Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1647-09-20, Paris
Babylon
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, about the coadjutor position in Babylon. "Father Vincent" (Vincent de Paul) has proposed Mr. Blampignon, a priest from the diocese of Nevers, as a virtuous and pious candidate. Moreover, he has already learned how to read in Persian with the help of a Persian Catholic at court (called David). Blampignon claims to want to establish himself in Persia, and David wants to come along, which would be a good thing, because David is a good Catholic and has translated the catechism and other useful books into the Persian language. The nuncio again requests details about the funding of the trip to Persia and the route to be taken (via Rome, or Marseille?).
Date received 1647-10-12
Additional comments
Nicolò Guidi di Bagno
APF SOCG 145, 62r-v, 75v
1647-09-20
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
Original (written in the nuncio's own hand, hard to read at times; signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
93
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1647-10-04, Paris
Babylon
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, on various matters. Among other topics, he mentions that Vincent de Paul has written a letter to Secretary Ingoli on the matter of the coadjutor to the bishop of Babylon; he awaits the orders of PF.
Date received 1647-10-28
Additional comments
Nicolò Guidi di Bagno
APF SOCG 145, 63r-v, 74v
1647-10-04
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
Original (written in the nuncio's own hand); signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
94
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Julien Guérin to the PF vice-prefect [Luigi Capponi], 1647-11-08, Tunis
Tunis
Slaves (Christian)
Ransom
Other religious orders
Letter from Julien Guérin with several details about the Tunis mission, emphasizing the chronic lack of priests and asking for advice on dealing with irregularities among the Christian slaves in the city, such as usury and buying stolen goods. The letter also reports on the case of a Sardinian slave of the Order of Saint Francis of Padua who almost renegated his faith on account of his hardships; Guérin asks PF to contact the general of his order with a view to ransoming him and protecting him from future temptations to commit apostasy. PF note on 209v does not indicate any response or decision.
Additional comments
Julien Guérin
APF SOCG 65, 206r-v, 209v
1647-11-08
Addressed to [Luigi Capponi]
The previous letter that Guérin mentions here is probably the one he wrote on 15 July 1647, to which the PF does not seem to have responded at all: PF SOCG 64, 259r, 270v, (database item 131).
See also: APF ACTA 17, 574r, 577v (database item 123).
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
137
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1647-11-15, Paris
Babylon
Petitions for faculties
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, mentioning that he is going to ask Vincent de Paul to obtain the necessary faculties from the bishop of Babylon, who is still in Catalonia at the moment, for his coadjutor. Regarding the money that the coadjutor is supposed to take with him, the nuncio does not believe that he can carry much more than what is necessary for the trip, and asks for assistance on this matter from PF.
Additional comments
Nicolò Guidi di Bagno
APF SOCG 145. 67r-v, 70v
1647-11-15
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
Original (written in the nuncio's own hand); signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
95
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, to [Francesco Ingoli], 1647-11-29, Paris
Babylon
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, mentioning that the man assigned for the coadjutor position in Babylon does not want to go to Rome before a sum of a 100 scudi per year is secured by PF for him; then he will go wherever PF will order him. "Father Vincent" (Vincent de Paul) has promised to talk to this person, (Some details unclear.)
Date received 1647-12-24
Additional comments
Nicolò Guidi di Bagno
APF SOCG 145, 68r-v, 69v
1647-11-29
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
Original (written in the nuncio's own hand, almost illegible); signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
96
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1648-04-14, Tabarca
Tunis
Capuchins
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa, prefect of the Capuchin mission in Tabarca, mentioning, among other things, the conflict in Tunis between Julien Guérin and a Jesuit Father from Naples (a senior chaplain of the king of Spain), called d'Angelo. d'Angelo seemingly tried to gain some income from the church in his possession (the church of St. Anthony), due to which Guérin chased him away, "under the pretext of service without merchandise." Brother Giuseppe Maria tried to reconcile the two of them, but without much success, what with the two being from "rival" nations, and Father Angelo feeling that he had been wronged and holding a grudge against Guérin. Moreover, Guérin questioned the authority of Brother Giuseppe Maria in the matter, "as if he was in the wrong and did not want me [Giuseppe] to interfere," and since Brother Giuseppe Maria had not received the patent for the vicarate of Carthage, which he had been promised by PF, he did not want to interfere any further, other than by the force of words and entreaties to peace. PF note does not mention any decision or response.
