Escaping Pirates?

Desertion of seamen and soldiers assigned to defend Rio de Janeiro (1680-1710)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the desertion of seamen and soldiers affected the defense of Portuguese America against foreign threats. To achieve this aim, we discuss some characteristics of military resistance in the Portuguese territories and particular administrative challenges in Rio de Janeiro between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th. Furthermore, we seek to understand the motivations for these escapes, as well as their implications at local and imperial levels, based on the comprehension of social, politic and economic condition of those recruited. Established this general framework, we propose a case study of mass desertions of military personnel assigned to repel pirates and privateers operating in the surroundings of this city in 1704.