other Conspirators: he advis'd them to be ready for the Execution of
their Plot upon the first notice given them; that mean while he would
have them pretend they had some private Quarrel, and engage their
Friends to assist them, for many, he observ'd, were not fit to be
entrusted with so important a Secret, and others could not in cold Blood
behold the Dangers they must go thro, and yet both be very serviceable
when Matters were ripe, and only their Swords wanted.
[Sidenote: _Dec. 1. 1640._]
Finding every body firm in their Resolutions, and impatient to revenge
themselves upon the _Spaniards_, he conferr'd with _Almeida_, _Mendoza_,
_Almada_, and _Mello_, who fix'd upon Saturday, the first of _December_,
for the great, the important Day: Notice was immediately given to the
Duke of _Braganza_, that he might cause himself to be proclaim'd King
the same day in the Province of _Alentejo_, most part of which belong'd
to him. After which they agreed upon meeting once more before the time.
On the Twenty-fifth of _November_, according to their Agreement, they
met at _Braganza-House_, where mustering their Forces, they found that
they could depend upon about One Hundred and Fifty Gentlemen, (most of
them Heads of Families) with their Servants and Tenants, and about Two
Hundred substantial Citizens, who could bring with them a considerable
Number of inferior Workmen.
_Vasconcellos_'s Death was unanimously resolv'd on, as a just Victim,
and which would be grateful to the People. Some urg'd, that the
Archbishop of _Braga_ deserv'd the same Fate, especially considering the
Strength of his Genius, and the Greatness of his Courage; for it was not
to be suppos'd that he would be an idle Looker-on, but would probably be
more dangerous than the Secretary himself could be, by raising all the
_Spaniards_ who were in _Lisbon_, with their Creatures; and that whilst
they were busy in making themselves Masters of the Palace, he, at the
head of his People, might fling himself into the Citadel, or come to the
assistance of the Vice-Queen, to whose Service he was entirely devoted;
and that at such a time as this, Pity was unseasonable, and Mercy
dangerous.
These Considerations made the greatest part of the Assembly consent to
the Prelate's Death; and he had shar'd _Vasconcellos_'s Fate, had not[D]
Don _Miguel d'Almeida_ interpos'd. He represented to the Conspirators,
that the Death of a Man of the Prelate's Character and Station, would
make them odious to the People; that it would infallibly draw the Hatred
of the Clergy, and of the Inquisition in particular, (a People who at
this Juncture were to be dreaded) upon the Duke of _Braganza_, to whom
they would not only give the Names of Tyrant and Usurper, but whom they
would also excommunicate; that the Prince himself would be sorely
griev'd to have the Day stain'd with so cruel an Action; that he himself
would engage to watch him so closely on that Day, that he should not
have an Opportunity of doing any thing which might be prejudicial to the
common Cause. In short, he urg'd so many things in his behalf, that the
Prelate's Life was granted, the Assembly not being able to deny any
thing to so worthy an Advocate.
Nothing now remain'd but to regulate the Order of the March and Attack,
which was agreed upon in this manner: They should divide into four
Companies, which should enter the Palace by four different Ways; so that
all the Avenues to it being stopt, the _Spaniards_ might have no
Communication with, or be able to assist one another: That Don _Miguel
d'Almeida_, with his, should fall on the _German_ Guard, at the Entrance
of the Palace: That _Mello_ Lord _Ranger_, his Brother, and Don _Estevan
d'Acugna_, should attack the Guard, which was always set at a Place
call'd the _Fort_: That the Lord-Chamberlain _Emanuel Saa_, _Teillo de
Menezes_, and _Pinto_, should enter _Vasconcellos_'s Apartment, whom
they must immediately dispatch: That Don _Antonio d'Almada_, _Mendoza_,
Don _Carlos Norogna_, and _Antonio Salsaigni_, should seize the
Vice-Queen, and the _Spaniards_ which were with her, to serve for
Hostages, in case of need. Mean while, some of the Gentlemen, with a few
of the most reputable Citizens, should proclaim Don _John_, Duke of
_Braganza_, King of _Portugal_ throughout the City; and that the People
being rais'd by their Acclamations, they should make use of them to
assist, wherever they found any Opposition. After this they resolv'd to
meet on the first of _December_ in the morning, some at _Almeida_'s,
some at _Almada_'s, and the rest at _Mendoza_'s House, where every Man
should be furnish'd with necessary Arms.