Date received 1648-06-06
Additional comments
Only the paragraph relevant to Julien Guérin is transcribed in the attached file.
Giuseppe Maria da Genoa
APF SOCG 65, 203r-v, 212r-212v
1648-04-14
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
135
Origin: Tabarca
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1648-04-29, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Corsairs
Slave priests
Plague
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa (Brother Giuseppe Maria), prefect of the Capuchin mission in Tabarca, letting PF know he had arrived in Algiers several days before, and that the plague continued to ravage the city. He mentions three priests in Algiers at that time (including himself), and that one of them, whom he does not name, was afraid of catching the disease, and therefore was showing some "reserve." Nevertheless he (Brother Giuseppe Maria) is making sure that all Christians receive the Holy sacraments and the required spiritual aid. Brother Giuseppe Maria also heard that a corsair ship was in the area, with three religious men captive on board, two of whom were ordained priests and the third a secular person; he is hoping that they would be brought to Algiers, rather than Tunis, so that they might provide assistance to him and the other two priests in Algiers. Brother Giuseppe Maria would like to add more details on the improvements that could be brought to the Algiers mission, and to the abuses that occur everyday, but "time does not allow for such repose." PF note on 211v mentions that no response was deemed necessary because, "shortly" after the receipt of this letter, news of Brother Giuseppe Maria's death reached PF.
Additional comments
The death of Brother Giuseppe Maria is announced to PF in a letter written in Tabarca on 9 June 1648 by Fra Bernardino da Casale (also a Capuchin), who says that Brother Giuseppe Maria of Genoa left Tabarca on 15 April and arrived in Algiers on 21 April. Brother Giuseppe Maria worked there indefatigably for a month, administering the sacraments to the Christians who had taken ill, and that at the end of one month he took ill with the same disease, and died after four or five days of illness. Brother Bernardino mentions some "included letters" that offer more details on Brother Giuseppe Maria's death, but they do not seem to have been filed in this volume. PF received Brother Bernardino's letter on 12 September 1648 (SOCG 65, 205r, 210v).
Giuseppe Maria da Genoa
APF SOCG 65, 204r, 210v
1648-04-29
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
For news of Brother Giuseppe Maria's death, see: PF SOCG 65, 205r, 210v (not in this database).
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
136
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Scipio Costaguti to Monsignor Tighetti, 1650-09-27, Naples
Tunis
Algiers
Letter from Scipio Costaguti, archbishop of Carthage, to Monsignor Tighetti. He writes that PF had asked him to appoint a vicar in Algiers and Tunis, since both cities fall under his jurisdiction. Therefore he has written two patents and testifies that the candidates who were proposed to him are suitable.
Additional comments
Scipio Costaguti
APF SOCG 248, 391r
1650-09-27
Addressed to PF
The patent that was issued by Costaguti can be found in: APF SOCG 281r-286r, 288v (database item 739).
Italian
Letter
450
Origin: Naples
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Antonio Da Genoa to PF secretary Dionisio Massari, 1653-08-23, Genoa
Algiers
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Tabarca
Tunis
Letter from Antonio Da Genoa to PF. Approximately 17 months ago he wrote to PF, about his wish to use the opportunity to travel by Pantelleria and Tabarca, to Tunis and Algiers. He would have been able to do this in such a way, that the Lomellini would have allowed his passage over Tabarca. The Procurator Di Corre wrote to him, saying that for now there was nothing else Da Genoa could do. PF however, told him to inform them everything he knows, and therefore Da Genoa will continue doing so. He received a letter from the vicar apostolic of Algiers [Philippe Le Vacher] containing good news; the administration of the bagni is proceeding in good order, there is a bishop in place, and there are enough priests. He only regrets that the Capuchins have left the mission and travelled to Tabarca.
