(Sieni) of Barcelona, Bishop Cyrillo
(Official account of the funds of the Church of St. Luis of New
Orleans)
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1790 Jan. 15
(Sieni) de Barcelona, Bishop Cyrillo
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Cyrillo, Bishop of Tricaly and Auxiliary of Havana, found on his arrival that it had always been the custom in this parish for the fees belonging to the fabrique, the pastors, the singers, etc., to be distributed in a lump sum. Although a collector had been appointed by Cyrillo, the interested parties demanded separate funds. Cyrillo was obliged to order that the collector make his collections as before but that every three months there should be a distribution, especially to the fabrique. This was done during Cyrillo's stay in the parish, Father Fran(cisco) de (Caldes) Caldas (O.M.Cap.) being the collector. During Cyrillo's absence, this method has not been used and the majordomo has not turned over what belongs to the fabrique so he orders that all who have been collectors since his last visit turn over, within ten days, to the majordomo, what belongs to the fabrique; that is, Father Antonio de Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Simon de Fuentes, (O.F.M.) and the present collector, Father Joseph de Xerez, (O.M.Cap.). Also they are to deliver all fees from burials with a list. Estevan de Quinones certifies this as notary public and adds in following notes that he notified Fuentes, Sedella, and Xerez of the above decree.
D.S. (Spanish)
(1790) (Jan. 16?)
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Fuentes, chaplain of the First Battalion acknowledges the decree. In order to carry it out he must have the account books he had as collector and which he delivered to Sedella.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Jan. 19
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
It is to be done as (Fuentes) asks and Sedella is to be notified, This is certified by Quinones who adds in notes that he notified Fuentes and Sedella of the decree.
D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Jan. 20 ?)
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to (Bishop Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Sedella has been notified of the decree. He does not have the account books because in May, 1789 he turned them over to Fuentes as collector who should have delivered them to his successor, Xerez.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Jan. 20
(Sieni of Barcelona, Bishop Cyrillo
New Orleans, Louisiana)
A copy of the above letter is to go to Fuentes. Quinones certifies this decree and adds in notes that he notified Sedella and Fuentes of the decree.
D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Jan. )
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to (Bishop Cyrillo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Fuentes asks the bishop to order Xerez, collector, and Vicente Llorca, sacristan, to appear. Xerez is to declare from whom he received the account books; Llorca to declare whether it is true that on December 2, 1788 he came to Fuentes and asked him to turn over the books.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Jan. 23
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The persons mentioned are to appear and testify. Quinones certifies this decree and in a note he adds that he notified Fuentes.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Jan. 23
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Xerez appeared before Cirilo and stated that he had only one book, concerning negroes. There is nothing in it concerning burials of 1788 although those of the preceding year are mentioned. Cyrillo and Xerez sign.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Jan. 23
Quinones, Estevan de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Vicente Llorca, organist, appears and swears that by order of Sedella, he went to ask for the books from Fuentes who gave him two or three books although he does not remember if they were of the collectorship or of the parish. He delivered them to Sedella. Llorca is 38 years old. The Bishop and Llorca both sign.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Jan. )
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Contrary to what Sedella affirmed, Fuentes did not deliver the books to his successor. As it appears from the latter's declaration, Xerez received what he had from Sedella. It is evident that Fuentes delivered all books to Sedella who is responsible for the missing ones which he did not turn over to Xerez. Fuentes admits his mistake in not demanding a receipt from Sedella; also he did not draw up copies of the books as Sedella said he should have done. The certificate he is presenting now will prove that he delivered all amounts received as collector and all books. It should be ratified by Sedella, a copy added to these proceedings, and the original returned.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Jan. 28
(Sieni of Barcelona, Bishop Cirilo
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Sedella is to acknowledge the above testimony, the document is to be drawn up by the notary and the original returned. Quinones certifies this and adds in a note that he notified Fuentes of the above decree.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Jan. 29
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Quinones, in virtue of the above decree, went to the home of Sedella who recognized the certificate presented as his and that its content was true. Signed by Sedella.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1788 Dec. 1
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
A copy of the certificate: Sedella, pastor of the Church of St. Louis of New Orleans, Vicar General, and Auxiliary Ecclesiastical Judge of the Province of Louisiana, certifies that since March 26, 1787, when appointed by Bishop Sant(iag)o J(ose)ph de Hechavarria of Cuba and the Province of Florida and Louisiana, Fuentes, of the Province of St. Helena of Florida, has served as assistant pastor, confessor and collector of this parish and assisted Sedella in a most laudable way. Signed by Sedella. Quinones adds that the above conforms with the original which he returned to Fuentes whose signature appears below on January 29, 1790. Fuentes signs a note below that he received the above original.
