Dropping anchor

a French arrival in Alagoas in 1747

Abstract

The practice of arribadas was common throughout the American coast during the colonial period. This consisted of a stop off the stipulated route, motivated by various factors, from illness on board to the establishment of illicit trade relations. In Portuguese America, a transit route for voyages between Europe and Asia, and between Europe and Spanish America, it occurred regularly. Throughout the colonization period, the Brazilian coast received numerous arribadas by Portuguese, Spanish, English, French and Dutch vessels. It was up to local authorities to investigate the intentions behind such stops. This article aims to introduce the concept of arribadas, already well established in historiography, while using a case study of a French arribada that occurred in Alagoas in 1747. The main goal is to discuss the meaning of the practice, the motivations and its consequences for local administration and economy in the north of the State of Brazil. In addition, to develop the argument that such activity not only constituted a part of the colonial universe, but was also important for the kingdoms involved, touching on issues of diplomacy, politics, commerce, administration and power.