Family letter from Inês Fernandes to her father-in-law, Gaspar Fernandes, a muleteer.
Gaspar Fernandes, the addressee of this letter, was convicted to penances and exile in the galleys for the crime of bigamy. He was first married to Ana da Mota for 4 years and married again with Beatriz Gonçalves while the first wife was still alive.
«Through this you will know what you must to. A man arrived to this land and he came on behalf of the Holy Inquisition because of a complaint to arrest you for getting married twice. You need to go to a safe place. And don’t ignore this. This man, I know he secretly takes form this land a certificate that proves you received it there. I know he is an Inquisition commissioner and he will send a warrant to that land to arrest you. Therefore, you must leave that place and go to another. Beware of all the troubles you’ll have if they arrest you. I will write no more. May Our Lord concede you health and life.
From Arruda, today, February, 2nd, six-hundred and six years
From your mother-in-law, Inês Fernandes»