While these things were transacting at _Lisbon_, and that the Duke's
Friends were using all their Endeavours for his Re-establishment, he
receiv'd an Express from _Olivarez_, (who grew very jealous of his
Conduct) with positive Orders to come immediately to _Madrid_; and that
he might have nothing to colour his Delay, he remitted him a Bill upon
the Royal Treasury for Ten Thousand Ducats.
The Commands laid upon him were so plain and positive, that the Duke
could not put off his Journey without justly encreasing his Suspicion.
He plainly foresaw, that if he did not obey those Orders, the Court of
_Madrid_ would take some such Measures as might prove fatal to him, and
wholly destroy their Projection; he would not therefore refuse to obey,
but made part of his Houshold immediately set out, and take the _Madrid_
Road. In the presence of the Courier he gave several Orders relating to
the Conduct of those he left his Deputy-Governours, and in all respects
behav'd himself like a Man who was going a long Journey. He dispatch'd a
Gentleman to the Vice-Queen, to give her notice of his Departure, and
wrote to _Olivarez_, that he would be at _Madrid_ in eight Days time at
farthest; and that he might engage the Courier to report all these
things, he made him a considerable Present, under pretence of rewarding
him for his expeditious Haste, in bringing him Letters from the King,
and his first Ministers. At the same time he let the Conspirators know
what new Orders he had receiv'd from Court, that they might see the
Danger of deferring the Execution of their Design; but they were scarce
in a Capacity of assisting him, an Accident having happen'd, which had
almost broken all their Measures.
There was at _Lisbon_ a Nobleman, who on all Occasions had shewn an
immortal Hatred to the _Spanish_ Government; he never call'd them any
thing but Tyrants and Usurpers, and would openly rail at their unjust
Proceedings, but nothing anger'd him more than the Expedition of
_Catalonia_: _d'Almada_ having taken care to fall often into his
Company, thought there was not a truer-hearted _Portuguese_ in the whole
Kingdom, and that no one would more strenuously labour for their
Liberty. But oh Heaven! how great was his Surprize! when having taken
him aside, and discover'd the whole Conspiracy to him, this base, this
cowardly Wretch, whose whole Courage was plac'd in his Tongue, refus'd
to have any hand in the Business, or to engage himself with the
Conspirators, pretending that their Plot had no solid Foundation: Bold
and adventrous where no Danger was, but fearful and daunted as soon as
it appear'd. "Have you, _said he to_ Almada, Forces enough to undertake
so great a thing? Where is your Army to oppose the Troops of _Spain_,
who upon the first News of the Revolt will enter the Kingdom? What
Grandees have you at your head? Can they furnish you with Money
sufficient to defray the Expence of a Civil War? I fear, _continued he_,
that instead of revenging yourselves on the _Spaniards_, and freeing
_Portugal_ from Slavery, you will utterly ruin it, by giving the
_Spaniards_ a specious Pretence for doing what they have been so long
endeavouring at."
_D'Almada_, who expected nothing less than such an Answer, and being
very much troubled at his having entrusted the Secret to a Man, who in
all probability would betray it, without replying drew his Sword, and
coming up to the other, his Eyes sparkling with Rage; "Base Wretch,
_said he_, by thy deceitful Words thou hast drawn a Secret from me, with
which thou must take my Life, or by the Loss of thine atone for thy
Treachery." The other, who had always thought it safest to avoid the
nearest Danger, at the sight of _d'Almada_'s naked Sword, promis'd to do
any thing. He offer'd to sign the Conspiracy, and found weighty Reasons
to destroy his former Objections; he swore that he would bury the Secret
in his Heart, and endeavour'd all he could to persuade _Almada_, that
it was neither want of Courage, or Hatred to the _Spaniards_, which had
at first made him averse to what he had propos'd.
Notwithstanding his Oaths and Promises, _d'Almada_ could not be
thoroughly satisfy'd of this Man's Fidelity; he took care, without
losing sight of him, to let the others know what had happen'd. A general
Consternation immediately spread itself amongst them, and they fear'd,
that the Prospect of the Danger which he must share, or the Hope of a
Reward, would make this Wretch betray them. Upon this they resolv'd to
defer the Execution of their Project, and forc'd _Pinto_ to write to his
Master, to put off his being proclaim'd in his Country, till he should
hear further from them. But _Pinto_, who knew how dangerous it was to
defer such a thing, tho but for a Day, at the same time sent him another
Letter, in which he desir'd him to take no notice of his first, seeing
that it was only the Effect of a panick Fear, which had seiz'd the
Conspirators, and which would be over long before the Express arriv'd.