Additional comments
Antonio Da Genoa
APF SOCG 248, 193r, 202v
1653-08-23
Adressed to Dionisio Massari
original
Italian
Letter
912
Origin: Genoa
Destination: [Rome]
Report from the Scottish mission, [1653]
Scotland
Mission reports
Report from the Scottish mission, with the names of the missionaries and a short description of their activities: Tomaso Lumisdeno [Thomas Lumsden] has travelled to London (where he arranged the forwarding of letters from Scotland to Paris), after having received the faculties to Edinburgh. Giouanni Brusio [John Bruce] has also travelled to London but after becoming ill, has returned to Paris where he is awaiting his recovery. Roberto Barclaio [Robert Barclay] has been elected superior of the Scottish College in Paris where he will work to promote the Scottish mission. The report was sent from Paris, and it arrived in Rome on 14 August 1653.
Date received 1653-08-14
Additional comments
APF SOCG 297, 292r, 295v
[1653]
Addressed to [PF]
Original, unsigned and undated
Latin
Report
300
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
William Lesley to the PF prefect [Antonio Barberini jr.], 1655-04-15, Rome
Scotland
Jesuits
Letter from William Lesley to the prefect of PF. He writes regarding the tense political situation in Scotland, and that three priests have been imprisoned: Jesuit Grantius [Grant], CM priest Whytus [Francis White], and John Walker. Lesley writes that Vincent de Paul has already taken action and asked the queen of France to intercede. Its noted that others are also trying to put pression on the Cromwelian government, to release the priests. The letter states that Lesley has been informed about these developments by Robert Barclay. The letter is signed and dated 15 April 1655.
Additional comments
William Lesley
APF SOCG 297, 364r-v, 369r-v
1655-04-15
Addressed to [Antonio Barberini jr.]
Original, signed and dated
Latin
Letter
305
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Simon Legras to SCC, 1655-05-07, Soissons
Soissons
France (missions in)
This is not a visitation report, but a complaint from the bishop of Soissons about the dean and clerics of the church in Soissons, who claim exemption from his jurisdiction. The bishop requests the congregation to help establish and clarify his jurisdiction over the church and its members.
Date discussed 1655-07-03
Additional comments
The letter is signed "Simon, bishop of Soissons". Simon Legras was bishop of Soissons between 1624 and 1656. The letter was possibly directed to Cardinal Paolucci within SCC.
Simon Legras
ASV Cong.Concilio Relat.Dioec. 772, 1r-4v, issue 1
1655-05-07
Addressed to SCC
See: ASV Cong.Concilio, Libri Litter. Visit. SS. Liminum 10 for response from SCC
See also: Cong. Vescovi, Reg. Episcoporum 1655 (not in this database).
Original; signed; Latin. Folios unnumbered in the original; this is the first document in the box.
Latin
Letter
97
Origin: Soissons
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior Vincent de Paul to pope [Alexander VII], [1655-1660]
CM petitions
Petition on behalf of Vincent de Paul to the pope [Alexander VII], asking to extend to the whole of CM, the faculties that were orginally granted to the house in Rome (in regards to the absolution of reserved cases). PF notes on f. 282v indicate the following: Cardinal Datario states that the pope wants such favors to be given with the agreement of PF.
Additional comments
Although the petition is undated, it must have been written between 1655 (the beginning of Alexander's papacy) and 1660 (the year when Vincent de Paul died), since it refers back to decisions taken by Innocent X, Alexander's immediate predecessor.