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 3
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Questions for the investigations of the accounts of Fuentes as collector: Did Fuentes, before the fire, in paying the singers, etc., check these payments with the collector's books and later on did he do this on loose sheets of paper; did he enter the accounts from the day he began as collector until he left the position; did he have the registers of burials; did he give receipts of burials and Masses; did he announce that on the day of the fire the books, papers and money belonging to the collectorship were burned and so he could not pay the employees of the church in March, 1788; in October, 1788 when Fuentes visited Sedella who was ill, did Sedella ask him whether the account books were passed to him because of the fire; did he go to the convent of nuns where the archives of the parish were provisionally kept and take some books with him? Signed with the bishop's flourish(?).
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1790 Feb. 3
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.) Father Antonio de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Questions for the investigation of the accounts of Xerez as collector: Did Xerez hear and from whom and when, that Fuentes lost the account books on the day of the fire; was Xerez sick when appointed collector and who took care of the accounts until his recovery; what day he was appointed; did Fuentes as collector pay Xerez all he owed him; were the registers for colored filled or were there blank pages on which the missing records of 1788 could be written: Signed with the bishop's flourish(?).
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. )
Sedella (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
A second copy of these proceedings has been given him, furnished as a result of Fuentes' petition. In order to have it answered well, he asks the bishop to order the witnesses he presents to testify concerning the questions prepared by Sedella.
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 1
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The witnesses are to appear and answer the questions. Quinones certifies this and adds in a note that he notified Sedella of the above decree.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 4
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Sedella presents Fuentes as witness who swears: that every month he gave the money due to the priests and the singers; the part belonging to the fabrique he gave to Sedella as ordered; that he showed a statement of the accounts to Sedella who answered that it was not necessary because everybody relied on his honesty; that after the fire, Sedella ordered Fuentes not to write down accounts of funerals, having announced that they were free; that on the night of the fire Fuentes delivered six books to Sedella, two of baptisms of white and colored, two of the collectorship and two of funerals which had not been destroyed by the fire; that four days later, Sedella who was residing in the convent of Ursulines, called Fuentes and handed over the above mentioned books; that Fuentes noticed that the collector's book for whites was missing and that Sedella said he would deliver it soon but never did so; that he wrote down only those funerals for which there were fees, according to Sedella's order up to the day of the fire; that he had the registers of the dead of the parish which Sedella delivered when he appointed Fuentes collector: that he gave receipts to those who paid and was corrected by Sedella because the receipts did not specify details; that he lost everything in the fire except the books mentioned; that the payments of March 1788 were very few and are recorded; that he spoke about the book Sedella did not hand over. Signed by Cyrillo and Fuentes.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 4)
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Sedella presented as witness, Xerez who swore that: he had heard that some of the books of the parish were burned but did not know who had them nor who said so; he was sick but did not know who took care of the records--that would appear in the books; he does not remember what day he was appointed as collector as his appointment was verbal; that Fuentes, as collector paid Xerez all he should; the account book has blank sheets, he began a new book for the following year. Signed by Cyrillo and Xerez before Quinones.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 1
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Jose de Hevia
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Did Hevia ever hear Fuentes say, when he used to eat at Hevia's, that in the fire of March '88, he lost everything even the fees belonging to the church and its ministers and the collector's books and papers?
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 1
Hevia, Josef
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Father Antonio de Sedella, (O.M.Cap.)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
He had often heard Fuentes say that he could not save anything of all he had in a cupboard and could not open it because he could not find the key. He tried to kick it open and was aided by Fran(cis)co Navarro. Fuentes had said that he found his desk in pieces in the street and that the few clothes he found had been rescued by Navarro. What Fuentes felt sorry about were the books and papers and a small trunk with vestments and money.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 1
Sedella, (O.M.CAP), Father Antonio de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Jose Martinez
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Since Martinez is a singer, Sedella asks him if when the singers went every month to examine their accounts, the collectors, first Caldas (Caldes), then Sedella, and finally Fuentes, before the fire, used to show them the two account books and compare their notes with the books in order to charge the proper amounts.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 1
Martinez, Josef
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Father Antonio (de Sedella, O.M.Cap.
