Chapter D: Castillon (1)

Secret Chamber, November 23d, 1819.

* * * * *

The said Inquisitor having examined the above proceedings, in his morning audience, on the day before stated, ordered that the investigation be suspended for want of proof, and that it be recorded in the registers under the name of the person referred to.

Attest. DR DON CYRO VALLS Y GELI, _Sec’y._

* * * * *

Information has been received and sworn to in this Holy Office, that a certain person has, in the presence of others, among whom was Juan Bonafos, surgeon, living in the house of Don Antonio Canals, uttered the following assertions.

1st. That the priests in the holy sacrifice of Mass, have no power to bring Christ down from heaven, which is proved by the example of the English, who, although so learned a people, yet do not believe this, which they would if it were true, from their great sagacity.

2d. That the French have done right in breaking up so many ecclesiastical and lay communities, which were the cause of such a multitude of dissensions and altercations, destructive to the crown and to the Apostolic Roman Catholic Church.

3d. That the chaplains dress in black to cover their ignorance, inasmuch as they know nothing.

4th. That there is no hell nor purgatory.

5th. That the highest disgrace which could befall him in this world, would be to have one of his relations a monk, or the Beneficiado of a parish.

6th. That if the Tribunal were to order him to be arrested, he had arms in his house and would resist till he had killed four or five.

In consequence of this, we hereby grant a commission to our Commissary Dr Antonio Amill, for the examination before Dr Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta, Presbyter, as Notary, of the said Juan Bonafos, according to the formula herewith subjoined. The name and residence of the speaker and those who were present, are to be recorded, as also all the circumstances of time, place, &c., as prescribed in the above direction; the whole to be forwarded to us with this commission. God preserve you.

Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, June eleventh, 1791.

The Licentiate,

DON MANUEL DE MERRA Y PANIYGUA. DR DON PEDRO DIAZ DE VALDES. JUAN ANTONIO ALMONACID, _Sec’y._

* * * * *

In the city of Barcelona, on the eleventh day of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninetyone, before Dr Antonio Amill, Presbyter and Commissary of the Holy Office, by virtue of a commission of the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition of Catalonia, and me, Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta, Presbyter and Notary, having sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our duties, appeared and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Juan Bonafos, surgeon, a native of the village of San Lorenzo de la Muga, in the bishopric of Gerona, of age, as he stated, twentyone years.

Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear.

Answered, that he did not know.

Questioned, if he knew that any person had said or done aught which was, or appeared to be, contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Doctrine.

Answered, Yes, inasmuch as about six months before, he had heard Joseph Coch, a surgeon, native of Sellern, and at present residing in Barcelona, make the following assertions.

1st. That the priests &c. [_The six assertions specified above._]

On another occasion, the deponent having stated to him that he had been in the Carthusian Convent, where he read an edict of the Holy Tribunal, prohibiting several books, and among them, one called _Avisos de Moises_, the above person replied, that as Christ had abolished the law of Moses, he hoped that another Christ would come and abolish the laws of the first. He moreover told him that he had prohibited books in his possession, which in fact he showed to the deponent. Their titles the deponent does not know.

Questioned, in what place the abovementioned Josef Coch made these assertions, and what persons were present at the time.

Answered, that it was at the house of the surgeon Baramon, in the Calle de los Flasades; and that the person present was Antonio Trabe, surgeon, who lives with Dr Torner, Beneficiado of San Justo.

Questioned, what was the age and personal appearance of the said Joseph Coch.

Answered, that he should suppose him to be about thirtythree years old; that he was of a middling height, with a thin, pock marked face, and black hair.

The above is the truth, according to the oath of the deponent, who states that he has not made this declaration out of malice, but solely from conscientious motives. Having been read to him, he declares it to be correctly recorded. I add his signature.

JUAN BONAFOS. DR ANTONIO AMILL, _Presbyter Commissary_.

Before me--JUAN BONAFOS.

DR ANTONIO AMILL, _Presbyter Commissary_.

Before me--

ANDRES FERNANDEZ DE LA CUESTA, _Presbyter Commissary, Notary_.

* * * * *

In the city of Barcelona, on the twentysecond day of March, one thousand eight hundred and ninetytwo, before Dr Andres Fernandes de la Cuesta, Presbyter and Commissary of the Holy Office, by virtue of a commission from the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition of Catalonia, and me, Francisco Junca, Presbyter Notary, appointed for this investigation, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully the duty,--appeared according to summons, and made oath formally to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Francisco Beau, clerk, a native and inhabitant of Barcelona, and residing in the Calle dels Tallers, in the house of the Earthen Ware Company, on the second floor, of age, as he stated, thirtyeight years.

Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear.

Answered, that he supposed it might be for the purpose of inquiring about the following matter. Being one day at dinner, in the tavern of Domingo ----, in the Calle de la Paja, he heard a certain Estruch, and another person who was a fifer in the Walloon Guards, talking about the French affairs. The said fifer spoke against the christian religion and Spain, and Estruch opposed him. Among other things in the conversation, this fifer observed that he believed only three things; but what these were, the deponent could not recollect--it was so long ago--only one of them, as it appears to him, related to giving charity. He declared that he possessed many books, and was not afraid of the Inquisition, for he had already been engaged in some disputes relative to a woman, which had come under the cognisance of the Holy Tribunal, or some of the officers. More of the conversation than this, he does not remember.

