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1801 Jun. 10

Gili, Father Sebastian
New Orleans, (Louisiana)

to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)

Gili, chaplain of the 2nd Battalion of the Mexican Infantry tells (Penalver) that in the treasury of this battalion there are various sums deposited by members who have died intestate. Article 4 of the royal order of July 20, 1779 orders the chaplain to celebrate the Masses agreed upon or at least one-fourth of them. Gili has also been informed by Fran(cis)co Pasqual, Judge Advocate, that on pagve 308 of the same book it is stated that if the balance of the intestate soldier is 100 reales or more it must be invested for the benefit of his soul. The first is a law, the second a very pious suggestion but as this commandant does not venture to turn it over and the souls of the dead lack suffrage, Gili begs (Penalver) to send him a letter with his backing so that it may be determined what is just.

A.L.S. (Spanish)

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1801 Nov. 27

Marquina, Felix Berenguer
Mexico

to Bishop (Luis Penalver y Cardenas)
(New Orleans), Louisiana

Marquina with the advice of the Judge Advocate has determined that when the balance of an intestate soldier of the province whose heirs are absent is not more than 10 pesos all is to be invested in suffrages and the same for one whose heirs are unknown; but if the heirs are present they are to receive the balance be it much or little with a deduction of the one-fifth which will be applied for suffrages. The sum is to be given to the chaplain. Therefore he warns the commandant of the 2nd Battalion and lets (Penalver) know in answer to his letter.

L.S. (Spanish)

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1801 Jun. 11

(Penalver y Cardenas), Bishop (Luis)
New Orleans, Louisiana

to Felix Berenguer de Marquina
(Mexico)

The chaplain of the 2nd Battalion of Mexican Infantry stationed in this place has sent (Penalver) the (preceding) letter. In New Orleans the commanding officers did not wish to consult together, awaiting the resolution of the inspector: this is for all the Mexican regiment and Marquina will please decide as he deems just and give the necessary orders. (Penalver)'s interest is that the suffrage be not delayed.

Draft S. (Spanish)

V-3-d A.L.S., L.S. Draft S. (Spanish) 5pp. 4to.
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