Nor was this crafty Man at all deceiv'd; for the next Day finding every
thing still and quiet, and the Person who caus'd the Alarm making fresh
Promises of Secrecy, they concluded that either he had arm'd his Mind
with a generous Resolution of assisting them, or was afraid of
impeaching so many Persons of Quality; and therefore they determin'd to
proceed to Execution on the appointed Day. But another Adventure
happen'd, which disquieted 'em as much as the former.
There were always in the Palace several of the Conspirators, walking up
and down like Courtiers out of Place, whose Business it was to observe
what was done within; but on the Evening of the last of _November_, they
came in a Fright to their Companions, to tell them that _Vasconcellos_
(by whose Death they were to begin the mighty Work) was just gone on
board a Yacht, and had cross'd the _Tagus_. Who but Conspirators would
have taken notice of so indifferent a thing? For a thousand Reasons, in
which they were not concern'd, might have made him go on the other side
of the Water; but they immediately concluded, that this artful
Statesman, who had always his Spies abroad, had discover'd their Plot,
and was about to bring into _Lisbon_ those Soldiers which were quarter'd
in the Villages on the other side of the River. Death, in its most
ghastly Shape, appear'd to them, and they fancy'd that they already felt
the cruellest Torments which could be inflicted. Some were resolving to
fly into _Africa_, others into _England_; and all of them spent the
first part of the Night in the greatest Disquiet imaginable, between the
Hopes of Life and Fear of Death. But about the middle of the Night their
Apprehensions vanish'd; for some who had been sauntring about the Port,
to endeavour to discover the Secretary's Design, came and brought them
the welcome News, that _Vasconcellos_ had been only diverting himself
upon the Water, and that he was return'd, with the Musick playing before
him. A sudden Joy succeeded to their Grief, and about an hour after,
being inform'd that every thing was quiet in the Palace, and every body
bury'd in a profound Sleep, they return'd home to enjoy a little Rest;
that they might be fitter for the Morning's Work.
It was very late, or rather very early, when they parted, and within
some few hours of their appointed time, and yet an Accident happen'd
within those few hours, which had almost betray'd them; so dangerous and
uncertain are Enterprizes of this nature, whilst there are Men, whom
Hopes of Gain, or Fear of Punishment, can work upon to betray their
Fellows. Don _George Mello_, Brother to the Lord _Ranger_, lodg'd at a
Relation's House, in the furthest Suburbs of _Lisbon_. This Gentleman
thought, that now the time was come in which the Conspiracy would break
out, and there was no necessity of hiding it any longer from this
Relation, whom he had reason to believe was his Friend, as also one that
might be serviceable to them, and who otherwise would for ever reproach
him with having distrusted him as one not true to the Interest of his
Country. Wherefore as soon as he came home, he went into his Chamber,
and there reveal'd the Secret, desiring him to join in the Enterprize
with so many Persons of Quality, and to behave himself as a _Portuguese_
ought to do upon such an occasion. The other, surpriz'd at the
Strangeness of this News, affected a seeming Joy for the approaching
Liberty of his Country, thank'd _Mello_ for the Confidence he repos'd in
him, and assur'd him, that he accounted himself happy in having an
opportunity of exposing his Life in so just and glorious a Cause.
Upon this _Mello_ retir'd to his Chamber, to lay himself down to sleep,
but scarce was he got thither, when he began seriously to reflect upon
what he had been doing, and could not but think himself guilty of a very
inconsiderate Action, in putting the Lives of so many Persons of Quality
in the power of one, of whose Principles he was not overwell assur'd;
then began he to fancy, that he had observ'd something of Fear in the
Countenance of the Person, at the time when he was advising him to share
the Danger of the Undertaking.
Full of these Reflections, he could not lay him down to rest, but was
walking in great Disorder about his Chamber, when he thought he
over-heard a kind of whispering Noise. Opening his Window softly, to see
if any body was in the Street, he could perceive a Servant holding his
Relation's Horse, and himself ready to mount. Enrag'd at this, he
snatch'd his Sword, and hastening down stairs, seiz'd his Kinsman, and
ask'd him whither he was going at this unseasonable time. The other
would have forg'd an Excuse, and was hammering out a Lye, but _Mello_
holding his Point to his Breast, threaten'd to kill him, if he did not
immediately go in again; then order'd he the Keys of the House to be
brought him, and having fasten'd all the Doors himself, he retir'd with
his Kinsman, nor would he lose sight of him till it was time to go to
the Rendevouz, to which he carried him.
But now the Morning dawn'd, that was to decide whether the Duke of
_Braganza_ should be the King and Deliverer of his Country, or be
accounted a Rebel and Traitor.
