bandierantes

I have been reading about these guys known as the bandeirantes on various websites. I am trying to find information about them from online libraries. I have decided that I am going to become the foremost expert on this group of adventurers. They were men who explored the interior of Brazil before any other European. Don't quote me but I don't think they were working for the crown of Portugal when they went on these expeditions. From what I have gathered they would travel the vast unexplored deserts and rain forests in search of indian slaves and riches. They were usually unsuccessful in these efforts but a good number of these explorers found great riches. One expedition found golf ball size emeralds. Another found an indian village where the people were wearing more gold than clothing. The most famous of these explorers was Antonio Raposo Tavares. I don't remember off hand why he was the most famous but I assume it was because he was the most successful. Some expeditions brought back in excess of 3000 indian slaves. Later African slaves proved to be more productive because the indian slaves would just run away to the forests of the amazon or wherever they came from. When I get more information about specific expeditions I will include a more detailed account of these expeditions. These guys on one of their marches through Brazil traveled farther than Mao or the pioneers. Anyway not much happening here in Afghanistan. Just trying to pass the time.