Chapter M (7)

Before the foremention’d Fleet weigh’d Anchor from _St. Salvador_, two thousand _Portugueses_, besides _Tapuyans_ and other _Brasilians_, march’d under the Command of _Cameron_, _Vidal_, and _Barbalio_, with divided Forces into the Countrey, partly to get Provision, and partly to do what mischief they could to the _Hollanders_, far and near: their Orders were to joyn in the Village _St. Laurence_, seven Leagues beyond _Paomarello_, that there they might make way for the Seamen to Land, if the _Netherland_ Forces should chance to guard the Sea-Coast thereabouts, and to joyn with them as soon as they were Landed. But _Grave Maurice_ encourag’d by his late Victory at Sea, immediately sent the Field-Marshal _Coin_ against _Cameron_, who dividing his Army into small Companies, had distributed them through the Woods; in which _Coin_ follow’d his Example, and with divided Forces pursu’d _Cameron_’s Army, and overtook his Captain _Tak_ and two hundred Men at _Poyuca_, (whereof _Lopes Barbalio_ was Governor) who fled, notwithstanding he Commanded six hundred Men. Soon after which the Muster-master _Mansveld_ met him near the Village _St. Laurence_, Engag’d him, and putting him to flight, found several Papers of Concern that he had left behind, and amongst others a Letter, in which _Barbalio_ was commanded to spare neither _Brasilians_ nor _Netherlanders_ alive, but to kill all, without regard either to their Age or Quality, except the _Portuguese_. Moreover, _Andries Vidal_ urg’d the Owners of the Sugar-Mills in the _Netherlanders Brasile_, immediately to take up Arms, to regain their ancient Freedom, as soon as _Mascarenhas_ appear’d with the _Spanish_ Fleet on the Coast of _Brasile_: Thus _Vidal_, by Letters and private Conferences, prevail’d so much, that most of the _Portuguese_ were ready against their Oaths to root out the _Netherlanders_: The sign when they should be ready, was the burning of some Sugar-Mills, _Vidal_ imagining thereby to have drawn the _Netherlanders_ from the Sea-side, and so made the Sea-Coast free for the _Spaniards_ to Land securely in. But the Garrison under _Coin_ along the Sea-shore near _Alexis_, not ignorant of the Enemy’s Plot, kept their Stations, and suffer’d the Mills to burn. The like did _Craey_ at the Promontory of St. _Augustine_, _Picard_ at _Paomarello_, Captain _Day_ at _Cantolaria_, and _Donker_ on _Goyana_; _Hoogstraet_ kept Guard up in the Countrey; _Tourlon_ also sent out by _Maurice_ against _Francisco Sosa_ and _Henrick Dias_, who had pillag’d all the Countrey about the River _Conajou_, fell upon them in such a manner, that he destroy’d eighty seven of them, and wounded a considerable number more of them, made the rest flie to St. _Salvador_.

Two Moneths before the _Spanish_ Fleet set Sail from _Todos los Sanctos_, three thousand _Tapuyans_ came to _Rio Grande_ with their Wives and Children, from an unknown Countrey remote from the Sea. _Grave Maurice_ requested their King _John de Wy_, that he would please to keep Watch along the Sea-Coast, and prevent the Landing of the _Spanish_ Seamen: Whereupon _De Wy_ sent his Son to the Castle _Ceulen_, making solemn Protestations, that he was ready to lose his Life and Fortune for the _Netherlanders_, in helping them to drive the _Portuguese_ out of _Brasile_. _Maurice_ also joyn’d two thousand _Brasilians_, and Colonel _Garstman_ with sixty _Netherlanders_, to the _Tapuyans_, that so he might train them up in Martial Discipline, whilest the _Tapuyans_ Wives and Children were plac’d on the Island _Tamarica_.

About the beginning of the Year 1640. _Houte-been_ and _Lichthart_ brought a considerable Fleet from the _Netherlands_ to an Anchor at _Reciffa_, where a Consultation was held, whither these Ships might be sent to do most Service: every one had an Eye on St. _Salvador_, not long since Storm’d in vain; but _Maurice_ judg’d that they had not Forces enough to undertake so grand a Design, but thought it would be better to Land some fresh Forces near St. _Salvador_, that there they might burn the Sugar-Mills, and destroy all things they could find, in revenge of what the Enemy had done at _Parayba_. Whereupon _Tourlon_ and _Lichthart_ set Sail with twenty Ships, Mann’d with two thousand five hundred Men, to the Inlet _Todos los Sanctos_, where they burnt all the _Portuguese_ Sugar-Mills, Houses and Villages; neither did their Swords spare any alive but Women and Infants: The Cattel which they found they carry’d aboard of their Ships, and burnt all other Provisions.

[Sidenote: Capt. _Brand_ taken Prisoner.]

[Sidenote: _Coin_ unsuccessfully Storms _Spirito Sancto_.]

In the mean time _Houte-been_ and _Coin_ fell upon _Porto Franco_, where they ruin’d all things, to no other end, but that the Enemy might call home his Forces out of the _Netherlanders Brasile_, to defend the Province _Todos los Sanctos_. But Captain _Brand_ going up too far into the Countrey with his Army, was suddenly set upon, had a hundred of his Men slain on the Spot, and was himself taken Prisoner, together with many more. Also the Storming of the Town _Spirito Sancto_ by _Coin_ prov’d unsuccessful, because he led an undisciplin’d Company, and wanted little Vessels to Land in on a sudden; for the Enemy having had timely notice, immediately rais’d a Sconce about the Town, and with five Brass Guns fir’d stoutly on him, who endeavor’d to climb up the Hill, but was forc’d to sound a Retreat, his Men failing in their Courage; yet at last breaking into the Town, he set some of the Houses on fire, which being built of Stone, resisted the Flame; so burning onely four hundred and fifty Chests of Sugar, he left sixty Men kill’d, and brought back eighty wounded. _Lichthart_ in the mean time made great havock about St. _Salvador_.

[Sidenote: Woods of _Brasile_ set on fire by _Peter Vist_.]

In this Conjuncture the _West-India_ Company suffer’d much by Robberies and Spoils committed up and down the Countrey, by the setting their Woods of _Brasile_ on fire by a company of _Negro_’s, the chief Ring-leader of whom was one call’d _Peter Vist_, who from Caves and almost inaccessible Ways came forth in the Night, and set fire on whatsoever places he came to, notwithstanding a hundred _Negro_’s of his crew were soon after caught, which he at several times had by force taken out of their Masters Sugars-Mills; which _Grave Maurice_ prevented as much as possible, by keeping Soldiers up and down in Arms. He also us’d the _Portuguese_ very civilly, who though they promis’d Obedience, because they liv’d under the Jurisdiction of the _West-India_ Company, yet were ready on all occasions to shew the contrary; wherefore _Grave Maurice_ sending for the chief of them to _Reciffa_ from _Pernambuco_, _Itamaraca_, and _Parayba_, told them before the Privy Council, that they might easily see how vainly they expected that the _Spanish_ Crown should take _Brasile_ from the _Netherlanders_; that formerly they depended on the _Spanish_ Fleet Commanded by _Mascarenhas_, but that being destroy’d by a small Force, that hope was lost; therefore if henceforward they would Trade on their own Accounts, they might be assur’d they should not suffer in the least, either in their Goods, Religion, or Persons.

