A Portuguese victory over Dutch forces in 1645 that freed captured women and marked a turning point in the War of Divine Light in Brazil.
Key Facts
- Date
- August 17, 1645
- Conflict
- War of Divine Light (Second Dutch-Portuguese War)
- Outcome
- Portuguese victory
- Dutch commander captured
- Hendrik van Haus
- Location
- Casa Forte mill, near Recife, Pernambuco
- Women prisoners freed
- Multiple, including wives of Portuguese commanders
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following their defeat at the Battle of Tabocas, Dutch troops retreated toward Recife and camped at the Casa Forte mill. On August 16, 1645, Dutch captain Hendrik van Haus ordered Jan Blaer to raid Várzea, arrest the wives and family members of Portuguese revolutionary leaders, and imprison them at the Casa Forte stronghouse, prompting an urgent military response from the Portuguese commanders encamped near Tejipió.
On August 17, 1645, Portuguese commanders João Fernandes Vieira, André Vidal de Negreiros, Henrique Dias, and Felipe Camarão led their troops on a forced night march, crossing the Capibaribe River at dawn to reach Casa Forte. Arriving before their full force was assembled, only the vanguard engaged the Dutch initially. Caught by surprise, the Dutch resistance collapsed; Hendrik van Haus capitulated and was taken prisoner, while Jan Blaer was also captured.
The Dutch defeat freed the imprisoned women and secured a second consecutive Portuguese victory in the War of Divine Light. Hendrik van Haus was released in Portugal but returned to Dutch Brazil, where he died at the Battle of Guararapes. Jan Blaer was executed en route to Bahia. The battle further weakened Dutch military authority in Pernambuco and emboldened the Portuguese-led insurgency.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
João Fernandes Vieira, André Vidal de Negreiros, Henrique Dias, Felipe Camarão.
Side B
1 belligerent
Hendrik van Haus, Jan Blaer.