Nzinga Mbemba's Appeals to King John II of Portugal

Overview: The letters are an urgent appeal from Nzinga Mbemba (King of the Kongo) to King John II of Portugal regarding the harmful impacts of Portuguese merchants and their practices in the Kongo Kingdom.

Excessive Freedom for Merchants: Nzinga expresses alarm over the excessive freedom given to merchants, which leads to a proliferation of prohibited goods in the Kongo.
Consequences of Trading:
- Merchants bring goods that undermine local authority, leading to disobedience among vassals who find goods in greater abundance than offered by the king.
- Deterioration of local order and security due to rampant corruption among merchants.
Depopulation: There is a significant loss of the native population as people are kidnapped and sold by dishonest merchants seeking wealth.
Call for Action: The king pleads for intervention from John II to curb the influx of merchants and prioritize the welfare of his people.

Need for Religious Assistance: Nzinga requests priests and educational support over material goods, emphasizing the spiritual needs of his kingdom.
Specific Requests: Only asks for wine and flour for the holy sacrament, indicating a focus on religion rather than trade.

Laws for Protection: A law is enacted to ensure any white man wanting to buy goods must first inform local noblemen to investigate the status of individuals before any trade.
Enforcement of Justice: Moves to protect freed men from illegal captivity, putting the onus of accountability on white traders.

Lack of Medical Care: The letters highlight the dire need for medical assistance as many people suffer from diseases without proper care.
Seeking Healthcare Providers: Requests the king to send two physicians, two apothecaries, and one surgeon to provide necessary medical care and medicines.
Significance: Prays for aid not just for physical healing, but as a service to God and the people, recognizing the intertwined nature of health and faith.

Gratitude and Urgency: Nzinga closes the letter with deep appreciation for any assistance and emphasizes the urgency of these requests for the welfare of his kingdom.