[Sidenote: _Hector de Calce_ taken Prisoner.]

The _Neopolitan_ Field-Marshal _Hector de la Calce_, setting Sail from the Haven _Todos los Sanctos_ with an old Ship carrying six hundred Men, was forc’d to run aground in the Haven of _Parayba_, where he and the chief Commanders were taken Prisoners, whilest the Common Soldiers by reason of the scarcity of Provisions, were set at liberty.

_Houte-been_ and _Lichthart_ weigh’d Anchor with twenty four Ships, carrying two thousand Soldiers and seven hundred Seamen to _Havana_, to Cruise for the Plate-Fleet, but the _Spanish_ Ships keeping within their Harbors, and their own being dispers’d and scatter’d by ill Weather, their Voyage prov’d in vain.

Not long after _Grave Maurice_ sent some Ships under _Lichtharts_ Command to Cruise before the River _Januarius_, and others for the same purpose to _Angola_; but he effected little, for he onely took two Ships, one whereof being laden with Wine, was sold for 9400 l. _Sterl._

The news of the _Portuguese_ Crowning the Duke of _Bragancia_, and casting off the _Castilian_ Yoke, which very much chang’d the face of Affairs in _Brasile_, was about this time brought over by the Jesuit _Francisco Vilhent_, and the Under-Field-Marshal _Peter Corera de Gama_, who were by _Bragancia_ sent to St. _Salvador_, not onely to bring the tidings of the _Portugueses_ Revolt, but also to take the Oath of Allegiance from _Montalvan_ to the new King, which he made no scruple of; so that from thenceforth all but the _Castilian_ and _Neopolitan_ Soldiers, cast off their Obedience to the Crown of _Spain_. Whereupon _Montalvan_ desir’d _Grave Maurice_ to allow a Cessation of Arms, till such time as they might both receive information what _Tristan Mendoza_, in the new King of _Portugal_’s Name, had Treated with the _States_ of the _United Netherlands_ about; and to make the Request seem the fairer, several _Dutch_ Prisoners were set at liberty, and the Companies with which _Paulo Acunhas_ was marching to _Pernambuco_, were call’d back.

[Sidenote: _Grave Maurice_ desir’d by the _States_ and _West-India_
Company to continue in his Government of _Brasile_.]

_Grave Maurice_ desiring in his Letters to be releas’d from his Employment in _Brasile_, receiv’d for Answer from the _States_, “That it would be very disadvantageous for the _States_ for him to come home, now he throughly understood the Intreagues of the _New World_, in which he might do much good, especially since the _Portuguese_ being revolted, would in all probability assist them in destroying the King of _Castile_’s Forces; therefore it was now the most proper time to prepare for Action.”

To this Request of the _States_ was added that of the _West-India_ Company, who also sent earnest Letters to the same purpose; which made _Maurice_ defer his Return, and prepare himself for some grand Undertaking: And first he joyn’d the Province of _Seregippe Del Rey_ to the _Netherland Brasile_, built a Fort and Armory in the same, and built a Wall about the Town; which Work was the more follow’d, because _Seregippe_, which border’d upon the Province of _Todos los Sanctos_, fed abundance of Cattel, and gave great hopes of Silver-Mines.

[Sidenote: _Loando_ taken by _Houte-been_.]

_Grave Maurice_ likewise observing what great Profit proceeded from the _Angolan Negro_’s, and that the _Spanish_ Sugar-Mills could not work without them, undertook to ingross that Trade wholly into the _West-India_ Companies hands; to which purpose _Loando St. Paulo_ being judg’d a fit Place for a Factory, _Houte-been_ was sent thither with twenty Ships, Mann’d with nine hundred Seamen, two thousand Land-Soldiers, and two hundred _Brasilians_: the Land-Men were Commanded by _Hinderson_, who arriving with the Fleet on the twenty fourth of _August_ 1640. before _Loando St. Paulo_, ran in between the Enemy’s Castles, St. _Crux_, _Bento_, _Sibylla_, _Vincent_, _Velho_, and against five Batteries along the Water side, all full of Guns, and fir’d so vehemently upon the Enemy, that being forc’d to leave his Works, he made room for _Hinderson_ to Land; who immediately march’d to the Town, which _Peter Cæsar Meneses_ defended with nine hundred _Portugueses_, and some thousands of _Negro_’s, who stood the first Onset; but _Hinderson_ falling upon them again, so affrighted them, that they fled; which _Meneses_ perceiving, soon follow’d, and left him Master of the City, in which he found onely a few drunken Soldiers, decrepid old People, twenty nine Brass Guns, besides several Iron ones, and great plenty of Provisions and Ammunition. Mean while _Houte-been_ took thirty Ships hal’d near the Shore.

[Sidenote: Description of the City.]

This City is built on a Hill, and hath several fair Buildings and Cloysters, amongst which the _Jesuits_ and _Capuchins_ are the best. Along the Sea-shore at the foot of the Mountain, stands also a long Row of Houses, near which _Hinderson_ immediately cast up Bulwarks against any Assault, and likewise two Sconces, the biggest whereof is on the utmost Point of _Loando_ near the Fort _Sibylla_.

[Sidenote: _Meneses_ in vain Expostulates.]

Twelve companies being left here in Garrison, quite contrary to _Meneses_ his expectation, who thinking that the _Netherlanders_ came onely for Booty, and not to take or keep the City by force of Arms, made his Complaints therefore by Letters to _Houte-been_, alledging, That there was Peace made between the King of _Portugal_ and the _United Netherlands_, and that the former Acts of Hostility were chang’d to friendly Correspondencies. But _Houte-been_ answer’d, “That he knew not of any such Agreement between _Portugal_ and the _Netherlands_; and if he had known it, how should he be sure whether _Meneses_ held with the _Castilians_ or _Portugueses_? If _Meneses_ knew of this Agreement, and was of the _Portuguese_ Party, why did he receive those as Enemies, whom he must acknowledge as Friends? His Complaints were now too late, since the _Hollanders_ had obtain’d the Victory with the loss of their Blood.”

