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]
Letter from Antonio Da Genoa to PF, 1648-09-12, Genoa
Algiers
Tunis
Capuchins
Plague
Letter from Antonio da Genoa, of the Capuchin order, relating, among other things, that there were only two priests left in Algiers at that time, one from Majorca, the other French. According to the author of the letter, the French priest was of little use, especially in confessions, since he did not know any Italian, only French. The letter also mentions that there were 25,000 Christians in Algiers at that time, and that more priests were needed to provide to their needs, especially now, when the plague was making more and more victims. The letter adds that there were many priests (in Genoa?) ready to go on this mission, not minding the dangers involved. A new prefect for the Capuchin mission in Barbary had to be elected, on account of the death of the previous one (Giuseppe Maria da Genoa). There was also a new "king" in Tunis, who was of Christian descent and sympathetic to Christians.
Additional comments
The French priest mentioned here could be Jean Barreau.
Antonio da Genoa
APF SOCG 247, 35r-36v
1648-09-12
Addressed to PF
Original; signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
128
Origin: Genoa
Destination: Rome