The deponent was then told that information had been received and sworn to, that a certain person had uttered, in his presence, and in that of others, the following assertions; _that fornication was no sin, and as to the rest, the whole was made good by giving charity to the poor_. Other persons having mentioned the commandments, he replied, that they were all fulfilled by giving alms. Speaking disrespectfully of the church, he asserted, _that the friars and chaplains did nothing but eat and stuff their paunches; that the church sought nothing but her own interest, collecting tithes from one year’s end to another; that the Pope had no more power than any other man; that he did not believe in the decalogue, nor the obligation to hear mass and confess, but only that there was a God, and that men were bound to give to the poor, and not steal_. The conversation turning upon the miracles performed by the intercession of the Saints, he asserted _that he believed none of them, because he had not witnessed them_. Those of Christ being mentioned, he made this remark;--‘_What a length of time from that period to 1791! and yet you believe them!_’ thereby giving it to be understood that he did not believe them.

The deponent was therefore admonished in the name of God our Lord, and his Glorious and Blessed Mother, Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, to bethink himself and declare the whole truth.

Answered, that he heard the whole of these assertions except the first and last, relating to the miracles.

Questioned, why he had not given information of what he had heard to the Holy Office, inasmuch as it was so directly contrary to Our Holy Religion and Evangelical Law.

Answered, that he was so occupied with his dinner, and the debates going on, that he never thought of the obligation.

Questioned, from what cause and motive, and to what end the said fifer uttered these scandalous expressions; how many times, and what persons were present. Also, whether he was mad or drunk at the time, and whether he had been rebuked; how many times this was done, and if he abstained.

Answered, that he knew nothing of the cause, motive, or end of these words being spoken; that they were uttered only once at the noon above specified, in the sight and hearing of the deponent. That the persons present were the abovementioned Domingo, and a certain Juan, who, he believed, resided in the Calle Condal, next the house of Dr Juncia, on the second or third floor; also another person whom he did not remember; that he judged him to have been in his right mind, having asked the said Domingo in the presence of Estruch whether this man had not drunk too much, to which he replied that it could not be the effect of the wine, as he had, on other occasions, drunk more. That he did not recollect whether he was rebuked, but only that they kept disputing.

Questioned, what was the personal appearance and age of the said fifer.

Answered, that he was of a middling size, about forty years old, and had been the gardener of the citadel; that he belonged to the grenadier company of Brias, according to his own statement.

The whole of the above is the truth according to the oath sworn by the deponent, who also declared that the declarations were not made by him out of malice or ill will, but solely to discharge his conscience. The whole being read in his hearing, was declared by him to be correctly recorded, and he added his signature.

FRANCISCO BEAU. DR ANDRES FERNANDEZ DE LA CUESTA, _Presbyter and Commissary_.

Before me--

FRANCISCO JUNCIA, _Presbyter Notary for this Investigation_.

* * * * *

In the city of Barcelona, on the fourteenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and two, before the Reverend Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter and Commissary appointed for this investigation, and me, the Reverend Juan Palol, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, voluntarily, and made oath in the name of God our Lord to declare the truth and preserve secrecy in everything upon which she might be questioned, a woman, calling herself Maria Anna Sauri, a native of the town of Trem, in the bishopric of Urgel, of age, as she stated, forty years, a resident in Barcelona for twentysix years, and at present residing in the Calle de Basea, in the fourth story of a house opposite a carpenter’s, next the stairs called den Casador. She was the widow of Juan Martines, merchant, a native of the town of Figueras in the bishopric of Gerona.

Questioned, why she had demanded an audience of the Holy Office.

Answered, for the purpose of denouncing certain matters to the Holy Tribunal.

Questioned, what matters.

Answered, that about six months ago she dwelt in the Calle de San Raymundo, near the Calle del Asalto, in a house between a tavern on one side, and a tailor’s shop on the other. In this neighbourhood resided a female named, formerly, Teresa Sola, and after her second marriage, Salanova, a native of Barcelona, aged from forty to fortyseven years. Her husband was named Francisco Salanova, and was by trade a weaver, and a native of San Felix de Llobregat. The deponent witnessed several transactions between the said Teresa Sola, now Salanova, and a Swiss soldier of the regiment called Bretxa. This soldier was called Joseph; his other name unknown, as well as the place of his birth. Information respecting him could be obtained of a certain captain, called Don Felice Cristi.

The deponent saw these two persons take certain live frogs, stick needles into their eyes, breasts, and backs, and put them into a new pot over a great fire. This was done, as they informed her, for the purpose of compelling a certain man to marriage. She also saw them take three or four wax candles and light them. These they burnt bottom upwards, burning, at the same time, rosemary, and repeating unintelligible language, and making divers motions with the feet and hands.

