officials Viceroy Francisco da Gama Voyage Levy Voyages to Japan Voyages to Mozambique Xerafins |
| title | Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo |
| title_autocomplete | Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo |
| title_full | Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo |
| title_fullStr | Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo |
| title_full_unstemmed | Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo |
| title_short | Carta do [vice-rei do Estado da Índia], almirante [D. Francisco da Gama] (conde da Vidigueira), a [D. Filipe III], rei de Portugal e de Espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de Macau para Manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo |
| title_sort | carta do [vice-rei do estado da índia], almirante [d. francisco da gama] (conde da vidigueira), a [d. filipe iii], rei de portugal e de espanha, sobre a autorização de uma viagem de macau para manila e empregar o lucro obtido na fundição de artilharia para a armada de alto bordo |
| topic | António d’Tuniera de Moraes Archival Annotations Cavalry Allowances Contractual Proposals Council of State Approval Count of Vidigueira Crown Authority Fiscal Arrangements Fleet Departure Schedules Historical Maritime Logistics Iberian Union Logistical Planning Macau Trade Maritime Trade Contracts Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Estado da Índia Records of Negotiations Revenue Retention Terms and Conditions Treasury Officials Viceroy Francisco da Gama Voyage Levy Voyages to Japan Voyages to Mozambique Xerafins |
| topic_autocomplete | António d’Tuniera de Moraes Archival Annotations Cavalry Allowances Contractual Proposals Council of State Approval Count of Vidigueira Crown Authority Fiscal Arrangements Fleet Departure Schedules Historical Maritime Logistics Iberian Union Logistical Planning Macau Trade Maritime Trade Contracts Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Estado da Índia Records of Negotiations Revenue Retention Terms and Conditions Treasury Officials Viceroy Francisco da Gama Voyage Levy Voyages to Japan Voyages to Mozambique Xerafins |
| topic_facet | António d’Tuniera de Moraes Archival Annotations Cavalry Allowances Contractual Proposals Council of State Approval Count of Vidigueira Crown Authority Fiscal Arrangements Fleet Departure Schedules Historical Maritime Logistics Iberian Union Logistical Planning Macau Trade Maritime Trade Contracts Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Estado da Índia Records of Negotiations Revenue Retention Terms and Conditions Treasury Officials Viceroy Francisco da Gama Voyage Levy Voyages to Japan Voyages to Mozambique Xerafins |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/AICVCQPV/viewer_AICVCQPV.html |
| zotero_collection_key | 8AN6STDU LCHA3B7U PAAL2UHW |