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Boudewijn HendrickszoonDutch Corsair
Country:
 Netherlands |
Content:
- Hendrik Brouwer, Dutch Privateer and Explorer
- Expedition to the Caribbean
- Capture of Puerto Rico
- Later Battles and Epidemic
- Return to Europe
Hendrik Brouwer, Dutch Privateer and Explorer
Hendrik Brouwer was a prominent Dutch privateer, serving as mayor of Edam and a director of the Dutch West India Company. His most notable expedition was a voyage to the Caribbean and Brazil in 1625 in search of the Spanish Silver Fleet.
Expedition to the Caribbean
In May 1625, Brouwer set sail with a massive fleet of 33 ships bound for the Atlantic Ocean. Upon reaching the Caribbean, his fleet encountered Peter Heyn's, which had already captured the Spanish Silver Fleet. Undeterred, Brouwer blockaded the port of Bahia, where approximately 50 Portuguese ships were anchored.
Capture of Puerto Rico
After two unsuccessful attempts to draw the Portuguese out of the harbor, Brouwer divided his fleet. He sent 12 ships under Admiral Andries Vernooy to Africa, while he led 18 vessels to the Caribbean Sea.
By late August, Brouwer's fleet had reached the Lesser Antilles. In September, they arrived at San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, and despite heavy bombardment from Fort El Morro, entered the harbor. The Spanish garrison held out in the fort, sending two vessels for aid to Spain and Havana.
Brouwer maintained strict discipline during the occupation, but looting and drunkenness were unavoidable. The siege of the fort was hampered by Spanish resistance and tropical diseases, depleting their supplies. In October, Brouwer ordered a retreat. The Spaniards refused his ransom demand, and the Dutch burned San Juan before departing.
Later Battles and Epidemic
Brouwer's next target was the island of Margarita off the coast of Venezuela. The Dutch easily captured the Spanish fortress of Santiago but found the town of Pampatar deserted. They looted the settlement and captured several merchant ships.
As they cruised along the coast, they plundered Spanish towns and islands. However, tropical fever ravaged their ships, and on June 26th, Brouwer himself fell ill. He died on July 2nd and was buried at sea.
Return to Europe
After Brouwer's death, the sailors demanded to return home. Ten days later, the squadron set sail for the Netherlands. The expedition failed to cover the expenses incurred by the West India Company.
