Letter from [Marcello Costa] to PF, [1671 or later]
Tunis area
Conversion
Galleys
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Bizerte
Because PF asked for information about the missionaries in the infidel lands, Marcello Costa has made this report: a) since he arrived in Tunis, the Provicar Luigi Da Palermo assigned four bagnos to him, as there were many Christians that had not confessed. Now they not only confess, but have also taken Holy communion; b) because there are so many Christians, he usually only administers the sacraments during the most important feast days; c) he introduced the singing of the office of the death, every Saturday in the bagno of S. Francesco; d) in other bagnos (assigned to slave priests), he also takes confessions. There he found obstinate sinners who he made take penance and attend the sacraments; e) on Saturdays and during the nights of the feast days, he visits many bagnos. He takes confessions up to midnight, and during the morning he has to celebrate mass in his own chapels, of which he has two. He used to have four chapels, but because thare are more priests, he now only has two; f) he solved a very old problem that began during the time of Antonio Di Seravezza, between the French consul and the local Christians. The consul used to take the pezze da otto, which all Christian ships were required to pay to the church of Tunis; g) he has travelled to many different places to administer the sacraments, including at least four trips to Cantera and Bizerte, but also to Portofarino, Lamadia and Colombaia. There are around 2,000 Christians there, and it was very dangerous as he had to travel alone. There are Christian slaves in remote places that have not seen a priest since they were made slave. After his arrival they became very emotional, to which he consoled them and made them take confession; h) when he arrived he found some neglected altars which he cleaned; and i) when he arrived he found a women with three daughters that were in danger to lose their virginity and their faith.
Additional comments
The issue of the money that the ships had to pay to the church of Tunis, actually started before Antonio Di Seravezza was in Tunis; it has been a problem at least since Girolamo Da Sassari. The writer of the document is probably Marcello Costa, who indeed arrived in Tunis in 1671.
APF SOCG 438, 352r-v
[1671 or later]
Original; end missing
Italian
Report
772
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1672-03-14, Rome
Bizerte
Slaves (Christian)
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, stating that PF has been told that there are no priests in Bizerte to assist the slaves there; therefore PF request that Jean Le Vacher choose a priest who can fulfill this task. The letter dated 14 March 1672.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 59, 12r
1672-03-14
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
For Le Vacher's response to this letter, see: APF SOCG 438, 465r, 466r-v, 467v (database item 769).
Italian
Letter
606
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1673-02-28, Rome
Algiers
Bizerte
Petitions for faculties
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Algiers, stating that the cardinals approved Jean Le Vacher's choice of Marcello Costa as missionary of Bizerte. PF sends the patents which state that Jean Le Vacher himself should give him the faculties and that Costa should obey the vicar. Le Vacher is instructed to grant his the faculties when he is certain that: a) Costa freely accepts the tasks and agrees with the salary of 20 scudi per year; and b) there are other priests who can substitute Costa in the work that he is currently doing, or at least until PF can send other missionaries. The letter dated 28 February 1673.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 61, 19v-20r
1673-02-28
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
611
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1674-01-09, Rome
Bizerte
Tunis
Copy of a letter from the PF secretary [Francesco Ravizza] to Jean Le Vacher. He wonders why Marcello Costa is still not at his mission in Bizerte, and why Jean Le Vacher gave him 30 scudi prior to his departure. PF wants Jean Le Vacher to see to it, that Costa immediately goes to the mission assigned to him. The letter dated 9 January 1674.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 63, 8r
1674-01-09
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
621
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from PF to Marcello Costa, 1674-06-26, Rome
Bizerte
Tunis
Copy of a letter from PF secretary [Francesco Ravizza] to Marcello Costa, provicar in Bizerte. He writes that he has read Costa's letter dated 29 January, in which Costa had reported to be working with zeal as a provicar in Bizerte. PF will not only repay to [Jean] Le Vacher the 30 scudi that he has already given to Costa, but will also extend Costa's provision of 24 scudi per year, for another five years. The letter dated 26 June 1674.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 63, 61r
1674-06-26
Addressed to Marcello Costa
Italian
Letter
622
Origin: Rome
Destination: Bizerte
Letter from Marcello Costa to the PF Secretary Urbano Cerri, 1674-01-29, Tunis
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Renegades
