enterprise, Pinto and the chiefs were not free from uneasiness. The
citadel still remained in the possession of the Spaniards, who might
from thence easily fire on the town, and make the people severely repent
the inconsiderate joy they had testified on this occasion. It might also
afford an entrance to the king of Spain, and enable him to re-establish
his authority. It was therefore agreed, that without they could make
themselves masters of this place, their former success would avail them
nothing; they accordingly repaired immediately to the vice-queen, and
demanded an order for the governor to evacuate the citadel, and deliver
it into their possession. This proposal she instantly rejected, and
reproaching them as rebels, indignantly asked whether they intended to
make her an accomplice in their crimes. Almada, enraged at her refusal,
with fire flashing from his eyes, swore vehemently that unless she that
moment signed the order, he would directly stab the whole of the Spanish
prisoners to the heart. The princess, terrified at his violence, and
trembling for the lives of so many persons of distinction, flattered
herself that the governor knew his duty too well to comply with an
order, which he must be assured was forced from her; she therefore
signed the paper, which, however, produced a very different effect from
what she had reason to expect. The governor, don Louis de Campo, a
Spaniard by birth, and naturally timid and irresolute, on perceiving the
armed conspirators at the gates of the citadel, followed by an immense
concourse of people, who threatened to cut him to pieces with the rest
of the garrison, if he did not instantly surrender, thought himself but
too happy to escape so easily, and with so plausable an excuse for the
cowardice of his conduct. He accordingly delivered up the citadel; and
the conspirators having thus surmounted every obstacle, dispatched
Mendoça and the grand huntsman to acquaint the duke of Braganza with
their success; and to assure him on the part of the citizens, that
nothing was now wanting to complete their happiness but the presence of
their sovereign. This presence, however, was not equally desired by all:
the grandees of the kingdom regarded his advancement with secret
jealousy, and those nobles who were not engaged in the conspiracy, kept
a profound silence, which proved their uncertainty of the event of so
extraordinary a business. Some amongst them even ventured to declare
that they were far from assured the duke would approve so bold an
enterprise, which must inevitably be followed by the most dreadful
consequences. The favourers and creatures of the Spaniards were still
more cruelly alarmed; and, not daring to shew themselves to a people,
who, intoxicated with their newly-acquired liberty, would not fail to
insult them, they remained constantly shut up in their apartments,
waiting in the greatest agitation of mind the duke's answer, which would
determine their fate, and teach them what they had to hope or to fear
from the completion of his designs. In the mean time the duke's party,
perfectly well acquainted with his intentions, continued their
operations, and assembled in the palace to issue out orders for
conducting public affairs till the arrival of his majesty.
The archbishop of Lisbon was unanimously declared president of the
council, and lieutenant-general for the king. The prelate at first
declined this honour, objecting that the present situation of the city,
and indeed of the whole kingdom, demanded an able general more than a
man of his sacred character. He, however, at last, on pretence of
yielding to the solicitations of his friends, consented to sign the
orders, provided the archbishop of Braga might act as his colleague in
all affairs and dispatches necessary to be expedited before the arrival
of the king. Thus this artful and prudent churchman flattered himself,
that by pretending to divide the authority with him, the archbishop of
Braga would become his accomplice, consequently criminal in the eyes of
the Spaniards, and more particularly so, if he accepted the post of
governor, which he was decided should be merely a nominal dignity: and
should he refuse it, he would not only lose himself for ever with the
duke, but become odious to all Portugal, and regarded as the declared
enemy of his country.
The archbishop of Braga was perfectly aware of the snare laid for him;
but his attachment to the vice-queen having bound him to the Spanish
interest, he absolutely refused taking the smallest share in the
government. The whole weight of affairs therefore fell on the archbishop
of Lisbon; don Michel d'Almeida, Pierre de Mendoça, and don Antonio
d'Almada were appointed counsellors of state.
