A notable Victory ofBymaoverFrancisco Almeda.
Bymaalso fell upon the VillageMoriwere, where he found most of the People at Church.Albuquerqueinform’d thereof, sent two hundred Men immediately, Commanded byFrancisco Almeda, to intercept him in his Return; but he marching on toTamarica, they pursu’d him; he marching but slowly, because the narrow Way was stopt up with fell’d Trees, they overtook him half a League beyondGarasu, nearPeter Rocha’s Sugar-Mill; where after a sharp Encounter between them, a great slaughter was made amongst theSpaniards,Almedaand many other Persons being slain, and the rest put to flight.Bymahaving obtain’d this Victory, march’d toGarusaand burnt the same, sparing onely the Churches and Cloysters, according to the Articles made betweenAlbuquerqueandRembach.
Schuppeprevented from crossing the RiverJangadaby the many muddy Creek, return’d back toReciffawith great Booty, which he had taken out of a Store-house. TheDutchCruisers also brought in many Prizes.
Van Hoorn’s Exploits.
The Exploits perform’d byJohn Johnszoon van Hoorn, with four Ships, three Ketches, and a Sloop, are likewise very remarkable; for with this Fleet in the first place he took the CityTruxillo, and from thence Sailing towards the CityCampeche, and Storming the same valiantly, soon became Master of it; the Booty of which two Places being brought aboard, increas’d considerably theWest-IndiaCompanies Stock.
In regardAlbuquerqueunderstood the Situation ofPernambucobetter than theHollanders, and had all the Natives to assist him, and by consequence was the better able to defend himself against their continual Alarms, the Council atReciffatherefore judg’d it convenient to make a farther Voyage to the South, that thePortuguese, who were highly discontented about the Losses which they had sustain’d, might be the sooner induc’d to submit to their Government: To which purpose ten Ketches, Mann’d with seven hundred Soldiers, besides Seamen, set Sail on the tenth ofOctober, under the Command ofJohn Gyseling,Schuppe, andServaes Carpentier, who first ran into the RiverPorto de Piedras, where they took a considerable number of Chests of Sugar, out of Mills, Barques, and Store-houses, waded through the little ScreamTatona Mansa, burnt a Village of the same Denomination, and Sail’d to the RiverCamarigibi, which they Rowing up in the Night, were got not above four Leagues by Day-break, the contrary Tide, and the Plants call’dMangueshavinghindred them from getting farther; but being inform’d by certainPortuguesePrisoners, that abundance of Sugar lay inPorto Francisco, they marching thither, found under a Straw Roof in a Wood, seventy four Chests of Sugar, and a great deal more in several Store-houses. They also pillag’d the whole Countrey towardsAlagoa del Noort,St. Miguel, andAlagoa del Zur. Not far from whichSchuppefalling upon the VillageSennora de Conception, burnt the same, as also a Ship upon the Stocks, the Houses at the Mouth of the StreamAlagoa, and the Tackling belonging to the two Ships, and carry’d away with them a very great Booty.
Tourlonalso march’d with four Companies fromTamaricatoMangianguape, where the Garrison fromGarasu; and someJesuitslay, to disswade the People from submitting themselves to theWest-IndiaCompany, to which they were much inclin’d. ButTourlonmarch’d not so privately, but that the Enemy had notice thereof, and fled; wherefore he findingMangianguapeempty, offer’d the same to the Flames, as also several Sugar-Mills, but spar’d the Lives of all those who begg’d Quarter.
Byma’s bold Attempt.
Bymaabout the same time with a hundred and forty Musquetteers, besides two Companies of Seamen, leaving theAfogadosin the Night, march’d toAmaroby Daybreak, which he set on fire, with a Sugar-Mill and a Store-house full of Sugar, after every Soldier had taken as much as he could carry: upon which the Enemy taking Alarm, plac’d their Ambuscades so cunningly, and fell upon them so furiously, that they had undoubtedly kill’d every Man of them, had not a Party come in timely to their assistance, and forc’d thePortugueseto fly to a neighboring Sugar-Mill built on a Hill, from whence they fir’d with great eagerness, and made a mighty noise, blowing their Trumpets and beating their Drums.Bymabeing forced to pass by the Mill within the reach of the Enemy’s Guns, resolv’d upon a bold Attempt, and commanding his Men to throw away their Sugar, and other Booty with which they burthen’d themselves, on a sudden ran up to the top of the Hill; which Action so amaz’d thePortuguese, that they fled without offering the least resistance.Bymathereupon proceeded on his Way to theAfogados, leaving behind him above seventy slain, and divers wounded.
Prizes taken bySmientandLichthart.
During these Exploits on Shore, the CommanderSmientCruis’d with six Sail beforeParaiba; two Ships belonging to his Fleet steering towards the Haven ofFormosa, discover’d five Carvels, a Pink carrying twenty six, and a great Fly-boat eighteen Guns, bothDunkirkers; one of the Carvels ran aground, and was stav’d to pieces, two of them got intoRio Grande, and the other two were taken.
About the same timeLichthartwith two Sloops pass’d into the RiverConayou, set upon seven Barques of thePortuguese, Mann’d with seventy Seamen, and ply’d them with his Brass Guns after such a manner, that few escap’d with their Lives: he took what he thought fit out of the Barques, and afterwards set them on fire.
Van Ceulen’s Expedition.