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Marcello Costa to PF secretary. A month and a half ago he was assigned 30 scudi annually for the mission in Bizerte, for which he received the patent from Monsù Levacher [Jean Le Vacher]. This meant that he lost the right to receive 24 scudi annually for the mission in Tunis. Costa asked PF to repay Le Vacher the 30 scudi that he already gave to Costa. PF replied with a letter, writing that he would not receive his money before arriving in Bizerte, and he directly sent a letter back to PF in which he explained everything. However, according to Rapo Hapro this letter was aboard of a ship that sunk, hence why he is writing another letter. He already served for three years in different missions in Barbary, all at his own costs. In this area there are 20,000 Christians that never see a priest. Le Vacher knew this, and also knew how much debt Costa acquired helping them; because of this reason, he granted Costa 30 scudi. Costa has debts for 28 scudi, not because he spent money on food or clothing, but because he spent it for the church. He lost not only his money for the mission but also his health. Unfortunately he is unable to pay the 30 scudi back that Le Vacher had loaned him, and eventually to raise some money, he sold his Breviary. There are 15 bagnos in the city, and for the souls to be helped, it is necessary that PF pays the expenses. Whilst there are four other priests they are of little use; one is blind, the second an idiot who hardly knows how to say mass, the third has been freed and is about to leave, and the fourth has been chained and is not allowed to leave the bagno. It is important that PF is aware of the things that Costa is writing, as it is very dangrous to travel around in the area. If PF would decide to grant him 100 scudi annually this would be most just and necessary. He has not yet travelled to Bizerte, and he feels sorry for the souls that will be lost now. They are about to lose the great saint of the church of Africa, Jean Le Vacher, for he is too ill to leave his bed; he has spasms in his leg, which is likely to result in amputation. The two Capuchins destined for the mission have not arrived, and during feastdays he takes care of five altars all by himself. When he comes home he is so tired that he does not eat but goes directly to sleep.
Date discussed: 1674-06-26
Additional comments
Marcello Costa
APF SOCG 448, 140r-v, 145r-v
1673-01-29
Addressed to Urbano Cerri
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 44, 170r, 185v-186v, issue 39 (database item 672).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
779
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Marcello Costa to the PF prefect [Paluzio Altieri], 1674-04-12, tunis
Bizerte
Capuchins
Petitions for missionary patents
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Marcello Costa to PF prefect. In a letter from 30 September 1673 PF asked him to help two Tinitarians, Francesco Arendieta and Francesco Ruiz; they are still in Tabarca, but will need to be supported once they arrive. On 5 March two Capuchins arrived, Carlo D'Ancona and Vincenzo Da Frascati. The first has become provicar apostolic of Tunis. Costa himself also undertakes many missions because the two brothers mentioned above, are not able to ride on horseback, and are also not familar with the countryside. Levacher [Jean Le Vacher] has given Costa the patents for the provicariate of Bizerte, which began last October for the duration of three years. He asks PF to send him a confirmation of this position, and sends a copy of his patents to PF. PF granted Costa an annual provision of 24 scudi which is ending in August; this is why he asks PF to prolong the provision for five years. He needs the money for his living, but also for a man who assists him in his work. Besides the expenses for horses, he is also very sorry that he did not buy a habit for himself. He did not slow down his work once the other brothers arrived, as there are still many missions to do. Serving in the bagnos is a pleasant activity, but travelling on horseback for 50 or 60 miles through harsh conditions is the harder and realer part of the mission; he risks his life travelling around, and is forced to sleep on the ground between the animals.
Date discussed: 1674-06-26
Additional comments
Marcello Costa
APF SOCG 448, 140r-v, 145r-v
1674-04-12
Adressed to Paluzio Altieri
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 44, 170r, 185v-186v, issue 39 (database item 672).
This is a response to a letter from PF which is also mentioned by Costa, see: APF LETTERE 62, 86r (database item 618).
See for the copy of Marcello Costa's patents as pro-vicar of Bizerte: APF SOCG 448, 142r (database item 781).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
780
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Marcello Costa to the PF prefect Paluzio Altieri, 1674-09-10, Bizerte
Bizerte
Other secular missionaries
Letter from Marcello Costa to the prefect of PF. He writes that he has left Algiers (as ordered by PF), to go to the mission in Bizerte. Costa recounts his troublesome financial situation, and asks that PF give Jean Le Vacher the 30 scudi that he had lent to Costa. PF notes state that the cardinals had already consented to repaying the sum, during PF meeting of 26 June. During their meeting of 29 January 1675 the cardinals agree to it again.
