The enemy—being greatly annoyed at our perseverance in following, and still more so at the loss of so many of the convoy—on the morning of the 4th, gave chase to the flagship with the whole squadron, endeavouring to hem her in, and at one time we were pursued so closely inshore, that there was some danger of getting embayed, but the handling and superior sailing qualities of the Pedro Primiero enabled her to out-manoeuvre them and get clear. On seeing this, the Portuguese squadron, finding further chase unavailing, gave us a broadside which did no damage, and resumed its position in the van of the convoy, to which we immediately gave chase as before, and as soon as night set in, dashed in amongst them, firing right and left till the nearest ships brought to, when they were boarded—the topmasts cut away—the rigging disabled—the arms thrown overboard—and the officers compelled to give their parole not to serve against Brazil until regularly exchanged—an event not likely to happen.

Keeping well up with them on the 5th—as soon as night set in, this mode of attack was repeated, when we took a Russian vessel filled with Portuguese troops, and disabled her in like manner. Of the merchantmen within reach we took no notice, as it was impolitic to weaken the crew of the flagship by manning prizes, whilst, as we saw nothing of the remainder of the Brazilian squadron, there was no other means of preventing their escape.

The prudence of preserving the crew of the flagship entire, was now well exemplified. After taking possession of the Russian transport, at dusk, I observed half-a-dozen large ships detach themselves from the main body of the convoy, and suspecting some valid reason for the movement, immediately gave chase. Though they crowded all sail, we came up with them on the following morning, and singling out a large frigate-built ship, filled with troops, we fired upon her till she brought to. On boarding, we found her to be the Gran Para, containing—with the others—a division of several thousand troops, destined to maintain Portuguese authority in the province of Maranham—as, indeed, I had been informed at Bahia. The private signals and instructions of the Portuguese admiral—obtained by Flag-Lieutenant Grenfell from her captain—put me in possession of the whole arrangement, which was thus luckily frustrated.

As it was of importance not to let any of these troopships escape, Captain Grenfell was ordered to disable the Gran Para, cutting away her main and mizen masts, throwing the arms and ammunition overboard, taking possession of the regimental flags, and compelling the officers, as before, to give their parole not to serve against Brazil. This done, the other transports were successively boarded and disabled, so far as was consistent with not leaving them positive wrecks on the water; for with my single ship, to have made prisoners of so numerous a body of troops was manifestly impossible.

The brig Bahia having opportunely hove in sight, I seized four of the vessels carrying troops, and ordered Captain Haydon to convoy them to Pernambuco, to the President of which province I addressed the following letter:—

Pedro Primiero, July 7th, 1823.

ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT SIR,

The abandonment of Bahia by the enemy, in consequence of the rigours of blockade—and the capture of half of his army, ensigns, artillery, and stores, are events which you will be gratified to learn. Part of the captured officers and troops I send in for your disposal, having engaged that they shall be treated after the manner which may justly be expected from the high character of the Government of His Imperial Majesty, and the customary practice of all European states. I have to request that you will be pleased to order their disembarkation without delay.

We require seamen to finish the war. If you will be pleased to grant the bounty of 24 dollars per man, as at Rio—charging the same to the Government—you will render an essential service to your country. I do not mean Portuguese seamen—who are enemies; but able seamen of any other nation, and I need scarcely say, that from my knowledge of the character of the men, I should prefer British seamen to all others.

I shall probably have the honour of shortly making myself known to you, but that depends on circumstances over which I have no control. If we can come in, permit me to observe, that it would be conducive to the health of my crew to have ready a supply of fresh provisions and fruits, especially lemons and oranges. I hope you will excuse my freedom in mentioning these things, as the health of the men is as conducive to the interests of the empire as are the ships of war themselves.

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

Sent by the Balia, Captain Haydon.

By the same opportunity I despatched the following to the Minister of Marine:—

ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

I have the honour to inform you that half the enemy's army, their colours, cannon, ammunition, stores, and baggage, have been taken. We are still in pursuit, and shall endeavour to intercept the remainder of the troops, and shall then look after the ships of war, which would have been my first object, but that, in pursuing this course, the military would have escaped to occasion further hostilities against the Brazilian Empire.

Such of the enemy's colours as we have had time to take away I have the honour to transmit, and to lay them at the feet of His Imperial Majesty, and shall shortly forward the remainder.

The vessels taken are large and beautiful ships, fast sailers, and resemble, in their appearance, ships of war.

The Portuguese squadron, and other vessels armed for war, I have every reason to believe are on their route for Lisbon. I have also fully ascertained that the troopships which separated from their squadron during the night were destined for Maranham.

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

The Minister of Marine.

The pursuit was now resumed, but the weather becoming hazy, we saw nothing of the enemy till the 11th, when they appeared to have recovered the Gran Para. As it became calm, nothing could be done till the 14th, when we crossed the Equator in Long. 33-30, making straight for the ships of war, but finding them well together, considered it prudent to defer an attack till they should become separated.

On the 15th they continued united, giving us no opportunity for mischief, yet not venturing to attack us, though only one ship to thirteen. At 3 A.M. on the 16th, we crowded sail and went in amongst them, firing a broadside within half musket shot at one of the frigates with evident effect, as, from the damage caused, they did not return our fire. Whilst tacking to give them the other broadside, our mainsail split in two, and night setting in, we relinquished the pursuit in 5 degrees North latitude.

