Records of the Spanish Inquisition, Translated from the Original ManuscriptsWhite, Andrew Dickson
History
Records of the Spanish Inquisition, Translated from the Original Manuscripts
White, Andrew Dickson
Inquisition -- Spain -- History -- Sources
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account