The Colonel Who Shared His Wife with 7 Slaves: The Agreement That Destroyed a Dynasty in Minas, 1864

The schedule would be strictly followed during Dona Esperança’s fertile period each month. Dona Esperança, who observed the scene from a window of the Big House, felt a mixture of humiliation and terror. She had spent weeks trying to convince her husband to give up the idea, but her pleas were ignored. In the patriarchal society of the time, she had no choice but to submit to her husband’s will.

The family doctor was informed about the special treatment Dona Esperança would receive to increase her chances of getting pregnant. Dr. Henrique Almeida, though surprised, did not question the Colonel’s decisions. Medicine at the time frequently recommended unorthodox methods for fertility problems.

The first week of the agreement was scheduled to begin in April, coinciding with Dona Esperança’s fertile period. The slaves were instructed on how to proceed, what clothes to wear, and how to behave during the encounters. Everything was planned to maintain the apparent dignity of the lady, even in such a degrading situation.

Monday, April 4, 1864, dawned rainy. The typical autumn drizzle of Minas covered the São Sebastião farm with a mantle of melancholy that seemed to reflect the tense atmosphere dominating the property. Dona Esperança woke up knowing this would be the most difficult day of her life. João Crisóstomo had received detailed instructions the day before.

He was to bathe, wear clean clothes, and head to the back house at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Colonel Augusto would stay outside, ensuring that no other slave approached and that the encounter proceeded as planned. The small wooden structure had been furnished simply but with dignity: a bed with clean sheets, a basin with scented water, and a single window that offered a view of the coffee fields.

The environment was prepared to maintain some appearance of civility in a completely dehumanizing situation. Dona Esperança arrived punctually, wearing a simple white cotton robe. Her eyes were red from crying and her hands were visibly shaking. João Crisóstomo was waiting for her, standing, equally nervous and embarrassed.