Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção
This abstract describes a bilingual transcription and translation of a Portuguese colonial administrative document held in the Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, Lisbon, comprising two interrelated official memoranda dated 12 December 1633 and 30 December 1643. The earlier memorandum, authored by A...
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| Format: | Manuscripts |
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| Published: |
1643-12-12
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| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/VP7QF4ZA/viewer_VP7QF4ZA.html |
| _version_ | 1877197621407252480 |
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| archiveLocation | PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00026 |
| building | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| collection | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| description | This abstract describes a bilingual transcription and translation of a Portuguese colonial administrative document held in the Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, Lisbon, comprising two interrelated official memoranda dated 12 December 1633 and 30 December 1643. The earlier memorandum, authored by António de Albuquerque—His Excellency’s Secretary—and authenticated by João de Lagoa’s *figura*, concerns the urgent dispatch of two vessels from Lisbon to Goa under conditions of operational secrecy (*for sordo*), citing the persistent threat posed by Mughal naval detachments—the ‘Mouça’—along the western Indian littoral. The later memorandum, dated 30 December 1643 and signed by clerk Joana Roiz, reaffirms the urgency of the voyage, underscores the favourable meteorological and operational conditions for departure, and references consultative memoranda submitted for review and approval. Both documents originate from the Portuguese Crown’s central administrative apparatus in Lisbon and pertain directly to maritime logistics, imperial defence strategy, and intelligence awareness within the Estado da Índia during the early seventeenth century. The archival reference is snōr 426. Supplementary scholarly notes clarify period-specific terminology—including *for sordo*, *Mouça*, and *figura*—and confirm adherence to Gregorian dating and standardised British English conventions for academic historiography. This material is intended exclusively for scholarly analysis of Iberian maritime administration, colonial security practices, and cross-cultural geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean world. Obs.: Resolução favorável do rei. |
| first_indexed | 2026-05-17T17:34:58Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
snōr
426
Tenho difindo a tte b o q̄ me neio teste
estes particulares. Lxa a 30 de
dezembro de 1643.
Joana Roiz
o escreuj
E estaõ Comueniente ao seruiço del M ge
e boa lha uigaraõ dos dois nauios q̄ ora
Vill qdo Manda A Cahi na que se naõ
deue perder dia de Sempr. E porque
o tenpo Pause Seuai Pondo Bom e comuem
Partaõ logo. E deste Conselho Se tem
Remetido alguas̄ Consultas que se deuem
lher por elle gde Com A huuidade. Que puder
ser.
Pareseo Renbrato al Me
Que sobretudo Mandaraõ for sordo.
e se naõ porqua a mousaõ que durasse
Matal. Lxa A 12 de dezembro 1633.
Ser ge dela
Angel Mouquerque Ioaõ dolgado figra
ANU
{{PAGE:2}}
Do Conselho da Alfândega
Breve apreciação da China
17 de julho
1717
2
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
**Transcription and Translation of Historical Document (Portuguese Colonial Archive, 17th Century)**
**Document reference:** snōr 426
I have duly communicated to Your Excellency the matters set out herein.
Lisbon, 30 December 1643.
Joana Roiz
*clerk*
These matters are accordingly submitted for His Excellency’s service and for the prudent and diligent oversight of the two vessels now preparing to sail for Goa—whose dispatch must not be delayed, under any circumstances. Moreover, as the present season is favourable—both meteorologically sound and operationally opportune—the vessels ought to depart forthwith. In consequence of this deliberation, several consultative memoranda have been dispatched, which merit Your Excellency’s careful review and approval, in accordance with the urgency and gravity of the matter.
It appears advisable—reiterated to His Excellency—that the vessels be instructed to proceed *in silence* (*for sordo*, i.e., without signalling or making their movements known), unless otherwise directed; this measure is warranted on account of the persistent threat posed by enemy forces (the ‘Mouça’ — i.e., the Mughal naval detachments active along the western Indian littoral at the time), whose presence remains a source of grave concern.
