Miscellaneous Documents
Augustin Tamarit, a physician, of the town of Salas, was imprisoned in the Inquisition on the third of July, 1757, and tried for heretical speeches. The following are some of the articles of the accusation, with the imputed assertions qualified; that is, their character and tendency formally pronounced by the officers of the Inquisition.
In the Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, on the twentyninth day of March, one thousand seven hundred and fiftysix, at the morning audience, the Inquisitors Licentiate Don Joseph Otero y Cossio, Licentiate Dr Manuel de Guell y Serra as Calificadores, and Father Mariano Alberich, Jesuit, Fray Augustin Voltas, Dominican, Fray Raphael Talavera, Minim, and Fray Buenaventura de Lanuza, Observante, all of this Holy Office—having read article by article the following propositions, qualified them in the following manner.
A certain person, a native of these kingdoms, has asserted,
That the Moors were wealthy, prosperous, and in the enjoyment of plentiful rain, directly the reverse of us Christians, and concluded by saying ‘What remains for us but to join the Moors?’ On another occasion he asserted that it was better to be bad than good, as good people were generally poor, and bad ones rich.
The first part of this proposition is scandalous, savouring of Molinism and apostacy. The last is heretical.
Speaking of the bishops, he said, in answer to a question, ‘What power have they to ordain priests?’
This proposition is insulting to the episcopal dignity, and by the way in which it is expressed, the inference is drawn that it is virtually heretical.
That the friars and ecclesiastics devoured the people, and that the king ought to take them into his service, by which means he would have soldiers enow.
This is scandalous, and insulting to the ecclesiastical and secular state.
That the figures of the Saints were said to work miracles, and if this were the fact, let one of them be thrown into the river to see if he could save himself.
Blasphemous and virtually heretical.
That it was a great pity for a man to be obliged to tell another, meaning the Confessor, everything he did, and that it would be better to speak into a hole and stop it up, for ‘what good did confession do?’ That he went to confession but once a year, signifying that but for constraint he would not go at all.
This is heretical, as it is a scorning of the Divine institution of sacramental confession.
Speaking of the supplications which are made for rain, he asked, ‘What use is there in running after these Saints, and what power have they to make it rain? What is the use of carrying in procession these images?’ meaning several, and among others that of Nuestra Señora del Coll, ‘as they are nothing but bits of wood or stone.’
A heretical blasphemy.
Speaking of the Bull of the Santa Cruzada, he asserted that if he was sovereign, he would hang every one who received the Bull.
This is insulting, et sapiens hæresin.
Speaking of the chapels and hermitages in the village where he lived, he asked ‘What do those images do there?’ meaning, ‘Why do not people destroy them?’
A heretical blasphemy.
Others saying to him ‘Let us go to mass,’ he answered by asking, ‘What could they get by hearing mass?’ thus disturbing the devotions of the hearers, and scorning this holy performance.
Considered in connexion with the other assertions, this is scandalous, and sapiens hæresin.
Speaking of Indulgences, he said with some contempt, that he should value six dineros more than all the Indulgences together, and that they were good for nothing.
Scandalous and heretical.
Speaking of prodigies and miracles, he said that from the time of Christ to the present day there had been no miracles, that he knew this well, since he had conversed with a learned person. On another occasion, discoursing on the same subject, he said, that God had never performed a miracle, and he knew it, making at the same time the sign of the cross upon his forehead.
Heretical.
Speaking of tithes, he asserted that, were it not for compulsion, he would not pay tithes, and that it would be better for people to enjoy the fruit of their labors themselves, and not the ecclesiastics.
Insulting and scandalous.
Speaking of burials and supplications for the dead, he asserted that when he died he would as willingly be interred in common, as in consecrated ground, and that but for compulsion he would not have a mass said for his soul.
Sapit hæresin.
He spoke with disrespect of the Holy Inquisition, and said that the Inquisition corrected none but madmen and fools, making them declare just what was desired, and then punishing them.
Scandalous and insulting to the Holy Tribunal.
The bells tolling for a dead person, some one said to him, ‘Let us say a paternoster for the dead,’ to which he replied with contempt, ‘To what purpose all these prayers for the dead?’ The other person answering that they were supplications for his soul if in Purgatory, inasmuch as the souls, which do not go to heaven or hell, are detained in Purgatory, he replied scoffingly to this effect: ‘Who has ever been in Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory, to tell us what becomes of the souls of the dead?’ adding, that sooner than die he would be transformed to a horse, an ant, or any other animal, for dead men never come back, and that when dead he would as willingly be buried in rubbish as in consecrated ground.
Heretical.
Speaking of supplications for rain, he said they were good for nothing, and that it was nonsense to waste money for this purpose, for whether supplications were made or not, it would rain and shine just as it did in other parts of the world; that the rain depended upon the clouds, and God did not concern himself about it, adding, ‘Search in what part God exists to make it rain;’ and some one answering him, he repeated that they must get this error out of their heads, about supplicating for rain, as it was of no effect.
Scandalous and heretical.
That St Thomas committed errors like the rest, and that it was useless to cite the authority of the Holy Fathers, for they were not to the purpose.
Scandalous and insulting to the Holy Fathers.
That we could not be certain that the supplications produced rain or cured sickness, and that it was superstitious to believe so as the vulgar did.
Heretical.
The person who uttered the above sayings is declared unanimously to be a scandalous, presumptuous, and insulting blasphemer of the Saints, Holy Fathers, the Pope, and Ecclesiastical State, and to be suspected de vehementi.
Mariano Alberich.
Fr. Rafael Talavera.
Fr. Augustin Voltas.
F. Buenaventina de Lanuza.
Juan Antonio Almonacid, Sec’y.
[Dr Tamarit, however, was fortunate enough to escape with a penance, the customary reprimands and threats in case of repeating his offences, and an imprisonment of about three months.]
In the town of Cardona, in the bishopric of Celsona, on the thirtieth of May, one thousand six hundred and fortyeight, in the afternoon, appeared voluntarily, before the Revered Joseph Riera, Presbyter and Commissary of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, and Dr Pablo Serra, Presbyter Rector of the said town of Cardona, and Notary, sworn, a woman calling herself Vitoria Sala, wife of Hermenter Sala, who came, as she stated, to give information of something relating to the Holy Office.
Questioned, what she had to declare.
Answered, that about a year ago, while she was confessing herself in the church of San Diego, of the aforesaid town of Cardona, to Father Fr. Felix Coll, a regular Ecclesiastic of St Francisco, and at that time Conventual of the Convent of San Diego, on many occasions during the act of confession or immediately after, and while in the confessionary, he had told her that he should ruin her, and many times he practised touching her face, thighs, and back. On one occasion he endeavored to feel of her bosom but she prevented him. At other times he touched and squeezed her with his hands, and in one instance attempted to kiss her, which she avoided by turning away her head. He told her that she must not discover these things to any other confessor, for he did not behave thus with any bad intention, but for the purpose of removing her scruples, and that it would be for her benefit.
The deponent was informed that the Promoter Fiscal of the Holy Office presented her as a witness in a cause under his direction against the said Father Fr. Felix. She was directed to give attention while her deposition was read word for word, and she declared that it was all true, and that she had nothing to add, diminish, or alter, respecting it, as it was the truth, and if necessary she was ready to repeat it anew against the said Father Fr. Felix Coll; that she did not make the declaration out of malice or ill will, but solely to discharge her conscience. The said Vitoria not being able to write, I, the said Commissary, sign in her name.
Joseph Riera, Presbyter Commissary.
Before me—
Pablo Serra, Presbyter, Rector of Cardona,
sworn Notary.
In the town of Cardona, in the bishopric of Celsona, on the fourth of August, one thousand six hundred and ninetyeight, before the Reverend Joseph Riera, Commissary of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, appeared, according to summons from Celadonio Siejas, sworn Nuncio of the Holy Office, a woman calling herself Vitoria Salas, an inhabitant of the town of Cardona, in the bishopric of Celsona, aged, as she stated, thirtyfive years, more or less. She was formally sworn to declare the truth and preserve secrecy.
Questioned, if she knew why she was summoned to appear.
Answered, that she supposed it to be on account of the following statement which she had made to the Inquisition. She had confessed herself in the chapel of San Luis, or the church of the Convent of San Diego, in the town of Cardona, to Father Fr. Felix Coll, of the order of St. Francisco, then residing in the said convent, and, during confession or immediately after, while in the confessionary of that chapel, where he was deputed to hear confessions from February till September, 1697, he, at various times to the number of twenty or twentyfive, touched her with his hands, squeezed her face and neck, and on one occasion attempted to kiss her, but she prevented him by turning away her head. Also, on another occasion, he told her that he should ruin her, and that she must not speak of it or discover it to any one, as he did not act from any bad intention, but that all was done for her benefit. He further told her that he wanted to go to her house.
Questioned, if she knew that this person had solicited any others during confession or immediately before or after.
Answered, that she had no knowledge of any such matter, but had been told by Marianna Guer y Savall, that the same Father Fr. Felix Coll had squeezed her hands in the act of confession several times.
The above is the truth according to the oath of the deponent. She was enjoined secrecy, which she promised. I sign in her name,
Before me—
Vitoria Sala.
Dr Pablo Serra Presbyter,
Rector of Cardona, &c.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
When the guilty acknowledge their offences and repent with sorrow, God accepts them and grants them his most holy grace; and inasmuch as I have been so unfortunate as to commit some offences which relate to this Holy Tribunal, I transmit the following confession of them, not being able to present myself in person.
I was accustomed frequently in the town of Cardona, to hear the confessions of a married woman named Vitoria Sala. I never took any great liberties with her, but touched her a few times while in the confessionary. Neither I nor she had any bad intention in this, but as I perceived that she was affected with some internal inquietude, I took her by the hand and touched her face and bosom with the other, as also her neck; this I did thirty or forty times. These slight faults I confess before God and the Holy Tribunal on account of the scandal which they may occasion. I cast myself at the feet of your Excellency, hoping to have my offences overlooked with love and charity, and promising henceforth the amendment of my errors. Trusting in this my conscience remains quiet, and I continue secure in my obedience, praying to God for the prosperity of your Excellency.
Gerona, September fourteenth, 1697.
Your most humble servant, who kisses the feet of your Excellency,
Fr. Felix Coll
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
Since my letter of the fourteenth of September, to your Excellency, I have conducted myself with great circumspection on account of the charges I made to your Excellency against myself for faults committed against the Holy Tribunal. And as I am hindered from presenting myself at the feet of your Excellency, I again place myself in the same condition, under the shelter and patronage of the Holy Tribunal, in order that your Excellency, as the father of all piety and clemency, may clear my conscience and soul. Your Excellency must know then, that during a year which I lived in the town of Cardona as preacher of the convent, I was in the practice of confessing a certain female named Vitoria Sala, who was afflicted with many scruples, and in order to remove them at the pressing instances of her husband, I suffered myself to be led away by the devil so far as to behave with much impropriety towards her, as on many occasions when she was at my feet, I uttered to her very unchaste language, touching her bosom and face with my hands. This I did to the amount of seventy times or thereabout. Also, being without the confessionary, I gave her many embraces, and solicited her to love me. Although it be true that I practised these evil deeds, yet by the mercy of God I did not injure her honor or reputation.
Furthermore at the same time I was so forgetful of my duty, that, falling unhappily in company with a female named Marianna Guer y Savall, who came to the holy confessionary to confess her faults to me, which faults were committed in my own person, the devil was so crafty that he caused me, a miserable sinner, to be led away in ten or twelve instances to speak language of endearment to her, and touch her bosom and face. These, father of all clemency, are my depraved actions in the Holy Sacrament of penitence. Instead of directing these two souls in the way of salvation, I led them to the devil by reason of my incontinence, malice, and little fear of God. And now, as God has granted me time, place, and occasion, I throw myself, like another Prodigal Son, at your feet, that like a loving father you may extend toward me whatever may be requisite to punish my heavy sins and offences, promising henceforth, to amend my evil ways, that the light of God may shine more clear. May God prosper and guard the infinite years of your Excellency.
Barcelona, May seventeenth, 1698.
Your most unworthy servant, who kisses
the feet of your Excellency,
Fr. Felix Coll.
P. S. Although I write from this city, yet I have come hither to throw myself at the feet of your Excellency. My residence is in the Convent of St Francisco in Gerona.
In the Imperial College of Tortosa, on the eighteenth day of March, seventeen hundred, the Inquisitor Licentiate, Don Juan Joseph Hualte presiding sole in the afternoon audience, having examined the information and proceedings in this Inquisition against Fr. Felix Coll, an Ecclesiastic and Confessor, of the Order of St Francisco, and a resident in the Convent of that order in Gerona,
Ordered that he be reprehended, admonished, and directed to refrain from confessing females in private; submitting this sentence to the Council.
Before me—
Don Juan de Castilla.
[Further proceedings were carried on against this person, but suspended by his death.]
In the town of Besahi, on the twentysecond day of February, one thousand seven hundred and eightyfour, before me, Estevan Castanir, Presbyter and Curate of the Parochial Church of St Vicente, and me, Lorenzo Terrader, Presbyter and Canon of the Collegial Church of Besahi, Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, according to summons, and made oath to declare the truth, and preserve secrecy, Juan Ricart, porter royal, a native of the above town, of age, as he stated, thirtyfive years or thereabout.
Questioned, if he knew the cause of his being summoned to appear.
Answered, that he could conjecture nothing.
Questioned, if he knew that any person had said aught which was, or appeared to be contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Doctrine.
Answered, No.
He was then given to understand that information had been received and sworn to in this Holy Office, that a certain person had, accompanied by others, been to a certain castle in search of enchanted money; that they had signed a compact with the devil; that on reading a book the devil had appeared to them and promised them riches; and that he, the said Juan Ricart could give intelligence of these and many other things. For this reason he was admonished, in the name of our Lord and his glorious and blessed Mother, to bethink himself and declare the whole truth.
Answered, that in June or July, 1783, he learned that Narcisso Mañalich, Advocate, with some associates were about to visit the devil in search of money; which information he had communicated to the Alcalde of this town; that these persons went to the castle of Madremaña, where the devil appeared to them. They read from a book, and the devil asked what they wanted. The one who was reading (name not known) answered, ‘Twentyfive millions.’ The devil replied they must give themselves to him. They signed the agreement, and were allowed six years to live. They then demanded the money and were told that they must bring him a certain stone (piedra de espiritu). They went afterwards to the castle of Esponella, read the book, and the devil came. He asked what they wanted. They answered, the money which he had promised. He asked for the stone, and they replied that some one had stolen it. He then exclaimed, ‘Fulfil your promise, and I will fulfil mine,’ and disappeared. All this the deponent learned from the account of Mañalich and his companions.