Betimes in the Morning the Conspirators met at the appointed Places,
where they were to be furnish'd with Arms. They all appear'd with so
much Resolution and Courage, that they rather seem'd marching to a
certain Victory, than to an uncertain Enterprize. But what is very much
to be admir'd at, is, that amongst such a Number of Nobility, Gentry,
Citizens, nay Priests, not one should falsify his Word, or break his
Promise, tho their Interests in the Event were very different; but they
all seem'd as impatient for the important Moment, as if each there had
been the Contriver of the Scheme, or at the Head of the Enterprize; or
rather, as if the Crown was to have been the Reward of each individual
Man's Labour. Several Ladies also made themselves famous on that Day.
But the noble Behaviour of Donna _Philippa de Villenes_ ought never to
be forgotten, who with her own hands arm'd both her Sons; and giving
them their Swords, "Go, my Children, _said she_, put an end to a
Tyrant's Power, revenge yourselves on your Enemies, free your Country,
and be assur'd, that if Success does not crown your Undertaking, your
Mother never will live to see the cruel Fate of so many brave and
deserving Patriots."
Every one being arm'd, they made the best of their way towards the
Palace, most of them in Litters, that they might conceal their Number
and their Arms. There they divided into four Companies, and waited with
impatience till the Palace-Clock struck Eight; that, and the firing of a
Pistol, being the appointed Signal. Never did time seem so long; they
fear'd that their being at that Place so early, and in such a Number,
might make the Secretary jealous of their Design: but at last the
long-expected Hour struck, and _Pinto_ firing a Pistol, they rush'd
forward to execute their bold Design.
Don _Miguel d'Almeida_, with those that accompany'd him, fell upon the
_German_ Guard, who were so far from expecting any Attack, that they
were sitting very carelessly, few of them having their Arms in hand; so
that they were cut to pieces, without scarce making any resistance.
The Lord _Ranger_, with his Brother _Mello_, and Don _Estevan d'Acugna_,
fell on the _Spaniards_ who kept Guard at a Place before the Palace,
call'd the _Fort_. These Nobles, followed by most of the Citizens who
were engag'd in the Conspiracy, fell upon the _Castilians_ Sword in
hand, and fought most resolutely; but no one behav'd himself more
bravely than one of the City Priests: this Reverend Man, with a Crucifix
in one hand, and a Sword in the other, appear'd at the head of his
Party, and encourag'd the People, both by his Words and his Example, to
cut their Enemies in pieces. The _Spaniards_, aw'd at the sight of so
religious an Object, neither durst offend him, nor defend themselves,
but fled before him. In short, after some small Resistance, the Officer
of the Guard, willing to save his own Life, was forc'd to cry out with
the rest, _Long live the Duke of_ Braganza, _King of_ Portugal!
_Pinto_ having forced his way into the Palace, march'd at the head of
those, who were to enter _Vasconcellos_'s Apartment, so undauntedly, and
with so little concern, that meeting with an Acquaintance, who,
surpriz'd and frighted, ask'd him, whither he was going with such a
Number of arm'd Men, and what they design'd to do; "Nothing, _said he
smiling_, but change our Master, rid you of a Tyrant, and give
_Portugal_ their rightful King."
Entring the Secretary's Apartment, the first Person they met with was
the[E] _Civil Corregidor_; who, thinking that the Noise he heard
proceeded from some private Quarrel, would have interpos'd his
Authority, but hearing a Cry of _Long live the Duke of_ Braganza, _&c._
thought he was in honour oblig'd to cry out _Long live the King of_
Spain _and_ Portugal: but he lost his Life for his ill-tim'd Loyalty,
one of the Conspirators immediately shooting him thro the Head.
_Antonio Correa_, first Clerk of the Secretary's Office, ran out to know
the Occasion of this Tumult. This was the Man who was employ'd in
oppressing the People, and who, after the Example of his Master, treated
the Nobility of the Kingdom with Scorn and Contempt; therefore as soon
as he appear'd, Don _Antonio de Menezes_ plung'd his Sword into his
Bosom. But the Blow not ending either his Life or Pride, and thinking
that they had mistaken him, he turn'd towards _Menezes_, his Eyes
sparkling with Rage and Indignation, and, in a passionate manner, cry'd
out, _Villain! darest thou strike me?_ But _Menezes_, without answering,
redoubled his Blows; and the other, having receiv'd four or five Stabs,
fell down: However, none of the Wounds prov'd mortal, and he escap'd at
that time, to lose his Life afterwards in an ignominious manner, by the
hands of the common Hangman.