The TreasurerMatthias van Ceulenweighed Anchor with four Ships and seven Ketches, Mann’d with eight hundred Men, with which he set Sail toRio Grande, with intention to fall upon the FortTres Reyes. In the River he took two Carvels, though they lay close under the Castle, Landed a Company of Soldiers, and a hundred and fifty Seamen on the Southern Shore, guarded the fresh River with Boats, march’d directly toTres Reyes, and Encamp’d himself near the Redoubt which lay before the Castle, being follow’d byByma,Garstman, andCloppenburgh, who in their Way took a House built on a Hill, and considerable Booty in it.Bymagetting about Noon to the VillageNatall, left some of his Men there, whilest he march’d with the rest to the CastleTres Reyes.Ceulensending to demand the Castle, receiv’d at first a resolute denyal from the GovernorPeter Mendez de Govea; but when theBesieged saw theHollandersresolutely bent upon a Storm, they sent to desire a Treaty, and after some small Capitulation the Castle was surrendred upon Articles.Garstmanbeing made Commander of the Castle, had a hundred and fifty Soldiers allow’d him. The Fleet set Sail again, after they had pull’d down and destroy’d all the Works which had been rais’d, and made the Inhabitants take an Oath to be faithful toGarstman, who chang’d the Name of the Castle fromTres Reyesto that ofCeulen, being the Name of the Treasurer, who bore the chiefest Command in the Siege, and when theBrasilianKingJanduicame with a great Train to congratulate the Companies success, receiv’d him with great civility.
In the beginning of the Year 1634. twenty six Sail weighed Anchor fromReciffa, to Cruise up and down in Squadrons before the InletTodos los Sanctos, the PromontorySt. Augustine, the RiversFranciscoandParayba.SchuppeandLichthartalso set Sail with two Ships, a Ketch, two Pinnaces, and a Sloop, carrying two hundred Soldiers besides Seamen.
Lichthartdrives thePortugueseout of thePuntael.
Mean while fresh Forces were sent from theTexel, theMaesandZeland, toReciffa, where the Council undertook another notable Design,viz.to surprize the Forts along the RiverParayba: whither coming with twenty Sail, they divided themselves into two Squadrons under the Command of the TreasurerJohn Gyseling,Schuppe,Servaes Carpentier, andLichthart. Having receiv’d some repulse at the FortNazaretta, they resolv’d upon Action in some other place, and to that purpose Steer’d towards the PointSt. Augustine; by Day-break a part of the Fleet ran into the Mouth of the Haven, notwithstanding thePortuguesefir’d upon them with great Guns from the Castle, and all their Works, without doing any considerable damage, onely theSea-knightKetch running aground was Shatter’d all to pieces; whilest theHollandersCommanded by CaptainLichthartLanded nearPuntael, and fell upon thePortuguesein such a manner, that they forc’d them to forsake the Place, burnt above two thousand Chests of Sugar, several Store-houses, and a great Ship, besides two Barques.
They endeavor in vain to regain thePuntael.
Lichthartbeing Master of thePuntael, was very busie in finishing a Stone Redoubt which the Enemy had begun, and secur’d it by a Wall and Pallisado’s. Here he plac’d two Companies, and rais’d several Works, whilest thePortuguesereceiving Aid from all the neighboring Places, set upon the recovery of thePuntael, being the rather encourag’d thereunto, in regard theHollandersForces were still in their Ships. Fifteen hundredPortugueseswere divided into two Parties, the greatest of which came through behind the adjacent Morasses, and forc’d in on the side of the place near which the fifteen Ships taken byLichthartlay at an Anchor, whilest the other Party fell upon the Out-works; where though theHollandersdefended themselves valiantly at first, yet they were forc’d to Retreat to the Redoubt, where both Parties fought with great eagerness; but theHollandersKetches haling near the Shore, and firing in amongst thePortuguesewith their great Guns, forc’d them to flye, and contrary to their Custom, to leave their dead Bodies behind them.
Soon after, whilestGysseling,Schuppe, andLichthartstay’d at thePuntael, thePortuguese, designing to takeReciffa, kept theAfogadosand the Fort onAntonio Vaesin continual Alarm; which made theHollanderssend most of theirMilitiathither, and to fortifie yet more strongly than before. The CastleDe Bruinfirst discovering thePortuguesewading through the Water, fir’d great Guns at them, upon the hearing of whichWaerdenburghandSt. Georgefir’d also. The TreasurerCeulenand Lieutenant-ColonelBymamarch’d with a Company of Soldiers to the Stone Redoubt, from whence they fir’d stoutly upon the Enemy; yet thirty of them got by the Pallisado’s and Stone Redoubt: whereforeCeulenmarch’d in with some of hisMen to assist the Citizens, and keep the woodden Battery, where thePortuguesewere stopt, and with great and small Shot put to flight. The Prisoners which theHollanderstook inform’d them, ThatMartin Suares, chief Commander over thePortuguesethat made this Attempt, had divided his Men into three Parties; the Reserve, which consisted of three hundred Men, was to march on upon the making of a sign when the other Parties were past, one along the RiverBibiriba, and the other along the Shore by the Stone Redoubt intoReciffa, to burn the Place, as also all manner of Provision and Ammunition.
Bymaattempts the taking ofReal, but without success.
Whilest this Design of thePortuguesefell out so unfortunately, being discover’d toCeulenby a Renegado, theHollandersatReciffareceiv’d two Companies from their Regiment at thePuntael, and a considerable number of Men rais’d inHollandby theWest IndiaCompany.CeulenandBymathus supply’d, went continually out in Parties, burnt in view of the Garrison inArryalthe Sugar-Mills belonging toFrancisco MonteroandLewis Ramires, and were inform’d by fiveItalianRenegado’s, That there were not three hundred Men in Garrison inArryal; which so encourag’dByma, that he resolving to fall upon the same, march’d thither in the Night with a thousand Men fromReciffa, and by Day-break shot sixteen Granado’s from a neighboring Hill, of which seven fell intoArryal, but did little Execution; besides, the Strength of the Place was such, and the number of Men so considerable, that his Design had no other success, than that a Hand-granado falling short amongst the Houses before the Fort, set fire on them, and in a short time burnt a whole Street with rich Shops, and the Habitations of theItalians.
