CHAPTER VI.

_BRAZIL; ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FRENCH IN SOUTH AMERICA._

1657-1696.

[Sidenote: 1657.]

On the termination of the war which liberated _Pernambuco_, Barreto, who it will be remembered shared with Fernandes and Vidal the command of the Portuguese troops, was rewarded with the post of Governor-General of _Brazil_; and upon him fell the task of raising the proportion of the annual sum which, according to the treaty, was to be paid to the Dutch. The amount which was to be levied on _Brazil_ for this purpose was 120,000 _cruzados_[4] yearly, for sixteen years, being nearly half of the whole contribution. For this purpose Barreto convoked the Senators, who replied that they would propose the matter to the Chamber, which body readily consented to the assessment. Of the amount to be raised, the province of _Bahia_ took more than one-half upon itself.

[Sidenote: 1660.]

About this time _Rio de Janeiro_, together with the provinces to the south of that city, was separated, as was _Maranham_, from the general government, and was confided to Salvador Correa, who had recovered _Angola_ from the Dutch. He was member of the distinguished family through whose means the French had been expelled from the city which is now the capital of _Brazil_. Correa was, from family associations, attached to the Jesuits, and thus became an object of dislike to the inhabitants of _Santos_ and of _St. Paulo_, from which communities the Jesuit Fathers were expelled. Having exerted himself successfully in re-establishing them, his conduct was so strongly resented by the _Paulistas_ that, when he had set out on an expedition in search of mines, an insurrection was raised during his absence.

Correa received whilst at _Santos_ the news of the arbitrary proceedings of his enemies; whereupon he issued a proclamation, containing offers of pardon on the one hand, and threats of punishment on the other. He then proceeded to _St. Paulo_, where in a short time he so won the good-will of the people that he had soon sufficient force at his command to enable him to regain his government.

[Sidenote: 1665.]

After a term of office of six years, Barreto was succeeded by the Count of Obedos, in whose time the Carmelites of S^{ta.} Teresa came to establish themselves in _Brazil_, where, in the province of _Bahia_, they ere long erected one of the most sumptuous convents in the possession of their order. The term of office of the same Governor was likewise noted for the occurrence of a dreadful outbreak of small-pox along the coast, from _Pernambuco_ to _Rio de Janeiro_, which gave occasion for the display of the most heroic devotion on the part of the members of the Church of Rome, amongst whom are especially mentioned the Brethren of the _Misericordia_. So dire was the mortality that there were not sufficient hands left for agriculture; and thus the pestilence was followed by famine.

It has been mentioned that Vidal, formerly the colleague of Joam Fernandes, had been promoted from the government of _Maranham_ to that of _Pernambuco_; in which post, however, he had the disadvantage of not being independent, being under the orders of the Governor-General at _Bahia_. His straightforward, impartial conduct procured him many enemies, who were not unsuccessful in prejudicing the mind of Barreto against him. He was thus placed under arrest, but was subsequently permitted to retain his government until its expiry. The inhabitants of _Pernambuco_, however, had no reason to congratulate themselves upon the governor who was sent to replace him, and whose grasping disposition made him so intolerable that he was at length seized by stratagem and sent prisoner to Lisbon, where, on his arrival, he was condemned to perpetual imprisonment in a fortress in India.

[Sidenote: 1668.]

[Sidenote: 1673.]

The struggle with Spain was now terminated by a treaty which recognised the independence of Portugal; but _Brazil_, though having nothing to fear from external enemies, was troubled with foes from within its own borders, who attacked the interior settlements of _Bahia_ and the islands. Whole families were cut off before succour could reach them; whilst many slaves were killed at their field-work. As a remedy, guards of troops were assigned to the outlying colonists; but, whilst the soldiers were often transfixed by arrows coming from invisible enemies, they for years never once had an opportunity of returning the injury. Such settlers as did not take refuge in the islands were compelled to convert their settlements into small forts. At length the death at the hands of the savages of Manoel Barbosa, who was in command of the garrison at _Cayru_, induced the governor of _Bahia_ to complete the conquest of the country in the interior, a task which was confided to a body of _Paulistas_ under Joam Amaro.