The deponent also saw them practise operations with cards for the purpose of divining whatever things they chose. She requested them to perform one for her, and ascertain whether a person named Vicente, whom she supposed to be sick, would return soon from Valencia. ‘The said Teresa shuffled the cards, and then answered me that he was not sick, and would return soon, which in fact took place, and the abovementioned Vicente shortly appeared. She told me, at the same time, that I was in much distress, and if I would give her and the abovementioned soldier half a dollar, they would enable me to attain all my wishes. I gave them the money, and saw that they immediately took the figure of a dragon tied by the neck, and placed it in the sun. This occasioned me so much terror that I begged them to desist. Upon this they gave me back the half dollar, uttering maledictions, and the said Teresa declared that I was about to fall into an irretrievable misfortune, and that I should be obliged to sell every rag from my back, which in truth is my condition at present; and although I only laughed at the prediction then, they both told me that I might proclaim to the whole world that they had said it.’

The deponent further stated that the said Teresa had a companion named Maria Anna Gitar, a native of Barcelona and a resident in the Calle de San Raymundo. The deponent has never seen this person perform any superstitious acts, but has heard that on occasion of a quarrel between them, some witchcraft was practised; also that the said Maria Anna Gitar had a sister named Magdalena, (the name of her husband unknown) and the deponent heard the abovementioned Teresa Sola, now Salanova, declare that her sister Magdalena had not been at confession for the space of eight years. At other times, when these two were quarrelling, the deponent has heard the said Magdalena exclaim, ‘I am not like you, who lay heaps of rosemary in the balcony at night to burn the next morning.’

Furthermore, the deponent has seen the said Teresa Sola, now Salanova, burn alum for some superstitious purpose, to her unknown. On this occasion there were two other persons present, namely, a girl called Antonia, about twentythree years of age, a native of Barcelona, and living with the abovementioned Teresa, and Raymundo Campeñs, widow of Esteva Campeñs, tailor, dwelling in the Calle de San Raymundo, aged, apparently, about fortyfive years.

Furthermore, the deponent remembers that she saw the said Teresa and the abovementioned soldier called Joseph, burn alum for the purpose of causing a reconciliation between a young man and a female named Magdalena, which persons had fallen into a quarrel. The said Teresa also practised operations with cards, and burnt rosemary, in order to effect this object. On the first occasion were present the abovementioned Antonia and Raymunda Campeñs, and on the second, Josefa Bardaguer, a girl of about twenty years of age, living in the Plazuela del Pino in the second story of a house which makes a corner of the Plazuela, and other persons whom she does not remember, as she had witnessed these performances between the said Teresa and the soldier so many times.

The said Teresa also informed her that she possessed a St Antonio upon paper, which sweated whenever any ill was about to happen, and that when a pack of cards was shuffled and the ace of spades and five of diamonds drawn, it signified death or apprehension by the Holy Office. The deponent further stated that the said Teresa, was accustomed to burn rosemary, and sprinkle holy water all over her house, walking backwards to the door; and that she possessed an herb which foretold everything, good or bad, about to happen. Upon the stalk of this herb she placed a piece of gold or silver money, or a ring; and the deponent on one of these occasions saw a tile fall from the balcony into the street. In this tile was a piece of a silver key, a gold ring, and seven reals vellon.

Furthermore, the deponent has heard that when the said Teresa lived in the Calle de Arolas, there ran out of her house, one day, a dog, with an ox’s heart, stuck full of needles, and that the Alcalde, whose name is unknown to the deponent, with the men and boys of the neighbourhood, caught the dog and burnt him in the middle of the street.

The deponent has also seen the said Teresa burn nine plates and three strings of cotton, which she informed her was done to break the heart of a certain person. She also told the deponent that on the night of St John’s day, she went to collect the leaves of certain herbs in a place called Trinidad, where criminals who have been hanged are buried. There accompanied her three or four women and a man who was a lamplighter. The names of none of them were known to the deponent. Three or four men came out and threw stones at then without hitting any one. She also informed the deponent that she had in her possession medals and a crucifix of the Holy Office.

Furthermore, the deponent stated that she requested her to ascertain whether a person of her acquaintance in Valencia would return soon to Barcelona; and the said Teresa Sola, now Salanova, bade her go and purchase a pack of French cards at the shop of Revella, in the Plaza del Angel. This the deponent did, and paid two reals plate for them. The cards being produced, an operation was performed, and she pronounced that he would return ere long, and that he had met with a misfortune; for, on a journey to visit his sister, he had fallen from his horse and broken his leg. She then further declared that at half past six o’clock the next morning he would be in Barcelona; the whole of which proved true, for at half past six he knocked at the door and said he had been on a visit to his sister, who was a nun, and had fallen from his horse and broken his leg.

Furthermore, the deponent stated that she had seen divinations with cards performed by the surgeon of the Swiss soldiers in the regiment called the regiment of Bretxa, now in Madrid. This surgeon was called Don Felipe. His other name is unknown to the deponent. She has also seen in his possession a book filled with figures of tombs, evil spirits, and skeletons; and the surgeon told her that it contained matter which was denounceable. There was present on this occasion the wife of the colonel of the Swiss regiment, called Dona Maria. Her other name and birthplace the deponent did not know; but only that when the regiment was in Barcelona, the said Don Maria dwelt in the Calle Nueva del Asalto.

Questioned, what else she knew or had to relate.

Answered, that she had seen the above practices performed so often that she had forgotten a great many instances.

Questioned, what persons were present on any of the above occasions.

Answered, that she had already named them.

