Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau
This abstract describes two related official correspondence documents held in the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU), originating from the Portuguese imperial administration in the late seventeenth century and bearing later archival annotations. The first is a royal directive dated 23 March 1671, s...
Saved in:
| Format: | Manuscripts |
|---|---|
| Published: |
1671-03-23
|
| Subjects: |
Administrative Accountability
;
Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino
;
Captains-General abuses
;
Estado da Índia
;
Francisco de Távora
;
João da Silva
;
Judicial investigation
;
Luís de Mendonça Freire
;
Macau Municipal Council
;
Macau Security
;
Ordinances and Regulations
;
Portuguese Colonial Administration
;
Portuguese Imperial Governance
;
Residência
;
Royal Directives
;
Supplementary directive
;
Viceroy of the Estado da Índia
;
Manuscripts
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/RQC6TBHQ/viewer_RQC6TBHQ.html |
| _version_ | 1877197620570488832 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00074 |
| building | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| collection | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| description | This abstract describes two related official correspondence documents held in the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU), originating from the Portuguese imperial administration in the late seventeenth century and bearing later archival annotations. The first is a royal directive dated 23 March 1671, signed by António de Noronha on behalf of the Prince of Portugal, addressed to the Municipal Council (Câmara) of Macau, responding to its 14 December 1668 letter concerning abuses by Captains-General in Macau and instructing referral of the matter to the Viceroy of the Estado da Índia for assessment and remedial action. The second is a supplementary directive dated 23 March 1674, signed by Luís de Mendonça Furtado in his capacity as Viceroy of India and Prince Regent, addressed to the same Macau Câmara, ordering judicial investigation into the reported abuses, requiring formal reporting on corrective measures, and mandating documentation of penalties imposed. Both documents reference the Ordinances and Regulations (regimento) governing Captains-General’s conduct, emphasise fidelity to crown authority, and underscore administrative accountability within the Portuguese colonial framework in Macau. Marginalia and archival stamps—including references to the Arquivo Histórico Colonial de Macau and Arquivo Histórico da Índia—confirm provenance and custodial history. A later marginal note dated 1 December 1874 indicates nineteenth-century archival handling. These materials constitute primary evidence for studying Portuguese colonial governance, legal administration, and inter-institutional relations in Macau during the late seventeenth century. Anexo: 1671-03-23 - Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao vice-rei do Estado da Índia, Luís Mendonça Furtado, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau e ordena que se tirem residências, se julguem e se castiguem os culpados. |
| first_indexed | 2026-05-17T17:35:54Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
1671
[Marginalia — top left]
Copia
23-30
[Marginalia — top center]
1671
774
[Marginalia — top right]
Nº 56
[Main text]
Officio da Camara da Cidade de Macau &c. Vimos a vossa Carta de quatorze de Dezembro de Seis centos Sessenta e oito que por ella me Representaes: & por ter materia que com mais ponderação se deve considerar, a mando remetir ao Vice-Rey do Estado para que lhe mede o excesso dos Capitães Gerais procedendo contra aquelle que não fizerem sua obrigação guardando as Ordens e Regimentos, que sobre os particulares dellas me dizeis contar são passadas, e de informe o meu, que se pode tomar para a conservação da fidelidade se continuar com menos apreção dellas meus vassallos e obrigados. O zello de meus serviços em caso occasião que se offerecerem dentro do mesmo, terey particular lembrança para vos fazer mercê pelo modo com que nelle procedeis. Escrita em Lisboa a 23 de Março de 1671. O Principe.
[Signature]
Antonio de Noronha
[Stamp — center]
[ circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL DE MACAU ]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
N.º 37
[Marginalia — top left]
Copia
[Marginalia — top center]
H7641
[Marginalia — top right]
N.º 37
[Main text]
Luiz de Mendonça Furtado
V. Rey da Índia
Amigo 8.º
Os Officiaes da Camara da fidade de Macáo, mederão conta por Carta de quatorze de Dezembro de Seis centos Sessenta e oito dos excessos, que a Ly farião os Capitães Geraes, não guardando a forma de Seu Regimento contra os particulares que lhe devem Obediencia. E porque os Capitães Geraes convém sejão Castigados conforme Suas culpas, Ordenamos que tiradas as Evidencias do que a Camara Se julguem, Sentenciem Segundo o merecimento dos Autos, para que aquelles Vassalos Nos Sija presente Mesmandos guardar justiça emormais pontos desta Carta me dei Contas com vosso parecer e dos concelheiros que vos ajsistem, o que Sedevé obrar para melhoramento que pedem. Escrivam as execuçõens que padecerem.