_Meneses_ therefore seeing no hopes to regain _Loando_, either by Complaints or Force, desir’d eight days Cessation of Arms, that in that time he might fit himself to go from thence to another Place; which the _Netherlanders_ in Garrison would not hearken to, but commanded him to march away immediately sixteen Leagues from _Loando_.

[Sidenote: Great Profit of the _Negro_-Trade.]

Mean while the _Angolan_ Princes joyning with the _Netherlanders_ fell upon the _Portuguese_ where-e’re they met them. Moreover, several Citizens return’d to _Loando_, and proffer’d half their _Negro_’s, if they might but have liberty to be Transported to St. _Salvador_ with the other half; but it was judg’d more convenient to keep them, and by fair means also to invite the rest, because it appear’d by the _Angolan_ Accounts, that the profit of the _Negro_-Trade amounted yearly to sixty six Tuns of Gold, the Charges of the Garrison, and fitting out of the Ships being deducted from it. The _Spanish_ King had yearly above fifteen thousand _Negro_’s from hence to employ in his _American_ Mines.

[Sidenote: The _Isle_ of St. _Thomas_ taken by _Houte-been_.]

[Sidenote: Great Mortality among the _Dutch_ on the Island _St. Thomas_,
by reason of the unwholsomness of the Place.]

_Houte-been_ Sailing over from _Loando_ to the Isle of St. _Thomas_, Landed some of his Men over against the Sugar-Mills of St. _Juna_, and ran with his Fleet to an Anchor near a square Castle, with intention to use no Hostility, unless provok’d; which the _Portuguese_ did by firing their Guns, and were answer’d by _Houte-been_, one of whose Ships call’d the _Enchuisen_ was blown up; those that Landed also met with some resistance from divers _Negro_’s; yet at last they gain’d the Fort, in which they found six Guns, and soon after march’d into the Town _Pavaosa_, where the Inhabitants had left nothing but empty Houses; the great Castle they were forc’d to let alone, because the Scaling-Ladders would not reach to the top of the Walls, which were twenty eight foot high: But _Houte-been_ coming ashore, rais’d a Battery behind the Church, from whence he fir’d with six Demi-Cannons, and threw sixty five Granado’s amongst the Besieged, twenty whereof burst with such violence, that all things about them were beaten to pieces; and those in Garrison march’d out, notwithstanding they might easily have endur’d a long Siege, having twenty Brass, and sixteen Iron Guns, besides all manner of Ammunition. _Houte-been_ thus become Master of all things on the Island of St. _Thomas_, sent for the fled _Portugueses_ into the City on reasonable Proffers, embrac’d by many of the Inhabitants and _Negro_’s. But whilest _Houte-been_ put all things in good order here, the Countrey Disease began to rage amongst the Seamen, for those who but a little before climb’d up the Walls couragiously, grew faint, and fell down in a Swoon; those who fought valiantly against their Enemies, were now put into their Graves; in short, of a thousand Men, a hundred were scarce left in health, the rest being departed, or lying Bedrid: the unwholsom Air without any difference infected both great and small; for the Commanders _Mastmaker_, _Valett_, _Dammert_, _Claudius_, _Teer_, _Tack_, and the chief in this Expedition, _Houte-been_, were all taken off, and Interr’d in the chief Church of _Pavoasa_, after the finishing of so much bloody Work. Most complain’d of intolerable Head-ache, even to Distraction, others also of horrible Gripings; and all those who were afflicted either of these two ways, most certainly dy’d in four days time. The occasion of this deadly Distemper was by divers, according to their different Judgments, imputed to several Accidents; but doubtless it was chiefly to be ascrib’d to the poysonous Damps or Fogs, which often rise in this Island, at which times every one us’d to keep close in their Huts or Houses; which the _Netherlanders_ being ignorant of, neglected.

[Sidenote: The first Colony sent thither by _John_ the Third, King of
_Portugal_.]

The _Portuguese_ that dwelt on this Island inform’d the _Netherlanders_, that few liv’d above fifty years there, yet notwithstanding the great Gain tempted them to tarry, several of them having two or three hundred _Negro_’s that work’d in the Sugar-Mills; that _John_ the Third, King of _Portugal_, sent a Colony thither above two hundred years before, whom though the unwholsom Air destroy’d, yet the Place was not left desolate; for he sent new Inhabitants, who first Setled in _Guinee_, next in _Angola_, and lastly on the Island St. _Thomas_, that so they might be the better us’d to the Air; that the said King sold all those _Jews_ for Slaves that refus’d to embrace the _Roman_ Religion, and caus’d their Children to be Baptiz’d, from whom (coming thither in great numbers) most of the present Inhabitants were descended.

Twice a year, _viz._ in _March_ and _September_, the Sun is in the _Zenith_ here, being right perpendicular, and by that means makes no Shadow at Noon; but the Heat is somewhat mollifi’d in these two Moneths by the Rains which fall, and in the Summer by a West, or South Wind; for there never blow neither East nor Northerly Winds.

[Sidenote: The Description of the Island.]

The white People that dwell here have commonly a Feaver every eighth day; first they grow chill, next cold, and at last very hot, which lasts onely two hours. They commonly Let Blood four times a year to prevent this Distemper. The _Negro_’s generally attain to a great Age, many times to above a hundred years. The Island bears the Name of St. _Thomas_ from the Saint on whose Day the _Portuguese_ discover’d the same. From the middle of it rises a Hill, overgrown with Trees, and cover’d on the top with Snow, which dropping down into certain Brooks, runs through the Woods, and moistens the Cane-Fields. The Ground it self is tough, and Ash-colour’d; in it breed blue Crabs like Moles, which hurt all manner of Roots and Plants. The City of _Pavaosa_ is the Metropolis of the Island, and a Bishop’s See; it lies near a clear and pleasant Brook, and is flank’d on one side with Hills, fruitful in the production of Sugar-Canes, but partakes of the unwholsom Air of the Island, which therefore can scarce be defended by _Netherlanders_, because they being unaccustom’d to the Climate, generally die: Wherefore _Grave Maurice_ advis’d the _States_ to people this Place with Malefactors, who might either live here to the Publick good, or die with less Disgrace than in a Prison.

[Sidenote: The City _St. Lodowick_ taken by _Coin_.]