My object in so doing was—that as we had only taken part of the troopships destined for Maranham, it was quite possible—as that port lay to leeward—that the remainder might even yet reach their destination; and as the Portuguese authority still existed in that—as throughout all the Northern provinces—they might again be armed and equipped. The instructions of the Portuguese admiral were, moreover, that, in case of separation, they were to rendezvous at the island of Fernando de Noronha, near which they were fallen in with some days afterwards; so that there were good grounds for anticipating the possibility of their yet reaching their original destination. Instead, therefore, of following the enemy's squadron farther, I thought we should better serve the interests of Brazil by proceeding direct to Maranham, with the double purpose of being beforehand with the enemy's troops, should the attempt be made—and, if practicable, reducing the province to the authority of the Emperor; a proceeding which, though not within my orders, was, as I conceived, nevertheless of great importance. Accordingly, quitting the Portuguese fleet and convoy, during the obscurity of night, we made straight for Maranham.

Thus were the Northern provinces entirely rescued from the designs of this armament, which—luckily for the consolidation of the empire—I had been enabled to frustrate; so that the cause of independence became free to develop itself throughout its whole extent. It is satisfactory to record the fact, that the whole military force was captured or dispersed, and its objects averted—by a single ship—without the loss of a man on our part—or the additional cost of a dollar to the Imperial Government; though, when we left Rio de Janeiro, it was believed that such objects could only be effected by costly naval and military expeditions combined.

During this chase, as I have said, it did not appear a national object to make captures, though many were secured—as officers and seamen must have been detached for the purpose, thereby diminishing our efficiency for the annexation of those provinces where the Portuguese authority was still intact; to accomplish which—though such result was not expected by the Government—I had formed plans during the pursuit. Considering that zeal for Brazilian interests would be better shewn by expelling the enemy which remained, I therefore refrained from taking possession of many valuable ships, otherwise completely at our mercy, though not having done so—then (previous to my experience of the Court of Admiralty) seemed a heavy pecuniary loss to myself, the officers, and crew. Such sacrifice should have secured us better treatment than we subsequently endured from the Administration of a country whose entire independence was thus obtained by our personal sacrifices.

The means of intimidation employed for the expulsion of the Portuguese from Bahia—the pursuit of the enemy's fleet—and the disabling of the troopships destined for Maranham—acts altogether in excess of the Imperial instructions—not only freed the Northern provinces from the enemy, but, as before stated, saved the Brazilian Government the delay, expense, and uncertainty of powerful expeditions.

These services—undertaken solely on my own responsibility—were productive of the most beneficial consequences to the future career of the Brazilian Empire, the integrity of which they secured at a blow, or it may rather be said, without a blow, for none of any magnitude was struck; the dread of the fireships and the certainty arising—from the nocturnal visit of the flagship on the 12th of June, that my plans for making use of them were completed—having determined the Portuguese Admiral to save his fleet by evacuating Bahia.



CHAPTER III.

CAPTURE OF THE DON MIGUEL—SUMMONS TO THE AUTHORITIES—REASONS FOR THREATS HELD OUT—PROPOSALS FOR CAPITULATION—PROCLAMATIONS—TERMS GRANTED TO PORTUGUESE GARRISON—DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE—PORTUGUESE TROOPS ORDERED TO EMBARK—SYMPTOMS OF DISOBEYING THE ORDER—DELIGHT OF THE PEOPLE ON BECOMING FREE—ELECTION OF A PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT—LETTERS TO THE MINISTER OF MARINE.

On the 26th of July, the Pedro Primiero arrived in the river Maranhao, and—knowing from the Portuguese admiral's instructions found in the troopships overhauled in the chase, that reinforcements were expected—we hoisted Portuguese colours, with a view of inducing a belief that the flagship belonged to that nation, and had arrived in support of its cause. The authorities, deceived by this ruse, sent off a brig of war—the Don Miguel, Captain Garcao—with despatches and congratulations upon our safe arrival! but the commander of the brig was disagreeably undeceived by finding himself upon the deck of a Brazilian ship. The despatches put me in possession of the enemy's plans and intentions, and from them I learned that some reinforcements had already reached, independent of those which had been intercepted in the recent chase; thus shewing the great importance attached by Portugal to the preservation of the wealthy and influential province of Maranham.

To the surprise of Captain Garcao—now a prisoner of war—I offered to release him and his vessel on condition of his carrying sealed letters to the Governor and Junta in the city—a proposition gladly accepted. Previous to his departure—by a fiction held justifiable in war, and, indeed, necessary under our peculiar circumstances, as having only a single ship to reduce a province—he was duly impressed by the relation of an imaginary number of vessels of war in the offing, accompanied by transports filled with troops, which the superior sailing of the flagship had enabled her to outstrip. Captain Garcao being a seaman and well able to judge as to the sailing qualities of the Pedro Primiero, was easily impressed with this story, and returned to the city with intelligence of an irresistible force about to disembark for its reduction.

My letters to the Governor and Junta were to the same effect; for—as before noticed—having only a single ship, it was necessary to impress on their imagination—that a fleet and army were at hand to add the province to Brazil. As this is the only instance within my knowledge of a military force surrendering itself and the province which it defended, to a stratagem of this nature, I shall append the documents by which a result so desirable was effected.

To Don Agostinho Antonia de Faria, the commandant, I wrote as follows:—

Pedro Primiero, July 26, 1823.

SIR,

The naval and military forces under my command, leave me no room to doubt the success of the enterprise in which I am about to engage, in order to free the province of Maranham from foreign domination, and to allow the people free choice of government in the same manner as the inhabitants of Portugal have decided with regard to their constitution.

Of the flight of the Portuguese naval and military forces from Bahia you are aware. I have now to inform you of the capture of two-thirds of the transports and troops, with all their stores and ammunition.

