Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau.
This archival document comprises a multi-page administrative correspondence originating from Macau, dated 4 January 1643 and annotated with later marginalia and stamps—including a 1921 date (6 December) and references to the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau—indicating its provenance and archiv...
Saved in:
| Format: | Manuscripts |
|---|---|
| Published: |
1643-01-04
|
| Subjects: |
Administrative Appointment Procedures
;
Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau
;
Colonial Council Deliberations
;
Jesuit Involvement in Macau Administration
;
Macau Petitions
;
Maritime Administration
;
Official Seals and Stamps
;
Portuguese Administrative Correspondence
;
Water Resources Management
;
archival provenance
;
colonial governance Macau
;
Manuscripts
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/UBTKZA88/viewer_UBTKZA88.html |
| _version_ | 1877197621533081600 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00021 |
| building | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| collection | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| description | This archival document comprises a multi-page administrative correspondence originating from Macau, dated 4 January 1643 and annotated with later marginalia and stamps—including a 1921 date (6 December) and references to the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau—indicating its provenance and archival history. The text records deliberations of a colonial council addressing petitions and administrative matters concerning Macau’s governance under Portuguese authority. Key figures include the Jesuit Father João Soares de Apan (of Cat), the Chief Magistrate (Mezo Principal) of Macau, and the Meço (fiscal officer) responsible for customs, revenue, and cargo oversight at Macau’s port. The document concerns the approval of a petition despite its delayed submission, the administration of water resources and associated penalties in Macau, royal concessions regarding the supply of oil (óleo) to arriving ships, and the proposed appointment of the Meço to a formal fiscal role within the Royal Treasury. Comparative reference is made to Daman (Damacão) in Portuguese India, noted for its orderly administration. The text reflects institutional procedures of consultation (consulta), royal authority, and colonial bureaucratic practice in early modern Portuguese Asia, and bears official seals including ‘DE MACAU’ and ‘ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • MACAU’. It serves as primary evidence for the study of Luso-Asian administrative governance, ecclesiastical involvement in civil affairs, and maritime logistics in the seventeenth-century Portuguese Empire. |
| first_indexed | 2026-05-17T17:34:52Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
H21
[Marginalia — top left]
Macau 4 Jan.º 1643
[Marginalia — top right]
Enor
[Stamp — top center]
[Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: emblematic design with text around border, partially legible as “.DE MACAU.”]]
[Stamp — center left]
[Circular stamp: [UNCLEAR: faint impression, possibly “ARQUIVO.” or institutional mark]]
[Main text]
Fico advertido hõy fera aconpanhado do dito de Macau, e vindo por reduzir na Leuam os reportos desta Consulta, graxa o favor & manha parte como hõy fora de tempo, e tiverem J. S. Apan de Cat.
[Main text]
Para acce Conselho ten brar allei O despacho de m. de Água? premipair penasque em Macau. Tem seriados ao Mezo Principal, menor. Na felice A Damacão de Olej. naquelas partes. e po que comuivam que Quando elles navios La.c Eguem cheos de Com sua chegada. anoua dam Que Olej. for servido. o Mandar lhe fazer. q. a Lem disso joh em grande bem do serviço dell.ª. empesar que viuem Em Terras tão longe deste Reino. Com que se animarão a servir all.ª Com Major Cuidado. os animos N.ª. M.ª aqui em tudo prontidão como. Comdem A o Serviço dell.ª. que lhe Está q. em Poder deservir q. de faria houverin ha consulta das penas. Parece leubrar allei se Atua de armandar despachar.
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
[UNCLEAR: top left corner, possibly "con."]
[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp, faint, with central emblem; text around edge illegible: (Selo ilegível)]
[Marginalia — upper right, handwritten in dark ink]
Obedecido. Mandara o Meço dizerem passarão.
[Main text]
E também se lembra ao Juiz que não baixe a consulta em q. se nomeou o Meço fico desta Real Fazenda p. a de Morhar aque vaj nos navios & ora uas p. Macau. Loc.
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
2
[Marginalia — top left]
2
[Main text]
Do Conde de Maranhão A theo despacho de alguma peça E Macau &c
[Stamp — center left]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • MACAU]
[Marginalia — right]
Macau, 6.º d. dez. 21
[Marginalia — bottom right]
Cód.
