December 1, 1687.
As the end of the year approached, the island had already been engulfed in a festive atmosphere. Long strings adorned with colorful fabric hung on either side of the streets. Vendors called out, peddling sweets and interesting trinkets from around the world.
Spaniards, Portuguese, Brazilians, Dutch, and the island's natives moved along the broad streets.
Being the dry season, the dense crowds added to the island's sweltering heat.
Elegant women who journeyed from distant Europe could not withstand the scorching weather and frequently fainted on the beaches or streets from heatstroke.
The police office and resident clinic established at the port received reports every day from islanders, tending to these delicate European ladies.
In the past decade or so, the island's officials were no longer purely of native origin.
