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✅1581 - A Tragic Landing or the Battle of Salga

Following the Portuguese dynastic crisis of 1580 and the acclamation in Lisbon of Philip II of Spain (son of D. Isabel of Portugal and grandson of King D. Manuel) as the new King of Portugal, the islands of Baixo127 in the Azores Archipelago did not accept a foreign king. Instead, they supported the pretender D. António, Prior of Crato (son of Infante D. Luís and grandson of King D. Manuel), making him a cousin of Philip II.

Under these circumstances, the island of Terceira and the islands of Baixo represented the only territory resisting Spanish rule. As often mentioned, while Portugal and its empire had fallen under Philip II's control, the city of Angra and the island of Terceira constituted "the last bastion of the independent Kingdom of Portugal."

One of the first signs of rebellion on the island of Terceira, and of their refusal to recognize Philip II as King of Portugal, was the rejection of Ambrósio de Aguiar Coutinho. Appointed by the Spanish crown as governor of the Azores, he was barred from disembarking on Terceira and had to take refuge on the island of São Miguel.

According to Antonio de Herrera, one of the greatest chroniclers of Spanish expansion "in the islands and mainland of the Ocean Sea," the rebellion of Terceira and the obstinacy of its people in refusing obedience to Philip II—ignoring his promised pardon and clemency—prompted Lisbon to organize an expedition to the Azores. This was intended not only to intercept fleets from the West Indies but also to persuade the people of Terceira to accept obedience to the new king. Command of the expedition was entrusted to D. Pedro de Valdés, with orders to avoid the use of force unless absolutely necessary.

In the spring of 1581, D. Pedro de Valdés set sail from the port of Santa Maria with seven large ships and a thousand soldiers, along with many noblemen and sailors. Upon reaching São Miguel, which supported Castile, Valdés brought along his cousin, Juan (or Diogo) de Valdés, an experienced field marshal, and directed the fleet towards Terceira.

On July 5, 1581, D. Pedro de Valdés's naval force arrived at Angra Bay. However, neither Governor Ciprião de Figueiredo e Vasconcelos nor any other authority would meet with him or accept the dispatches he carried.

Frustrated by the defiance of Terceira, the Spanish authorities in Lisbon prepared a larger fleet under the command of D. Lope de Figueroa. The plan was for these reinforcements to join Valdés’s forces and overpower Terceira. Anxious for glory and convinced of his superiority, the young D. Juan de Valdés persuaded his cousin D. Pedro de Valdés to proceed with a landing rather than wait for reinforcements, believing the local populace would join them.

The Landing at Salga Bay

On July 25, 1581, near Salga Bay on the southeastern coast of Terceira, Spanish troops under D. Juan de Valdés landed without resistance. They advanced inland, occupying defensive trenches and capturing artillery. By morning, the Spanish had about 400 men ashore. However, as the day progressed, reinforcements arrived for the defenders, including local militia and personnel from other islands of Baixo who were in Terceira for its defense.

These reinforcements boosted the defenders' morale, allowing them to better shield themselves from the naval artillery bombarding their positions. Contrary to D. Juan de Valdés's expectations, no local residents joined the Spanish forces. By midday, the Spanish troops had suffered heavy casualties and began preparing to retreat.

Governor Ciprião de Figueiredo e Vasconcelos was then advised to use cattle as a weapon. A large number of animals were gathered and driven in a chaotic stampede toward the Spanish positions.

"At around two in the afternoon, about 150 cattle were driven toward the Spanish positions. This was the signal for local forces, stationed around the area, to attack simultaneously. The Spanish suffered heavy losses, with all their men on land killed, either by sword or lance, or drowned while attempting to flee to their ships."

Exhausted and running out of ammunition, the Spanish were overwhelmed by the stampede of cattle. The Terceirenses attacked without mercy, avenging the destruction caused by the invaders. Notable figures such as D. Juan de Valdés and many other nobles perished in the slaughter. According to legend, Brianda Pereira, a local woman, encouraged her compatriots to resist the invaders, although there is no historical documentation to support this narrative.

Few Spaniards managed to escape, weighed down by their iron armor as they drowned trying to reach the sea.

Aftermath of the Battle

The Spanish forces suffered catastrophic losses. According to Antonio Herrera, 350 soldiers were killed, though other accounts, such as that of Frei Diogo das Chagas, suggest the number was much higher. The defenders of Terceira suffered only minor casualties.

This confrontation, known as the Battle of Salga, became legendary. Despite the victory, its effects were short-lived. In 1583, Spanish forces returned and successfully subdued Terceira.

A monument was later erected in São Sebastião, near the symbolic site of the battle, with the following inscription:

"To the valor of the Terceirenses who, in heroic struggle, defeated and expelled the foreign invader on July 25, 1581."

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