Date discussed 1675-01-29
Additional comments
Marcello Costa
APF SOCG 452, 121r-122v
1674-09-10
Addressed to Paluzio Altieri
Italian
Latin
Letter
654
Origin: Bizerte
Destination: Rome
Letter from Marcello Costa to [the PF Prefect, Paluzio Altieri], 1675-02-09, Bizerte
Bizerte
Slaves (Christian)
Tunis
Tunis area
Mission reports
Letter from Marcello Costa to [the PF Prefect Paluzio Altieri]. He had already sent a letter dated 1 September, but because many letters do not reach their destination, he decided to send another one. He wanted to be sure that PF knows that he is following the rules set to him through the patents he received as apostolic missionary, and as provicar from Levacher [Jean Le Vacher]. It is hard to imagine how great of need the city of Bizerte was in regarding the need for priests. By living there he discovered a great amount of Christians. Besides those working on the agricultural estates (massarie) there are also 80 Christians working in the gardens, vineyards, and woods outside the city. Before his arrival they would never come to the city, but now that he is residing there, they come to hear mass, confess, and for Holy communion. For many it had been ten or twelve years since they had last seen a priest. There are many people in Bizerte, especially the poor Sards, that keep experiencing raids. The Christians are staying in six bagnos, S. Lucia, L'Annontiata, la Concettione, S. Gioseppe, S. Rocco and La Trinità. Besides these, there are also 22 Christians staying at the vineyard of the Baxà of Tripoli, three miles from the city. At the agricultural estate (massaria) of Sala (owned by a Turk from Tunis and 10 miles from the city), there are 20 to 30 Christians. In the agricultural estate (massaria) of Rais Gibello, 20 miles from the city, there are also many Christians. Before his arrival, Bizerte was a mess, and many people died without sacraments, and without having confessed for years; only God knows how many souls were lost. Since he arrived however, he has driven out the bad customs and takes care of not only the city, but also the countryside. This Christmas he went to Portafarina to visit and console the 200 Christians living there. The Christians at the vineyard are travelling every sunday to hear mass. In the four months that he has been in Bizerte, he has organized three general communions. In three months three Christians died, who without his help would have died without sacraments. If the provicar of Tunis, Carlo D'Ancona, would aks him under false pretenses to return to Tunis, he asks PF to prevent this. If PF asks him to return, he will be obedient, but he is really needed in Bizerte; he is working there alone, whilst there are six priests working in Tunis. He has worked alone for three years for the church of Tunis, and has always been working hard for the spiritual needs of the Christians. That is why he thinks that two priests would be enough to serve this church. He tells PF that his request is to ease his conscience, and he has also told Jean Le Vacher the same thing. If they order him to return to Tunis, he will however go. When he left Rome for Tunis, PF granted him a provision of 24 scudi annually for three years. He has alredy received the first two years, and the last one ends in August. He asks PF to send him the provision requested by the consul of Spain, Antonio Borgi, who is staying in Livorno. PF Secretary [Urbano Cerri] states that Costa already received his provision. When he was made missionary in Bizerte, it was decided in PF meeting of 28 February 1673 to give him a provision of 30 scudi for three years. In the case PF decides to send this to him, they can send it to Antonio Borgi, as requested by Costa. PF decides to send Costa the provision of 30 scudi by means of Antonio Borgi.
Additional comments
The mentioned letter from 1 September is not known to us.
Marcello Costa
APF SOCG 454, 232r-233v
1675-02-09
Adressed to [Paluzio Altieri]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 45, 142r, 163r-164r.