Towards the latter end of the Year 1641. _Lichthart_ and _Coin_ weigh’d Anchor with eight great, and six lesser Ships, and Sail’d to the Island of _Maragnon_; where _Coin_ Landing near the City St. _Lodowick_, march’d immediately to the Fort, wash’d on both sides with one River, which there divides it self into two Branches: the Governor of it being too weak to hold out a Storming, sent two eminent Persons to _Coin_, with Proffers that they would surrender on reasonable Articles: whereupon _Coin_ granted them their Lives, and free possession of their Goods, and gave leave to the Soldiers to stay in the City _St. Lodowick_, provided they had no Arms, till Orders came from _Grave Maurice_ and his Council at _Reciffa_. The _Hollanders_ entring the Fort found fifty five great Guns, abundance of all manner of Provisions, and left six hundred Men in Garrison. But the new King of _Portugal_ complain’d by his Agent _Mendoza_ to the _States_ of the _United Netherlands_, concerning the Transactions of the _West-India_ Company, who had taken the _Loando_, and the Isles St. _Thomas_ and _Maragnan_, from him. But he was answer’d, That those Places were taken either before the ten years Peace was concluded with the _Portuguese_, or before the King approv’d of it, or at least before it was publish’d.

_Grave Maurice_ finding that he could not prevail by fair means with the _Portuguese_ in _Brasile_, sought to do something by force of Arms, because the welfare of the _West-India_ Company depended solely upon the fortune of War; his Design lay towards the South Sea, whither the Ships might the easier Sail from _Brasile_ through the _Straights_ of _Magellan_ or _Le Maire_, because in the Summer there blow for the most part Northern Winds along the Coast of _America_. There were likewise many good Conveniences in the Southern Ocean, not onely to surprize the rich _Manilha_ Traders but also to meet with the _Peruvian_ Plate-Fleet; besides which, Enquiries might be made with little Charges, if any Place were fit to Settle on for Trade in the unknown South Land.

[Sidenote: A great Deluge in _Brasile_.]

This Year 1641. was not onely remarkable for the _Portugueses_ revolting from the _Spaniards_, but also for a great Deluge, which did much hurt in _Brasile_; for the Rains fell so exceeding hard without ceasing, that the swoln Rivers every where overflow’d their Banks and Dams; the Plants were either wash’d away, or were eaten up by little Worms, which bred as soon as the Water began to fall. Besides this Plague, the Small-pox also rag’d amongst the People, of which many dy’d, and others lay lingring a great while. The Sugar-Mills likewise stood still for want of _Negro_’s, which the Distemper had for the most part destroy’d, and the Sugar-Canes rotted in the Ground.

[Sidenote: A Peace agreed on between the _States_ of _Holland_ and the
King of _Portugal_.]

Man while _Grave Maurice_ receiv’d news of the Agreement between the King of _Portugal_ and the _States_ of the _United Netherlands_, according to which every one was to keep what they had gotten by the War; Trading was free for all; against all the Castles and Fortresses in _America_, under the King of _Spain_’s Dominion, Hostility was to be acted alike by both; the Countrey which lay between the utmost Borders of the _Portuguese_ and _Netherlanders_, were to be divided, that each might know their just Limits; all manner of Trade to the _Spanish America_ was forbidden to both; each Owner was to remain in possession of the Goods which he had on the Day when this ten years Peace was proclaim’d.

[Sidenote: _Tolner_ gives the _West-India_ Company an Account of the
state of Affairs in _Brasile_.]

_Grave Maurice_ seeing he could not get the _States_ Consent to return home, sent his Secretary _Tolner_ to _Holland_, to inform the _West-India_ Company of the Condition of _Brasile_, and to request such things as were wanting there: _Tolner_ accordingly arriving in _Holland_, acquainted them with the Extent of their Dominions in _Brasile_, which reach’d from _Maragnan_ to the River _Real_; with the necessity of keeping the Soldiery undisbanded, in regard the _Portuguese_ were ready to take all advantages, notwithstanding the Articles of Agreement; with the discontent of their own Men, and their readiness to mutiny upon the report that they were to be Disbanded; with the great Inconveniences of altering the Government of the _West-India_ Company; with the number of Soldiers wherewith every Place belonging to the Company was at that present furnish’d, which amounted in all to near five thousand Men; and with the impossibility of keeping those Places, unless a speedy Supply of Men and Provisions were sent.

_Grave Maurice_ receiv’d a Letter from _Mascarenhas_, wherein he made great complaint of the _Netherlanders_ Actions on _Loando_, St. _Thomas_, and _Maragnan_, during the time of the Treaty, and us’d many Arguments for the delivering back of the Places then taken; but _Maurice_ took little notice of the said Letter, being busie about setling all Affairs in this quiet Juncture of time: He freed all new Planters from the paying of Tenths for seven years, sold several Fields to be Cultivated, repair’d all decay’d Forts, kept the _Catholicks_ in strict awe, ordain’d good Orders for Schools, Alms-houses, and payment of Money, and gave particularly Liberty to the _Portuguese_ both in Spiritual and Temporal Affairs.

[Sidenote: The Fort _Calvaria_ taken by the _Maragnans_ and others.]

In the mean time sad news was brought, _viz._ That the _Maragnans_, assisted by the _Portugueses_ and _Brasilians_, had taken the Fort of _Calvaria_ near the River _Tapicuru_, destroy’d all those that were in Garrison, and Storm’d the City _Lodowick_: Whereupon _Hinderson_ was dispatch’d thither immediately with three hundred _Netherlanders_, and two hundred _Brasilians_ from _Siara_; which the Enemy hearing, though there were seven hundred _Portugueses_, and three thousand _Brasilians_, left the Island _Maragnan_, and went over to the Main Continent.

The occasion of this Plot was imputed to the fault of the sottish Governor of St. _Lodowick_, and his Secretary _William Negenton_, who by their Folly and Misgovernment provok’d the Natives to Rebellion.

[Sidenote: _Grave Maurice_ his Design upon _Buenos Aires_ diverted by
_Pirez_ his taking of _Pavaosa_.]

In the interim _Grave Maurice_ had a Design upon the City _Buenos Aires_ in the Southern parts of _Brasile_, near the River _La Plata_, where a Way leads by Land to _Peru_; and whither the Silver and _Negro_’s were often brought, especially when any Ships were suspected to block up the Channel of _Panama_.

Whilest _Maurice_ was preparing for this Expedition, news was brought that two Ships had Landed their Men on the Island St. _Thomas_, under the Command of _Laurence Pirez_, who had driven the _Netherland_ Garrison out of _Pavaosa_, and Besieg’d the Fort, out of which many for want of Water ran to the Enemy; and it was fear’d that the same Misfortune would suddenly befall the City _Loando_ and _Seregippe del Rey_; which prevented _Henrick Borer_’s Expedition to _Chili_, and _Lichthart_’s to _Buenos Aires_, and so alarm’d _Grave Maurice_, that he thought it expedient to give speedy notice thereof, to warn the _Netherlanders_ on _Angola_, that they should keep strict Watches, and beware of the treacherous _Portuguese_, who affirm’d, That it was lawful for them during the ten years Peace, to re-take those Places which had been taken from them during the Treaty of Peace in the _Hague_.

