Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF, 1681-05-18, Tunis
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Algiers
Bizerte
Corsairs
Galleys
Salé
Slaves (Christian)
Tripoli
Tunis
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF. Gatta has informed PF as well as Gio' Levascer [Jean Le Vacher] the vicar apostolic in Algiers, about the most important matters of the mission in Tunis. Le Vacher released Gatta from his side to go to Tunis. Some people from Messina who had enough of the Pascia tried to be favored by the grand vizier of Constantinople, in order to obtain Turkish troops for Sicily. Giuseppe Marchese was secretly connected with Mamet Agha (the Turkish ambassador in Tunis), to intermediate in the wars that divided the country. By means of this ambassador, he sent his message to Constantinople. From the returning ship, they received no other news except that it disembarked from Naples in the Romagna; there Giuseppe boarded a ship together with four of his children. Gatta hopes that the ambassadors of the Christian princes will be wise enough to stop him. When he was in Algiers, he came to understand that in Salé, there were many Christian slaves who were left without a priest, because of the pest. Likewise, in Tétouan there are 500 Christian slaves without a priest. When Gatta asked the vicar apostolic for permission to go to Tétouan, however it was not granted. Then, the prefect of Tripoli, Da Castel'vetrano [Girolamo Da Castelverrano] saw that in his decree, Salé was annexed to the mission of Tripoli. As the city is 1,700 Italian miles away by sea, it is impossibile to serve them from Tripoli. Because the city has been abandoned, he begged Da Castelverrano to either visit once every seven years, send two companions there (and two others for Tétouan), or to ask PF to provide these cities with missionaries. Da Castelverrano promised him that he would go himself, but because years have passed and nobody has visited, he decided to inform PF. If they decide to send two missionaries, then it would be best to imbark from Marseille. The people who go there however, must be willing to suffer a lot, considering the people there are more barbaric and wild. He also sends PF a list of all the cities and places with Christian slaves, and their distance from Tripoli. List with distances from Tripoli: a) in Tripoli in Barbary, live a little more than a thousand Christian slaves of various nations. From Tripoli to Tunis, the distance is 500 Italian miles, from Tunis to Utica (today Porto Farina), the distance is 24 Italian miles, and from Porto Farina to Bizerte, the distance is 26 Italian miles; b) in Tunis there are around 2,000 Christian slaves, and a few free Christians. In Porto Farina and Bizerte (that are part of the same mission), there are around 200 ships and galleys. In Caponegro there are around 40 free Christians amongst whom soldiers and merchants. From Bizerte to Algiers, the distance is 450 Italian miles. In Algiers there are around 5,000 Christian slaves, even though the size of the city is only a quarter of Tunis. There are however, 46 ships, two galleys, and two other small boats. From Algiers to Orano, the distance is 300 Italian miles, from Oran to Melilla, the distance is 100 Italian miles, from Mellila to Pignon, the distance is 60 Italian miles; c) the places of Oran, Melilla and Pignon are under the king of Spain. Except for soldiers there are farmers, free people, and they have their own parishes and chapels. From Pignon to Tétouan, the distance is 80 Italian miles; d) in Tétouan, a city of the Moors, there are 500 Christian slaves and no-one to administer the sacraments. From Tétouan to Ceuta, also a Spanish city, the distance is 20 Italian miles, and from Ceuta to Tanger, a place in the hands of the English, the distance is 30 Italian miles and from Tanger to Salé, the distance is 200 Italian miles; and e) Salé is a place of the Moors, in the kingdom of Fez, and there are around 500 Christians without priests. The priests stay in Fez and cannot travel around because the countryside is filled with robbers. From Tripoli to Salé is 1,790 miles over sea. He is not sure whether one could do this in a year because of the difficulties of travelling and the few possibilities of doing so.