This Business had stop'd the Conspirators, but as soon as _Correa_ fell,
they all rush'd forwards towards _Vasconcellos_'s Apartment. There was
with him, at that time, Don _Garcez Palleia_, a Captain of Foot; who
seeing so many arm'd Men, immediately concluded, that their Design was
to butcher the Secretary. And altho' he was under no manner of
Obligation to that Minister, yet he thought himself in honour oblig'd to
lend him what Assistance he could; wherefore standing at the Door, with
his Sword in hand, he barr'd that Passage: but one of the Conspirators
running him thro' the Arm, and several, who were unwilling to give him
fair play, pressing forward, he was glad to make his Escape, by leaping
out of a Window.
Upon this all the Company, that was with _Pinto_, enter'd the Chamber at
once, and sought _Vasconcellos_; they overturn'd the Bed and Tables,
broke open the Trunks, and every one was desirous of giving him the
first Blow; yet, spite of their Endeavour, they could not find him, and
they began to fear that he had made his Escape: but at last an old
Maid-Servant being threaten'd with Death, unless she would tell where
her Master was; and seeing the uplifted Swords, pointed to a Press which
was made within the Wall, and in which they found the Secretary bury'd
under a heap of Papers.
So great was his fear of Death, which he saw surrounding him on every
side, that it prevented his Speech. Don _Roderigo de Saa_, Lord
Chamberlain, was the Man who kill'd him, by shooting him through the
Head with a Pistol; after which several of the Conspirators stabb'd him,
then threw him out of the Window, crying, _Liberty! Liberty! The Tyrant
is dead! Long live Don_ John _King of_ Portugal!
The Noise which all this had made, had drawn a vast number of People to
the Palace-Court, who seeing the Secretary's Body thrown out, shouted in
a most joyful manner; then rushing upon the Carcase, they mangled it,
every one being eager to give him a Stab, thinking that, thro his sides,
they wounded Tyranny.
Thus perish'd _Miguel Vasconcellos_, a _Portuguese_ by Birth, but by
Inclination a _Spaniard_, and an Enemy to his Country. He had an
excellent Genius for Business, was crafty, politick, nor could any Man
apply himself closer to it than he did. He was always inventing new
ways of extorting Money from the People, was unmerciful, inexorable, and
cruel, without the least regard to Friend or Relation; so fix'd, that
after he had taken a Resolution, no one could byass his Temper; and so
harden'd, that he never knew what the Stings of Conscience were. He had
a Soul that was not capable of relishing any pleasure, but that of
hoarding up Money; so that he left vast Sums behind him, part of which
the People plunder'd, being willing to repay themselves, in some
measure, that which had been extorted from them.
_Pinto_, without loss of time, march'd directly to join the other
Conspirators, who were to make themselves Masters of the Palace, and to
seize the Vice-Queen; he found that the Business was already done, and
that Success had every where crown'd their Undertakings. Those who were
appointed for that Expedition, came directly up to her Chamber, and the
furious Mob, who follow'd them, threatning to set her Apartment on fire,
if the Door was not immediately open'd; the Vice-Queen thinking by her
Presence to pacify the Nobility, and awe the People, came out, attended
by her Maids of Honour, and the Archbishop of _Braga_; and addressing
herself to the chief Conspirators, "I own, Gentlemen, _said she_, that
the Secretary justly deserv'd your Hatred and Indignation; his Cruelty
and his haughty Insolence were intolerable, nor can his Death be charg'd
upon you as a Crime, since you have only deliver'd yourselves from an
oppressing Minister: But cannot his Blood satisfy you? Or what other
Victim would you sacrifice to your Resentment? Think seriously, that
altho' his illegal Conduct may excuse this Insurrection, yet should you
any longer continue in Arms, Rebellion will be laid at your doors, and
you will put it out of my power to make your Peace with the King."
Don _Antonio de Menezes_ answer'd, and assur'd her, "That so many
Persons of Quality had not taken up Arms to murder a Wretch, who ought
to have lost his Life by the hands of the common Hangman; but that their
Design was to restore the Crown to the Duke of _Braganza_, to whom it
lawfully belong'd, and which the King of _Spain_ had unjustly usurp'd;
and that they were all ready to sacrifice their Lives in so glorious a
Cause." She was about to reply, and to interpose the King's Authority;
but _d'Almeida_, who fear'd that such a Speech might have a dangerous
effect upon the People, or at least cool their Courages, interrupted
her, saying, "That _Portugal_ acknowledg'd no other King but the Duke of
_Braganza_." Upon which the People shouted again, crying, _Long live
Don_ John, _King of_ Portugal!