1739. Carta de João Vaz para [Domingas Esteves], sua mulher.

Family letter from João Vaz to [Domingas Esteves], his wife.

The author reports what he has done while away from home and forwards several recommendations.

João Vaz filed a criminal action against the priest José Cerqueira Pinto, vicar of Cabração, Viana, accusing him of having had an affair with his wife, Domingas Esteves. This would have occurred when João Vaz was away in Lisbon for a period of eight years. According to João Vaz, the letters appended to the process would constitute proof of these facts. However, the priest argued against the veracity of the letters, claiming that they had been forged. He further argued that João Vaz had acted out of revenge. Throughout the process it becomes clear that it was Domingas' brother, João Esteves da Vige, the cause of this intrigue, instigating João Vaz through his letters and gathering witnesses against Josá Cerqueira Pinto. The inquired witnesses provided contradictory data.