Additional comments
Francesco Gatta
APF SC Barbaria 1, 502r-503r
1681-05-18
Adressed to [PF}
original; signed
Italian
Letter
899
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Francesco Guevara to Jean Le Vacher, 1665-12-10, Florence
Tunis
Ransom
Renegades
Letter from Francesco Guevara to Jean Le Vacher, in which he urges Le Vacher to convince PF to hand 1,000 pezze (deposited there on behalf of the Dey of Tunis), to a certain Marca Antonia Simonetti [Guevara's wife], who is a cousin of the Bassa of Tunis. The letter dated 10 December 1665.
Additional comments
Francesco Guevara
APF SOCG 254, 133r-v, 134v
1665-12-10
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
394
Origin: Florence
Destination: [Tunis]
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to Antonio Di Seravezza, 16[69]-01-16, Rome
Capuchins
Conversion
Franciscans
Ransom
Seravezza case
Tunis
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to Antonio Di Saraveza [Antonio Di Seravezza]. He has been in Rome for two months, due to the problems in Tunis. They have decided that there will be a Capuchin mission in the city, and that he will be its prefect. Many things that padre Damiano proposed were accepted (the kind of things that were only in their interest), which is why he does not want to go back to Tunis. He is however still willing to help his friend [Di Seravezza]. He hopes that they will see each other again and that he can tell him all the things that he cannot send in writing. Dottore Pagni, the grand duke of Florence, and the secretary of PF [Federico Baldeschi] have both shown him great respect for all the things he has done for the church. Levachier [Jean Le Vacher] cannot any longer pretend to have authority over the mission in Tunis, therefore he should only be concerned about Algiers. Caualli has become bishop in Napels, and he will visit him and give him the letters of Di Seravezza, to tell him about his suffering. He asks him to provide information on how things are going in Tunis. He has tried to help Mustafa della Meca who has converted, and the procurator general of the Celestines will also try to help him. He has given 170 pezze da otto reali to Labar, 150 to ransom Giacinto, and the other twenty are for Di Seravezza. He has also left behind some books, worth 50 pezze da otto reali, which should be used to atone Sig'r Carletto and Sig'r Biagio. He also asks to greet Sig'r Capitan Bernardo Rapalli, and Patron Martino, both from the bagno of San Francesco, and Angelo Bernardelli, Giulio Anastasio, Gio' Antonio, Andrea Caraca. He has tried to ransom the slave from Civitavecchia, but they did not want to let him go. PF wants the consul [Jean Ambrozin] to pay back everything he took from the church. He has been suprised that the consul has shown their writings, because it is very damaging to his reputation, but not to Da Sassari's. Before he can return to Tunis, he will first have to go to Sardinia, in order to see his general.
Date discussed: 1670-11-10
Additional comments
Because the paper is torn the two last numbers of the year are missing. Even though Girolamo Da Sassari says he has been in Rome for two months, he left Tunis in September 1668. The month of the letter is January, so the year has to be 1669. According to the discussion in PF many things described by Girolamo Da Sassari in this letter are made up by him. APF SOCG 424, 242r-243v (database item 748).
This would mean that Antonio Di Seravezza would still have been in Tunis, as he did not leave before August 1669.
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 424, 245r-246v
16[69]-01-16
Adressed to Antonio Di Seravezza
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 39, 197r, 201r-202v (database item 669).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
750
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Tunis]
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to PF, 1667-04-24, Tunis
Tunis
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to PF, in which he thanks the decree granting him the faculties of vice-prefect of the Tunis mission. He promises to do his best to to live up to his new role. The letter dated the 24 April 1667.
