Chap. I. INDIAN ATTACK ON SANTAEEM. 19 



obliged to follow soon after, as the revolt took the shape 

 of a war between Indians and whites. The red skins, 

 however, made an exception in favour of the few English 

 and French residents. Captain Hislop remained in the 

 town during its occupation by the Cabanas, and told me 

 that he was treated very well by the Indians and rebel 

 chiefs. 



After Santarem was recaptured, about nine months 

 subsequent to these events, by a small sea and land force 

 sent from Rio Janeiro, aided by the townspeople who 

 were picked up at Prayinha, it was again attacked by a 

 large force of Indians. This affair showed the blind 

 fearlessness and obstinacy of the Indian character in a 

 striking manner. An attack was expected, as the rebels 

 were known to be concealed in great numbers in the 

 neighbouring woods ; so the Commandante of the gar- 

 rison (Captain Lead) had the whites' quarter strongly 

 stockaded, and every man slept under arms. The 

 Indians acted as though inspired by a diabolical fana- 

 ticism ; they had no arms, except wooden spears, clubs, 

 and bows and arrows ; for their powder and lead had 

 been exhausted long before. With these rude weapons 

 they came through forest and campo to the storming of 

 the now fortified town. The attack was made at sun- 

 rise ; the sentinels were killed or driven in, and the 

 swarms of red skins climbed the stockade and thronged 

 down the principal street. They were soon met by a 

 strong and well-armed force, well posted in houses or 

 behind walls, and the reckless savages were shot down 

 by hundreds. It was not until the street was encum- 

 bered by the heaps of slain that the rest turned their 



c 2 



