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Portugal has always had great concern over the
military defense of the town of Paraty. First because of the gold mine go through that port, and second, because the Portuguese knew that Paraty was one of the few points of the Brazilian coast with easy access to the then colony, and therefore could be invaded by the French or Spanish search of gold.

To defend the Brazilian coast ten regiments of infantry. Each regiment served in several cities. Meanwhile, the 10th Regiment was intended only to Paraty. In addition to this unit, there was still the master in the town of strangers, Captain's Bar and the Company of Men Pardos.

To defend the town from attack enemy fortifications had six and two guards. Served as the strong to defend the town from attack by foreign ships, the guards were points of advanced control to prevent the smuggling of precious metals and in case of foreign attack, the movement of the enemy by land. The strong order had to allow the approximation of the town only to boats - small boats auxiliary ships - and, if so, at most two or three at the same time. Beyond the permissible, should be sunk by cannon.

The strong, as a defense, were the first targets of an attack. Providing the possibility of a siege by the enemy, there was strong within the local soldiers to sleep and enough stock of water, food and ammunition.

Between 1828 and 1831 the fortifications were unarmed and action of the time destroyed the buildings, leaving only a strong advocate of Perpetual. The other on only ruins and canyons where they were showing their locations.