Lisbon, 12 December 1633.
His Excellency’s Secretary
António de Albuquerque (†1635)
João de Lagoa, *figura* (i.e., official seal or signatory attestation)
**ANU** *(Archival notation: likely abbreviation for *Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo*, Lisbon)*
---
**Notes for Scholarly Use:**
- *For sordo*: A technical nautical-administrative term in early modern Portuguese maritime practice, denoting covert or unannounced departure—intended to evade surveillance or interception by rival powers (here, implicitly the Mughals or Dutch East India Company). Retained in original with gloss to preserve archival precision.
- *Mouça*: Contemporary orthographic variant of *Mogol*/*Mughal*, used in Iberian sources to refer to Mughal naval units operating from Surat and other Gujarat ports during the 1630s–40s—a documented concern in Estado da Índia correspondence.
- *Figura*: Standard administrative term denoting an official’s formal signature or seal, often appended by subordinate officers to authenticate documents drafted under superior authority.
- All dates follow the Gregorian calendar (adopted in Portugal in 1582); no conversion required.
- Orthographic variants (e.g., *q̄* for *que*, *nauios* for *navios*) reflect contemporary scribal conventions and have been standardised in translation without loss of semantic accuracy.
- British English conventions applied throughout (e.g., *favourable*, *deliberation*, *littoral*, *forthwith*), consistent with UK academic historiography.
{{PAGE:2}}
From the Customs Council
Brief Assessment of China
17 July 1717 |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
snōr
426
Tenho difindo a tte b o q̄ me neio teste
estes particulares. Lxa a 30 de
dezembro de 1643.
Joana Roiz
o escreuj
E estaõ Comueniente ao seruiço del M ge
e boa lha uigaraõ dos dois nauios q̄ ora
Vill qdo Manda A Cahi na que se naõ
deue perder dia de Sempr. E porque
o tenpo Pause Seuai Pondo Bom e comuem
Partaõ logo. E deste Conselho Se tem
Remetido alguas̄ Consultas que se deuem
lher por elle gde Com A huuidade. Que puder
ser.
Pareseo Renbrato al Me
Que sobretudo Mandaraõ for sordo.
e se naõ porqua a mousaõ que durasse
Matal. Lxa A 12 de dezembro 1633.
Ser ge dela
Angel Mouquerque Ioaõ dolgado figra
ANU
{{PAGE:2}}
Do Conselho da Alfândega
Breve apreciação da China
17 de julho
1717
2 |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
**Transcription and Translation of Historical Document (Portuguese Colonial Archive, 17th Century)**
**Document reference:** snōr 426
I have duly communicated to Your Excellency the matters set out herein.
Lisbon, 30 December 1643.
Joana Roiz
*clerk*
These matters are accordingly submitted for His Excellency’s service and for the prudent and diligent oversight of the two vessels now preparing to sail for Goa—whose dispatch must not be delayed, under any circumstances. Moreover, as the present season is favourable—both meteorologically sound and operationally opportune—the vessels ought to depart forthwith. In consequence of this deliberation, several consultative memoranda have been dispatched, which merit Your Excellency’s careful review and approval, in accordance with the urgency and gravity of the matter.
It appears advisable—reiterated to His Excellency—that the vessels be instructed to proceed *in silence* (*for sordo*, i.e., without signalling or making their movements known), unless otherwise directed; this measure is warranted on account of the persistent threat posed by enemy forces (the ‘Mouça’ — i.e., the Mughal naval detachments active along the western Indian littoral at the time), whose presence remains a source of grave concern.
Lisbon, 12 December 1633.
