and fifty Men, took up their Quarters in the Village _Capivaribi_, lying
at a River of the same Name; where all the Inhabitants of _Goyana_ being
fully satisfi’d with the _Hollanders_ Proposals, own’d their Government,
and fell off from the King of _Spain_. But the _Spanish_ Captain
_Rebellino_, animated by the _Jesuits_ in the Village _Mosuick_, got
three hundred Soldiers together, besides a considerable company of
_Brasilians_, Commanded by _Camaron_, and burnt all the Sugar-Canes and
_Brasile_ Wood in _Goyana_; whither _Arcisseusky_ marching, soon put
them to flight, and burnt the Village _Mosuick_, with the Church and
_Jesuits_ Cloyster, from whence the Enemy ran to the strange Mountain
_Miritbi_, 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 Mountain _Pasayra_, in a Wood behind _Girgolio
Barro_’s Sugar-Mills; the mystery whereof we leave to Philosophers to
enquire into. _Arcisseusky_ follow’d _Rebellino_, who had ambuscado’d
himself about half a League from _Mosuick_; from whence he being also
driven, his Men began more and more to desert him, whilest _Schuppe_
with a considerable number of Men came to _Arcisseusky_; Encamping
themselves about _Musarope_, they sent eighty Musquetteers, Commanded by
Lieutenant _Metting_, to an adjacent Wood, where _Rebellino_ Quartering,
Engag’d with _Metting_, till _Schuppe_ coming to his assistance, he fled
to _Nazaretta_. After which the Countrey thereabouts enjoy’d the
happiness of Peace.
[Sidenote: The Castle _Real_ taken by _Arcisseusky_.]
_Arcisseusky_ staying to settle all things in good order in _Parayba_,
took up his Quarters near the Castle _Real_, about a Cannon-shot from
the River _Afogados_, and a League and a half from the _Hollanders_ Fort
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 hundred _Portuguese_
and seven hundred _Brasilians_; 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 to _Tercera_ or _Madera_.” 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 Governor _Andreas Marini_ march’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 about
_Real_, ransom’d their Goods for 5000 _l._ In the Fort the _Hollanders_
found fifteen Brass, and five Iron Guns.
Mean while _Lichthart_ set Sail with six Ships and five little Ketches,
carrying five Companies; with which Landing on _Barra Grande_, he
march’d two Leagues along the Shore to the Church of _St. Bento_, built
on a high Hill, round about which he Encamp’d himself, and fortifi’d the
same with Pallisado’s.
Hither the Inhabitants of _Porto Calvo_ came in great numbers to take
the Oath of Allegiance to the _West-India_ Company.
[Sidenote: _Bagnola_ routed by _Lichthart_.]
_Lichthart_ assisted by Captain _Cornelis Exel_’s Company, march’d
directly to _Porto 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 near _Porto Calvo_, was inform’d by a
_Portuguese_, That the Duke _Bagnola_ possess’d a Church there full of
Port-holes, with two hundred choice Men, besides a Company newly arriv’d
there from _Serinhain_; and that he had a strong Fortification near the
River; nevertheless _Lichthart_ marching towards him, discover’d his
Forces rank’d on a steep Mountain, whither he running with his Men,
forc’d _Bagnola_ to quit the Church, as also those that lay in Ambuscade
near the High-way, whilest eighty _Brasilians_, some _Portugueses_, and
a Company of _Neopolitans_, thought to have fall’n upon the Barques of
the _Hollanders_, but seeing the _States_ Flag upon the Church, and
_Bagnola_ routed, they soon Retreated. This Victory cost the
_Hollanders_ but seven Men, besides eighteen wounded; for which the
_Portuguese_ lost many more.
The Inhabitants of _Camarigibi_, _Antonio_, and about _Porto Calvo_,
accepting of the Articles propos’d in _Parayba_, took the Oath of
Allegiance to the _Hollanders_.
In the interim after _Arcisseusky_ had taken the Fort _Real_, and given
Command thereof to _Verdoes_, he set forth with ten Companies and three
hundred _Brasilians_, to joyn with _Schuppe_, who Besieg’d the Fort
_Nazaretta_ near the Promontory _St. Augustine_; but the Governor
_Albuquerque_ fearing he should be surpris’d, fled from thence with
three hundred Men, and left _Peter Correa de Gamba_, and _Lewis Barbalho
Bizerra_ in his stead. But _Schuppe_ approach’d so near with his
Trenches and Granado’s, that _Correa_ inform’d of _Arcisseusky_’s
coming, surrendred the Castle upon advantageous Articles.