Some days afterwards, the greater part of the same persons were assembled at the house of Juan Traver de Ursall, in Barcelona, where the deponent was present to watch their proceedings, by the direction of the Alcalde of Besahi. He was also to endeavour to get possession of the book, and have them all apprehended. The other persons present were the said Mañalich, Juan Fraver de Ursall, his wife, a young man of the family, and Monsieur Josef. It was resolved in the meeting, to choose a new reader, and practise further operations. A person in the town of Junquera was elected, and it was resolved to go to the castle of Benda, on the next Tuesday. The deponent went to the Alcalde with this intelligence, and he despatched a party, with the deponent, to lie in wait for them at a place on their route, but they had taken the alarm and avoided the deponent’s company. The deponent was informed by Tomas Riera that he had gone by night to Gerona, to get some nails out of the coffin of a child of three or four years, and that on beginning to dig, there appeared to him many visions. Mañalich told the deponent that he believed the devil never cheated any one, but performed all his promises. The abovementioned Tomas Riera had slept with Monsieur Josef, and he was accustomed to hold conversations with the devil in his own language; and the persons aforementioned had informed the deponent that Monsieur Josef had obtained money of the devil.
Questioned, what was the age, personal appearance, &c., of the said Narcisco Mañalich, and of all the others. [Here follows the description.]
The above is the truth according to the oath of the deponent, &c.
Juan Ricart, Porter Royal
Before me—
Lorenzo Terrader, Canon, and Presbyter
Notary, appointed for this investigation.
In the town of Besahi, bishopric of Gerona, on the twentyfourth day of February, one thousand seven hundred and eightyfour, before the abovementioned officers sworn to preserve secrecy and perform well our duties, appeared, according to summons, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Miguel Berga, advocate, a native of this town, aged thirtythree years.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear.
Answered, that he supposed it to be on account of Mañalich’s affair.
Questioned, if he had written any letter or communication to the Holy Office of the Inquisition, giving an account of any crime within his knowledge; what were the contents of that paper or communication, and by whose hand was it written.
Answered, that he had written three letters to Dr Ignacio Sans Pabordre, at Figueras; that in the first, dated July fourteenth, 1783, he stated that the said Mañalich had told him he had gone twice with his associates to the castle of Esponella after money, and that both times the devil had appeared to them; that they had all signed a bargain with him, and were promised the money when they returned to the castle.
The second, dated August fourth, 1783, stated that Mañalich had declared that the sixth day of that month was fixed upon to visit the castle of Monroig, in search of money.
The third, dated the thirteenth of the same month, informed that he had seen Mañalich, but could give no further intelligence respecting the affair, and that something more might be learned from Juan Ricart.
The deponent went on to declare that Josef Llonella informed him that he and the said Mañalich, accompanied by Jaime Gubert, a young man of Besahi, went to Montpelier to meet a Jew, in order to learn from him the means of obtaining money by diabolical art. The Jew gave them a maggot within a tube, and told them a maggot must be added to the tube every day to be eaten, and that if they swore, which they did, to make a league with the devil, and perform what he directed them, written upon a paper, they should have what money they pleased. They signed in blood an agreement with the devil, written in his own characters, and promised never to go to confession. Notwithstanding they did everything according to the Jew’s directions, they got nothing.
The deponent continued in these words;—‘Some time afterwards I called upon Mañalich, endeavouring to bring him into the company of the abovementioned Dr Pabordre Sans, or Dr Revira, Canon of the Cathedral of Gerona, but he replied to me that he would not see either of them till he got the money; and furthermore informed me that they and the devil had fixed upon the sixteenth of August for the time to receive the treasure; that the devil appeared to them dressed in red, and promised if one of their number were given up to him, they should have thirtyone millions; that Mañalich offered himself, and the devil gave him eight years to live, but this period was not to begin till the money was received. I exclaimed, “The devil will deceive you.” He answered that the devil’s promises were truer than the Faith, and further told me that to raise the devil, the following things were necessary;—a book which directed everything that was to be said, a loadstone, a piedra de espiritu, six nails from the coffin of a child of three years, six tapers of rosewax made by a child of four years, the skin and blood of a young kid, an iron fork with which the kid was to be killed, camphorated high proof brandy, lignumvitæ charcoal to make a fire, and hazel rods. Intelligence of all this I gave to Sr Domero Gerones, the Vicar Boada, and the Alcayde. The Alcayde sent Juan Ricart, his porter, to join them, and learn the day fixed upon for going, after the money, in order that he might take them prisoners. This Juan Ricart went with them for some days, and gave notice when the Jew arrived who was to read the book. The Alcayde set a watch for them, which was discovered, and the Jew escaped.
‘After this, I endeavoured again to bring Mañalich into company with Dr Pabordre Sans. This I effected, but found that Mañalich would not declare the truth to the Doctor. He gave me to understand that he still retained the book and instruments enumerated above, and they should let the business lie by for some time, without speaking about it, and then renew it and get the money of the devil. Afterwards, when I censured his conduct, he tried to make me believe that all he had told me was a fabrication, but I have always believed it to be the truth.’
The above having been read to the deponent, is declared by him to be correctly recorded, and the truth according to the oath sworn by him.
Signed,
Miguel Antentas y Berga, Advocate.
Before me—
Lorenzo Terrader, Presbyter and Canon,
Notary in this investigation.
In the town of Besahi, on the thirtieth day of May, one thousand, seven hundred and eightyfour, before the abovementioned officers, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully their duties, appeared, according to summons, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Josef Gircos, Advocate of Besahi, a native and inhabitant of the said town, of age, as he stated, thirtysix years or thereabout.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear.
Answered, No.
Questioned, if he knew that any person had said or done aught which was, or appeared to be contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith, and Evangelical Doctrine.
Answered, No.
He was then given to understand that information had been received and sworn to in this Holy Office, that certain persons, Narciso Mañalich and Josef Llorella, had been at Montpelier to visit a Jew, &c. [Here follows a recapitulation of the preceding testimony.]
Answered, that he had heard the same from Narciso Mañalich, and what he knew of the matter was the following;—‘About eighteen months since, this person and Josef Llorella y Saler, of this town, left the place, accompanied by a young man named Gubert. To what place they went, and whether they kept company all the way, I do not know. They were gone about three weeks, and shortly after their return I heard Miguel Antentas y Berga, Advocate, of this town, declare that they had been to Montpelier, in France, to meet a Jew who was to show them how to obtain money by diabolical arts; that the Jew gave Mañalich a maggot in a tube, to which he was to add a new maggot every day to be eaten, and that the Jew told them they might have as much money as they wanted by swearing a pact with the devil, and doing what he prescribed to them upon a written paper. One of the conditions was, never to go to confession. For these instructions I think the said Antentas told me they paid the Jew seven or nine Louis d’ors. On their return from Montpelier, at a village or place near Bisbal, they made trial of one of the Jew’s methods of obtaining money. This was done at a spot where two roads crossed each other. A trench was dug in the ground and a hen killed, with the blood of which they all wrote their names on a paper and placed the same in the trench, taking care, as the Jew directed them, not to be frightened. Notwithstanding they complied with all these directions, the money did not appear.
‘After their return to this town, they went with some others to the castle of Esponella, where the book was read for the purpose of raising the devil. Here the devil appeared in the shape of a man dressed in flesh colored clothes, and, as Antentas told me, with large eyes. The devil asked what they wanted, to which Mañalich or some other replied, “Money, good money, and not enchanted.” The devil told them they should have it if one of the number would give himself up, but this no one of them was willing to do.
‘Llorella related the affair to his wife, and she gave information of it to Antonio Rigalt, that he might assist in extricating her husband from such a desperate business. Rigalt consulted Antentas and they concluded to lay the case before the Inquisition, which was done.
‘What Antentas knew of the affair he learnt of Rigalt, Llorella, and Mañalich. Afterwards, when Llorella repented of his connexion with the others, and left their company, I think I heard him say, at the house of Antentas, that he had seen, shortly before, in the possession of Mañalich, the paper which the Jew gave them, and that the devil appeared to them in a flesh colored dress, with large eyes and sharp finger nails. I was afterwards told by Antentas that Mañalich, seeing Llorella had left them and they could not proceed with their undertaking according to the direction of the Jew, who informed them that if one of the number died or left them they must get another, made choice of an uncle of Traver beforementioned, for this purpose.
‘Mañalich then resolved to give himself up to the devil according to his demand, stipulating for some years’ grace. This matter was discussed by the company at the castle of Esponella, in connexion with a plan for getting thirtyone millions, or some such sum, from the devil. The plan, however, failed in this manner. On the night of Monday, before St John’s day, in 1783, the company, or part of them, met at the house of Traver, but Mañalich being suddenly taken sick, could not accompany them to the castle.
‘Antentas also informed me, that he told Mañalich that the devil would deceive him, and that he could not make any man rich. To this he replied that the devil fulfilled all his promises, and that if he once got the money of him, he would go to confession nevertheless, and so would cheat the devil. He also told me, in the month of August of the same year, that Mañalich had resolved to make an attempt for the money again, at the abovementioned castle, or at another, called the castle of Buadella; that he deferred it on account of the affair having become noised abroad. Since this time I have heard nothing of him or his undertakings, except that he proposed another journey to Montpelier, and offered two hundred pounds to Simon Escaellar or Ventura to accompany him.’
The above is the truth, according to the oath of the deponent, who declares that he has not spoken out of malice, but solely in obedience to his conscience, and having been read to him, is declared to be correctly recorded.
Signed—
Josef Gircos, Advocate.
Before me—
Lorenzo Terrader Presbyter,
Notary in this investigation.
Don Leonardo Vidal, assistant to a founder of brass cannon, aged twentythree years, a native of San Estevan de Ripollet, in the diocese of Barcelona, and residing in la Rambla, near the theatre, next door to a tallow chandler’s, to discharge his conscience, and for no other purpose, gives the following information to the Holy Office.
Antonio Suarez, the keeper of a coffee-house, opposite the Theatre in la Rambla, has in one of his rooms six or eight pictures, rather coarsely done, two of which contain indecent figures. All of these the informant has seen, but remembers only one, which represents a young man taking hold of a female who has her bosom indecently exposed. The said Antonio is about fifty years of age, lame and splayfooted, with one arm partly crippled and the fingers contracted.
Also, with the same motive, he gives information that Dr Manuel Portius, Presbyter, a public teacher of Latin and the Humanities, aged thirtyeight years, of a low stature, and with a somewhat long nose, living in the Baxada de San Miguel, in the third story of a house, the corner of which is occupied by a baker, has several pictures, colored and uncolored, among which are some representing females whose bosoms are scandalously exposed, and others with improper representations. One of these has this title; ‘L’Abbé a la Toilette,’ and exhibits with other figures, a priest in his calotte, very nicely dressed in the clothes of a layman, seated at the side of a lady, with whom he appears to be talking about dress. All these pictures of Dr Manuel Portius are handsomely executed, and consequently the more provocative and scandalous. They are hung upon the walls of his cabinet or study, in view of every one who enters, and particularly of his pupils, the number of whom, as I understand, amounts to nearly thirty.
Furthermore, he gives information that Don Felipe Crame, a captain in the royal artillery, tall, light complexioned, red haired, and blind of one eye, aged thirtyfive years, being in conversation with the informant and three others, whose names will be hereafter specified, made the following observation:—‘A Spanish officer whom I hold in estimation, has said that it was not the will of God that there should be any kings, which could be proved by a passage from scripture.’ This passage he quoted, which was not to the purpose, but only, as I remember, stated that God told the Israelites that a king was not convenient for them. The name of this officer, the said Don Felipe Crame did not mention, and nothing else respecting him is known to the informant.
The persons who heard these observations from the mouth of the said Don Felipe Crame, were Don Manuel Pe, an assistant of the cannon founder, and Don Antonio de la Torre, clerk of the director of the foundry. There are also others who have some knowledge of the same; namely, Don Manuel Brito, and Don Alexandro Vicente, assistants in the foundry.
The informant undertook to make an accusation in the name of the above persons. He also apprized the said Don Felipe Crame, that he was under an obligation to denounce his friend, and as the informant knows not whether this has been performed, he gives the present information in order fully to discharge his conscience.
Barcelona, February fourth, 1793.
Leonardo Vidal.
TO OUR COMMISSARY, THE REVEREND ANTONIO FONT, PRESBYTER.
We herewith transmit you a letter, received by us, from Don Leonardo Vidal, assistant to a founder of cannon, and a resident in this city. We hereby commission you to summon him to appear before you, and ascertain according to form whether the letter be his, causing him to specify clearly every circumstance of person, place, and time, relating thereto. This done in due form, and before a Presbyter in your confidence to serve as Notary, you will forward the minutes of the examination to us along with these papers. Our Lord preserve you many years.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, February seventh, 1793.
Dr Don Pedro Diaz de Valdes.
The Licentiate,
Don Manuel de Merra y Paniagua.
Dr Don Joseph Francisco Gonzales de Noboa,
Secretary.
TO THE REVEREND CURATE OF THE PARISH OF ST MARTIN DE PROVENSAL.
Information has been received in this Holy Office, that Antonio Axis, and Josefa, his wife, who perform cures, and practise various superstitions, have taken up their abode in Clot, in the district of St Martin de Provensal. The tribunal have, in consequence, ordered that a letter be despatched, ordering you to make investigations respecting these facts, and also respecting the life and conduct of the said persons, whether they obey the precepts of the church, and attend at confession and communion. Our Lord preserve you many years.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, September ninth, 1803.
Dr Don Cyro Valls y Geli, Sec’y.
Answer.
In obedience to the orders of the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition, which God preserve in all its strength, dated the ninth of this month, I have made the following investigation. I summoned before me Joseph Masvidal of this village, and made him swear not to divulge to any one the questions I asked him, and also to declare to me the truth. I demanded who informed him that Antonio Axis could cure his disorder. He answered, Felipe Cadena of this place, and Pablo Marine of the Llano de Barcelona. Felipe Cadena stated that the said Antonio had cured him by cutting off the crest of a black cock, taking from it three drops of blood, mixing it with water and making him drink it, adding that if a priest were in the house, it would be necessary to go out of doors to practise the operation.