Questioned, if she had seen or heard that any other person had said or done anything against Our Holy Catholic Faith, or against the proceedings of this Holy Office.

Answered, that she knew nothing further, and had she known anything, should have divulged it before.

Questioned, why she suffered so much time to elapse without giving information.

Answered, that she was ignorant of her obligation to do this, till on relating these things to her spiritual father, he ordered her to make a deposition of the whole before the Holy Tribunal.

Questioned, what was the personal appearance of the above mentioned Teresa Sola, now Salanova; of the soldier; of Maria Anna Gitar, and her sister.

Answered, that Teresa Sola, now Salanova, was a well shaped person, somewhat fleshy, with a dusky complexion, reddish eyes, chestnut hair, and small hands, having no scar to distinguish her. That Maria Anna Gitar was a tall person, with an ugly pock marked face, the color of her eyes, hair, &c. not remembered. That her sister Magdalena was a small person, with a face likewise ugly and pock marked; other characteristics forgotten. That the soldier called Joseph was a well shaped person, with a long, palish face, and chestnut hair; the other marks not remembered.

The above, being read to the deponent, was pronounced to be her own declaration, and faithfully recorded. She declared that she had nothing to correct of its contents, except that the abovementioned Magdalena was not the sister of the said Teresa, but of Maria Anna Gitar. She affirmed that she did not make the declaration out of malice or ill will against the abovementioned Teresa Sola, now Salanova, the soldier Joseph, Maria Anna Gitar, and her sister Magdalena; but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her which she promised, and not being able to write, I, the present Commissary, sign in her name.

CAYETANO TUCO, _Presbyter and Commissary_.

Before me--

JOAN PALOL, _Presbyter, Commissary, and Notary_.

* * * * *

In the city of Barcelona, on the eighteenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and two, before me, Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter and Commissary, appointed for this investigation, and me, the Reverend Juan Palol, Presbyter Notary, both sworn to preserve secrecy, appeared and made oath in the name of God our Lord, to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Maria Anna Sauri, widow, being also present, in the quality of honest and religious persons, the Presbyters whose names are signed below.

Questioned, if she remembered having made a declaration before the ministers of the Holy Office against any persons for crimes within her knowledge.

Answered, and related substantially the whole of the preceding declaration. She requested that it might be produced and read.

The deponent was then informed that the Promotor Fiscal of the Holy Office presented her as a witness _ad perpetuam rei memoriam_, in a cause under his direction against the said Teresa Sola, now Salanova, against the Swiss soldier named Joseph, against Maria Anna Gitar, and against her sister Magdalena, whose husband’s name is unknown. The deponent was directed to give attention while her declaration was read, and if she found anything to add or alter of its contents, to perform it in such a manner as to declare the truth, as her assertions might prejudice the said persons. The above deposition was then read _de verbo ad verbum_, the deponent hearing and understanding the same.

The deponent declared that it was her identical deposition, as it had been read and recorded; that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, for the whole was the truth which she attested and ratified; and that if necessary, she was ready to repeat the whole against the said Teresa, Maria Anna, Magdalena, and the soldier, and against the surgeon Don Felipe, not from malice or ill will, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her anew, which she promised to observe, and the deponent not being able to write, I, the said Commissary, sign in her name along with the honest persons.

CAYETANO TUCO, _Presbyter and Commissary_. FRANCISCO PALMAROLA, _Presbyter_. ANTONIO HUGUET, _Presbyter_.

Before me--

JUAN PALOL, _Presbyter, Commissary, and Notary_.

* * * * *

TO CAYETANO TUCO, PRESBYTER COMMISSARY.

In consequence of the deficiency of the information relating to the deposition of Mariana Sauri, widow, native of Tremp, and residing in Barcelona, in the Calle de Basea, in the upper story of a house opposite a carpenter’s, the Tribunal has ordered that you be instructed to make inquiries with all possible expedition respecting the character and responsibility of the abovementioned person, and of the credit due to her testimony; also respecting the character and conduct of Teresa Salanova, wife of Francisco Salanova, weaver, living, as it appears, in the Calle de San Raymon, between a tavern and a tailor’s shop. You will likewise make the same inquiries respecting the life and character of Joseph ----, a soldier in the Swiss regiment of Vetchar, and whether these persons conform to the precepts of the Church in the annual confession and Paschal communion. These orders I transmit for your execution. Our Lord preserve you.

Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, June 28th, 1802.

DR DON CIRO VALLS Y GELI, _Sec’y._

* * * * *

TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS INQUISITOR.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

I have made inquiries of the Vicar of the district of the Calle Nueva de Asalto and other streets, for the purpose of learning the character and conduct of Teresa Sola, now Salanova, and of the girl Antonia, who lives with her, and whose name has hitherto been unknown, but is now ascertained to be Antonia Costa. These two persons live in the third story of a house which makes the corner of the Calle de la Guardia. It has been ascertained from the _cartepacio_ of the communions, that neither the said Teresa Salanova, nor Antonia Costa, have, within the present year, presented their certificates of the Paschal communion.

Respecting the soldier named Joseph, of the Swiss regiment of Vetchar, I have not been able to learn anything, except that the regiment is now in Madrid.

