New documents about Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra found in the Archivo del Reino de Valencia (1580-1581)

Abstract

This article brings to light seven new Cervantine documents which contain news related to the biography of the writer at the moment of his arrival and one month stay in Valencia, in November 1580. The testification of our writer before the Justicia Criminal court stands out among the news; it offers novelties about a young Valencian fisherman, allegedly murdered by several Majorcan men, prisoners at the time in Valencia. The fisherman was captive and alive in Algiers according to the testification. This piece of news was conveyed to several Majorcan merchants that claimed that the alleged murderers were innocent. All this resulted in a famous bet being placed in which huge amounts of money were bet upon whether Jeroni Planelles (as was named the mentioned fisherman) was alive or dead. These documents also show the dealings had by Cervantes with the captives in Algiers (he wrote letters for them) and with the merchants and rescuers (he gave them information about the captives location to be used later for their liberation). They also show some sources of income of Cervantes. It is revealed a lie told by our writer as well. And finally it is brought to light the oldest known autograph signature of Cervantes.