This war having been pronounced just and lawful, all prisoners taken in its course became slaves. The expedition under Amaro is said to have been composed of such a body of experienced man-hunters as, happily, no other locality in the world could supply, many of his men being trained Indians. They proceeded westward to the _San Francisco_ river, turning then to the northward. The prisoners captured were sent to the capital in such numbers that their price fell to twenty _cruzados_ each;[5] but the greater number were so short-lived that they were considered dear even at that price. Amaro did his work thoroughly, exploring the country in all parts, and so clearing it of savages that they were not again heard of for many years. He was rewarded with the lordship of a town which he founded, and which took his name.

It was at this time that the fertile province of _Piauhi_ first became known. Its discovery was due to the possessor of a grazing estate to the north of the _San Francisco_, called after Domingos Affonso. As the interior of _Pernambuco_ is subject to droughts, this settler sent out his people to explore more desirable grazing regions inland. In _Piauhi_ he found a territory abounding in the richest pasture, and not subject to a like visitation. Whilst exploring the interior, Affonso met with a party of _Paulistas_, who engaged with him in completing the conquest of the country, which was of so inviting a nature that it was soon covered with settlers.

[Sidenote: 16676.]

The growing importance of _Brazil_ was now shown by the elevation of _Bahia_ to the rank of a Metropolitan See, which should comprise the three bishoprics of _Pernambuco_, _Rio de Janeiro_, and _Maranham_. A Franciscan convent was, in the following year, established at _Bahia_, a movement which did not fail to elicit the disapprobation of the thinking portion of the community; since it is evident that in a new country of such immense extent any institution calculated to diminish the spread of the ruling race was opposed to the first principles of political economy. An establishment of Italian Capuchin monks at _Bahia_ likewise dates from this period.

[Sidenote: 1682.]

The city of _Bahia_ was in the year 1682 thrown into a violent state of commotion by the assassination of Francisco Telles de Menezes, the _Alcaide Mar_, who had used his position in so tyrannical a manner as to incur general odium. The assassin, Brito de Castro, who had to avenge an attempt upon his own life, took refuge in the Jesuits’ College. The governor, enraged at what had occurred, ordered the Secretary of State, Bernardo de Vieyra, brother to the celebrated missionary, to be thrown into prison. In vain his venerable relative pleaded for his release. The Jesuits’ College was, by the governor’s orders, surrounded by a _cordon_ of soldiers; and so intolerable was the state of things that one of the chief inhabitants of _Bahia_ was deputed to proceed to Portugal to make representations to the Crown, the result of which was that the _Marquez_ Das Minas was sent out to supersede the aged governor. The Secretary of State was declared innocent, and his brother, who was now between seventy and eighty years of age, was appointed Visitor of the province.

[Sidenote: 1686.]

Bahia was in this year visited by a fearful pestilence, of so virulent a nature that of two hundred persons attacked in one day only two recovered. It is remarked that the ravages of this disease were exclusively amongst the Portuguese, the natives escaping unharmed. It gave an opportunity for the display of much benevolence, one opulent widow, _Donna_ Francisca de Saude, opening her house as a hospital when the _Misericordia_ could no longer contain the sick, and providing for the patients at her own expense. All medicine having proved unavailing, recourse was had to the mediation of a saint, and to _Francis Xavier_ is ascribed the staying of the plague.