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
786
Origin: Bizerte
Destination: Rome
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF, 1670-08-10, Tunis
Tunis
Bizerte
Capuchins
Ransom
Seravezza case
Franciscans
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF in which he mentions the following issues: a) he had thought that Antonio Di Seravezza was vicar apostolic in Tunis, until he saw a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, that clearly stated that Di Seravezza had no such authority. Da Palermo suggests that Di Seravezza might not know about the ecclesiastical censures one incurs, by assuming such authority without license to do so; b) Di Seravezza has even administered the sacrament of confirmation in Bizerte; c) a certain Domenico Bernabò had entrusted 150 piastre to Di Seravezza, however the sum was never returned to him; d) a Greek Orthodox Father desires to become Catholic. This would be dangerous if his master found out about it, so first he must be ransomed for the sum of 300 piastres; and e) a Stefano, who is an Armenian who was captured on his way to Rome (where he intended to study), is being treated very badly by his master, because he is black. He could be ransomed for 150 piastre. For the last three cases Da Palermo asks for financial help from PF. During their meeting of 12 January 1671, the cardinals decided: 1) another letter should be written to Di Seravezza's superiors, and that otherwise PF should issue an order for his arrest (at the secretary's suggestion); 2) they decided that information should be requested from Father Lommellino; and 3) Bernabò's superior should be consulted. On the ransom issues, it is decided that the case should be recommended to the Padri del Riscatto. The letter dated 10 October 1670.
Date discussed 1671-01-12
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 426, 90r, 91r, 93v
1670-08-10
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Letter
650
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1651]
Tunis
Bizerte
Algiers
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis to PF. He asks for a plenary indulgence for everyone who, after having been to confession and having received communion, visits one of the five chapels in Bizerte, or one of the sixteen chapels in Algiers on their respective feast days. Moreover, he asks for the indulgence of the jubilee year for all Christians of the region.
Additional comments
Date based on a discussion in PF about indulgences, as asked by Jean Le Vacher, see: APF ACTA 20, 21r, 24r, issue 20 &21 (database item 452).
Another petition on behalf of the same SOCG is also discussed at the same time. See: APF SOCG 248, 266r, 287v (database item 445).
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 267r
[1651]
Addressed to PF
The minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, might be: APF ACTA 20, 21r, 24r, issue 20 &21 (database item 452).
Italian
Petition
446
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1659]
Tunis
Bizerte
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis, in which he asks for plenary indulgences for the feasts of the patron saints of the chapels in the bagnos of Tunis and Bizerte. Monsignor refuses to send them in two packages as was done in the past, because it would be too risky to send such a package to a far away and barbarous country. The cardinals are asked if it cannot be done anyway, as it has been sent in the past.
Additional comments
Date based on the other dates of this SOCG.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 5r, 6r, 7v
[1659]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Petition
378
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1672-08-01, Algiers
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Jesuits
Slave priests
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Giovanni Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to [PF]. According to the letter from 14 March 1671 he had to find a priest for Bizerte. He has found no-one more capable for the task than Marcello Costa, who is currently staying in Tunis. It is not necessary for him to stay there since they already is a Jesuit, a Capuchin, and some slave priests. It is up to PF to decide how much he should be paid for this work. He has heard that there are two priests in Tunis (Costantino Grillo and Michele Lipari), who wear clothes that they are not allowed to wear. Worse still, they also celebrate mass, which they are not allowed to do so. Le Vacher asks [PF] to do something about this case. He also reminds PF that Bartolomeo Da Serrano (a Spanish Trinitarian), is still staying in Algiers and does not want to accept the authority of the vicar apostolic, even though his superiors asked him to do so. PF decides to give Marcello Costa 30 scudi a year, for three years.
Date discussed: 1673-02-28
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 438, 465r, 466r-v, 467v
1672-08-01
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 43, 44r-v.
See for the mentioned letter from PF: APF LETTERE 59, 12r (database item 606).
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
769
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Patents from Jean Le Vacher to Marcello Costa, 1673-07-10, Algiers
Bizerte
Tunis
Patents from Joannes Levacher [Jean Le Vacher] to Marcello Costa. In Bizerte there are many Christians and many duties to be done, there are however, no priests; this is why Le Vacher gives the patents of provicar apostolic of Bizerte to Marcello Costa.
Date discussed: 1674-06-26
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
Guillelmus Tardif
APF SOCG 448, 142r
1673-07-10
This copy was sent with another letter where it is also mentioned, see: APF SOCG 448, 140r-v, 145r-v (database item 780).
This patents are also mentioned elsewhere, see: APF SOCG 448, 168r-v (database item 782).
