Campaign of Porto Calvo

Upon the arrival of Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen in Recife, he brought with him a fleet comprising four ships and a contingent of 350 personnel. Recognizing the need for additional support, he appealed to Von Schoppe for a reinforcement of 3,000 troops. The convergence of their forces took place in February, at the mouth of the Uma River. Subsequently, a series of engagements and battles ensued against Portuguese forces as they advanced towards Barra Grande. Their campaign eventually led them to the strategically fortified position of Forte do Bom Sucesso. After a period of approximately one to two weeks, the fort succumbed to the combined forces, resulting in its capitulation. Following this victory, the expedition proceeded to engage in the plundering of Alagos.^[5] Subsequently, they reached the Heart of Porto Calvo, where a significant battle with Portuguese forces, known as the Battle of Porto Calvo, transpired. This encounter concluded in victory of the Dutch, triumphing over the combined Portuguese-Spanish forces. With this pivotal victory secured, the stage was set for the commencement of a siege^[6] against the heavily fortified stronghold of Porto Calvo. The fortress was very strategically positioned surrounding hills, manned by a substantial contingent of soldiers, which rendered it well-guarded. Employing a tactical approach, the Portuguese forces positioned on the hills engaged in artillery fire against the Dutch. In response, the Dutch forces undertook the construction of tunnels leading towards the fort, a process that spanned approximately a week. Subsequently, the fortress of Porto Calvo yielded, surrendering to the Dutch forces, the Dutch got a very large amount of artillery, and mortars this was a great addition to the WIC's arsenal^[7]

The campaign achieved notable success, marked by the acquisition of a substantial artillery inventory and the effective containment of guerilla warfare activities. Additionally, the campaign led to a significant territorial expansion of Dutch Brazil's domain.^[8]