Vincent de Paul
APF SOCG 200, 271r, 282v
[1655-1660]
Addressed to Pope Alexander VII
Original, unsigned and undated
Italian
Petition
311
Origin: [France]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini, to the PF prefect [Antonio Barberini jr.], 1661-05-06, Paris
Madagascar
Capuchins
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini to PF, in which he states that since PF has agreed to the request sent by Marshal de La Meilleraye to appoint a bishop for Madagascar on 14 June 1660, Marshal has now proposed three candidates, all of them Capuchin missionaries. Whereas in his former letter Marshal had promised to provide some financial support, this time he made no mention of it; the nuncio promises to talk to him about this aspect. On f. 21r the names of the three Capuchins are mentioned: "Josephus de Mortais, Valerianus de Montmiral, Hubertus de Poictiers Capucinus." PF minutes on f. 22v indicate that PF secretary, Mario Alberizzi, does not think its legitimate to appoint a Capuchin bishop since CM priests had always served that mission, and such a decision would discourage them. PF decides that something else should be proposed.
Date discussed 1661-12-07
Additional comments
Celio Piccolomini
APF SOCG 252, 20r, 21r, 22v
1661-05-06
Addressed to [Antonio Barberini jr]
For the earlier requests concerning this topic see: APF SOCG 252, 13r-13v (database item 269), APF SOCG 252, 14r-v, 19v (database item 270) and APF SOCG 252, 12r-13v (database item 268).
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Letter
271
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini, to the PF prefect, Antonio Barberini jr, 1661-10-28, Paris
Scotland
Letter from the nuncio to France Celio Piccolomini, to PF. He writes regarding the forwarding of a letter from William Ballantyne, prefect of the Scottish mission (159r-160v, 161v (database item 328)), and wants to know if PF is willing to grant money so that he can search for other missionaries to be sent there; it is noted that the other missionaries would be joining Francis White who is already willing to go to Scotland. The letter signed and dated 28 October 1661.
Additional comments
Celio Piccolomini
APF SOCG 308, 158r
1661-10-28
Addressed to Antonio Barberini jr.
For the letter from William Ballantyne, see: SOCG 308, 159r-160v, 161v (database item 328).
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Letter
327
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini, to the PF prefect [Antonio Barberini jr.], 1661-12-29, Paris
Madagascar
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini to PF, stating that he will talk to the Marshal de la Meilleraye, as the prefect has ordered in his letter dated the 15 October. The nuncio will also explain to him why PF is not willing to appoint a bishop in partibus. Since the person who was the Marshal's first choice already died, the nuncio hopes that he will readily except that things will be done as they have been in the past [i.e. that a vicar apostolic will be appointed instead of a bishop].
Date discussed 1661-12-29
Additional comments
Celio Piccolomini
APF SOCG 252, 23r, 24v
1661-12-29
Addressed to [Antonio Barberini jr]
For ealier letters and decisions on this request of appointing a bishop for Madagascar see: APF SOCG 252, 12r-13v (database item 268), APF SOCG 252, 13r-13v (database item 269), APF SOCG 252, 14r-v, 19v (database item 270), APF SOCG 252, 20r, 21r, 22v (database item 271).
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Letter
272
Origin: [Paris]
Destination: [Rome]
Report from Charles de Bourlon to SCC, 1662-09-23, Rome
Soissons
France (missions in)
Visitation
Visitation report by Charles de Bourlon, bishop of Soissons, from 1662. CM priests are not mentioned. For Montmirail, only two priories mentioned, one run by Augustinians, another by Benedictines (f. 7r). The report only refers in some detail to ordinaries (as well as the city cathedral and such) and most of the issues enumerated at the end regard jurisdiction controversies or clarifications. (The attached file contains the beginning of the document only).
Additional comments
The document is signed "Carolus Episcopus Suessionensis." Charles de Bourlon was bishop of Soissons between 1656-1685.