[Sidenote: _Porto Calvo_ surpris’d by _Albuquerque_.]
After this Success _Schuppe_ march’d along the Shore, and _Arcisseusky_
up into the Countrey, both with intention to fall upon the Enemy in
_Serinhain_. _Arcisseusky_ marching along a troublesom Way, came to
_Miguel de Poyaca_ with six Companies, where the Councellor _Schotte_
had fortifi’d a Church; and somewhat farther he met with a brave
_Franciscan_ Cloyster, where he was inform’d, that the Governor
_Albuquerque_ had again surpris’d the Fort _Porto Calvo_; which prov’d
too true; for _Schuppe_ hastening to his assistance through _Serinhain_,
_Una_, and _Barro_, staid at _Furicoso_, a League from _Porto Calvo_,
for _Arcisseusky_, who was coming thither with seven Companies over the
deep and crooked Stream _Serinhain_; and before _Villa Foamosa_, a
pleasant Village, in which stood an old _Jesuits_ Cloyster 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 to _Albuquerque_, who caus’d _Domingo Calabar_ to
be Quarter’d; a Man not inferior for Strength and Activity to that _Milo
Crotoniates_, so famous amongst the ancient _Grecians_: 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 why _Albuquerque_ caus’d him to be put to that death,
was because he had once joyn’d with the _Hollanders_, and done the
_Portuguese_ much hurt. But _Schuppe_ and _Arcisseusky_ marching to
_Porto Calvo_, to Engage with _Albuquerque_, who was eight hundred
_Portuguese_ and a thousand _Brasilians_ strong, found the Place ruin’d,
and about a hundred _Hollanders_ unbury’d, and _Albuquerque_ march’d
away, driving the Inhabitants about _Porto Calvo_ before him, with three
hundred Prisoners: The _Hollanders_ following him, built a Fort at
_Praipuera_, to prevent the _Portuguese_ from returning to _Porto
Calvo_. _Schuppe_ also demanded three Companies more to supply the
places of the sick and slain Men, as also those who were so miserably
plagued by the _Bicios_, that they were not able to go. These _Bicios_
are little Animals, which creeping in at the Pores, cause an
insufferable pain. _Schuppe_’s Request was the sooner granted, because
the Councel at _Reciffa_ judg’d it convenient to pull down the Forts
_Real_ and _Nazaretta_, being already much decay’d and unserviceable,
and that those who were in Garrison in them, should Encamp in the
Fields. _Schuppe_ had long before this time fall’n upon the Enemy in the
_Afogados_, 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 to _Arcisseusky_, who much forwarded the building of
the Fort on _Paripuera_.
[Illustration: OBSIDIO ET EXPUGNATIO PORTUS CALVI]
[Sidenote: A great Fleet of _Spaniards_ appears before _Reciffa_.]
The Year 1635. being almost expir’d, one Morning about Day-break thirty
two Sail were seen to Steer directly towards _Reciffa_; 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 be _Spaniards_, which struck no small
amazement to the Inhabitants of _Reciffa_, most of their Ships being
Cruising abroad before the Coast of _Brasile_ and 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 the _Spanish_
Admiral approach’d within a Cannon-shot of the _Fame_ Ketch, discharg’d
one Gun, and stood off to Sea again, being inform’d that _Real_ and
_Nazaretta_ were taken by the _Hollanders_. On the other side, all the
Places in their possession had notice of this Fleet, which _Lichthart_
follow’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 before _Paripuera_ (where a part of the
_Dutch_ Forces lay under the Command of _Arcisseusky_,) and make
preparation to Land their Men: Whereupon _Lichthart_ Landed also, with
the Councellor _Carpentier_, and joyning with _Arcisseusky_, took up a
valiant Resolution, to Sail close up to the _Spanish_ Fleet with his
eight Ships, whilest _Arcisseusky_ march’d in the Night with six hundred
Men to _Jaragoa_, to prevent the Enemy’s Landing; but having a
_Portuguese_ for his Guide, was led a wrong Way; wherefore returning, he
secur’d the Way to _Paripuera_, whilest the _Portuguese_ Inhabitants,
contrary to their Oath, refused to carry or bring Provisions to the
_Dutch_ Forces, and joyning together combin’d with the _Spanish_ Seamen,
and kill’d all the _Hollanders_ which they could meet either on the
High-ways, or in their Houses, making use of the _Negro_’s to carry the
_Spaniards_ what Intelligence they could give them of the _Hollanders_
Proceedings: Wherefore they thought it the best way to be rid of such
Villains, to destroy them all that dwelt in the Countrey between
_Paripuera_ and _Porto Calvo_, and for the space of ten Leagues burnt
all their Sugar-Canes in the Fields, their Mills and Houses.
