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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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 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 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 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, 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, 1670-08-10, 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 [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 [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 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 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 Julien Guérin to the PF secretary [Luigi Capponi], 1647-07-15, Tunis
Tunis
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Renegades
Plague
Franciscans
Letter from Julien Guérin to Cardinal Capponi, accompanying a few letters he is forwarding to PF and which he received from a Maur. Guérin apologizes that the letters are open, but he found them in this state. Guérin also mentions that: a) the plague lost some of its virulence; b) some apostates came back to the Church; c) Christian matters are going well; some Christian priests won their freedom and left, but others arrived in their stead; d) the current priests live well and help the Christians by giving them good examples; e) there are three slaves of the Minor Observant Franciscan Order who are tied to their owner for 2,000 piastre, and Guérin is asking Capponi to write to their General, because they are in danger; f) he himself is doing everything he can to help the local Christians; and g) regarding the dispensation he had previously requested for the two apostates who wanted their union recognized, there is no more need for that, since they both have died.
Additional comments
Julien Guérin
APF SOCG 64, 259r, 270v
1647-07-15
Addressed to [Luigi Capponi]
See for the PF decisions on these subjects: APF ACTA 17, 315v, 320v-321r, issue 10 (database item 122), and APF ACTA 17, 574r, 577v (database item 123).
For the letter of the French consul in Tunis attesting that the letters in the package had all been opened: APF SOCG 64, 253r, 276v (database item 129).
For another letter by Guérin with a similar content: APF SOCG 65, 206r-v, 209v (database item 137). For item g) see APF SOCG 64, 258r-v, 271v (database item 130).
Original; signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
131
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Julien Guérin to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1646-11-21, Tunis
Tunis
Slave priests
Conversion
Renegades
Letter from Julien Guérin to PF: a) requesting the faculty to grant a marriage dispensation to a couple who had formerly renegated the Christian faith but currently live like Christians, so that they could legitimize their children; b) relating about other converts as well as certain Turks who live like Christians; and c) decrying the scandal caused by slave priests who celebrate mass twice and sometimes thrice a day for the love of money. Regarding the last point, Guérin asks that all those who celebrate mass twice or thrice a day be excommunicated, as it causes him much grief. PF decided to forward all three issues to the pope.
Additional comments
Julien Guérin
APF SOCG 64, 258r-v, 271v
1646-11-21
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
See for the response: APF ACTA 17, 315v, 320v-321r (database item 122).
See for the minutes of the PF general meeting discussing this letter: APF ACTA 17, 320v-321r, issue 10 (database item 122).
Original; signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
130
Origin: Tunis
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 Jean Le Vacher to René Alméras, 1648-06-22, Tunis
Tunis
Plague
Non-Catholic Christians
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to the superior of CM in Rome (René Alméras) reporting: a) the death of Julien Guérin on 23 May 1648; b) that of Jacques Lesage [spelled Le Sagè] in Algiers approximately 20 days before; c) the slow recovery from his own brush with the plague; d) details regarding Julien Guérin's place of enterment; and e) an incident caused by the discovery of a well-preserved corpse in the Christian cemetery in Tunis, and the conflict it caused between the Roman Catholics and the Greek Orthodox; this prompted the local administration to rule that from then on the Greek would bury their dead in a different cemetery.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 65, 207r-v, 208v
Cited in P. Coste, ed., Saint Vincent de Paul: Correspondence, Conferences, Documents (Brooklyn, NY: 1985-2010), vol. 3, doc. 1057, p. 349, fn. 4.
1648-06-22
Addressed to René Alméras
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
138
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1664-03-13, Tunis
Tunis
Mission reports
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Ransom
Extensive report by Jean Le Vacher on the situation in Tunis, which lists his missionary work, the behavior of other priests, and the case of several Maltese [Vincenzo Piccinini and Giuseppe and Francesco Guerara] who took 1000 pezze from the Dey, which he had destined for the redemption of a slave in Messina. He moreover reports that there are no priests left in Tripoli. At PF general meeting of 30 June 1664, the cardinals decided that Le Vacher should be asked for more information about the Dey's money; that CM superior [René Alméras] should be asked whether new missionaries would be available for this mission; and lastly that Le Vacher should order the priests that they abstain from usury and commercial activities, on the pain of interdiction to say mass.