The above is the substance of what I have succeeded in learning, and I communicate the same that your Excellency may apply it to the proper purposes. God preserve the life of your Excellency many years.

Barcelona, July 2d, 1802.

Your most humble chaplain who kisses the hands of your Excellency,

CAYETANO TUCO, _Presbyter Commissary_.

* * * * *

TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS INQUISITOR.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

I have made the most industrious search for information respecting the character and life of Maria Anna Sauri, widow, but cannot ascertain what degree of credit ought to be attached to her testimony. I am informed by the Reverend Antonio Huguet, Presbyter, that he has some knowledge of her, as all these persons belong to the town of Tremp. He cannot tell, however, what life she leads, and only knows that she has been in the Galera. I made inquiries of the Pacionero del Pino, and he stated to me that he had seen her in the Galera, where she was then in custody for smuggling. Nothing more respecting her was known.

I have, with the assistance of the Vicar del Pino, examined the _cartepacio_ of communions of the whole district of the Calle de Asalto, Calle de Lancastre, Calle den Guardia, Calle del Olmo, Calle de San Olaguer, which, as supposed by her in her deposition, must be the second Calle de San Ramon, the whole Calle de San Ramon, and all the lanes. No part of the _cartepacio_ exhibits the name of Marianna Sauri. I then proceeded to Santa Maria del Mar, as the Calle de Basea, where she resides, is situated in that parish, and here in the _cartepacio_ of the communions it was found, but nothing further to direct me. She has left Barcelona, whether for Tremp or Figueras, I cannot positively determine.

The above information I communicate to your Excellency to be applied to the proper purposes.

Barcelona, July 2d, 1802.

Your most humble chaplain who kisses the hands of your Excellency.

CAYETANO TUCO, _Presbyter and Commissary_.

* * * * *

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

Father Fr. Vicente Xaus, Franciscan, residing in the Franciscan Convent of Gerona, by an extra sacramental commission from Eulalia Forcat, dwelling in the Hospicio of that city, with the intention to assume the scapulary of a sister, gives information to the Holy Tribunal, that Joseph Jalbert, merchant, a resident, as well as the other persons referred to, in this city of Barcelona, and now residing in the Callejuela de San Antonio, in a house where a herbseller keeps, uttered about two years ago, certain insulting language about Ecclesiastics, both secular and regular, saying they were a set of vagabonds, and that he would not give them money, with many other things which she has forgotten. These words were said at the house and in the presence of Señor Francisco Galup, merchant, living in the Calle de la Merced, and who can give further information of the facts. At another time, and in the presence of the abovementioned Eulalia Forcat and Augustina Buxeras, a resident in the Calle de Basea, besides his accustomed speeches above described, he took a paper on which was the figure of a Saint, and rubbed it over his posteriors outside of his clothes. The said Eulalia also saw him open a book containing many indecent figures.

Furthermore, in the name of the same person, he denounces to the Holy Tribunal the following matter. Father Fr. Antonio Puig, of Barcelona, a monk of my seraphic order, and residing in the Grand Convent of Barcelona, a thing which grieves me exceedingly, hearing the confession of this person, in which she informed him that she was mortifying herself with the exercise of the penal discipline, he visited her one day when she was confined to her bed by indisposition, and speaking of her penance, she discovered to him a portion of her body where she had applied it, when the abovementioned Father examined it, and felt it with his hand, asking her if it pained her where he touched. This business, God be thanked, proceeded no further.

He furthermore states that the said Father did even worse than this to the abovementioned Augustina, as he had learned from her own mouth. He had ascertained from her confession, that she also was practising the penal exercise, and went to her house one day, where he disciplined her so violently that she was unable to sit down. She sent for the abovementioned Eulalia to examine her, fearing that she had received some wound. The said Eulalia does not recollect that she stated he had disciplined her twice before, but remembers that she asserted she had seen a part of the good Father’s body uncovered.

Upon these matters the Holy Tribunal will institute the necessary proceedings.

P. VICENTE XAUS, _Franciscan_.

Gerona, June 2d, 1807.

P. S. Both the above occurrences happened about two years ago. Nevertheless a few days after the confession, I remember that the said Eulalia told me they continued to confess to the same Father.

* * * * *

In the city of Gerona, on the twentieth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seven, before Dr Narciso Coll, Presbyter, Inquisitor Honorary, and Commissary, appointed for this investigation, and me Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary, both sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our duties, appeared voluntarily, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy in everything which she knew, and about which she might be interrogated, a person calling herself Eulalia Forcat, of the city of Barcelona, aged about thirty years, a nun and attendant upon the foundlings in the Royal Hospicio of this city.

Questioned, if she knew or conjectured the cause of her being summoned to appear by the Holy Office.

Answered, that she did not know.

Questioned, if she knew or had heard that any person had said or done anything which was, or appeared to be, contrary to Our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Law, or against the just proceedings of the Holy Office.