I am anxious not to let loose the Imperial troops of Bahia upon Maranham, exasperated as they are at the injuries and cruelties exercised towards themselves and their countrymen, as well as by the plunder of the people and churches of Bahia. It is for you to decide whether the inhabitants of these countries shall be further exasperated by resistance which appears to me unavailing, and alike prejudicial to the best interests of Portugal and Brazil.

Although it is not customary amongst European nations to receive or respect flags of truce, being armed vessels, yet as a proof that we came here with objects far superior to the seizure of the brig of war just released, I have paid respect to the flag, in the hope that forbearance will facilitate that harmony which all must be desirous should exist between the government of the Royal father and that of the Imperial son; and in doing this, I only fulfil the gracious intentions of His Imperial Majesty.

Awaiting your early reply,

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

Don AGOSTINHO ANTONIA DE FARIA, Commanding the Portuguese Forces.

The subjoined was at the same time despatched to the Provincial Junta;—

ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT SIRS,

The forces of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Brazil, having freed the city and province of Bahia from the enemies of independence—in conformity with the will of His Imperial Majesty that the beautiful province of Maranham should be free also—I now hasten to offer to the oppressed inhabitants whatever aid and protection they need against a foreign yoke; desiring to accomplish their liberation and to hail them as brethren and friends.

Should there, however, be any who—from self-interested motives—oppose themselves to the deliverance of their country, let such be assured that the naval and military forces which have driven the Portuguese from the South, are again ready to draw the sword in the like just cause—and having drawn it, the result cannot be long doubtful.

The chief authorities are hereby invited to make known to me their decision, in order that the responsibility of consequences—in case of opposition—may not be imputed to any undue haste in the execution of the duty which I shall have to perform.

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

To the Illustrious and Excellent The Provincial Junta of Maranham.

The reader may perhaps conclude, that the threats held out are somewhat inconsistent with my only having a single ship, without a soldier in her; and I must even confess to some compunction at this off-hand sketch of an imaginary fleet and army—but the matter was of the last importance. On the one hand, if my demands were vigorously pressed, there was a strong probability of obtaining them without bloodshed; but, on the other hand, if any delay took place, the enemy would, in a day or two at most, find out that the only force was the flagship, when the acquisition of Maranham would be impossible. The sensation caused by the evacuation of Bahia gave probability to my representations, and added to the despondency of the Portuguese, so that the ruse was completely successful.

Proposals of capitulation were immediately returned; but, as these were only conditional, I refused to accept them. In order to enforce the terms proffered, we entered the river—never before navigated by a line-of-battle ship—and anchored the Pedro Primiero abreast of the fort. On the following day, July 27th, the Junta, accompanied by the bishop, came on board, and gave in their adherence to the empire, after which the city, forts, and island, were unconditionally surrendered, though not without subsequent hesitation, which was dispelled by firing a shot over the town, whereupon a flag of truce was sent off, and all demands were complied with. Landing a party of marines for the maintenance of order, the Portuguese ensign was hauled down by Lieutenant Grenfell, who hoisted Brazilian colours in its place.

Thus, without military force or bloodshed, was a second great province secured to the empire, neither result being anticipated, nor even contemplated in the orders communicated to me, which were to blockade the Portuguese in Bahia, and capture or destroy all ships met with—anything beyond this not having entered the imagination of the Government.

As—considering the circumstances in which I was placed—there was no time to be lost in completing the declaration of independence, I addressed the subjoined instructions to the civil authorities:—

Pedro Primiero, July 27, 1823. MOST EXCELLENT SIRS,

It affords me the highest satisfaction that your Excellencies have adopted a course by which all hostilities may be avoided, and the tranquillity and prosperity of this province peaceably established upon a secure and permanent basis. The declaration of the independence of Brazil under His Imperial Majesty will at once tranquillise the public mind, and give opportunity to the worthy and patriotic inhabitants to proceed afterwards with a due formality and deliberation to take the oaths, and elect their provisional government. To-morrow, therefore—being the earliest possible day—it maybe well that the said declaration shall be made taking every necessary precaution that the public peace shall not be disturbed by individuals under any pretence.

(Signed) COCHRANE.

To the inhabitants generally I issued the following proclamation:—

THE FIRST ADMIRAL OF BRAZIL TO THE INHABITANTS OF MARANHAM.

The auspicious day has arrived on which the worthy and public-spirited inhabitants of Maranham have it in their power at once to declare the independence of their country, and their adherence to their patriotic monarch, Pedro Primiero, whose protection has afforded them the glorious privilege of freemen—that of choosing their constitution and enacting their laws by their own representatives assembled to decide upon their own affairs in their own country.

That the glory of this day may not be tarnished by any acts of excess—even proceeding from enthusiasm for the cause in which we have embarked—must be the wish of every honourable and well-judging citizen. To these it would be superfluous to offer any advice as to their conduct; but should there be any who, from whatever motives, would disturb public tranquillity, they are hereby warned that the strictest orders are given to bring those guilty of disturbance to the punishment their crime shall deserve.

Taking the necessary oaths, and the election of civil government, are acts which must be deliberately performed, and for this, the 1st of August is selected. Citizens! let us proceed gravely and methodically, without tumult, haste, or confusion, and let the act be accomplished in a manner worthy the approbation of His Imperial Majesty, and which shall give no cause for regret, and leave no room for amendment.

Long live the Emperor, and the Independence and Constitution of Brazil.

(Signed) COCHRANE.

To the garrison of Maranham, liberty was granted to remain or depart, as they chose; in the latter case, free egress to Europe being permitted, with ensigns, arms, and military honours. Of the vessels of war we took possession, giving to the officers and men, the option of entering the service of Brazil, or accepting the conditions conceded to the army.

As the Brazilian people will naturally be interested in all that led to the completion of the integrity of the empire, the terms granted to the Portuguese garrison are subjoined.