[Sidenote: Description of the _Palmares_.]

These Proceedings forc’d _Grave Maurice_ to Disarm most of them; and because the _Negro_’s did much mischief from the _Palmares_, especially to the Husbandmen in the _Alagoas_, _Maurice_ gave order to destroy their Habitations. The _Palmares_ were two Villages, built along the River _Gungohuby_ under close Woods, six Leagues Northwardly from _Parayba_: The Inhabitants of them, being then about six thousand in number, were most of them fled _Negro_’s, who gathering together in a Head, destroy’d all the Countrey thereabouts: They dwelt in Huts of Boughs and Straw interwoven; behind which were Gardens and Orchards of Palm-Trees, and conform’d to the Religion and Government of the _Portuguese_.

[Sidenote: _Grave Maurice_ countersollicited by Agents from the king of
_Congo_ and Duke of _Sonho_.]

Whilest three hundred Musquetteers, a hundred _Mameluks_, and seven hundred _Brasilians_ were fitting to go to the _Palmares_, there arriv’d _Agents_ at _Reciffa_ from the King of _Congo_, who brought as a Present to _Grave Maurice_, two hundred _Negro_’s, a Golden Collar and Pot, besides many _Negro_’s for the _West-India_ Company. These Agents desir’d Aid against the Duke of _Sonho_, who treacherously Plotted to drive the King out of _Congo_; which Plot was discover’d by scatter’d Letters, Sign’d by the Governors and Bishop at _Loando_, a little before _Loando_ was taken by the _Hollanders_. _Maurice_ courteously Entertaining the Agents, proffer’d himself to be a Mediator to decide the Difference, and gave them a long Velvet Coat Lac’d with Gold and Silver Lace, a Silk Coat and Scarf, and a Beaver Hat with a Golden Edging.

Not long after there came Agents from _Sonho_, to beseech _Grave Maurice_ that he would not assist the King of _Congo_; one of whom went to the _Hague_, and was follow’d by two from the King of _Congo_, who open’d their Letters before the Prince of _Orange_.

[Sidenote: The Agents from _Congo_, what kind of Men.]

The two Agents from _Congo_ were strong and black Men, very active, and having grim Countenances; they Danc’d after a strange manner; and showing the Picture of their King sitting in great State, acted the Postures in which his Nobles and other Subjects shew’d him Reverence: their Strength was such, that they were able with ease to carry each of them two hundred thirty five Pound weight: their Ornamentals consisted of _Elephants_ Tails.

[Sidenote: _Meneses_ surpris’d by _Niewland_ after they were come to
terms of Agreement.]

[Sidenote: _Alvares de la Benho_ his Complaint to _Grave Maurice_ of his
Country-men.]

In _Loando_ the Governor for the _Dutch_, nam’d _Cornelis Niewland_, and the _Portuguese_ Governor _Peter Cæsar de Meneses_, came to this Agreement, That since the ten years Peace was concluded on between the _Portuguese_ and _Netherlanders_, _Meneses_ should possess the Countrey wash’d by the River _Bengo_, and call in the ancient Natives to live and Trade as formerly; all which was faithfully perform’d: nay, _Meneses_ furnish’d _Niewland_ with as much Meal as he requir’d, towards the maintaining of a thousand _Negro_’s, whom he had bought; and the _Hollanders_ and _Portugueses_ began now to be every day more and more friendly and familiar with each other, when on a sudden _Niewland_ not onely remembring what was done lately on the Islands _Maragnan_ and St. _Thomas_, but also stirr’d up by other later Actions, which gave him occasion of jealousie, sent two hundred Musquetteers in the Night from _Loando_, to take the Governor _Meneses_, with some others, who he fear’d might make an Insurrection. The Soldiers accordingly about Day-break fell unawares upon the sleeping _Portugueses_, kill’d forty of them, and carry’d _Meneses_ and many other Persons of Quality away Prisoners, together with a Booty valu’d at above ten thousand _Ducats_, and sent a hundred and sixty _Portugueses_ in an old leaky Vessel to St. _Salvador_; but they being toss’d to and again at Sea for a considerable time, eight of them dy’d, the rest almost starv’d, Landed on _Pernambuco_; where _Simon Alvares de la Benho_ being amaz’d to see his Countrey-men thus hardly dealt with, complain’d of _Niewland_, _Mols_, and _Cross_, who were the chief of _Loando_, that they had broke the Laws, and the sworn Articles of Peace; urging that it would be very unjust that the poor _Portugueses_ should not have Satisfaction for the Wrong which they had sustain’d, as also for the loss of their Goods. To which _Grave Maurice_ answer’d, “That _Loando_ belong’d to the _West-India_ Company, and that for his part he had nothing to do with that City, but that if the _States_ were acquainted therewith, they would without doubt be highly concern’d at it.”

_Christopher Santches_, a free _Negro_, gave information of the sad Condition of the Island St. _Thomas_, _viz._ That the greatest part of the _Hollanders_ that had been left upon that Island being dead, _Pirez_ hereupon with the King’s Consent fitted out two Ships, and setting Sail from _Lisbon_ about the beginning of _July_ 1642. first refus’d to pay the usual Custom at the Island St. _Thomas_, afterwards fell upon the _Hollanders_, whom he Besieg’d in the Castle, and against the Law of Arms poyson’d all the Waters.

To prevent the future Inconveniences that were likely to arise from a Famine which about this time afflicted the whole Countrey of _Brasile, Grave Maurice_ judg’d it convenient to sell the Lands in the _Alagoas_ to new Planters; to which purpose _Henrick Moucheron_ was chosen Overseer, to take care that all the Fields about _Porto Calvo_, and along the River _Francisco_, as also in the _Alagoas_, should be Sow’n with Bread-Corn.

[Sidenote: _Grave Maurice_ takes his leave of the several Governors in
_Brasile_.]

_Grave Maurice_ obtaining leave at last to go home, took Leave by Letters of the Governors of _Serinhain_, _Porto Calvo_, _Iguarazua_, _Itamaraca_, _Parayba_, _Rio Grande_, and in Person of the Council at _Reciffa_, who all thank’d him for his prudent Government, manifesting their hearty sorrow for his departure, _Which without doubt would produce many Inconveniences_. But though the Council of the _West-India_ Company had order’d him to return home about the beginning of _March_ 1643. yet he went not so soon, because he was to reduce the number of _Militia_ to eighteen Companies, and also to settle the Revenues, and dispose of Offices, in which he found much trouble; wherefore before his departure he wrote to the _States_ of the _United Netherlands_, assuring them how impossible it was to defend _Brasile_, which extended some hundreds of Leagues, with so small a number of Men, since the _Portuguese_ cover’d inward malice under a feigned shew of kindness, and at the same time watch’d all opportunities to drive the _Netherlanders_ from their Plantations, being very much exasperated by the priviledge of Religion granted to the _Jews_, whilest their Monks and Jesuits were banish’d. Moreover, in regard they ow’d the _West-India_ Company above fifty nine Tuns of Gold, they sought to cancel that Obligation, by making themselves Masters of whatsoever their Creditors had in _Brasile_, so that there was no way but to keep them under by force of Arms.