I demanded what medicines the said Antonio prescribed him. He replied that the first was a white onion and five plantain leaves. These were cut up and placed upon his stomach, which relieved his pain, a symptom which the wife of Antonio pronounced good. The cure, however, not being effected, he was ordered to procure a partridge, twentyfive needles, and a new pot, all of them to be bought and carried home with the left hand. The needles were to be stuck into the partridge with great fury, and the whole put into the pot. Then at midnight the sick man was to set it on the fire with the left hand, and with the left hand keep stirring the fire till two o’clock in the morning. He informed him that during this, the tables and plates would put themselves in motion, but that he must not be frightened, as he should be present himself. All these directions were followed, and there were also present at the time, Francisco Vintro, and Francisco Siralt, his brothers-in-law, to keep him in courage during the operation. At two o’clock he took it off the fire, but found himself no better. Antonio’s wife, Josefa, directed broth to be made for him, he being as thin and spare as if he had suffered a long illness. This was done the next morning, when he found himself exceedingly weak and fatigued. A similar case occurred, as he believes, to a tavern keeper in Barcelona, which is known to the Reverend Father F. Juan Mesados.
His health not improving for the space of three months, he saw Axis again, who made signs of the cross upon the parts of his body where he felt pain, but this had no more effect than the preceding experiments. Axis then told him that he was possessed by five companies and five captains of evil spirits, that the companies amounted to five hundred in number, and might be easily cast out, but the five captains were not so easily got rid of. He proceeded to exorcise them, and Masvidal fell to screaming and behaving like one possessed. The little ones, as he called them, being despatched, he went to work upon the captains, and the first night, after supper, about nine o’clock, he began to make signs of the cross, and talk in unintelligible language. He then gave two loud screams, so horrible as to frighten every one; and Axis affirmed that they were heard in the farthest regions of the air by the other spirits. On this occasion, the two brothers-in-law, beforementioned, were present.
Axis declared that the spirits were not despatched, and he exacted a promise from them by the mouth of the patient, that they would depart at nine o’clock the next morning; but continuing to remain at that time, they promised anew in the same manner, to depart at nine that night. The patient sent for Juan Munseis, Juan Baxo, and Antonio Torras, all inhabitants of the place. At nine o’clock, the performances before described, were repeated, the patient suffering greatly, crying out and talking, as people do when bewitched. This was repeated morning and night, for five or six days.
All this producing no effect, they advised him to confess the whole to the abovementioned Reverend Father, F. Juan Mesados Servita. This was agreed to, and Axis, the patient, Munseis, Torras, and Baxo, went to his cell. The Reverend Father repeated some exorcisms, and Axis repeated his crossings and supplications. He afterwards declared he had seen the spirits, and described their shapes.
My informant also stated that Axis possessed the power to restrain the tempests, for as they were returning in company from St Cypria, a storm overtook them, and he was in great terror. Axis told him that a shower of stones was falling at San Cucufase del Valles, but that he need not fear, as he would shelter them from it, by means of a prayer that he knew. And so it happened, for the shower fell as they learned afterwards, but did not touch them, although they were forced to travel quite to the seashore. Furthermore, Axis declared to him that he had been in hell, and described to him the condition of the damned. One night some evil spirits appeared to him, and offered him money if he would give himself up to them, but he would not consent.
I likewise summoned to appear before me, Isidro Lepu of this place, and obliged him to swear to declare the whole truth, and preserve secrecy. I demanded whether he knew Antonio Axis, and his wife, Josefa Axis. He answered that he did, inasmuch as they lived in the same house with him, although in a different part. I asked him if he knew whether the said Axis performed cures. He replied that he knew of his performing some, and that Axis asked him to go in company with him one night, adding that they would hear a loud noise, but he must not be frightened being in his company, as they would be out of danger; that they must go at midnight, and without any clothes. This proposal was rejected. Axis replied to him, that he had no way to get a living, but my informant persisted in his refusal.
The above are the literal declarations which I have taken under oath from the person named. I have, moreover, strong suspicions that Axis and his wife neglect mass on many occasions. Axis himself during his residence this year in my parish, has not confessed, nor taken the Pascal communion, although this has been done in the house where he lives, and I have entreated him and his wife to comply with the observance. Besides what is related above, he has attempted many other superstitious cures upon people belonging to Barcelona and strangers; all which I certify to be the exact truth.
Dr Francisco Guiu, Parochial Curate.
St Martin de Provensals, October second, 1803.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SEÑORES,
The supernumerary Inquisitor Fiscal declares that a commission should be granted for the purpose of examining this letter, and also to examine and ratify the depositions of the delator and the witnesses, which is submitted to the opinion of your Excellencies.
The Licentiate, Basarrate.
Secret Chamber, October tenth, 1803.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
In obedience to the dictates of my conscience and the counsel of my confessor, Padre Gervasio Minguella, Carmelite Calzado, I inform your Excellency of the following act which I have committed. Upon three several times, at the solicitation of one of my companions, I went to visit a woman for the purpose of learning, by a divination with cards, whether a certain young man, to whom I am betrothed, would return hither from Olot, where he now is. The above woman, having consulted the cards, answered that he would return; but that it would be sometime first. Other things she also informed me by divination. The woman’s true name I do not know, but she is called Pepa dels Gossos, and lives in the Calle dels Tallers. I entreat that your Excellency will pardon this weakness of mine, for I was not aware that I was committing an offence. My confessor informs me of the fact that I have been guilty, and that I must, within six days, give notice of the same to your Excellency.
God preserve your Excellency many years.
I kiss the hands of your Excellency.
Your servant, Antonia Puxant,
daughter of Jaime Puxant, Calle del Hom.
Barcelona, February third, 1805.
TO PADRE GERVASIO MINGUELLA, CARMELITE CALZADO.
We herewith transmit you orders to proceed in company with another person of sacerdotal character to officiate as Notary, having first sworn fidelity and secrecy, and summon before you, Antonia Puxant, daughter of Jaime Puxant, living in the Calle del Hom. You will ascertain from her, upon oath, whether the subjoined letter be hers, whether she affirms the contents to be true, and whether there be any part of the same to alter, or any addition to make. Within four days of this, you will ratify the above depositions before the Notary, and other trustworthy persons, and if any testimony which may corroborate the same should offer, you will receive it, and ratify the said testimony at the end of four days in like manner. Information respecting the character and credit of the witnesses, you will transmit, written in the margin of the depositions. Also in a separate paper you will forward an account of the character and christian conduct of the person denounced. This order is to be returned to our hands with all the other papers. Our Lord preserve you many years.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, February thirteenth, 1805.
Dr Don Joseph de Llozer.
Licentiate, Don Manuel de Merra y Paniagua.
Dr Don Juan de Rodas.
D. D. Juaquin Moner, Secretary.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SEÑORES,
I return your Excellencies the order of the date of February thirteenth, of the present year, along with the deposition of Antonia Puxant, native of Ripoll, in the bishopric of Vique, daughter of Jaime Puxant, resident in the Calle del Hom, of this city. With this you will also receive the depositions of six other witnesses to the same facts, which I have taken by the information of the abovementioned Antonia. The tardiness with which this business has been accomplished, will be overlooked by your Excellencies, on reflecting upon the extent of my occupations, and on the fact that the people from whom the depositions were taken, are of the laboring class, seldom at their houses, and of consequence difficult to find. The last named among them was not met with till the twentyseventh of March.
With regard to the declarations of Antonia Puxant, I have to state that both in her deposition, and in the ratification, she appears to have disclosed the truth with perfect ingenuousness, as far as her knowledge extended and the interrogatives went, although a mistake was made in the name of the street, in which Pepa de los Gosos performed her divinations, which she affirmed was the Calle de Nazaret; but on being reminded of the error, she informed me, after the ratification, that it was the Calle de Farlandina which is situated at the head of the street leading from the convent of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, to the Casa de Charidad of this city.
Respecting the persons denounced by the said Antonia Puxant, both in the deposition and ratification, I have summoned only those who, as I understood from her, were present when the aforementioned Pepa de los Gosos performed her divinations before the said Antonia. As to the other persons and matters, referred to by her, I have instituted no proceedings respecting them, deeming an additional order from your Excellencies necessary to this step.
I have also to inform your Excellencies that the said Antonia Puxant is very anxious that her father, Jaime Puxant, may know nothing of her declarations, and in particular, that in the ratification, respecting Margarida Puxant, inasmuch as this woman is married to the brother of the above Jaime Puxant. She states further, that she heard sometime since that the above Margarida, her aunt, had been summoned before our Holy Tribunal for witchcraft and superstition; whether at the instance of her father or relations, or other persons, does not appear, and for this reason or some other, a discord had arisen between them.
With respect to the character and occupation of the denounced Pepa de los Gosos and the fact whether she observes the precepts of the church, I cannot transmit you any information, as I do not know the person, and have not yet been able to find her; but according to all that can be learned from the witnesses, she is undoubtedly guilty. They inform me she is very cautious in concealing herself.
In relation to the other witnesses, I have to remark the following. As to Gertrudis Poc y Marti, mentioned in the deposition of Antonia Puxant, it appears to me that he has concealed the truth in his declaration, from fear or some other motive; which opinion is confirmed by his having delayed the ratification beyond the specified time, so that it was found necessary to summon him anew. He appears, however, after he had been charged to declare the truth on the eighth of March, when the ratification took place, to have made a full and ingenuous declaration, which corresponds with the statements of the above Antonia Puxant.
As to the deposition of Rosa Llobet, it appears to be true, although nothing to the purpose. This person was summoned as she was supposed to be the lady of the house where the divinations were performed, from the description of Antonia; but I found, upon examining her, that she was not. Still some information was obtained by her means, she having informed me that a house near the one abovementioned, on the left hand, is a great resort for young females for some unknown purpose. In consequence, I have summoned the occupant, Francisca Jacoba, whom I shall hereafter refer to.
Respecting Madalena Masllorens, I believe that she has declared sincerely the whole truth. It is to be observed that this person is not the proprietor of the house in the Calle de Farlandina in which Pepa de los Gosos practised her arts, as was thought by Antonia Puxant.
With relation to Francisca Jacoba, who occupies the first floor of the first house in la Riera Alta, on the left hand as you go from the Convent of the Capuchins, she confesses that the said Pepa de los Gosos has visited her house upon business, as many other persons have done, but affirms that she never practised there, any performance or divination with cards; yet from her manner of answering the interrogatories, and her warmth in defending the said Pepa, talking at great length in her favor, and declaring she had been accused falsely, I have no doubt she is a friend of hers, and, therefore, that her testimony is very suspicious. In this, however, I may be mistaken.
With respect to Maria Tintorer, who is the proprietor of a house in the Calle de Farlandina where the divinations above referred to were performed, I think she has spoken the truth, and that her whole testimony may be credited. As to the Gipsey of the Calle de St Pablo, Señor Augustus Fuster, and the other females, I have not summoned them, waiting for an order from your Excellencies to this effect.
With regard to Antonia Ragas, I think her testimony may be admitted, as it corroborates that of Antonia Puxant in some points. Respecting the other witness, mentioned by Antonia, named Margarida, I have not been able to take her deposition, as she has been long confined by sickness, in the hospital in this city.
The above, Most Illustrious Señores, are the depositions which I have taken, and the judgments I have formed respecting them. I trust you will pardon the faults which I have committed therein, and rectify my errors.
I remain your Excellencies’ most humble servant, and kiss the hands of your Excellencies.
Fr. Gervasio Minguella, Carmelite Calzado.
In the city of Barcelona, on the twentieth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and five, before the Reverend Father Fr. Gervasio Minguella, Carmelite Calzado, Presbyter and Commissary appointed for this investigation, and me, Fr. Joseph Abella, Presbyter Carmelite Calzado, Notary, having sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, according to summons, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Antonia Puxant, a native of Ripoll, in the bishopric of Vique, daughter of Jaime Puxant, of this city, aged seventeen years.
Questioned, if she knew or conjectured the cause of her being summoned to appear.
Answered, that she supposed it to be on account of a letter which she had caused to be written in her name, to the Holy Tribunal, on the third day of the present month.
Questioned, at what time and place, and in the presence of what persons were the operations with the cards performed; also, with what words and gestures, and whether the performer received any rebukes for her actions, or appeared to be of sound mind.
Answered, that about six months ago, at the request of the deponent, she performed the operation three several times in the space of three or four weeks at different places; that is to say, the first time in the Calle de la Riera Alta, at the other times in the Calle de Nazaret. The houses she did not know. In the Calle de Nazaret the entrance was by a small door in the lower story near a garden. The places she could recognise on seeing. The person who performed the operation was always unwilling to do it at her own house. Those present on the first occasion were four in number; the deponent, the operator, one of her friends called Gertrudis, and sometimes Jesus, because she lives in the Calle de Jesus. She was a married woman. The fourth was, as the deponent imagined, the lady of the house. On the second occasion there were present the two first persons before mentioned, a young woman named Antonia Ragosa, living in the Calle del Conde del Asalto, a native of Ripoll, and the lady of the house called Helena or Magdalena. On the third occasion there were present the two first persons, and another called Puntina, the widow of a weaver. The operations were performed with singular actions and unintelligible language. All that the deponent could understand was the word ‘Barrabast.’ Nobody rebuked the performer, and she practised the whole seriously, and in her right mind.
Questioned, what things she divined.
Answered, that she told her what money she had in her pocket; what she was thinking about; that her father wanted her to marry a young man whom she disliked, and that on this account her father was displeased with her. Sometimes she made wrong statements, but this the deponent thinks was done designedly, and in order that she might not be discovered. She also told the deponent that the young man of Olot, to whom she was betrothed, and whose name was Caspar Giralt, would write to her within three weeks, and that he would visit this city, adding other information. The operator always chose Friday for her performances, and the deponent paid her two reals vellon.
Questioned, if she knew that any other persons had said or done anything which came under the cognisance of the Holy Office.
Answered, that she had heard of four other persons who performed divinations. One was named Fargas, and lived in a lane near St Paul’s Church. Another was named Teresica, and appeared to be a married woman. She lived in the same street. Another was called Garvi. Her residence unknown. The last was called Teresa, and sometimes Ballarenga, a married woman, and formerly living in the Calle de la Parra. The deponent was told by a young woman named Felipe, that on the second of this month she passed the night with the said Ballarenga, where they burnt a rosary and a two real piece along with some holy water. On the following morning the said Felipe showed the deponent some black powder which she stated to be the ashes of the rosary and money, and said it was a potent love powder. The deponent was also informed by a young woman named Ursula, who lives in la Riera Alta, that a person living in Barceloneta carried on the same practices.
Questioned, if she knew anything more.
Answered, that a young woman named Teresa, living in the Calle del Conde del Asalto, told her that a certain man declared to her mother, that he knew a woman who would carry her to Olot in an hour’s time, upon the condition that she should not invoke any Saint.
Questioned, what was the age and personal appearance of the abovementioned Pepa de los Gosos.
Answered, that she was a little old woman with sunken eyes and a wrinkled face.
Questioned, if she knew anything more.