Escrita em Lisboa a 23 de Março de 1674.
Principe.
[Signature]
Luis de Mendonça Furtado
[Stamp — center below signature]
[ circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA / 1945 ]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
(AHU)
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
2
[Marginalia — bottom left]
Macau, ex 1.º dez. 74
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
1671
[Marginalia — top left]
Copy
23–30
[Marginalia — top centre]
1671
774
[Marginalia — top right]
No. 56
[Main text]
Office of the Municipal Council (Câmara) of the City of Macau, etc.
We have received Your Excellency’s letter dated 14 December 1668, in which you set forth the following matters. As the subject requires careful and deliberate consideration, we hereby direct that your letter be forwarded to the Viceroy of the Estado da Índia, so that he may assess the extent of the excesses committed by the Captains-General—particularly in their conduct towards those officials who fail to discharge their duties in accordance with the Ordinances and Regulations pertaining to these matters. You state that such Ordinances and Regulations have already been promulgated; we therefore instruct the Viceroy to report to us on what measures may be adopted to ensure the continued fidelity of our vassals and subjects, should they persist in treating these instruments with diminished regard.
In any future instance where zeal for Our service presents itself within this sphere, We shall take particular note thereof and reward Your Excellency accordingly, commensurate with the diligence and propriety displayed in your conduct.
Written in Lisbon, 23 March 1671.
The Prince.
[Signature]
António de Noronha
[Stamp — centre]
[circular seal: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL DE MACAU]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU
{{PAGE:2}}
No. 37
[Marginalia — top left]
Copy
[Marginalia — top centre]
H7641
[Marginalia — top right]
No. 37
[Main text]
Luís de Mendonça Furtado
Viceroy of India
My esteemed friend, eighth in order of precedence
The municipal officers (vereadores) of the Senate (Câmara) of the city of Macau have reported, by letter dated 14 December 1668, certain abuses committed by the Captains-General against private individuals subject to their authority—abuses arising from the Captains-General’s failure to observe the provisions of their official regulations (regimento). As it is fitting that Captains-General be held to account and duly punished in accordance with the gravity of their offences, We hereby command that, having first gathered evidence regarding the matters raised by the Senate, the said officials shall pronounce judgement in accordance with the merits of the case as set out in the judicial record (autos). This is to ensure that Our vassals in Macau uphold justice scrupulously in all respects. With regard to the points raised in this letter, We require you to submit a formal report—including your own assessment and that of the councillors who assist you—detailing what measures ought to be taken to effect the improvements requested. Furthermore, you are to record in full all penalties imposed or executions carried out.
Issued in Lisbon on 23 March 1674.
The Prince Regent
[Signature]
Luís de Mendonça Furtado
[Seal — centred beneath signature]
[circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA / 1945]
[Archival reference mark — bottom left]
(AHU)
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
2
[Marginal note — bottom left]
Macau, dated 1st December 1874 |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
1671
[Marginalia — top left]
Copia
23-30
[Marginalia — top center]
1671
774
[Marginalia — top right]
Nº 56
[Main text]
Officio da Camara da Cidade de Macau &c. Vimos a vossa Carta de quatorze de Dezembro de Seis centos Sessenta e oito que por ella me Representaes: & por ter materia que com mais ponderação se deve considerar, a mando remetir ao Vice-Rey do Estado para que lhe mede o excesso dos Capitães Gerais procedendo contra aquelle que não fizerem sua obrigação guardando as Ordens e Regimentos, que sobre os particulares dellas me dizeis contar são passadas, e de informe o meu, que se pode tomar para a conservação da fidelidade se continuar com menos apreção dellas meus vassallos e obrigados. O zello de meus serviços em caso occasião que se offerecerem dentro do mesmo, terey particular lembrança para vos fazer mercê pelo modo com que nelle procedeis. Escrita em Lisboa a 23 de Março de 1671. O Principe.