New Orleans, Louisiana)
The above mentioned priests did show the singers the two account books to compare and see what was due to them.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790
Vicente Llorca
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Did Llorca ask Fuentes for the fees from the funerals and due to the singers; was he acquainted with the collector's books and the registers of the dead of the parish; does Llorca remember that Sedella sent him to ask Fuentes, who had been appointed chaplain of the regiment, for the two registers of deaths and that Fuentes had sent instead the books recording funeral fees?
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Jan. 30
Llorca, V(icen)te
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Father antonio (de Sedella, O.M.Cap.
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Llorca asked Fuentes for the funeral fees for the singers, because of Martinez's illness, after the fire. He is familiar with the collector's books and registers of the dead of the parish. Fuentes gave him the books in which funeral fees were recorded but he cannot remember whether there were two or three books, he is almost certain there were two.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 1
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Juan Gonzalez
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Did Gonzalez hear that Fuentes lost in the fire all the papers and books of the collectorship and also the money belonging to it?
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 1
Gonzalez, Juan
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Father Antonio de Sedella, (O.M.Cap.)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Gonzalez often heard Fuentes say that he lost the collector's books and some money on the day of the fire.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 1
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Arnaud (Saramiac
New Orleans, Louisiana)
When (Saramiac), a singer, went every month to collect the fees, before the fire of March 21, 1788 from Fathers Francois (Caldes), Sedella and (Fuentes), did (Fuentes) always collate the two registers with the list Arnaud always carried for receiving what was due him?
A.L.S. (French)
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1790 Feb. 1
Saramiac, Arnaud
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Arnaud always compared his lists with the two registers of white and colored with Fathers Francois, Sedella and Simon, before the fire. After the fire this could not be done because Father Simon said that the fire had destroyed everything.
A.L.S. (French)
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1790 Feb. 1
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to (Claude Francois) Calandro(t)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
(Sedella asks Calandrot the same question he put to Arnaud Saraniac).
A.L.S. (French)
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1790 Feb. 1
Calandrot, Claude Francois
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to (Father Antonio Sedella
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Calandrot (gave the same answer as Saraniac).
A.L.S. (French)
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(1790) (Feb. 5)
Sedella, (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Sedella asks the Bishop to order de Evia, Martines, Llorca, Gonzales, Saramiac, and Calandro to swear to the signatures of their names on the six letters. The letters should then be handed back to Sedella who states that he is presenting two copies of this document so that one after correction by the notary can be handed back to Sedella. Quinones, in a note at the beginning of the letter certifies that two copies were given and one handed back.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 5
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The persons mentioned in Sedella's petition are to appear and declare. The help of the governor should be given in this. The request about the two copies is granted. Quinones certifies the above decree and adds in a note that he notified Sedella of it.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 5
Miro, (Estevan)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The persons cited in the above petition are to appear and declare.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 8
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
J(ose)ph de Hevia, Captain of the post, appeared before the bishop and swore that he recognized the letter with his signature and that its contents were true. This is signed by Cyrillo and Josef Hevia.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 8)
Quinones, Estevan de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Juan Gonzales appeared and swore that the letter presented with his signature is his own and that its contents are true. He is thirty years old. Signed by Cyrillo and Gonzales.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 8)
Quinones, Estevan de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
J(ose)ph Martinez appeared and swore that the letter presented with his signature was his own and that its contents were true. He is 40 years old. Cyrillo and Josef Martinez sign.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 8
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Vicente Llorca appeared and swore to the signature of his letter and its contents. He is 34 years old. Signed by Cyrillo and Llorca.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 8)
Quinones, Estevan de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Arnaud Saramiac appeared and swore to the signature of his letter and its contents. He is 61 years old. Signed by Cyrillo and Arnaud Saramiac.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 8)
Quinones, Estevan de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Claudio Francisco Calandro appeared and swore to the signature of his letter and its contents. He is 55 years old. Cyrillo and Calandrot sign.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 12
Sedella (O.M.Cap.), Father Antonio de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni of Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
1. Sedella's intention is to justify himself against the slanders of
Father Simon de Fuentes whose statement that he delivered to Sedella
the account book of the collectorship is an invention to avoid giving
the accounts. Sedella intends to answer every paragraph of the last
document of Fuentes.