Answered, that a woman named Serafina Xuera, wife of Señor Miguel in the Calle de St Olegario, had told her there was a woman in her house who performed divinations.
Questioned, if she knew anything more.
Answered, No.
The above having been read to the deponent, is declared by her to be correctly recorded. She further states that she has not made these declarations out of malice, but solely in obedience to her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her, which she promised, and not being able to write, I, the said Commissary, sign in her name.
Fr. Gervasio Minguella,
Carmelite Commissary.
Antonio Puixant.
Before me—
Fr. Joseph Abella, Carmelite Calzado, Notary.
In the suburb of Barceloneta, on the thirtieth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and six, before the Rev. Juan Pedrals, Presbyter and Commissary, and me Ignacio Ribes, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, according to summons, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Manuel Baxo, a native of the town of Blancas, in the bishopric of Gerona, aged sixtyfour years, and dwelling in Barceloneta, in the Calle del Sementerio.
Questioned, why he had demanded audience.
Answered, to give the following information to the Holy Office. Within about three years he had observed that his wife, named Cecilia Pruna, and vulgarly la Cileta, had, on many occasions, in his house, performed such practices as these. About ten or twelve o’clock at night, she took a sheep’s liver and put it in an earthen pot with a small quantity of water. This she boiled over the fire and kept piercing it with a nail set in the end of a stick, which he observing, she hid the stick and made use of a knife for this purpose. She practised divinations with cards to ascertain whether any person would be rich or poor, married or single, or whether any one arriving from America brought money or not. There was a ship which ran out to sea in the night, with the Collector of the Customs and some of his officers on board, and while the whole city was in suspense as to their fate, not knowing whither the ship had gone, she informed the second officer of the marine that he might be under no apprehensions, for they had arrived at Naples, without any injury, which in fact turned out to be the case. Furthermore, she used to gather dead men’s bones out of the graveyard, and burn them to powder, but what she did with this powder he did not know. She also made use of certain grains which she obtained at the Convent of Jesus, and observed that in order to be efficacious they should be gathered at the time when our Lord was in his tomb, and not suffered to touch the ground. These practices his wife had learned from a sailor of St Felio Guixots, named Pedro Torrent, according to what she had stated to a woman residing in the house. The deponent had made many exertions to persuade his wife to comply with the precept of the church, and attend mass, but she refused.
Questioned, what persons were present when these superstitious and necromantic deeds were done, what persons took part in them, what instruments were used, what words spoken, what ceremonies performed, and whether the whole was done seriously or in a jesting manner; whether she was rebuked by any one, and by whom; whether, after being rebuked, she continued the practices, and whether she was in her right mind.
Answered, that various persons were present on the above occasion, but their names and residences were unknown to him. Many persons likewise unknown had participated in the operations. As to the instruments used, they had been already described, as well as the manner and ceremonies; that it was not done in jest, and she was in her right mind; and finally, that he had often reproved her without effect.
Questioned, what was the age, personal appearance, and residence of the person in question.
Answered, that she was about sixty years of age, tall, of a swarthy complexion, and lived in his house.
Questioned, if he knew that any other person had said or done aught contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith, or against the proceedings of the Holy Office.
Answered, No.
The above being read to the deponent, he declared it to be correctly recorded, and that he had nothing to add or alter in relation to it; that it was the truth, and not uttered by him out of malice or ill will against his wife, but solely in obedience to his conscience. Secrecy was enjoined, which he promised, and added his signature.
Manuel Baxo.
Juan Pedrols, Commissary.
Before me—
Ignacio Ribes, Notary.
To the reverend Vicar of Santa Maria de los Reyes to whom is intrusted the district of the Calle del Santo Hospital, Barcelona.
It is desired in this Tribunal of the Holy Office, to learn the conduct in a religious, moral, and political relation, of Dr Don Josef Baldrich, advocate of the Royal Audience, and a resident in the Calle de Jerusalem, at the corner opposite the church of St Augustin, in this city. To know whether he observes the regulations of our Holy Mother Church, and his general character in religion and politics. For this purpose the Tribunal have directed that instructions be sent you to make all possible exertions to this end, both in the discharge of your ordinary functions, and by cautious and secret inquiries from persons of good credit, not omitting anything in these researches which may discover his most secret thoughts upon the matters above specified.
The above instructions I communicate to you by order of the Tribunal. God preserve you many years.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, October thirtieth, 1818.
Don Jose Aymar y Soler, Sec’y.
ANSWER TO THE ABOVE.
To Don Josef Aymar y Soler, Sec’y.
Sir,
Dr Don Josef Baldrich conforms punctually to the precepts of the church, and regularly presents me his certificate to this effect. I have also ascertained by inquiries, that his character is good in a political view, and that he is a well informed and industrious person. I can furthermore state that I have never had any complaint against him, all which intelligence I transmit in discharge of the duty imposed on me. God preserve you many years.
Barcelona, November seventh, 1818.
Cloy Tuberi, Presbyter and Vicar del Pino.
To the Reverend Cura Parroco of Canellas.
This Tribunal of the Holy Office, desire to know the religious, moral, and political behaviour of the Baron de Canellas; whether he follows the precepts respecting Easter, and the other regulations of our Holy Mother Church; and, having learnt that he has taken up his residence in your town, the Tribunal have ordered that you receive instruction to make all possible researches for this purpose, both in the performance of your ordinary duties and by making inquiries through the instrumentality of trustworthy persons, with all proper caution and secrecy; the satisfactory performance of which, the Tribunal expect from your prudence and zeal.
These instructions I transmit by order of the Tribunal. God preserve you many years.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, November fourth, 1819.
Don Jose Aymar y Soler, Sec’y.
Answer.
To Don Josef Aymar y Soler, Secretary of the Holy Office of Barcelona.
In compliance with the order of the Tribunal of the Holy Office, I am enabled to state that the Baron de Canellas has resided in this place ever since the beginning of 1815, except being occasionally absent on account of the season or his health, as at the present time; he is now at Manlleu where he has resided since the first of August of the present year, with the intention of passing the hot months there. It has not been ascertained when he means to return, but I believe he has determined to do this next January.
As to his moral and religious conduct, he commonly hears mass once or twice a day, says his prayers very devoutly, and enjoins the same upon all his family; but when his mental irregularities occur, which have happened three or four times within six years, he is highly phrenetical, and will utter blasphemies like a heretic, as I have been informed, although such a thing has never happened in my presence or that of my vicar. Even in these fits of delirium, however, he manifests towards us some respect and fear. His last attack, according to what I have been able to learn, endured from January till the end of April of the present year, during which he conducted in a most inexplicable manner, behaving at times very regularly, and at others like a madman. During all this period I believe he never failed to attend mass at the stated time, although he declared that he was no better than a dog, that he possessed neither faith, hope, nor charity, that everything was a dream to him, and that he had no belief in the divine mysteries.
Sometimes he would fall to raving, and declare that he had all hell within him, on which occasions he would utter the most horrid blasphemies. Finally at the end of the period abovementioned he grew tranquil, and I directed him to observe the ordinances relating to Easter, threatening him, in case of refusal, with a denunciation to my prelate. All the threats and exhortations I could use were fruitless for some time. At length, learning that the Missionary Fathers from Villanueva were to take this parish in their way in the course of their labors, he sent me a message, desiring me to grant him a forbearance for a few days, as he was in readiness to perform his duties to the mission. Notwithstanding, however, the assurances I had received from the Missionary Fathers, they did not visit us, and the Baron remained without confession, in which state he left this place for that in which he now resides.
In the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen he also omitted the above duty in this place, and passed the Lent at the college, in the capital, where he confessed, and took the sacrament, as appears from a regular certificate which he showed me. When in good humor, which happens the greater part of the time, he exhibits outwardly, great piety and zeal, taking much care that his religious worship is accompanied with every mark of respect, and paying the regular sums for the support of my church. He is also very charitable, in which point, indeed, I can bear witness that he follows his natural inclination.
Father N. de Barbara, lecturer in philosophy, of the Franciscan Convent, at Villafranca, preached in this place during the last Lent, and had many disputes with the Baron while he was in the height of his extravagances. In the course of these the Baron uttered some assertions which, had they proceeded from a person of sound mind, would have been reported to the Holy Tribunal, but in his condition it was judged best to consider him as a madman.
In fact, I am convinced that with occasional seasons of intermission, he is not to be looked upon as a sane person; and finally with all his singular piety and devotedness to the cause of the church, charity to the poor, and apostolic zeal in speaking against the vices of these miserable days, I perceive in him a great fund of excessive vanity and pride.
The above information I lay before the Tribunal of the Holy Office, to be applied to the requisite purposes. God preserve you many years.
Francisco Marcer, Cura Parroco.
Canellas, November 18th, 1819.
The Inquisitor Fiscal declares it as his opinion that the investigation of the above matter should be suspended and recorded for want of proof.
D. Castillon.
Secret Chamber, November 23d, 1819.
The said Inquisitor having examined the above proceedings, in his morning audience, on the day before stated, ordered that the investigation be suspended for want of proof, and that it be recorded in the registers under the name of the person referred to.
Attest. Dr Don Cyro Valls y Geli, Sec’y.
Information has been received and sworn to in this Holy Office, that a certain person has, in the presence of others, among whom was Juan Bonafos, surgeon, living in the house of Don Antonio Canals, uttered the following assertions.
1st. That the priests in the holy sacrifice of Mass, have no power to bring Christ down from heaven, which is proved by the example of the English, who, although so learned a people, yet do not believe this, which they would if it were true, from their great sagacity.
2d. That the French have done right in breaking up so many ecclesiastical and lay communities, which were the cause of such a multitude of dissensions and altercations, destructive to the crown and to the Apostolic Roman Catholic Church.
3d. That the chaplains dress in black to cover their ignorance, inasmuch as they know nothing.
4th. That there is no hell nor purgatory.
5th. That the highest disgrace which could befall him in this world, would be to have one of his relations a monk, or the Beneficiado of a parish.
6th. That if the Tribunal were to order him to be arrested, he had arms in his house and would resist till he had killed four or five.
In consequence of this, we hereby grant a commission to our Commissary Dr Antonio Amill, for the examination before Dr Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta, Presbyter, as Notary, of the said Juan Bonafos, according to the formula herewith subjoined. The name and residence of the speaker and those who were present, are to be recorded, as also all the circumstances of time, place, &c., as prescribed in the above direction; the whole to be forwarded to us with this commission. God preserve you.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, June eleventh, 1791.
The Licentiate,
Don Manuel de Merra y Paniygua.
Dr Don Pedro Diaz de Valdes.
Juan Antonio Almonacid, Sec’y.
In the city of Barcelona, on the eleventh day of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninetyone, before Dr Antonio Amill, Presbyter and Commissary of the Holy Office, by virtue of a commission of the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition of Catalonia, and me, Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta, Presbyter and Notary, having sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our duties, appeared and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Juan Bonafos, surgeon, a native of the village of San Lorenzo de la Muga, in the bishopric of Gerona, of age, as he stated, twentyone years.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear.
Answered, that he did not know.
Questioned, if he knew that any person had said or done aught which was, or appeared to be, contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Doctrine.
Answered, Yes, inasmuch as about six months before, he had heard Joseph Coch, a surgeon, native of Sellern, and at present residing in Barcelona, make the following assertions.
1st. That the priests &c. [The six assertions specified above.]
On another occasion, the deponent having stated to him that he had been in the Carthusian Convent, where he read an edict of the Holy Tribunal, prohibiting several books, and among them, one called Avisos de Moises, the above person replied, that as Christ had abolished the law of Moses, he hoped that another Christ would come and abolish the laws of the first. He moreover told him that he had prohibited books in his possession, which in fact he showed to the deponent. Their titles the deponent does not know.
Questioned, in what place the abovementioned Josef Coch made these assertions, and what persons were present at the time.
Answered, that it was at the house of the surgeon Baramon, in the Calle de los Flasades; and that the person present was Antonio Trabe, surgeon, who lives with Dr Torner, Beneficiado of San Justo.
Questioned, what was the age and personal appearance of the said Joseph Coch.
Answered, that he should suppose him to be about thirtythree years old; that he was of a middling height, with a thin, pock marked face, and black hair.
The above is the truth, according to the oath of the deponent, who states that he has not made this declaration out of malice, but solely from conscientious motives. Having been read to him, he declares it to be correctly recorded. I add his signature.
Juan Bonafos.
Dr Antonio Amill, Presbyter Commissary.
Before me—Juan Bonafos.
Dr Antonio Amill, Presbyter Commissary.
Before me—
Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta,
Presbyter Commissary, Notary.
In the city of Barcelona, on the twentysecond day of March, one thousand eight hundred and ninetytwo, before Dr Andres Fernandes de la Cuesta, Presbyter and Commissary of the Holy Office, by virtue of a commission from the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition of Catalonia, and me, Francisco Junca, Presbyter Notary, appointed for this investigation, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully the duty,—appeared according to summons, and made oath formally to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Francisco Beau, clerk, a native and inhabitant of Barcelona, and residing in the Calle dels Tallers, in the house of the Earthen Ware Company, on the second floor, of age, as he stated, thirtyeight years.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear.
Answered, that he supposed it might be for the purpose of inquiring about the following matter. Being one day at dinner, in the tavern of Domingo ——, in the Calle de la Paja, he heard a certain Estruch, and another person who was a fifer in the Walloon Guards, talking about the French affairs. The said fifer spoke against the christian religion and Spain, and Estruch opposed him. Among other things in the conversation, this fifer observed that he believed only three things; but what these were, the deponent could not recollect—it was so long ago—only one of them, as it appears to him, related to giving charity. He declared that he possessed many books, and was not afraid of the Inquisition, for he had already been engaged in some disputes relative to a woman, which had come under the cognisance of the Holy Tribunal, or some of the officers. More of the conversation than this, he does not remember.
The deponent was then told that information had been received and sworn to, that a certain person had uttered, in his presence, and in that of others, the following assertions; that fornication was no sin, and as to the rest, the whole was made good by giving charity to the poor. Other persons having mentioned the commandments, he replied, that they were all fulfilled by giving alms. Speaking disrespectfully of the church, he asserted, that the friars and chaplains did nothing but eat and stuff their paunches; that the church sought nothing but her own interest, collecting tithes from one year’s end to another; that the Pope had no more power than any other man; that he did not believe in the decalogue, nor the obligation to hear mass and confess, but only that there was a God, and that men were bound to give to the poor, and not steal. The conversation turning upon the miracles performed by the intercession of the Saints, he asserted that he believed none of them, because he had not witnessed them. Those of Christ being mentioned, he made this remark;—‘What a length of time from that period to 1791! and yet you believe them!’ thereby giving it to be understood that he did not believe them.