Additional comments
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 254, 118r
1667-04-24
Addressed to PF
Italian
Letter
393
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]
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, 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 Genoa to PF, 1647-11-28, Tabarca
Algiers
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Slave priests
Capuchins
Plague
Tunis
Franciscans
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa, prefect of the Capuchin mission in Tabarca, offering details on many local issues (relative to Tabarca, Carthage, and the Capuchin mission in the region), but also relays news from Algiers by way of Julien Guérin of Tunis. According to Brother Giuseppe Maria, Guérin wrote to him, in a letter dated 22 November, that two priests of his company had arrived in Algiers, together with a Franciscan slave. The news gladened Brother Giuseppe Maria, who had previously heard that only one ignorant slave priest had remained in Algiers, because the rest had either died of the plague or returned to their home countries. Brother Giuseppe Maria himself tried to go to Algiers but was not able to do so, because transportation and communication had been interrupted between Tabarca and the plague-striken city. He hopes to be able to arrive there soon. PF note does not mention any decision or response.
Additional comments
Giuseppe Maria da Genoa
APF SOCG 65, 192r-193v, 199r-v, 200v
1647-11-28
Addressed to PF
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
134
Origin: Tabarca
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 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 Jean Le Vacher to [PF], 1679-05-30, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Conversion
Corsairs
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher. From the letters he received from PF, he understood that there was no reason to hope that the loss of souls in Barbaria could not be solved, due to not receiving the sacrament of confirmation. The Holy Spirit will have to work by itself, because the infidels will not allow spiritual assistance. PF suggested that it might be easier if there was a bishop in Algiers, however the bishop would risk his life. He thanks PF for the medals and crucifixes that he received. During the last few years, PF made it clear that the Trinitarian Fathers are subjected to his, or actually the apostolic authority. He has heard though, that the Trinitarians are trying to obtain independence from his authority, from Rome. Le Vacher deems it necessary that PF gives him a decree, declaring that the Trinitarians living in Algiers are subjected to the apostolic authority. He is suprised by the great number of missionaries that PF sends to Tunis, as there isn't a need for them; the slave priests have already complained about this. One Capuchin missionary named Cherubino [Cherubino Da Frascati], returned to Marseille because of tension between the slave priests and the apostolic missionaries. The slave priests need the alms from the Christians, for their daily lives and to also ransom themselves. PF also wrote to them about the Neapolitan priests that PF sent to Tunis, and the required faculties. Le Vacher however, told them that their services were not needed in the city. Some days ago he received the confirmation of the peace with France. This means that the corsais will not take any more French prisoners, as they had done for some years with the French and English; they also took an Catholic Irish, which he will try to assist. He ransomed a young French woman for 1,000 scudi, who had converted to Catholicism, and was about to lose her honor and faith. He sent her to Nimes in France. Two other women (one from France the other from Denmark) were also ransomed by him for 2,900 scudi and 80 lire. One Englishman converted to Catholicism and some other English and Dutch slaves are considering doing the same.
Date discussed: 1679-09-11
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 475, 119r-120r
1679-05-30
[Adressed to PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 49, 205r, 214r-218v, issue 18 (database item 681).
Original
Italian
Letter
802
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to [the PF secretary,Francesco Ravizza], 1674-05-31, Algiers.
Algiers
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Capuchins
Conversion
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tunis
Salé
Letter from Gio' Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to PF. From the letter that PF has sent to him, Le Vacher understood that PF has been very surprised that he already paid Marcello Costa (who is going to be a missionary in Bizerte), the 30 scudi that was promised by PF. Because of the financial difficulties of Costa, Le Vacher did not only have to give him the money, but also clothes. Le Vacher does not think that Costa did any wrong by staying in Tunis for some time, since there was a great need of priests. There are many poor Christian Catholics in this city, while in Bizerte, there are mostly heretics or scismatics. Now that the two Capuchins sent by PF have arrived in Tunis, he will make sure that Costa will leave for Biserte. Le Vacher asks PF to refund the money to the superior of the CM house in Rome. Now, he will inform PF about the state of Christianity in these regions. They try to cultivate the word of God in as good as manner as possible, and because of the sacraments, most people remain true to the Holy Faith. Moreover, several German, Dutch and Swedish heretics have converted. However, it is true that they lose more souls than they win. Young people have converted in their greatest numbers, mostly because the Mercedarian priests from Spain and Portugal have not been visiting for two years. In Algiers there are 25 slave priests (regulars as well as seculars), who are all in need of help, due to their poverty. In Tetouan there are two priests, there is one at Fes, and at the moment there are none at Sale. When he finds someone to send there, he will inform PF.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 308r-309v
1674-05-31
[Adressed to Francesco Ravizza]
copy; signed
Italian
Letter
884
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to a Capuchin, 1671-11-13, Algiers
Tunis
Capuchins
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to a certain member of the Capuchin order, in which he describes how he ransomed the Capuchin Luigi Da Palermo. Le Vacher used all his money so that Da Palermo could go and work in Tunis. Da Palermo promised to stay there for at least three years, but he left after only a few months, breaking his promise. Le Vacher now asks whether he can be sent back or whether another Capuchin can take his place. The letter dated 13 November 1671.
