The Regency, The Clothes, and Insubordination
January 1659
-The End of Suspense,and seed of diversion tactic cultivation-
Queen Luísa: (Frowning) "The capture of São Vicente... Fidalgo de Carrasca, your audacity is... remarkable. But the timing is most delicate. The kingdom has not yet emerged from mourning, and the transition of the Crown is barely complete."
Dom Vasco de Mascarenhas, 1st Count of Óbidos: (A condescending smile plays on his lips. He turns to João.) "Ah, dear Fidalgo! So, the eagerness to prove yourself on Spanish soil is itching you, eh? The battlefields of the continent are quite different from the decks of merchant ships, aren't they? One does not display bravery there as one empties the holds of a Dutchman."
João de Carrasca: "Count of Óbidos, bravery is the same on land as on sea when battles of capture are often... very bloody. My haste... if haste there is, is to have Portugal's independence recognized, not to prolong this war of attrition. As for the Dutch holds, they have generously refloated yours, if my memory serves me right."
A murmur ripples around the table. Dr. Pedro Vieira da Silva coughs discreetly.
Dr. Pedro Vieira da Silva: "The Fidalgo makes a point, Your Majesty. The proposition is of great ambition. But is it in the immediate interest of the kingdom to commit forces to a risky offensive? The late King, may God rest his soul, left us too recently. Our resources, though reinforced by the exploits of the Fidalgo and his peers, are still under strain. A defeat, however minor, at this moment of political vulnerability, could be devastating."
Dom Luís de Meneses, 3rd Count of Ericeira, in a calm and thoughtful voice: "Dr. Vieira da Silva is right about prudence. However, Fidalgo de Carrasca's argument about the necessity of forcing Spain's hand is not without merit. This simmering war costs us dearly, in men and money. A decisive victory, a true humiliation of the Spanish... that could, indeed, accelerate the recognition of our sovereignty. The idea of occupying São Vicente or Alburquerque, of forcing them to react on ground they think is secure, is an audacity that could pay off."
Count of Óbidos waved a hand dismissively: "And who will pay? For an adventure that could cost us an entire army corps? Resources, let's talk about them! Your successes, Fidalgo, are real, no one disputes that. But they are born of the sea, of captures. Land campaigns, sieges, supply lines... that's another matter entirely. Who will lead this expedition? Who guarantees its success?"
João de Carrasca: "I propose to lead it, Count. With the means my Company can provide in support, and with the men His Majesty is pleased to entrust to me. My 'means' have already built a dam of two million cruzados in two years, transforming arid lands into a potential granary. We know how to manage our lands and our men, Your Excellency. Efficiency, whether on a ship or on a construction site, is the same. Furthermore, what I propose is to fund a diversionary operation; crushing the Spanish army that would come against us would fall to troops more seasoned than those my peers and I would equip and finance."
Queen Luísa tilts her head, her gaze weighing on João, then lingering with a glimmer of recognition, nodding.
Queen Luísa: "Fidalgo de Carrasca, your devotion and your successes are not doubted, far from it. You have demonstrated an ability to transform deserts into riches and to arm our ships in a way we could never have imagined. The kingdom is grateful to you. However..." (She pauses, her tone becoming firmer and more thoughtful.) "...the current situation demands prudence. A premature offensive could jeopardize the gains we have so painstakingly obtained. We cannot afford to risk such a deployment of force when our sovereignty is not yet recognized by all."
The Queen turns her gaze to the other councilors, then back to João, a faint smile on her lips. "But your skills, Fidalgo, are valuable. We have more immediate, more fundamental needs that directly concern the power of our armies. Count of Óbidos raised the question of resources. Let's discuss that."
She leans forward slightly: "Fidalgo, does your Company, with its innovations, have the capacity to provide us with uniforms for our soldiers, and at a cost that the Treasury, even strengthened by your maritime exploits, can sustain in the long term? Uniforms that are not only effective, but also in sufficient quantity to equip every man in our infantry and cavalry, and even our militias?"
João de Carrasca: "Your Majesty, this is a need I anticipated. Thanks to the machines we have developed, our forty mechanical hand looms are already in full production, generating an unprecedented quantity of linen and hemp fabric in Portugal. And we are already working on making what you might call 'ready-to-wear' clothing for the people. I believe this new venture can provide uniforms for your armies, in sufficient quantity and quality for all your men, as you know, at a lower cost than usual."
