Recentemente tomei conhecimento de um episódio curioso sobre uma força portuguesa que fez uma defesa "epica" - mas sem sucesso - da cidade de Kweilin, China, em 1647, em auxílio dos Ming contra os Manchus.
Alguém sabe mais alguma coisa sobre isso, além do que se pode ler na Osprey?
The siege of Kweilin, 1647. Kweilin was held for the Ming by a detachment of Portuguese allies. A mobile pavise is being pushed into action by the invading Manchus, manned by either archers or handgunners. The primitive-looking multi-barrelled handguns are very similar to Ming types, and were no doubt captured or copied from the Chinese. They were thought to be more reliable in the fierce winds of the north than more modern weapons. The Portuguese colonial troops were formidable fighters, and highly valued by the Ming for their expertise with firearms. Their African slaves were surprisingly loyal, and were often considered to be their best troops. Even in the 17th century many of them were still armed with halberds, or with sword and buckler.