The deponent was therefore admonished in the name of God our Lord, and his Glorious and Blessed Mother, Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, to bethink himself and declare the whole truth.
Answered, that he heard the whole of these assertions except the first and last, relating to the miracles.
Questioned, why he had not given information of what he had heard to the Holy Office, inasmuch as it was so directly contrary to Our Holy Religion and Evangelical Law.
Answered, that he was so occupied with his dinner, and the debates going on, that he never thought of the obligation.
Questioned, from what cause and motive, and to what end the said fifer uttered these scandalous expressions; how many times, and what persons were present. Also, whether he was mad or drunk at the time, and whether he had been rebuked; how many times this was done, and if he abstained.
Answered, that he knew nothing of the cause, motive, or end of these words being spoken; that they were uttered only once at the noon above specified, in the sight and hearing of the deponent. That the persons present were the abovementioned Domingo, and a certain Juan, who, he believed, resided in the Calle Condal, next the house of Dr Juncia, on the second or third floor; also another person whom he did not remember; that he judged him to have been in his right mind, having asked the said Domingo in the presence of Estruch whether this man had not drunk too much, to which he replied that it could not be the effect of the wine, as he had, on other occasions, drunk more. That he did not recollect whether he was rebuked, but only that they kept disputing.
Questioned, what was the personal appearance and age of the said fifer.
Answered, that he was of a middling size, about forty years old, and had been the gardener of the citadel; that he belonged to the grenadier company of Brias, according to his own statement.
The whole of the above is the truth according to the oath sworn by the deponent, who also declared that the declarations were not made by him out of malice or ill will, but solely to discharge his conscience. The whole being read in his hearing, was declared by him to be correctly recorded, and he added his signature.
Francisco Beau.
Dr Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta,
Presbyter and Commissary.
Before me—
Francisco Juncia, Presbyter Notary
for this Investigation.
In the city of Barcelona, on the fourteenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and two, before the Reverend Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter and Commissary appointed for this investigation, and me, the Reverend Juan Palol, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, voluntarily, and made oath in the name of God our Lord to declare the truth and preserve secrecy in everything upon which she might be questioned, a woman, calling herself Maria Anna Sauri, a native of the town of Trem, in the bishopric of Urgel, of age, as she stated, forty years, a resident in Barcelona for twentysix years, and at present residing in the Calle de Basea, in the fourth story of a house opposite a carpenter’s, next the stairs called den Casador. She was the widow of Juan Martines, merchant, a native of the town of Figueras in the bishopric of Gerona.
Questioned, why she had demanded an audience of the Holy Office.
Answered, for the purpose of denouncing certain matters to the Holy Tribunal.
Questioned, what matters.
Answered, that about six months ago she dwelt in the Calle de San Raymundo, near the Calle del Asalto, in a house between a tavern on one side, and a tailor’s shop on the other. In this neighbourhood resided a female named, formerly, Teresa Sola, and after her second marriage, Salanova, a native of Barcelona, aged from forty to fortyseven years. Her husband was named Francisco Salanova, and was by trade a weaver, and a native of San Felix de Llobregat. The deponent witnessed several transactions between the said Teresa Sola, now Salanova, and a Swiss soldier of the regiment called Bretxa. This soldier was called Joseph; his other name unknown, as well as the place of his birth. Information respecting him could be obtained of a certain captain, called Don Felice Cristi.
The deponent saw these two persons take certain live frogs, stick needles into their eyes, breasts, and backs, and put them into a new pot over a great fire. This was done, as they informed her, for the purpose of compelling a certain man to marriage. She also saw them take three or four wax candles and light them. These they burnt bottom upwards, burning, at the same time, rosemary, and repeating unintelligible language, and making divers motions with the feet and hands.
The deponent also saw them practise operations with cards for the purpose of divining whatever things they chose. She requested them to perform one for her, and ascertain whether a person named Vicente, whom she supposed to be sick, would return soon from Valencia. ‘The said Teresa shuffled the cards, and then answered me that he was not sick, and would return soon, which in fact took place, and the abovementioned Vicente shortly appeared. She told me, at the same time, that I was in much distress, and if I would give her and the abovementioned soldier half a dollar, they would enable me to attain all my wishes. I gave them the money, and saw that they immediately took the figure of a dragon tied by the neck, and placed it in the sun. This occasioned me so much terror that I begged them to desist. Upon this they gave me back the half dollar, uttering maledictions, and the said Teresa declared that I was about to fall into an irretrievable misfortune, and that I should be obliged to sell every rag from my back, which in truth is my condition at present; and although I only laughed at the prediction then, they both told me that I might proclaim to the whole world that they had said it.’
The deponent further stated that the said Teresa had a companion named Maria Anna Gitar, a native of Barcelona and a resident in the Calle de San Raymundo. The deponent has never seen this person perform any superstitious acts, but has heard that on occasion of a quarrel between them, some witchcraft was practised; also that the said Maria Anna Gitar had a sister named Magdalena, (the name of her husband unknown) and the deponent heard the abovementioned Teresa Sola, now Salanova, declare that her sister Magdalena had not been at confession for the space of eight years. At other times, when these two were quarrelling, the deponent has heard the said Magdalena exclaim, ‘I am not like you, who lay heaps of rosemary in the balcony at night to burn the next morning.’
Furthermore, the deponent has seen the said Teresa Sola, now Salanova, burn alum for some superstitious purpose, to her unknown. On this occasion there were two other persons present, namely, a girl called Antonia, about twentythree years of age, a native of Barcelona, and living with the abovementioned Teresa, and Raymundo Campeñs, widow of Esteva Campeñs, tailor, dwelling in the Calle de San Raymundo, aged, apparently, about fortyfive years.
Furthermore, the deponent remembers that she saw the said Teresa and the abovementioned soldier called Joseph, burn alum for the purpose of causing a reconciliation between a young man and a female named Magdalena, which persons had fallen into a quarrel. The said Teresa also practised operations with cards, and burnt rosemary, in order to effect this object. On the first occasion were present the abovementioned Antonia and Raymunda Campeñs, and on the second, Josefa Bardaguer, a girl of about twenty years of age, living in the Plazuela del Pino in the second story of a house which makes a corner of the Plazuela, and other persons whom she does not remember, as she had witnessed these performances between the said Teresa and the soldier so many times.
The said Teresa also informed her that she possessed a St Antonio upon paper, which sweated whenever any ill was about to happen, and that when a pack of cards was shuffled and the ace of spades and five of diamonds drawn, it signified death or apprehension by the Holy Office. The deponent further stated that the said Teresa, was accustomed to burn rosemary, and sprinkle holy water all over her house, walking backwards to the door; and that she possessed an herb which foretold everything, good or bad, about to happen. Upon the stalk of this herb she placed a piece of gold or silver money, or a ring; and the deponent on one of these occasions saw a tile fall from the balcony into the street. In this tile was a piece of a silver key, a gold ring, and seven reals vellon.
Furthermore, the deponent has heard that when the said Teresa lived in the Calle de Arolas, there ran out of her house, one day, a dog, with an ox’s heart, stuck full of needles, and that the Alcalde, whose name is unknown to the deponent, with the men and boys of the neighbourhood, caught the dog and burnt him in the middle of the street.
The deponent has also seen the said Teresa burn nine plates and three strings of cotton, which she informed her was done to break the heart of a certain person. She also told the deponent that on the night of St John’s day, she went to collect the leaves of certain herbs in a place called Trinidad, where criminals who have been hanged are buried. There accompanied her three or four women and a man who was a lamplighter. The names of none of them were known to the deponent. Three or four men came out and threw stones at then without hitting any one. She also informed the deponent that she had in her possession medals and a crucifix of the Holy Office.
Furthermore, the deponent stated that she requested her to ascertain whether a person of her acquaintance in Valencia would return soon to Barcelona; and the said Teresa Sola, now Salanova, bade her go and purchase a pack of French cards at the shop of Revella, in the Plaza del Angel. This the deponent did, and paid two reals plate for them. The cards being produced, an operation was performed, and she pronounced that he would return ere long, and that he had met with a misfortune; for, on a journey to visit his sister, he had fallen from his horse and broken his leg. She then further declared that at half past six o’clock the next morning he would be in Barcelona; the whole of which proved true, for at half past six he knocked at the door and said he had been on a visit to his sister, who was a nun, and had fallen from his horse and broken his leg.
Furthermore, the deponent stated that she had seen divinations with cards performed by the surgeon of the Swiss soldiers in the regiment called the regiment of Bretxa, now in Madrid. This surgeon was called Don Felipe. His other name is unknown to the deponent. She has also seen in his possession a book filled with figures of tombs, evil spirits, and skeletons; and the surgeon told her that it contained matter which was denounceable. There was present on this occasion the wife of the colonel of the Swiss regiment, called Dona Maria. Her other name and birthplace the deponent did not know; but only that when the regiment was in Barcelona, the said Don Maria dwelt in the Calle Nueva del Asalto.
Questioned, what else she knew or had to relate.
Answered, that she had seen the above practices performed so often that she had forgotten a great many instances.
Questioned, what persons were present on any of the above occasions.
Answered, that she had already named them.
Questioned, if she had seen or heard that any other person had said or done anything against Our Holy Catholic Faith, or against the proceedings of this Holy Office.
Answered, that she knew nothing further, and had she known anything, should have divulged it before.
Questioned, why she suffered so much time to elapse without giving information.
Answered, that she was ignorant of her obligation to do this, till on relating these things to her spiritual father, he ordered her to make a deposition of the whole before the Holy Tribunal.
Questioned, what was the personal appearance of the above mentioned Teresa Sola, now Salanova; of the soldier; of Maria Anna Gitar, and her sister.
Answered, that Teresa Sola, now Salanova, was a well shaped person, somewhat fleshy, with a dusky complexion, reddish eyes, chestnut hair, and small hands, having no scar to distinguish her. That Maria Anna Gitar was a tall person, with an ugly pock marked face, the color of her eyes, hair, &c. not remembered. That her sister Magdalena was a small person, with a face likewise ugly and pock marked; other characteristics forgotten. That the soldier called Joseph was a well shaped person, with a long, palish face, and chestnut hair; the other marks not remembered.
The above, being read to the deponent, was pronounced to be her own declaration, and faithfully recorded. She declared that she had nothing to correct of its contents, except that the abovementioned Magdalena was not the sister of the said Teresa, but of Maria Anna Gitar. She affirmed that she did not make the declaration out of malice or ill will against the abovementioned Teresa Sola, now Salanova, the soldier Joseph, Maria Anna Gitar, and her sister Magdalena; but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her which she promised, and not being able to write, I, the present Commissary, sign in her name.
Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter and Commissary.
Before me—
Joan Palol, Presbyter, Commissary, and Notary.
In the city of Barcelona, on the eighteenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and two, before me, Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter and Commissary, appointed for this investigation, and me, the Reverend Juan Palol, Presbyter Notary, both sworn to preserve secrecy, appeared and made oath in the name of God our Lord, to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Maria Anna Sauri, widow, being also present, in the quality of honest and religious persons, the Presbyters whose names are signed below.
Questioned, if she remembered having made a declaration before the ministers of the Holy Office against any persons for crimes within her knowledge.
Answered, and related substantially the whole of the preceding declaration. She requested that it might be produced and read.
The deponent was then informed that the Promotor Fiscal of the Holy Office presented her as a witness ad perpetuam rei memoriam, in a cause under his direction against the said Teresa Sola, now Salanova, against the Swiss soldier named Joseph, against Maria Anna Gitar, and against her sister Magdalena, whose husband’s name is unknown. The deponent was directed to give attention while her declaration was read, and if she found anything to add or alter of its contents, to perform it in such a manner as to declare the truth, as her assertions might prejudice the said persons. The above deposition was then read de verbo ad verbum, the deponent hearing and understanding the same.
The deponent declared that it was her identical deposition, as it had been read and recorded; that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, for the whole was the truth which she attested and ratified; and that if necessary, she was ready to repeat the whole against the said Teresa, Maria Anna, Magdalena, and the soldier, and against the surgeon Don Felipe, not from malice or ill will, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her anew, which she promised to observe, and the deponent not being able to write, I, the said Commissary, sign in her name along with the honest persons.
Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter and Commissary.
Francisco Palmarola, Presbyter.
Antonio Huguet, Presbyter.
Before me—
Juan Palol, Presbyter, Commissary, and Notary.
TO CAYETANO TUCO, PRESBYTER COMMISSARY.
In consequence of the deficiency of the information relating to the deposition of Mariana Sauri, widow, native of Tremp, and residing in Barcelona, in the Calle de Basea, in the upper story of a house opposite a carpenter’s, the Tribunal has ordered that you be instructed to make inquiries with all possible expedition respecting the character and responsibility of the abovementioned person, and of the credit due to her testimony; also respecting the character and conduct of Teresa Salanova, wife of Francisco Salanova, weaver, living, as it appears, in the Calle de San Raymon, between a tavern and a tailor’s shop. You will likewise make the same inquiries respecting the life and character of Joseph ——, a soldier in the Swiss regiment of Vetchar, and whether these persons conform to the precepts of the Church in the annual confession and Paschal communion. These orders I transmit for your execution. Our Lord preserve you.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, June 28th, 1802.
Dr Don Ciro Valls y Geli, Sec’y.
TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS INQUISITOR.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
I have made inquiries of the Vicar of the district of the Calle Nueva de Asalto and other streets, for the purpose of learning the character and conduct of Teresa Sola, now Salanova, and of the girl Antonia, who lives with her, and whose name has hitherto been unknown, but is now ascertained to be Antonia Costa. These two persons live in the third story of a house which makes the corner of the Calle de la Guardia. It has been ascertained from the cartepacio of the communions, that neither the said Teresa Salanova, nor Antonia Costa, have, within the present year, presented their certificates of the Paschal communion.
Respecting the soldier named Joseph, of the Swiss regiment of Vetchar, I have not been able to learn anything, except that the regiment is now in Madrid.
The above is the substance of what I have succeeded in learning, and I communicate the same that your Excellency may apply it to the proper purposes. God preserve the life of your Excellency many years.
Barcelona, July 2d, 1802.
Your most humble chaplain who kisses the hands of your Excellency,
Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter Commissary.
TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS INQUISITOR.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
I have made the most industrious search for information respecting the character and life of Maria Anna Sauri, widow, but cannot ascertain what degree of credit ought to be attached to her testimony. I am informed by the Reverend Antonio Huguet, Presbyter, that he has some knowledge of her, as all these persons belong to the town of Tremp. He cannot tell, however, what life she leads, and only knows that she has been in the Galera. I made inquiries of the Pacionero del Pino, and he stated to me that he had seen her in the Galera, where she was then in custody for smuggling. Nothing more respecting her was known.