Count of Óbidos: A grunt escapes him, somewhere between disappointment and a grudging interest: "Cheaper uniforms... Now that's more down to earth, Fidalgo. Fabric rather than blood. It's more... pragmatic, if you ask me. Just make sure they hold up in the field, not just on the looms of your factories."
Dr. Pedro Vieira da Silva: A barely audible sigh of relief. He nods towards the Queen: "An eminently judicious solution, Your Majesty. The attire of our troops is no insignificant matter of morale and presentation. And if it eases our finances..."
Dom Luís de Meneses, 3rd Count of Ericeira: (He observes João with new curiosity.) "This is a concrete and useful proposal. It shows that the Fidalgo can contribute to the kingdom's strength through various means, not only by the sword. This idea of a diversionary attack to catch an army by surprise is very interesting. As is its potential for morale. The question now is what quantity, and at what rate for these uniforms?"
Queen Luísa: A faint smile appears on her lips. She turns to João. "Excellent, Fidalgo. Then, this new venture will be tasked with this vital duty. We await a detailed plan for the uniforms of the Army." (She pauses, her gaze once again scrutinizing.)
João de Carrasca: "Absolutely, Your Majesty. The expert weavers of this new company know their trade and will do an excellent job."
_________
Shortly after the council ended oin the refusal of the proposition:
As soon as the reduced costs and quadrupled production capacity were mentioned, the atmosphere subtly shifted. Several glances turned towards João with interest.
Count of Óbidos: (His voice is less mocking, more calculating.) "Fidalgo... this new textile venture, it... it would be open to investors, I imagine? Such a source of profit should benefit those who support the Crown with their purses, shouldn't it?"
Dom Álvaro da Silveira, 2nd Count of Sortelha: (Another noble, silent until now, interjects.) "Indeed. An undertaking of such magnitude, and of such utility for the kingdom, would attract the interest of more than one, Fidalgo. Will there be shares available for reliable partners, members of the Council for example?"
João de Carrasca: (He sketches a slight smile, aware of the opportunity. He had anticipated this voracity.) "Your Excellencies, Companhia Horizon Brasil owns 70% of the shares, but it is not impossible to let other investors buy a portion of our shares, which will probably be reinvested for the development of the company. And it has always opened its doors to audacious minds and generous purses who share the interest of Portuguese prosperity. Yes, this new textile branch, which we will call Companhia dos Panos de Lisboa for now, will be open to limited investment. The goal of the 11 peers is to guarantee efficiency and autonomy, but I am convinced that judicious collaboration with influential figures of the kingdom could greatly benefit the company and, by extension, His Majesty's interests."
Queen Luísa, intercepting the avid gazes of certain nobles: "That is an excellent decision, Fidalgo. The combined forces for common objectives, as always, is the best path. We will ensure that the terms are just and equitable, for the investors as well as for the kingdom."
After mch discussions, thorizon braazil sold 40% of theirs shares for 100k cruzados, it seemed enormous at fiosit, but the perspective on future profit, where endlessly more attrractive than most "mill taxes".
___________
A few weeks later, early 1659. The winter cold wanes in the Algarve, giving way to the first signs of spring.
Dom João de Carrasca and Dona Beatriz had taken possession of their new home, on their fief in the Algarve.
The 11 peers of the Algarve seemed to have taken a break from all their activities in this beginning of 1659, on their fiefs, in their new, still-expanding manors.
Dom Diogo, who should normally have left for Luanda before March, had postponed his trip this year, a decision influenced by Diogo knows what!
As the weeks passed, a light shadow disturbed the idyllic daily life of the newlyweds. Dona Beatriz, discreetly at first, then with increasing regularity, became subject to morning sickness. Days passed, vomiting became more frequent, and unusual fatigue overwhelmed her.
Worried, and after several days of observation, João insisted that a doctor be summoned without delay.
The doctor, a man of mature age and experience, arrived at the Carrasca family mansion. His expression was grave at first.
After a thorough examination, a series of delicately posed questions to Dona Beatriz, and a careful palpation, his face lit up with a benevolent smile.
"Señor De Carrasca, Dona Beatriz, I can reassure you. There is no illness threatening your health. Quite the contrary. The signs are clear, and I am only too happy to announce it to you: Dona Beatriz is pregnant. My congratulations."
A silence, at first stunned, then a palpable joy filled the room. Beatriz instinctively placed a hand on her belly, her eyes filled with emotion.
João, initially relieved, began to sketch an immense smile on his usually so controlled face, leaned over to tenderly kiss his wife.
The destiny of the Carrasca family had taken a new and joyful turn.
A few others among the peers began to announce news of their wives' pregnancies.