The new government began its operations by taking possession of three
large Spanish gallions riding in the port of Lisbon. Several armed
vessels were sent out on this occasion, which were fitted by the younger
part of the inhabitants, who were eager to signalize themselves in so
important an affair; but their zeal had no opportunity of shewing
itself, the gallions being incapable of resistance, the officers and
greater part of the men having been made prisoners on the first breaking
out of the conspiracy.
Couriers were dispatched the same evening into all the provinces, to
engage the people to offer public thanksgivings to Almighty God for the
restoration of their liberty; to proclaim the duke of Braganza king of
Portugal, and to secure the persons of all Spaniards throughout the
whole of the kingdom. Magnificent preparations were made in Lisbon for
the reception of the new monarch, whose arrival was hourly expected; and
the archbishop acquainted the vice-queen that it was necessary she
should quit the palace, which must now be occupied by the king and his
household. An apartment was prepared for her in the royal palace of
Xabregas, at the other extremity of the city, whither she repaired on
receiving the archbishop's message, and passed through the town with an
air of haughtiness, without uttering a single syllable; the scene indeed
was entirely changed, and far from the train of courtiers which usually
waited on her footsteps, she was accompanied by scarcely any domestics.
The archbishop of Braga alone gave proofs of his constant attachment,
which he publicly testified at a moment when his life might probably
have been the forfeit of his zeal for her interest.
The duke of Braganza, in the mean time, was a prey to the most torturing
uncertainty: alternate hopes and fears took possession of his mind. The
impossibility of receiving early intelligence at Villa Vicosa, thirty
leagues from Lisbon, added to his anxiety, which became intolerable, on
reflecting that his fate depended on the event of the present moment.
His first intention, as has been already mentioned, was to cause an
insurrection in all the towns under his dependance, on the very day the
conspirators were to commence their operations at Lisbon; but he
afterwards thought it more prudent to wait for intelligence from that
city, in order to secure a retreat in case of ill success, either in the
kingdom of Algarves, or the town and citadel of Elvas, which properly
belonged to himself; he even believed it possible to persuade the
Spaniards, should the event make it necessary, that he had no share in
the conspiracy; particularly as the interest of that nation would
naturally induce them to wish him innocent.
In this perturbed state of mind, he sent off different couriers on the
road to Lisbon, but though he was in hourly expectation of news, the
whole of the day, and part of the night, passed in the same dreadful
suspence; till at last Mendoça and Mello, who had travelled with all
possible expedition, made their appearance, and respectfully throwing
themselves at his feet, with the most lively expression of joy beaming
forth in their countenances, convinced him more forcibly than by words,
that he might now regard himself as king of Portugal. These noblemen
were beginning an account of all that had happened, but the prince
impatiently interrupting them, led them into the duchess's apartment,
where they saluted her with the same respect as if already seated on the
throne of Portugal, assuring her of the fidelity and attachment of her
new subjects; and as a proof of her being acknowledged sovereign,
addressed her by the title of majesty, which was still more grateful to
her ear, from the kings of Portugal having formerly been only dignified
by that of highness.
It is easy to judge of the transports of this prince and princess, at
being thus relieved from a state of the most cruel anxiety, and so
happily raised to such a pitch of greatness. The castle resounded with
joyful acclamations, and the glorious intelligence was presently
communicated throughout the environs. He was the same day proclaimed
king in all the towns under his dependence; and Alphonso de Mello had
the same ceremony performed in the city of Elvas. Crowds from these
different places flocked to pay homage to their new sovereign; and
these first marks of duty and affection, though hastily and confusedly
given, spoke more feelingly to the heart of the prince, than what he
afterwards received in all the blaze of state and ceremony.
The archbishop regent, impatient for the arrival of the new king,
dispatched courier after courier, to represent the great importance of
his immediate appearance at Lisbon. The last of these couriers met him
on the Monday, on the plain of Montemor, half way from Villa Vicosa,
where this timid prince, to conceal the real cause of his journey,
pretended to be engaged in a hawking party; but no sooner had he opened
the regent's dispatches, than he set off post for Aldea-Galega, ten
leagues from the spot where he then was: and finding, on his arrival, a
boat and two fishermen, he embarked and crossed the Tagus, at that place
three leagues in breadth, to Lisbon.