Copy; signed
Latin
781
Origin: Algiers
Letter from Francesco Gatta to [PF pro-secretary, Edoardo Cibo] 1679-09-15, Tunis
Bizerte
Capuchins
Corsairs
Mercedarians
Ransom
Renegades
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF. It has been eight months since he warned PF about some the developments in the church of Tunis. The ship that brought this letter though was taken by Neapolitans and the letters were lost. He stated that the spiritual goings of the church were progressing well. There have also been a few heretics that converted to Catholicism. This success is the work of the Capuchin priest Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, Vicenzo Da Frascati in Tunis, and Chrisostomo Da Genua in Bizerte. However, there are also people working against them, creating discord. Some clerics are doing things that are a disgrace for the Holy faith. One year ago, one Mercedarian Spanish priest was killed by a rennegade, because he found this priests at home with his wife. In this case a Sardinian priest was wounded. After this the Sardinian priest was suspended for some time, but has since now returned. There was another case of a priest from Calabria (who already returned in Christinianity), but was very impertinent whilst staying in Tunis. He bragged about having been an outlaw in the countryside, murders that he committed, and his years in jail in Napels. After a conflict with the provicar, the vicar of Algiers [Jean Le Vacher] decided that they had to make a report on the case. Eventually the provicar, Giuseppe Maria, was forced to make him leave, as he had threatened to convert to Islam. Another priest, De Minimi, used to play cards from early morning until late at night. He won 80 piastre from a Christian slave of the Bascia, who gave him 200 beatings with a cane. The priest gave the money back, however he was also canned and almost killed. While visiting Algiers, he saw that the vicar apostolic, Jean Le Vacher, had some problems with the slave priests as well; he was also French consul at the same time. It has been a few days since another priest, Father Zoccolante (who just ransomed himself), was playing cards with a Greek Catholic. They became involved in a fight, and were both beaten with a cane. The Greek slave brought the case before the Bey, who imprisoned the priest. All priests in the city (both missionaries and slaves), were consequently brought to him. First, he asked the group whether priests were allowed to play cards, and other things which he will not tell PF because he does not want to cause offence. Gatta told the Bey that it was prohibited, and that there are penalties in this life and the next. The king told Gatta to punish the priest, and Gatta made him the slave of the Bascia. The slave was brought to the Bascia, his clothes were taken away, and he was beaten. The priest was imprisoned in the bagno of the Dogana. When they warned him that the Bascia also wanted to enslave the priest, he was released and allowed to travel to Livorno on an English ship. It has been two days since he left. There has been a civil war in this country for three years between two brothers, and the whole area is divided into two parties. Whilst the troubles do not impede them to do their spiritual work, the only problem is travelling to other places. Every now and then, he does travel to these missions together with Vincenzo Da Frascati. They heard that the Capuchins in Tuscany might send new missionaries, and they will follow PF in every decision they make regarding this matter; they do ask PF to be cautious in sending new people to a war-torn area. /
Date discussed: 1680-04-08
Additional comments
Francesco Gatta
APF SOCG 478, 260r-261v, 263r
1679-09-15
[Adressed to PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 50 98r, 112v-113v (database item 683).
