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 Luca Palmaro to PF, 1668-07-21, Tunis
Tunis
Slaves (Christian)
Ransom
Plague
Letter from Luca Palmaro, a slave in Tunis, to PF. He writes that he gave Jean Le Vacher 150 pezze during the plague. Jean Le Vacher once gave him 30 pezze for his needs. When the epidemic was over, Palmaro asked for the other 120 pezze back, but Jean Le Vacher refused. Therefore Palmaro can only report this to the cardinals and ask them to ensure that he will get his money back; he hopes to use the money to escape slavery. The letter signed and dated 21 June 1668.
Date discussed 1668-11-19
Additional comments
Luca Palmaro
APF SOCG 254, 207r
1668-07-21
Addressed to PF
For the summary of this document and for the decision by the general meeting of PF, see: APF SOCG 254, 228r-v, 229r 230r-231r, 232v, 233v (database item 403).
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 37, 247r, 259r-262v (same information as in the mentioned summary (database item 403); not in this database).
Italian
Letter
400
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi], 1670-12-10, Tunis
Capuchins
Conversion
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Seravezza case
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo. He writes that he is very grateful for everything that has been done for him. He asks for the confirmation of his position as vicar apostolic of Tunis, because some Christians only accept the authority of Antonio Di Saraveza, who also claims to be apostolic vicar of Tunis. Luigi also asks for money in order to ransom Christian slaves. Many of them have been forced by their masters to renounce their faith.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 430, 225r-v
1670-12-10
Adressed to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
720
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi], 1671-04-03, Tunis
Tunis
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF. He writes that Marcello Costa has arrived in Tunis. His presence was very necessary since there are only four priests and around 10,000 Christians in Tunis. It has not been easy to find a place for Costa to live, but eventually he was placed in the house of a gentleman from Ancona, who is a slave and waiting for his family to ransom him. It is also noted that it is hard to find enough funds to maintain these priests, and there is hardly any money to ransom slaves.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 430, 221r-v
1671-04-03
Adressed to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
723
Origin: Tunis
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
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF, 1670-10-20, Tunis
Tunis
Capuchins
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF. He writes this letter to inform PF about the situation concerning Antonio Di Seravezza. Di Seravezza has abused the authority of the church and divided the Christians in Tunis, which has created disorder. He has also sent two priests from his order [Minor Observants] to Tripoli. From the decree [that Di Seravezza issued on 21 August 1670] one can see his arrogant behaviour. Luigi also wrote about this situation to his vicar general [Jean Le Vacher].
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 430, 232r
1670-10-20
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
With "the decree" Luigi Da Palermo probably means the decree issued by Di Seravezza on 1670-08-21: APF SOCG 430, 229r (database item 721).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
724
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF, 1670-11-15, Tunis
Tunis
Tripoli
Capuchins
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF. He confirms that the apostolic vicar in Algiers Jean Le Vacher has freed him, after he was captured from a French ship. The titular archbishop of Erevan, Persia, has arrived in Tunis, which has brought Luigi much consolation. The church [in Tunis] is doing well, and much has changed since Antonio Di Seravezza had pretended to be vicar general (which had caused division among the Christians). Luigi still asks PF for a confirmation of his position [as vicar apostolic of Tunis], because many still believe that Antonio Di Seravezza is the rightfull vicar apostolic. Luigi also writes that there is a great need for money to free Christian slaves, who are tempted to renounce their faith.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 430, 233r-v
1670-11-15
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
725
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF, 1671-04-10, Tunis
Tunis
Ransom
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Renegades
Capuchins
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo (apostolic vicar in Tunis), on the case of Vincenzo Piccinini, who in 1661 brought 21 renegades with his ship to Rome. Piccinini also received 1,000 piastres from the Dey of Tunis in order to free a Turkish slave. However, when Picccinini returned to Tunis, he was enslaved himself. During his enslavment in Tunis, the Dey (who orginally gave him the money) and two of his heirs died, therefore they were unable to claim the money. Piccinini wants to use the 1,000 piastres to ransom himself. Luigi Da Palermo also writes about the suffering of the Christian slaves in Tunis, and that in some cases it would be relatively cheap to ransom a slave. He also reports that currently there are 3 priests in Tunis, among whom is Marcello Costa, who has just arrived.
Date discussed: 1671-06-15
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 428, 14r-v, 16v
1671-04-10
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 153r, 155r, 156r.