Mr. d'Ablancourt, envoy from Lewis the XIVth to the court of Portugal,
relates in his memoirs, that the duke of Braganza landed in the court of
the palace, which forms a long square enclosed on three sides by the
Alfandega palace, and different private houses, whilst the fourth is
open to the Tagus, from which it is separated by a terrace guarded by a
wall, that this very spacious square was crowded by people of every
description, who for the last two days had been in constant expectation
of the prince, with their faces continually turned towards Aldea-Galega;
but not one amongst them, adds this author, had the smallest suspicion
that the little fishing-boat which was making towards the shore
contained their king, who passed unnoticed across the square, and was
not made known to the people, till he mounted a kind of scaffolding, on
which was placed the throne, when he was saluted and proclaimed king
with every testimony of joy by the Portugueze.
Magnificent fire-works were displayed that night in the most public
parts of the city, and bonfires blazed, particularly before the
citizens' houses, every one of which was so brilliantly illuminated with
wax lights and flambeaux, that the whole of the city wore the appearance
of a general conflagration. This circumstance caused a Spaniard to
remark, that this prince was indeed fortunate, thus to purchase a fine
kingdom for a bonfire.
A general insurrection throughout Portugal was the immediate consequence
of the one at Lisbon; and the revolution was so quickly completed, that
it appeared as if every town in the kingdom waited for nothing more than
an example from the capital to take up arms in favour of the duke.
Couriers were dispatched daily to that prince, with intelligence of the
Spaniards being driven from the different provinces and towns, all of
which were ready to acknowledge him as their king. The governors of
forts and other strong places displayed as little resolution as the
commander of the citadel at Lisbon, and whether from want of troops,
courage or ammunition, they shamefully surrendered; the greatest part
without a single shot being fired. Every one appeared apprehensive of
sharing the fate of Vasconcellos, and trembled at being exposed to the
fury of an enraged populace. They indeed quitted Portugal with all the
haste and trepidation of criminals escaped from prison; and in less than
a fortnight not a single Spaniard remained in the kingdom.
Don Fernando de la Cueva alone, who was governor of the citadel of St.
Joam, at the mouth of the Tagus, seemed resolutely bent on opposing the
general revolution, and preserving the place committed to his charge for
the king his master. His garrison was composed of Spaniards, who
fighting under the command of brave officers, vigorously resisted the
first attack of the Portugueze. It was then judged necessary to commence
a regular siege, and cannon being sent for from Lisbon, they opened the
trenches, and broke through the counterscarp, notwithstanding the
continual fire and frequent sallies of the besieged; but negociations
being always the safest, and generally the shortest method of
terminating affairs of this nature, the king offered such advantageous
terms to the governor, that he found himself no longer able to resist;
he was, indeed, so dazzled by the tempting promises of a considerable
sum of money, and a commandery in the order of Christ, that he concluded
the treaty, and surrendered the citadel, on pretence of the
insufficiency of his troops to defend it, though the principal officers
of the garrison refused to sign the capitulation.
The king judging it improper to delay his coronation, which would give a
sanction to the regal dignity, and render his person more sacred in the
eyes of his people, fixed the ceremony for the fifteenth of December,
when it took place with all possible magnificence[20]. The duke
d'Aveiro, the marquis de Villa-Real, with his son the duke de Caminha,
the count de Monsam, and all the other grandees of the kingdom were
present. His majesty was received at the gate of the cathedral by the
archbishop of Lisbon, at the head of the clergy, and by several other
bishops; and he was solemnly acknowledged king of Portugal by the
states-general of the nation, all of which immediately took the oath of
allegiance.