2. It is true that Sedella delivered to Xerez the two registers of the
parish but could not do so with those of the collectorship, then in
care of Fuentes who could not deliver them because it is forbidden by
the laws of the kingdom, and implied by a decree of Philip V of
November 20, 1703. Fuentes said that four days after the fire Sedella
delivered to him the books of the collectorship except that of the
whites. This conversation took place, according to the same, on March
25, 1788. Then how could Fuentes turn it over to Sedella through
Vicente Llorca on December 2, nine months later. Fuentes' statements
are contradictory. It appears from the six witnesses that Fuentes said
that the books of the collectorship were burned in the fire, so he
could not deliver them on the evening of the fire nor on December
2.
3. Fuentes' statement that Sedella denied having delivered the books
to Xerez is not true. He never received the collector's books which
were burned according to Fuentes' affirmation.
4. Concerning Fuentes' statement that Sedella's denial aims to cover
the lack of some book which he wants to hide, what use could Sedella
make of a blank book not containing the accounts of 1788 which,
according to Fuentes, is in the possession of Xerez? The only reason
Fuentes criticizes the attitude of Sedella is because the latter, in
the year of the fire, dispensed the charges of the fees belonging to
the treasury and of himself. Sedella criticizes Fuentes for rescuing a
great amount of gold and coined silver and knows where Fuentes has
deposited it. The latter was lying when he said that he had rescued
only a striped shirt.
5. Fuentes was notably ignorant when he affirmed that if Sedella had
noticed the lack of some book he would have carried out judicial
proceedings because the collector's books have not been handed to
Sedella but only the registers of the parish. Sedella believed Fuentes
and immediately notified Bishop Cyrillo of the loss on June 27 in the
year of the fire. Cyrillo answered on August 16 stating he would take
suitable measures when he arrived in New Orleans. If Sedella did not
ask accounts of the collectorship from Fuentes it was because of the
law (number cited) which prescribes that employees may ask for the
accounts only one year after they quit their work.
6. Fuentes acknowledged that he might be censured for not demanding
from Sedella a receipt for the delivery of the books. However he would
not suspect Sedella's integrity. This is against the law (numbers
cited) which states that the latter should have a receipt.
7. Fuentes said that he did not need any notes to keep the accounts
because such notes would not be legal. If Fuentes delivered the books
to his successor neither Xerez nor his successors are allowed to return
them to Fuentes to make an account because no employee can deliver the
books while he is in office. Fuentes should have asked for a copy.
The existing book as well as the one missing are not the legitimate
books Fuentes spoke of but just notes without authority.
8. Fuentes stated that if he had written down notes concerning the
accounts Cyrillo as well as any other superior would have believed that
Fuentes foresaw the possible loss of the books. However in any office
there are some copy-books in which the records are written. Fuentes
should present the items of the accounts of the money of the fabrique
in receipts of the majordomo.
9. The certification Fuentes demanded if "de vita et moribus" which
cannot be presented as a proof of accounts. Therefore his statement
that he left his employment of collector without any responsibility is
a falsehood. The certification of Fuentes about his life and customs
in the present case would be the same as if Sedella presented a hundred
letters of the previous bishop and of Bishop Cyrillo approving his
actions. Therefore if Fuentes has not handed in more money than that
specified in his certification his accounts are wrong and Sedella
believes that it is not likely that Fuentes has handed the money over
as settled by Sedella with Juan Durell and the present majordomo
Antonio Ramis.
11. Fuentes states that to give a legal account the account books
should be delivered to him. But Sedella has proved that those books
are only notes written by Fuentes and the concealment of the book of
the whites makes it impossible to certify Fuentes' receipts. Sedella
presents two copies of this document, one to be returned to him when
notarized. Quinones states this last sentence also in a note at the
beginning of the letter.