To turn to the north:--The Jesuits had indeed been once more admitted to _Maranham_, but merely to the performance of their spiritual functions. The slave-party and the clergy who sided with them had influence enough to cause the Jesuits to be deprived of temporal authority over the Indians, whilst their spiritual management was to be divided amongst the different orders. Vieyra was expressly prohibited from residing in the province. Slave-hunting again ran riot, and was even carried on under the auspices of the governor, under the disguise of missionary expeditions. The _Paulistas_ being at this time unable to pursue their attacks on the “Reductions” in _Paraguay_, in consequence of the latter being in a state of defence, turned their attention to the north, obliging the tribes upon the _Tocantins_ to apply to _Belem_ for protection. The officer sent for this purpose received from the _Paulista_ leader a reply stating that, if any one should oppose him in his plans, he would meet with armed resistance, upon which the officer thought it better to return to _Belem_.

The proportions to which the slave-trade became developed, and the utter disregard which was paid to the restrictions on the subject, did not escape notice at Lisbon; and in the year 1680 some new edicts were promulgated on the subject. By one of these, governors were prohibited from engaging in trade, and from raising produce; nor were their servants to be permitted to do so. Another decree abolished Indian slavery, which experience had proved could not be modified or restricted by regulations, and the cruelties connected with which were so notorious. It was enacted that any person thenceforward transgressing this law should be sent home by the first vessel, thrown into prison, and proceeded against. The superintendence of the _Aldeas_, or Indian communities, should be again transferred to the Jesuits.

These laws, it is needless to say, were most unpopular. It was represented that the term of labour of the free Indians in the _Aldeas_, which was to be restricted to two months at a time, was so short as to be useless; and the Chamber of _Belem_ sent a procurator to Lisbon to solicit an amendment of this law in particular, and to do his best to procure the repeal of the others. The Portuguese Ministry had granted to some merchants of Lisbon the exclusive privilege of trading with _Maranham_ and _Pará_ for a term of twenty years--a measure which was strongly resented by the inhabitants of _Belem_. Amongst the stipulations to which the contractors were bound was one requiring them to import five hundred negroes yearly; but during the first year no negroes were imported. Great discontent resulted both at _Belem_ and at _Maranham_.

[Sidenote: 1684.]

The Portuguese in _Brazil_, although they preferred to depute their labour to slaves, showed themselves eager to engage in the pursuits of trade--the governors of provinces, and even many of the clergy, embarking in such operations. It naturally followed that there was a great outcry against the monopoly which had been issued, all parties being interested in fanning the flame. The malcontents found a leader and exponent of their wrongs in one Manoel Beckman, a native of Lisbon, but of foreign extraction. The cry was against the monopoly and against the Jesuits, whose restoration had coincided with it in point of time. Beckman, inviting some kindred spirits to his _Engenho_, pointed out to them that, if they would obtain their rights, they must act in defiance of the Governor. A conspiracy was formed, of which Beckman was appointed chief, and he was aided by a friar who preached in the cathedral against the monopoly. The conspirators soon numbered sixty, and the people were summoned to a secret meeting within the premises of the Franciscan convent at _S. Luiz_. They were harangued by Beckman, who pointed out that two things were necessary for the good of the State--namely, the abolition of the monopoly and the expulsion of the Jesuits, and he added, that if those present would consult their own safety, not to mention their interests, they would carry out those measures forthwith.

One of the leading conspirators drew his sword and convinced his audience that their only safety was to proceed in their enterprise. The assembly accordingly hastened to the town, where some murders and other outrages were naturally committed, the authorities being unable to stem the torrent of violence. The _Capitam Mor_ was told to consider himself a prisoner in his house; whilst the soldiers submitted themselves to the orders of Beckman, who thereupon convoked a _junta_ of the three estates, namely, clergy, nobles, and people. Resolutions were passed deposing the Governor and the _Capitam Mor_, abolishing the monopoly, and expelling the Jesuits. The Chamber ratified the resolutions which had been taken. The late authorities having been confined, Beckman now notified to the Jesuits their banishment from the State, and that until means for transporting them were provided they must remain prisoners in their college. The multitude, under their self-constituted leader, next proceeded to the cathedral, where _Te Deum_ was performed in honour of their exploits.

