The ambition of the Dutch was out of proportion to their population and their resources; whilst their system of government was far from being a conciliatory one. In _Maranham_, as in _Bahia_ and _Pernambuco_, the people now began to work for their own deliverance. In _Maranham_ a conspiracy was formed to free the place from foreign rule. The sugar-works on the river _Itapicuru_, where there were collected three hundred Dutch, were the object of attack. The first one assailed was easily carried, and the Dutch found in it were slain. In the second the Dutch were likewise either cut down or shot, or consumed in the flames. In like manner fell the other three, and it was only at the last that any quarter was given. Fort _Calvary_ next fell, which was garrisoned by seventy Dutchmen. Moniz Barreiros, the leader of the insurrection, now crossed over to the island of _Maranham_. Here the Dutch were no more fortunate than they had been on the mainland. After an engagement in which they were totally defeated, Moniz and his adherents attacked the fort of _St. Luiz_. The Dutch garrison despatched vessels to _Recife_ for assistance, whilst Moniz applied to his countrymen at _Pará_. Such are the immense distances between different localities in _Brazil_ that a considerable time elapsed before either party had received the reinforcements asked for. On their arrival hostilities were forthwith resumed, to the disadvantage of the Dutch, who were repelled with loss. After this success Moniz died, being succeeded by Teixeira, who, after having waited for months in the hope of receiving succour and ammunition, abandoned his present position and recrossed to the mainland. He was reduced to great straits, being deserted by his allies, who returned to _Pará_. He had still, however, with him sixty Portuguese and two hundred natives, and he was opportunely aided by the arrival of some ammunition from _Belem_. The Dutch likewise at this time received reinforcements, which made them superior to any force that could be brought against them in the field; but they were disheartened by the general feeling against them. [Sidenote: 1643.]