Charles de Bourlon
ASV Cong.Concilio Relat.Dioec. 772, 1r-12v, issue 2
1662-09-23
Addressed to SCC
See for the response, dated 26 September 1662, in corresponding ASV: ASV Cong.Concilio, Libri Litter. Visit. SS. Liminum (not in this database).
Original; signed; Latin. Folios unnumbered in the original; this is the second document in the box.
Latin
Report
98
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1662]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras to PF. He explains that after many obstacles which have impeded CM to send other missionaries to Madagascar, a ship will depart towards the end of December. Since the previous prefect is deceased, Alméras asks that Nicolas Etienne may be appointed as prefect of this mission, and that he, Robert Menan and Michel Manie may be given missionary faculties; CM will provide for their material needs. Lastly, he asks that Nicolas Etienne may appoint a vice prefect who will take care of the mission in case of death of the prefect.
Date discussed 1662-11-27
Additional comments
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 31r, 32v
[1662]
Addressed to PF
See for the PF summary of this petition: APF SOCG 252, 28r-v (database item 275).
See for the decision by PF, APF SOCG 252, 30r-v, 33v (database item 276). The PF discussion is in APF ACTA 286r, 288r-289r (same information; not in this database).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Petition
277
Origin: [France]
Destination: [Rome]
Summary of two petitions on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras and Nicolas Etienne to PF, [1662]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Summary of two petitions sent to PF stating: a) the request by René Alméras to declare Nicolas Etienne, Robert Menan and Michel Manie as missionaries in Madagascar, and to also give Etienne the faculties to appoint a vice prefect who will replace him in case of death; b) the petition by Nicolas Etienne to administer sacraments onboard ships other than the one which they initially boarded, and to exempt people onboard the ship from fasting during Lent, when no other priests are present on the ship. In the summary, PF secretary [Mario Alberizzi] comments that the Madagascar missionaries probably think they already have these rights outside the territory of their mission, which is not the case; usually they solicit and receive permission from the bishop of the harbor from which they depart; c) a further request from CM regards the possibility to celebrate mass in places where there are no other priests, even if it is not within the territory of their mission, and to also perform marriages and baptisms there; d) they also ask if they may hear confessions when the confessants does not speak the language of the priest (and can only use signs and gestures); and e) lastly they want to know if the confessor needs to confirm if the soldiers who come to confession are fighting a just war.
Date discussed 1662-11-27
Additional comments
APF SOCG 252, 28r-v
[1662]
The petition by Nicolas Etienne can be found in APF SOCG 252, 30r-v, 33v (database item 276) and the one by René Alméras is in APF SOCG 252, 31r, 32v (database item 277). Database Item 276 also includes the PF decision. The discussion of this summary and the petitions is in APF ACTA 286r, 288r-289r (same information as in SOCG; not in this database).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Petition
275
Origin: unknown
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the PF prefect, Antonio Barberini jr., to [PF], 1663-08-17, Paris
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Letter from Cardinal Antonio Barberini jr. (original and signed) from Paris, 17 August 1663, letting PF know that he had handed the letters patent for the four CM missionaries nominated for the mission to Madagascar (which was sent to him from Rome), to the superior general of CM [René Alméras], after having received good recommendations on their behalf.
Additional comments
Antonio Barberini jr
APF SOCG 252, 38r, 39v
1663-08-17
Addressed to [PF]
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Letter
280
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1663]
Madagascar
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of René Alméras asking PF to approve the dispatch of more missionaries to the island of Madagascar, on account of the "copious spiritual harvest" to be had there. He mentions that those already approved by PF had not left yet, due to (the merchants) trying to assemble several ships to send over together. The names of those intended to join the mission are: Pietro Turpino [Pierre Turpin], Massimiliano Francesco Cuuron [Maximilien François Cuvron or Cuveron], Pietro Joüery [Pierre Jouery], and Giouanni Gueroult [Jean Guéroult], who are all priests of CM. PF is also requested to grant them the status of apostolic missionaries, including the customary faculties that will be conferred to them by the prefect of the mission, as already declared by PF; the petition mentions that the additions will not cause any "temporal burden" to PF. The notes on 37v show that: a) Cardinal Brancacci was assigned to the matter; and b) that the request was approved by PF on 5 June 1663.