ThePortugueseat thePuntaelbeing inform’d, thatBymahad Besieg’dArryalwith a thousand Men, judg’d that most of theHollanderswere gone thither from thePuntael; which they were the apter to believe, because theHollanderscoming but little abroad stay’d within their Redoubts, whichLichtharthad joyn’d to a Battery; wherefore they made another Attempt with a hundred and twenty Men on thePuntael; but a Carvel with two Brass Guns, and a Company of Soldiers lying at Anchor near the Place by which thePortuguesewere to pass, and they not expecting to meet with any resistance there, they were, as soon as they approached the Carvel, fir’d upon by theHollanders, who killing several of their Men, so affrighted them, that they return’d without making any farther Attempt.
Overtures of Peace from thePortuguese.
Whilest every day more and more Prizes were taken by theHollanders, and brought intoReciffa, and fresh Supplies sent them fromHolland, there began to be some Overtures of Peace from thePortuguese; wherein also the King ofSpain, by reason of the several Damages he had sustain’d from theDutch, began to concern himself, and to menace them with the great Forces he was able to raise, by reason of the late safe arrival of two rich Plate-Fleets, if they came not to reasonable Terms. But answer was return’d fromByma, “That if they were minded to Treat about giving of Quarter, or any such like Point in difference between them, they should find him ready; but that theWest-IndiaCompany would never resign those Places taken inBrasilewith the Sword, either for Money or Goods, but would defend them to the utmost of their Power.”
TheHollandersalso chang’d the Names of several Places taken from thePortuguese; for the Castle near the PromontorySt. Augustinewas call’dGysseling; the Town onTamarica,Schuppen-stadt; the Fort at theAfogados,Prince William; and thePuntael,The Fortress Vander Dussen.
CeulenandGysselingreturn home.
Jandur’s great service to theNetherlanders.
Notwithstanding the Requests of theStatesof theNetherlandsandWest-IndiaCompany, to the CommissionersCeulenandGysseling, to stay longer in theWest-Indies, yet they prepar’d for their Voyage home, and the speedier, because they expectedgreat scarcity of Provisions, unless a sudden Supply came fromHolland. During their two years Government here, they had taken five thousand five hundred and nineteen Chests of Sugar, a hundred fifty nine thousand nine hundred thirty and nine Pound ofBrasileWood, one and thirty Ships laden with several Goods, which amounted to 230000l.besides the value of the Ships and Guns, the taken Forts, destroy’d Sugar-Mills, and other Buildings. They left at their going away above four thousand Soldiers, divided into thirty two Companies, to guardBrasile, under the Command ofSchuppeandArcisseusky, and carry’d with them a hundred Soldiers, besides one and fifty sick and maimed: Moreover, thirty two Sail of Ships, Mann’d with a thousand and eighty seven Seamen, were order’d to Cruise up and down before the Coast ofBrasile, besides four Ketches before the Promontory ofSt. Augustine, and six Ships in the Haven ofPernambuco.
AfterCeulenandGysselinghad set Sail forHolland, divers Prizes were brought intoReciffa, as also several Ships arriv’d there from theTexeland theMaes. TheHollanderswent out continually in Parties, whilestSchuppeandLichthartset Sail also with eight Ships, Mann’d with six Companies of Soldiers, besides Seamen, to plunder and pillage all the Havens to the South, where severalPortugueseVessels lay laden with Sugar. ButJanduy, who with his Subjects theTapuyans, joyn’d with the GovernorGarstman, kill’d at one time thirty sevenPortugueses, and not long after two hundred and sixty more; taking his leave ofGarstman, went home with sixHollanders, leaving his Son, the youngJanduy, and his BrotherCaracara, together with his NephewCopun, to his care.
Janduymade it his Business to perswade the adjacentTapuyansto joyn their Forces with his, and so by theHollandersassistance to fall upon thePortuguese. Mean while the youngJanduyandCopunwent toReciffa, which was the rather permitted, that they might be able to damp the Reports which thePortuguesehad spread amongst theTapuyans,viz.That theHollanderswere very ill provided, and therefore made all possible Preparations to defendReciffa, and consequently the whole Countrey ofBrasile, and so leave thoseTapuyansthat joyn’d with them to the mercy of theSpaniards.
Ambassadors sent to consult with him about carrying on their Designs.
Not long after were dispatch’d from thence the CouncellorsJacob Stackhower, and ColonelArcisseusky, with the InterpreterAntonio Parapoavo, to Treat withJanduyabout the Design which they had upon thePortuguese, and also what Advantages he should receive, if he would assist theWest-IndiaCompany with his Forces, whenever he should be sent to.
His Power, Enemies, and Allies.
KingJanduybore Command over sixteen hundred Men, whose Wives carry’d their Hammocks after them to sleep on in the Night, having no setled Habitations, but ranging in Parties up and down from place to place to get their Food; the young People went commonly along withBeretiawa, and the old withJanduy; round about whose Countrey dwelt the poor NativesAciki, as alsoJuckerijou,Ocioneciou,Pajoke, andAponorijou: the first are Commanded by KingCoctaculy; the second, byMarakou, a Friend of thePortugueses; the third, byNonhu; the fourth, byKidoa; and the last, byJarepo: which two last are no way inferior in Power toJanduy, but the others much weaker.