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
H21
[Marginalia — top left]
Macau, 4 January 1643
[Marginalia — top right]
Honourable
[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular seal: emblematic design with partially legible border inscription, ‘.DE MACAU.’]
[Stamp — centre left]
[Circular stamp: faint impression, likely reading ‘ARQUIVO’ or an institutional archival mark]
[Main text]
I hereby acknowledge receipt today of the aforementioned dispatch from Macau, and having reviewed the reports submitted to this Council concerning the present consultation, I grant the requested favour—though I note that the petition arrives somewhat belatedly, and that the Jesuit Father João Soares de Apan (of Cat) has already departed.
[Main text]
The Council further considers whether it should recommend to His Majesty the dispatch of a royal order concerning the administration of water in Macau, particularly given the penalties recently imposed there. These measures have been implemented by the Chief Magistrate (Mezo Principal), albeit in a manner proportionate to the lesser severity of the infractions committed. In the fortunate city of Damacão [i.e., Daman, Portuguese India], matters proceed smoothly; yet in those parts, it is reported that when ships arrive at Macau, they are invariably laden with commodities—and upon their arrival, the authorities customarily issue orders for the provision of oil (óleo). His Majesty has graciously consented to such arrangements, directing that oil be supplied accordingly. This concession is held to be of considerable benefit to the service of His Most Faithful Majesty, especially considering that the inhabitants reside in territories so remote from the Kingdom of Portugal. Such royal consideration serves to encourage their continued loyal service, and strengthens their resolve to discharge their duties with greater diligence. Their Majesties’ servants here remain ever ready and willing in all matters pertaining to His Majesty’s service—indeed, prepared to render such service as lies within their power. Should this consultation result in the imposition of penalties, it would appear advisable to recommend that the matter be referred to the appropriate authority for formal dispatch.
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
[Unclear: top left corner, possibly ‘con.’]
[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp, faint, bearing a central emblem; surrounding inscription illegible: (Illegible seal)]
[Marginalia — upper right, handwritten in dark ink]
Complied with. I have instructed the Meço to inform them that they will be permitted to proceed.
[Main text]
The judge is likewise reminded not to issue the formal advisory opinion (consulta) concerning the appointment of the Meço as fiscal officer (meço) of this Royal Treasury, assigned to oversee the customs and revenue administration at the port of Macau, and currently also responsible for supervising the cargo destined for Macau aboard outgoing vessels.
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
2
[Marginalia — top left]
2
[Main text]
To the Count of Maranhão: concerning the dispatch of certain documents, and Macau, etc.
[Stamp — centre left]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • MACAU]
[Marginalia — right]
Macau, 6th December 1921
[Marginalia — bottom right]
Codex |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
H21
[Marginalia — top left]
Macau 4 Jan.º 1643
[Marginalia — top right]
Enor
[Stamp — top center]
[Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: emblematic design with text around border, partially legible as “.DE MACAU.”]]
[Stamp — center left]
[Circular stamp: [UNCLEAR: faint impression, possibly “ARQUIVO.” or institutional mark]]
[Main text]
Fico advertido hõy fera aconpanhado do dito de Macau, e vindo por reduzir na Leuam os reportos desta Consulta, graxa o favor & manha parte como hõy fora de tempo, e tiverem J. S. Apan de Cat.
[Main text]
Para acce Conselho ten brar allei O despacho de m. de Água? premipair penasque em Macau. Tem seriados ao Mezo Principal, menor. Na felice A Damacão de Olej. naquelas partes. e po que comuivam que Quando elles navios La.c Eguem cheos de Com sua chegada. anoua dam Que Olej. for servido. o Mandar lhe fazer. q. a Lem disso joh em grande bem do serviço dell.ª. empesar que viuem Em Terras tão longe deste Reino. Com que se animarão a servir all.ª Com Major Cuidado. os animos N.ª. M.ª aqui em tudo prontidão como. Comdem A o Serviço dell.ª. que lhe Está q. em Poder deservir q. de faria houverin ha consulta das penas. Parece leubrar allei se Atua de armandar despachar.
