Heading: (Mexico)
Author:
Title: Manuscript petition by Indians in western New Spain accusing a friar of having a lover living with him, whom he claims is just his cook
Place Published: Valladolid [now Morelia], Michoacan
Publisher:
Date Published: 1805
Description:

Cover sheet + 6 leaves, handwritten in ink, most on both sides. The cover sheet reads “Denuncia hecha por los Indios de Capaguaro, contra el Ber. Dn. Joaquin Rivera, sobre graves delitos de que se le acusan”. 31.5x22 cm (12½x8¾"), sewn.

Petition against a friar (“clerigo presbitero”) by Indians residing in Valladolid, who attest he has a lover living with him, which he hides by arguing that she is only the cook. The Indians claim that the woman is a drifter who has had relationships with many man; furthermore, she had four children, which she herself killed so she could continue with her evil ways. They also claim that they have seen both the friar and his lover drinking and drunk. The Indians request that the friar be fired from his position. In response, the fiscal writes that the claims of the Indians need to be investigated, and the friar punished if true. Many of the pages consist of the declarations of particular Indians and are signed by them. The last page comprises a new round of accusations by the Indians relating to the friar and the woman, who is now identified as Rosalia.  A rare and revealing document.

Some small wormholes; very good or better.