Cardim, Fernam

Cardim, Fernam, a Portuguese Jesuit, was born in the 16th century. He early went to Bahia to assist in the first missions of Brazil, but was on the point of retiring in 1583. Being, however, a man of high cultstre, he was called to the office of rector of the college of Rio de Janeiro, and afterwards became provincial of his order, which position he held in 1609. He is found mingling in the political and religious affairs of Bahia down to 1618. M. Adolfo of Varnhagen published a valuable work of this missionary traveller, Narrativa Epistolar de Una Viageme Missao Jesuitica, etc. (Lisbon, 1847). This work is written in charming style, and gives the details carefully. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.