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
[UNCLEAR: top left corner, possibly "con."]
[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp, faint, with central emblem; text around edge illegible: (Selo ilegível)]
[Marginalia — upper right, handwritten in dark ink]
Obedecido. Mandara o Meço dizerem passarão.
[Main text]
E também se lembra ao Juiz que não baixe a consulta em q. se nomeou o Meço fico desta Real Fazenda p. a de Morhar aque vaj nos navios & ora uas p. Macau. Loc.
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
2
[Marginalia — top left]
2
[Main text]
Do Conde de Maranhão A theo despacho de alguma peça E Macau &c
[Stamp — center left]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • MACAU]
[Marginalia — right]
Macau, 6.º d. dez. 21
[Marginalia — bottom right]
Cód. |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
H21
[Marginalia — top left]
Macau, 4 January 1643
[Marginalia — top right]
Honourable
[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular seal: emblematic design with partially legible border inscription, ‘.DE MACAU.’]
[Stamp — centre left]
[Circular stamp: faint impression, likely reading ‘ARQUIVO’ or an institutional archival mark]
[Main text]
I hereby acknowledge receipt today of the aforementioned dispatch from Macau, and having reviewed the reports submitted to this Council concerning the present consultation, I grant the requested favour—though I note that the petition arrives somewhat belatedly, and that the Jesuit Father João Soares de Apan (of Cat) has already departed.
[Main text]
The Council further considers whether it should recommend to His Majesty the dispatch of a royal order concerning the administration of water in Macau, particularly given the penalties recently imposed there. These measures have been implemented by the Chief Magistrate (Mezo Principal), albeit in a manner proportionate to the lesser severity of the infractions committed. In the fortunate city of Damacão [i.e., Daman, Portuguese India], matters proceed smoothly; yet in those parts, it is reported that when ships arrive at Macau, they are invariably laden with commodities—and upon their arrival, the authorities customarily issue orders for the provision of oil (óleo). His Majesty has graciously consented to such arrangements, directing that oil be supplied accordingly. This concession is held to be of considerable benefit to the service of His Most Faithful Majesty, especially considering that the inhabitants reside in territories so remote from the Kingdom of Portugal. Such royal consideration serves to encourage their continued loyal service, and strengthens their resolve to discharge their duties with greater diligence. Their Majesties’ servants here remain ever ready and willing in all matters pertaining to His Majesty’s service—indeed, prepared to render such service as lies within their power. Should this consultation result in the imposition of penalties, it would appear advisable to recommend that the matter be referred to the appropriate authority for formal dispatch.
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
[Unclear: top left corner, possibly ‘con.’]
[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp, faint, bearing a central emblem; surrounding inscription illegible: (Illegible seal)]
[Marginalia — upper right, handwritten in dark ink]
Complied with. I have instructed the Meço to inform them that they will be permitted to proceed.
[Main text]
The judge is likewise reminded not to issue the formal advisory opinion (consulta) concerning the appointment of the Meço as fiscal officer (meço) of this Royal Treasury, assigned to oversee the customs and revenue administration at the port of Macau, and currently also responsible for supervising the cargo destined for Macau aboard outgoing vessels.
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
2
[Marginalia — top left]
2
[Main text]
To the Count of Maranhão: concerning the dispatch of certain documents, and Macau, etc.