But it was João who first warned them to beware of character attacks.
All observers quickly noted this, and thus decided: to go and fulfill their duties towards Lisbon and Brazil. Sometimes João began to raise the question of the reconquest of Ceylon, in order to... promote Portugal's independence.
_______
July 1659. The Future Dads' Club.
Diogo has already agreed to the 5-year war expedition against the VOC.
"No kidding, we don't even have the Regency's authorization."
"Yeah, he's always motivated. Especially now. At first I thought he wouldn't even go to sea anymore, but by the third month, she started acting like mine, and then..." João said with a weary tone.
"Hahahaha!"
"So, are we doing it then?"
"If you don't want to participate, you don't have to, you know..."
"And first you want to ask the Regency Council..."
"Well yeah, we have to ask the Regency Council, but if it's a categorical no, what do we do?"
"I have arguments... Rubber sales are booming, so we'll have the capital by early 1660 to start."
"Yeah, we could just go to Brazil, or simply... why not just stop here, nobles, rich with a small empire: the most profitable in the world, after all!?"
"..... Precisely because you ask that question..."
"You're not the same since your pamphlet."
"My wife isn't the same either, since she got pregnant; I'm not making a fuss about it..."
"Hahahaha, okay, I'm in..."
"Still, retaking Ceylon... and doing it this way, too... the worst part is we can't even talk about it with just anyone."
"Yeah, and especially not at court. Since the rubber is doing so well, they've even started paying off debts, and if I know that, it's because at court, tongues are very... loose sometimes..."
"So even if we do it, they won't attack us easily?"
"Even less so if we succeed: we were ennobled for capturing 10 retourschepen, the VOC's East Indiamen. So if we retake Ceylon, honor demands they not punish us despite disobedience; they might even reward us. But we'll lose more money than we'll gain before we embark for..."
"The Brazilian dream, still so passionate about Santa Catarina."
"Ah, dreams are dreams... the imperatives to achieve them make the paths uncertain and often longer."
"You've been to the library too much recently."
"Ha.... (João covers his face as if waking up from a nightmare) Don't make me think about what I buy so many books for...."
"Ha, I understand, I have the same at home..."
"Hahahaha, so you're in too?"
"Ha!!!!!!.... all Hells, yeah!"
_________
-With or without you !!!!!!!?-
The heavy Lisbon air in July 1659 felt thick with unspoken anxieties, clinging to the velvet and tapestries of the Regency Council chamber.
King Afonso VI, a boy of thirteen, was absent, leaving his mother, Queen Regent Luísa de Gusmão, to preside over the kingdom's fate.
The low murmur of a dozen voices ceased as João de Carrasca stepped forward.
He cut a striking figure – lean, intense. Beside the Queen Regent, the venerable Patriarch of the House Castello Branco, João's own powerful step-family father, sat, his gaze fixed on João with an expression of shrewd calculation and quiet determination.
His family's wealth, partially tied to the burgeoning "Horizon Brazil," was the backbone of João's proposition, and the Patriarch evidently believed in its potential.
"Your Majesties, Esteemed Councilors," João began, his voice calm, resonating with an authority that defied the typical deference expected.
"I stand before you not to plead for Crown subsidies, nor for royal fleets to be diverted from our sacred war of Restoration. My proposal requires only your agreement—your strategic acceptance for an expedition that will strike at the very core of the Dutch serpent in Asia: Jakarta, their Batavia."
A ripple of murmurs, quickly suppressed by the Queen Regent's stern gaze, passed through the room.
"For years, we have fought the Dutch on the periphery, trading blows for coastal forts, for distant islands,"
João continued, his voice gaining intensity.
"But they are not a kingdom driven by honor or tradition, but by a Company cloaked in 'two veils' I have so meticulously exposed.
Their power flows from profit, from their control of Asian trade."
He paused, letting his words hang.
"And now, the tide has turned. The seeds sown by the pamphlet, dismissed by some as mere words, have blossomed into a global affliction for the VOC. Reports, fragmentary yet undeniable, speak of revolts against the Dutch in their possessions worldwide. From the Gold Coast of Africa to the coasts of India, resentment simmers and boils over."
His gaze swept the council.
"This is not merely local discontent; it is a direct consequence of the universal truths the pamphlet unveiled, their duplicity, their broken oaths, their avarice that respects no law, human or divine. Even the Papacy, through the subtle, unspoken instruction to the clergy, has empowered these arguments, allowing Catholic populations to act upon their deeply held grievances without formal, polarizing decrees. And even among those who know not Christ, the sheer dishonesty of the VOC resonates, signaling their profound weakness."