Pedro Primiero, July 27, 1823.

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

In reply to your letter of this date, I beg leave to assure you, first, that my utmost endeavours shall be used to protect the persons and property of the citizens of Maranham—with the exception of such species of property as, being proved to belong to a hostile party, shall become, according to the laws of war, subject to the decision of the tribunals of His Imperial Majesty; that the same leniency with respect to all past political opinions shall be used as has been observed under the constitutional government of His Most Faithful Majesty John VI.; and that all persons desiring to remove shall be at liberty to do so, under the usual formalities.

Secondly,—You are at liberty either to depart to any other country, or to remain in this.

Thirdly,—The commanding officers, superior officers, and soldiers of the Portuguese nation, shall be free to retire to their native country, or to any other quarter; and shall be permitted to embark with their ensigns, arms, and military honours.

As independence is to be declared to-morrow, and as the vessels of war now in the port bear the ensigns of Portugal—and as I believe the necessary authority is vested in you, I have to request that you will order that ensign not to be hoisted on board the said vessels, in order that the substitution of that of Brazil may be made in the manner least offensive to the feelings of the officers—all, or any of whom may remain with their men in the service of Brazil, or may consider themselves under the third article relating to the army.

I have to express my regret at your indisposition, which has deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you; but, if circumstances permit, I shall avail myself of an early opportunity of paying you my personal respects.

(Signed) COCHRANE.

To DON AGOSTINHO ANTONIA DE FARIA, General-at-Arms of Maranhao.

On the 28th the declaration of independence was made amidst the acclamation of the inhabitants generally—those who were adverse to the measure not venturing to make any demonstration to the contrary.

Still it was important to get rid of the Portuguese troops before they found out the ruse which had been practised upon them; for, three days having now elapsed without any appearance of my reputed forces, there was some fear that they might attempt to recover their former position. Accordingly I addressed the following letter to General de Faria:—

Pedro Primiero, July 29, 1823.

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

The declaration of independence having been formally made, and His Imperial Majesty being declared constitutional Emperor of Brazil by acclamation of the worthy people of Maranham—which important event has happily taken place, not only without disorder, but, to the honour and credit of the inhabitants, with the greatest harmony and regularity—it now becomes my duty, as military chief under his Imperial Majesty, to take care that no military interference or intimidation shall in any way overawe or influence the choice of the inhabitants in the election of their provisional government. I have, therefore, to request that you will be pleased to direct all the Portuguese troops who intend to avail themselves of the third article of the stipulations entered into with regard to the military to repair to the place appointed, and there await the preparations which I shall immediately make for their transportation to Lisbon.

I have also to beg that you will he pleased to furnish me with a correct list of those who desire to depart, and also of those who choose to remain and take the oaths as Brazilian citizens.

I have, &c. &c.

COCHRANE.

To Gen. A.A. DE FARIA.

These instructions were promptly complied with by the Ex-Commandant, and no time was lost in providing ships for the reception of the Portuguese troops who wished to avail themselves of permission to sail for Lisbon. This leniency was scarcely deserved, for the Portuguese authorities had filled the gaols with respectable Brazilian citizens, who were treated with great severity; but, for obvious reasons, I was desirous to get rid of the Portuguese on any terms.

The next step was to provide for the proper administration of government, and this—from the factions which were afterwards found to exist—was a work of infinitely greater difficulty than had been the acquisition of the city. Some of the more influential inhabitants, however, offering their services, I formed them into a provisional Junta, until a more popular Government could be provided.

Municipal security being thus attained, the Portuguese troops were embarked, on the 1st of August, though not without some difficulty, for, from the non-arrival of my supposed fleet and army, some amongst them began to suspect that a deception had been practised, and many—backed by the militia—refused to embark. Upon this, a notice was issued that if the treaty were not instantly complied with, such steps should be taken as would render unnecessary the stipulation of safe conveyance to Europe, as I was determined that a solemn engagement should not be violated with impunity. This, as a great portion of the troops were actually on board, and within reach of the flagship's guns, produced the desired effect on the refractory troops ashore, though not till I was compelled to send Captain Crosbie with a large party to enforce compliance and to disarm the militia, both of which objects he effected without bloodshed.

The embarkation being accomplished, and the foreign portion of the militia disarmed, so as to leave the city in the hands of the civil authorities—on the 2nd of August, I issued a proclamation declaring the commerce of the coast free and uninterrupted; following this, shortly afterwards by another, declaratory of my willingness to accept from consignees and others, two-thirds of the estimated value of Portuguese property liable to confiscation—in place of sending the captured vessels to Rio de Janeiro; which—from the state of the city, as well as from want of seamen to man them—was impossible.

To the inhabitants of the city I had been careful to accord complete liberty, exacting, in return, perfect order, which was preserved, and property of all kinds respected; the delight of the inhabitants being unbounded at having been freed from a terrible system of exaction and imprisonment, which, when I entered the river, was being carried on with unrelenting rigour by the Portuguese authorities towards all suspected of a leaning to the Imperial Government. Instead of retaliating—as would have been gratifying to those so recently labouring under oppression—I directed oaths to the Constitution to be administered, not to Brazilians only, but also to all Portuguese who chose to remain and conform to the new order of things; a privilege, of which many influential persons of that nation availed themselves.

On the 1st of August the inhabitants of Alcantara made a declaration of adherence to His Imperial Majesty, notwithstanding a report sedulously circulated amongst them that the Portuguese troops at Maranham were about to recover the city. An assurance from me, that the Portuguese troops were embarked, and were under the guns of the flagship, as well as the fire of their own gunboats, which could be turned against them, and that the European militia was disarmed, speedily dispelled all grounds for alarm.