Date discussed [1672-05-30]
Additional comments
To this letter another letter was added (APF SOCG 433, 2r, 3v; not in this database), written by Marcello Costa and others on 25 December 1671, asking that Luigi Da Palermo be sent back to the mission because his work there was very beneficial for the mission and for the Christians in Tunis. That letter is signed by: Agostino Rossi, a slave priest, Giovanni Luca Bianco, priest, a free Frenchman De Lebar, someone called Picinino, the majordomo of the Bagno della Conceptione Giuseppe Benincasa, Giovanni Battista Brunelli, scribe of Agì Manet Celibi, and the scribe of the Bey, [Giuano?] Giustiniano.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 433, 1r-v
1671-11-13
Addressed to a Capuchin
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 42, 115r-v (database item 710).
Italian
Letter
652
Origin: Algiers
Destination: unknown
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, 1678-10-[17], Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna. On 17 September, Le Vacher received Da Bologna's letter dated 24 August, to which he has not answered yet for two reasons. First of all, he lacked the proper commodities, and secondly, because of his illness. Le Vacher feels very sorry for the persecution of Da Bologna, and for his companions and slave priests, who are regulars as well as seculars. The priest who has been enslaved again, should not be allowed to celebrate mass and administer the sacraments, before he is deamed capable to do so. Da Bologna should also make sure that the priest Augusten Antonio Calendino Da Cosensa does not keep a tavern; as a priest he was never actually allowed to do this. Because there are enough priests in Tunis, and because Father Cherubino [Cherubino Da Frascati] is not able to work, it would be of use to send some companions back to Rome. Maybe that way the persecutions against the slave priests (as well against Da Bologna and his missionaries), will lessen.
Additional comments
The date is either 17 or 18 October, but the handwriting is unclear.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 433r-434v
1678-10-[17]
Adressed to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna
original; signed
Italian
Letter
887
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to Jean Ambrozin, 1671-05-25, Algiers
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher (apostolic vicar in Algiers) to Jean Ambrozin (the French consul in Tunis), in which he lets the consul know that PF is making an inquiry into Ambrozin's activities, as there have been several complaints against him. Le Vacher had been asked by PF to provide a report about the situation, but since he is not in Tunis, he cannot do so, and he asks Ambrozin to provide the information himself. Le Vacher sends to Ambrozin the Capuchin father "Louys Da Palermo" (Luigi Da Palermo), who will give Ambrozin a copy of the letter that Le Vacher received from PF and will write a report on this subject. Le Vacher hopes that Ambrozin will not take to heart the bad reports made against him, and that he will be able to provide the necessary information to dispel the rumors. As soon as Luigi Da Palermo sends him his report, Le Vacher will forward it to PF, but not without adding his own testimony to the virtue of Ambrozin, which he has known for so many years.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 430, 223r-v, 224v
1671-05-25
Adressed to [Jean] Ambrozin
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Original; signed
French
Letter
719
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1679, Algiers]
Algiers
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Tunis
Trinitarians
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. Some days ago Le Vacher received a letter from CM priests, one dated 16 May, and the other of 24 May; the letters listed the many complaints that the Trinitarians have brought against him. They want to be free from his authority (or better the authority that PF has bestowed upon him), as one can understand from the PF letters he attached. The Trinitarians wanted to bring complaints against him to PF. Le Vacher protests, saying that none of the issues are true. Neither could do this, without first sending someone to Algiers to collect the testimonies of the Christian slaves. He still hopes to send these in written form. He was suprised by the Spanish Trinitarians who he has always helped, as he gave them the greater part of the things they needed, and medicines and sheets from France. He maintained their hospitals for two years at his own expense, and sent a Neapolitan priest there to assist them in