On the departure of the Viceroy from _Brazil_ the government had fallen into the hands of a commission of three persons, who now sent Vilhena the Jesuit, with another, to _Recife_ to establish a friendly intercourse between the two colonies. Vilhena took advantage of the opportunity to recover a considerable quantity of plate and other treasure, which had been buried by the brethren of his order and by the Albuquerques. Laden with this he sailed from _Brazil_ in a small vessel, in which he duly reached _Madeira_. There, however, he became oppressed with the apprehension of trusting his wealth once more to the small ship which had carried him safely so far. It accordingly sailed without him, and duly reached its destination. He himself was not so fortunate. Thinking to provide himself the better against attack, he transferred his person and his riches on board a large Levant ship bound for Lisbon. It was taken by Algerian pirates, who fell heirs to the treasures of the Jesuits and of the Albuquerques, and who sold Vilhena into slavery. The orders of the temporary government at _Bahia_ to the Portuguese freebooters to withdraw their forces within the Portuguese territories were now obeyed, and the leaders were invited to _Recife_. During their stay there, the Portuguese commissioners saw grounds for suspicion in the attitude of Count Nassau, and they warned their superiors accordingly. It is scarcely to be believed by those accustomed to our modern ideas of international good faith, that Count Maurice of Nassau, after his public professions, and after having entertained not only the emissaries of the Brazilian Government, but likewise the commanders who had recently been in arms against him, should now have acted as he did. But it is nevertheless the case that he prepared to extend his conquests on all sides, even venturing, on the strength of the confidence which the government of _Bahia_ placed in his good faith, to withdraw the larger portion of his garrisons for the purpose of attack. The inhabitants of _Seregipe_ were surprised by a squadron carrying a flag of truce, and _St. Christovam_ was thus taken possession of. [Sidenote: 1641.]