quotes) values the Booty carry’d away by the _Hollanders_ from _Garasu_,
at 9000 l. _Sterl._ besides the damage which the Place suffer’d, being
almost ruin’d. He relates farther, That the City call’d _Villa de Santo
Cosmo de Garasu_ lay five Leagues to the Northward from _Olinda_; and
that in it were three Churches, _viz._ _Cosmus_, _Misericordia_, and
_Heremitage de Santa Crux_; as also two Cloysters, _viz._ _Invocation de
Antonio_, inhabited by _Capuchins_, and another dedicated to
_Franciscus_, inhabited by Persons of his Order; That the chief Church
_Cosmus_, built like a flat-roof’d House, had a fair Entrance, before
which stood two Turrets, and in them hung Bells; That the _Franciscan_
Cloyster was inclos’d within a great Wall in the middle of a pleasant
Garden, and had on each side a Tower; That most of the People who kept
the Feast of _St. Philip_ and _St. Jacob_, were at _Mass_ when the
_Hollanders_ came thither, and though they saw the Soldiers out of their
Windows, judg’d them to be _Portugueses_, who (as it was reported) had a
Design upon _Tamarica_.
The Governor of _Reciffa_ marching with his Booty from _Garusa_, set
several Houses on fire, and march’d towards the Fort _Orange_, on the
Island _Tamarica_. _Albuquerque_ inform’d thereof, dispatch’d a
_Spanish_ Regiment, Commanded by Colonel _Ferdinand Ludovico Barbalho_,
and _Paulo de Perado_, with a considerable Body of Volunteers; but they
all came too late: Whereupon the _Portugueses_, being thus kept in
continual Alarms ashore, and sustaining every day more and more Losses
at Sea, began to desire Peace, and the rather, because they could not
hear of any Fleet coming from _Spain_ to their assistance; and hearing a
Report, that the _West-India_ Company were making great Preparations. To
which purpose _Peter Alvares_ (acquainted with the _Dutch_ Commanders,
as having been their Prisoner) was sent by _Duarte de Albuquerque_ (to
whom the Lordship of _Pernambuco_ properly belong’d) and by his Brother
(being General of all the Forces in _Brasile_) to _Reciffa_, to Treat
about the deciding of the Differences between them and the _Netherland
West-India_ Company: But the Council in _Reciffa_ weighing the many
Disadvantages that would ensue, if they should upon easie Terms patch up
a Peace with the _Portugueses_, return’d _Alvares_ this Answer: “That
the _West-India_ Company was resolv’d, to the utmost of their power, to
keep all those Places which they had taken by force of Arms; but that if
he could move _Albuquerque_ to deliver up the Countrey to them, he
should be bountifully rewarded.”
After this the _Hollanders_ Landing at _Barra Grande_, took great
quantities of Wine and Tobacco, and burnt two Villages; as also the
Sugar-Cane Fields, and Sugar-Mills on _Catuwanha_, also one at _Barra
Grande_, and three at _Porto Francisco_.
At the same time the _Hollanders_ also scatter’d Letters amongst the
_Portuguese_, signifying their trouble for the great effusion of Blood
in those Parts, which was occasion’d by their own stubborn and
unreasonable Proceedings; likewise intimating the great Preparations
that were making on their own part, and on the other side the great
unlikelihood, and indeed impossibility, as things then stood, of
receiving farther Succors from _Spain_.
[Sidenote: The _Hollanders_ Counsels betray’d to the _Portuguese_ by
_Leonard van Lom_.]
These things being powerfully urg’d, had perhaps taken greater effect
with the _Portugueses_, had not the secret Counsels of the
_Netherlanders_ been betray’d by _Leonard van Lom_, Overseer of the
Prizes, and Translater of the _Portuguese_ Letters, who confess’d that
he was perswaded to that villanous Action in _Amsterdam_ by a
_Portuguese_ Merchant, call’d _Duarte Rodrigues Delves_, with whom he
had made some Agreement; and for the better confirmation had receiv’d
the _Sacrament_ upon it of an _Amsterdam_ Priest: His Agreement was,
“That he should go to _Reciffa_, enquire after all Concerns, and give
speedy advice thereof to _Rocque de Barros_; which he did by a
_Mulatto_, who carry’d Letters between them.”