Four sorts of People continually Warr’d againstJanduy,viz.theJenho, who live so far up in the Countrey, that noChristiansever came to the knowledge of them; the other three are theWoyana,Carivy, andCaririwassu, who assist thePortuguese.
The fore-mention’d InterpreterParapoavowas met in his Journey by a Company ofTapuyans, led byCommendaoura,Janduy’s Sisters Son, who was to succeed him after his death, according to the Custom of theTapuyans, whose Sons do notsucceed their Fathers in the Throne, but their Sisters Sons.Commendaouratold him, That he was impower’d by his Uncle to Treat with theHollanders; to which purpose coming with forty Men before the CastleCeulen, he inform’d them, ThatJandouycould not come to them with his whole Power, because there was no fresh Water in the MountainsMitiapain the Summer; Moreover, that he Mourn’d for his deceased Wife.Janduoywas also requested to go toParayba, where he should get great store of Booty, and that theHollanderswould follow them with a considerable Power.
The FortConayoutaken byArcisseusky.
Arcisseuskybeing inform’d of the Condition ofConayouby two, who having been taken Prisoners by thePortuguese, leap’d over-board from a Carvel, bound from thence toPortugal, and swam ashore, march’d from the FortCeulenin the Night with two hundred Men, besides fortyTapuyans, who kill’d more Venison for theHollandersthan they were able to eat; and coming within two Cannons-shot ofConayou, he divided his Men into four Parties, that so they might Storm the four Corners of the Fort at once; which having done by swimming over the Moat, and climbing up the Walls, which were a Pikes length, they got into the Fort, in which they found eleven dead Bodies, ten Iron Guns, two Hooks, and several Chests of Sugar; and amongst other Prisoners they took the CaptainAlvares Fragoso d’ Albuquerque.
Stackhoweralso setting Sail whenArcisseuskyleft the CastleCeulen, intending to meet him again at an appointed time beforeConayou, was kept back by contrary Winds.
After thisArcisseuskyset Sail toMongoangape, where Rowing up the River, he took a Ketch with two hundred Chests of Sugar, as also a Carvel and a Boat, and Landed where the River bends about a Mountain, which so affrighted thePortuguese, that they quittedAntonio Marino’s Sugar-Mills. Soon after the Fleet took a Barque with Wine, and return’d toReciffa.
Mean whileSchuppewas not idle, for going up the RiverCamarigibi, he burnt divers Houses, as also on each side of the RiverAlagoa; where he also took four rich Sugar-Mills, whilest many Vessels from theUnited Netherlandsbrought several Ships into the Haven ofPernambuco, which they had taken on the Coast ofBrasile.
The FortSanta Margaretaattempted by theHollanders.
About the latter end ofNovember1634. thirty two Sail, divided into two Squadrons (the first carrying in one and twenty Ships, a thousand nine hundred forty and five Soldiers, the second on eleven Ketches, four hundred and nine) under the Command ofSchuppe,Arcisseusky,Carpentier, andStackhower, weigh’d Anchor to go toParayba; whereSchuppeLanding first with six hundred Men, fell upon the Enemy in such a manner, that he put them to flight, and forc’d them to leave a great part of their Arms, Hats and Coats behind; and it wanted little but the GovernorAntonio d’ Albuquerquehad been taken in the pursuit: Mean while the rest of theHollandersLanded, andCasper Leymarch’d along a Cart-Road with three Companies directly to the FortSanta Margareta, and Encamp’d himself behind a Hill, about a Musquet-shot from the Walls of the Fort:Schuppegoing along the Shore, found divers forsaken Works, and Intrench’d along the River on the East-side of the Castle.Arcisseuskymarch’d on the Right-hand along the Sea-shore in view of thePortuguesein Garrison. In the River lay an Isle, on which was built the CastleRestinga, which could receive constant Aid from the CastleMargaretaon the Main.
The FortMargaretataken bySchuppe.
The FortAntoniotaken byLichthart.
Lichthartgoing in between the Island and the CastleMargaretawith six well Mann’d Boats, took two Barques and a Boat behind the Island, and march’d through a Wood toRestringa; where he found that the Fort separated from the Island, was surrounded with Water, wherefore he withdrew into the Wood tillthe Water was fall’n down, and then Storm’d the FortRestringa, and notwithstanding thePortuguesefir’d continually upon him with two Brass Guns, he soon became Master of it, and cut off all those whom he found had born Arms; whilestSchuppefir’d upon the FortMargaretafrom a Platform, and also threw Granado’s into the same.Arcisseuskylikewise approach’d nearer and nearer with his Trenches, on which thePortuguesedischarged many Guns; but after the Breastworks were most of them spoil’d, the Governor,Simon de Albuquerque, surrendred the Fort toSchuppe, who permitted a hundred and fifty Men that were in Garrison there, to go to their several Dwellings up in the Countrey, the rest were Transported to other places, on promise that they would not bear Arms against theWest-IndiaCompany during the space of six Moneths. In the Castle theHollandersfound six Brass Demi-Culverins and fifteen Drakes, besides other Ammunition, with which the Victors pursu’d their Conquest, putting themselves in a posture to go up a Creek which runs two Leagues along a River toParayba, and to fall upon that City, when twoFrenchRenegado’s coming from theNorthernFortAntoniobrought information, That that Fort was guarded but by a few Men, and had but little Gun-powder, and if theHollanderswould but once make a shew of Storming the same, it would soon be deliver’d to them, though for its Situation it is invincible; butSchuppesuppos’d that there might be a Plot in this Information, and the rather, because he heard that the Duke ofBagnolawas coming thither with six hundred Men; nevertheless, to be better assur’d thereof, he sent a Drummer to demandAntonio: The Governor thereof, call’dMagaglianesdesir’d three days time to consider, which was utterly deny’d him, and he had onely leave to carry away the King’s Standard, and his Request granted, That theHollandersshould make a shew of Storming the Castle, that it might not be said he had surrendred such a Fortress without a Gun being fir’d; after whichLichthartwent into the Castle, wondring at such a Victory; for the Fort, on which no Charges had been spar’d, lay upon an inaccessible place, and had five Brass Culverins and nineteen Iron Guns.
