[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 to be very cautious.

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 dear José.

I've received your letter. I understand what you tell me, concerning what your aunts asked you to say. It wasn't groundless, because they both felt great sorrow, and I should say that you were even more stuck in troubles than your father. This I know now, with absolute certainty, because there are enemies and those men from the Regiment, as far as I know, soldiers and some low rank officers, known by you, these are the ones who have harmed you, but God always helps innocence. Since they wanted to frame you with slander, nothing will happen to you. The inquest hasn't been closed yet and now a battalion from Regiment 5 is heading to that court and so, be careful, it's always good to. I'm truly glad that the letters have already been handed in, as I'm free from that concern, because I knew nothing and, for that reason, I came to Elvas. I'm now sending you a safe gold coin. I can't send any more coins through the mail, for only God knows the troubles I've been having and the debts I have been forced to pay, since everything is happening to me. Now, try not to waste it, save it to help you with your needs. We have, in Montemor, at your master's house, a pair of boots and some clothes. Let's leave them for when you return, since I'm sending someone to pick you up at the end of the month. Let's wait and see. Accept affection from your sisters, your aunts and from this mother of yours who wishes you long life.

Maria José de Miranda.

2 September.

Let me know whether you are still at your cousins' house. Greetings from Moedas. Tell your father that I've sent him four coins and a letter. Everything will go through the solicitor of António da Gama. May it be God's will that you receive the money soon and that there is no straying.»