L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 12
(Sieni of Barcelona, Bishop Cyrillo
New Orleans, Louisiana)
(The above) is granted and a copy is to be given to Fuentes. Quinones certifies that Cirilo signed the decree and adds in notes following that he notified Sedella and Fuentes of the decree.
D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 13)
Sedella, Father Antonio de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni of Barcelona)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Sedella has been notified by the notary that a copy of the proceedings is to go to Fuentes. He asks for the return of the documents and hands in two copies of the present document so that one may be returned when notarized. Quinones, on the same page with this letter certifies that two copies were handed over by Sedella and one returned after being notarized. A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 18)
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The petition is denied; the order is to stand. Quinones certifies to the signature of this decree and adds in a note that he notified Sedella of the decree.
D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 18)
Sedella, Father Antonio
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni of Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Since it is clear enough that Fuentes was the one who lost one of the account books Sedella had expected the bishop to complete the trial because the actions of both parties were almost finished but he had learned that his first petition had been sent to Fuentes which meant a continuation of the trial. He appeals again that the trial be finished. Now that Lent has begun he needs tranquility of spirit. Since Cirilo had denied the first appeal he is obliged appeal again asking first that the first decree be revoked and to ask that the bishop in Havana give the final decision in the trial. He presents two copies one of which is to be returned after being notarized. Quinones states in a note at the beginning of this letter that through Ant(oni)o Ximenez two copies had been presented, one to be returned when notarized.
L.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 19)
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The appeal is denied; the decision stands. Quinones certifies the signature of Cirilo to this decree and adds in a note that he informed Sedella of it.
D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 20)
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
In order to judge the petition made by Sedella, (Cirilo) should have Caldas certify whether at the time he was in charge of the accounts of the fabrique of the parish church there was any detailed record of the fees from funerals, etc. besides the books recording the burials of the whites and colored.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 20)
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The petition is granted. Quinones certifies this decree and adds in a note that he made it known to Fuentes.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 20
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Quinones, carrying out the above decree, went to the home of Caldas, chaplain of the Royal Hospital and Vice Ecclesiastical Judge Forane of this province, who certified that he did not have the two books asked about in his possession and that they were in the parish church; that he had had the book of detailed notations in which he kept the account of all pertaining to the collectorship which he turned over to Sedella on order at the termination of his collectorship in the presence of Bishop (Cirilo) of Tricaly, so he did not demand a receipt. Father Caldes signs this.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 19)
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni of Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
Fuentes, chaplain of the First Battalion of the Infantry of Louisiana, requests that the notary have the pastor of the (New Orleans) church show the two books of the dead, white and colored, examining the first from page 125 to 138 certifying to the best of his knowledge whose writing it was from the item of the little son of an Englishman dated October 2, '85 to that of the grandson of Mr. Marchand dated April 8, '87 how many items between these two references and whose signature, and then going on to end with that of Julio of Italian birth dated November 29, '88. In the same way the colored book is to be examined from page 71 to 82, beginning with a negro of Mr. Broutin, dated October 7, '85 to the free mulatto Moris dated April 6, '87 and then on to the negro slave of Mr. Maxant dated November 30, '88. Then the notary would go to the house of Xerez; collector of the parish, asking him to show the account book of the fees coming from the burial of the colored, beginning with that of Babi, negro slave of Mr. Robert dated May 3, 1787 up to that of Silvestre, free Negro, dated February 28, 1788 and examining the writing and number of all entries. All this evidence is to be brought to Fuentes.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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(1790) (Feb. 19)
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
All is granted as asked. Quinones certifies to this decree and adds in a note that he made it known to Fuentes.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 20
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
As public notary Quinones asked Father Ignacio de Olot, (O.M.Cap) Pastor for the week of (St. Luis Church of New Orleans), for the two books registering the deaths of whites and colored and having examined the pages designated found the signatures to be those of Fuentes and Sedella, (with definite pages given for those signed by each).