This Villain the Council judging worthy of Death, first caus’d his two
fore-Fingers to be cut off, next his Head, and afterwards his Body to be
divided into four Quarters. The _Mulatto_ was likewise Beheaded.
About this time the Treasurer _Ceulen_ viewing the Isle _Mayo_, found
the same to be surrounded with steep Rocks, abounding with Horses,
Asses, Partridges and Goats, besides two Salt-pans. The Inhabitants,
which go Arm’d with Half-pikes and rusty Hangers, are said to be a sort
of out-law’d _Portugueses_, to the number of thirty, amongst whom was
one Woman. They had a Governor, call’d _Amaro_, to whom they gave yearly
eight thousand Goat-skins.
_Ceulen_ Sailing from hence Steer’d by the Island _Del Fogo_, known by a
great Mountain, whose high top vomits Fire. Not far from which he took
the Ship _St. Peter_ laden with Wine, with which he return’d safe to
_Reciffa_, where a while after _Gysselling_ arriv’d also, and was no
sooner Landed, but four Ships, two Sloops, six Cock-boats, a Barque and
a Hoy, set Sail under the Conduct of _John Mast_ with four or five
Companies of choice Musquetteers, Commanded by Colonel _Schuppe_, who
Landed behind the stonie Bank of the River _Alexio_, surpris’d some
_Portuguese_ and _Negro_’s in their Houses, and march’d in the Night so
fast, that by Day-break they were got to the Shore of the River
_Formosa_, where they took two rich laden Fly-boats and a Carvel; and
afterwards Landing in the Road _Camarigibi_, they took fifty
_Portuguese_ in a Village, as also a Store-house full of Chests with
Sugar and Tobacco, burnt all the Buildings thereabouts, and amongst
others a brave Sugar-Mill: Captain _Byma_ burnt also an eminent
Sugar-Mill near the Brook _Maria Farinha_. _Martin Thyszoon_ lay a long
time under the _Line_; but at last getting to the Isle _Vacca_ he gave
each Captain his Orders, and divided the Fleet, which joyn’d again
before _Havana_, pass’d through the Straights _Bahama_ (where he met
with great Storms, and many other Inconveniences) to _Holland_. But
_Galeyn van Stapels_, who parted with a Frigat from _Thyszoons_ Fleet
near _Bonaire_, Steer’d by the Promontory _Cotoche_ to _Sisal_; which
Village having plunder’d, he set it on fire, fetch’d a Barque in the
Night from the Road of _Campeche_ (whose City is seen at a great
distance off at Sea, by the white Cloyster _Francisco_) and so set Sail
for _Zealand_. _Houte-been_ arriv’d also about the middle of _June_ with
a rich Booty in the _Texel_.
[Sidenote: _Schuppe_ and _Lichthart_ take the Fort _Formosa_.]
Not long after _Houte-been_ weighing Anchor with the _Otter_ Frigat,
return’d to _Reciffa_, and in his Way thither took a Ship laden with
Wine. Colonel _Schuppe_ immediately upon his arrival had a Command given
him of five hundred Men, and _John Lichthart_ of three Sail of Ships, a
Pinnace and five Sloops; with which they set Sail to the River
_Formosa_. _Schuppe_ Landing his Men there, march’d up to the Fort
_Formosa_, fortifi’d with Moats, steep high Walls, and four Guns,
Storm’d and took the same, killing all those that were in the Garrison,
except the Governor _Peter Albuquerque_: In which Victory nevertheless
the _Hollanders_ lost the valiant Captain _Philbert du Basson_, who
being shot in at the Throat with a Bullet, which came out behind the
Ear, dy’d of the same, the Wound immediately festering, to which all
Wounds are very subject in _Brasile_. The _Hollanders_ also burnt four
laden Barques, a Store-house full of Sugar, and pull’d down the Fort
they had taken.
