The Nova e Curiosa Relação (1764): slavery and enlightenment in Portugal during the Marquis of Pombal's governmental reforms

Abstract

This article offers an analysis of an pamphlet that was anonymously published in Portugal, in 1764, under the title Nova e Curiosa Relação de hum abuzo emendado, ou evidencias da razão; expostas a favor dos Homens Pretos em hum dialogo entre hum letrado, e hum Mineiro. This work, not much studied by historians so far, shows two different rhetorically conceived conceptions of black slavery. One of them sums up arguments that had circulated since the Conquest Era, e.g, the Curse of Ham, the sun influence over skin color and the title of just war. The other one dissaproves of such viewpoints as inacceptable and old-fashioned, suggesting new ways of understanding black bondage. Eventually the article tries to relate the Nova e Curiosa Relação to some of the Marquis of Pombal's policies that extended civil rights to non-European peoples, comparing the changing perceptions of black slavery both in the Portugues and British Empires, as well as their effects on the verge of the contitutional crisis of both political unities.