[Stamp — centre left]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • MACAU]
[Marginalia — right]
Macau, 6th December 1921
[Marginalia — bottom right]
Codex |
| genre | Manuscripts |
| genre_facet | Manuscripts |
| hierarchy_browse | Cx. 01{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-8AN6STDU Transcriptions{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-PAAL2UHW |
| hierarchy_parent_id | zotero-coll-8AN6STDU zotero-coll-PAAL2UHW |
| hierarchy_parent_title | Cx. 01 Transcriptions |
| hierarchy_sequence | 0000 0000 |
| hierarchy_top_id | zotero-coll-WX87PJHD zotero-coll-WX87PJHD |
| hierarchy_top_title | News News |
| hierarchytype | Default |
| id | zotero-UBTKZA88 |
| institution | zotero_group |
| last_indexed | 2026-09-24T07:28:05Z |
| latest_content_date | 2026-09-24T07:28:05Z |
| publishDate | 1643-01-04 |
| publishDateRange | 1643 |
| publishDateSort | 1643 |
| record_format | zotero |
| spelling | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau. This archival document comprises a multi-page administrative correspondence originating from Macau, dated 4 January 1643 and annotated with later marginalia and stamps—including a 1921 date (6 December) and references to the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau—indicating its provenance and archival history. The text records deliberations of a colonial council addressing petitions and administrative matters concerning Macau’s governance under Portuguese authority. Key figures include the Jesuit Father João Soares de Apan (of Cat), the Chief Magistrate (Mezo Principal) of Macau, and the Meço (fiscal officer) responsible for customs, revenue, and cargo oversight at Macau’s port. The document concerns the approval of a petition despite its delayed submission, the administration of water resources and associated penalties in Macau, royal concessions regarding the supply of oil (óleo) to arriving ships, and the proposed appointment of the Meço to a formal fiscal role within the Royal Treasury. Comparative reference is made to Daman (Damacão) in Portuguese India, noted for its orderly administration. The text reflects institutional procedures of consultation (consulta), royal authority, and colonial bureaucratic practice in early modern Portuguese Asia, and bears official seals including ‘DE MACAU’ and ‘ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • MACAU’. It serves as primary evidence for the study of Luso-Asian administrative governance, ecclesiastical involvement in civil affairs, and maritime logistics in the seventeenth-century Portuguese Empire. Manuscripts Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00021 1643-01-04 Administrative Appointment Procedures Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau Colonial Council Deliberations Jesuit Involvement in Macau Administration Macau Petitions Maritime Administration Official Seals and Stamps Portuguese Administrative Correspondence Water Resources Management archival provenance colonial governance Macau {{PAGE:1}} [Page] H21 [Marginalia — top left] Macau 4 Jan.º 1643 [Marginalia — top right] Enor [Stamp — top center] [Circular seal: [UNCLEAR: emblematic design with text around border, partially legible as “.DE MACAU.”]] [Stamp — center left] [Circular stamp: [UNCLEAR: faint impression, possibly “ARQUIVO.” or institutional mark]] [Main text] Fico advertido hõy fera aconpanhado do dito de Macau, e vindo por reduzir na Leuam os reportos desta Consulta, graxa o favor & manha parte como hõy fora de tempo, e tiverem J. S. Apan de Cat. [Main text] Para acce Conselho ten brar allei O despacho de m. de Água? premipair penasque em Macau. Tem seriados ao Mezo Principal, menor. Na felice A Damacão de Olej. naquelas partes. e po que comuivam que Quando elles navios La.c Eguem cheos de Com sua chegada. anoua dam Que Olej. for servido. o Mandar lhe fazer. q. a Lem disso joh em grande bem do serviço dell.ª. empesar que viuem Em Terras tão longe deste Reino. Com que se animarão a servir all.ª Com Major Cuidado. os animos N.ª. M.ª aqui em tudo prontidão como. Comdem A o Serviço dell.ª. que lhe Está q. em Poder deservir q. de faria houverin ha consulta das penas. Parece leubrar allei se Atua de armandar despachar. {{PAGE:2}} [Page] [UNCLEAR: top left corner, possibly "con."] [Stamp — top center] [Circular stamp, faint, with central emblem; text around edge illegible: (Selo ilegível)] [Marginalia — upper right, handwritten in dark ink] Obedecido. Mandara o Meço dizerem passarão. [Main text] E também se lembra ao Juiz que não baixe a consulta em q. se nomeou o Meço fico desta Real Fazenda p. a de Morhar aque vaj nos navios & ora uas p. Macau. Loc. {{PAGE:3}} [Page] 2 [Marginalia — top left] 2 [Main text] Do Conde de Maranhão A theo despacho de alguma peça E Macau &c [Stamp — center left] [Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO • MACAU] [Marginalia — right] Macau, 6.