Three persons were appointed to administer the government, pending a reference to Lisbon. The next step was to despatch agents to _Belem_, to invite the people of that place to join the insurrectionary movement; but the only person who could be induced to accept this service was a friar. He was received at _Belem_ in a manner which fully justified the reluctance of his colleagues to accompany him. The Chamber carried his papers to the governor, offering their service to inflict chastisement upon the rebels. Francisco de Sa was at a loss how to act, not knowing how far he might depend upon his own people, and yet feeling it incumbent upon him to take some measures for suppressing the insurrection. Meanwhile, the Chamber of _Belem_ sent a reply to the insurrectionary leaders, exhorting them to submission. Beckman, however, showed no inclination to recede from the position he had taken; and Palm Sunday was distinguished by the expulsion of the Jesuits from their college; each of them, bearing the emblem of the festival, embarked under a guard in two vessels. One of the two reached _Pernambuco_; the other fell into the hands of pirates.

Antonio de Albuquerque, who was the bearer of the reply from _Belem_, was refused permission to address himself to the people. It is to be remarked that this insurrection at _St. Luiz_ was kept to a certain extent within bounds; two vessels belonging to the monopolist company arrived at this time with goods and negroes, the sale of which was conducted on behalf of the Company by its agents. The governor now thought fit to offer a full pardon to all persons concerned in the insurrection, together with a large gratuity to Beckman; the latter, however, rejected the offer, whilst professing his readiness to submit to the orders of his sovereign when they should arrive; and the Governor’s agents returned to _Belem_ to report the fruitless result of their errand.

Beckman, however, was by no means in an enviable position. He was compelled by the wish of the people to send his brother to Lisbon as their representative; and as those who had flocked to his help gradually broke away from him to attend to their own affairs, he saw himself without the means of supporting his usurped authority. In fact he only maintained his position in virtue of the weakness of Francisco de Sa. Beckman had grievances of his own to complain of against the local authority, which, perhaps, originally urged him to make himself the mouthpiece of the legitimate public outcry against the monopoly. He may also have been stimulated by the impunity which had attended the proceedings of the people of _Maranham_, on the occasion of the expulsion of the Jesuits. It is rash, however, for any one heading a revolt against constituted authorities to found himself upon precedent. In this instance, the insurgent leader soon went beyond the limits which had been reached in the preceding case. Indeed he commenced by imprisoning the _Capitam Mor_ and deposing the Governor. He may likewise not have foreseen that as the previous insurrection had been allowed to pass with impunity to its leaders and had been followed by another, the court of Lisbon would consider it the more necessary to be severe on this occasion.

The leader of the revolt took a singular course with the object of making his position more secure. This was to ally himself with Joam de Lima, a well-born Portuguese, who commanded a piratical squadron. This buccaneer now received the offer, on the part of the insurgents, of the port of _Maranham_ as a harbour of refuge from which he and they might defy the Portuguese authority.

Meanwhile the news of the insurrection had been received with concern at Lisbon. In the case of the former outbreak, the Portuguese Government had perceived how difficult it would be for them to re-establish royal authority in so distant and extensive a province as _Maranham_ by force of arms, and had therefore had recourse to policy. They likewise feared lest the French from _Cayenne_ should renew their attempts at making a settlement on the _Amazons_ and revive their claims on _Maranham_. It was of the utmost importance that a suitable man should be found for the purpose of suppressing the insurrection in _Maranham_, and the royal choice fell upon Gomes Freyre, an officer whose qualities eminently fitted him for the task before him.

[Sidenote: 1685.]

After having encountered not a few difficulties in the way of making preparation for a successful discharge of his mission, Gomes Freyre set out on his voyage, the King accompanying him on board ship to take leave, and, on the 15th of May, he arrived on the coast of _Brazil_. Thomas Beckman, who had been sent to Portugal, was sent back to _Maranham_ a prisoner. The new Governor was received with due submission on the part of the Senate and the people. Beckman, indeed, endeavoured to induce the people to oppose his landing; but the measures of Freyre were so decided that there was no time to carry his evil intentions into effect. Having taken possession of the government without opposition, he issued a proclamation granting pardon to all persons, excepting such as had instigated, or had taken a leading part in, the rebellion. Beckman took refuge on his estate sixty leagues distant, whilst his brother was lodged in prison. The reward offered for the former tempted a young man to effect his capture, and he was treacherously apprehended.