Date discussed 1664-06-30
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 65r-v, 67r-v
1664-03-13
Addressed to PF
The draft of a letter answering this letter of Jean Le Vacher can be found on: APF SOCG 254, 66r (database item 385).
Italian
Latin
Letter
384
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1654-01-24, Tunis
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis to PF, accompanying an extensive report on his mission. Le Vacher stated that he wrote the report, when asked by PF (via Thomas Bérthe who is the superior of CM house in Rome). The letter signed and dated 24 January 1654.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 298r
1654-01-24
Addressed to PF
See for the actual report: APF SOCG 248, 273r-280v 286v (database item 447).
Latin
Letter
448
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Ambrozin to [Jean Le Vacher], 1669-07-10, Tunis
Tunis
Capuchins
Franciscans
Slave priests
Seravezza case
Letter from Jean Ambrozin to [Jean Le Vacher], stating that he is happy that he is mentioned in his [Le Vacher´s] letters to Bourdieu, who told him that [Le Vacher] would like to know what happened to Da Sassari. They lived together for two years in good harmony until the advent of Antonio Di Seravezza, who told Da Sassari that he was not obliged to pray for the king [of France]. Ambrozin responded by saying that everyone who stayed in the French consulate should pray for the king. When these two priest said mass in the chapel of the consulate without calling to Ambrozin, it was clear to him that they disliked the French nation; it was whereafter he told Da Sassari that he had to live somewhere else. Da Sassari also said that he should pay for the maintenance of his chapel, and to give money to the chapel of Sant'Antonio. They tried to let the Dutch consul mediate between them and Ambrozin, and when Da Sassari realized he did not have a place to stay, he went to Livorno. It has been 10 months since he left and he has not sent a single letter in that time. He left Di Seravezza in his place, who talked about Ambrozin behind his back (for which he was also thrown out of the house). His accusation was based on a woman ransomed by the French (who he sent to Livorno), so that she could travel to her husband who resides in Sardinia. There are only two priests in this city, one who is not allowed to leave his bagno, and the other [Giuseppe Merino] who is a slave of [Agi Memet de Ainat], says the mass in the chapel of the consulate; it is for this reason, that Di Seravezza wants to excommunicate him. It is noted that something really should have been done against the scandalous behavior of Di Seravezza. If there are others priests who would like to come to Tunis, Ambrozin would be happy to receive them.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
APF SOCG 430 244r-v, 260r
1669-07-10
Adressed to [Jean Le Vacher]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Copy; signed
Italian
Letter
731
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, Francesco Gatta and Vincenzo Da Frascati to Jean Le Vacher, 1678-05-03, Tunis
Tunis
Capuchins
Mercedarians
Other religious orders
Ransom
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Letter Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, Francesco Gatta and Vincenzo Da Frascati to Jean Le Vacher. Three days ago they received a letter from Jean Le Vacher, in which he asked them to inform him about the scandals that have been taking place in the church of Tunis. They had previously informed him of the problems, and had followed Le Vacher's instructions, by trying to alter the habits of some slave priests. The most troublesome of them is Antonio Calendino, who claimed to be a priest but had no papers to back this up. He himself told the missionaries that he had been in prison for four years in Naples, after being condemned for murder. The missionaries wrote to the archbishop for more information about Calendino, but they never received an answer. They allowed him to administer the sacraments, as they were afraid that if they did not allow this, Calendino would expel the missionaries from the mission with help from his patron Ali Bei. The problems with him grew worse, as his patron (who has good ties with the ruling house) used him as jester, singing and playing the guitar, whilst receiving women in his house. He was walking around the bagnos causing problems and disturbing the mass. They could not do anything against him because they did not want to be forced to leave, which would have resulted in the misson being abandoned. Eventually he was ransomed after committing more scandalous acts, and sent on a boat to Livorno. After his departure, other Christians told the missionaries admitted truths about Calendino, that are so scandalous that they cannot be possibly true; however they will leave them for what they are.