their work. During this time, the Trinitarian priests never wrote to him, or sent him money for the maintainance of the hospital. He is astonished by their lack of gratitude to bring these lies to PF against him. They only brought these complaints against him because they want to be free from his authority, to which PF had submitted, as one can read from the attached letters. He also feels obliged to inform PF, that the Trinitarian priests usurped the chapels of the baths of Algiers, without any foundation. Le Vacher always protested against these practices for two reasons: a) there is no legitimate basis whatsoever; and b) if they succeed in usurping these chapels, they will take the best in the city. This would mean that the poor slave priests can no longer collect charitable aid, which is needed to pay their infidel masters three pezze da otto reali every month. A certain Trinitarian named Father Bartolomeo Da Serrano has written to Le Vacher multiple times for this reason. He has attached these letters. Da Serrano had written the cross (the arms of the Trinitarians), on a picture that Le Vacher had made two years before Da Serrano's arrival in the bagno of the king. As Da Serrano had this picture placed above the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ, and not at their feet, he had it removed. After this Da Serrano told Le Vacher that he was the owner of the bagno, the altar and the picture. Da Serrano wanted to start a process against Le Vacher in Madrid, however because their claims were disputed, they brought their case to Rome. If PF would decide to free the Trinitarians from the authority of the apostolic vicar, it would make this position meaningless. Two Trinitarians that came to this city last year showed the patents from their provincial father. Because in these letters there was nothing said about the authority of the apostolic vicar, he tore them apart in their presence. He told them that they had six months to get new letters, in which his authority would be respected. He also suspended them from the administration of the sacraments. One of these priests died of the plague, the other was also afflicted but soon recovered and lived, but did not set a good example. Some time ago, he wrote to Spain asking for a substitute for the other priest. This priest tried to introduce in the hospital of the bagno of Chelibis, the veneration of saints connected to his order. He removed the pictures of saints and replaced them with one of San Roch. The Trinitarian procurator general in Rome, Ferdinando de Alaba, stated in his memorial, that the Trinitarians have had the hospitals in their possession for 70 years. He also stated that those who have been sent there are preachers, that taught children the basic principles of the faith. This is not true as they only had the hospitals from July 1663, when they were given to them by a hermit of St. Anthony of Malaga, Ermanno Pedro de la Conceptione. From alms he collected 45 or 50 thousand pezze d'otto reali. The Trinitarians take two or three thousand every year, of which they use around one thousand for the maintenance of the hospitals. For two years they did not even take care of the hospitals at all, and Le Vacher had to pay for them himself. For five or six months now, they are living on the money that the administrator takes from the poor slaves. He tells them, unjustly, that the king of Spain maintains these hospitals. Also, these priests never taught the Christian doctrine to the children in this city, because the Turks will not allow it. Moreover, most administrators are not very educated in theology, the Holy scripture, and morality. The hermit Ermanno Pedro (the founder of the hospitals who got burned at Algiers for the Holy faith), left the hospitals to the Trinitarians of Madrid, as appears in the deed made in Madrid at 2 July 1663. He wanted the money to be kept in a safe that he called 'Archivio Serrata' with two keys, one kept by Jean Le Vacher (or later vicar apostolics), and the other by the Trinitarians. The bills should have been checked by Jean Le Vacher, however there hardly comes any money from Spain, and the money that arrives, is used by the administrator for other purposes. The Trinitarians should send some priests that are more capable and more experienced. Even though the Trinitarians never show any gratitude, Le Vacher has always remained polite. Le Vacher asks PF to obtain the faculties of vicar apostolic from the pope, or to send him a confirmation of his position as archbishop of Carthage. Because he cannot show that he is vicar apostolic, the Trinitarians think that he is usurping this title.