By the capture of the ringleader the revolt was at an end; but it was with the utmost reluctance that the Governor could bring himself to condemn him to the penalty which he had incurred. His reluctance was no doubt increased owing to the circumstances of Beckman’s base betrayal by a youth whom he had befriended; and it was only upon an attempt being discovered to escape from prison that Gomes Freyre yielded to the representations which were made to him that it was his duty to the public to sign his death-warrant. In doing so, together with that of another ringleader, he at the same time took upon himself the charge of providing for his two unmarried daughters. Beckman’s brother received the milder punishment of banishment for ten years; whilst the friar who had incited the people to insurrection was sentenced to be imprisoned in his convent.

The first measure of Gomes Freyre, after seizing the ringleaders of the rebellion, had been to restore all such persons as had been deprived of their offices. He likewise temporarily re-established the monopoly, whilst he recalled the exiled Jesuits. Having convened the Chambers of _Belem_ and _St. Luiz_, and received their representations upon the state of the country, he came to the conclusion that the monopoly must be abolished. In his reports to Portugal he found great fault with the conduct of a portion of the clergy who had betaken themselves to trade, and were foremost in inciting discontent. The condition of the people he represented as deplorable; and he advocated, on the plea of necessity, the introduction of negroes for agricultural labour. The Indians he desired to be domesticated as far as might be possible, in order that they might afford to their countrymen an example of submission. But at the same time he pointed out that the same principle which authorized the Portuguese to purchase negroes in Africa was applicable to the savage _Tapuyas_, who granted no quarter in war.

In order to relieve the distress at _St. Luiz_, he took from its population the materials for a new settlement between the rivers _Itacú_ and _Mony_. The two streams in question approach each other so nearly at one point in the interior that it was thought that two forts might suffice for the protection of the delta thus formed against the Indians. In furtherance of this plan, an expedition was despatched against the savages of the _Meary_, who had destroyed the _engenhos_ formerly existing in this district. The Governor, having accordingly erected a fort upon the _Meary_, saw the importance of establishing communication overland with _Bahia_; and an enterprising Portuguese, named Joam do Valle, boldly undertook to proceed thither by land. He succeeded in the attempt; but the fatigues which he had undergone proved fatal to his life.

Gomes Freyre found it necessary to despatch another expedition, under Sousa, against the savages of the _Amazons_. After a severe campaign, which lasted over six months, this officer effected the object entrusted to him. The lower valley of the great river was pacified; a number of dangerous chiefs, together with more than a thousand Indians, had fallen; whilst half of that number were brought back in chains.

[Sidenote: 1687.]

At this period the position of the French in the north of _Brazil_ became a subject of disquietude to the authorities at _Pará_. Although, in virtue of the line of demarcation by Pope Alexander VI., Portugal claimed the entire Brazilian coast, from the _Plata_ in the south to the _Oyapok_ in the north, the maritime powers declined to admit her title. As early as the year 1608, the country between the _Amazons_ and the _Orinoco_ had been taken possession of by Robert Harcourt in the name of James I. for England, and that King had made him a grant of the territory lying between the former river and the _Essequibo_, which falls into the sea about the centre of what is now British _Guayana_. The scheme, however, was frustrated, as were all attempts on the part of adventurers of different nations to establish themselves about the _Cabo do Norte_ and up the _Amazons_. It was during one of the expeditions of Raleigh that the harbour of _Cayenne_ had first been noticed, and it subsequently attracted the attention of Harcourt. Some French adventurers settled at this locality about the year 1631. They had no commission from the Crown nor from any company; and, being left to their own resources, such of them as survived the hostilities between the native tribes in which they took part, gradually became mixed with the savages.