Setting Sail again, they Landed to the Northward of the River _Antonio
Grande_, where they gain’d a Platform with five Guns, destroy’d six
Ships, and took two more in the Haven _Camarigibi_; from whence they
return’d to _Reciffa_, after having spoil’d and taken thirteen of the
_Portuguese_ Ships, several Sugar-Mills, Store-houses, and a Castle.
The _Swol_ Frigat came also in a shatter’d condition to _Reciffa_,
having been Engag’d with a _Spanish_ Gallion carrying twenty eight great
Guns, and full of Men, which nevertheless she would have master’d, had
not an unfortunate Shot spoil’d all her Rigging.
About the same time the Captains _Byma_, _Everwyn_, and _Rinking_, set
Sail with their Companies in three Ships to _Porto Francisco_, where
Landing, they burnt three Sugar-Mills, besides several other brave
Buildings, and brought away a rich Carvel, whilest _Laurence van
Rembach_ was made Colonel in _Waerdenberg_’s place, and _Sigismond
Schuppe_ Lieutenant-Colonel.
The Proffers which the _Tapuyan_ Agent made to the _Hollanders_ had been
very advantageous, had not the Summer Season been too far spent: for he
had promis’d, That if they would Land a considerable Party of Men two
Leagues Southward from the River _Grande_, all the _Tapuyans_ should
joyn with them, and assist them in driving the _Portuguese_ out of
_Brasile_.
After this _Schuppe_ and _Lichthart_ went with thirteen Companies of
Soldiers, and two hundred Seamen, to fall upon the Enemy’s Camp at the
_Afogados_, where _Albuquerque_ had rais’d several Works, partly for the
securing of _Verga_, the best Spot of Land in all _Pernambuco_, where
there are likewise more Sugar-Mills than in the whole Countrey, and
partly to keep an open Way between _Arryal_ and the Promontory _St.
Augustine_: To which purpose they march’d by the Fort _Æmilia_ along the
plain Countrey, to the Stream _Capivaribi_, which they had cross’d
before the _Portuguese_ knew any thing of their approach, who being but
a hundred and thirty, forsook their Works and ran into the Woods; but
assisted with four Companies of _Italians_, they Sally’d out of _Real_
and fell with great eagerness on the Seamen, who being guarded by forty
Musquetteers were raising of Works in the Road which leads to _Real_,
and put them to flight; but being rally’d, and seconded by Colonel
_Redburgh_, they drove the Enemy into a By-way, guarded by _Byma_ and
_Bongarson_; where being stopt, and Captain _Cloppenburgh_ from another
side falling in amongst them with his Musquetteers, they became
encompass’d, and had been all slain, had not _Le Grande_, by making way
for _Cloppenburgh_, given them an opportunity of getting away between
them.
The Council at _Reciffa_, to secure the footing which they had got on
the other side of the River _Capavaribi_, took order about the building
of a Fort, which requir’d the greater Labor, because the Earth was very
stonie: not far from whence Captain _John Smith_ walking, was shot by a
Party of _Portuguese_ lying behind some Chests of Sugar; the Blow
whereof giving notice to his Ensign, he speedily march’d thither, and
surprising the _Portuguese_, kill’d most part of them. The like success
had _Le Grande_, _Cloppenburgh_, and _Bongarson_, who marching out upon
a Design, surpris’d unawares in _John de Mendoza_’s Sugar-Mill, two
Companies of _Portuguese_, who having watch’d there the whole Night, and
composing themselves in the Morning to sleep, were set upon, and most of
them kill’d, and the old Commander _Antonio Ortizo de Mendoza_ taken,
who not long before came thither with a Regiment of _Portugueses_; the
Sugar-Mill was also set on fire.