I have, with the assistance of the Vicar del Pino, examined the cartepacio of communions of the whole district of the Calle de Asalto, Calle de Lancastre, Calle den Guardia, Calle del Olmo, Calle de San Olaguer, which, as supposed by her in her deposition, must be the second Calle de San Ramon, the whole Calle de San Ramon, and all the lanes. No part of the cartepacio exhibits the name of Marianna Sauri. I then proceeded to Santa Maria del Mar, as the Calle de Basea, where she resides, is situated in that parish, and here in the cartepacio of the communions it was found, but nothing further to direct me. She has left Barcelona, whether for Tremp or Figueras, I cannot positively determine.
The above information I communicate to your Excellency to be applied to the proper purposes.
Barcelona, July 2d, 1802.
Your most humble chaplain who kisses the hands of your Excellency.
Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter and Commissary.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
Father Fr. Vicente Xaus, Franciscan, residing in the Franciscan Convent of Gerona, by an extra sacramental commission from Eulalia Forcat, dwelling in the Hospicio of that city, with the intention to assume the scapulary of a sister, gives information to the Holy Tribunal, that Joseph Jalbert, merchant, a resident, as well as the other persons referred to, in this city of Barcelona, and now residing in the Callejuela de San Antonio, in a house where a herbseller keeps, uttered about two years ago, certain insulting language about Ecclesiastics, both secular and regular, saying they were a set of vagabonds, and that he would not give them money, with many other things which she has forgotten. These words were said at the house and in the presence of Señor Francisco Galup, merchant, living in the Calle de la Merced, and who can give further information of the facts. At another time, and in the presence of the abovementioned Eulalia Forcat and Augustina Buxeras, a resident in the Calle de Basea, besides his accustomed speeches above described, he took a paper on which was the figure of a Saint, and rubbed it over his posteriors outside of his clothes. The said Eulalia also saw him open a book containing many indecent figures.
Furthermore, in the name of the same person, he denounces to the Holy Tribunal the following matter. Father Fr. Antonio Puig, of Barcelona, a monk of my seraphic order, and residing in the Grand Convent of Barcelona, a thing which grieves me exceedingly, hearing the confession of this person, in which she informed him that she was mortifying herself with the exercise of the penal discipline, he visited her one day when she was confined to her bed by indisposition, and speaking of her penance, she discovered to him a portion of her body where she had applied it, when the abovementioned Father examined it, and felt it with his hand, asking her if it pained her where he touched. This business, God be thanked, proceeded no further.
He furthermore states that the said Father did even worse than this to the abovementioned Augustina, as he had learned from her own mouth. He had ascertained from her confession, that she also was practising the penal exercise, and went to her house one day, where he disciplined her so violently that she was unable to sit down. She sent for the abovementioned Eulalia to examine her, fearing that she had received some wound. The said Eulalia does not recollect that she stated he had disciplined her twice before, but remembers that she asserted she had seen a part of the good Father’s body uncovered.
Upon these matters the Holy Tribunal will institute the necessary proceedings.
P. Vicente Xaus, Franciscan.
Gerona, June 2d, 1807.
P. S. Both the above occurrences happened about two years ago. Nevertheless a few days after the confession, I remember that the said Eulalia told me they continued to confess to the same Father.
In the city of Gerona, on the twentieth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seven, before Dr Narciso Coll, Presbyter, Inquisitor Honorary, and Commissary, appointed for this investigation, and me Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary, both sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our duties, appeared voluntarily, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy in everything which she knew, and about which she might be interrogated, a person calling herself Eulalia Forcat, of the city of Barcelona, aged about thirty years, a nun and attendant upon the foundlings in the Royal Hospicio of this city.
Questioned, if she knew or conjectured the cause of her being summoned to appear by the Holy Office.
Answered, that she did not know.
Questioned, if she knew or had heard that any person had said or done anything which was, or appeared to be, contrary to Our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Law, or against the just proceedings of the Holy Office.
Answered, that about two years since, being in this city, and serving as a domestic in the house of Señor Francisco Galup, merchant, in the Calle de la Merced, she heard on many occasions, Joseph Jalbert, merchant, a young man, a native of Puigcerda, and who transacted business in this house for a year, and then removed with his parents to the Calle de San Antonio, utter various insulting and abusive words against the Priests, both secular and regular, disputing often at table with the said Señor Francisco Galup, respecting matters of religion, declaring that the Priests were a parcel of useless vagabonds, and that they ought to be set to work, with other assertions of the same kind, which were uttered repeatedly in the presence of the deponent and Augustina Buxeras, both domestics in the house, Señora Maria Galup, Cayetano Galup, and Señor Francisco Galup. He persisted in this language, notwithstanding they all checked and rebuked him, in particular the abovementioned Señor Francisco Galup.
On another occasion the deponent being in company with the aforesaid Augustina Buxeras, in the kitchen of the house, the abovementioned Joseph Jalbert took a paper, on which was the figure of a Saint, and with approbrium to religion passed it behind him over his clothes. And when they rebuked him in a christian manner, he laughed and left them. At the same time she saw in the room in which he dwelt, three books, bound in the French manner, of a small size, and containing very indecent pictures of men and women. Neither the author of the books nor the subject were known to her, as they were in French. He kept them in his possession while he remained in the house, and on his departure took them with him.
Questioned, what was the age, personal appearance, residence, &c. of the abovementioned person.
Answered, that he was then about twentyone or twentytwo years old, of a moderate stature, fleshy, with a face somewhat long, and flaxen hair. He was unmarried, and engaged in mercantile trade. She believed that he lived at present in Barcelona.
Questioned, if she knew that any other person had said or done anything which was or appeared to be contrary to our Holy Faith or against the just proceedings of the Holy Office.
Answered, No.
The above being read to her she declared that it was faithfully recorded conformably to her own declaration, and that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, as it was the truth. She further stated that she had not done it out of malice, or ill will against the said Joseph Jalbert, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her, which she promised; and the deponent, not being able to write, I, the said Commissary, sign in her name.
Narciso Coll, Presbyter, and for
the said Deponent.
Before me—
Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary.
In the city of Gerona, on the twentyfifth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seven, before Dr Narciso Coll, Presbyter, Commissary commissioned for this investigation, and me, Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Eulalia Forcat, and being present in the quality of honest and religious persons, the Rev. Gines Torrent and the Rev. Thomas Parella, both Presbyter Beneficadores of the Holy Church, sworn to preserve secrecy. She was Questioned, if she remembered having made a declaration before the Ministers of the Holy Office against any person for crimes within her knowledge.
Answered, by repeating, substantially, the foregoing declaration of the twentieth of June current, made before the Commissary and Notary whose names are signed below. She requested that it might be produced and read.
The deponent was then informed that the Promotor Fiscal of the Holy Office presented her as a witness ad perpetuam rei memoriam in a cause under his direction against the persons referred to in the said declaration. She was directed to give attention while it was read, and if she found anything to add or alter respecting the contents of it, to do it in such a manner as to declare the truth, as what she now uttered might operate to the prejudice of the aforesaid persons. The declaration made before the abovementioned Commissary and Notary, on the twentieth of June current was then read de verbo ad verbum, the deponent hearing and understanding the same.
She declared it was her declaration, and correctly recorded; that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, as it was the truth, and she attested it for the same, and if necessary was ready to repeat the whole anew against the said Joseph Jalbert, not out of malice or ill will, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her which she promised to observe, and the deponent not being able to write, I, the said Commissary, sign in her name, along with the honest persons.
Narciso Coll, Commissary,
and for the said Witness.
Gines Torrent, Presbyter,
in the same name.
Thomas Parella, Presbyter.
Before me—
Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary.
In the city of Gerona, on the twentysecond day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seven, before Dr Narciso Coll, Presbyter, Inquisitor Honorary, and Commissary appointed for this investigation, and me, Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, voluntarily, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy in everything which she knew, and about which she might be interrogated, a person calling herself Eulalia Forcat, of the city of Barcelona, aged about thirty years, a nun, and attendant upon the foundlings in the Royal Hospicio of this city.
Questioned, if she knew or suspected the cause of her being summoned to appear by the Holy Office.
Answered, that she did not know.
Questioned, if she knew or had heard that any person had said or done anything which was or appeared to be contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Law, or against the just proceedings of the Holy Office. Answered, that at present she could remember nothing.
Questioned, if she knew or had heard that any Ecclesiastic had practised irregularities towards any person of the other sex in hearing them often at confession.
Answered, that all she knew was this; about two years ago she served as a domestic in this city, along with Agustina Buxeras, who afterwards lived in the family of Puigcech, a button maker, in the Plazuela de Basea in Barcelona, and being at that time in the house of Señores Francisco Galup and Cayetano, merchants, in the Calle de la Merced in Barcelona, she heard, on several occasions, the said Agustina declare that on confessing herself to the Reverend Father Fr. Antonio Puig, of Barcelona, of the order of San Francisco de Asis, he had ordered her many times at evening to go into a room at the entrance of the church of the Convent of San Francisco, on the right hand, where he disciplined her and caused her to do the same to herself, and that, he had done this also at the house of the abovementioned Señores Galup. This the deponent learned from the mouth of the said Agustina, and furthermore by examining her person on the second occasion, when she found her posteriors were black and blue, and that she had evidently been severely handled.
The said Augustina also informed her that in one or more of these instances while she was in the room with the abovementioned Confessor, at the entrance of the Convent, he had taken off her petticoat and stays to give her the discipline; at the same time he uncovered his back, which she supposed was done for the purpose of exhibiting the effect of his flagellation. These confessions and disciplines continued, as the deponent learned, for some time, when finding that he did nothing to effect her admission as a nun into some Convent, of which she was desirous, she left him and sought another Confessor. What other things were done was not known.
The deponent was then informed that information had been received in this Holy Office that on the time above specified, while she was confined to her bed by some indisposition, her Confessor had paid her a visit, and in conversation upon penal mortifications he had uncovered a part of her body, examined it, and touched with his hands the places where she exercised her discipline, demanding if she felt any pain while he was touching them. Therefore, by virtue of the oath she had sworn, she was exhorted to bethink herself, reflect attentively upon the matter, and declare the truth.
Answered, that this was all true; that it occurred in the abovementioned house of the Señores Galup, with the aforesaid Father Fr. Antonio Puig, her Confessor, and that on this occasion she did not confess herself to him. She did not remember how long she had then gone without confessing, nor how long she deferred afterwards confessing to the same person. She however continued in company with him but without ever speaking of the matter. She knew not whether the abovementioned Father had ever solicited any person during confession or at any other time, nor had ever heard that any person has declared that there was no obligation to denounce such things to the Holy Office, but has heard the contrary from her present Confessor, Father Fr. Vicente Xaus, a monk of the same order, and now a conventual in this city of Gerona.
Questioned, what was the age and personal appearance of the said Father Fr. Antonio Puig, also his condition, residence, &c.
Answered, that she believed him to be under forty years of age, that he was of a middling height, rather thin, with a handsome face, large black eyes and eyebrows, hair and beard a little whitened, and that she believes he resides in Barcelona as one of the four ordinary Confessors of the aforesaid Convent.
The above having been read in her presence, she affirmed that it was correctly recorded conformably to her declaration; that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, as it was the truth; and that it was not uttered by her out of malice or ill will against the abovementioned ecclesiastic, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her, which she promised, and being unable to write, I, the said commissary sign in her name.
Narciso Coll, Commissary,
and Presbyter for the Deponent.
Before me—
Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary.
In the Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, on the twentyninth day of August, one thousand seven hundred and eightyone, the Inquisitor Licentiate, Dr Manuel de Merra y Paniagua, ordered to appear before him according to summons, a foreigner, established in this city, who, being present, was formally sworn to declare the truth and preserve secrecy with respect to everything which he knew, and concerning which he might be interrogated, and in relation to everything which he might see or understand, and everything which might befall him.
Questioned, his name, birthplace, residence, condition, age, and occupation.
Answered, that his name was Pedro Remson; that he was born in the town of St Jean in the district of Laval, in France; that he had resided in this city four years, doing business as a linen draper; that he had no wife, and was about thirtyfive years of age.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear by this Tribunal.
Answered, that he neither knew nor conjectured.
Questioned, if he had said or done anything which was or appeared to be a matter within the cognizance of the Holy Office, or against our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Law.
Answered, that he had never said or done anything contrary to the Catholic Faith, nor anything pertaining to the cognizance of the Holy Office.
He was then told that information had been received and sworn to in this Holy Office, that he, the deponent, had uttered certain speeches containing matter which came under the jurisdiction of the Holy Office; that he was summoned to be examined respecting it, and that he would do well to confess the whole before he was compelled to it.
Answered, that he was confident he had never said or done anything of the kind unless the following could be denominated such. About a year since, conversing with Carlos Coquet with whom he resided in this city, speaking of our Lady, of Mary and her image, the deponent affirmed that the Holy Virgin Mother of God was the only one, and that there was no difference between the image of Our Lady, of Mary, and any other. On another occasion, about the same time, he told the abovementioned Coquet that in France they were not obliged to present certificates of compliance with the annual precepts of sacramental confession and communion; that he considered it a burdensome practice and exposed to great abuses, and that he had understood these certificates were often sold about to persons who did not choose to comply with the precept, which thing he had heard publicly declared in coffee houses and clubrooms, but did not recollect by what persons.
At another time, finding that at his meal the oil did not suit his taste nor agree with him, he observed to the said Coquet that he thought he should not offend by eating the fat of beef on fast days, in place of oil.
On another occasion, about the same time, being out of the city, Josefa Coquet, wife of the abovementioned Carlos Coquet, was looking over his books, among which she found one entitled La Henriade, by Mons. Voltaire, which book belonged to Bernardo Carles, a Frenchman, who passed through this city for Andalusia, and gave the book in keeping to the deponent. He received it knowing that it was a prohibited book. When the deponent returned to the city, the said Josefa Coquet told him, with a mysterious look, that she had seen this book, and that her Confessor had ordered her to give information of it to the Holy Office. He replied that she had done wrong, and should have given up the book on mentioning it. He offered her the key of his writing desk that she might see whether he had any other bad or prohibited book.
Another day, talking with the aforesaid Coquet about the infallibility of the Pope, the deponent declared that inasmuch as he had never read in any book that the Pope was infallible, although he believed and held him to be the head of the church, yet he was persuaded that God alone was infallible; that the catechism which was taught him in France did not declare that the Pope was infallible, and therefore he did not believe it; but if his confessor or any other learned person were to say that he was, he should believe it; upon which Coquet was offended and went off to his own apartment. Further than this he did not remember to have said or done anything relating to matters of religion, and if he were apprised of anything, which had been denounced to the Holy Office, he would disclose all he knew with the same sincerity.
