ESCRITA E O ENVIO DE CARTAS DO GOVERNADOR-GERAL FRANCISCO BARRETO (1657-1663)

Abstract

In the last few years we have seen in our historiography the increased importance given to the epistolary culture initiated in the Modern Era. Several authors have demonstrated that this material is fundamental to understand the communication and administration overseas. This article aims at analyzing the importance of this correspondence in the Portuguese administration during the 17th century. In order to do this, we intend to analyze the letters sent by the general governor Francisco Barreto to officers in the interior of the State of Brazil and to Portugal, between 1657 and 1663. We also intend to demonstrate the different manners of a Portuguese officer sent and received his correspondence, and understand the networks of information that linked Europe and the Portuguese America during theseyears.

Keywords

• correspondence
• general governor
• Colonial Period
• Francisco Barreto