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 22
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Carrying out the preceding decree Quinones went to the home of Father J(ose)ph Xerez, (O.M.Cap.), and asked for the account book of the fees from the burials of the colored people. He examined them from the first part beginning with the negress, Baby, slave of Mr. Robert dated May 3, 1787 and ending with Silvestre, free Negro, dated February 28, 1788. All the writing and numbering seems to be that of Fuentes.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 23
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Questions for the examination of Sedella for the proceedings of the parish accounts. (25 questions of the same nature as those asked in the proceedings before. One question asks the name of the benefactor who gave the money to pay the rent of the house where Sedella lived for a few months after the fire).
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 23
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Questions for the examination of Xerez in the proceedings of the collector's accounts. (10 of the same nature as those asked before).
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Feb. 23
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
New Orleans, Louisiana
Questions for the examination of Father Ubaldo Delgado, (O.F.M.) in the proceedings of the collector's accounts. (15 questions of the same nature as those asked before).
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1790) (Feb. 23)
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
In order to answer the false accusations of Sedella, Fuentes asks the bishop to have Sedella, Xerez and Delgado give, under oath, the answers to the questions submitted by Fuentes.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Feb. 23
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The questions are to be answered. Quinones certifies this decree and adds in a note that he notified Fuentes.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Feb. 25
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Sedella appears before Bishop Cirilo de Barcelona and answered the 25 questions submitted by Fuentes. Both Sedella and Cyrillo sign.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1790) (Feb. 23)
Quinones, Estevan de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Xerez appears and answers the 10 questions submitted by Fuentes. Both Xerez and Cyrillo sign.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Feb. 25
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Delgado appears and answers the 15 questions submitted by Fuentes. Both Delgado and Cyrillo sign.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1790) (Feb. )
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
In order to carry out Cirilo's decree of January 15, Fuentes asks that Cirilo order the priest in charge of the church to hand over the funeral records of whites and colored to Fuentes so that he may work out his report.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Feb. 27
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The petition is granted. Quinones certifies this decree and notified Fuentes.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Feb. 27
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Fuentes received the two books of burials of whites and colored in the parish church. Quinones notarizes this receipt.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Mar. 3
Quinones, (Estevan de)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Fuentes returned the above books to Xerez, assistant pastor for that week.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Mar. 3
Fuentes, (O.F.M.), Father Simon de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
A sworn account of the fees belonging to the fabrique of the church from May 3, 1787 to November 30, 1788 while Fuentes was in charge of collections. The names of individuals, the day, month, and year of burial according to the register of burials are given and all conform with the rates given by Sedella to whom Fuentes also refers. (10 pages of this detailed account follow, giving the fees collected for each burial). In five following notes Fuentes notes exceptions to the general rule of collections mentioning the fee from the burial of Pedro Hand (?) on March 12, '88 in his possession and not in the accounts because of the fire of the 21st in the first note and in the fifth note stating that the fees were never paid to him for the burials of Pedro Miro, Fran(cis)co Maria Reggio, Father Salvador de la Esperanza, Mrs. Maxent, the younger, Pedro Chavert, Mrs. Chavert, and Mrs. Azur(?).
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
(1790) (Mar. 3)
Fuentes, O.F.M., Father Simon de
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
to Bishop (Cirilo Sieni de Barcelona
New Orleans, Louisiana)
This is in answer to Sedella's false accusations. Fuentes is convinced that Sedella had the missing account books and asks Cirilo to compel him to deliver it. (The names of) Mrs. Maxent the younger, Pedro Chavert, Mrs. Lorenza Deleri, Mrs. Catharina Pradel, Mr. Renne, Mrs. Chavert, Mrs. Kerinon, Mrs. Azur, a son of Mr. Moran and a son of Mr. Macarty (are mentioned in the letter as figuring in exceptions to the regular collection of fees).
