POLICE OF PARAIBA. 



79 



fighting during the Dutch war, and I now re- 

 gret not having proceeded down the river, to 

 the famous Fort of Cabedello. This war was 

 conducted upon a small scale, but the deeds 

 which were performed by the brave defenders of 

 their country, may rank with those which any 

 other people have displayed in a cause of equal 

 import to the actors. 



The trade of Paraiba is inconsiderable, though 

 the river admits of vessels of 150 tons upon the 

 bar ; and when in the basin, opposite to the 

 lower town, a rope yarn would keep them still, 

 as no harm could reach them. It contains a re- 

 gular custom-house, which is seldom opened. 

 Paraiba lies out of the road from the Sertam t to 

 Recife, that is, out of the direct way from the 

 towns upon the coast further north. The in- 

 habitants of the Sertam of the interior, will make 

 for Recife rather than Paraiba, as the more ex- 

 tensive market for their produce. The port 

 of Recife admits of larger vessels, and has more 

 conveniences for the landing and shipment of 

 goods, consequently it obtains the preference. 

 The houses of this place, which may be reckoned 



f The word Sertam is used rather indefinitely, as it does 

 not only mean the interior of the country, but likewise a 

 great part of the coast, of which the population is yet scanty, 

 receives this general name. Thus, the whole of the country 

 tK'tween Rio Grande and Pernaiba is called Sertam. Per- 

 naiba i.«s a small province, sitiitted between Seara and 

 Maranham. 