[Signature]
Antonio de Noronha
[Stamp — center]
[ circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL DE MACAU ]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
N.º 37
[Marginalia — top left]
Copia
[Marginalia — top center]
H7641
[Marginalia — top right]
N.º 37
[Main text]
Luiz de Mendonça Furtado
V. Rey da Índia
Amigo 8.º
Os Officiaes da Camara da fidade de Macáo, mederão conta por Carta de quatorze de Dezembro de Seis centos Sessenta e oito dos excessos, que a Ly farião os Capitães Geraes, não guardando a forma de Seu Regimento contra os particulares que lhe devem Obediencia. E porque os Capitães Geraes convém sejão Castigados conforme Suas culpas, Ordenamos que tiradas as Evidencias do que a Camara Se julguem, Sentenciem Segundo o merecimento dos Autos, para que aquelles Vassalos Nos Sija presente Mesmandos guardar justiça emormais pontos desta Carta me dei Contas com vosso parecer e dos concelheiros que vos ajsistem, o que Sedevé obrar para melhoramento que pedem. Escrivam as execuçõens que padecerem.
Escrita em Lisboa a 23 de Março de 1674.
Principe.
[Signature]
Luis de Mendonça Furtado
[Stamp — center below signature]
[ circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA / 1945 ]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
(AHU)
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
2
[Marginalia — bottom left]
Macau, ex 1.º dez. 74 |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
1671
[Marginalia — top left]
Copy
23–30
[Marginalia — top centre]
1671
774
[Marginalia — top right]
No. 56
[Main text]
Office of the Municipal Council (Câmara) of the City of Macau, etc.
We have received Your Excellency’s letter dated 14 December 1668, in which you set forth the following matters. As the subject requires careful and deliberate consideration, we hereby direct that your letter be forwarded to the Viceroy of the Estado da Índia, so that he may assess the extent of the excesses committed by the Captains-General—particularly in their conduct towards those officials who fail to discharge their duties in accordance with the Ordinances and Regulations pertaining to these matters. You state that such Ordinances and Regulations have already been promulgated; we therefore instruct the Viceroy to report to us on what measures may be adopted to ensure the continued fidelity of our vassals and subjects, should they persist in treating these instruments with diminished regard.
In any future instance where zeal for Our service presents itself within this sphere, We shall take particular note thereof and reward Your Excellency accordingly, commensurate with the diligence and propriety displayed in your conduct.
Written in Lisbon, 23 March 1671.
The Prince.
[Signature]
António de Noronha
[Stamp — centre]
[circular seal: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL DE MACAU]
[Archival mark — bottom left]
AHU
{{PAGE:2}}
No. 37
[Marginalia — top left]
Copy
[Marginalia — top centre]
H7641
[Marginalia — top right]
No. 37
[Main text]
Luís de Mendonça Furtado
Viceroy of India
My esteemed friend, eighth in order of precedence
The municipal officers (vereadores) of the Senate (Câmara) of the city of Macau have reported, by letter dated 14 December 1668, certain abuses committed by the Captains-General against private individuals subject to their authority—abuses arising from the Captains-General’s failure to observe the provisions of their official regulations (regimento). As it is fitting that Captains-General be held to account and duly punished in accordance with the gravity of their offences, We hereby command that, having first gathered evidence regarding the matters raised by the Senate, the said officials shall pronounce judgement in accordance with the merits of the case as set out in the judicial record (autos). This is to ensure that Our vassals in Macau uphold justice scrupulously in all respects. With regard to the points raised in this letter, We require you to submit a formal report—including your own assessment and that of the councillors who assist you—detailing what measures ought to be taken to effect the improvements requested. Furthermore, you are to record in full all penalties imposed or executions carried out.
Issued in Lisbon on 23 March 1674.