He was then told that information had been received and sworn to in this Holy Office, that he, the deponent, had said he was a freemason, and had a book containing the constitutions of that society, that he produced the book, read a portion of it, and declared that there was nothing in it contrary to the Catholic Religion; furthermore, that the person to whom he made these assertions and read the book, making some objections, and telling him to conceal the book and take care that it came not to the knowledge of the Inquisition, for they would punish him, he laughed at him.
Answered, that it was false that he had ever told any one that he was a freemason, as he was not, nor ever had been one of that order, although he had held communication with some of them in France, had dined with them, and seen them converse together by signs; also, that he never possessed, nor said that he possessed a book containing their constitutions, and although he once had a book which spake in praise of freemasons, and commended their charities and other good works, yet it was false that he ever read any part of the same to any person; that he burnt this book with some other papers in presence of the abovementioned Josefa Coquet, and that he did not remember to have made the assertions imputed to him.
He was then told that information had been also received and sworn to, that he, the deponent, on a certain occasion, gave to another person a book whose author was Mons. Voltaire, informing him that he had possessed it for fifteen years; and that a certain ecclesiastic reprehending him for it, he replied that the book was not his, and that on the same day, in presence of the person aforesaid, he burnt some papers, saying, that he did it for fear of the Inquisition.
Answered, that the first part of this assertion was false; namely, that relating to the work of Mons. Voltaire, and that no part of it was true, except what he had already related as having passed between him and Josefa Coquet; that it was true he had burnt, in her presence, the book in praise of the freemasons, the history of the Incas of Peru, and some papers relating to the entertainments given to the Prince of Chartres, who was considered as the head of the freemasons, and also that he declared he had done the same for fear of the Inquisition.
It being late, the audience closed, and the deponent was ordered to appear again the next morning. The whole was read to him and he declared it to be true, which I certify.
Pedro Remusson.
Juan Antonio Almonacid, Sec’y.
To the Members of the Tribunal of the Inquisition of Catalonia, at their Royal Palace, Barcelona.
Barcelona, March 20th, 1802.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
I have some information to give your Excellency respecting a certain person who has uttered in my presence some words which it appears to me come within the cognizance of your Excellency. Various causes have hindered me from appearing before the respectable tribunal of your Excellency and denouncing the whole matter. I trust your Excellency will favor me so far as to take my deposition at the hands of some clerical person. I live in the Calle Ancha, in the second room of a house which forms the corner of the Callejon de la Plata, No. 1, and for more particular direction, my house is so near that of Señor Don Juan Larra, that nothing separates them but the abovementioned Callejon.
Your Excellency’s most humble servant,
Maria Bernarda Hallegg, wife of
Don Pedro Hallegg, Captain in the
Regiment of Rutiman.
In the city of Barcelona, on the third day of June, one thousand eight hundred and two, before Dr Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta, Presbyter and Commissary appointed for this investigation, and me, the Reverend Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter, Commissary, and Notary on this occasion, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, voluntarily, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy with respect to everything which she knew and about which she might be interrogated, a person calling herself Dona Maria Bernardo Halegg, wife of Don Pedro Hallegg, Captain in the Regiment of Rutiman, a native of the town of Estipona, in the province of Andalusia, of age, as she stated, twentyfour years, and residing in the Calle de la Plata.
Questioned, if she knew or conjectured the cause of her being summoned to appear by the Tribunal of the Holy Office.
Answered, that she supposed it to be on account of a letter which her Confessor had written in her name to the Holy Office, in which letter she had declared that she had some information to communicate. The matter in question was as follows. About six months ago, Juan Picar, a native of Lyons, in France, who visited at her house, uttered the following heretical speeches; namely, that he did not believe in the purity of the Most Holy Mary; that he did not believe Jesus Christ descended to the Host after the words of consecration were uttered by the Priest; that he did not believe in the Pope, inasmuch as he was a man like ourselves; that those who died did not go to Hell, but to Paradise; that he said ‘Holy Mary’ instead of ‘Most Holy Mary;’ that he spoke ill of the Priests, declaring that he could not endure the sight of them, and that they had ruined Spain; that the French had done well in driving them all out of their country. The deponent stated further, that she believed he did not attend mass on the days appointed, although he professed to be a Christian.
She was then shown a letter beginning with ‘Barcelona, March 20th, 1802,’ and ending with ‘Don Pedro Halegg, Captain in the Regiment of Rutiman,’ that she might examine and identify it, and declare it to have been written by her, or by her direction in her name, and containing the truth.
Answered, that it was the identical one which she had caused to be written by her Father Confessor, and that she attested it for the truth; that she had nothing to add or alter in relation to it, and that she had not made her declarations out of malice or enmity against the abovementioned person, nor from any counsel or instigation on the part of any other person.
Questioned, why she had delayed to denounce these offences to the Holy Office, thereby failing in her obligation to give notice of all such matters immediately upon having knowledge of the same.
Answered, that she wished previously to consult her Father Confessor, and that she obeyed upon receiving his orders.
Questioned, at what time and in what place he made the abovementioned assertions; what persons were present; if he said them more than once, and how many times; whether he spoke in his own language, or quoted others who made the assertions referred to; whether he spoke in jest, in dispute, or in a passion; whether he was accustomed to utter such words; whether he was rebuked by any persons present, and by whom; whether, after being rebuked, he persisted in his assertions, and whether at the time of speaking he was in his right mind, or was insane or drunk.
Answered, that she had already specified the time, and that it happened at her house; that there were present occasionally her husband abovementioned; her brother-in-law, Don Martin Halegg, who resided there, a servant named Francisca Garriga, living in the Callejon de Santa Anna, and who went to be married at Tarragona, but her present place of residence the deponent does not know, and another servant named Antonia, who lives in a lane near La Trinidad Calzada, and is the daughter of a schoolmaster in that lane; that he repeated the above assertions many times, so often that she could not recollect the number; that he spoke affirmatively, and seriously; that she did not think he was accustomed to such talk, as he had not repeated it for more than two months; that he was rebuked several times by the abovementioned persons and the deponent, but took no heed; and that on most of these occasions he was in his right mind, although a few times he was intoxicated.
Questioned, if she knew that any other person had said or done anything which came within the cognizance of the Holy Office.
Answered, No.
Questioned, what was or appeared to be the age of the abovementioned Juan Picar, also his personal appearance and condition.
Answered, that he was about fortyfour years of age, tall, thin, with a light complexion, blue eyes, and red hair; and that he was a soldier in the aforesaid regiment.
The above being read to her, she affirmed it to be recorded conformably to her declaration; that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, as it was the truth; and that she did not utter it out of malice or ill will against the said Juan Picar, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her, which she promised to observe, and added her signature, which I certify.
After the declaration had been read, and before it was signed, the deponent recollected that the abovementioned Juan Picar observed to her husband, that a person, on dying, passed to the other world without suffering any punishment. Also she had been informed by her sister-in-law, Dona Rafaela Reymer, wife of a captain out of service, named Don Joseph Reymer, who lives in the Calle de San Pablo, No. 14, third story, that two officers of the said regiment, the one named Martin Estinause, and the other unknown, uttered blasphemies respecting a figure of Christ.
All which she denounces to the Holy Office in discharge of her conscience, and under the oath of secrecy sworn by her. She added her signature, which I certify.
Maria Bernarda Hallegg.
Dr Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta,
Presbyter and Commissary,
Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter, Commissary,
and Notary.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
Francisco Prat, Subdeacon, native of Esponella, and a resident in the Seminario del Señor, in the bishopric of Gerona, by counsel and order of the Reverend Juan Salgueda his Confessor, gives information with due respect to your Excellency, of the following matter.
About six months since, in this city, he heard Narcisa Catala y Pinsach, the wife of a Frenchman, and reputed a woman of truth, and a native of Gerona, dwelling in the Mercadal Parish of that city—declare that a Frenchman who was a stocking weaver in the Hospicio of the same city, whose name was Blaqueire, and whose age was about thirty years, had been baptized since he was in Spain, but had prevaricated and embraced some heresy.
Also that a certain Frenchman, named Avi Brich, aged about sixty years, residing in the said city of Gerona, and likewise a stocking weaver in the Hospicio, was a Jew, and the writer of this letter observing that they ought to commune annually, otherwise they would be severely punished, she replied that in order to deceive the spies, he took the sacrament not merely once, but two or three times every year.
Which information I transmit to your Excellency for the necessary end.
Gerona, April 28th, 1791.
Francisco Prat, Subdeacon.
We herewith transmit to the Reverend Juan Salgueda, Presbyter Vicar of the church of the Mercadal of Gerona, the extrajudicial denunciation of Francisco Prat, Subdeacon, a resident in the Episcopal Seminario of that city, and we grant a commission for examining him before another Ecclesiastic as Notary, according to the formula adjoined, No. 1, in order that the denunciation may be attested, and he may affirm, under oath, that it is his, written and signed by him, and its contents true, as also whether he has anything to add or alter respecting it, and from what motive the said Narcisa Catala y Pinsach made the charges in question against the two Frenchmen.
Having taken the deposition of Francisco Prat, you will take the occasion and methods the most cautious and opportune to examine before the same Notary, and according to the formula No. 2, the said Narcisa Catala y Pinsach, respecting the matters referred to by Francisco Prat, taking care not to mention to her the name of this person, nor the names of the Frenchmen accused, inasmuch as she will state them herself should her testimony corroborate the charge, in which case she will specify the name, occupation, country, residence, age, and personal appearance of each individual. Also if she knows whether one of them has been baptized in Spain, when, in what Parish, and what heresy he embraced afterwards. Also what reason she has for saying that one of them is a Jew, and in order to deceive the spies, takes the communion not merely once, but two or three times a year. You will also question her whether she has heard or understood anything from these two Frenchmen or others, which is, or appears to be, contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith, or within the cognisance of the Holy Office, in which case she must declare whatever she knows, with the utmost clearness and perspicuity.
These investigations being completed, you will forward the proceedings to us, returning also all the papers. Our Lord preserve you.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, June 11th, 1791.
The Licentiate,
Don Manuel de Merra y Paniagua.
Dr Don Pedro Diaz de Valdes.
Juan Antonio Almonacid, Secretary.
In the city of Gerona, Principality of Catalonia on the thirtieth day of June, one thousand seven hundred and ninetyone, before us, Juan Salgueda, Presbyter Vicar of the Mercadal and Commissary of the Holy Office for this investigation, and Dr Marcial Llistorella, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our duties, appeared according to summons, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, a person calling himself Francisco Prat, Subdeacon of the village of Esponella in the bishopric of Gerona, aged twentyeight years.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear.
Answered, that he supposed it to be on account of a denunciation he had made, respecting something he had heard from Narcisa Catala y Pinsach.
He was then informed that a letter had been received in this Holy Office, which appeared to be from him, which letter began with ‘Francisco Prat, Subdeacon,’ and ended with ‘for the necessary ends.’ This letter was then produced, when he recognised it, and declared it to be the one which he wrote to the Tribunal, and that its contents were true.
Questioned, if he had anything to add thereto.
Answered, that in the conversation referred to, the abovementioned Narcisa Catala y Pinsach stated that some other Frenchmen abused the said Francisco Blaqueire on account of his prevarication respecting our religion, and that this happened in her house. Also, (but of this he is not certain) he believed she declared that the father and brother of the said Blaqueire who reside in Montagut or Tortella, in the bishopric of Gerona, refused to live with him by reason of his baptism, and that they had not been baptized; at any rate she said something respecting this.
Furthermore he had been told by Maria, the sister of the aforesaid Narcisa Pinsach, that Francisco Brich was a Jew. This she told the deponent in his own house; the like assertion he had heard from some of the common people, but did not recollect whom.
Questioned, what gave rise to the aforesaid conversation; why the charges were made; and seeing that it was his duty to oppose and denounce such matters, why he waited six months before he gave information.
Answered, that he chanced to remark, while waiting for the husband of the said Narcisa Pinsach, that the abovenamed Brich appeared to be an honest man, to which she replied that he was not, when the rest of the assertions followed; that the charges were made in compliance with the dictates of his conscience; and that he had spoken of the matter before, but had been told that it was women’s tattle.
Questioned, what was the appearance of the persons in question.
Answered, that he had no knowledge of Francisco Blaqueire; and that the said Brich is a man of middling stature, corpulent, somewhat florid, and of a pacific temper; and that he knew nothing of his birthplace, except that he was a Frenchman.
The above is the truth according to the oath of the deponent, who has not made this declaration out of malice or ill will, but solely in discharge of his conscience; he declared that it was correctly recorded, and signed it in the city of Gerona, on the first day of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninetyone.
Francisco Prat, Subdeacon.
Before me—
Dr Marcial Llistorella, Presbyter Notary.
In the city of Gerona, on the second day of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninetyone, before us, Juan Salgueda, Presbyter, Vicar of the Mercadal of Gerona, and Commissary of the Holy Office, and Dr Marcial Llistorella, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, according to summons, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Narcisa Catala y Pinsach, wife of Joseph Fabrega, commonly called Catala, stocking weaver, a native and inhabitant of Gerona, of age, as she stated, twentyeight years.
Questioned, if she knew the cause of her being summoned to appear.
Answered, No.
Questioned, if she knew that any person had said or done anything which was, or appeared to be contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith, and Evangelical Law.
Answered, that she had been told that Francisco Brich, alias Lo Avi Brich, and Francisco Blaqueire, stocking weavers, in the Hospicio of this city, were Protestants; and that the said Blaqueire had been baptized since his residence in Spain, but she knew not in what Parish. Also, that he could not live with his parents because they were Protestants. His parents live in France.
Questioned, if she knew whether the said Blaqueire had embraced any heresy.
Answered, that she only knew he was a Protestant, according as she was informed by her mother, now dead, who asserted that she was unwilling to let her other daughter marry the said Blaqueire because he was a Protestant. The same assertion she has heard from many other persons; she could not remember whom, but believed they were people of the vulgar sort.
Questioned, if she had told this to any other person.
Answered, that what had been told her, she had told to others, but to whom she could not say.
Here closed the deposition of the second of July, and on the fourth of the same month, the said Narcisa Fabra Catala y Pinsach appeared again.
Questioned, if she had anything to add to the declaration which she had made against Francisco Blaqueire.
Answered, No.
Questioned, what was the personal appearance of this man.
Answered, that he was about thirty years of age, of a moderate stature, and corpulent; that she did not know his birthplace, only that he was a Frenchman; that he was desirous of marrying, and that he was a stocking weaver, but in what factory he worked she did not know.