The Patriarch of House Castello Branco, usually reserved, now spoke, his voice carrying surprising force.
"My Lords, João speaks not of mere rhetoric, but of consequences. Our own agents from Brazil confirm the whispers from Amsterdam – the VOC is indeed stretched, diverting resources, and their mercenary forces are showing signs of disquiet. This is a moment crafted by Providence and seized by João's understanding of this enemy."
"Their mercenary forces, already questioning their commitment to a cause now publicly condemned by moral authority, will find their motivation eroded.
Who fights for a paymaster whose honor is forfeit before God and man?" João added, pressing his advantage.
"This is our opportunity!" João continued.
"Their resources are stretched thin suppressing these revolts. Their navies are dispersed, trying to plug myriad leaks across the globe. Their core, Batavia, remains a formidable fortress, yes, but it relies on a supply chain that is now under unprecedented stress.
Their fleet, the very arm of their power, will be forced to respond, to scatter, creating the precise conditions for us to engage and exterminate them not piece by piece, but in a concentrated, decisive blow near their vulnerable core."
The Patriarch interjected again, his gaze fixed on the Queen Regent.
"Your Majesty, 'Horizon Brazil' stands ready to bear the financial burden. We have seen the wealth the Dutch extract from these lands; it is wealth that can and must fuel our own Crown. This is not merely a military gamble; it is a strategic investment in Portugal's future prosperity, securing the trade routes that will sustain our independence long after the final cannon of the Restoration War has fallen silent. To cut off the VOC's developmeent, rather than merely its surface, now that it writhes in pain."
Despite the Patriarch's powerful endorsement, dissent remained. One of the elder councilors, Dom Gonçalo de Vasconcelos, representing the more conservative landed gentry, voiced his long-held skepticism.
"With all due respect, my Lords, even with the Dom Fernando Álvares de Castello Branco. 's generous backing, this remains an immense risk. Portugal's primary war is here, on the Peninsula. Every ducat, every seasoned sailor, every cannon, even those not directly from the Crown, represents a resource that might be better employed to solidify our gains against Spain."
"We are speaking of Batavia, not some minor factory! Its defenses are legendary. Even with their fleet dispersed, a direct assault is a gamble of catastrophic proportions. Should this audacious gambit fail, or even if it succeeds but leaves us vulnerable, the Dutch, however wounded, are a formidable foe. Their retaliation against our exposed Brazilian coast, our African outposts, or our vital shipping lanes could be truly devastating."
Joao ponderd the opposition answers: it seems they are actively beginning to miss thepoint: everything the dutch own in india: was portuguese before the spain "crowns union".
"Reports of unrest are one thing," another councilor added cautiously, "but the true, lasting impact on the VOC's formidable military machine remains unproven. These 'global revolts' may be ephemeral, a passing tempest. We risk provoking a sleeping giant when our own strength is still recovering."
"The distances are immense," Dom Gonçalo pressed, "logistics a nightmare. Sickness, storms – these are foes as deadly as any Dutch warship. We nearly lost Ceylon over two decades; how can we expect to conquer their fortified capital in a single, audacious stroke from another side of the world away?"
Queen Regent Luísa de Gusmão, her face etched with the burdens of a war-torn kingdom, listened intently, her gaze shifting between João's burning conviction (now powerfully seconded by the Patriarch) and the Council's pragmatic arguments.
The echoes of a pamphlet causing global turmoil were indeed tempting, a divine wind in their sails.
But the cost of failure... that was the ultimate weight on her heart. Losing Horizon Brazil, on a whim against the VOC would be too harsh for Portugal, almost one third of the annual budget came from the taxes they paid, most of the prestige that put the dutch in a corner, came from them too, the pamphlet and its derivations, losing those fidalgos was too risky of a move from the portuguese indenpdance goal perpective.
" What do you have in mind for the crown to support your actions ?"
" An order to sustain the resupplying to every governor on the way to india, for that campain, well the company will reimburse them anyway, your majesty" looking for the king in tutellage.
" Ha You, fidalgo, and your peers who own horizon brazil are too valuable for the regency to accept such a comital on your part. " the queen looked anguished, like bothered by something, before continuing : " The dutchs have come to negociate about brazil, I think it unwise to embroil our relations with them for some trivial.... "
" But Majesty, anyways, we cannot trust them ! They would ..."
" Enough Fidalgo, you take it too much to heart" Dom Fernando Álvares de Castello Branco interrupted Joao in his track.