The CityParaybadeserted byBagnola.
TheHollandersencourag’d by their good Success, went the same Night up the RiverParaybato the CreekTambia Grande; where Landing, they found all the Works empty, three Iron Guns lying dismounted on the Ground, the CityParaybawithout People, and the Guns about the same either made useless, or sunk in the Haven. AHamburgherthat had liv’d a considerable time inParayba, otherwise call’dPhilippea, inform’d theHollanders, ThatBagnolaseeing no means to defendParayba, was gone toGoyanawith two Companies, one ofItalians, and the otherSpaniards, who were march’d into the Woods, after they had burnt three Ships, and two Store-houses full of Sugar, in which there were consum’d near upon three hundred Chests.
Before this Design uponParaybawas undertaken, theWest-IndiaCompany sent out four Vessels under the Command ofJohn Walbeek, to the IsleCuracao; the Situation of whichJohn Otzonknew exactly, having been a long time a Prisoner there:Walbeekgetting through a narrow Mouth between several Rocks into a convenient Harbor beforeCuracao, Landed seventy five Musquetteers who were Encountred by seventyBrasiliansArm’d with Clubs, which theSpaniardshad animated to fight, by making them half Drunk. TheHollandershaving march’d all over the Island, burnt the VillageMaria, and at last agreed with the GovernorAlonso Lopes de Morlato leave the Isle.
Schuppechang’d the Name ofParayba, orNossa Sennora das Nieves, orPhilippea, intoFrederick-Stadt, in honor to the Prince ofOrange, nam’dFrederick Henrick.
Parayba, orHenrick-stadtdescrib’d.
This City hath two great Market-places, twelve Streets, and a largeFranciscanCloyster, built near a Lake, and inclos’d within a Wall by a broad Bay, which the RiverParaybamakes before the City; the Countrey about which is mountainous: In other places, especially along the River, lie many fruitful Plains, abounding in some places with the GrainMandihoca, which is ground to Meal, Potato’s, Lemmons, Cabbages, Cucumbers,Bananas,Cocoa-Nuts, Ginger,Araba, very delicious when Preserv’d with Sugar, andCacious, somewhat like Chesnuts, of which the Natives make an intoxicating Liquor.
Whilest all things were put in good order atParayba, ColonelPicardmarch’d with eight Companies to the HouseValidaris, if possible, there to take the GovernorAntonio AlbuquerquePrisoner; but he being forsaken by all theBrasilians(who came back withPicardand their Commander, the JesuitEmanuel de Morais) absconded himself; not long before which a Proclamation had been publish’d in the Name of theStatesof theUnited Netherlandsand theWest-IndiaCompany, promising great Civilities and Advantages to all the Inhabitants ofParayba, whether Natives or others, that would come in and submit to their Government.
This Invitation was so well receiv’d, that many who were kept back so long asAlbuquerqueappear’d, as soon as they heard of his obscuring himself, came in to theHollanders, asDuarte Gomes, and several eminentPortugueses, with a considerable number of indifferent quality; as also the Inhabitants of the Province ofRio Grandecame toFrederick-Stadt, to claim the benefit of the Proclamation.
Rebellinoforced to flye from place to place.
ArcisseuskyandStackhowermarching toGoyanawith seven hundred and fifty Men, took up their Quarters in the VillageCapivaribi, lying at a River of the same Name; where all the Inhabitants ofGoyanabeing fully satisfi’d with theHollandersProposals, own’d their Government, and fell off from the King ofSpain. But theSpanishCaptainRebellino, animated by theJesuitsin the VillageMosuick, got three hundred Soldiers together, besides a considerable company ofBrasilians, Commanded byCamaron, and burnt all the Sugar-Canes andBrasileWood inGoyana; whitherArcisseuskymarching, soon put them to flight, and burnt the VillageMosuick, with the Church andJesuitsCloyster, from whence the Enemy ran to the strange MountainMiritbi, which in the rainy Season, especially when great Showers fall, makes a noise like claps of Thunder, or like great Guns. The same Wonder is observ’d of the MountainPasayra, in a Wood behindGirgolio Barro’s Sugar-Mills; the mystery whereof we leave to Philosophers to enquire into.Arcisseuskyfollow’dRebellino, who had ambuscado’d himself about half a League fromMosuick; from whence he being also driven, his Men began more and more to desert him, whilestSchuppewith a considerable number of Men came toArcisseusky; Encamping themselves aboutMusarope, they sent eighty Musquetteers, Commanded by LieutenantMetting, to an adjacent Wood, whereRebellinoQuartering, Engag’d withMetting, tillSchuppecoming to his assistance, he fled toNazaretta. After which the Countrey thereabouts enjoy’d the happiness of Peace.
The CastleRealtaken byArcisseusky.