In a few days afterwards the queen, attended by a numerous retinue,
arrived at Lisbon. She was met at some distance by the whole court, and
she had already in her train the officers appointed to compose her
household. The king himself went out of Lisbon to receive her; he indeed
wished not only to treat her with all the magnificence due to her new
dignity, but to prove to her by every action, that he thought himself in
a great measure indebted to her for his crown. This princess was endowed
with so much native dignity, and displayed such majesty and sweetness,
that she seemed born to grace the throne she now so happily filled.
Thus terminated an enterprise, which was conducted with a degree of
secrecy that appears almost miraculous, considering the number and
different descriptions of persons to whom it was confided. It was,
however, the natural consequence of the aversion so long, and so
generally felt to the Spanish government; an aversion which took place
on the first establishment of the monarchy, owing to the frequent wars
between these neighbouring nations; which was greatly increased by
commercial disputes, and the rivalship occasioned by the discovery of
America; and which, since the Portugueze became subject to the dominion
of Castille, was changed into the most deadly hatred.
The news of this sudden revolution soon reached the court of Spain. The
prime minister was inexpressibly afflicted, and reduced to despair at
having been thus circumvented in his designs. The king, his master, was
at that moment in so unpleasant a situation, that he needed nothing new
to add to his embarrassments; he had sufficient employment in defending
himself against France and Holland, and the pernicious example set by
the rebellious Catalonians, filled his mind with the most painful
apprehensions.
The king alone, of all his court, remained in ignorance of this
important event, no one daring to speak to him on the subject, from the
fear of incensing the minister, who would not easily have forgiven such
officious zeal. The affair, however, began to be spoken of so publicly,
that all hopes of longer concealment were vain; and the count-duke
fearing some of his enemies might reveal the business in a manner
disadvantageous to his interest, decided on being the first to
communicate it to his majesty; but being perfectly well acquainted with
the character of that prince, he contrived to represent the affair in
so artful a manner, that the king was not at first aware of the extent
of his misfortune: "Sire," said he, addressing him with an assured air
and open countenance, "I come to congratulate you on a fortunate event,
your majesty has just obtained a considerable dutchy, and some very fine
estates." "By what means, count?" replied the king, all astonishment at
this discourse. "The duke of Braganza," resumed the minister, "has madly
suffered himself to be seduced by the populace, who have proclaimed him
king of Portugal; his estates are therefore forfeited, and become the
property of your majesty; who, by the total annihilation of this family,
will in future reign securely and peaceably over that kingdom."
This prince, however, notwithstanding the weakness of his character, was
not sufficiently dazzled by the magnificent prospects laid before him,
to believe it probable such brilliant hopes could be realised without
the greatest difficulty; but having long been accustomed to regard
objects in the same point of view as his minister, he simply answered,
that it would be necessary to suppress, as soon as possible, a
rebellion, which might otherwise be attended by the most dangerous
consequences.
The king of Portugal, in the mean time, was particularly active in
disposing every thing in such a manner, as to secure his newly acquired
throne, and place it on the firmest foundation. Immediately on his
arrival at Lisbon, he appointed governors to all the frontier towns, and
took care to make choice of faithful, brave, and experienced men, who
set off directly for their respective governments, attended by a
sufficient number of the military, and lost no time in fortifying and
putting in the best state of defence the different places committed to
their charge. His majesty also gave out numerous commissions for the
levying of troops, and convened the states-general of the nation
immediately after his coronation. He then caused his claims to the crown
to be strictly examined, that not the smallest doubt might remain in the
breasts of the Portugueze on that subject. A solemn act then took place,
by which he was acknowledged lawful king of Portugal, as descendant, by
the princess, his mother, of the infant Edward, son of the king
Emmanual; thus excluding the king of Spain, who was descended from a
daughter of the said Emmanual; which daughter having espoused a foreign
prince, was, by the fundamental laws of Portugal, rendered incapable of
reigning over that kingdom[21].