_Arcisseusky_ caus’d Edicts to be put upon every Church Door, That all
the Inhabitants should remove from _Porto Calvo_, where the _Dutch_ Army
was to Encamp, to keep them from the _Spanish_ Oppression.
That Summer having been so dry, that no man ever remembred the like, had
dry’d up all the Morasses, so that the _Spaniards_ marching over them
and high Mountains, got a back Way into the Countrey. In the mean time
_John Walbeck_ made a Fort with five Bulwarks on the Island _Curacao_,
near the Haven _Santa Cruz_.
[Sidenote: _Houte-been_ taken by _Dunkirkers_.]
_Houte-been_ also ran with two Ketches, the _Otter_ and _Brack_, to
Anchor before _Curacao_, and from thence to the Haven _St. Jago de
Cuba_, where the Watch made no Alarm, because he carry’d _Burgundy_
Colours, by which also several others, both _Portuguese_ and _Spaniards_
were deceiv’d. Not long after he burnt one Barque with _Tortoises_, sunk
another, and set a third a Drift; after which having refresh’d at
_Jamaica_, he Engag’d with several _Spanish_ Men 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 for _Holland_, he was set upon by seven _Dunkirkers_,
Commanded by _Colaert_, and after long and stout resistance was taken.
Captain _Abraham Roosendael_ setting Sail from the _Texel_, met with a
Frigat carrying forty six Chests full of _Ryals of Eight_, being in
number eighty six thousand, design’d to pay the Forces at _Porto 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.
_Arcisseusky_ fortifi’d himself along the crooked River _Paripuera_,
full of Crocodiles, which hurt none, unless provok’d. This River runs
five Leagues to the Northward of _Punta de Jaragoa_, where the _Spanish_
Forces Landed.
Southward from _Jaragoa_ lie the _Alagoas del Nort_ and _Zul_,
distinguish’d by a high Tract of Land; where the _Spanish_ General
_Lewis Rochas Borgia_ left his Guns and a thousand Men, under the
Command of the Duke _Bagnola_, whilest with three times as many more he
went to _Porto Calvo_ to be there before the time which the _Hollanders_
had in their Edicts set the Inhabitants for their removal.
[Illustration: ALAGOA AD AUSTRUM]
[Sidenote: _Borgia_’s Army defeated by _Arcisseusky_ and himself slain.]
_Arcisseusky_ had by this time built on the North part of the Mouth of
_Paripuera_ a 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. _Arcisseusky_ having not the
least thought that _Borgia_ would come over the Mountains, and through
inaccessible Woods and Morasses, a back Way into _Porto Calvo_, receiv’d
news on the thirteenth of _January_ 1636. by a Renegade _Negro_, that
the _Spanish_ Army, consisting of three thousand Men, were come to
_Rodrigo de Barros_ his Sugar-Mills, about five Leagues from
_Paripuera_, and was suddenly expected to fall upon Colonel _Schuppe_ in
_Porto Calvo_; whereupon _Arcisseusky_ immediately set forth with twelve
hundred Men and two Field-pieces, burnt all the Houses, Sugar-Mills and
Canes he could meet with. Mean while _Borgia_ (upon whose Approach
_Schuppe_ had left _Porto Calvo_) observing by the Smoak in the
Countrey, that _Arcisseusky_ had put his Edicts in Execution, leaving a
considerable Garrison in _Porto Calvo_, went to meet _Arcisseusky_ with
the choicest Men. _Arcisseusky_ being got between _Camarigibi_ and
_Porto 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.