The proceedings of the temporary Provisional Junta being unsatisfactory, especially as regarded their desire for retaliation on the Portuguese, I determined to embody a more popular Government, though, as yet the election would, of necessity, be confined to the inhabitants of the city only. Accordingly on the 8th of August, in less than a fortnight after my first appearance off the port, a Provisional Government was chosen by the population, and the city and province were incorporated with Brazil, with the national advantage of adding nearly a million of dollars to the annual revenue of the empire; and this without the expense of another expedition to the Government, or the loss of time which would have been necessary, and might, had the reinforcements intercepted, gained their destination—have ended in a different result to the integrity of the empire.

The first act of the new Government was to address a congratulatory letter to His Imperial Majesty, explaining that they should long before have espoused the Imperial cause, but from fear of the Portuguese troops. The following is an extract from this letter:—

What was our joy when unexpectedly we saw the Pedro Primiero summoning our port. Oh, 26th of July, 1823! Thrice happy day, thou wilt be as conspicuous in the annals of our province, as the sentiments of gratitude and respect inspired by the illustrious admiral sent to our aid by the best and most amiable of monarchs will be deeply engraven on our hearts and on those of our posterity. Yes! august Sire! the wisdom, prudence, and gentle manners of Lord Cochrane have contributed still more to the happy issue of our political difficulties than even the fear of his force. To anchor in our port—to proclaim independence—to administer the oaths of obedience to your Majesty—to suspend hostilities throughout the province—to provide proper government—to bring the troops of the country into the town, but only in sufficient numbers to ensure order and tranquillity—to open the communication between the interior and the capital—to provide it with necessaries—and to restore navigation and commerce to their pristine state—all this, Sire, was the work of a few days. Grant Heaven, that this noble chief may end the glorious career of his political and military labours with the like felicity and success, and that your Imperial Majesty being so well served, nothing more may be necessary to immortalise that admirable commander, not only in the annals of Brazil, but in those of the whole world.

A large amount of government and public property in the several departments was seized, in conformity with the Imperial proclamation, and an addition made to the Brazilian navy of a brig-of-war, the Don Miguel, a schooner, and eight gunboats—besides merchant vessels, some of which were appropriated to the conveyance of the late garrison to Lisbon, under engagement to restore their value—a stipulation which was never fulfilled.

Everything being thus satisfactorily settled, my next step was to inform the Minister of Marine at Rio de Janeiro of the extraordinary means by which possession of the city and province of Maranham had been obtained; the subjoined letters were accordingly despatched.

(Secret.) Pedro Primiero, August 8, 1823.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

Your Excellency will perceive by the official documents accompanying this, that in order to effect the objects I had in view at Maranham, I judged it expedient to create a belief amongst the people and garrison, that a large force was at my disposal, and therefore I used expressions in my public correspondence that were not borne out by the actual circumstances under which I summoned that city, as I had—in fact—no other force than this ship alone, which from the nature of the anchorage could scarcely approach within gunshot—whilst there was neither a soldier nor effective marine on board; but the fear entertained by the hostile Government of Imperial troops from Bahia, whom they understood to be off the bar with the remainder of the squadron, and the sudden appearance of so large a ship as this, produced the effect which I had anticipated, and it is with the greatest satisfaction that I now communicate the occupation of this important city and province, which has been accomplished without effusion of blood, or material disturbance.

As soon as I have completed the necessary arrangements here, I propose to return to Rio de Janeiro, and to have the honour personally to inform you of all particulars.

I have, &c.

COCHRANE.

Minister of Marine.

With this was transmitted the following official document:—

Pedro Primiero, Aug. 8, 1823.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

I had the honour to inform your Excellency by letter, off Pernambuco, that we had captured transports containing a moiety of the enemy's army—that we were in pursuit of the remainder—and that I hoped for further success. I have now to acquaint your Excellency that, having followed the enemy's squadron to the fifth degree of North latitude beyond the line, until, by capture and dispersion, their convoy was so reduced that only thirteen vessels out of seventy remained with the ships of war, and as the latter were evidently steering for Lisbon, and were too strong to be attacked with success by this ship alone—for the remainder of the Brazilian squadron had separated in the chase—I judged it advantageous for the interests of His Imperial Majesty's service, to discontinue the pursuit, and to proceed, with all possible despatch, to Maranham, where I arrived on the 26th ultimo.

I have the happiness to acquaint you, for the satisfaction of the Imperial government, that Maranham is now united to the Empire, the inhabitants having proclaimed their independence of Portugal on the 28th, and elected their provisional government this day. I have embarked the Portuguese troops for Europe, and the militia are disarmed.

I have the honour to enclose a copy of the correspondence which has taken place on the occasion, with other papers and documents. We have found here a fine brig of war—a schooner—eight gunboats, and about sixteen sail of Portuguese merchant vessels. Amongst the other advantages of this important event may be mentioned, that while the expense of an express expedition has been saved, an addition of nearly a million of dollars is made to the revenue of His Imperial Majesty.

I have manned and sent the brig of war to Para, to summon that city—offering to the enemy the same terms as we have granted here. The beautiful new frigate, lately launched at Para, has not sailed for Portugal, and I am in expectation that the next account which I shall have the honour to send or bring to your Excellency, will communicate the pleasing intelligence that His Imperial Majesty has no enemy, either on shore or afloat, between the extremities of his empire.

I have, &c.

COCHRANE.

The Minister of Marine.



CHAPTER IV.