The Prince Regent
[Signature]
Luís de Mendonça Furtado
[Seal — centred beneath signature]
[circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA / 1945]
[Archival reference mark — bottom left]
(AHU)
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
2
[Marginal note — bottom left]
Macau, dated 1st December 1874 |
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| spelling | Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau This abstract describes two related official correspondence documents held in the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU), originating from the Portuguese imperial administration in the late seventeenth century and bearing later archival annotations. The first is a royal directive dated 23 March 1671, signed by António de Noronha on behalf of the Prince of Portugal, addressed to the Municipal Council (Câmara) of Macau, responding to its 14 December 1668 letter concerning abuses by Captains-General in Macau and instructing referral of the matter to the Viceroy of the Estado da Índia for assessment and remedial action. The second is a supplementary directive dated 23 March 1674, signed by Luís de Mendonça Furtado in his capacity as Viceroy of India and Prince Regent, addressed to the same Macau Câmara, ordering judicial investigation into the reported abuses, requiring formal reporting on corrective measures, and mandating documentation of penalties imposed. Both documents reference the Ordinances and Regulations (regimento) governing Captains-General’s conduct, emphasise fidelity to crown authority, and underscore administrative accountability within the Portuguese colonial framework in Macau. Marginalia and archival stamps—including references to the Arquivo Histórico Colonial de Macau and Arquivo Histórico da Índia—confirm provenance and custodial history. A later marginal note dated 1 December 1874 indicates nineteenth-century archival handling. These materials constitute primary evidence for studying Portuguese colonial governance, legal administration, and inter-institutional relations in Macau during the late seventeenth century. Anexo: 1671-03-23 - Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao vice-rei do Estado da Índia, Luís Mendonça Furtado, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau e ordena que se tirem residências, se julguem e se castiguem os culpados. Manuscripts Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00074 1671-03-23 Administrative Accountability Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino Captains-General abuses Estado da Índia Francisco de Távora João da Silva Judicial investigation Luís de Mendonça Freire Macau Municipal Council Macau Security Ordinances and Regulations Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Imperial Governance Residência Royal Directives Supplementary directive Viceroy of the Estado da Índia {{PAGE:1}} [Page] 1671 [Marginalia — top left] Copia 23-30 [Marginalia — top center] 1671 774 [Marginalia — top right] Nº 56 [Main text] Officio da Camara da Cidade de Macau &c. Vimos a vossa Carta de quatorze de Dezembro de Seis centos Sessenta e oito que por ella me Representaes: & por ter materia que com mais ponderação se deve considerar, a mando remetir ao Vice-Rey do Estado para que lhe mede o excesso dos Capitães Gerais procedendo contra aquelle que não fizerem sua obrigação guardando as Ordens e Regimentos, que sobre os particulares dellas me dizeis contar são passadas, e de informe o meu, que se pode tomar para a conservação da fidelidade se continuar com menos apreção dellas meus vassallos e obrigados. O zello de meus serviços em caso occasião que se offerecerem dentro do mesmo, terey particular lembrança para vos fazer mercê pelo modo com que nelle procedeis. Escrita em Lisboa a 23 de Março de 1671. O Principe. [Signature] Antonio de Noronha [Stamp — center] [ circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL DE MACAU ] [Archival mark — bottom left] AHU {{PAGE:2}} [Page] N.º 37 [Marginalia — top left] Copia [Marginalia — top center] H7641 [Marginalia — top right] N.º 37 [Main text] Luiz de Mendonça Furtado V. Rey da Índia Amigo 8.º Os Officiaes da Camara da fidade de Macáo, mederão conta por Carta de quatorze de Dezembro de Seis centos Sessenta e oito dos excessos, que a Ly farião os Capitães Geraes, não guardando a forma de Seu Regimento contra os particulares que lhe devem Obediencia. E porque os Capitães Geraes convém sejão Castigados conforme Suas culpas, Ordenamos que tiradas as Evidencias do que a Camara Se julguem, Sentenciem Segundo o merecimento dos Autos, para que aquelles Vassalos Nos Sija presente Mesmandos guardar justiça emormais pontos desta Carta me dei Contas com vosso parecer e dos concelheiros que vos ajsistem, o que Sedevé obrar para melhoramento que pedem. Escrivam as execuçõens que padecerem. Escrita em Lisboa a 23 de Março de 1674. Principe. [Signature] Luis de Mendonça Furtado [Stamp — center below signature] [ circular seal: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DA ÍNDIA / 1945 ] [Archival mark — bottom left] (AHU) {{PAGE:3}} [Page] 2 [Marginalia — bottom left] Macau, ex 1.