Answered, that about two years since, being in this city, and serving as a domestic in the house of Señor Francisco Galup, merchant, in the Calle de la Merced, she heard on many occasions, Joseph Jalbert, merchant, a young man, a native of Puigcerda, and who transacted business in this house for a year, and then removed with his parents to the Calle de San Antonio, utter various insulting and abusive words against the Priests, both secular and regular, disputing often at table with the said Señor Francisco Galup, respecting matters of religion, declaring that the Priests were a parcel of useless vagabonds, and that they ought to be set to work, with other assertions of the same kind, which were uttered repeatedly in the presence of the deponent and Augustina Buxeras, both domestics in the house, Señora Maria Galup, Cayetano Galup, and Señor Francisco Galup. He persisted in this language, notwithstanding they all checked and rebuked him, in particular the abovementioned Señor Francisco Galup.

On another occasion the deponent being in company with the aforesaid Augustina Buxeras, in the kitchen of the house, the abovementioned Joseph Jalbert took a paper, on which was the figure of a Saint, and with approbrium to religion passed it behind him over his clothes. And when they rebuked him in a christian manner, he laughed and left them. At the same time she saw in the room in which he dwelt, three books, bound in the French manner, of a small size, and containing very indecent pictures of men and women. Neither the author of the books nor the subject were known to her, as they were in French. He kept them in his possession while he remained in the house, and on his departure took them with him.

Questioned, what was the age, personal appearance, residence, &c. of the abovementioned person.

Answered, that he was then about twentyone or twentytwo years old, of a moderate stature, fleshy, with a face somewhat long, and flaxen hair. He was unmarried, and engaged in mercantile trade. She believed that he lived at present in Barcelona.

Questioned, if she knew that any other person had said or done anything which was or appeared to be contrary to our Holy Faith or against the just proceedings of the Holy Office.

Answered, No.

The above being read to her she declared that it was faithfully recorded conformably to her own declaration, and that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, as it was the truth. She further stated that she had not done it out of malice, or ill will against the said Joseph Jalbert, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her, which she promised; and the deponent, not being able to write, I, the said Commissary, sign in her name.

NARCISO COLL, _Presbyter, and for the said Deponent_.

Before me--

JOSEPH GASULL, _Presbyter Notary_.

* * * * *

In the city of Gerona, on the twentyfifth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seven, before Dr Narciso Coll, Presbyter, Commissary commissioned for this investigation, and me, Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy, and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy, Eulalia Forcat, and being present in the quality of honest and religious persons, the Rev. Gines Torrent and the Rev. Thomas Parella, both Presbyter Beneficadores of the Holy Church, sworn to preserve secrecy. She was

Questioned, if she remembered having made a declaration before the Ministers of the Holy Office against any person for crimes within her knowledge.

Answered, by repeating, substantially, the foregoing declaration of the twentieth of June current, made before the Commissary and Notary whose names are signed below. She requested that it might be produced and read.

The deponent was then informed that the Promotor Fiscal of the Holy Office presented her as a witness _ad perpetuam rei memoriam_ in a cause under his direction against the persons referred to in the said declaration. She was directed to give attention while it was read, and if she found anything to add or alter respecting the contents of it, to do it in such a manner as to declare the truth, as what she now uttered might operate to the prejudice of the aforesaid persons. The declaration made before the abovementioned Commissary and Notary, on the twentieth of June current was then read _de verbo ad verbum_, the deponent hearing and understanding the same.

She declared it was her declaration, and correctly recorded; that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, as it was the truth, and she attested it for the same, and if necessary was ready to repeat the whole anew against the said Joseph Jalbert, not out of malice or ill will, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her which she promised to observe, and the deponent not being able to write, I, the said Commissary, sign in her name, along with the honest persons.

NARCISO COLL, _Commissary, and for the said Witness_. GINES TORRENT, _Presbyter, in the same name_. THOMAS PARELLA, _Presbyter_.

Before me--

JOSEPH GASULL, _Presbyter Notary_.

* * * * *

In the city of Gerona, on the twentysecond day of June, one thousand eight hundred and seven, before Dr Narciso Coll, Presbyter, Inquisitor Honorary, and Commissary appointed for this investigation, and me, Joseph Gasull, Presbyter Notary, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, voluntarily, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy in everything which she knew, and about which she might be interrogated, a person calling herself Eulalia Forcat, of the city of Barcelona, aged about thirty years, a nun, and attendant upon the foundlings in the Royal Hospicio of this city.

Questioned, if she knew or suspected the cause of her being summoned to appear by the Holy Office.

Answered, that she did not know.

Questioned, if she knew or had heard that any person had said or done anything which was or appeared to be contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Law, or against the just proceedings of the Holy Office. Answered, that at present she could remember nothing.

Questioned, if she knew or had heard that any Ecclesiastic had practised irregularities towards any person of the other sex in hearing them often at confession.

Answered, that all she knew was this; about two years ago she served as a domestic in this city, along with Agustina Buxeras, who afterwards lived in the family of Puigcech, a button maker, in the Plazuela de Basea in Barcelona, and being at that time in the house of Señores Francisco Galup and Cayetano, merchants, in the Calle de la Merced in Barcelona, she heard, on several occasions, the said Agustina declare that on confessing herself to the Reverend Father Fr. Antonio Puig, of Barcelona, of the order of San Francisco de Asis, he had ordered her many times at evening to go into a room at the entrance of the church of the Convent of San Francisco, on the right hand, where he disciplined her and caused her to do the same to herself, and that, he had done this also at the house of the abovementioned Señores Galup. This the deponent learned from the mouth of the said Agustina, and furthermore by examining her person on the second occasion, when she found her posteriors were black and blue, and that she had evidently been severely handled.