Additional comments
This case takes place around 1679, therefore it is dated in this year, see: APF SOCG 475, 93r-98r, 124v (database item 798).
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 445r-448r
[1679]
Adressed to [PF]
For the attached PF letters, see: APF SC Barbaria1, 449r (database item 894), APF SC Barbaria1, 449r-v (database item 895) and APF SC Barbaria1, 449v-450r (database item 896).
copy
Italian
Letter
893
Origin: [Algiers]
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 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, 1671-01-20, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Conversion
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tunis
Slave priests
Letter from the vicar apostolic in Algiers Jean Le Vacher, who writes that he has ransomed a Capuchin (Luigi Da Palermo) for 677 scudi, and that he sent him to Tunis to help the people there. Luigi Da Palermo has also written to Le Vacher about an Ethiopian slave named Stefano, who endures many beatings because he does not want to renounce his faith; it would cost 177 piastre to free him. Jean Le Vacher also writes that the Christians live virtuously, which has motivated some heretics to convert. The slave priests there need three piastre a month in order to be able to feed and dress themselves. The slaves from the Papal States have no hope of being saved, while slaves from other areas are regularly ransomed; for instance, there are many Trinitarians from Castile, Andalusia and Flanders who ransom people from their own areas. Because of their hopeless situation, the slaves from the Papal States are tempted to renounce the faith. Some declared themselves subjects of the king of France so that they could be ransomed. PF decides that Cardinal de Maximus will give money to the Trinitarians, so that they can free Stefano and other Christian slaves from the Papal States.
Date discussed: 1671-08-03
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 429, 278r-279v
1671-01-20
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 243r, 252r-v.
There is a letter by PF which is probably the response to this one, see: APF Lettere 57, 75r (database item 863).
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
716
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1671-07-01, Algiers
Algiers
Ransom
Trinitarians
Tunis
Capuchins
Slave priests
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. They probably know by now that Luigi Da Palermo has returned to Sicily, and has left the mission of Tunis. Le Vacher had ransomed him for 650 piastre and given him the position of provicar apostolic for three years. Now he is of the understanding that there is talk of Luigi being ransomed by others and not by him, and that he is therefore free to go wherever he wants. Because this is something other than what Le Vacher has told PF, he will show them proof. He also informs PF about the Trinitarian Bartolomeo Da Serrano, who did not want to show Le Vacher his faculties. Moreover he administered the sacraments in inappropriate places, and tried to stop Le Vacher going to the chapels that he administered. Because he could not solve the problem in a friendly way, he has decided to threathen Da Serrano with interdiction if he keeps administering the sacrements, and does not show his faculties.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 430, 289r-v, 293r
1671-07-01
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
See for the statement of El Sidy El Hagi Gigeri and Mehamet Langét about the ransoming of Luigi Da Palermo, APF SOCG 430, 289r-v, 293r (database item 741).
See for the statement of a group of priests in Algiers: APF SOCG 430, 291r (database item 742).
See for the statement of Jean Dubourdieu, the consul of Algiers: APF SOCG 292r (database item 743).