[Sidenote: He leaves the Government and returns home.]

After _Grave Maurice_ had sent this Letter to _Holland_, he left the Government of _Brasile_ to the chief Council, the _Militia_ to _Henrick Hoes_, Captain of his Life-guard, with Directions for Governing after his departure. Having setled all things in good order, he went from _Maurice-stadt_ through _Paratibi_ and _Iguarazu_ to _Parayba_; where _Janduy_ sent him three of his Sons, with twenty _Tapuyans_, desiring him not to go away; two of them with several _Carapates_ and _Waypebarans_, (a People who made themselves Masters of the great _Palmares_) and five other _Brasilians_ went aboard with him on the twentieth of _May_ 1644.

The Fleet, consisting of thirteen Ships, and Mann’d with fourteen hundred Men of all sorts, was laden with so many Merchandizes as were valu’d at twenty six Tuns of Gold; with which _Grave Maurice_ arriving at the _Texel_, Landed at the _Helder_, and gave an Account of his Government in _Brasile_, and of the then present state of that part of it which belong’d to the _West-India_ Company.

[Sidenote: Ill management of Affairs after _Maurice_ his departure.]

[Sidenote: _Viera_’s Treachery.]

After _Grave Maurice_’s departure, _Hamel_, _Bassi_, and _Bullestraet_, bore the chief Command in _Brasile_: The Charges made by the War were mitigated, and the number of the Soldiers in Garrison reduc’d to sixteen hundred; some Forts lay without a Man in them, whilest the King of _Portugal_ watch’d for such an opportunity; for he seem’d to be as much concern’d for that Countrey, as for his Kingdom of _Portugal_, and the rather, because his Predecessor _Sebastian_ receiv’d above forty hundred thousand _Ducats_ yearly out of the same, besides the Presents and other Gains made by the _Portuguese_; wherefore he gave order to the Governor of St. _Salvador_ to be very vigilant, and assur’d him, that in a short time he would send him both Men and Provisions. A _Mulatto_ call’d _John Fernandes Viera_, did not a little assist the _Portuguese_ in their Design; for he having liv’d a considerable time in a Councellors House in _Reciffa_, had narrowly observ’d all Passages, and insinuated himself into several Statesmens Affairs, by Presenting them now and then with some Rarities, insomuch that he came in time to Farm the Rents which the _West-India_ Company receiv’d from the Sugar-Mills; but at length being discontented because the Council would not make any abatement upon the same, when he complain’d that he lost by Farming the fore-mention’d Tax, he held private Correspondence with _Andreas Vidal_, that when a convenient opportunity presented it self for the _Portuguese_ to fall on the _Hollanders_, he might be assisting; to which end he had gotten several Arms and Ammunition together.

In this Plot a _Jew_ nam’d _Moses Accoignes_, living in _Viera_’s House, a League from _Reciffa_, to keep him from Arrests, was perswaded to joyn, which he seemingly promis’d to do; but went away by Day-break, and discover’d the Design to the Privy-Council, who being rock’d asleep by the _Portugueses_ fair Pretences, gave no credit to the Relation.

[Sidenote: A Plot against the _Netherlanders_ to be carry’d on by a
Wedding.]

[Sidenote: The Plot discover’d by some of the Conspirators.]

For the better carrying on of this Design, _Cavalcantelca_, Provost-Marshal in _Maurice-stadt_ made a great Wedding for his Daughter in _Viera_’s House, to which the chiefest Persons of Quality, both of the _Portuguese_, and also all the Privy-Councellors and Military Officers belonging to the _West-India_ Company were invited: and the Plot was so contriv’d, that whilest they were all at Dinner, the _Portuguese_ were suddenly to fall upon the _Netherlanders_ and kill them, both Servants and Masters; this done, some were to go to _Reciffa_ or _Maurice-stadt_, with news that the Wedding People were coming; whereupon part were to press into the City, others to keep the Gates, till all their Forces were come thither, which then might easily secure and seize upon the Magazine: some Barques also under pretence of loading Sugar, were in the mean time to set upon the Haven and Fort near the Shore. All things were accordingly prepar’d for the Wedding, nothing being wanting that could be purchas’d with Money, and near the Forts of _Rio Grande_ and _Parayba_ were Stage-plays to be Acted in publick, it being concluded that the Soldiers in Garrison would certainly be there to see them; the Actors being privately Arm’d with Pistols and Ponyards. And to oblige one another the more for the carrying on of this bloody Design, _Viera_ had caus’d the chief Conspirators to take an Oath before the high Altar. The twenty fourth of _June_ 1645. was the Day on which this Tragedy was to be acted; but a few days before two _Portugueses_ and five _Jews_, who had been sworn Confederates, their Consciences checking them for so villanous an Undertaking, made an ingenuous Discovery of the Plot. The Councellor _Moucheron_ was also inform’d, that the _Portuguese_ Colonel _Camaron_ and _Diez_ were coming with great Forces from St. _Salvador_.

[Sidenote: _Viera_ flies into the Wood.]

The Council when they might easily have apprehended _Viera_, sent for him by a _Jew_ call’d _Abraham Coing_, under pretence of Treating about some Business concerning the _West-India_ Company; he promis’d to come in the Evening, but suspecting he was betray’d, fled into the Woods, and gave speedy notice to all his Accomplices, who follow’d him in great numbers. The Soldiers sent to search _Viera_’s House, found none but old Men and Children.

The Councellor _Van Houten_ went immediately with seven Sugar-Vessels to _Parayba_, fortifi’d the Forts _Margareta_, _Restringa_, and _Antonio_, and made room for the _Brasilians_ that had remov’d thither from their Villages, in the Houses deserted by the _Portuguese_ in _Frederick-stadt_. On the other side, _Amador da Rouge_, one of the Conspirators, went with a Company from _Poiouca_ through the Countrey, kill’d seven _Dutch_ Seamen, with three _Jews_, and erected Gibbets, on which he threatned to hang all those who did not take up Arms for the King of _Portugal_. Colonel _Hous_ inform’d hereof march’d with five hundred Men to _Poiuca_ to meet the _Portuguese_, who were scatter’d up and down the neighboring Woods. He also publish’d an Edict, in which every one was Licens’d to return to their Habitations, with promise of pardon for their Rebellion, if they would take the Oath of Allegiance anew, onely _Viera_, _Cavalcantelca_, and _Da Rouge_, were excluded, and nine thousand _Guilders_ promis’d to those that brought them dead or alive, which made two hundred Inhabitants in _Reciffa_ march into the Countrey under the Command of Captain _Blar_, to find the fore-mention’d Traitors; and at last joyning with _Hous_, they pursu’d the fled _Portuguese_.

