In that year Portugal became subject to Spain, and thus the Portuguese Colonies were now controlled by Spain.  As a result of this Brazil had to undergo the enmity of the English and the Dutch in addition to that of the French.  This latter was now of comparatively old standing.  The forays and raids of the French had, indeed, continued almost without cessation, Pernambuco and Paraiba being two of the chief spots attacked.  In many of these incursions the French were assisted by the natives, with many tribes of whom they had succeeded in establishing good relations.  In the course of time, however, it became evident that the French, like the British, were to be feared in these neighbourhoods rather on account of their raids than for the danger of a permanent settlement.

Until 1580 several English expeditions had proceeded to Brazil, and had succeeded in trafficking with the Portuguese in complete amity.  One or two of the English are even said to have established themselves near Bahia in the quite early days of the colony, and to have lived on good terms with the Iberian lords of the soil.  Afterwards, through the instigation of the European officials, this cordiality became lessened, and in 1580, as has been said, the nations proceeded to open warfare in South America.

In 1582 Edward Fenton visited the coast of Brazil, and was attacked by a Spanish squadron.  One of the latter vessels was sunk, and a decided victory was obtained by Fenton, who, after this, put out to sea.  This was the first hostile action undertaken by the English on the Brazilian coast.

In 1591 Cavendish came to raid the various settlements.  He ravaged many places, and eventually came to Espiritu Santo, where he landed a force, which, through bad generalship, was much cut up by the defenders of the place.  Cavendish after this left the coast, and died on the way home to England—­some say of a broken heart.

In 1595 James Lancaster’s expedition arrived off Brazil.  Lancaster had been brought up among the Portuguese in Europe.  He understood their temperament, and was thus especially well equipped to command an enterprise such as this.  After taking a number of prizes on the high seas, he fell in with another expedition commanded by Captain Venner, and the two forces united, Lancaster remaining in chief command.  The English fleet now sailed for Recife.  In this port they discovered three large Dutch ships, which permitted them to attack the port without interference.  Lancaster, who displayed admirable generalship, landed his forces.  These surrounded and captured Recife, and the English found themselves masters of a large amount of booty.  Lancaster, who was a tactician as well as a fighter, now made terms with the Dutch, and offered them freight to take to England on terms which caused the Dutch ships to abandon their attitude of benevolent neutrality in favour of an active alliance.