CAPT. GRENFELL SENT TO SUMMON PARA—THE JUNTA DEMANDS THE PRIZE PROPERTY—MY REFUSAL—IMPERIAL APPROVAL OF MY SERVICES—REALISATION OF PRIZE PROPERTY—TURI ASSU SENDS IN ITS ADHESION—MONEY CAPTURED LENT TO THE JUNTA—ITS RETURN TO THE SQUADRON EXPECTED—POSSESSION TAKEN OF PARA—INSURRECTION AT PARA—MISCONDUCT OF THE MARANHAM JUNTA—THEIR PERSECUTION OF THE PORTUGUESE—STEPS IN CONSEQUENCE—MANIFESTATION OF THE NATIONAL DELIGHT—THE MARQUISATE CONFERRED ON ME—VOTE OF THANKS BY THE ASSEMBLEA GERAL—MY ARRIVAL AT RIO DE JANEIRO—SATISFACTION WITH MY SERVICES—LADY COCHRANE JOINS ME.

As the province of Para was now the only one which remained under the authority of Portugal, it became of importance to take possession of it, whilst the prestige arising from our acquisition of Maranham was in all its freshness; for we had still no other force than the flagship, which was necessary to maintain order there. In the absence of a Brazilian ship-of-war, I manned the captured brig Don Miguel—changing her name to the Maranhao—and placed her under the command of an able and gallant officer, Captain-Lieutenant (now Admiral) Grenfell, upon whose judicious management every reliance was to be placed.

Captain Grenfell was the bearer of a summons from me to the Junta and garrison of Para, dated off the bar, as though a force were at hand to second his operations. In short, he was instructed to employ the same ruse for intimidating the city as had been so successful at Maranham—the summons as well as the terms to be granted to the Portuguese garrison being similar in both cases. He was further instructed to secure, if possible, the new frigate which had just been launched for the service of Portugal, and if successful, to name her the Imperatrice, in honour of the Empress—to take command of her—and after the submission of the city to return to Rio de Janeiro with his prize. The nature of Captain Grenfell's mission will be apparent from the following extracts from the orders given to him:—

The enclosed orders in Portuguese you may show. They purport to be addressed to you at the mouth of the river Para, and to be there dated on board this ship, she being supposed at anchor there; for it is essential to create a belief in the Government at Para that you do not come alone, but that the squadron is at hand ready to cooperate. You will therefore fill up the date of the Portuguese orders on the day of your arrival at the mouth of the river. You will also fill in the dates of the official letters to the Junta, at the same time, without regard to the delay which may arise, from proceeding up the river.

You will perceive that my intentions are to effect, by your means, objects which would otherwise require an expedition, and therefore the utmost prudence and circumspection are necessary. Next to the liberation of Para, the great object is to secure the frigate. If you succeed in obtaining possession of her, and find yourself deficient in men, you are at liberty to leave the brig for the purpose of manning the frigate. I expect everything from your exertions and good management in bringing about the surrender of Para, with all that is important to His Brazilian Majesty.

To return to the state of affairs at Maranham. One of the first acts of the new Junta—despite their professed admiration of the course I had pursued—was to transmit to me a demand that the property taken from the Portuguese should be placed at their disposal. My surprise at such a request from men whom I had unexpectedly released from thraldom, and elevated to power, ceased as I became better acquainted with the factions existing amongst them. Now that they were invested with power, they were evidently bent on turning it to their own private advantage, by representing to me that if I retained the property of Portuguese in Maranham—that of Brazilians in Lisbon, viz. their own mercantile consignments—would be confiscated in retaliation, and that, therefore, I ought to restore it!

To this I replied, that the captures made by the flagship were strictly in accordance with the decrees of His Imperial Majesty, no less than with the rights of belligerents as defined by the laws of nations; so that their request was directly opposed to the Imperial decrees against all the subjects of Portugal, as well as against all who should contribute to continue the Brazils under a foreign yoke. The Junta was reminded that it was within my power to have imposed upon the Portuguese authorities whatever terms I thought proper, but having granted those I had judged best for the interests of the empire to which I was bound, I would adhere to the treaty as it stood, and should any attempt be made to evade it, it would be my duty—however painful—to enforce its fulfilment, as being responsible to His Imperial Majesty.

This specimen of patriotism in a body of men who little more than a fortnight before were imprisoned or in expectation of imprisonment, but now—to save their own interests in Lisbon—sought to set His Majesty's decrees and my instructions alike at defiance, inspired me with deep distrust of their fitness for the Government of the province—it being evident that if the flagship quitted the port, they would construe the functions of Government in favour of their own private purposes. I accordingly wrote to the Prime Minister, Andrada, representing the course which had been pursued—concluding with the subjoined advice as to the steps to be taken in order to place the future Government on a right basis:—

I beg, through your Excellency, to suggest most respectfully to His Imperial Majesty my opinion that it would greatly conduce to the peace and prosperity of this province, if some able and honourable person should be sent to take the chief authority; for—with all respect to the individuals composing the new Junta, and to those from whom succeeding Juntas might be chosen—none appear to me to possess either the talents or acquirements necessary for the good government of Maranham. I may also add that family connections, together with private and political friendships, no less than enmities—exist here to a degree which can hardly fail to involve the province in internal dissensions, unless averted by the means which I respectfully suggest.

I had shortly afterwards the pleasure of receiving the following expressions of satisfaction from His Imperial Majesty through the Prime Minister:—

Rio, July 12, 1823.

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

I have received the secret communications with which you have favoured me, whereby I learn in detail the distinguished conduct which you have pursued since quitting this port, and the various difficulties with which, (to my regret) you have had to contend. These are, however, of such a nature as to be irremediable in our present circumstances; but let us hope they will vanish when the empire is consolidated.

