Family letter from António de Araújo to his brother-in-law.
The author tells his news to his brother-in-law and apologizes for not being able to pay what he owes him.
This letter is included in the process of Domingas de Araújo, accused of bigamy. Her first husband, António de Araújo, had been in Brazil for around 19 years and, in spite of the husband's brother, a priest named Manuel de Araújo, telling her that António had written to him, which proved he was still alive, she alleged that she got no letters from him and that this made her believe he was dead. She also alleged that she only decided to marry again following the pressure of some family members. The second husband was Francisco Afonso, known as "the Nobleman". In the meantime, the first husband returned to Portugal, he forgave her and she went back to live with him. Although the court ended up declaring her innocence, she had to assume all the process expenses.
«Today, 19 May, 1671. Brother-in-law. I wish these two lines will find you in good health, just as I wish for myself. At the moment I'm in good health, thank God forever, and I'm waiting to depart from this city of Bahia to Pernambuco, since I'm not able to live in this city of Bahia and therefore I'm leaving with a friend of mine from Braga who has got an uncle living in Pernambuco, perhaps I'll find more comfort there. Let me bore you with news from my trip in this fleet, which caused me no pain, nor to my collegues, thank God forever, and I only regret not having said goodbye to you or to the fat man, and all the other friends who live in that land. I ask you to give my regards to all those who wish to hear from me. Concerning our businesses and those with your cousin Gonçalo da Silva, a very close friend of mine, I'm always as thankful as I'm aware of my obligations. I've received from him three thousand "réis" [Portuguese old coins], and this way our affairs are settled. It's hard for me not being able to pay you, brother-in-law, but God will help you to be served beyond your favours, and God will pay you, since I'm not able to do it now, and I ask you to be patient until God give us hair. I won't bother you any longer. From this captive and friend of yours, António de Araújo etc. If you go to Rio Caldo, give my regards to my mother-in-law and to those who wish to hear from me. Please send some news to Domingas de Araújo, telling her where I am, so that they can write to me, if they wish.»