These successful Expeditions still adding to the _Hollanders_ fresh
Courage, they follow’d the career of their Successes, and placing three
Companies in the Works of the _Afogados_, drew their Army into three
Divisions; Colonel _Rembach_ was to Command the Forlorn; _Schuppe_, the
main Body; and _Byma_, the Reserve; in which Order they waded through
the River _Capivaribi_, placing some Musquetteers in a House built near
the High-way, to secure their Return that way, and came without any
resistance to the _Arryal_; where they found a long Street, with Shops
on each side full of all sorts of Goods, which they pillag’d,
notwithstanding the Enemy fir’d furiously from the Castle upon them, and
wounded Colonel _Rembach_ and Captain _Redburgh_. To the Northward
before the Castle lay a Redoubt with two Guns, which _Schuppe_
mastering, kill’d all that were in the same; but being too weak to carry
away the Guns, he nail’d up the Touch-holes, and march’d off with his
Men, but in such disorder, that the _Portuguese_ Sallying out of their
Garrison, fell in amongst them in that manner, that they were not able
to bring away their wounded Men, amongst whom was Captain _Redburgh_;
and it had been worse, had not _Rembach_ (who though he was shot in at
the Shoulder, under the Blade-bone whereof lay the Bullet) kept them off
till such time as the _Hollanders_ were got over the River _Capivaribi_,
near the fore-mention’d House, guarded by a Company of Musquetteers, who
kill’d above fifty of the _Portugueses_, besides fifty that had been
slain in the former Skirmishes; the _Hollanders_ themselves also had
lost a hundred and thirty Men: yet notwithstanding they ceased not, but
march’d in Parties through all parts of _Verga_, where they met with no
opposition, but found the Sugar-Mills full of Sugar, left to be kept by
a few _Negro_’s. _Rembach_ also sent a Drummer to _Real_, to demand the
Wounded, especially Colonel _Redburgh_, with a Letter from the Prisoner
_Antonio Mendoza_, requesting the Governor _Albuquerque_ and Duke of
_Bagnola_, that they would be pleas’d to release the _Hollanders_ on
Exchange, or else upon Ransom. The Drummer being civilly Entertain’d by
_Albuquerque_, brought back with him a strange Oyl call’d _Aury_, for
the wounded _Mendoza_; with which a Wound made by a Bullet being
anointed about three fingers breadth, it draws out the same. _Bagnola_
afterwards sent it to _Rembach_, in requital for his kindness in sending
_Mendoza_ in a Hammock to _Real_. Mean while the _Hollanders_ still
fortifi’d their Works at the _Afogados_ with Pallisado’s and Platforms,
on which they put five Guns. They likewise work’d daily on the
fore-mention’d Castle, whilest _Schuppe_ march’d with four hundred Men
in the Night over the River _Jangada_ to _Moribeca_; which approaching,
he perceiv’d the Way stopt up with fell’d Trees; wherefore he march’d
about to the Village, which he found forsaken by the Inhabitants, and
all the Houses left empty, onely five hundred Chests of Sugar that had
been brought thither from _Verga_ which _Schuppe_ Commanded to be set on
fire with the Village, leaving onely the Church, and at his Return burnt
also a Sugar-Mill.
[Sidenote: Articles between the _West-India_ Company and the King of
_Spain_.]
The Governor _Albuquerque_ having formerly never spar’d any _Hollanders_
which fell into his hands, began now to be better advis’d; and it was
also Agreed upon between the King of _Spain_ and _States_ of the _United
Netherlands_, That they should burn no Church, unless the one, or the
other Party made resistance in the same; That the Victor should be
oblig’d, upon request of Quarter, to spare his Enemies, and release the
Prisoners for an indifferent sum of Money; That both Parties should
forbear to use chew’d or poyson’d Bullets.
_Schuppe_ being chosen Chief over the _Militia_ in _Rembach_’s Place
(who dy’d of his Wound,) lay not long still, but setting Sail with
eleven Ships to the Isle _Tamarica_, Landed seven Companies before the
Castle _Nostra Sennora de Conception_; which, though well provided and
fortifi’d, the Governor _Pignioro_ surrendred, on Condition that he
might depart with all his Men and the Church Ornaments.
