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Let a commission be expedited for the examination of the above letter.
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To the Reverend Father Pedro Martir de S. Vicente, Capuchin and Ex
Lecturer of his order.
We hereby grant you a commission to summon before you, and another
ecclesiastic to act as Notary, first swearing secrecy, Francisco de Asis
Plana, carpenter, residing opposite the gate of Batlleix of this city.
You will subject him to a regular examination respecting a letter of his
which is herewith enclosed, and exact an oath from him that the letter
is his, written by himself and its contents true. You will ascertain
whether he has anything to add or alter respecting it, and after four
days you will ratify the same _ad perpetuam_, in the presence of two
other ecclesiastics sworn to secrecy. In the same manner you will
proceed to take separately the depositions of Juan Bautista Viada,
mason, and of the other persons whom he states were present when the
speeches in question were uttered; these depositions to be also
ratified. You will not omit to question him who these persons were,
according to the regular form. You will note in the margin of the paper
which shall contain the depositions, the degree of credit which they
deserve; and you will also transmit, separately, an account of the
lives, character, and behaviour of the persons denounced. With these you
will return this commission and the other papers. God preserve you many
years.
Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, December 18th, 1819.