( ms ) 



tories in Matto Grosso, and to the north-west, where they penetrated 

 and formed settlements, almost in Peru. They acted as cavalry 

 only, and in a manner peculiar to themselves, which was so full of 

 stratagem and surprize, that the Spaniards were generally driven, 

 panic-struck, from their possessions. Their exploits are recited with 

 enthusiasm by their descendants, who, ever remembering the preju- 

 dices which the Spaniards entertain against their nation, ardently de- 

 sire an opportunity of emulating their ancestors. In the war above- 

 mentioned, the.Portugueze troops, under Captain Coimbra de Suara, 

 took in an instant the important settlement of Rio Grande de St. Pe- 

 dro, which yet remains in their possession ; and it is thought that 

 the whole territory on the north side of the Plata would be a very 

 easy conquest, which the Paulistas alone would gladly volunteer to 

 accomplish. I cannot conclude this digression without observing, in 

 contradiction to the opprobrium and calumny bestowed on these 

 men, and the false charges of discontent and rebellion which have 

 been brought against them, that the Prince has not more loyal sub- 

 jects in any part of his dominions. 



Respecting the working of the mines throughout this capitania, it 

 has been already observed, that much loss of time and labour is oc- 

 casioned by the want of machinery, and proper implements for the 

 workmen. Not a cart or wheel-barrow is in use : every thing ne- 

 cessary to be removed is carried on the heads of the poor negroes, 

 in gamellas, who have in many instances to climb up steep ascents, 

 where inclined planes might be employed to great advantage, and 

 would be formed with very little trouble. The caisson is the only 

 hydraulic machine known, and is very generally adopted : but it 

 is constructed with great difficulty and expence, and can be used 

 only where a strong current of water can be commanded. Pumps 

 might, at very trivial expence, be constructed on the plan of the ma- 

 chines used to pound their Indian corn. 



The tedious process of washing the cascalhao for gold in gamellas, 

 would be much shortened by using the machine of which the follow- 



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