Originally separate manuscript and printed documentation bound in a single volume. The volume contains royal letters and provisions dating from 1709 to 1719 and addressed to the governors of Paraíba, João da Maya da Gama and Antonio Velho Coelho. Relates the royal orders for the auditor general (ouvidor geral) to report the profits from subsidies administered by the municipal council (Câmara); payments to be made to the infantry; the lack of ships and the shipment of sugar in the Paço do Varadouro; and for religious orders to pay a ten-percent tax (dizimo) on their property. Documentation concerns fortifications; munitions and armaments in the captaincy; the Fortaleza do Cabedelo; construction of a gunpowder magazine; confirmation of patents and the solicitation of information from the Companhias de Ordenanças; the jurisdiction of the auditor general (ouvidor geral); vessels sailing for the Mina Coast to buy slaves, endangering commerce with the Island of São Tomé, the concession of offices and mercês; the salt trade; a provision relating the deportation of gypsies to Paraíba, and other matters. Provisions were signed by Joam Telles da Silva and Antonio Roiz da Costa, counselors of the Overseas Council (Conselho Ultramarino).
Extent and format of original material: 1 volume of 374 folios (written and blank), in addition to front and back covers. Only written folios have been numbered . Contains non-original cover; damaged by insects and iron gall ink.
Creator (Author): King (Portugal); Overseas Council (Conselho Ultrarino, Portugal).