Questioned, why she supposed the abovenamed Brich to be a Protestant.
Answered, that she did not know it for certain, but had heard of it in the same manner in which she learned the history of Francisco Blaqueire, and that perhaps she had told it to others.
She was then informed that information had been received and sworn to in the Holy Office, that in a certain conversation a certain person observed that Avi Brich appeared to be an honest man, to which she replied, ‘He is not an honest man, but a Jew.’ And it being remarked that in Spain they must confess and partake of the communion once in each year, she replied, that in order to deceive the spies, they did this not merely once, but two or three times a year.
Therefore, in the name of God Our Lord and his Glorious and Blessed Mother Our Lady the Virgin, she was exhorted to bethink herself and declare the whole truth.
Answered, that she did not remember to have said so, but had heard say that if he had died in the Hospital, where he lay very sick about two years, he would not have been buried in consecrated grounds. At present she could not recollect who made this assertion, but she believed they were Frenchmen.
Questioned, what was his age and personal appearance.
Answered, she had known him about six years; that he was of a middling stature, corpulent, of a pacific temper, and above fifty years old; that she knew not his birthplace, but only that he was a Frenchman, and resided in the parish of the Mercadal of Gerona.
Questioned, if she knew anything of any other person which was contrary to our Faith.
Answered, that she had been told by Dona Manuela de Rodil, that Monsieur Daniel, a Frenchman, living in the parish of the Mercadal, possessed a mirror, which, on looking into it, exhibited the figures of devils. Also, she had heard, from the vulgar, that he and his wife were not Christians. Furthermore, she had been told by a certain Mallensa, a French woman, that a certain Luis in her house was a Protestant, but she believed this was said from hatred, and in order to get him out of the house. Finally, she remembered to have heard that one of the sons, Francisco Brich, now in France, was a Protestant. Who made this assertion she could not tell.
The above is the truth according to the oath of the deponent, who has not uttered it out of malice or ill will, but solely to discharge her conscience; and having been read, she declared that it was correctly recorded.
Done at Gerona on the fourth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninetytwo.
The said Narcisa Catala Fabre y Pinsach not being able to write, I sign the above.
Juan Salgueda, Presbyter, &c.
Before me—
Dr Marcial Llistorella, Presbyter,
Notary in this Investigation.
MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
Being in company with Juan Bautista Viada, mason, on the twelfth day of the present month, and discoursing of sermons upon the state of the soul, I am very confident that he made this remark; that he had heard sundry persons declare they believed nothing about hell or purgatory, but as for himself, he believed. Which information I give your Excellency in obedience to the dictates of my conscience.
Mataro, November 17th, 1819.
Your most humble servant,
Franch. Plana, Carpenter.
On the road beyond the gate of Batlleix.21
Let a commission be expedited for the examination of the above letter.
To the Reverend Father Pedro Martir de S. Vicente, Capuchin and Ex Lecturer of his order.
We hereby grant you a commission to summon before you, and another ecclesiastic to act as Notary, first swearing secrecy, Francisco de Asis Plana, carpenter, residing opposite the gate of Batlleix of this city. You will subject him to a regular examination respecting a letter of his which is herewith enclosed, and exact an oath from him that the letter is his, written by himself and its contents true. You will ascertain whether he has anything to add or alter respecting it, and after four days you will ratify the same ad perpetuam, in the presence of two other ecclesiastics sworn to secrecy. In the same manner you will proceed to take separately the depositions of Juan Bautista Viada, mason, and of the other persons whom he states were present when the speeches in question were uttered; these depositions to be also ratified. You will not omit to question him who these persons were, according to the regular form. You will note in the margin of the paper which shall contain the depositions, the degree of credit which they deserve; and you will also transmit, separately, an account of the lives, character, and behaviour of the persons denounced. With these you will return this commission and the other papers. God preserve you many years.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, December 18th, 1819.
Dr Don Jose Llozer.
The Licentiate,
Don Santo de Basarrate.
D. D. Juan de Calva y Marti, Sec’y.
In the city of Mataro, bishopric of Barcelona, on the twentyeighth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, before Father Pedro Martir de San Vicente, Presbyter and Commissary, specially appointed in virtue of a commission to this effect, and before me, P. Bernardino de Barcelona, Presbyter Notary, having sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared voluntarily and made oath in the name of God our Lord, with the sign of the cross, to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, with respect to everything demanded of him which he knew, a person calling himself Francisco de Asis Plana, carpenter, aged fiftyseven years.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear by the Holy Office.
Answered, Yes.
Questioned, if he had written, or caused to be written at any time, a letter to the Tribunal of the Inquisition, giving an account of some crime within his knowledge, and who was the person to whom he referred.
Answered, that he had written a letter against Juan Bautista Viada, mason. The letter was then exhibited and the first clause of it read, when the deponent declared it to be his, and that its contents were true.
Questioned, if he had anything to add or alter in the said letter.
Answered, that if it were not for the apprehension of falling into an error, he should alter, ‘I am confident,’ to ‘I am certain.’
Questioned, if there were other persons present when Juan Bautista Viada made the assertions in question.
Answered, No.
Questioned, if he knew that any other person had said or done anything which came under the cognizance of the Holy Office.
Answered, No.
Questioned, what was the age, appearance, and habitation of the person denounced.
Answered, that he was about fiftysix years old, and lived in the Calle de Argentona, in Mataro.
The above having been read to the deponent was declared by him to be correctly recorded. He stated further that he had nothing to add or alter respecting it; and that he did not make the declarations therein contained, out of malice, but solely from conscientious motives. Secrecy was enjoined upon him, which he promised, and added his signature.
Francisco de Asis Plana.
Fr. Pedro Martir de San Vicente,
Presbyter Capuchin.
Before me—
P. Bernardino de Barcelona, Presbyter,
Notary, and Commissary, appointed for
this Purpose.
In the city of Mataro, bishopric of Barcelona, on the sixteenth day of January, one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before Father Pedro Martir de San Vicente, Presbyter Capuchin, and Commissary, by a special commission for this purpose, and me, Father Bernardino de Barcelona, Notary, having sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our offices, appeared and made oath in the name of God our Lord, with the sign of the cross, to declare the truth, and observe secrecy, a person calling himself Juan Bautista Viada, a native of Mataro, in the bishopric of Barcelona, by occupation a mason, aged fiftyfour years.
Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear.
Answered, No.
Questioned, if he knew that any person or persons had said there was no Hell nor Purgatory, or made any other assertion which came under the cognisance of the Holy Office.
Answered, that he had heard the above assertion uttered by Magin Casanovas, or Barcelo, a person who died two years since.
Questioned, what persons were present when these words were spoken; and if the said Magin Casanovas was in his right mind; also, whether the assertion was made in a positive manner, or by referring to some other person, and whether it was made in jest, or dispute, or passion.
Answered, that he did not recollect whether it was said in the presence of others or not, but that it appeared to be said in a positive manner, and not in the heat of passion; that the abovementioned Magin Casanovas was a Marine Alguacil of this city, of which he was also a native, and that his age was about seventy years.
Questioned, if he remembered how many times the assertion had been made, and if he received any rebuke for it.
Answered, that he did not remember.
Questioned, why he had not denounced the speaker to the Holy Tribunal.
Answered, that the thought of this never occurred to him.
Questioned, if he knew that any other person had said or done anything which belonged to the cognizance of the Holy Tribunal.
Answered, No.
The above having been read to the deponent, was declared by him to be correctly recorded; and he further stated that he had nothing to add or alter respecting it, and that he did not make the declaration through malice, but solely in obedience to his conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon him, which he promised, and added his signature.
Juan Bautista Viada.
Fray Pedro Martir de San Vicente,
Presbyter Capuchin Commissary.
Before me—
F. Bernardo de Barcelona, Notary.
[The following is written in the margin of the above deposition.]
I know the deponent Juan Bautista Viada to be a person worthy of credit. He supports his family by his labor; follows the precepts of the church, confesses, and partakes of the sacrament; nor have I ever heard of anything which can impeach his testimony. This is my opinion, salvo meliori.
Mataro, January 28th, 1820.
Fr. Pedro Martir de San Vicente,
Presbyter Capuchin Commissary.
The End
Footnotes
1 Fleury, Hist. Ecclesiast.
2 Sismondi, Litterature du Midi de l’Europe.
3 Sismondi, Hist. des Français.
4 Fleury, Hist. Ecclesiast.
5 Daru, Hist. de Venise.
6 Giannone, Storia di Napoli.
7 Llorente, Hist. de la Inquisicion de Espana.
8 Mariana, Hist. de Espana. Llorente.
9 Schiller, Abfall der Niederlande.
10 Llorente.
11 Lafitau, Conquestes des Portugais.
12 As soon as the crime of suspicion of heresy was established in the preliminary accusation, the Inquisitors ordered the arrest of the delinquent. From that moment there were neither privileges nor shelter for him. Whatever might be his rank, he was seized in the midst of his family and friends, and no one dared to offer the least resistance. From the instant he was in the hands of the Inquisition not an individual was allowed any communication with him, he was abandoned by all the world and deprived of every species of consolation. Wo to the compassionate mind that dared to show any sympathy for a victim of the Inquisition. The accused was plunged into a frightful dungeon till the Inquisitors saw fit to interrogate him.
In the mean time the officers of the Inquisition proceeded to the dwelling of the accused, and drew up an inventory of all his goods, which were immediately seized. His creditors lost their debts; his wife and children were left in the most pitiable desertion; wives and daughters the most virtuous and accomplished, have many times been seen reduced to the horrible necessity of gaining a wretched existence by prostitution, occasioned by their destitute state and the contempt attached to them from being connected with a person apprehended by the Holy Office. After he had passed many days and even months in prison, the Inquisitors caused him to insinuate, by means of the jailor, that he demanded audience; for it was a constant practice of this Tribunal to contrive that the accused should be the person to demand. The prisoner, appearing before his judges for the first time, they questioned him as if they did not know him, and engaged him by the most crafty methods, to acknowledge his crime. Llorente Hist. de la Inquisicion.
13 ‘The least mixture of African, Indian, Moorish, or Jewish blood taints a whole generation. Nor does the knowledge of such a fact die away in the course of years, or become unnoticed from the obscurity and humbleness of the parties. Not a child in this populous city (Seville) is ignorant that a family, who, beyond the memory of man, have kept a confectioner’s shop in a central part of the town, had one of their ancestors punished by the Inquisition for a relapse into Judaism. I well recollect how, when a boy, I often passed that way, scarcely venturing to cast a side glance on a pretty young woman, who constantly attended the shop, for fear, as I said to myself, of shaming her. A person free from tainted blood is defined by law, ‘Christiano viejo, limpio de toda mala raza.’ An old Christian, free from all bad race and stain. The severity of this law, or rather of the public opinion enforcing it, shuts out its victims from every employment in church or state, and excludes them even from fraternities, or religious associations, which are otherwise open to persons of the lowest ranks. I verily believe that were St Peter a Spaniard, he would either deny admittance into heaven to a people of tainted blood, or send them to a retired corner, where they might not offend the eyes of the old Christians.’
Doblado’s Letters from Spain.
14 Attorney General.
15 Calificacion or qualification, a judgment pronounced upon the character and tendency of any actions or speeches denounced before the Inquisition. This was done by officers holding a special commission for that purpose called Calificadores.
16 There were three sorts of persons distinguished by the Tribunal as suspected of heresy; those who were lightly suspected, those who were seriously suspected, and those who were violently suspected. The lightly suspected were designated by the term de levi, and the seriously and violently suspected, by the term de vehementi. Llorente Hist. de la Inquisicion.
17 Du bist ein narr das du dies glaubst.
18 There were three methods of torture; the cord, fire, and water.
In the first method, they tied the hands behind the back of the patient by means of a cord which passed through a pulley attached to the roof, and the executioners drew him up as high as possible. After suspending him for some time, the cord was loosened, and he fell within six inches of the ground. This terrible shock dislocated all the joints and cut the flesh even to the sinews. The process was renewed every hour and left the patient without strength or motion. It was not until after the physician had declared that the sufferer could no longer endure the torture without dying, that the Inquisitors sent him back to prison.
The second was performed by means of water. The executioners stretched the victim over a wooden instrument like a spout, fitted to receive the body of a man, without any bottom but a stick passing across it. The body falling backwards, came to such a position that the feet were higher than the head. In this state the respiration became very painful, and the patient suffered the most dreadful agonies in all his limbs from the pressure of the cords, the knots of which cut into the flesh. In this cruel position the executioners passed into the throat a piece of fine linen, wet, a part of which covered the nostrils. They then turned water into the mouth and nose and left it to filter so slowly that one hour at least was consumed before the sufferer had swallowed a drop, although it trickled without interruption. Thus the patient found no interval for respiration. At every moment he made an effort to swallow, hoping to give passage to a little air; but the wet linen prevented this, and caused the water to enter by the nostrils. Thus it often happened that when the torture was finished, they drew the linen from the throat all stained with the blood of the vessels which had been burst by the struggles of the unfortunate victim. It should be added, that every instant, a powerful arm turned the fatal lever, and at each turn the cords which bound the arms and legs penetrated to the very bones.
If by this second torment they could obtain no confession, the Inquisitors resorted to fire. For this purpose the executioners tied the hands and feet in such a manner that the sufferer could not change his position. They then rubbed the feet with oil and lard, and other penetrating matter, and placed them before the fire, until the flesh was so roasted that the bones and sinews appeared in every part.—Llorente, Hist. de la Inquisicion.
19 When the crime imputed to the accused was not certain, and he had not entangled himself in the interrogatories, he was acquitted, on the condition that he should make a formal abjuration of his heresies and be purged, after the canonical fashion, of the suspicion attached to him. After this, he was absolved ad cautelam, or, in other words, as having been suspected of heresy.—Llorente, Hist. de la Inquisicion.
20 One who makes a voluntary confession, and takes his trial on the strength of the evidence which he gives against himself, rather than the testimony of other witnesses.
21 As a specimen of the modern Catalan dialect, the original of the above letter is subjoined.
Mol Ille Sor
Estan en la Campana ab Juan Baptista Viada All, de Casas lo Dia 12 del corren, parlan de Sermons de Animas: meapar mol, que el digué de esta Manera; de que ell abia oyit á differens, que no creyan ab lo Infern, ó ab lo Purgatori, peró que ell si, que hi creya.
lo que delate á V. S. per descarrch de la mia Consiencia.
Mataró y Nbre 17 de 1819.
S. M. hl—S.
Franch. Plana Juster.
al Carrer de fora de lo Portal de Batlleix.