That part of Brasile which the West-India Company have subdu’d by force of Arms on the Continent of America, is divided into six Counties, viz. Seregippa, Pernambuco, Itamarica, Parayba, Rio Grande, and Siara.
The Expedition undertaken by Gysseling and Schuppe made Seregippa desolate, the Inhabitants whereof remov’d to the Coast Todos los Sanctos.
Also Siara, which the Portuguese formerly possess’d, was thinly inhabited, and had a mean Fortress there, whither some few Brasilians came now and then to the Netherlanders assistance.
Pernambuco, lying between the Rivers Francisco and Tamarica, excells the other Countrey in fruitfulness and pleasantness. The Brasilians compare it to a hollow Rock, under which fresh Water flows.
Havens of Pernambuco.
Moreover, Pernambuco hath several Havens, viz. the outermost Road before Reciffa, which being in the open Sea, is somewhat dangerous, but the innermost is secure against all Storms; also at the Promontory St. Augustine, where the Mouth of the Haven is narrow and dangerous, by reason of the Rocks and shallow Grounds; the Island Alexio is very fit to Crain Ships in; Barra Grande hath a large and safe Inlet, convenient for all manner of Vessels, yet it is inferior to Cororipa; lastly, the Havens Jaragoa and Franco are very eminent.
Rivers.
Amongst the Rivers, the chief are Jangades, Serinhain, Formosa, Porto Calvo, Camarigibi, Antonio, Michael, and Francisco.
Pernambuco also is divided into six Jurisdictions; the first and most ancient is Igarazu; the second and biggest, Olinda; the third, Serinhain; the fourth, Porto Calvo; the fifth, the Alagoas; and the sixth, Rio Francisco, which is the Boundary of Pernambuco on the South.
Towns of Pernambuco.