LAST DAYS IN BRAZIL. 231 



not so much concern myself," said De Sa, " I would affirm 

 that there will be many years without its equal between 

 Christians." Men de Sa, however, being unable to retain 

 the island, demolished the fort and left for Bahia. 



The Portuguese armada having retired, the French 

 returned to the island, rebuilt the fort, and continued to 

 reside there, and as soon as other ships arrived with more 

 people, there being no longer any one to hinder fresh 

 buildings, they fortified themselves on terra firma more 

 securely than before. When this news reached Portugal, 

 knowing how convenient it would be for the Crown to fortify 

 and people the port, Estacio de Sa was sent with two 

 galleons to his uncle, Men de Sa, who was ordered to assist 

 him, with all the forces he could gather, to found a colony 

 at Rio de Janeiro and expel the French. 



Estacio de Sa arrived at Bahia early in 1564, and 

 remained there that year while the Governor was preparing 

 the expedition. At the beginning of 1565, Estacio de Sa 

 left Bahia with his fleet, and arrived at the entrance to the 

 Bay of Rio February 6 ; but was compelled to return as 

 far as Santos for reinforcements, finally leaving the port 

 of Buriquioka (now corrupted to Bertioga) on the 26th of 

 January, 1566, and arriving at the bay early in March. 

 The chief captain landed the soldiers, and took up his 

 quarters near the Sugar-loaf, on the ground now called 

 Praia Vermelha. The troops cut down the forest and made 

 fortifications. During the whole of 1566, the Portuguese 

 could hardly maintain themselves in their forts, as the 

 enemy's forces were superior ; and on the 1 5th of October 

 the French, aided by the Tamoyos, attacked the vanguard 

 of Estacio de Sa, but were repulsed. 



Estacio de Sa termed his colony a city, dedicating it to 

 St. Sebastian, in honour of the young King of Portugal. 