Arcisseuskystaying to settle all things in good order inParayba, took up his Quarters near the CastleReal, about a Cannon-shot from the RiverAfogados, and a League and a half from theHollandersFort so call’d; yet his Design was not to lay close Siege to the same, but to prevent all manner of Aid from coming to it, the rather, because he was inform’d, that there were not above sixty six hundred Cans of Meal, and sixty five Head of Cattel in the Fort, for three hundredPortugueseand seven hundredBrasilians; to which purpose he built several Redoubts, Batteries and Platforms: after he had lay’n before it three Moneths it was surrendred upon these following Articles,viz.“That the Besieged should march out with lighted Matches, Bullets in their Mouths, flying Colours, and with Bag and Baggage,and be Transported either toTerceraorMadera.” The Church Ornaments they had also leave to carry away with them, but the Guns and other Ammunition were to remain in the Fort. Hereupon the GovernorAndreas Marinimarch’d out with five hundred choice Soldiers, besides a hundred and fifty which he had out of the Countrey; and two hundred Families that dwelt aboutReal, ransom’d their Goods for 5000l.In the Fort theHollandersfound fifteen Brass, and five Iron Guns.
Mean whileLichthartset Sail with six Ships and five little Ketches, carrying five Companies; with which Landing onBarra Grande, he march’d two Leagues along the Shore to the Church ofSt. Bento, built on a high Hill, round about which he Encamp’d himself, and fortifi’d the same with Pallisado’s.
Hither the Inhabitants ofPorto Calvocame in great numbers to take the Oath of Allegiance to theWest-IndiaCompany.
Bagnolarouted byLichthart.
Lichthartassisted by CaptainCornelis Exel’s Company, march’d directly toPorto Calvo, notwithstanding he had but three hundred and twenty seven Men, with which he went along a troublesom Way, up Hill and down Hill, and coming nearPorto Calvo, was inform’d by aPortuguese, That the DukeBagnolapossess’d a Church there full of Port-holes, with two hundred choice Men, besides a Company newly arriv’d there fromSerinhain; and that he had a strong Fortification near the River; neverthelessLichthartmarching towards him, discover’d his Forces rank’d on a steep Mountain, whither he running with his Men, forc’dBagnolato quit the Church, as also those that lay in Ambuscade near the High-way, whilest eightyBrasilians, somePortugueses, and a Company ofNeopolitans, thought to have fall’n upon the Barques of theHollanders, but seeing theStatesFlag upon the Church, andBagnolarouted, they soon Retreated. This Victory cost theHollandersbut seven Men, besides eighteen wounded; for which thePortugueselost many more.
The Inhabitants ofCamarigibi,Antonio, and aboutPorto Calvo, accepting of the Articles propos’d inParayba, took the Oath of Allegiance to theHollanders.
In the interim afterArcisseuskyhad taken the FortReal, and given Command thereof toVerdoes, he set forth with ten Companies and three hundredBrasilians, to joyn withSchuppe, who Besieg’d the FortNazarettanear the PromontorySt. Augustine; but the GovernorAlbuquerquefearing he should be surpris’d, fled from thence with three hundred Men, and leftPeter Correa de Gamba, andLewis Barbalho Bizerrain his stead. ButSchuppeapproach’d so near with his Trenches and Granado’s, thatCorreainform’d ofArcisseusky’s coming, surrendred the Castle upon advantageous Articles.
Porto Calvosurpris’d byAlbuquerque.
After this SuccessSchuppemarch’d along the Shore, andArcisseuskyup into the Countrey, both with intention to fall upon the Enemy inSerinhain.Arcisseuskymarching along a troublesom Way, came toMiguel de Poyacawith six Companies, where the CouncellorSchottehad fortifi’d a Church; and somewhat farther he met with a braveFranciscanCloyster, where he was inform’d, that the GovernorAlbuquerquehad again surpris’d the FortPorto Calvo; which prov’d too true; forSchuppehastening to his assistance throughSerinhain,Una, andBarro, staid atFuricoso, a League fromPorto Calvo, forArcisseusky, who was coming thither with seven Companies over the deep and crooked StreamSerinhain; and beforeVilla Foamosa, a pleasant Village, in which stood an oldJesuitsCloyster and a little Church, both their Forces joyn’d together, making up seventeen Companies of Foot, and one Troop of Horse; but they came too late: for after a long and stout Assault, and no less Resistance from the Besieged, the Place was surrendred toAlbuquerque, who caus’dDomingo Calabarto be Quarter’d; a Man not inferior for Strength and Activity to thatMilo Crotoniates, so famous amongst the ancientGrecians: Amongst other proofs of his Strength it is related, that he took a Stag running full speed by the Horns, and turning its Neck, pull’d the Tongue out of its Mouth. The reason whyAlbuquerquecaus’d him to be put to that death, was because he had once joyn’d with theHollanders, and done thePortuguesemuch hurt. ButSchuppeandArcisseuskymarching toPorto Calvo, to Engage withAlbuquerque, who was eight hundredPortugueseand a thousandBrasiliansstrong, found the Place ruin’d, and about a hundredHollandersunbury’d, andAlbuquerquemarch’d away, driving the Inhabitants aboutPorto Calvobefore him, with three hundred Prisoners: TheHollandersfollowing him, built a Fort atPraipuera, to prevent thePortuguesefrom returning toPorto Calvo.Schuppealso demanded three Companies more to supply the places of the sick and slain Men, as also those who were so miserably plagued by theBicios, that they were not able to go. TheseBiciosare little Animals, which creeping in at the Pores, cause an insufferable pain.Schuppe’s Request was the sooner granted, because the Councel atReciffajudg’d it convenient to pull down the FortsRealandNazaretta, being already much decay’d and unserviceable, and that those who were in Garrison in them, should Encamp in the Fields.Schuppehad long before this time fall’n upon the Enemy in theAfogados, but that he wanted Provisions, and little Vessels, which were requir’d for that Expedition. But marching up into the Countrey, he left the Command toArcisseusky, who much forwarded the building of the Fort onParipuera.