Original: signed
Italian
Letter
804
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF, 1681-05-18, Tunis
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Algiers
Bizerte
Corsairs
Galleys
Salé
Slaves (Christian)
Tripoli
Tunis
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF. Gatta has informed PF as well as Gio' Levascer [Jean Le Vacher] the vicar apostolic in Algiers, about the most important matters of the mission in Tunis. Le Vacher released Gatta from his side to go to Tunis. Some people from Messina who had enough of the Pascia tried to be favored by the grand vizier of Constantinople, in order to obtain Turkish troops for Sicily. Giuseppe Marchese was secretly connected with Mamet Agha (the Turkish ambassador in Tunis), to intermediate in the wars that divided the country. By means of this ambassador, he sent his message to Constantinople. From the returning ship, they received no other news except that it disembarked from Naples in the Romagna; there Giuseppe boarded a ship together with four of his children. Gatta hopes that the ambassadors of the Christian princes will be wise enough to stop him. When he was in Algiers, he came to understand that in Salé, there were many Christian slaves who were left without a priest, because of the pest. Likewise, in Tétouan there are 500 Christian slaves without a priest. When Gatta asked the vicar apostolic for permission to go to Tétouan, however it was not granted. Then, the prefect of Tripoli, Da Castel'vetrano [Girolamo Da Castelverrano] saw that in his decree, Salé was annexed to the mission of Tripoli. As the city is 1,700 Italian miles away by sea, it is impossibile to serve them from Tripoli. Because the city has been abandoned, he begged Da Castelverrano to either visit once every seven years, send two companions there (and two others for Tétouan), or to ask PF to provide these cities with missionaries. Da Castelverrano promised him that he would go himself, but because years have passed and nobody has visited, he decided to inform PF. If they decide to send two missionaries, then it would be best to imbark from Marseille. The people who go there however, must be willing to suffer a lot, considering the people there are more barbaric and wild. He also sends PF a list of all the cities and places with Christian slaves, and their distance from Tripoli. List with distances from Tripoli: a) in Tripoli in Barbary, live a little more than a thousand Christian slaves of various nations. From Tripoli to Tunis, the distance is 500 Italian miles, from Tunis to Utica (today Porto Farina), the distance is 24 Italian miles, and from Porto Farina to Bizerte, the distance is 26 Italian miles; b) in Tunis there are around 2,000 Christian slaves, and a few free Christians. In Porto Farina and Bizerte (that are part of the same mission), there are around 200 ships and galleys. In Caponegro there are around 40 free Christians amongst whom soldiers and merchants. From Bizerte to Algiers, the distance is 450 Italian miles. In Algiers there are around 5,000 Christian slaves, even though the size of the city is only a quarter of Tunis. There are however, 46 ships, two galleys, and two other small boats. From Algiers to Orano, the distance is 300 Italian miles, from Oran to Melilla, the distance is 100 Italian miles, from Mellila to Pignon, the distance is 60 Italian miles; c) the places of Oran, Melilla and Pignon are under the king of Spain. Except for soldiers there are farmers, free people, and they have their own parishes and chapels. From Pignon to Tétouan, the distance is 80 Italian miles; d) in Tétouan, a city of the Moors, there are 500 Christian slaves and no-one to administer the sacraments. From Tétouan to Ceuta, also a Spanish city, the distance is 20 Italian miles, and from Ceuta to Tanger, a place in the hands of the English, the distance is 30 Italian miles and from Tanger to Salé, the distance is 200 Italian miles; and e) Salé is a place of the Moors, in the kingdom of Fez, and there are around 500 Christians without priests. The priests stay in Fez and cannot travel around because the countryside is filled with robbers. From Tripoli to Salé is 1,790 miles over sea. He is not sure whether one could do this in a year because of the difficulties of travelling and the few possibilities of doing so.
Additional comments
Francesco Gatta
APF SC Barbaria 1, 502r-503r
1681-05-18
Adressed to [PF}
original; signed
Italian
Letter
899
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna and Francesco Gatta to [PF], 1683-09-08, Tunis
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna and Francesco Gatta to PF. Since Gio' LeVascher [Jean Le Vacher] has recently been killed in Algiers by the Barbarians (as has been reported through various channels), they regard it their duty to report the event to PF. PF came to hear about the event, by the means of CM in France. The reason for why he was killed is still not completely clear. BDue to the distance and the fact that the country is in great disarray, it has been hard find concrete answers. Some say that Le Vacher, in his function of French consol, informed the French army about the decision taken by the tribune of the Divan to make slave 500 French Christians, who were staying there for commerce. Because they were consequently saved, the anger was directed at Le Vacher. He was tied to a canon that was fired, blowing him into 1000 pieces. Others say, it was because they wanted to stop the French army from bombarding the city, and also because after the Turks had freed all the French slaves, the ships still continued to attack the city. Others said that Le Vacher had given a signal from his house to the French army.
Additional comments
The content of this letter is practically the same as another one, the only difference being that that one has (besides Giovanni Maria Da Bologna), also been signed by Christomo Da Genova (instead of Francesco Gatta). This one seems to have been written by Francesco Gatta, after which Giovanni Maria Da bologna added his name. Whereas in the other letter, Giovanni Maria Da Bologna seems to have been the principal creator of the letter.