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
711
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 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 three slave priests, Gregorio Bianchelli, Jacobo Vilar and Leonardo Da Milano, in Tunis to PF, 1658-04-06
Tunis
Slave priests
Letter from three slave priests, Georgius Blancellus [Gregorio Bianchelli], Jacobo Vilar and Leonardus de Mediol’o [Leonardo da Milano], in which they accuse the vicar apostolic in Tunis, Philippe Le Vacher, of mischief and ask for help from PF. Written on 6 April 1658 in a bagnos in Tunis.
Additional comments
Gregorio Bianchelli, Jacobo Vilar, Leonardo da Milano
APF SOCG 317, 66r-v, 73v
1658-04-06
Addressed to PF
Original; signed and dated
Latin
Letter
257
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from two slaves in Tunis to PF, [1659]
Tunis
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Conversion
Malta
Letter from two slaves in Tunis, Pauolo Cortarzo and Gio' Tomaso Cocchi (both from Rome), which states that some Turks (who are slaves in the domain of the pope in Malta) have written to Tunis that they have been forced to covert to Christianity. Now the authorities in Tunis threaten to treat the Christian slaves similarly, by forcing them to convert to Islam, which would cause a great loss of souls. They therefore ask for a remedy. The notes on the back of the document mention that the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] writes that the accusations are based on the actions of the Inquisitor of Malta, who organizes Christian sermons among the Muslims every Sunday, and sends them only Christian assistance in case of illness. The letter was discussed by PF on 25 September 1659.
Date discussed 1559-09-25
Additional comments
Paolo Cortarzo
Giovanni Tomaso Cocchi
APF SOCG 254, 8r, 11v
[1659]
Addressed to PF
See for the minutes of the meeting during which this letter was discussed: APF ACTA 28, 166r, 167r-v, (database item 483).
Italian
Letter
379
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Vicenzo Da Frascati to [PF Secretary, Edoardo Cibo], 1679-09-16, Tunis
Capuchins
Conversion
Mercedarians
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Vincenzo Da Frascati to PF. Since he returned to Rome, he wants to give PF some information on the state of the mission. They tried to keep all the Catholics in the church and convert others, however the Turks could not be converted. There were a few heretics that converted themselves to Catholicism, and also a few Christians that became Turks. Francesco Gatta (one of the missionaries), started a few annual spiritual events which turned out to be very fruitful. The reputation of the Christians is damaged by the scandalous behavior of the Christians, especially by the priest's. Da Frascati has been in Tunis for three years, in which there have been five slave priests who were all involved in a controversy. The first one was a Calabrese priest, he lost the trust of his superiors and started walking around in public with golden rings, and was spreading discord. At some point he ransomed himself and left for Christendom. The second one was a Spanish Mercedarian priest, he was not that bad, however he got killed at home by a woman with a gun. In this action, another Sardinian priest got wounded whilst trying to defend the Spanish priest. He is still at the mission and is behaving well. The fourth is a priest of the enemy, who was playing cards with a Christian slave. The priest won 80 piastre after which the slave was beaten with a cane. The last priest had also played cards, with a Catholic Greek. This caused a judicial case in which the vicar and the Bey of Tunis were also involved. Eventually the slave became a slave of the Bascia, and the priest returned to Christianity.
Date discussed: 1680-04-08
Additional comments
Vincenzo Da Frascati
APF SOCG 478, 259r-v
1679-09-16
[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
803
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Vincenzo Da Frascati to [the PF Secretary, Urbano Cerri], 1679-01-30, Tunis
Algiers
Capuchins
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Vincenzo Da Frascati to PF. Since there are many slave priests in Tunis, Le Vacher has written to them stating he believes it is a good idea to send some missionaries back to Christendom, since there is no longer any need for them. That is why they decided to send Father Cherubino Da Frascati (their companion) back. From him PF can undertand the persecutions they went through.
He does not want to recount the stories of some slave priests in this city. One of them was killed at home by a woman, and others acted with little consideration of the missionaries. They worked together with the Turks, and tried to have the missionaries arrested on false pretenses. But God showed through signs, how much he likes those that serve him, without looking for temporary interests.
