by Xhoni Qoku

This document from 1589 attests to the presence of an Arbër (Albanian) officer in the service of the Spanish Monarchy during the 16th century. The person is clearly identified in the text as “Alférez Andrés de Cangadi, Albanés”, where the term Albanés is used directly to indicate his Arbër origin.

Transcribed from the document:

“Folio 120

The Ensign (Alférez) Andrés de Cangadi, Albanian.

Sir,
The Ensign Andrés de Cangadi, Albanian, says that having already sent his petition to Your Majesty, who ordered it to be processed, he now once again most humbly begs Your Majesty to grant him favor in his request. The petition was referred to Your Royal Audiencia of the City of Guadalajara eighty days ago, where it was to be issued and forwarded, yet it has not been done until now. He humbly entreats Your Majesty to be pleased to have it dispatched and returned promptly. He beseeches Your Majesty, for the love of God, to command that it be processed, and if Your Majesty were to grant him some temporary assignment by which he might be maintained until his favor or reward is granted, in recognition of his long and continuous service.

March 15, 1589

[Signature:] M[arq?] Pardo

To V. Blas Muñoz: have notice taken of this petition when it is forwarded“