Meanwhile your Excellency—being no less a politician than a warrior, and enjoying to the utmost the confidence of His Imperial Majesty—is fully empowered to adopt whatever means your judgment may suggest to facilitate the important objects of your commission. On this subject, I also refer to the Imperial authority and other documents addressed to you in reply to your communications.

I beg to add my personal thanks for the interesting communications with which you have favoured me, of which I shall avail myself in order to accomplish the objects desired to be effected.

Be assured of the particular esteem and high consideration with which I am,

De V. Exa. Attento venerador e criado, JOZE BONIFACIO DE ANDRADA E SILVA.

The Junta continuing its unreasonable demand, the moveable property captured was embarked on board the Pombinho, and another vessel—both prizes—for the purpose of being sent to Rio de Janeiro for adjudication. I then directed the Provisional Government to furnish me with an account of all money found in the treasury, customs, military chest, and other departments; also of all military stores in the various forts and magazines and of government property of every description, such property having been wholly awarded to the captors by Imperial decree of the 11th of December, 1822, issued to induce foreign seamen to enter the service.

On the 20th of August the Portuguese troops were ordered to depart for Lisbon—Maranham being thus entirely freed from the presence of the armaments upon which the mother country had relied for the maintenance of her Northern provinces; this result, wholly unexpected by the Imperial Government or the nation, having been accomplished within the space of a few months, by measures adopted on my own responsibility.

Still numerous vessels and much perishable property taken from the enemy, remained on hand—with which it was difficult to deal. From having manned the captured brig-of-war, Don Miguel—as well as the prize vessel, Pombinho, from the crew of the flagship, it was not expedient further to reduce her efficiency; so that there were no means of forwarding the other prizes and property to Rio de Janeiro for adjudication. I therefore apprised the Minister of Marine, that the only course circumstances would permit me to pursue—though not perfectly regular—would be to dispose of them and remit to the Government in specie the amount realised; as, in case of my departure from Maranham, they were certain to be improperly appropriated. Accordingly, an offer was again made to the merchants, to accept two-thirds of their value in specie, and to submit the amount to the further decision of the Court of Admiralty, I little anticipating at the time the anti-Imperial predilections of the members composing the prize tribunal at Rio de Janeiro.

The amount of the seizures effected by the squadron was very considerable, comprising upwards of a hundred and twenty vessels, some of which contained important cargoes. The aggregate amount of these—together with merchandise found in the Custom-house—Government and other public property and stores—was several millions of dollars, and this by His Imperial Majesty's decree of the 11th of December, 1822—promulgated to attract foreign seamen into the Brazilian service—was, as before mentioned, the property of the captors; the Imperial Government, by that decree, disclaiming all share in it,—a stipulation afterwards remorselessly violated.

On the 25th of August, the province of Turi Assu sent in its adhesion to the Empire, this favourable circumstance being however counteracted by the arrival of deputies from the troops of Ceara and Piahuy, reporting their revolutionary tendency, and demanding payment for their previous service; the Piahuy troops—consisting for the most part of Indians recruited in the interior—even threatened to march upon Maranham and enforce their demand, although they had rendered no assistance. The Junta, alarmed at this demonstration, now forwarded to me a request that I would appropriate some portion of the captured property to satisfy the importunity of the mutinous troops.

Considering that the tranquillity of the province in a great measure depended upon silencing these troops—who were not only clamorous and menacing, but in a state of nakedness and destitution—which rendered it probable that they might help themselves at the expense of the inhabitants—I consented to the application of the Junta, placing at their disposal the monies taken in the Portuguese treasury, amounting in cash to Rs.62.560 $423 (60,560 dollars); that found in the custom-house, to the amount of Rs.54.167 $877 (54,167 dollars); and outstanding bills to the amount of Rs.147.316 $656 (147,316 dollars); making in the whole Rs.264.044 $776 (264,044 dollars): accounts of these sums, and the urgency of their appropriation to the necessities of the public service, being duly forwarded to the Minister of Marine at Rio de Janeiro.

These sums are thus minutely set forth, because it has been erroneously represented that sixty contos of reis alone (60,000 dollars), were given up to the Junta, though reference to the vouchers themselves would have dissipated this error, which will be found to have an important bearing upon a subsequent part of the narrative. It may be also necessary to explain how "outstanding debts" could be owing to the Government. Contrary to the English practice of paying duties to the revenue, before goods are cleared from the custom-house, it was the habit of the Portuguese authorities to permit their clearance on receipt of bills to be paid after the goods were disposed of; hence merchants became indebted to the Government in the amount of such engagements.

It was impossible to avoid assisting the Junta, in the extremity alluded to, as the neglected troops might have caused a dangerous emeute, which would have proved injurious to the interests of His Imperial Majesty.

The assistance rendered to the Junta was given at the expense of the officers and seamen, to whom the money of right belonged, and who looked for its repayment as soon as circumstances would permit. On this subject I wrote as follows to the Minister of Marine:—

Maranham, Aug. 26, 1833.

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

Since I had the honour of addressing you deputies have arrived from the troops of Ceara and Piahuy soliciting payment for their services. The provisional Junta of Maranham have requested my assistance in this object, and as I consider the tranquillity of this province to depend in a great measure on the speedy payment of these forces, I have placed at the disposal of the Junta various funds arising from the capitulation of this place. This will doubtless be considered by the seamen—who are the captors—as an unwarrantable sacrifice of their rights in favour of mutinous troops, who have effected nothing; but feeling confident of support from the Imperial Government on a matter so essential to the public interest, I have had no hesitation in assuring the seamen that they will not be losers by their captures being, in the first instance, applied to the relief of the immediate exigencies of the State.

(Signed) COCHRANE.