[Sidenote: _Hoogenstraet_ sent to Treat with _Antonio Silva_, is
privately tempted by him to deliver up the Fort _St.
Augustine_.]

In the mean time the Council sent the Captains _Vander Voort_ and _Hoogenstraet_, to _Antonio Silva_, Governor of St. _Salvador_, to acquaint him with the treacherous Insurrection of the _Portuguese_, and of _Camaron_ and _Diez_ coming from St. _Salvador_ to their assistance, urging, that these treacherous Proceedings and breach of Oath, could not but redound to the dishonor of the Crown of _Portugal_. Whereto _Silva_ answer’d, “That _Camaron_ and _Diez_ were not under any Obligation of Oath, but that he would check the Insurrection in _Pernambuco_, and take care that the Authors thereof should make Satisfaction to the _West-India_ Company.” Notwithstanding which fair Pretences, he so wrought with _Hoogenstraet_, that after a private Conference between them it was agreed, that for a certain sum of Money he should surrender him the Promontory of St. _Augustine_, of which he was Governor; but at his Return to _Reciffa_ being made chief Commander of the Castle there, and being jealous what might follow his private Treating with _Silva_, he declar’d to the Council, that _Silva_ had desir’d him to surrender the Fort St. _Augustine_, which he had granted, for no other end, but to catch the false _Portuguese_ in their own Nets, and to trapan all such as should be sent to take possession of it; and that if the Council had any suspicion of him, they might make use of his Service in some other place.

About this time a hundred and fifty _Tapuyans_, led by a _German_ Soldier call _Jacob Rabbi_, Sallying out of their Woods, fell upon the great Village _Conyahou_, under the Jurisdiction of _Rio Grande_, broke into the Church, murder’d all the _Portuguese_, and eating their raw Flesh, demolish’d the Place.

_Hous_ also unfortunately Storm’d the Mountain _Santantan_, where the Enemy lay Intrench’d, being forc’d to Retreat with the loss of above a hundred Men, amongst whom was Captain _Lo_.

[Sidenote: _Grave Maurice_ his stately Palace demolish’d.]

The Privy Council caus’d a part of _Maurice-stadt_ to be pull’d down, as also the stately Palace _Freyburgh_, for which the _Jews_ proffer’d _Grave Maurice_ 6000 _l._ together with the stately Garden, which were thought to exceed the famous Gardens in _Thessalia_; but on the other side they kept Men at work Night and Day in repairing the decay’d Castle at _Reciffa_.

[Sidenote: _Bonavides_ appears with a great Fleet before _Reciffa_, but
pretends Friendship.]

About the same time the Admiral _Salvador Correo de Bonavides_, brought thirty four great Sail of Ships to an Anchor before _Reciffa_, the Gallion which he Commanded carrying sixty Brass Guns. The Admiral _Lichthart_ ran to meet him with five Vessels, and sent him word, that if he fell down to Leeward, since he was got to the Windward, he should soon find, that five Ships durst Engage with a Fleet six times as strong. Whereupon _Bonavides_ sent two Messengers to _Lichthart_ to tell him, that he came as a Friend to damp the _Portuguese_ Insurrection in _Pernambuco_; to which purpose he had already Landed some Companies at _Tamandera_. _Lichthart_ sending the two Messengers to the Council at _Reciffa_, they sent two of their own Members to _Bonavides_, desiring to know of him what call’d him thither with so great a Fleet, and without giving the least notice, contrary to the concluded Peace of ten years?

_The Names of the Ships both of the_ Dutch _and_ Portuguese _Fleet_.

_A._ The _Portuguese_ Admiral.
_B._ Their Vice-Admiral.
_C._ The rest of their Ships.
_D._ Three of their Barques.
_E._ Three Carvels, which lay to watch in the Bay.
_F._ The Enemy’s Battery.
_G._ The _Utrecht_, being the _Dutch_ Admiral.
_H._ The _Ter Veer_.
_I._ The _Zealand_ Vice-Admiral.
_K._ The _Over-Ysel_.
_L._ _Salt-Land_ Pink.
_M._ The _Golden Deer_ Frigat.
_N O._ The _Leyden_ Pink, and _Unicorn_ Frigat.
_P Q._ A Dogger and three _Netherland_ Barques.
]

Whilest the two Commissioners went with the fore-mention’d Orders to the _Portuguese_ Fleet, a _Netherland_ Vessel endeavor’d, notwithstanding the Wind was contrary, to get out to _Lichthart_’s assistance; which _Bonavides_ observing, stood away Northerly before the Wind: but _Lichthart_ overtook a Ketch belonging to the _Portuguese_ Fleet.

[Sidenote: _Serinhain_ taken by _Vidal_ and others.]

Mean while the _Portuguese_ upon Land being two thousand strong, under the Command of _Vidal_, _Diez_, _Camaron_, and _Acoignes_, Storm’d the Fort _Serinhain_, where the _French_ Captain _Montagne_ could make but little resistance, not having above forty Men, and being unprovided of Ammunition and Provision; yet he resisted nine days, and at last got two Barques to convey him to _Reciffa_.

Soon after this the _Portuguese_ Fleet falling out amongst themselves, _Bonavides_ Steer’d back for _Lisbon_ with a few Ships, the rest coming to an Anchor again near _Reciffa_; where the Seamen whom _Lichthart_ had taken inform’d him, that their Fleet came the first time to _Reciffa_ for no other end, but to stir up the _Portuguese_ by their Presence to take up Arms, according to a private Contract, having to that purpose Landed twelve hundred Men at _Tamandera_, besides the Army led by _Camaron_ and _Diez_ from St. _Salvador_ to _Pernambuco_.

Colonel _Hous_ about this time being sent for back to _Reciffa_, and staying with five hundred Men for Captain _Blaek_’s coming, who was sent to fetch all the _Portuguese_ Women within three Leagues about _Reciffa_, was set upon in the Night by _Vidal_ with two thousand _Portugueses_; the _Brasilians_, who were above half his Forces, flying into the Woods, leaving onely two hundred _Netherlanders_ to fight with _Vidal_, by whom being so much over-power’d, they were forc’d to submit to his mercy, and suffer themselves to be all carry’d Prisoners to St. _Salvador_.

