1829. Carta de António Joaquim da Fonseca para José Barata Freire de Lima, Intendente Geral da Polícia da Corte e Reino.

Accusation letter written by António Joaquim da Fonseca to José Barata Freire de Lima, Superintendent of the Court and the Kingdom Police.

The author denounces three men because he believes them to be fugitives.

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.

«Honourable Sir.

I inform your Honour that, in Rua dos Prazeres, property number 91 ‒ 1st floor, live three individuals, along with a servant, who act very suspiciously, since they don't go out, except at night, and they spend the day hidden at home. These men come from the province of Trás-os-Montes and I believe they are fugitives, for having been involved in the Oporto Revolution and, therefore, I ask your Honour to investigate the real nature of these people, by verifying their passports, in case they have one, which seems unlikely to be true. I also inform your Honour that these referred men are visited by very liberal individuals, for I know them well. I hope your Honour doesn't despise my warning, since public peace is very useful. May God keep you for many years.

I'm your Honour's servant,

António Joaquim da Fonseca

Lisbon, 15 February 1829»