The said Augustina also informed her that in one or more of these instances while she was in the room with the abovementioned Confessor, at the entrance of the Convent, he had taken off her petticoat and stays to give her the discipline; at the same time he uncovered his back, which she supposed was done for the purpose of exhibiting the effect of his flagellation. These confessions and disciplines continued, as the deponent learned, for some time, when finding that he did nothing to effect her admission as a nun into some Convent, of which she was desirous, she left him and sought another Confessor. What other things were done was not known.

The deponent was then informed that information had been received in this Holy Office that on the time above specified, while she was confined to her bed by some indisposition, her Confessor had paid her a visit, and in conversation upon penal mortifications he had uncovered a part of her body, examined it, and touched with his hands the places where she exercised her discipline, demanding if she felt any pain while he was touching them. Therefore, by virtue of the oath she had sworn, she was exhorted to bethink herself, reflect attentively upon the matter, and declare the truth.

Answered, that this was all true; that it occurred in the abovementioned house of the Señores Galup, with the aforesaid Father Fr. Antonio Puig, her Confessor, and that on this occasion she did not confess herself to him. She did not remember how long she had then gone without confessing, nor how long she deferred afterwards confessing to the same person. She however continued in company with him but without ever speaking of the matter. She knew not whether the abovementioned Father had ever solicited any person during confession or at any other time, nor had ever heard that any person has declared that there was no obligation to denounce such things to the Holy Office, but has heard the contrary from her present Confessor, Father Fr. Vicente Xaus, a monk of the same order, and now a conventual in this city of Gerona.

Questioned, what was the age and personal appearance of the said Father Fr. Antonio Puig, also his condition, residence, &c.

Answered, that she believed him to be under forty years of age, that he was of a middling height, rather thin, with a handsome face, large black eyes and eyebrows, hair and beard a little whitened, and that she believes he resides in Barcelona as one of the four ordinary Confessors of the aforesaid Convent.

The above having been read in her presence, she affirmed that it was correctly recorded conformably to her declaration; that she had nothing to add or alter respecting it, as it was the truth; and that it was not uttered by her out of malice or ill will against the abovementioned ecclesiastic, but solely to discharge her conscience. Secrecy was enjoined upon her, which she promised, and being unable to write, I, the said commissary sign in her name.

NARCISO COLL, _Commissary, and Presbyter for the Deponent_.

Before me--

JOSEPH GASULL, _Presbyter Notary_.

* * * * *

In the Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, on the twentyninth day of August, one thousand seven hundred and eightyone, the Inquisitor Licentiate, Dr Manuel de Merra y Paniagua, ordered to appear before him according to summons, a foreigner, established in this city, who, being present, was formally sworn to declare the truth and preserve secrecy with respect to everything which he knew, and concerning which he might be interrogated, and in relation to everything which he might see or understand, and everything which might befall him.

Questioned, his name, birthplace, residence, condition, age, and occupation.

Answered, that his name was Pedro Remson; that he was born in the town of St Jean in the district of Laval, in France; that he had resided in this city four years, doing business as a linen draper; that he had no wife, and was about thirtyfive years of age.

Questioned, if he knew or conjectured the cause of his being summoned to appear by this Tribunal.

Answered, that he neither knew nor conjectured.

Questioned, if he had said or done anything which was or appeared to be a matter within the cognizance of the Holy Office, or against our Holy Catholic Faith and Evangelical Law.

Answered, that he had never said or done anything contrary to the Catholic Faith, nor anything pertaining to the cognizance of the Holy Office.

He was then told that information had been received and sworn to in this Holy Office, that he, the deponent, had uttered certain speeches containing matter which came under the jurisdiction of the Holy Office; that he was summoned to be examined respecting it, and that he would do well to confess the whole before he was compelled to it.

Answered, that he was confident he had never said or done anything of the kind unless the following could be denominated such. About a year since, conversing with Carlos Coquet with whom he resided in this city, speaking of our Lady, of Mary and her image, the deponent affirmed that the Holy Virgin Mother of God was the only one, and that there was no difference between the image of Our Lady, of Mary, and any other. On another occasion, about the same time, he told the abovementioned Coquet that in France they were not obliged to present certificates of compliance with the annual precepts of sacramental confession and communion; that he considered it a burdensome practice and exposed to great abuses, and that he had understood these certificates were often sold about to persons who did not choose to comply with the precept, which thing he had heard publicly declared in coffee houses and clubrooms, but did not recollect by what persons.

At another time, finding that at his meal the oil did not suit his taste nor agree with him, he observed to the said Coquet that he thought he should not offend by eating the fat of beef on fast days, in place of oil.

On another occasion, about the same time, being out of the city, Josefa Coquet, wife of the abovementioned Carlos Coquet, was looking over his books, among which she found one entitled La Henriade, by Mons. Voltaire, which book belonged to Bernardo Carles, a Frenchman, who passed through this city for Andalusia, and gave the book in keeping to the deponent. He received it knowing that it was a prohibited book. When the deponent returned to the city, the said Josefa Coquet told him, with a mysterious look, that she had seen this book, and that her Confessor had ordered her to give information of it to the Holy Office. He replied that she had done wrong, and should have given up the book on mentioning it. He offered her the key of his writing desk that she might see whether he had any other bad or prohibited book.

