[1827]. Carta de Maria José de Miranda para seu filho José Caldeira Vieira de Andrade, cadete.

Family letter from Maria José de Miranda to her son José Caldeira Vieira de Andrade, cadet.

The author advises her son not come back home, since she knows he risks being arrested.

The process of José Caldeira Vieira de Andrade, cadet in Elvas, accused of deserting the army, is contemporary with the liberal revolution in Portugal, during which liberal insurgents opposed the supporters of absolutism, led by the King D. Miguel. In reaction to this revolt, the forces of the regime persecuted and arrested people on the streets, simply based on common complaints and without further investigation.

«My son.

I've received yours, which has put me in a state of great worry and distress, since I didn't foresee the great mistake you made by leaving your cousins' house, as you always do nothing but things that cause great danger to you and sorrow to me. At least, you were in a place where you were fed and your illness was taken care of, but , anyway, let it be! All I ask you is that you don't show up, because you are considered guilty and charged of many crimes, as they framed you and your fahter with great slander and lies, and now all these wicked people wish for you to come to the fort, since they wish to do you even greater harm than to those who have been caught here. I'm forwarding you the leave, which has already arrived more than eight days ago, because I sent it right away, but, since you weren't there, the letters have all been returned here. I've already sent the six "cruzados novos" you were owing to cousin Carmo. Concerning [your] state, don't ever send [news about] it and don't write to anyone. Write only to me, and even when you do, the letters must be addressed to Ms. Isabel Maria, widow, and I'll send you mine under my cousin's name, António Luís de Aguiar, but, even so, don't write much. Each day I feel more the abandonment your father left you in. I've been close to death with the greatest pain, due to the grief I feel because of you, for you are in such a misfortune with so many problems. However, God is of infinite mercy. Ask him with great faith to help you, as we will do here too. I've lost the track of how many promises I've made so that nothing bad happens to you. Goodbye, I can't go on, since I'm very sick.

Maria José de Miranda.

18 October.

Work as heavily as a good man. On the 28th, a great battery will take place here to arrest everyone who is at the fields and along those small lands. Therefore, be very cautious.»