I have a proposal that can give us the children we so desire, but it requires your complete cooperation and discretion.” Dona Esperança’s initial reaction was one of shock and revulsion. The idea of maintaining intimate relations with slaves contradicted everything she had learned about morality and social standing. She argued, cried, and begged her husband to reconsider. But the Colonel had made his decision.
He presented the proposal not as a request, but as a determination. In the patriarchal society of the time, women had little power of decision over their own lives. The husband’s authority was absolute, especially in matters considered family-related. February 1864 marked the beginning of the most bizarre process in the history of the São Sebastião farm.
Colonel Augusto established rigorous criteria for the selection of the slaves who would participate in his plan. It would not be a random choice. Every detail was calculated to maximize the chances of success. The first criterion was physical health. The Colonel sent for the family doctor, Dr. Henrique Almeida, under the pretext of performing routine exams on the slaves. The doctor, without knowing the true intentions, examined all men between 20 and 35 years old, identifying the healthiest and most robust. The second criterion was intelligence.
The Colonel observed which slaves demonstrated a greater capacity for reasoning, refined manual skills, or knowledge of agriculture and mining. He believed these characteristics could be passed on to future heirs. The third criterion, although never openly admitted, was physical appearance. The Colonel wanted the children born of the agreement to have characteristics that would not immediately give away their mixed origin. He sought slaves with lighter skin and features that approached European standards.
After two weeks of observation, seven slaves were selected. João Crisóstomo, 28 years old, mixed-race (mestiço), worked as a foreman in the coffee fields, was literate, and demonstrated natural leadership among the other slaves. Miguel dos Santos, 25 years old, light-skinned mulatto, responsible for maintaining the coffee processing machines
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