The second scandal was on 17 October 1679 when Diego d'Avalos (a Mecedarian priest from Cagliari also known as Padre Diego), was called by a woman and entered her house. When the husband returned he tried to kill Diego with a pistol, but the priest escaped; the two met again and this time the husband shot Diego. Three or four hours later after having confessed, he died. Another priest was wounded in the hand during the altercation, for which mass had to be suspended for a month. As he wanted to better his live, the mass was eventually returned to him, and now he is living quietly and devoutly. The third scandal was when a Minim pirest Felice Da Marta, was playing cards. He did this so often that he neglected his priestly duties. Sometimes he was playing from the evening till morning, and many Christians complained about this. Felice was lucky and won 80 pezze da otto from Giuseppe Calibrò, a Sicilian slave of the Pasha. But later Felice was forced to pay the slave the money back. Because the priest was not the slave of an influential person it was easy to aprehend him, and to forbid him to ever play cards again; from that moment on, he did not play anymore.
The fourth scandal involved another priest, Carlo Vella Maltese Zocerlante, who was already ransomed but had not yet returned home. One day he was playing carts with a Greek, Constanino, who had also been ransomed. They had a fight about the game and blood was spilled. The Greek went to the missionaries to complain. The Greek was imprisoned by the Bey, who the next day called on the cities priests (both missionaries and slaves), and asked them if it was legal for a priest to play cards. The response given to the Bey, is that it is not legal, and even strongly prohibited. The Bey handed over the priest so that he could be punished. Whilst the Greek was enslaved again, they chained the priest inside his Bagno. They were warned however that the Greeks were trying to enforce the Bey to enslave Carlo again, hence why they put him on an English ship travelling to Livorno. Whilst these are the most imported things that happened, they are not completely sure about the exact dates, and the precise circumstances. They ask Le Vacher to not send any more slave priests to them, unless they are found to be exceptionally useful.
Date discussed: 1682-09-30
Additional comments
Judging by a later letter from Jean Le Vacher, this letter was originally sent to Jean Le Vacher, who then sent it (together with his own letter) to PF. See APF SOCG 498, f. 178r-179r (database item 807).
Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna
Francesco Gatta, Vincenzo Da Frascati
APF SOCG 498, 177r-v, 180r
1678-05-03
Adressed to Jean Le Vacher
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 51, 279r (not yet in this database).
Original: signed
Italian
French
Letter
806
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Algiers
Letter from Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna to Giambattista Da Sabbio, the Capuchin Procurator General, 22 February 1683, Tunis
Capuchins
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Gioseffo M'a da Bologna [Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna] to Gio Batt'a da Sabbio [Giambattista Da Sabbio]. He wants the Capuchin procurator general to know, that last year they found themselves in a difficult situation; there were three Fathers in Tunis, all having only one bath to serve, meaning that they only received six pezze da otto every month, plus the two or three they received on other occasions. That made around 20 in total. They paid four families they were staying with 10 pezze for wine and bread. Monsù le Vascher [Jean Le Vacher] knowing this very well, wrote to PF for help. He asked to let the priests stay in the bagno, or provide them with 36 pezze. Consequently, they were allowed to stay in the bagno, however this became obsolete after the arrival of the slave priests. Now the only priest left is Da Bologna, and he only has two bagno's left to serve; there are even enough slave priests present in the city to only serve one. The rent of the house has been raised by nine pezze, making a total of 45. He asks the procurator general to at least help the mission pay the higher rent.
Additional comments
Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna
APF SC Barbaria 2, 11r-12v
1683-02-22
Adressed to Giambattista Da Sabbio
signed
Italian
Letter
903
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 Girolamo Da Sassari to PF, 1668-06-26 Tunis
Tunis
Algiers
Capuchins
Tripoli
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to PF in which he describes the persecutions that he and the other Christians suffered in Tunis and how they came to an end. He writes that he has received a letter from Jean Le Vacher saying that he will become vicar apostolic in Algiers, with full authority over the church of Tunis. This surprises him greatly, since the mission was assigned to him with a PF decree on 25 November 1666. He moreover accuses Jean Le Vacher of greediness. Lastly he asks for a missionary patent for Father Antonio Di Seravezza, his companion. The letter signed and dated 26 June 1668.
Date discussed 1668-11-19
Additional comments
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 254, 209r-210r
1668-06-26
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
401
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]