Date discussed 1663-06-05
Additional comments
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 36r, 37v
[1663]
Addressed to PF
See for the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 32, 116r, 123r-v (not in this database).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Latin
Petition
279
Origin: [France]
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1663]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras, superior general of CM, asking PF to approve the dispatch of one additional missionary to Madagascar, namely Giacomo Francesco Frachey [Jacob Francois Frachey]; Frachey, a priest from Savoy is not a member of CM, but is being vouched for by Alméras, due to his aptitude and zest. PF is requested to allow Frachey to join CM missionaries on their trip to Madagascar, and to also grant him the status of apostolic missionary, with the faculties that would be conferred on him by the prefect of the mission [Nicolas Etienne]. The petition also mentions that the new addition to the mission, would not cost PF anything. The notes on 35v show that: a) the matter was assigned to Cardinal Pallotto for referral in the general meeting; and b) the request was approved by PF on 23 January 1663.
Date discussed 1663-01-23
Additional comments
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 34r, 35v
[1663]
Addressed to PF
See for the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 32, 1r, 5v-6r.
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Latin
Petition
278
Origin: [France]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from [Alexander Winster] to William Lesley, 1664-03-28, Angus
Scotland
Mission reports
Scottish colleges
Copy of a letter from Alexander Winster, prefect of the Scottish mission, to its procurator in Rome, William Lesley. In the letter he: a) requests news about Thomas Lumsden for the third time, as he has not heard from Lumsden since he went to France; b) writes about the great need of missionaries (especially Irish missionaries who speak Gaelic), for the mission in the Highlands where there are between 3,000 and 4,000 Catholics; the letter notes that missionaries for the Lowlands are also needed; c) notes that Francis White and the schoolteacher [Alexander] Macalister are in great need and require help, and that he as prefect wants to receive precise orders on what to do to help them. He furthermore complains about the lack of help from the Scottish College in Paris; d) notes the mission itself is going well, but there are too many Catholics for the scarce amount of priests. Moreover, the king has instituted a tribunal to put order to the ecclesiastical situation, which causes fear among the people. He is said to be forwarding a letter from [Francis] White and one from the schoolteacher [Macalister]. Unsigned and dated the 28 March 1664. PF notes repeat the great need of help for Francis White described by the prefect, and add the possibility to accept earlier proposals of the archbishop of Armagh [Edmund O'Reilly] to send some of his Irish priests. The cardinals decide to provide for financial help for Francis White and to send the priests proposed by the archbishop of Armagh, after knowing from the procurator, however, how many should be sent and what characteristics they should have.
Date discussed 1664-06-30
Additional comments
The letter from Francis White to which the current letter refers might be APF SOCG 308, 54r-v (database item 315), which was written on 13 March 1664 and was discussed during the same PF meeting.
[Alexander Winster]
APF SOCG 308, 55r-57v, 58v
1664-03-28
Addressed to William Lesley
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see:PF ACTA 33, 91r, 101r.