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1790 Mar. 3
(Sieni of Barcelona) Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
(The above letter is to be included in) the official proceedings. Quinones certifies this decree and adds in notes that he notified Fuentes and Sedella of it.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Mar. 8
(Sieni) de Barcelona, Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Father Fran(cis)co de Caldes, (O.M.Cap.), collector of this parish and Father J(ose)ph Valdes, (O.F.M.), assistant pastor are to review all the accounts and proceedings and to give the final judgement. This is notarized by Quinones who adds in notes that he made the decree known to Fuentes, to Sedella, and to Caldes and Valdes.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Mar. 12
Caldes, (O.M.Cap.). Father Fran(cis)co and
Valdes, (O.F.M.), Father Jose Maria
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The report turned in by Fuentes has been carefully checked and compared with the funeral record which was used during his collectorship, this being the only available source of information since the record of revenue does not exist. There is an account of 468 pesos and 4 reales belonging to the fabrique of the church of St. Luis which Fuentes is supposed to settle.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Mar. 12
(Sieni of Barcelona), Bishop Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
(The above) is to be added to the official proceedings. This degree is notarized by Quinones who adds in a note that he notified Caldes and Valdes of it.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Mar. 15
(Sieni of Barcelona, Bishop) Cyrillo
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
The originals of these proceedings are to be sent to Bishop Felipe Josef de Trespalacios, of Havana who will pass judgment upon them. (Quinones) if to make two copies, one to be sent to the superior and the other to be kept in the archives. Quinones certifies this decree.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Mar. 22
Quinones, (Estevan de)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
A copy of this testimony was made.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Apr. 12
Quinones, (Estevan de)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Another copy of this testimony was made.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1790 Jul. 20
Quinones, (Estevan de)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Another copy of this testimony was made.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1792 Dec. 20
Henriq(uez) Father (Teodoro Thirso Henrique)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
A copy of these proceedings is to be made to be kept in the secret archives of this vicariate because none of the copies mentioned above are to be found. Quinones notarizes this decree and adds in a note that he made the copy.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1795 Aug. 20
(Penalver y Cardenas), Bishop Luis of
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Having seen the proceedings of the case of the collectorship of St. Luis Church of New Orleans, one of which was sent to the Bishop of Havana as ordered by Royal Decree of October 22, 1794, asks that Fuentes, a member of the Franciscan order, appoint someone to answer the revisions of March 3, 1790 in the proceedings. This decree is to be sent to the Convent of this order at Havana. J(ose)ph M(aria) de Rivas certifies this decree as secretary.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1795 Aug. 20
(Penalver y Cardenas), Bishop of
(New Orleans), Louisiana
to Father (Josef Denis, O.F.M.)
(Havana, Cuba)
A decree has been issued, "the decree follows." (Penalver) hopes that (Denis) will assent to what he asks and will acknowledge the receipt of the letter. This draft of the letter to be sent is followed by a note in Penalver's hand and signed with his flourish stating that it conforms to the one sent.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1795 Sep. 25
Denis, (O.F.M.), Father Josef
Havana, (Cuba)
to Bishop Luis Penalver (y Cardenas),
(New Orleans), Louisiana
Father Fuentes, when asked, stated that he never was an official collector; he was only in charge of receiving the fees from funerals without any official title or instructions except those given by Sedella who was then acting pastor. Fuentes never digressed from Sedella's methods and the account he presented to Bishop Cirilo dated March 3, 1790 was wholly in agreement with his conscience and with the methods mentioned. Fuentes asks Penalver to send a man of his own choice to the convent and Fuentes will be pleased to answer all questions he may ask. He cannot appoint any person as a substitute because he is canonically prevented because of his status as a religious.
L.S. (Spanish)
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1795 Nov. 25
(Penalver y Cardenas), Bishop (Luis) of
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
(The above) is to be added to the proceedings. Signed with the bishop's flourish(?). Rivas certifies it as secretary.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jan. 15
Penalver y Cardenas, Bishop Luis of
New Orleans, Louisiana
Having seen the reply of Fuentes enclosed in the reply from the Superior of the convent September 25, 1795, asking that a tribunal be set up in Havana to hear defense of the charges which could be placed against his accounts as collector, Penalver cannot grant it nor does he withdraw the decision of August 20, 1795. This decree is to be enclosed in an official letter to the Superior from whom he asks a reply. Rivas certifies this decree as secretary.
D.S. (Spanish)
--------
1796 Jan. 15
(Penalver y Cardenas) Bishop (Luis) of
New Orleans, Louisiana
to (Father Josef Denis, O.F.M.)
Havana, (Cuba)
Penalver has issued a decree on this date, "the decree follows." He asks (Denis) to advise him of its receipt and to give a reply. In a note following this draft, Penalver states that it conforms to the letter sent. Signed with the bishop's flourish(?).
IV-5-f D.S., A.D.S., L.S., (Spanish) 172pp. 4to. 8vo.
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