Another day, talking with the aforesaid Coquet about the infallibility of the Pope, the deponent declared that inasmuch as he had never read in any book that the Pope was infallible, although he believed and held him to be the head of the church, yet he was persuaded that God alone was infallible; that the catechism which was taught him in France did not declare that the Pope was infallible, and therefore he did not believe it; but if his confessor or any other learned person were to say that he was, he should believe it; upon which Coquet was offended and went off to his own apartment. Further than this he did not remember to have said or done anything relating to matters of religion, and if he were apprised of anything, which had been denounced to the Holy Office, he would disclose all he knew with the same sincerity.

He was then told that information had been received and sworn to in this Holy Office, that he, the deponent, had said he was a freemason, and had a book containing the constitutions of that society, that he produced the book, read a portion of it, and declared that there was nothing in it contrary to the Catholic Religion; furthermore, that the person to whom he made these assertions and read the book, making some objections, and telling him to conceal the book and take care that it came not to the knowledge of the Inquisition, for they would punish him, he laughed at him.

Answered, that it was false that he had ever told any one that he was a freemason, as he was not, nor ever had been one of that order, although he had held communication with some of them in France, had dined with them, and seen them converse together by signs; also, that he never possessed, nor said that he possessed a book containing their constitutions, and although he once had a book which spake in praise of freemasons, and commended their charities and other good works, yet it was false that he ever read any part of the same to any person; that he burnt this book with some other papers in presence of the abovementioned Josefa Coquet, and that he did not remember to have made the assertions imputed to him.

He was then told that information had been also received and sworn to, that he, the deponent, on a certain occasion, gave to another person a book whose author was Mons. Voltaire, informing him that he had possessed it for fifteen years; and that a certain ecclesiastic reprehending him for it, he replied that the book was not his, and that on the same day, in presence of the person aforesaid, he burnt some papers, saying, that he did it for fear of the Inquisition.

Answered, that the first part of this assertion was false; namely, that relating to the work of Mons. Voltaire, and that no part of it was true, except what he had already related as having passed between him and Josefa Coquet; that it was true he had burnt, in her presence, the book in praise of the freemasons, the history of the Incas of Peru, and some papers relating to the entertainments given to the Prince of Chartres, who was considered as the head of the freemasons, and also that he declared he had done the same for fear of the Inquisition.

It being late, the audience closed, and the deponent was ordered to appear again the next morning. The whole was read to him and he declared it to be true, which I certify.

PEDRO REMUSSON. JUAN ANTONIO ALMONACID, _Sec’y._

* * * * *

To the Members of the Tribunal of the Inquisition of Catalonia, at their Royal Palace, Barcelona.

Barcelona, March 20th, 1802.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

I have some information to give your Excellency respecting a certain person who has uttered in my presence some words which it appears to me come within the cognizance of your Excellency. Various causes have hindered me from appearing before the respectable tribunal of your Excellency and denouncing the whole matter. I trust your Excellency will favor me so far as to take my deposition at the hands of some clerical person. I live in the Calle Ancha, in the second room of a house which forms the corner of the Callejon de la Plata, No. 1, and for more particular direction, my house is so near that of Señor Don Juan Larra, that nothing separates them but the abovementioned Callejon.

Your Excellency’s most humble servant, MARIA BERNARDA HALLEGG, _wife of Don Pedro Hallegg, Captain in the Regiment of Rutiman_.

* * * * *

In the city of Barcelona, on the third day of June, one thousand eight hundred and two, before Dr Andres Fernandez de la Cuesta, Presbyter and Commissary appointed for this investigation, and me, the Reverend Cayetano Tuco, Presbyter, Commissary, and Notary on this occasion, sworn to preserve secrecy and perform faithfully our duties, appeared, voluntarily, and made oath to declare the truth and preserve secrecy with respect to everything which she knew and about which she might be interrogated, a person calling herself Dona Maria Bernardo Halegg, wife of Don Pedro Hallegg, Captain in the Regiment of Rutiman, a native of the town of Estipona, in the province of Andalusia, of age, as she stated, twentyfour years, and residing in the Calle de la Plata.

Questioned, if she knew or conjectured the cause of her being summoned to appear by the Tribunal of the Holy Office.

Answered, that she supposed it to be on account of a letter which her Confessor had written in her name to the Holy Office, in which letter she had declared that she had some information to communicate. The matter in question was as follows. About six months ago, Juan Picar, a native of Lyons, in France, who visited at her house, uttered the following heretical speeches; namely, that he did not believe in the purity of the Most Holy Mary; that he did not believe Jesus Christ descended to the Host after the words of consecration were uttered by the Priest; that he did not believe in the Pope, inasmuch as he was a man like ourselves; that those who died did not go to Hell, but to Paradise; that he said ‘Holy Mary’ instead of ‘Most Holy Mary;’ that he spoke ill of the Priests, declaring that he could not endure the sight of them, and that they had ruined Spain; that the French had done well in driving them all out of their country. The deponent stated further, that she believed he did not attend mass on the days appointed, although he professed to be a Christian.