1826. Carta de Jacinta Rosa para Maria Antónia.

Private letter from Jacinta Rosa to Maria Antónia

The author asks the addressee to help her convince her cousin to withdraw the complaint.

Jacinta Rosa was accused of stealing a pair of earrings from Angélica Joaquina da Cruz. Jacinta decides to write to Angélica's cousin, in order to asker to intercede on her behalf.

«Madam Maria Antónia. My very dear madam, I hope you enjoy perfect health and happiness and the same to all your family. Dear madam, I’m going to expose you my cruel circumstances: I was arrested and got very distressed and, since I was worried, I had my son before time and I’ve been very ill from child-birth. I’m still very unstable and I have no access to treatment nor is my man able to provide me everything I need. And since my freedom depends on the will of your cousin, madam Angélica, even though you don’t know me, to help a poor woman – as I know you are of great kindness – I decided to ask for your help, in the name of your health, your children’s faith and the growth of all your family. I beg you, for the love of God, to make me the charity of asking your cousin for my forgiveness. And may she give me her forgiveness at the scribe’s house, and my man or my mother will give her the money she spends. I ask you this for the suffering of Holy Mary, that you and your cousin have mercy on me: you by asking her on my behalf, because my condition and the things that happen here can only be believed if seen. And may God keep you and your family safe from similar troubles. And God will return you all the good deeds you do to me. And I ask you to, please, send me an answer. I trust your kindness, and that you will have pity on a poor woman. I bother you no longer. I’m your faithful and humble servant. Jacinta Rosa, 8th April 1826.»