Context and Purpose

The Count of Vila Franca, aware of the growing dangers brought by widespread wars and the damage inflicted by the English in the Indies, recognized the vulnerability of the island. Given that this island lay along important maritime routes, it was not beyond the reach of corsairs emboldened by victories against Christian forces.

With this in mind, the Count convened local officials—councilmen, the magistrate, and prominent citizens—to discuss the looming threat and the duty of defending their homeland. He emphasized the opportunity for honor and valor in protecting their land and proposed the creation of a new elite military unit: the Company of Adventurers.

The Company of Adventurers

This new company would be composed of the most distinguished men of the island—nobles and knights of the Order of Christ—whose service would reflect the honor of the King through strong defense.

The Count appointed his son, D. Gaspar da Câmara, as captain of this company, unwilling to shield him from danger. As his second-in-command, he nominated Manuel Cordeiro de Sampaio, trusting in his proven dedication to royal service.

The proposal was unanimously accepted and swiftly put into action.

A Remarkable Force

The company consisted of approximately 150 young, noble men, richly dressed and adorned with plumes and fine garments, embodying both elegance and martial skill. They were highly proficient in marksmanship and widely praised—even by experienced foreign observers—as capable of defending not only the island but territories of greater scale.

The Count took immense pride in this achievement, personally observing the troops throughout the city and expressing gratitude to each man. He declared himself assured of victory through their readiness.

However, as often happens with such enterprises, the company was eventually dissolved—an outcome deeply regretted by all.

Cavalry and Infantry Forces in Ponta Delgada

Cavalry

The city maintained a cavalry company of over 100 horsemen, commanded successively by:

• Francisco de Arruda da Costa
• D. Gaspar da Câmara
• D. Francisco da Câmara (current captain)

Supporting officers included:

• Lieutenant: Captain Alexandre
• Ensign: Manuel da Fonseca Mota (later António Pereira)
• Squad leaders: Manuel de Oliveira, Pero da Costa, Hércules Barbosa da Silva, Gaspar de Brum da Silveira, Gonçalo do Rego, Francisco Ramalho

Infantry Companies in the City

Ponta Delgada maintained six infantry companies, each with about 150 men:

1. Captain João de Arruda da Costa

   • Ensign: Manuel Pavão
   • Sergeant: João Velho Cabral

2. Captain Gaspar de Teve

   • Ensign: António Afonso Pavão
   • Sergeant: João Rabelo

3. Captain João de Melo (Order of Christ)

   • Ensign: Lourenço Vaz Carreiro (later Francisco de Melo)
   • Sergeant: Brás de Melo

4. Captain Rui Vaz Medeiros (Order of Christ)

   • Ensign: Manuel Serrão (later João Rabelo)
   • Sergeant: António Monforte

5. Captain Brás Raposo

   • Ensign: Afonso de Goes (later Gaspar Camelo Pereira, then Hierónimo Coelho)
   • Sergeant: António Mendes Pereira (later Fernão de Matos)

6. Captain Gonçalo Tavares

   • Ensign: his son
   • Sergeant: Pero Furtado

These companies rotated guard duty daily throughout the year.

Military Forces in the Surrounding Parishes

São Roque

• ~150 men
• Captain: Martim de Sousa
• Ensign: Pero de Teve Mota
• Sergeant: António Fernandes

Nossa Senhora das Neves

• ~150 men
• Captain: João Roiz Ferreira
• Ensign: António Lopes Falcão
• Sergeant: Afonso Gonçalves Ferreira

Feiteiras, Candelária, São Sebastião, Mosteiros

• ~400 men
• Captain: João Roiz Pavão
• Ensign: Garcia Roiz Pavão
• Sergeant: Pero de Teve de Mesa

Bretanha and Santo António

• ~250 men
• Captain: Bastião Afonso de Sousa
• Ensign: António de Viveiros
• Sergeant: Cristóvão Afonso

Fanais

• ~200 men
• Captain: Manuel Lopes de Sousa
• Ensign: Tomé Gonçalves Homem
• Sergeant: Domingos Pires

Vila Franca do Campo

Originally led by:

• Captain-Major: Pedro da Costa
• Sergeant-Major: João de Arruda Costa

Later leadership included:

• Captain-Major: João de Arruda da Costa
• Sergeant-Major: Rui Tavares da Costa

Each company fielded 200 men, supported by various captains, ensigns, and sergeants.

The cavalry unit consisted of 20 skilled horsemen, commanded by Bento de Sousa.

Ribeira Grande

Cavalry

• Over 50 horsemen
• Former Captain-Major: D. Gaspar da Câmara
• Current Captain-Major: Rui Gago da Câmara

Infantry

• Sergeant-Major: Duarte Privado

Captains included:

• Francisco Tavares (200 men)
• Pero de Paiva (200 men)
• Nuno de Sousa (Ribeira Seca troops)

Previously, the area had 1,000 fighting men across four companies. In 1586, due to increasing danger, the Count established another Adventurers-style company:

• Captain: Pedro Álvares Cabral
• Ensign: Tomé Jorge Formigo
• Sergeant: Belchior Soares

Rabo de Peixe

• Captain: Manuel Moniz
• Ensign: Rui Gago
• Sergeants: Manuel Raposo and Custódio Afonso

Final Notes

This detailed account reflects the extensive military organization established across the island, demonstrating both the strategic importance of the Azores and the determination of its people to defend their land.

The creation of the Company of Adventurers stands out as a remarkable example of leadership, unity, and martial pride—an initiative that, though short-lived, left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.