A Case of a Theft

Slave owners' Mecanisms of Control and Freedom Strategies (Bahia, 1864)

Abstract

This study analyzes the 1864 case of a stolen wallet that belonged to Franklin Dória, an attorney employed by the government in Cachoeira, a city in the region known as the Recôncavo da Bahia. The main suspect, Lúcio, who was enslaved by Dória’s aunt, was accused of turning over its contents, which amounted to one ‘conto’ and 800 ‘réis’, to his own aunt, Petronilla. She was said to have used this money in purchasing her freedom, and spending what was left on fabrics, gold jewelry, and in pleasing her lover Piranduba, a free caulker, charged as an accomplice in the crime. This case demonstrates the limits and weaknesses of slave owners’ control over their captives, thus illustrating the agency of enslaved people. A variety of documents were consulted, including personal correspondence, literature, a memoir, probate records, travelers’ accounts, testimonies, police records, criminal proceedings, petitions, legislation, and baptism records were consulted.