_Arcisseusky_ was much inferior in number to the _Spaniards_, but
considering it was impossible to march back, in regard the Enemy was as
well behind them as before, and that thousands of _Brasilians_ lay
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. _Borgia_ drew out
his Men on a Hill, overgrown with Bushes. _Arcisseusky_ had drawn out
his Men on somewhat a lower Ground. _Borgia_ at last sent some of his
Musquetteers down the Hill, who fir’d with a full Volley upon the
_Dutch_, whilest _Arcisseusky_ onely discharg’d a Field-piece at a Tree,
under which _Borgia_ stood to take a view of the _Hollanders_ Forces;
upon the firing of which Gun _Borgia_ began to come down the Hill with
all his Army, against whom _Arcisseusky_ drew out his first and second
Division, whilest Captain _Vanden Brande_ led 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 of _Borgia_’s
Army, and put his Musquetteers to flight, who were soon follow’d by the
whole _Spanish_ Army, some running into the Woods, others into the
Morasses, but most of them along the narrow Way which leads to _Porto
Calvo_. Among the Slain was _Borgia_ himself, who was Descended from the
greatest Families of the Dukes of _Lerma_ and _Borgia_; he was about
forty eight years of Age, and had serv’d the _Spanish_ King a
considerable time in the _Netherlands_. This Victory cost the
_Hollanders_ about forty Men, besides as many more wounded. Amongst the
_Spanish_ Prisoners was a _Neapolitan_ Gentleman, call’d _Hector de la
Calce_, who upon Examination inform’d the _Hollanders_, That with the
last _Spanish_ Fleet there Landed two thousand four hundred Men in
_Alagoa_, with twenty Brass Field-pieces, abundance of Wheelbarrows,
Spades and Pick-axes, which cost in _Portugal_ eight hundred thousand
_Crusado_’s; with which great warlike Preparations _Borgia_ made no
doubt to have got fast footing in the Countrey, and to have cut off all
manner of Assistance from the _Hollanders_; That the _Spanish_ King
rais’d a great many Men both in _Spain_, _Italy_, and _Germany_, that
with the first opportunity he might fit out a Fleet, which was to be
conducted by four thousand two hundred Seamen, to whom the _Castilians_
were to add eight thousand five hundred Soldiers and two hundred Seamen,
and the _Portuguese_ the like number, to serve ashore, and to drive all
Strangers out of _Brasile_; That this Design had long since been put in
Execution, had not the _Albuquerquers_ continually deceiv’d the King of
_Spain_, under pretence that _Brasile_ was in no danger; That
_Albuquerque_ would be forc’d to resign up the Interest which he had in
_Brasile_, for which the King would give him a Dukedom in _Portugal_ in
exchange.
_Schuppe_ and _Arcisseusky_ judging it no way convenient to fall upon
the Enemy in _Porto Calvo_, Garrison’d _Paripuera_ with four hundred
Men, under the Command of the Captains _Day_ and _Philip 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 of
_Brasilians_ at _Barra Grande_; with whom Landing behind the Isle
_Alexio_, they came to _Serinhain_ before 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 from _John Talibon_,
that the _Spanish_ Army intended to Besiege the Redoubt in _Barra
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 Admiral _Lichthart_, they return’d,
with Intentions to take up their Quarters in _Serinhain_ during the
Winter Season, whilest the Enemy lay in _Cockau_, on one side of _Una_
and _Serinhain_, and kept private Correspondence with some of the
_Portuguese_ that had taken the Oath of Allegiance to the _Hollanders_;
but _Arcisseusky_ fell so fiercely upon them, that they all fled to
_Porto Calvo_, and took three Monks Prisoners, who had been the chief
Authors of this private Correspondence.
Soon after twenty eight Ships arriving at _Reciffa_, brought fresh
Supplies of Men thither from the _Maes_ and _Zealand_, with Ammunition
and Provisions, which was much wanted; also two Councellors, _Henrick
Schild_ and _Paulus Serooskerken_.
This Fleet was scarce got in, when in the Evening news was brought, that
eight hundred _Spaniards_ were broke in through _Poyuca_, and had taken
_John Paez Baretto_’s Sugar-Mill, and destroy’d all they came at; but
that the _Hollanders_ defending the Church with great Valor, obtain’d
Quarter upon the surrendring of it.
[Sidenote: The _Spaniards_ under _Rebellino_ routed by _Stackhower_ and
_Litchthart_.]