_Matthias Van Ceulen_ and _Schuppe_ Rowing up the Stream _Goiana_ with
Sloops and Boats, put to flight _Laurence Cavalcanti_, burnt divers
Sugar-Mills, and took abundance of rich Merchandize: Ten days they made
havock in the middle of their Enemies Countreys without any resistance;
for all of them fled to the _Aldas_, (so they call the _Brasilian_
Villages): At last they return’d home with great Booty, especially of
Sugar and _Brasile_ Wood; whilest those at _Reciffa_ were not idle,
doing the _Portuguese_ great mischief by their continual Sallies,
_Tourlong_ burning a Fishers Village, and _Bongarson_ a stately
Banquetting-house belonging to _Cavalcant_ near _Arryal_; as also _Pedro
Acunha de Andada_’s Sugar-Mill, from whence he took great Booty.
[Sidenote: The _Portuguese_ begin to fall off to the _Hollanders_.]
[Sidenote: _Jacob Huigen_ slain.]
About the same time the _Portuguese_ of several Parts, terrifi’d by
continual Alarms and Losses, began to incline to the _West-India_
Company, believing that they should utterly be ruin’d, if they continu’d
to joyn with _Albuquerque_’s Party (who claim’d _Pernambuco_ wholly to
himself) and therefore car’d not whether he or the _Hollanders_ were
Masters, so they might live peaceably. Mean while the _Hollanders_
march’d from the _Afogados_ to _Arryal_: _Schuppe_ marching before with
two hundred and fifty Seamen, was follow’d by the Lieutenant-Colonel _De
Vries_, and he by a Company of _Negro_’s that carry’d Provisions; next
_Byma_ march’d with the Reserve. The Treasurer _John Gyseling_ also
accompanied the Army, which Encamp’d near _Francisco Brito Machado_’s
Wind-Mill, and Garrison’d the half-finish’d Fort near the Sugar-Mill
belonging to _Marcus Andre_, whilest three Companies Commanded by
Captain _De Vries_ march’d to _Monteroos-Mills_ to take the same; but
the _Portuguese_ lying in an Ambuscade had given them a shrewd Rebuke,
had not _Schuppe_, hearing the Guns, sent away the Captains _Picard_ and
_Garstman_, who coming out from amongst the Sugar-Canes, put the Enemy
to flight; yet the _Portuguese_ to increase daily, insomuch that they
got above two thousand Men together at _Arryal_, whilest the _Dutch_
Army began to want Provisions, wherefore _Jacob Huigen_ was order’d to
fetch a Supply from _Reciffa_; but as he was coming up the River with
the _Exeter_ Ketch, and a Boat hung about with Hides to secure his Men
from the Bullets, and being within Musquet-shot from the Works where
Captain _Schuppe_ lay, the Enemy’s whole Power shot so vehemently upon
him from the top of a Hill, that both the Ketch and Boat were sunk;
_Huigen_ himself receiv’d two mortal Wounds, and most of his Men were
kill’d, a few wounded onely escaping with Life. _Schuppe_ therefore was
forc’d to return for want of Provisions, and the rather, because he was
inform’d that _Bagnola_ was coming with a Supply of seven hundred Men.
Mean while the two Captains, _Smient_ and _Dunkirken_ perform’d a
valiant Exploit, _viz._ they went with a few Men in a Boat, and took a
great _Portuguese_ Vessel richly laden, having no more than four
Blunderbusses and their Swords in the Boat with them.
[Sidenote: A notable Victory of _Byma_ over _Francisco Almeda_.]
