Duarte da Costa was the second representative of the Portuguese Crown who politically controlled Brazil during the period of general governments. Arriving in colonial territory in July 1553, he came to replace governor Tomé de Souza who had asked King Dom João III to leave the position granted by royal authority. In general terms, his administration had to face several problems that put the maintenance of Portuguese domains at risk.
Upon his arrival in Brazil, Duarte da Costa was accompanied by a group of Jesuit priests, including José de Anchieta. The work of these two clerics was of great importance in the process of forming the first urban centers and educational institutions in the colony. At the same time, the catechizing mission of these two historical figures also provided intense contact with indigenous populations.
In 1555, Duarte da Costa faced serious problems with the French’s attempt to consolidate a colony in the Rio de Janeiro region. The conflict that developed after the arrival of the French was extremely difficult, as the invaders had the military support of the Indians who were fighting against the presence of the Portuguese. In fact, the stance reflected Duarte da Costa’s unfriendly policy, which allowed the use of indigenous labor.
The less friendly stance towards native populations was intended to solve the problems faced with the lack of African slaves to be employed on sugar cane plantations. Among other actions, this general government organized troops that would fight the indigenous tribes of Recôncavo Baiano, who refused to cede territory to the Lusitanian colonizers. Consequently, the government had major problems with the clergy who led religious activities in Brazilian territory.
In one of these episodes, Álvaro da Costa, son of the governor general, was harshly criticized by Bishop Pero Fernandes Sardinha. The dispute between the two authorities caught the attention of the Portuguese Crown, which demanded that the cleric give an account of the accusations denouncing Álvaro da Costa’s authoritarianism. On the trip back to Portugal, Bishop Sardinha suffered a shipwreck in the Alagoas region and ended up being killed and devoured by a group of Caetés Indians.
The various problems that marked Duarte da Costa’s administration ended up putting an end to his government. In this way, Duarte da Costa was replaced by governor Mem de Sá in 1558.
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By Rainer Sousa
Master in History