This raging Army, led by Colonel _Rebellino_ and _Madurera_, march’d to
_Laurenzo_ and _Massiapi_, whither there resorted daily more Men to
them, which put the Council at _Reciffa_ to a great Dilemma, foreseeing,
that if they should send for _Schuppe_ from _Serinhain_, the Enemy from
_Una_ and _Porto Calvo_ would hem him in, neither had they sufficient
Forces to withstand _Rebellino_; therefore it was judg’d convenient to
send to _Arcisseusky_ to joyn with _Schuppe_’s Army, that they might
both unawares fall upon the Enemy. In the interim a hundred and twenty
_Tapuyans_, sent by _Janduy_, came to _Reciffa_, with information that
_Janduy_ was coming himself, with several other neighboring Kings, to
their Assistance. _Schuppe_, according to the Councels Order, march’d in
the Night through the Sugar-Mills of _Rio Formoso_, rested the next day
in the Valley _Orekinda_, and guarded all the Avenues: Whilest he went
about to Storm the Village _Una_, _Mansveld_ was to Engage with a
hundred _Spaniards_ on one side of _Iletta_’s Sugar-Mills, and
_Arcisseusky_ was to fall upon the Village; whither marching early in
the Morning, they saw onely a few of the Inhabitants, the Enemy being
gone with his Forces over to _Manbucava_, nor could they pass any
farther, finding the River too deep to wade through: But it had like to
have gone worse with _Stackhower_ and _Litchthart_, who with _Maulpas_
making twelve hundred Men, were surpris’d by _Rebellino_, rushing forth
of an Ambuscade near _Laurenzo_, where _Maulpas_ receiving a Wound dy’d
of the same. This rough Entertainment at first much daunted the
_Hollanders_; but regaining their Courage, they press’d upon the
_Spanish_ Army in such a manner, that _Rebellino_ being wounded in his
Shoulder, fled in great disorder through the Sugar-Fields to _Porto
Calvo_, and of fifteen hundred Men sav’d not above four hundred, the
rest being either kill’d, or scatter’d up and down the Countrey; twelve
taken _Hollanders_ were also released by this means. The _Portuguese_
Design on _Paripuera_ also succeeded not much better.
[Sidenote: _Cameron_ put to flight by _Arcisseusky_.]
_Arcisseusky_ receiving Letters of Advice from the Councellor
_Serooskerken_, that _Camaron_ lay Encamp’d with fifteen hundred Men
about the Fortress _Capavaribi_ in _Goyana_, and that the Besieged could
not hold out above four days longer, and that the Enemy had also taken
two Barques full of Provisions and Ammunition, sent thither to relieve
the Besieged, march’d with excessive toyl through uncouth and intricate
Ways, which were rendred unpassable by the great Rains that had lately
fall’n, and came about an hour after Sun-set to _Capavaribi_; from
whence _Camaron_ being fled two hours before, had left Ammunition in
three Carriages, secur’d from small Shot by thick Planks, which were
drawn close under the Walls; also a _Burgundian_ Flag, two Field-pieces,
and two Barques which he had taken with Provisions. The Enemy fled to
_Tapiserica_, and from thence to _Terra Nova_. Whilest _Arcisseusky_
view’d the Works, and his Men stood in good order, great numbers of
_Brasilians_ Sally’d out of the Redoubt, took the Provisions which
_Camaron_ had left, spread themselves up in the Countrey, robb’d the
_Portuguese_ Houses, and kill’d the People. As soon as _Arcisseusky_ had
put all things in good order, he left the _Brasilians_ in _Goyana_ under
the Command of the Councellor _Eyssens_, and pursu’d the fled Enemy,
notwithstanding there fell great Showers of Rain, rested a little in the
deserted Village _Tapiserica_, formerly inhabited by three thousand
People, who possess’d several fair Structures, brave Walks, a large
_Jesuits_ Cloyster, and a Church. The sweet Water and pleasant Pastures
invited the _Hollanders_ to stay here a Night. The next Morning marching
forward to _Terra Firma_, they saw a strong Fortification newly rais’d,
but without People, and heard the Enemy’s Sentinels fire; whereupon
_Arcisseusky_ appointing part of the Army to follow at a distance,
march’d before with the rest, and being fir’d upon from an Ambuscade by
_Camaron_’s Party, he order’d Captain _Talibon_ to press in upon the
Ambuscade; but because it was perform’d in great disorder, he fell in
himself on the right-hand of the Enemy, whilest _Lichthart_’s second
Division stood still; which so affrighted the Enemy, that without making
the least resistance he fled into the Woods, leaving many dead behind
him. The next day Captain _Bohart_’s Party tracking the flying Enemy,
fell in amongst them, and gave them a total Rout.
_Arcisseusky_ resolv’d to stay some time in _Terra Firma_ to wait for
_Camaron_, but he not appearing, he laid waste the Countrey thereabouts.