A few, however, had escaped to France; and it was on their representations that an expedition was sent out under Charles Poncet, who was appointed Lieutenant-General of the country of the _Cabo do Norte_, a district which was not too minutely defined, and which he interpreted generally to include the whole coast between the _Amazons_ and the _Orinoco_. This officer took out with him some four hundred men, with whom he attempted to form settlements at _Cayenne_, _Surinam_, and _Berbice_, which three places now form settlements in French, Dutch, and British _Guayana_ respectively. Owing to his cruelty, however, he himself fell a victim to the vengeance of the savages, whilst the various settlements were attacked and cut up. About forty survivors made their escape to _St. Kitts._

The disasters, however, of _M._ Poncet _de_ Bretigny did not deter the company at Rouen from pursuing the enterprise in which they had embarked; and they continued for eight years after his death to maintain a fort at _Cayenne_. At this date a new company was formed, on the plea that the previous one had failed in fulfilling its conditions to the Crown. The chief of the next expedition, which consisted of seven hundred men, was the _Sieur de_ Royville. But _De_ Royville was no more fortunate than his predecessor, being murdered on the outward voyage. The twelve associates who had accompanied him lost no time upon their arrival in quarrelling amongst themselves and in beheading one of their number, whilst three others were deported to an island, where they soon fell victims to the savages. The colony was not successful; some of its members perished from disease, and others from hunger; whilst others again were brought to the _boucan_.[6] The survivors were glad to seek the protection of the English, who were by this time established at _Surinam_.

[Sidenote: 1656.]

[Sidenote: 1676.]

A few years after this occurrence, the Dutch, finding _Cayenne_ forsaken, occupied it in the name of the West India Company. This settlement promised favourably; its commander, named Guerin Spranger, fulfilled all the conditions required for forming a profitable colony; but Louis XIV., at this period, gave to a new French company the country between the two great rivers, appointing _M._ le Hevre _de la_ Barre governor of _Cayenne_. Five vessels were sent out, having on board a thousand persons, and Spranger had no alternative but to submit. His country was not then at war with France, but high-handed proceedings were the order of the day. The French were so fortunate as to find themselves in possession of a ready-made colony. Two years later it was laid waste by the English; but it was immediately re-occupied by the French. In the war which succeeded the peace of Breda, _Cayenne_ was again taken by the Dutch; but in 1676 it was once more captured by the French under the _Comte_ d’Estrees.

_Cayenne_ once more a French settlement, its guiding spirits lost no time in directing their attention towards the possessions of their neighbours. Their attempt to enter the _Amazons_ was forbidden by the captain of _Curupá_, whilst five Frenchmen were found by the Jesuits trading for slaves in the interior.

[Sidenote: 1687.]

About the year 1687 the province of _Ceará_ was so infested by the neighbouring savages that it was declared lawful and necessary to make war against them; and the hostilities were prosecuted with such vigour as to free the province from their presence for the future.

[Sidenote: 1688.]

[Sidenote: 1694.]

In proof that the trade of _Brazil_ was steadily increasing, it is stated that, in 1688, the fleet which sailed from _Bahia_ was the largest which had ever left that port, and yet that it did not contain tonnage sufficient for the produce. A trade had sprung up between _Buenos Ayres_ and _Brazil_, and when it was prohibited, alike by the Spanish and by the Portuguese Governments, goods to the amount of three hundred thousand _cruzados_ were left on the merchants’ hands at _Nova Colonia_, and of double that amount at _Rio de Janeiro_. The Government showed their appreciation of the importance of _Bahia_ by putting its forts in a proper state of defence. Three additional settlements in the _Reconcave_ were now large enough to be formed into towns; and the currency in _Brazil_ was now put upon a proper footing by a regulation which permitted only milled pieces to pass, the practice of clipping having been hitherto prevalent.