º d. dez. 21 [Marginalia — bottom right] Cód. {{PAGE:1}} [Page] H21 [Marginalia — top left] Macau, 4 January 1643 [Marginalia — top right] Honourable [Stamp — top centre] [Circular seal: emblematic design with partially legible border inscription, ‘.DE MACAU.’] [Stamp — centre left] [Circular stamp: faint impression, likely reading ‘ARQUIVO’ or an institutional archival mark] [Main text] I hereby acknowledge receipt today of the aforementioned dispatch from Macau, and having reviewed the reports submitted to this Council concerning the present consultation, I grant the requested favour—though I note that the petition arrives somewhat belatedly, and that the Jesuit Father João Soares de Apan (of Cat) has already departed. [Main text] The Council further considers whether it should recommend to His Majesty the dispatch of a royal order concerning the administration of water in Macau, particularly given the penalties recently imposed there. These measures have been implemented by the Chief Magistrate (Mezo Principal), albeit in a manner proportionate to the lesser severity of the infractions committed. In the fortunate city of Damacão [i.e., Daman, Portuguese India], matters proceed smoothly; yet in those parts, it is reported that when ships arrive at Macau, they are invariably laden with commodities—and upon their arrival, the authorities customarily issue orders for the provision of oil (óleo). His Majesty has graciously consented to such arrangements, directing that oil be supplied accordingly. This concession is held to be of considerable benefit to the service of His Most Faithful Majesty, especially considering that the inhabitants reside in territories so remote from the Kingdom of Portugal. Such royal consideration serves to encourage their continued loyal service, and strengthens their resolve to discharge their duties with greater diligence. Their Majesties’ servants here remain ever ready and willing in all matters pertaining to His Majesty’s service—indeed, prepared to render such service as lies within their power. Should this consultation result in the imposition of penalties, it would appear advisable to recommend that the matter be referred to the appropriate authority for formal dispatch. {{PAGE:2}} [Page] [Unclear: top left corner, possibly ‘con.’] [Stamp — top centre] [Circular stamp, faint, bearing a central emblem; surrounding inscription illegible: (Illegible seal)] [Marginalia — upper right, handwritten in dark ink] Complied with. I have instructed the Meço to inform them that they will be permitted to proceed. [Main text] The judge is likewise reminded not to issue the formal advisory opinion (consulta) concerning the appointment of the Meço as fiscal officer (meço) of this Royal Treasury, assigned to oversee the customs and revenue administration at the port of Macau, and currently also responsible for supervising the cargo destined for Macau aboard outgoing vessels. {{PAGE:3}} [Page] 2 [Marginalia — top left] 2 [Main text] To the Count of Maranhão: concerning the dispatch of certain |
| spellingShingle | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau. Administrative Appointment Procedures Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau Colonial Council Deliberations Jesuit Involvement in Macau Administration Macau Petitions Maritime Administration Official Seals and Stamps Portuguese Administrative Correspondence Water Resources Management archival provenance colonial governance Macau |
| title | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau. |
| title_autocomplete | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau. |
| title_full | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau. |
| title_fullStr | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau. |
| title_full_unstemmed | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau. |
| title_short | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em Macau. |
| title_sort | consulta (minuta) do conselho ultramarino sobre a concessão de mercês às principais pessoas que têm servido em macau. |
| topic | Administrative Appointment Procedures Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau Colonial Council Deliberations Jesuit Involvement in Macau Administration Macau Petitions Maritime Administration Official Seals and Stamps Portuguese Administrative Correspondence Water Resources Management archival provenance colonial governance Macau |
| topic_autocomplete | Administrative Appointment Procedures Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau Colonial Council Deliberations Jesuit Involvement in Macau Administration Macau Petitions Maritime Administration Official Seals and Stamps Portuguese Administrative Correspondence Water Resources Management archival provenance colonial governance Macau |
| topic_facet | Administrative Appointment Procedures Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino de Macau Colonial Council Deliberations Jesuit Involvement in Macau Administration Macau Petitions Maritime Administration Official Seals and Stamps Portuguese Administrative Correspondence Water Resources Management archival provenance colonial governance Macau |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/UBTKZA88/viewer_UBTKZA88.html |
| zotero_collection_key | 8AN6STDU PAAL2UHW |