Francesco Gatta
Christomo Da Genova
APF SC Barbaria 2, 44r
1683-09-08
[Adressed to PF]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
910
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from de Martin to the PF vice-prefect [Luigi Capponi], 1647-07-17, Tunis
Tunis
Slave priests
Bizerte
Letter from the French consul in Tunis to Cardinal Capponi, attesting that the package of letters from the Levant, which Julien Guérin is sending to PF were all open (except for three of them), when Guérin received them from a slave priest who had obtained them from a Maur, who said he had found them on the road from Bizerte.
Additional comments
de Martin
APF SOCG 64, 253r, 276v
1647-07-17
Addressed to [Luigi Capponi]
The found letters were not filed in this volume, but the note from Guérin, which accompanied them, is a few folios down: APF SOCG 64, 259r, 270v, (database item 131).
Original; signed; letter in French; PF notes in Italian.
French
Italian
Letter
129
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Christomo Da Genova and Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna to [PF], 1683-09-08, Tunis
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Gristomo Da Genua [Christomo Da Genova], and Giuseppa Maria De Bologna. Since Gio' LeVascher [Jean Le Vacher] has recently been killed in Algiers by the Barbarians (as has been reported through various channels), they regard it their duty to report the event to PF. PF is of the understanding that the reasons behind Le Vacher's death are not yet clear. Due to the distance and the fact that the country is in great disarray, it has been hard find concrete answers. Some say that Le Vacher (in his function of French consol), informed the French army about the decision taken by the tribune of the Divan, to make slave 500 French Christians, who were staying there for commerce. Because they were consequently saved, the anger was directed towards Le Vacher. He was tied to a canon that was fired, blowing him into 1000 pieces. Some say, he ws killed because they wanted to stop the French army from bombarding the city, and also because after the Turks had freed all the French slaves, the ships still continued to attack the city. Others said that Le Vacher had given a signal from his house to the French army.
Additional comments
The content of this letter is practically the same as another one, the only difference being that that one has (besides Giovanni Maria Da Bologna), also been signed by Francesco Gatta (instead of Christomo Da Genova). This one seems to have been written by Giovanni Maria Da Bologna, after which Christomo Da Genova added his name. Whereas in the other letter, Francesco Gatta seems to have been the principal creator of the letter.
Christomo Da Genova
Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna
APF SC Barbaria 2, 43r
1683-09-08
[Adressed to PF]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
909
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the PF secretary [Federico Baldeschi] to Jean Le Vacher, 1673-11-04
Bizerte
Tunis
Copy of a letter from PF secretary [Urbano Cerri] to Jean Le Vacher. He writes that he cannot understand why [Marcello] Costa is asking for a provision before his arrival at his new mission in Bizerte, since provisions are only given from the day of arrival. The secretary also does not understand why Costa wants to receive two provisions, one for Bizerte and one for Tunis; Costa is only supposed to go to Bizerte, and if Jean Le Vacher needs a new missionary for Tunis, PF would be happy to send one. PF asks Jean Le Vacher to make Costa change his plans. The letter dated 4 November 1673.
Additional comments
[Federico Baldeschi]
APF LETTERE 62, 99r
1673-11-04
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
See for a related letter to Marcello Costa (from the same day): APF LETTERE 62, 98r-v (database item 619).
Italian
Letter
620
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from the PF secretary [Federico Baldeschi] to Marcello Costa, 1673-11-04, Rome
Tunis
Bizerte
Copy of a letter from PF secretary [Urbano Cerri] to Marcello Costa. The secretary tells him that the cardinals will be displeased to hear that Jean Le Vacher has given him the provision of 30 scudi, before he even arrived at his new mission in Bizerte. Usually the provision starts from the day that PF receives confirmation that a missionary arrived at his destination. Therefore PF will not immediately pay the 30 scudi back. The secretary orders Costa to first go to his mission and start reporting from there, providing he wants to receive a provision from PF. The letter dated 4 November 1673.
Additional comments
[Federico Baldeschi]
APF LETTERE 62, 98r-v
1673-11-04
Addressed to Marcello Costa
See for a related letter to Jean Le Vacher (from the same day): APF LETTERE 62, 99r (database item 620).
The report is possibly: APF SOCG 438, 352r-v (database item 772).
Italian
Letter
619
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Tunis]