Bernardo Was Immediately Sent By Azumbuja, To Inform Camaranca, The Negro
Chief Of The District, With The Arrival Of The
Portuguese armament, and
to desire a conference, with directions to endeavour to impress that
chief with a high sense of
The rank and character of the Portuguese
officers, and of the irresistible power of the armament now upon his
coast. Early next morning, Azambuja landed with all his followers, who
were secretly armed, in case of meeting with any hostilities from the
natives; and moved forwards in great form to a large tree, not far from
the Negro village of Aldea, on a spot which had been chosen as a
convenient situation for the intended fortress. A flag, bearing the royal
arms of Portugal, was immediately displayed upon the tree, and an altar
was placed under the shade of its boughs, at which the whole company
united in assisting at the first mass that was celebrated in Guinea,
offering up their solemn prayers to God for the speedy conversion of the
idolatrous natives, and for the perpetual continuance and prosperity of
the church which was to be erected on this spot. The day on which this
impressive ceremony was performed being dedicated to St Sebastian, that
name was given to the valley on which the tree stood, under which they
were now assembled.
Soon after the completion of this religious ceremony, Camaranca
approached with a numerous train. Azambuja, sumptuously dressed, and
ornamented by a rich golden collar, prepared to receive the Negro chief,
seated on an elevated chair, having all his retinue arranged before him,
so as to form an avenue. The Negroes were armed with spears, shields,
bows, and arrows, and wore a kind of helmets made of skins, thickly
studded with fish teeth, giving them a very martial appearance. The
subordinate chiefs were distinguished by chains of gold hanging from
their necks, and had various golden ornaments on their heads, and even on
their beards. After the exchange of presents, and other tokens of mutual
respect and confidence, Azambuja made a speech to Camaranca, through the
mediation of an interpreter, in which he explained the purpose of his
embassy and expedition, and used every argument he could think of, to
conciliate the friendship of the Negro chief, to make him fully sensible
of the power of the king of Portugal, and to reconcile him to the
intended permanent establishment upon the toast. Camaranca listened to
the harangue, and the explanation of it by the interpreter, in respectful
silence, keeping his eyes steadily fixed on the countenance of Azambuja.
After which, casting his eyes for some time on the ground, as if
profoundly meditating on what he had heard, he is said to have made the
following guarded and judicious answer:
"I am fully sensible of the high honour done me on this occasion by your
sovereign. I have always endeavoured to deserve his friendship, by
dealing strictly with his subjects, and by constantly exerting myself to
procure immediate ladings for their ships.
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