OBSIDIO ET EXPUGNATIO PORTUS CALVI
A great Fleet ofSpaniardsappears beforeReciffa.
The Year 1635. being almost expir’d, one Morning about Day-break thirty two Sail were seen to Steer directly towardsReciffa; two Ships of an extraordinary bigness were follow’d by nine Gallions, and these by the rest of the Fleet, consisting of Pinks, Carvels, and Barques; all which approaching, were known to beSpaniards, which struck no small amazement to the Inhabitants ofReciffa, most of their Ships being Cruising abroad before the Coast ofBrasileand their Men a great distance off in the Field; onely five Ships fitted for an Engagement being at Anchor, and five more deeply laden: Mean while theSpanishAdmiral approach’d within a Cannon-shot of theFameKetch, discharg’d one Gun, and stood off to Sea again, being inform’d thatRealandNazarettawere taken by theHollanders. On the other side, all the Places in their possession had notice of this Fleet, whichLichthartfollow’d with six Ships and two Ketches, carrying two Companies of Soldiers, besides Seamen, and keeping just within sight of them, saw them at last come to an Anchor beforeParipuera(where a part of theDutchForces lay under the Command ofArcisseusky,) and make preparation to Land their Men: WhereuponLichthartLanded also, with the CouncellorCarpentier, and joyning withArcisseusky, took up a valiant Resolution, to Sail close up to theSpanishFleet with his eight Ships, whilestArcisseuskymarch’d in the Night with six hundred Men toJaragoa, to prevent the Enemy’s Landing; but having aPortuguesefor his Guide, was led a wrong Way; wherefore returning, he secur’d the Way toParipuera, whilest thePortugueseInhabitants, contrary to their Oath, refused to carry or bring Provisions to theDutchForces, and joyning together combin’d with theSpanishSeamen, and kill’d all theHollanderswhich they could meet either on the High-ways, or in their Houses, making use of theNegro’s to carry theSpaniardswhat Intelligence they could give them of theHollandersProceedings: Wherefore they thought it the best way to be rid of such Villains, to destroy them all that dwelt in the Countrey betweenParipueraandPorto Calvo, and for the space of ten Leagues burnt all their Sugar-Canes in the Fields, their Mills and Houses.Arcisseuskycaus’d Edicts to be put upon every Church Door, That all the Inhabitants should remove fromPorto Calvo, where theDutchArmy was to Encamp, to keep them from theSpanishOppression.
That Summer having been so dry, that no man ever remembred the like, had dry’d up all the Morasses, so that theSpaniardsmarching over them and high Mountains, got a back Way into the Countrey. In the mean timeJohn Walbeckmade a Fort with five Bulwarks on the IslandCuracao, near the HavenSanta Cruz.
Houte-beentaken byDunkirkers.
Houte-beenalso ran with two Ketches, theOtterandBrack, to Anchor beforeCuracao, and from thence to the HavenSt. Jago de Cuba, where the Watch made no Alarm, because he carry’dBurgundyColours, by which also several others, bothPortugueseandSpaniardswere deceiv’d. Not long after he burnt one Barque withTortoises, sunk another, and set a third a Drift; after which having refresh’d atJamaica, he Engag’d with severalSpanishMen of War and took them, besides a great number of Prizes, in one of which he found such abundance of Copper, Indigo, Money,Canaster, Tobacco, and Piece-Goods, that the two Ketches were not able to load the same; but at last Steering forHolland, he was set upon by sevenDunkirkers, Commanded byColaert, and after long and stout resistance was taken.
CaptainAbraham Roosendaelsetting Sail from theTexel, met with a Frigat carrying forty six Chests full ofRyals of Eight, being in number eighty six thousand, design’d to pay the Forces atPorto Rico; besides a quantity of Plate, which amounted to a considerable sum of Money; with all which he arriv’d safe in his desired Port.
Arcisseuskyfortifi’d himself along the crooked RiverParipuera, full of Crocodiles, which hurt none, unless provok’d. This River runs five Leagues to the Northward ofPunta de Jaragoa, where theSpanishForces Landed.
Southward fromJaragoalie theAlagoas del NortandZul, distinguish’d by a high Tract of Land; where theSpanishGeneralLewis Rochas Borgialeft his Guns and a thousand Men, under the Command of the DukeBagnola, whilest with three times as many more he went toPorto Calvoto be there before the time which theHollandershad in their Edicts set the Inhabitants for their removal.
ALAGOA AD AUSTRUM
Borgia’s Army defeated byArcisseuskyand himself slain.