The escaped negroes who had taken refuge in the _Palmares_ or palm forests, in the interior of _Pernambuco_, have already been mentioned. In the course of threescore years they had acquired strength and daring. Not contented with being left unmolested, they infested several Portuguese settlements; one of their chief reasons being to carry off women. They were under the government of a chief who was elected, and who listened to such whose experience gave them the right to counsel him. He was obeyed implicitly. His people did not abandon the sign of the cross. They had their officers and magistrates; and the greater crimes were punished with death. As they carried on a regular intercourse with the Portuguese settlements by means of their slaves, the evil arising from them as a place of refuge became so great that it was necessary to make an effort to put an end to it.

The negro settlement in the _Palmares_ was reputed to be so strong that the authorities of _Pernambuco_ long hesitated to attack it; but at length Caetano de Mello determined to make a vigorous effort with the object of exterminating this formidable organization. With this end he solicited from the Governor-General the aid of the camp-master of a regiment of _Paulistas_, and that officer was accordingly directed to proceed to join him. On his way, however, at the head of a thousand men, he unwarily resolved to reconnoitre the _Palmares_, and found himself in front of a double palisade of hard wood, enclosing a circle four or five miles in extent, and within which were some twenty thousand persons. The enclosure contained a rock which served as a look-out station; and it was surrounded by a number of smaller settlements, in which were stationed selected men.

[Sidenote: 1665.]

In front of this strong position the _Paulista_ leader pitched his camp. On the third day the negroes sallied forth; and so fierce a conflict ensued that more than eight hundred persons were killed or wounded, with the result that the assailants were glad to retreat to _Porto Calvo_. At that point a force of six thousand men was assembled, which had been gathered from _Olinda_, _Recife_, and elsewhere. The retreat gave the negroes time to prepare for the attack which they awaited. Their fighting strength is said to have amounted to ten thousand men. The Portuguese army advanced without delay, and encamped in front of the fortifications. The negroes, not having anticipated an attack of this nature, were unprovided with sufficient powder. On the other hand, the Portuguese had neglected to bring artillery.

Under these circumstances, the struggle between the two parties became one of endurance. Any attempt to cut a way through the palisade was easily foiled; but the negroes not only felt the want of weapons, but likewise that of provisions. The Portuguese, too, were for some time on short allowance; but they were reinforced by large convoys of cattle from the _San Francisco_, and the despair which this sight occasioned to the besieged deprived them of the courage to withstand the attack which was simultaneously made. The gates were hewn down; and the chief and some of his followers, preferring death to renewed slavery, threw themselves down from the rock. The survivors of all ages were brought away as slaves.

About this time the question was formally raised as to the limits of the territory claimed by the French and by the Portuguese, respectively, _M._ de Ferrol, the Governor of _Cayenne_, claiming for France the whole to the north of the _Amazons_. He received for reply that it was the duty of the Portuguese governor to maintain possession of that which had been entrusted to his predecessors and to himself, and which included both sides of the river, together with the whole of the interior. _M._ de Ferrol, after some time, sent an expedition against the fort of _Macapá_, which had lately been erected at the _Cabo do Norte_, and which surrendered to him. In writing to the governor of _Maranham_, _M._ de Ferrol justified this expedition on the ground that the place was within the limits of the French colony. Three hundred men were at once sent to recover the fort, which was thereupon put into a state of defence, pending a reference to Europe; but, owing to complications in European policies, it was allowed to remain in the hands of Portugal without further demur on the part of France.

[Sidenote: 1696.]

Meanwhile the condition of the Indians throughout _Brazil_ had gradually improved. For this they were indebted chiefly to the importation of negroes, but partly also to legislation. Throughout all the old captaincies, with the exception of _St. Paulo_, a pure Indian--that is to say one without negro blood--was declared free on demanding his freedom. This consummation must have gladdened the closing days of Vieyra’s life. His memorable existence was prolonged to the age of ninety; he having been for seventy-five years a member of the Order of Jesus. His brother Gonçalo survived him by one day.