[1827]. Carta de José Matias Monteiro, soldado, para Emília, sua amada.

Love letter from José Matias Monteiro, soldier, to Emília, his beloved.

José Matias Monteiro, a soldier, accused his older brothers Nicolau Tolentino Monteiro and António dos Santos Monteiro, of robbing him. Among the reasons for a severe rivalry between the brothers, there was the pressure for José Matias to leave his lover, which he didn't.

My beloved child.

You must be extremely surprised because I didn't go there yesterday, nor the necessary days. You must suppose the reason why. You can send all the prescriptions to the drugstore, which has the permission. I send [...]. I can assure you'll have everything you need, because my friend, the judge, will send you things everyday and may even visit you. Don't forget the one who loves you truly.

Do not show up. Tell Catarina to keep a secret and that I'll talk to her soon. Don't give up, dear Emília, for we'll soon be together forever. To conclude, to whoever looks for someone in there, you must say it is the house of Ms. Gertrudes.

Don't forget me, my child. I hope you get well soon. Write me right away.

Goodbye,

Yours from the heart.

I shall write to you more carefully later today. Remember who cherishes you.