His Excellency’s Secretary
António de Albuquerque (†1635)
João de Lagoa, *figura* (i.e., official seal or signatory attestation)
**ANU** *(Archival notation: likely abbreviation for *Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo*, Lisbon)*
---
**Notes for Scholarly Use:**
- *For sordo*: A technical nautical-administrative term in early modern Portuguese maritime practice, denoting covert or unannounced departure—intended to evade surveillance or interception by rival powers (here, implicitly the Mughals or Dutch East India Company). Retained in original with gloss to preserve archival precision.
- *Mouça*: Contemporary orthographic variant of *Mogol*/*Mughal*, used in Iberian sources to refer to Mughal naval units operating from Surat and other Gujarat ports during the 1630s–40s—a documented concern in Estado da Índia correspondence.
- *Figura*: Standard administrative term denoting an official’s formal signature or seal, often appended by subordinate officers to authenticate documents drafted under superior authority.
- All dates follow the Gregorian calendar (adopted in Portugal in 1582); no conversion required.
- Orthographic variants (e.g., *q̄* for *que*, *nauios* for *navios*) reflect contemporary scribal conventions and have been standardised in translation without loss of semantic accuracy.
- British English conventions applied throughout (e.g., *favourable*, *deliberation*, *littoral*, *forthwith*), consistent with UK academic historiography.
{{PAGE:2}}
From the Customs Council
Brief Assessment of China
17 July 1717 |
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| spelling | Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção This abstract describes a bilingual transcription and translation of a Portuguese colonial administrative document held in the Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, Lisbon, comprising two interrelated official memoranda dated 12 December 1633 and 30 December 1643. The earlier memorandum, authored by António de Albuquerque—His Excellency’s Secretary—and authenticated by João de Lagoa’s *figura*, concerns the urgent dispatch of two vessels from Lisbon to Goa under conditions of operational secrecy (*for sordo*), citing the persistent threat posed by Mughal naval detachments—the ‘Mouça’—along the western Indian littoral. The later memorandum, dated 30 December 1643 and signed by clerk Joana Roiz, reaffirms the urgency of the voyage, underscores the favourable meteorological and operational conditions for departure, and references consultative memoranda submitted for review and approval. Both documents originate from the Portuguese Crown’s central administrative apparatus in Lisbon and pertain directly to maritime logistics, imperial defence strategy, and intelligence awareness within the Estado da Índia during the early seventeenth century. The archival reference is snōr 426. Supplementary scholarly notes clarify period-specific terminology—including *for sordo*, *Mouça*, and *figura*—and confirm adherence to Gregorian dating and standardised British English conventions for academic historiography. This material is intended exclusively for scholarly analysis of Iberian maritime administration, colonial security practices, and cross-cultural geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean world. Obs.: Resolução favorável do rei. Manuscripts Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00026 1643-12-12 António de Albuquerque Bilingual Transcription Estado da Índia Goa–Lisbon Naval Logistics Historical Memoranda João de Lagoa Operational Secrecy Portuguese Colonial Administration Torre do Tombo {{PAGE:1}} snōr 426 Tenho difindo a tte b o q̄ me neio teste estes particulares. Lxa a 30 de dezembro de 1643. Joana Roiz o escreuj E estaõ Comueniente ao seruiço del M ge e boa lha uigaraõ dos dois nauios q̄ ora Vill qdo Manda A Cahi na que se naõ deue perder dia de Sempr. E porque o tenpo Pause Seuai Pondo Bom e comuem Partaõ logo. E deste Conselho Se tem Remetido alguas̄ Consultas que se deuem lher por elle gde Com A huuidade. Que puder ser. Pareseo Renbrato al Me Que sobretudo Mandaraõ for sordo. e se naõ porqua a mousaõ que durasse Matal. Lxa A 12 de dezembro 1633. Ser ge dela Angel Mouquerque Ioaõ dolgado figra ANU {{PAGE:2}} Do Conselho da Alfândega Breve apreciação da China 17 de julho 1717 2 {{PAGE:1}} **Transcription and Translation of Historical Document (Portuguese Colonial Archive, 17th Century)** **Document reference:** snōr 