Português Português

Abstract

The present work aims to examine the obtaining of the carta de familiar of the Holy Office by individuals who had concubines or illegitimate children. Those qualified for the position, as well as their wives or brides, should have their diligence approved in order to be successful in their election to the Inquisition. Regarding illegitimate children, despite not being an impediment from the regimental point of view, they are justified for the refusal of the approval of the familiares. We will examine the qualification processes of Francisco Ferreira Simões (1757), a businessman, single, with suspicion of illegitimate children; Domingos de Amorim Lima, single, graduated in Philosophy, son of a plantation owner, suspected of having an illegitimate son (1749) and João Alvares (or Alves) Fetal, who had rumored of having a daughter with a married woman ( 1767). We will also examine cases where candidates weren’t aproved. Those selected were Carlos Monteiro da Silva (1740), who was experiencing financial difficulties, had trato ilícito with a new Christian woman and illegitimate children; Manuel Francisco Gervides, (1743), who had several children and concubines, as well as Caetano Mendes da Silva (1769).