Original;signed
Italian
Letter
740
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1672-08-01, Algiers
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Jesuits
Slave priests
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Giovanni Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to [PF]. According to the letter from 14 March 1671 he had to find a priest for Bizerte. He has found no-one more capable for the task than Marcello Costa, who is currently staying in Tunis. It is not necessary for him to stay there since they already is a Jesuit, a Capuchin, and some slave priests. It is up to PF to decide how much he should be paid for this work. He has heard that there are two priests in Tunis (Costantino Grillo and Michele Lipari), who wear clothes that they are not allowed to wear. Worse still, they also celebrate mass, which they are not allowed to do so. Le Vacher asks [PF] to do something about this case. He also reminds PF that Bartolomeo Da Serrano (a Spanish Trinitarian), is still staying in Algiers and does not want to accept the authority of the vicar apostolic, even though his superiors asked him to do so. PF decides to give Marcello Costa 30 scudi a year, for three years.
Date discussed: 1673-02-28
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 438, 465r, 466r-v, 467v
1672-08-01
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 43, 44r-v.
See for the mentioned letter from PF: APF LETTERE 59, 12r (database item 606).
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
769
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
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 the PF Prefect [Paluzio Altieri], 1681-08-29, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. Some days ago he received a letter from a CM superior in Rome, from which Le Vacher understood that Altieri believed that he had extended his jurisdiction over Tripoli, where he had sent a censure of excommunication. PF asked him with a letter dated 30 April 1680, to remedy some problems with Greek slaves in Tripoli, who exercised ecclesiastical functions and administered the sacraments. He has done nothing else, and would not have done anything were it not for PF's request. Later the superior of the house in Rome wrote to him again, informing him that there had been a request to declare Gasparo Stella missionary apostolic in Algiers, and that PF had requested Le Vacher's opinion; so far, he has not yet received a reply. He does however, have a great need of help in the spiritual care of the Christians. His old age and continuous illness has deprived him of the consolation of saying mass, and impeded him to send PF reports on the mission regularly. Therefore, he asks PF to send the new missionary as soon as possible. A French merchant wrote to him some time ago from Tunis, that a group of Capuchins arrived in the city. He had problems allowing there presence, as he (nor Le Vacher) knew that they were coming. Now Le Vacher asks PF what he should do with these Capuchins. In the kingdom of Tunis there is also a place called Capo Negro, which has recently been inhabited by the Genoese. A Trinitarian from Messina fled from Sicily without permission and arrived in Tunis, where Le Vacher forced him to leave as well. He took refuge in Capo Negro, where he is exercising sacerdotal functions. He already asked the governor of this place twice, to make this priest return to Christendom. He asks PF to tell him whether he has jurisdiction over Capo Negro or not, so he is aware of what he is allowed to do.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 511r-512r
1681-08-29
Adressed to [PF]
For the FP letter that Le Vacher did not receive yet, see: APF LETTERE 70, 43r-v (database item 642).
original; signed
Italian
Letter
901
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to the PF Prefect [Paluzio Altieri], 1681-12-13, Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. He received two letters from PF, one dated 5 May 1681, and the other dated 17 October 1681. In the first letter, they ask him about his opinion on a new missionary. He already responded to this request, by saying that his old age and his illness do not allow him to work for the mission as he used to. He has great need for help at the mission, therefore he asks PF to appoint this candidate as missionary. In the second letter, he received a leaflet about the universal jubilee, which he has to publish. He will do it right away, and make sure that these poor slaves will be spiritually consoled. Because of the renewed warfare between Algiers and France, the slaves have increased in numbers since October. In the last two months there have been over twenty priests (regulars as well as seculars), enslaved. Because they were completely naked, he provided them with the habit of their oders, as well as other clothing. He also gives them other possessions to live, as their patrons do not give them anything. To be extempt from work, they are also required to pay three scudi every month.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 532r-v
1681-12-13
Adressed to [PF]
For the first letter from PF to Le Vacher, see: APF LETTERE 70, 43r-v (database item 642).
Le Vacher responded in another letter to the request of the missionary status for Stella, see: APF SC Barbaria1, 511r-512r (database item 901).
original; signed
Italian
Letter
902
Origin: [Algiers]
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 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 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 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], 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