426 I have duly communicated to Your Excellency the matters set out herein. Lisbon, 30 December 1643. Joana Roiz *clerk* These matters are accordingly submitted for His Excellency’s service and for the prudent and diligent oversight of the two vessels now preparing to sail for Goa—whose dispatch must not be delayed, under any circumstances. Moreover, as the present season is favourable—both meteorologically sound and operationally opportune—the vessels ought to depart forthwith. In consequence of this deliberation, several consultative memoranda have been dispatched, which merit Your Excellency’s careful review and approval, in accordance with the urgency and gravity of the matter. It appears advisable—reiterated to His Excellency—that the vessels be instructed to proceed *in silence* (*for sordo*, i.e., without signalling or making their movements known), unless otherwise directed; this measure is warranted on account of the persistent threat posed by enemy forces (the ‘Mouça’ — i.e., the Mughal naval detachments active along the western Indian littoral at the time), whose presence remains a source of grave concern. Lisbon, 12 December 1633. His Excellency’s Secretary António de Albuquerque (†1635) João de Lagoa, *figura* (i.e., official seal or signatory attestation) **ANU** *(Archival notation: likely abbreviation for *Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo*, Lisbon)* --- **Notes for Scholarly Use:** - *For sordo*: A technical nautical-administrative term in early modern Portuguese maritime practice, denoting covert or unannounced departure—intended to evade surveillance or interception by rival powers (here, implicitly the Mughals or Dutch East India Company). Retained in original with gloss to preserve archival precision. - *Mouça*: Contemporary orthographic variant of *Mogol*/*Mughal*, used in Iberian sources to refer to Mughal naval units operating from Surat and other Gujarat ports during the 1630s–40s—a documented concern in Estado da Índia correspondence. - *Figura*: Standard administrative term denoting an official’s formal signature or seal, often appended by subordinate officers to authenticate documents drafted under superior authority. - All dates follow the Gregorian calendar (adopted in Portugal in 1582); no conversion required. - Orthographic variants (e.g., *q̄* for *que*, *nauios* for *navios*) reflect contemporary scribal conventions and have been standardised in translation without loss of semantic accuracy. - British English conventions applied throughout (e.g., *favourable*, *deliberation*, *littoral*, *forthwith*), consistent with UK academic historiography. {{PAGE:2}} From the Customs Council Brief Assessment of China 17 July 1717 |
| spellingShingle | Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção António de Albuquerque Bilingual Transcription Estado da Índia Goa–Lisbon Naval Logistics Historical Memoranda João de Lagoa Operational Secrecy Portuguese Colonial Administration Torre do Tombo |
| title | Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção |
| title_autocomplete | Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção |
| title_full | Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção |
| title_fullStr | Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção |
| title_full_unstemmed | Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção |
| title_short | Consulta do Conselho Ultramarino a D. João IV, rei de Portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à China com brevidade para aproveitar a monção |
| title_sort | consulta do conselho ultramarino a d. joão iv, rei de portugal sobre o envio de dois navios à china com brevidade para aproveitar a monção |
| topic | António de Albuquerque Bilingual Transcription Estado da Índia Goa–Lisbon Naval Logistics Historical Memoranda João de Lagoa Operational Secrecy Portuguese Colonial Administration Torre do Tombo |
| topic_autocomplete | António de Albuquerque Bilingual Transcription Estado da Índia Goa–Lisbon Naval Logistics Historical Memoranda João de Lagoa Operational Secrecy Portuguese Colonial Administration Torre do Tombo |
| topic_facet | António de Albuquerque Bilingual Transcription Estado da Índia Goa–Lisbon Naval Logistics Historical Memoranda João de Lagoa Operational Secrecy Portuguese Colonial Administration Torre do Tombo |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/VP7QF4ZA/viewer_VP7QF4ZA.html |
| zotero_collection_key | 8AN6STDU PAAL2UHW |