Copy, unsigned and undated
Italian
Latin
Letter
316
Origin: Angus
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from PF to the Governor of Rome [Marzio Ginetti], 1664-10-18, [Rome]
Letter from PF to the governor of Rome [Marzio Ginetti]. PF wants to refund 850 scudi to Giuseppe Giauera [Giuseppe Guevara], Serafino [Serafino Piccinini] and Gio' Vincenzo dè Piccinini [Giovanni Vincenzo Piccinini]. They had been forced to pay the money on 28 August 1662 to the Monte della Pietà di Roma. The court initially agreed to return the money to whoever they deemed it to belong to. At the end however, the decision was made to refund the money to Guevara and Piccinini.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 43, 155r-v
1664-10-18
Adressed to [Marzio Ginetti]
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
826
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from [Francis White] to [William Lesley], [1665]
Scotland
Mission reports
Other religious orders
Scottish schools
Letter from Francis White to [William Lesley?]. He writes that he has only received the letter from [William Lesley?] in June, as [Alexander] Winster did not want to risk forwarding it, since he did not know where White was. He describes problems between himself and a Dominican, and also with a protestant minister. He writes about the fact that he has so much to do in such difficult circumstances that were he to remain without help, he would have to leave the Highlands. He is grateful, however, for the provision, and for the schoolteacher. White notes that he would like to have another teacher, since on the islands there is a protestant teacher. He asks [William Lesley?] to excuse Eugenio Macalastrio [Alexander Macalister] for not having written the names of the schoolchildren and their parents [actually, Macalister did at least mention family names in his letter to Lesley, see APF SOCG 308, 224r-225v (database item 336)], because they fear that these will be communicated to the court, were these letters to be intercepted. He asks if it could be ordered that his brother Giouanni Bianchi [John White] be sent to help him. He would also need other priests, but they have to be excellent due to Highlanders viewing priests as saints on earth. He writes that the Highlands and islands could soon be Catholic, if only there were enough missionaries. Therefore he urges [William Lesley?] to see to the appointment of new missionaries. The letter is dated 14 June 1665.
Date discussed, 1665-11-09
Additional comments
There is no signature nor address on this document. However, we can be sure that it is written by Francis White, since he refers to John White as his brother. It is probably addressed to William Lesley, since the (copies of) other letters addressed to him use the exact same format.
[Francis White]
APF SOCG 308, 226r-228r
[1665]
Addressed to [William Lesley]
For a summary of this letter (as well as other letters from the same bundle) and the related decision see APF SOCG 308, 206r-208v, 231v (database item 331).
For the discussion of this letter, see: APF ACTA 34, 203r, 224v-227v (same information; not in this database).
Italian
Letter
337
Origin: Scotland, the highlands
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to the PF secretary [Mario Alberizzi], 1666-04-23, Tunis
Tunis
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Ransom
Renegades
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to Mario Alberizzi, in which he explains what happened with the sum of 1,000 pezze that is in the possession of PF, and also claimed by "some Maltese in Rome." He writes that this sum was given by the late Dey to Giuseppe Guevara, a renegade, for the purpose of ransoming a slave in Messina (Sicily). Shortly after he received this money, Guevara fled together with Francesco Guevara, Serafino and Vicenzo Piccinini, their families and some other renegades, and they went to Rome. On hearing this, the Dey called all priests and the most important Christian slaves, and ordered them to write to the pope that his money should be given back to him; the Dey threatened to otherwise have it paid by the free and enslaved Christians in Tunis. The pope ordered that this money be held for the Dey, who continued to claim it up until his death; after his death the Divan took over his claim. Le Vacher advises not to give the money to anyone without a clear receipt, in case the Tunisian authorities attempt to extract it from the local Christians, be they free or enslaved. Le Vacher also mentions that Francesco Guevara threatened him many times in order to force him to write to PF in support of Guevara's request for money. Le Vacher advises to spend part of it for the redemption of Vincenzo Piccinini, a brother of Giuseppe Guevara who is abused, because he helped the Guevara brothers escape. The letter dated 23 April 1666.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 137r-138r
1666-04-23
Addressed to PF
This is a response to a letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, see: APF Lettere 51, 17r (database item 845).