_Byma_ also fell upon the Village _Moriwere_, where he found most of the
People at Church. _Albuquerque_ inform’d thereof, sent two hundred Men
immediately, Commanded by _Francisco Almeda_, to intercept him in his
Return; but he marching on to _Tamarica_, 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 beyond _Garasu_, near _Peter Rocha_’s
Sugar-Mill; where after a sharp Encounter between them, a great
slaughter was made amongst the _Spaniards_, _Almeda_ and many other
Persons being slain, and the rest put to flight. _Byma_ having obtain’d
this Victory, march’d to _Garusa_ and burnt the same, sparing onely the
Churches and Cloysters, according to the Articles made between
_Albuquerque_ and _Rembach_.
_Schuppe_ prevented from crossing the River _Jangada_ by the many muddy
Creek, return’d back to _Reciffa_ with great Booty, which he had taken
out of a Store-house. The _Dutch_ Cruisers also brought in many Prizes.
[Sidenote: _Van Hoorn_’s Exploits.]
The Exploits perform’d by _John 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 City _Truxillo_, and from thence
Sailing towards the City _Campeche_, and Storming the same valiantly,
soon became Master of it; the Booty of which two Places being brought
aboard, increas’d considerably the _West-India_ Companies Stock.
In regard _Albuquerque_ understood the Situation of _Pernambuco_ better
than the _Hollanders_, and had all the Natives to assist him, and by
consequence was the better able to defend himself against their
continual Alarms, the Council at _Reciffa_ therefore judg’d it
convenient to make a farther Voyage to the South, that the _Portuguese_,
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 of _October_, under the Command of _John
Gyseling_, _Schuppe_, and _Servaes Carpentier_, who first ran into the
River _Porto de Piedras_, where they took a considerable number of
Chests of Sugar, out of Mills, Barques, and Store-houses, waded through
the little Scream _Tatona Mansa_, burnt a Village of the same
Denomination, and Sail’d to the River _Camarigibi_, which they Rowing up
in the Night, were got not above four Leagues by Day-break, the contrary
Tide, and the Plants call’d _Mangues_ having hindred them from getting
farther; but being inform’d by certain _Portuguese_ Prisoners, that
abundance of Sugar lay in _Porto 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 towards _Alagoa del Noort_, _St. Miguel_, and _Alagoa del Zur_.
Not far from which _Schuppe_ falling upon the Village _Sennora de
Conception_, burnt the same, as also a Ship upon the Stocks, the Houses
at the Mouth of the Stream _Alagoa_, and the Tackling belonging to the
two Ships, and carry’d away with them a very great Booty.
_Tourlon_ also march’d with four Companies from _Tamarica_ to
_Mangianguape_, where the Garrison from _Garasu_; and some _Jesuits_
lay, to disswade the People from submitting themselves to the
_West-India_ Company, to which they were much inclin’d. But _Tourlon_
march’d not so privately, but that the Enemy had notice thereof, and
fled; wherefore he finding _Mangianguape_ empty, offer’d the same to the
Flames, as also several Sugar-Mills, but spar’d the Lives of all those
who begg’d Quarter.
[Sidenote: _Byma_’s bold Attempt.]
_Byma_ about the same time with a hundred and forty Musquetteers,
besides two Companies of Seamen, leaving the _Afogados_ in the Night,
march’d to _Amaro_ by 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 the _Portuguese_ to 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.
_Byma_ being 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 the
_Portuguese_, that they fled without offering the least resistance.
_Byma_ thereupon proceeded on his Way to the _Afogados_, leaving behind
him above seventy slain, and divers wounded.
[Sidenote: Prizes taken by _Smient_ and _Lichthart_.]
During these Exploits on Shore, the Commander _Smient_ Cruis’d with six
Sail before _Paraiba_; two Ships belonging to his Fleet steering towards
the Haven of _Formosa_, discover’d five Carvels, a Pink carrying twenty
six, and a great Fly-boat eighteen Guns, both _Dunkirkers_; one of the
Carvels ran aground, and was stav’d to pieces, two of them got into _Rio
Grande_, and the other two were taken.
About the same time _Lichthart_ with two Sloops pass’d into the River
_Conayou_, set upon seven Barques of the _Portuguese_, 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.