º dez. 74 {{PAGE:1}} [Page] 1671 [Marginalia — top left] Copy 23–30 [Marginalia — top centre] 1671 774 [Marginalia — top right] No. 56 [Main text] Office of the Municipal Council (Câmara) of the City of Macau, etc. We have received Your Excellency’s letter dated 14 December 1668, in which you set forth the following matters. As the subject requires careful and deliberate consideration, we hereby direct that your letter be forwarded to the Viceroy of the Estado da Índia, so that he may assess the extent of the excesses committed by the Captains-General—particularly in their conduct towards those officials who fail to discharge their duties in accordance with the Ordinances and Regulations pertaining to these matters. You state that such Ordinances and Regulations have already been promulgated; we therefore instruct the Viceroy to report to us on what measures may be adopted to ensure the continued fidelity of our vassals and subjects, should they persist in treating these instruments with diminished regard. In any future instance where zeal for Our service presents itself within this sphere, We shall take particular note thereof and reward Your Excellency accordingly, commensurate with the diligence and propriety displayed in your conduct. Written in Lisbon, 23 March 1671. The Prince. [Signature] António de Noronha [Stamp — centre] [circular seal: ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL DE MACAU] [Archival mark — bottom left] AHU {{PAGE:2}} No. 37 [Marginalia — top left] Copy [Marginalia — top centre] H7641 [Marginalia — top right] No. 37 [Main text] Luís de Mendonça Furtado Viceroy of India My esteemed friend, eighth in order of precedence The municipal officers (vereadores) of the Senate (Câmara) of the city of Macau have reported, by letter dated 14 December 1668, certain abuses committed by the Captains-General against private individuals subject to their authority—abuses arising from the Captains-General’s failure to observe the provisions of their official regulations (regimento). As it is fitting that Captains-General be held to account and duly punished in accordance with the gravity of their offences, We hereby command that, having first gathered evidence regarding the matters raised by the Senate, the said officials shall pronounce judgement in accordance with the merits of the case as set out in the judicial record (autos). This is to ensure that Our vassals in Macau uphold justice scrupulously in all respects. With regard to the points raised in this letter, We require you to submit a formal report—including your own assessment and that of the councillors who assist you—detailing what measures ought to be taken to effect the improvements requested. Furthermore, you are to record in full all penaltie |
| spellingShingle | Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau Administrative Accountability Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino Captains-General abuses Estado da Índia Francisco de Távora João da Silva Judicial investigation Luís de Mendonça Freire Macau Municipal Council Macau Security Ordinances and Regulations Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Imperial Governance Residência Royal Directives Supplementary directive Viceroy of the Estado da Índia |
| title | Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau |
| title_autocomplete | Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau |
| title_full | Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau |
| title_fullStr | Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau |
| title_full_unstemmed | Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau |
| title_short | Carta régia (cópia) de D. Pedro, príncipe regente de Portugal, ao Senado da Câmara de Macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em Macau |
| title_sort | carta régia (cópia) de d. pedro, príncipe regente de portugal, ao senado da câmara de macau, sobre os excessos dos capitães-gerais em macau |
| topic | Administrative Accountability Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino Captains-General abuses Estado da Índia Francisco de Távora João da Silva Judicial investigation Luís de Mendonça Freire Macau Municipal Council Macau Security Ordinances and Regulations Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Imperial Governance Residência Royal Directives Supplementary directive Viceroy of the Estado da Índia |
| topic_autocomplete | Administrative Accountability Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino Captains-General abuses Estado da Índia Francisco de Távora João da Silva Judicial investigation Luís de Mendonça Freire Macau Municipal Council Macau Security Ordinances and Regulations Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Imperial Governance Residência Royal Directives Supplementary directive Viceroy of the Estado da Índia |
| topic_facet | Administrative Accountability Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino Captains-General abuses Estado da Índia Francisco de Távora João da Silva Judicial investigation Luís de Mendonça Freire Macau Municipal Council Macau Security Ordinances and Regulations Portuguese Colonial Administration Portuguese Imperial Governance Residência Royal Directives Supplementary directive Viceroy of the Estado da Índia |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/RQC6TBHQ/viewer_RQC6TBHQ.html |
| zotero_collection_key | 8AN6STDU PAAL2UHW |