Additional comments
Vincenzo Da Frascati
APF SC Barbaria 1, 437r
1679-01-30
Adressed to [Urbano Cerri]
Possibily, the letter metnioned of Jean Le Vacher was written to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, see: APF SC Barbaria 1, 433r-434v (database item 887).
copy; signed
Italian
Letter
889
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letters from Jean Le Vacher to [Thomas Berthe], 1655-04-10 and 1655-04-17, Tunis
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Civitavecchia
Non-Catholic Christians
Two letters from Jean Le Vacher, most probably to the superior of CM house in Rome. He asks him to obtain the following from PF: a) the renewal of his faculties of vicar apostolic; b) the faculty to administer the sacrament of confirmation be included; c) all the books in Arabic that PF normally gives to those who go on missions in partibus infidelium, especially the Holy Scripture; and d) a letter from the slaves in Civitavecchia, which would testify that they had not been treated badly, in order to rectify the trouble that they had brought to the Christians in Tuni,s due to their earlier complaints to the Dey of Tunis. In the second letter he writes that the English have come with 18 warships to demand all the English slaves, but the Dey refused, so in retaliation, the English burned all Tunisian ships which were in Port Farine, and threaten to destroy more if their requests go un-answered. Le Vacher also asks for copies of the Koran, the Torah, and the Gospels in Arab and Latin (if they are available in Rome). Lastly, he asks for specific indulgences. The letters signed and dated 10 and 17 April 1655.
Date received 1655-05-15
Additional comments
Since the letter is in French it is probably not written to PF, because Le Vacher would usually use Italian for that purpose. It is also known that Le Vacher sometimes used Berthe to send letters to Rome. See also: APF SOCG 248, 298r (database item 448).
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 299r-v, 301r
1655-04-10 and 1655-04-17
Addressed to [Thomas Berthe]
French
Letter
449
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 slaves in Tunis to PF, [1658]
Tunis
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Letter from unnamed Christian slaves (secular and religious) in Tunis to PF. In their letter they complain about Jean Le Vacher, who became consul of the French nation without the permission of PF. They write that he treats them badly, and that he calls himself both vicar apostolic and vicar general, based on whichever title he reserves for himself, during certain cases [of absolution].
Additional comments
Date based on a discussion in PF about complaint about Jean Le Vacher. In this file the priests names are Gregorio Bianchelli, Jacobo Vilar and Leonardo da Milano. See: APF ACTA 27, 193r, 217r-218r, issue 24 (database item 491).
APF SOCG 248, 196r-199v
[1658]
Latin
Petition
437
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Report from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1654-01-29, Tunis
Tunis
Mission reports
Slaves (Christian)
Extensive report by Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis, on the situation in the city and of the slaves, the spiritual assistance of the priests, the hospitals, the chapels of the bagnos, and the problem of apostasy. The report signed and dated 29 January 1654.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 273r-280v 286v
Both the Italian original and an English translation have been published by A. Forrestal and F. Roşu, in: 'Slavery on the Frontier: The Report of a French Missionary on Mid-Seventeenth-Century Tunis', Reformation & Renaissance Review, vol. 14 no. 2 (2012), 170-211.
1654-01-29
Addressed to PF
See for the accompanying letter: APF SOCG 248, 298r (database item 448).
Italian
Report
447
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Two letters from a slave in Tunis to PF, 1663-02-14 and 1663-02-24, Tunis
Tunis
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Ransom
Two letters from Giovanni Andrea Grella, slave in Tunis, to PF which are very similar in content. Grella sent two letters due to fears that his first one (of which he also had sent a duplicate) would not arrive. He explains that they did not tell the Dey of Tunis that the money that he had promised for the ransoming of a slave had been recovered by PF, because otherwise the Christians in Tunis might be mistreated. The Dey is already threatening to imprison the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher], and will compensate his monetary loss through the siezing of any non-English merchant ship, or any alms that arrive in the city. Grella therefore asks that PF puts the sum of 1,000 pezze in the hands of a trusted person (or the superior of CM in Rome), so that whenever it is needed, the governor could send certifying proof and compensation for the damage. Grella also asks PF to write to the Duchess of Mondragone and ask her to release one of her slaves, called Agrimut. The price for Grella's own freedom is 700 pezze, an amount he owes, but his master does not want to free anyone if Agrimut does not return. A summary follows on f. 48r-v, which shows that PF secretary believes the Maltese [Giuseppe and Francesco Guevara] do not have any right to the money.
Date discussed 1663-07-03
Additional comments
Giovanni Andrea Grella
APF SOCG 254, 44r-48v
1663-02-14 and 1663-02-24
Addressed to PF
See for the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 32, 152r, 156v-157v (database item 382).
These letters were discussed together with a petition of Jean Le Vacher: APF SOCG 254, 39r-v, 40v (database item 381).
Italian
Latin
Letter
382
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome