Records of the Spanish Inquisition, Translated from the Original Manuscripts

Declared unanimously that this contains a profession of superstitious necromancy, and a practice of the same, with the effects following; also an abuse of the sacred scripture.

2d. The assertions in the above article having been listened to, it was replied to this person that the thing could not be done without some pact with the devil, to which he answered that it was so honest and just a deed that he would perform it immediately after confession and communion, and even before the Inquisitors, inasmuch as it was done by repeating the words of Christ, which were the Latin expressions given in the first article. It was repeated that the thing could not be done in this manner, and that it ought to be denounced to the Inquisition; whereupon this person persisted in his assertions. He also stated that he knew another way of performing the same kind of divination, which was by collecting the ashes made by burning the papers, and rubbing them upon the back of his hand, where they would leave impressed the name of the culprit. He furthermore asserted that he knew another method, which he did not explain.

Declared unanimously that this contains a confirmation of the preceding, with a heretical assertion, and a new profession of necromancy.

3d. The same person continuing the above conversation, asserted that he possessed certain instruments which were useful for many things, and proceeded to take from his right breeches’ pocket a paper containing three or four folds of something, which were not distinctly seen by reason of the night. And it being demanded of him where he had learned his arts, he replied that he had obtained them from a book of magic in his possession, which taught him how to do whatever he desired.

Declared unanimously that this contains another profession like that already qualified.

4th. He declared to the person to whom the above assertions were made, that out of the abovementioned book he could acquire the art of making himself invisible; also that in this manner a man could be made invulnerable to the thrust of a sword; in proof of which he would make trial upon the body of a dog or cat, that they might see the truth of it.

Declared unanimously that this contains a new profession of necromancy.

5th. The person who bore witness to these proceedings having asked him whether he knew any art respecting playing at ball, he replied that he did not at present, but would make researches and come to the house of the above person, where he would teach him other arts which he knew, to gain the favor of the ladies. This was agreed upon, and this person gave him directions to find his house, offering him money if he would make these disclosures to him, all with a view to give information of the same to the Holy Office, in order to purify our Holy Faith, and extirpate everything contrary thereto.

Declared unanimously that this contains a profession of necromancy qualified as above, with the addition of an amatory necromantical practice.

6th. Some days after this, in consequence of the above agreement, he went to the said person’s house, where he gave him a strip of parchment about a finger’s breadth wide, and a span long, slit through the middle and united at the extremity, on which was written the following. ‘Ego + sum, Exe + Homo, consummatum + est, Ego Joaquinus Aprecor Domini nostri Jesu Christi in vitam eternam seculi seculorum, libera me de omnibus rebus, de ignis cautus et omnia instrumenta hominum detenta me ach die, ach nocte, custode rege et gubername amen.’ This was rolled up within a piece of lead and a portion of bone, and, according to his direction, was to be worn next the skin, near the arm, in the shape of a cross. This would, as he asserted, secure the wearer against any thrusts with a sword. The articles have been exhibited.

Declared unanimously that this contains a practice with instruments of superstitious necromancy, added to a doctrine for their application which is abusive of the sacred scripture and insulting to the holy cross.

7th. On the same occasion, he gave to this person another piece of parchment, half a finger’s breadth wide, and above two yards long, at one end of which was drawn with ink a leg and foot, and at the other a heart surmounted by a cross, with other figures and letters in different parts. With this he took divers measures upon the body of the person abovementioned, from one shoulder to the other, from the shoulder to the chin and nose, from the chin to the stomach, measuring also the face, which he informed him was done to secure him from wounds. He directed him to rub it over with the wax which dripped from the tapers burnt during the celebration of mass. This was to be done on nine several days, and the operation was to be concealed from view by his cloak. The parchment was exhibited.

Declared unanimously, that this contains an additional profession of necromancy, with an exhibition of additional necromantical instruments, and the method of using them, added to an insult to the holy sacrifice of the mass and the holy cross.

8th. On the same occasion, he gave to this person three bits of parchment three fingers’ breadth long, and one wide each; two of them containing each two lines of writing, and the other three, all numbered on the back; also another written parchment. He directed him to wear the thinnest of these pieces on the little finger of his left hand, under a white stone set in a ring, and informed him that when this stone turned red he might play at any game except dice or las quillas, with a certainty of winning, but if it should turn black he was to abstain from playing. The parchments abovementioned were, before this was done, to be placed inside his right shoe, next the ancle, and sprinkled with the Holy Water used at mass, after which they were to be worn next the heart. The parchments were exhibited.

Declared unanimously, that this contains an additional profession and doctrine of superstitious necromancy, with an additional method of practising it, added to a new insult to the sacred ceremonies of the mass.

9th. The said person having requested to see the book of magic which he declared was in his possession, he refused to exhibit the same, declaring that the person who made the demand would not be able to read or understand it, but that he had studied the whole in a certain place which he named.

Declared unanimously, that this contains a profession of possessing a book of magic, and studying the same for the purpose of practising it.

Finally declared unanimously, that the person under qualification be pronounced under suspicion de levi.

Fr. Francisco Siges,

P. Antonio Mira,

Fr. Juan Ba. Llopis,

Fr. Augustin de Vinaros.

Don Joachin de Esplugues Y Palavicino,

Secretary.

In the Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Valencia, on the twentieth day of May, one thousand seven hundred and fiftysix, the Inquisitors Licentiate Don Antonio, Pelegen Venero, and Don Inigo Ortiz de la Peña being at their morning audience, having examined the information received in this Holy Office against Don Antonio Adorno, a soldier in the regiment of Asturias, belonging to the company of Don Jorge Duran, by birth a Neapolitan, and a resident in this city, for the crimes of professing necromancy and amatory divination, and practising the same with insult to the holy sacrifice of the mass and the holy cross—

Ordered unanimously, that the said Don Antonia Adorno be confined in the secret prison of this Holy Office; that his property be sequestered; his papers, books, and instruments seized, and arranged for his accusation. Ordered further, that before execution, this be submitted to the members of His Majesty’s Council of the Holy General Inquisition.

Don Joachin de Esplugues Y Palavicino,

Secretary.

[In this part of the trial are inserted the originals of fourteen letters, received from the different Inquisitions in the kingdom, stating that their records had been examined without finding anything against the prisoner. Also a letter from the Grand Council of the Inquisition at Madrid, confirming the above order.]

In Council May 31st, 1756.

The Dicasts Ravazo, Berz, Barreda, and Herreros.

Let justice be executed according to the above order.

TO OUR CALIFICATOR DR BOXO, AND THE FAMILIARS NAMED IN THIS LETTER

Don Antonio Adorno, the subject of the accompanying warrant of imprisonment, is a soldier in the company of Don Jorge Duran, belonging to the regiment of Asturias. He is a Neapolitan by birth, of a middling height, robust, dark complexioned, with a long scar over his left eyebrow, and a dint in the top of his forehead. His age is twentyfour or twentyfive years. In order to apprehend him, our Calificator, Dr Joseph Boxo, will conduct himself in the following manner:—

He will consult, with great secrecy and caution, accompanied by our Familiar Francisco Suñer, or, in his absence, any other Familiar in that neighborhood, as Notary, the Colonel or Commander of the regiment, where the said Don Antonio Adorno shall be found, and if necessary, exhibit to him the Warrant. His assistance is to be required in the apprehension, which being performed, his person is to be immediately identified. All the papers, books, and instruments found upon him are to be seized, as well as those which may be found among his baggage. Care should be taken that he may have no time to conceal anything, and all the effects seized, the Calificador will remove to his own house. At the same time, all his other property, if he possess any, will be sequestered, an inventory thereof being taken, and the whole left in the hands of such person as the Colonel or Commander may appoint for the safe keeping of the same, commanding him not to part with anything without our order. If any cash should be met with, the Calificador will secure it, as well as the clothes for the use of the prisoner, all which are to be transported to his house along with the papers, books, and instruments above specified.

This done, the Familiar Suñer, or whoever shall act as Notary, will divest him of every kind of offensive weapon, and conduct him to the town of Arbos on horseback, without pinioning him, as this is only directed in cases where an escape is attempted. Two stout fellows armed will guard him on each side. At Arbos, he is to be delivered into the hands of our Familiar Raymundo Freiras, an inhabitant of that place. Should he not be at hand, the prisoner is to be brought onward to Vilafranca and committed to the care of our Familiar Pedro Batlle, along with the papers, books, instruments, money, and clothes of the prisoner, all which are to be brought from the place of his arrest, as well as the warrant for his imprisonment, a copy of the inventory of his goods, this letter, and the adjoined passport for the Gate of the Angel in this city. The transfer being made to any one of the abovementioned Familiars, a receipt will be taken, which it is to be transmitted to this tribunal, as also a bill of the expenses paid by the person receiving it, from the time he undertook the business till his return home, specifying the pay of the guard, horse hire, his own and the prisoner’s expenses.

The Familiar of Arbos or Vilafranca, will, in the same manner, transport him with whatever he may receive from the Familiar of Reus, to this city, which he will enter at dusk just before the gates are shut. He will enter at the Gate of the Angel, and present the accompanying passport of the Governor to the Officer of the Guard. Should the Patrol demand to see it, it may be exhibited to them, after which he will proceed directly to this Royal Palace of the Inquisition, and inquire for the Alcayde. Into his hands will then be delivered the prisoner, and all the effects pertaining to him, together with the warrant of imprisonment, the inventory of the goods, and this letter. The next day he will come before this tribunal and give a relation of his proceedings. God preserve you.

Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, June 30th, 1756

The Licentiate,

D. Joseph de Otero Y Cossio.

The Licentiate,

Don Manuel de Guell Y Serra.

Juan Antonio Almonacid, Sec’y.

ANSWER

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SEÑORES.

Until the 10th of the present month I was not able to succeed in apprehending Don Antonio Adorno, as he did not make his appearance in this quarter before that date. The capture was made with great caution, the commander having contrived to deliver him into my hands in the prison of the regiment, from which place he proceeds this day, Tuesday, July 13th, under the care of the Familiar Rafel Bellveny, the Familiar Francisco Suñez being sick.

No inventory of his property was taken, as none was to be found either upon his person or in his knapsack, except the papers herewith transmitted, and a book containing various documents respecting the nobility of the house of Adorno. No money has been found, and the prisoner is considerably in debt to the regiment. The commander has kept every article of his clothing, so that it has been necessary to purchase a suit for him. God preserve your Excellencies many years.

Dr Joseph Boxo, Calificador and

Commissary of the Holy Office.

Reus, July 13th, 1756.

FIRST AUDIENCE

In the Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, on the fifth day of August, one thousand seven hundred and fiftysix, the Inquisitor, Licentiate Dr Joseph de Otero y Cossio, being at his morning audience, ordered to be brought out of prison, a person calling himself Don Antonio Adorno, a native of the city of Genoa, aged twentyseven years, who was sworn to declare the truth, and preserve secrecy as well on this as on all other occasions, till the decision of his cause.

Questioned, his name, birthplace, age, occupation, and the date of his imprisonment.

Answered, that he was born, as above stated, in the city of Genoa, that his age was twentyseven years, that he was a soldier in the infantry regiment of Asturias, company of Don Jorge Duran, and that he was arrested on the tenth of the last month.

Questioned, who was his father, mother, grandfather, uncles, &c.

[Here follows the genealogy of the prisoner.]

Questioned, of what lineage and stock were his abovementioned ancestors and collateral relatives, and whether any one of them, or he himself, had ever been imprisoned or put under penance by the Holy Office of the Inquisition.

Answered, that his family was noble, as above stated, and that neither he, nor any one of them had ever been punished or put under penance by the Holy Office.

Questioned, if he was a baptized and confirmed Christian, and heard mass, confessed, and communed, at such times as the Church directed.

Answered, Yes; and the last time he confessed was to Father Fr. Antonio –, (his name he did not know) a barefoot Friar of the Convent of the Holy Trinity; and that he partook of the sacrament in this Convent in the city of Valencia, where his regiment was then stationed.

Here the prisoner crossed himself, repeated the Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and Credo, in Spanish, without fault, and answered properly to all the questions respecting the Christian doctrine.

Questioned, if he could read or write, or had studied any science.

Answered, that he could read, write, and cipher, having learned of Dr Francisco Labatra, in Vienna; and that he had studied grammar in the Colegio de los Praxistas in this capital.

Questioned, what were the events of his life.

Answered, that he was born in Genoa; and while a boy, was carried by his parents to Vienna, where he followed his studies as above stated. At the age of sixteen he entered as a cadet in a regiment of infantry. After serving here till twentytwo, the regiment was broken up, and he remained with his mother at Vienna for the space of a month. He then set out for Spain for the purpose of securing some property belonging to him by inheritance from his ancestors in Bellpuix and other parts of the kingdom. He landed at Barcelona, and proceeded to Bellpuix, Malaga, Granada, and Seville; but, failing in his attempts to obtain his property, he enlisted in the infantry regiment of Asturias then quartered in this city. In this regiment he visited several parts and cities of these kingdoms at their respective garrisons, and particularly the kingdom of Valencia, from whence he proceeded to Reus, where he was arrested.

Questioned, if he knew or suspected the cause of his imprisonment.

Answered, that he supposed it to be on account of some acts he had performed to discover certain thieves in his company, which performances he had executed with a degree of mystery and mummery to create wonder. The facts were as follows.

In the Guard of the Duke of Berwick, at Valencia, some shirts and stockings were stolen, and the commanding officer requested the prisoner to make trial of one of his methods of discovering the thief, he having before been a witness of the operation of one of them. He accordingly assembled all the soldiers of the guard in a dark room, and informed them they must each one put his finger into a cup of water, and that the water would blacken the finger of the thief. Before the room was darkened he showed them the cup containing a quantity of clear water. They all agreed to the proposal, and the room was shut up so as to exclude every ray of light. The prisoner then conveyed a quantity of ink into the cup, and after making a preliminary harangue directed every one to dip his finger within. This they all did except one whom he supposed to be the thief. He wet his finger in his mouth lest it should be discovered that he had not complied with the direction.

They now threw open the windows and found every man’s finger black but that of the delinquent. The prisoner perceiving this and observing the agitation which he manifested, exclaimed to him, ‘You are the thief;’ and finally compelled him to pay for the stolen articles.

In order more fully to impress them with the belief that this man was guilty, the prisoner directed the commander of the guard to write the name of each person on a piece of paper and burn it to ashes, informing him that this ashes would give the impression of the name of the one who was guilty, upon his hand. In order to effect this the prisoner wrote with a certain liquor upon his own hand the name of Juan Antonio –, (his other name he did not remember) then showing himself to the company he washed his hands before them, (taking care, however, not to rub them much) and observed, ‘You see there is nothing now written upon my hand; but when this list is burnt it will exhibit there the name of the thief.’ The paper was then burnt, and he rubbed the ashes upon his hand, when the letters made their appearance, and the prisoner gained the reputation of a wizard, more especially in the conception of the said Juan Antonio.

The prisoner declared that in the harangue abovementioned, he made use of no prayers, and that the words which he uttered were made use of solely to astound and amaze the hearers.

He was then informed that in this Holy Office it was not customary to imprison any one without sufficient information that he had said, done, or seen, or heard something contrary to the Holy Religion of God our Lord, and the Holy Mother Apostolic Roman Church, or against the proper and free jurisdiction of the Holy Office, in consequence of which he was to understand that he was imprisoned on account of some such information. Therefore he was exhorted in the name of God our Lord and his glorious and blessed Mother our Lady the Virgin Mary, to bethink himself and confess the whole truth in relation to the matter wherein he felt guilty, or knew of the guilt of others, without concealing anything or bearing false witness against any one, by doing which, justice should be executed, and his trial despatched with all brevity and mercy.

Answered, that he recollected nothing more, and that what he had stated above was the truth. His declarations were then read, and declared by him to be correctly recorded. He was then admonished to bethink himself and remanded to prison.

Signed by him,

M. Anto. Adorno.

Don Joseph de Noboa, Sec’y.

SECOND AUDIENCE

In the Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, on the seventh day of August, one thousand seven hundred and fiftysix, the Inquisitors, Licentiate Dr Joseph de Otero y Cossio, and Dr Manuel de Guell y Serra, being at their morning audience, ordered the abovementioned Don Antonio Adorno to be brought out of prison; which being done, and the prisoner present, he was

Questioned, if he remembered anything relating to his affair which he was bound to divulge according to his oath.

Answered, No.

He was then informed, that he was aware he had, in the preceding audience, been exhorted in the name of God, our Lord, &c.; and he was anew exhorted in the same manner, by conforming to which he would acquit himself like a Catholic Christian, and his trial should be despatched with all brevity and mercy; otherwise justice should be executed.

Answered, that he had considered the exhortation, but had nothing to add, and what he had above related was the truth, according to the oath he had sworn. This declaration being read, was declared by him to be correctly recorded, and, exhorted to bethink himself, he was remanded to prison.

Signed by him,

M. Anto. Adorno.

Don Joseph de Noboa, Sec’y.

THIRD AUDIENCE

In the Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, on the twelfth day of August, one thousand seven hundred and fiftysix, the Inquisitors, Licentiate Dr Joseph de Otero y Cossio, and Dr Manuel de Guell y Serra, being at their morning audience, ordered the said Don Antonio Adorno to be brought out of prison; which being done, and the prisoner present, he was

Questioned, if he remembered anything relating to his affair, which he was bound to divulge according to his oath.

Answered, No.

He was then informed, that he was aware he had been exhorted in the preceding audience, &c.

Answered, that he had considered the exhortation, but had nothing more to say.

Straightway appeared the Licentiate Don Fausto Antonio de Astorquiza y Urreta, Inquisitor Fiscal of this Holy Office, and presented an accusation, signed by him, against the said Don Antonio Adorno, which accusation he formally swore was not offered through malice. Here follows the accusation.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIRS,

I, the Inquisitor Fiscal, appear before your Excellencies, and accuse criminally Don Antonio Adorno, a native of the city of Genoa, aged twentyseven years, a soldier in the regiment of Asturias, and at the time of his arrest, in garrison, in the town of Reus, in this principality, now attached to the secret prison of this Holy Office, with his property sequestered, and present here in person—for that this person, being a baptized and confirmed Christian, and not having the fear of God, or the justice of your Excellencies before his eyes, has committed heavy crimes against our Holy Catholic Faith, by professing and practising various necromantical arts, with insult to the holy sacrifice of the mass, its sacred ceremonies, and the holy cross; also imparting his evil art and instruments to others, for their practice, with the like insult to the holy cross and holy sacrifice of the mass. On which account, I hold him at least to be suspected de levi in the faith, and accuse him of the whole, both in general and in particular.

1. The said person, on a time specified, and in the company of certain persons named, declared that he was able when anything was stolen, to discover the thief, and in proof of this assertion, stated that he had formerly done this by writing the names upon papers, of some persons, among whom a sum of money had been stolen, and putting the papers into the fire, repeating the words, ‘Ego sum; factus est homo, consummatum est.’ The papers were consumed, except that bearing the name of the thief. None but the said person could take this paper out of the fire, and the money was found upon the one designated.

2. Some one objecting to him, that this could not be done without some pact with the devil, he replied that it was so justifiable an act, that he would perform it immediately after mass or communion, and it being declared a matter to be laid before the Inquisition, he affirmed that he would do it in presence of the Inquisitors.

3. Furthermore, he asserted that he could execute the above purpose by rubbing the ashes of the papers upon his hand, where it would leave impressed the name of the thief; also, that he knew another method which he did not explain. I request that he may be questioned what this method is, where he learned it, and whether he has practised these two last, uttering the words before specified.

4. Continuing the conversation with the abovementioned person, he informed him that he possessed certain instruments of use in various ways, and in fact showed him something folded up, which he took out of his pocket. And, on being asked whence he obtained the knowledge of these arts, replied that he learned them from a book of magic in his possession, which enabled him to do whatever he pleased. I request that he may be questioned respecting this book of magic, as well as the contents of the abovementioned envelope.

5. He told this person that he could learn from the same book how to make himself invisible, as well as invulnerable to the thrust of a sword.

6. Being questioned by this person whether he knew any art relative to playing at ball, he answered, not then, but that he would come to his house, and reveal to him a secret for gaining the favor of the ladies.

7. He went accordingly to this house, and there gave to the said person a strip of parchment bearing these words, ‘Ego + sum. Exe + homo consummatum + est. Ego Juaginus Aprecor Domini Nostri Jesu Christi in vitam eternam seculi seculorum libera me de omnibus rebus de ignis cautus et omnia instrumenta hominum detenta me ach die ach nocte custode rege et guberna me Amen.’ This was rolled up with a piece of lead and bone, and directed to be worn, in the shape of a cross, next the skin, near the heart, which would make the wearer invulnerable. I request that this parchment may be examined, and the prisoner questioned respecting it.

8. He also gave the same person another strip of parchment, containing various letters and figures, taking measures with it upon his body, for the purpose of securing him from wounds. He directed him to rub this over with the wax which dripped from the tapers during mass, and afterwards to wear it next his skin. I request that this may likewise be examined, and the prisoner questioned respecting it.

9. He furthermore gave to the same person four other written parchments, directing him to wear one of them upon the little finger of his left hand under a white stone set in a ring. When this stone turned red, he might play at any game except dice or las quillas, and be sure to win; but, if it turned black, he was not to play. He directed him further to put these parchments in his right shoe and sprinkle them with holy water, after which they were to be worn near the heart. I request that these also may be examined, and the prisoner questioned concerning them.

10. The same person requesting to see the abovementioned book of magic, he refused him, alleging that he could not read or understand it, but that he, the prisoner, had studied the whole. I request that farther investigations may be made respecting this book.

11. On another occasion, when some articles had been stolen, he discovered the thief in this manner. Collecting all the suspected persons in a dark room, he made a harangue, and ordered each man to dip his finger into a cup containing water, informing them that the water would blacken the finger of the thief. Before this was executed, he conveyed some ink into the cup. Afterwards the windows were opened with another harangue, and each man’s finger was found black with the exception of one who had not obeyed the direction. This the prisoner judged to be the thief. Without doubt the abovementioned harangues were conformable to the rest of his actions, and I request that he may be examined concerning them.

12. Furthermore he directed that the names of the persons present on the above occasion, should be written upon a paper and burnt. The ashes he rubbed over his hand, where it left marked the name of the delinquent, which the prisoner had previously written there with a certain liquor, in such a manner that it could not be seen.

13. In the audiences which have been held respecting him, he has been exhorted to declare the truth and confess his crimes, which he has not done, but endeavoured to hide the enormities so recently committed by him, thus rendering himself unworthy of that mercy which your Excellencies extend to those who confess with sincerity, and deserving a punishment corresponding to his great offences.

Therefore, I request and entreat your Excellencies to accept the confession of the said prisoner, so far as in my favor, and no farther, and to regard as fully proved my accusation, or such part thereof as may suffice to obtain a sentence, condemning the prisoner as perpetrator of the above crimes to the heaviest punishments thereto assigned by the sacred canons, pontifical bulls, common laws, and edicts of this realm, for a punishment to him, and a terror and example to others.

Furthermore I request your Excellencies that without any diminution of my proofs, the prisoner may, if necessary, be put to rigorous torture, to be continued and repeated till he confess all his crimes and accomplices.

The Licentiate,

Don Fausto Antonio de Astorquiza y Urreta.

This accusation having been presented and read, the said Don Antonio Adorno was formally sworn to answer thereto, and declare the truth; and the same being again read, article by article, he answered as follows.

To the head of the accusation he replied that he was the same Don Antonio Adorno mentioned therein, and that although he in reality performed what has been laid to his charge, yet he never imagined it to be contrary to our Holy Catholic Faith, nor supposed it to be necromantic or superstitious; that he never had practised anything out of disrespect for the mass, nor had uttered sacred language for a superstitious purpose, nor imparted evil doctrine or instruments to others for this end; therefore he ought not to be suspected in the faith.