By this time at _Reciffa_ all things were in a confusion, the Pits digg’d about _Maurice-stadt_ afforded nothing but brackish Water, which occasion’d Sickness.

[Sidenote: The Fort St. _Augustine_ treacherously surrendered by
_Hoogenstraet_ to the _Portuguese_.]

_Vidal_ encourag’d by his Victory, march’d to St. _Augustine_, where without doubt he had stopt, if _Hoogenstraet_, who had the chief Command of the Fort, had not been Disloyal; for this Traitor thought it not enough to surrender this invincible Fort to the Enemy, but also bereav’d _Reciffa_ of Provisions and Ammunition, which he did very subtilly, sending earnestly thither for Souldiers, Bullets, Powder and Shot, in lieu whereof he sent thither two Barques full of old Men, Women and Children, that so he might deprive _Reciffa_ of stout Men, and supply their room with unable People. For this treacherous and villanous Act the _Portuguese_ were to give him 1800 _l._ and make him a Colonel: Moreover, all the Soldiers in Garrison, consisting of three hundred Men, receiv’d 3 _l._ a Man, and were sent to joyn with a Regiment of six hundred and fifty Men, over which _Hoogenstraet_ was made chief Commander.

[Sidenote: _Lichthart_ gains a noble Victory over the _Portuguese_
Fleet.]

The day before this eminent Castle was to be deliver’d up to the Enemy, Admiral _Lichthart_ obtain’d a brave Victory at Sea; for the _Portuguese_ Fleet (consisting of seventeen Sail, the rest being gone with _Bonavides_ to _Portugal_) anchoring before _Tamandera_, were valiantly set upon by _Lichthart_, who Engag’d with them on the ninth of _September_ 1645. with the _Utrecht_, being the Admiral Ship, the _Zealand_, _Ter Veer_, _Over-Ysel_, the Pinks _Salt-Land_ and _Leyden_, a Dogger and three Barques. In the Hole of the Haven _Tamandera_ three _Portuguese_ Carvels kept Watch, and near a Battery full of Guns lay three Barques, and the other Ships a little farther nigh the Shore. The Enemy at first shot very fiercely from the Battery, whilest the Ships drove to the Shore, and the Men leaping overboard swam ashore, onely the Admiral _Jeronymo Serao de Payva_ made some resistance, but at last surrendred up his Ship, the _Netherlanders_ in their Barques killing above seven hundred _Portugueses_ in the Water. _Lichthart_ burnt the whole Fleet, except the Admiral and Vice-Admiral, which he carry’d to _Reciffa_.

But this Victory was not comparable to the Loss which the _East-India_ Company sustain’d by the selling of the Promontory of St. _Augustine_, and the taking of the Forts _Porto Calvo_ and _Rio Francisco_; to the last whereof the Barques coming too late to carry the Soldiers off, they were all made Prisoners by the _Portuguese_, as also the Planters, in all to the number of five hundred.

[Sidenote: _Bouilloux_ put to Death by the Governor of _Parayba_.]

_Vidal_ marching to _Tamarica_, Storm’d _Schuppen-stadt_, but found such resistance from _George Garstman_ (who supply’d the Prisoner _Hous_ his Place) that he lost three hundred Men: After which he endeavor’d by means of _Fernandes Bouilloux_, to purchase the Fort _Margareta_ for 1500 l. _Sterl._ of the Governor of _Parayba_, who immediately without any farther Examination, caus’d _Bouilloux_ that proffer’d the Money to be put to death.

A _Dutch_ Sergeant in _Olinda_ dealt very treacherously; for he sold the Fort to a _Portuguese_ Ensign for 100 _l._ and also most basely betray’d all his Soldiers Lives to the merciless Enemy.

[Sidenote: The distressed Condition of _Reciffa_.]

By these means _Reciffa_ was round about in jeopardy, as also within; for the great Thirst of the Inhabitants under a scorching Climate, augmented by the _Hollanders_ salt Meat, could not be quench’d with brackish Water, for fresh was not to be had; Famine also increas’d daily, insomuch that the Poor threatned to fall upon the Rich, which made the Magistrates go Arm’d from House to House, to enquire what Store every one had, which being writ down was carry’d away and put into the Store-houses, where each receiv’d alike share, without respect of Persons. Fewel also grew very scarce, which made many eat their Meat raw, or half dress’d. In the interim every one that was able, was forc’d to work at the Forts of _Reciffa_, which were beaten down by the Rains; and the Soldiers continually alarm’d by the Enemy, were forc’d to be Night and Day up in Arms. The People dy’d more and more daily, when two Fly-Boats arriv’d there with Provisions, and News, that a Fleet was coming to their assistance.

The Captains _Rhynbag_ and _Montagne_ went in the Night, each with a Company, to fall upon the Enemy, who being two thousand five hundred strong, drove them back, and pursu’d them within shot of the _Afogados_, where forty _Portugueses_ were kill’d.

About the same time a _Terra Neuf_ Sailor, laden with the dry’d Fish _Bocraillo_, came to _Reciffa_.

In _Parayba_ three hundred _Netherlanders_ Sallying out of the Forts, fell so valiantly upon nine hundred _Portugueses_, that they forc’d them to flye, not without a considerable loss. After which a Party of _Brasilians_ surpris’d eighty _Portugueses_, as they were at _Mass_ in _Andreas Diez de la Figuereda_’s Sugar-Mills, where they spar’d none but _Figuereda_’s Daughter, whose Beauty so charm’d them, that they comforted her mourning for her Father’s Death, and deliver’d her undefil’d to the Governor of _Parayba_.

[Sidenote: The barbarous Cruelty of _Vidal_.]

_Vidal_ raging for madness because now and then some of his Prisoners escap’d, caus’d several of them to be cruelly murder’d, tying some of them Back to Back, and then cutting them in pieces; others he threw with Stones ty’d about their Necks into the Rivers; others he ty’d by their Privities, and hung them upon Trees; and also knock’d out the Brains of others.

[Sidenote: The Soldiers at _Reciffa_ mutiny for want of Provision.]

In _Reciffa_ the Soldiers, consisting of divers Nations, began likewise to mutiny, crying, _They should be all starv’d_; and saying, _They had better be slain in the Field fighting against the Enemy, than die of Hunger in the City_. They also complain’d, _The Commissioners themselves betray_ Brasile; and threatned by force to fetch the Provisions out of the publick Stores, saying, _They had long enough endur’d Thirst and Hunger_.

[Sidenote: A new Fleet sent by the _States_ to _Brasile_.]

[Sidenote: The _Dutch_ Fleet set out for _Brasile_.]