captured, the whole garrison, and took possession of their immense stores of provision and ammunition.
When the darkness and smoke cleared away, the Portuguese flag was seen waving from the tower of Cinco Pontas !
The Commander-in-Chief could scarcely believe the evidence of his own senses. The intrepid Diaz sent an aid-de-camp to say that the fort and prisoners were at the disposition of his Excellency. In a few hours, the General, with a numerous suite entered the fortress, and was saluted by the victorious troops. They found Colonel Diaz reclining on his camp-bed, enfeebled by exertion and loss of blood. He, however, raised himself to a sitting posture, and received the thanks and congratulations of his commanding and brother officers, with the grave and placid air habitual to him. Then looking up archly, he said, "It was a nigger plan, General; but the Fort is taken."
At the request of John the Fourth, Henry Diaz visited Portugal, where he was received with great distinction. The king desired him to choose any reward within his power to bestow. Diaz merely requested that his regiment might be perpetuated, and none admitted to its ranks but those of his own color. This was granted; and a considerable town and territory were appropriated to secure pensions to these brave men and
their successors. The town is called Estancia, and is situated a short distance from Pernambuco.
The king conferred knighthood upon Diaz, and caused a medal to be struck in commemoration of the capture of Cinco Pontas. It was likewise ordained that the regiment should for ever bear the name of its first commander. It still exists in Pernambuco. Its uniform is
white, faced with red, and embroidered with gold. The decorations which Diaz received from John the Fourth, are transmitted to the commander of the regiment, to this day; and at royal audiences they have the privilege of being the first to kiss the sovereign's hand. [Greg, pp. 94. 90. David L. Child, Esq. of Massachusetts.]