Italian
Letter
396
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Francis White to [William Lesley?], 1667-04-29
Scotland
Mission reports
Conversion
Non-Catholic Christians
Copy of a letter from Francis White [to William Lesley?]. He writes that he has visited [Alexander] Winster, whom he had not seen for four years. He went a very long way in order to ask Winster for the things needed for his very poor mission. Winster himself came to see White the previous autumn [1666] but did not find him, as White was far away on the islands and had fallen ill. White writes that whilst Winster had assisted him financially, the need for more missionaries is even more urgent than before. The promised help has not yet arrived, but the vastness of the area and the amount of converts, would provide enough work for twelve priests. Missionaries are also needed because, while there is great faith in God in this region, the people know nothing about the Catholic faith. They abhor the Protestant ministers, but there are no Catholic priests to replace them. White also writes that the superior [René Alméras] of his brother [John White] will send the latter to Scotland, only if [William Lesley] convinces the PF to write to Alméras and the nuncio to France on this matter. White furthermore asks that [William Lesley] convince PF to send money for books and approximately one thousand rosaries and other similar things. The letter is dated 29 April 1667, but it was received in Rome in 1668.
Date received 1668
Additional comments
Although the addressee is not mentioned explicitly, it is very likely to be William Lesley. This is because Francis White talks about the addressee's task of convincing PF of certain needs of the Scottish mission. This was precisely the task of the procurator of that mission in Rome, namely William Lesley.
Francis White
APF SOCG 308, 358v-360r
1667-04-29
Addressed to [William Lesley?]
This item belongs to a compilation of copies that were made at the same time. The compilation includes database items 351-359 and 368 (APF SOCG 308, 345r-362v). On f. 362v, which is the last page of the compilation, a notation reads: "Lettere venute da Scotia, 1668".
Italian
Letter
358
Origin: [Scotland]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from [Gilbert] Gray to [William] Lesley, 1667-12-28
Scotland
Other secular missionaries
Mission reports
Copy of a letter from Graio [Gilbert Gray] to [William] Lesley. He writes to the procurator that Lesley, on his departure, urged him to write frequently, as he often complained that the other missionaries did not write often enough. Gray, however, states that he has written frequently, as has the prefect, but both have received very few answers in return. Therefore they are wondering whether their efforts please PF or not. In the procurators' last letter, it also seems as if something was not satisfying him. Gray asks him to be more clear about what he is doing wrong, since this he has not been explicit. Lastly, he writes that a list has been made of all Catholics in the region, therefore they fear persecution. The letter dated 28 December 1667.
Additional comments
[Gilbert] Gray
APF SOCG 308, 356r
1667-12-28
Addressed to [William] Lesley
This item belongs to a compilation of copies that were made at the same time. The compilation includes database items 351-359 and 368 (APF SOCG 308, 345r-362v). On f. 362v, which is the last page of the compilation, a notation reads: "Lettere venute da Scotia, 1668".
Italian
Letter
355
Origin: [Scotland]
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1667]
Algiers
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras to PF in which he asks that Jean Le Vacher be appointed vicar apostolic in Algiers with jurisdiction over Tunis. He asks for the same faculties that Le Vacher used to have during his time in Tunis. The petition is discussed on the 28 November 1667. The cardinals approve the request.
Date discussed 1667-11-28
Additional comments
Somewhere else they say the date is 1667-11-29. APF SOCG 281r-286r, 288v (database item 739).
René Alméras
APF SOCG 254, 146r, 147v
[1667]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 36, 245r, 252r-v (same information; not in this database).
Italian
Latin
Petition
397
Origin: [Paris]
Destination: [Rome]
PF summary on the Scottish colleges, [1667 or later]
Scotland
PF summary about the Scottish Colleges that are going to be visited. The summary includes information from the superior general of the Jesuits.
Additional comments
The summary must have been written in or after 1665, as that is the year mentioned in the document. It could have also been written after 1667, as it mentioned the siege of Tournai.
PF
APF SOCG 378, 127r-v
[1667 or later]
Italian
Summary
706
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Rome]