His majesty declared in this assembly, that the produce of his own
patrimonial estates being sufficient for the maintenance of his
household, he should reserve all the royal demesnes, or crown lands, for
the use of the kingdom in general; and to prove to the people what they
had to expect from the mildness and justice of his government, he
abolished all the taxes so heavily imposed upon them by the Spaniards.
The principal places and employments of the state were bestowed on those
of the conspirators who had displayed the greatest zeal in his cause.
Pinto, however, had no share in these different promotions, the king
prudently judging, that his authority was not yet sufficiently
established, to enable him to raise one of his domestics, of an ignoble
birth, to a great and important employment; but this did not prevent
his having the greatest ascendance over the mind of his majesty, and
indeed over the whole kingdom; for though he could not boast the title
of minister, or secretary of state, yet such was the intimate confidence
in which he was held by his master, that he performed all the functions
of those two great offices.
Having thus arranged every thing to his satisfaction in the interior of
his kingdom, he applied himself assiduously to form a strict alliance
with all the enemies of the king of Spain; and even, if possible, to
raise himself up new ones. He therefore endeavoured to induce his
brother-in-law, the duke of Medina Sidonia, who was governor of
Andalusia, to make himself independent in that province, or in other
words, to follow his example, and take upon himself the sovereign
authority. The marquis d'Aïamonte, a Spanish nobleman, related to the
queen of Portugal, was employed in this negociation, the success of
which will be made known in the sequel of this work.
The new king of Portugal sent ambassadors to all the courts of Europe,
to engage them to acknowledge his sovereignty. He farmed a league,
offensive and defensive, with the Dutch and Catalonians; ad he was
assured of the protection of France[22]. The king of Spain gave the
greatest proof of his want of power, by never making a forcible attack
on the frontiers of Portugal during the whole course of the campaign,
owing most probably to the rebellion in Catalonia having employed all
his forces; whatever indeed he attempted, was always unsuccessful, and
his troops never gained the smallest advantage. Sometime afterwards,
intelligence was received that Goa, and every other country subjected to
the Portugueze government, whether in India, Africa, or Peru, had
joined in the revolution of the mother country. Thus all things appeared
to combine to ensure the king of Portugal a succession of good fortune,
a peaceable reign at home, and victory abroad; when in the midst of such
seeming happiness, he was on the point of losing his sceptre with his
life, by means of a detestable conspiracy, secretly formed, not only in
Lisbon, but even in the centre of his court.
The archbishop of Braga was, as has been already mentioned, the creature
of Spain. He was one of the ministers of that country in Portugal, and
had no hopes of being reinstated in his employment, unless the Spanish
government should be re-established. He was indeed apprehensive, that
though the new king had hitherto appeared to respect his sacred
character, by forbearing to make him share the prison to which he had
condemned the Spaniards, he would most probably be included in the same
disgrace, when once the king felt himself assured of the solidity of his
government. But what principally induced him to make a serious attempt
in favour of Spain, was his uniform attachment to the vice-queen: he was
in despair at the idea of her being a prisoner in a country, over which
he thought she had a right to reign; and his resentment was raised to a
still higher pitch from not being allowed to see her. Indeed not only
he, but every other person of distinction who was at first permitted to
attend her, had received the same prohibition; it having been
sufficiently proved that the princess had abused the indulgence granted
her by his majesty, and had taken every opportunity of instigating the
Portugueze to rebel against his authority. The archbishop regarded this
conduct as insupportably tyrannical. This princess, in his mind's eye,
seemed to look up to him alone for protection, and to solicit her
liberty from his hands, in return for the favours she had so continually
bestowed upon him; the remembrance of her kindness added fuel to the
flame which consumed him, and made him decide on attempting all and
every thing to prove his gratitude, and revenge her injuries; but it
being scarcely possible either to surprise or bribe the guards who
attended her, he was resolved to strike at once at the root of the evil,
and, by the king's death, liberate the princess and re-establish her
authority.