Arcisseuskyhad by this time built on the North part of the Mouth ofParipueraa Redoubt like a Castle, out of the middle whereof rose a woodden Tower, fill’d with Earth, and secur’d by a Half-Moon; on one side whereof he lay Encamp’d with fifteen Companies. On the South side of the River stood also two strong Forts.Arcisseuskyhaving not the least thought thatBorgiawould come over the Mountains, and through inaccessible Woods and Morasses, a back Way intoPorto Calvo, receiv’d news on the thirteenth ofJanuary1636. by a RenegadeNegro, that theSpanishArmy, consisting of three thousand Men, were come toRodrigo de Barroshis Sugar-Mills, about five Leagues fromParipuera, and was suddenly expected to fall upon ColonelSchuppeinPorto Calvo; whereuponArcisseuskyimmediately set forth with twelve hundred Men and two Field-pieces, burnt all the Houses, Sugar-Mills and Canes he could meet with. Mean whileBorgia(upon whose ApproachSchuppehad leftPorto Calvo) observing by the Smoak in the Countrey, thatArcisseuskyhad put his Edicts in Execution, leaving a considerable Garrison inPorto Calvo, went to meetArcisseuskywith the choicest Men.Arcisseuskybeing got betweenCamarigibiandPorto Calvo, without having any notice of the Enemy’s being so near, and his Forlorn being unawares Engag’d, and running back in great disorder, drew up his Men into a posture of Defence about a Musquet-shot from the Enemy; but the darkness of the Night made a great confusion in both Armies, being as it were mingled pell-mell one with another.Arcisseuskywas much inferior in number to theSpaniards, but considering it was impossible to march back, in regard the Enemy was as well behind them as before, and that thousands ofBrasilianslay watching for them in the Woods, in case they should be dispers’d, he saw there was no way but to stand to the hazard of Battel. About Day-break both Armies stood an hour looking upon one another; the place where they stood being surrounded with Woods and deep Valleys.Borgiadrew out his Men on a Hill, overgrown with Bushes.Arcisseuskyhad drawn out his Men on somewhat a lower Ground.Borgiaat last sent some of his Musquetteers down the Hill, who fir’d with a full Volley upon theDutch, whilestArcisseuskyonely discharg’d a Field-piece at a Tree, under whichBorgiastood to take a view of theHollandersForces; upon the firing of which GunBorgiabegan to come down the Hill with all his Army, against whomArcisseuskydrew out his first and second Division, whilest CaptainVanden Brandeled his Companies within two Pikes length from the Enemy, before he discharg’d, which was no sooner done, but contrary to Order they broke into the left Wing ofBorgia’s Army, and put his Musquetteers to flight, who were soon follow’d by the wholeSpanishArmy, some running into the Woods, others into the Morasses, but most of them along the narrow Way which leads toPorto Calvo. Among the Slain wasBorgiahimself, who was Descended from the greatest Families of the Dukes ofLermaandBorgia; he was about forty eight years of Age, and had serv’d theSpanishKing a considerable time in theNetherlands. This Victory cost theHollandersabout forty Men, besides as many more wounded. Amongst theSpanishPrisoners was aNeapolitanGentleman, call’dHector de la Calce, who upon Examination inform’d theHollanders, That with the lastSpanishFleet there Landed two thousand four hundred Men inAlagoa, with twenty Brass Field-pieces, abundance of Wheelbarrows, Spades and Pick-axes, which cost inPortugaleight hundred thousandCrusado’s; with which great warlike PreparationsBorgiamade no doubt to have got fast footing in the Countrey, and to have cut off all manner of Assistance from theHollanders; That theSpanishKing rais’d a great many Men both inSpain,Italy, andGermany, that with the first opportunity he might fit out a Fleet, which was to be conducted by four thousand two hundred Seamen, to whom theCastilianswere to add eight thousand five hundred Soldiers and two hundred Seamen, and thePortuguesethe like number, to serve ashore, and to drive all Strangers out ofBrasile; That this Design had long since been put in Execution, had not theAlbuquerquerscontinually deceiv’d the King ofSpain, under pretence thatBrasilewas in no danger; ThatAlbuquerquewould be forc’d to resign up the Interest which he had inBrasile, for which the King would give him a Dukedom inPortugalin exchange.
SchuppeandArcisseuskyjudging it no way convenient to fall upon the Enemy inPorto Calvo, Garrison’dParipuerawith four hundred Men, under the Command of the CaptainsDayandPhilip Andrews, whom they furnish’d with Provisions for five Moneths, and left Order to defend the Countrey against the Incursions of the Enemy; which done, they went aboard with eleven hundred Men, and took in two Companies ofBrasiliansatBarra Grande; with whom Landing behind the IsleAlexio, they came toSerinhainbefore Day-light, and found all the Inhabitants fled into the Woods, fearing they would take Revenge on them for murdering of their Sick which they had left there. They were no sooner Encamp’d here, but they receiv’d Information fromJohn Talibon, that theSpanishArmy intended to Besiege the Redoubt inBarra Grande, which therefore, as lying on an ill place, and not able to resist long, they flighted: After which being furnish’d with Provisions out of some Ketches Commanded by the AdmiralLichthart, they return’d, with Intentions to take up their Quarters inSerinhainduring the Winter Season, whilest the Enemy lay inCockau, on one side ofUnaandSerinhain, and kept private Correspondence with some of thePortuguesethat had taken the Oath of Allegiance to theHollanders; butArcisseuskyfell so fiercely upon them, that they all fled toPorto Calvo, andtook three Monks Prisoners, who had been the chief Authors of this private Correspondence.
Soon after twenty eight Ships arriving atReciffa, brought fresh Supplies of Men thither from theMaesandZealand, with Ammunition and Provisions, which was much wanted; also two Councellors,Henrick SchildandPaulus Serooskerken.
This Fleet was scarce got in, when in the Evening news was brought, that eight hundredSpaniardswere broke in throughPoyuca, and had takenJohn Paez Baretto’s Sugar-Mill, and destroy’d all they came at; but that theHollandersdefending the Church with great Valor, obtain’d Quarter upon the surrendring of it.