On the 30th of August, I had the satisfaction to learn from Captain Grenfell that his mission to Para had been completely successful, the frigate, together with another vessel of war, having been secured, the former being, by my previous directions, named the Imperatrice, and added to the Imperial navy; several merchantmen were also taken and sent to Rio de Janeiro.

The summons despatched by Captain Grenfell was—as has been said—based upon the same ruse as had been so successful at Maranham. In order to produce a more decisive effect, it had been dated off the mouth of the river, as though the squadron was there at anchor to compel submission to the Imperial Government. The plan was so ably conducted by the talented officer to whom it was entrusted, that although his force consisted of less than a hundred men, the inhabitants of Para, without a dissentient voice—save that of the Portuguese commandant—pronounced their adhesion to the Government of His Imperial Majesty, and thus a province, greater in extent than France and England combined, was added to the empire, and the independence of Brazil effected to its Northern extremity.

The only blood shed in the liberation of Para, was that of Captain Grenfell, who received a severe wound, treacherously inflicted by a Portuguese who was hired to assassinate him! This cowardly act was resorted to, on the discovery—when too late—that I was not in the river, as the Portuguese authorities had been led to believe.

The subjoined is Captain Grenfell's letter announcing the success of his mission:—

H.I.M.B. Maranham,

August 12, 1833. (Off Para.)

MY LORD,

I have the honour to inform your Lordship that your hopes of the union of Para to the empire of Brazil are verified. Agreeably to your Lordship's instructions, and in virtue of the power conferred on me, I opened the communications with the Junta, and enclose a letter from the General-at-Arms to your Lordship, and am glad to inform you that his is the only dissenting voice. I shall pursue the tenor of your Lordship's instructions until further orders.

I have the honour, &c. &c.

J. PASCOE GRENFELL.

I had directed Captain Grenfell—in case of a declaration of independence by the inhabitants of Para—to form a Junta, and to adopt generally the same course as had been so instrumental in preserving tranquillity at Maranham; giving him, moreover, power to employ the resources at his command in supplying the exigencies of the Imperial service generally, as might be necessary. A Provisional Government was accordingly formed, though not to the satisfaction of a number of refractory persons, who, on the pretence of adhesion to the Imperial Government, connected themselves with a body of undisciplined troops, and made an attempt to depose the newly constituted Junta, which applied to Captain Grenfell for support. Landing his men, the insurrection was with some difficulty put down; but as an ill feeling still prevailed, he considered it necessary to make an example by ordering the trial of five of the ringleaders, who, being condemned, were shot in the public square.

On the 9th of September, I apprised the Junta of Maranham of my intention to proceed to Para, though—being without instructions from the Administration, I really purposed to sail for Rio de Janeiro; for as the Provisional authority temporarily established was not, by any means conducting public affairs in a satisfactory manner, I thought it as well to keep them in ignorance of our real destination, in order that they should believe me within reach, till the Imperial Government might exercise its own discretion as to the future.

The Junta of Maranham, indeed, appeared to have no other object than to shew how liberty suddenly acquired could degenerate into despotism. It was, for the most part, composed of men, who were not only united by family connections and private friendship, but who were nearly allied, as members of one influential family. No sooner had they been invested with power, than they dismissed all civil and military officers, and filled the vacant situations with their own friends, relations, and dependents, without consideration as to their talents or qualifications, thus equally exciting discontent amongst the Brazilians—who were excluded, and the Portuguese—who were dismissed.

Their chief aim was to maintain themselves in power against the will of the people, who, now that tranquillity had been restored, desired a free and general election of a Constitutional Government throughout the province, in place of that which, of necessity, had been confined to the city only. To put down what they considered disaffection—towards themselves—the Junta brought into the city a large body of irregular troops, intending, by means of these, to gratify their resentment against the resident Portuguese, who, having taken the oaths of allegiance to the Imperial Government, were entitled to protection. It appeared, moreover, that the Junta and their friends owed large sums of money to some of the more wealthy and influential Portuguese, and that they intended to get rid of their debts, by the expulsion of their creditors.

As it was sufficiently clear that the Junta was determined not to be advised, it became my duty to avert the evils in contemplation, by expediting the change of administration so much desired by the people. Therefore, on the 12th of September, I transmitted to the Junta, an order for the election of a more comprehensive Government, as they were only intended to remain in power until a general election throughout the province could conveniently take place. Satisfactory as was this measure to the public, it was anything but agreeable to the despotic body, at whose ill-advised measures it was aimed; their resource being to increase the ferment amongst the soldiery brought into the city to uphold their authority, and who—partly from motives of revenge, but more from the hope of plunder—were eager to execute the hostile intentions of the Junta against the Portuguese.

An attempt to arrest the president of the Camara, Senor Luiz Salgado, by the General-at-arms—who had reason to suspect Salgado of intriguing to remove him from office, gave a pretext for disturbance. On the night of the 14th of September, the troops rose and plundered many Portuguese houses, compelling their owners to fly for safety to neutral and other vessels in the harbour. They then deposed the General-at-arms, and chose Salgado in his stead, a proceeding which was next day confirmed by a decree of the Junta, in conjunction with the Camara.

Addressing a letter to Salgado, I firmly refused to acknowledge him as commandant, telling him, at the same time, that his only means of being recognised as a Brazilian citizen, was by allaying the ferment he had contributed to raise. I wrote also to the Junta and Camara, threatening to act in a decisive manner, if these disgraceful scenes were not instantly put an end to, pointing out to them that, as they were the chief proprietors of houses and stores, so they would be the greatest sufferers from anarchy. This step checked the disturbance, but the Junta granted the riotous military a gratuity, levied on the Portuguese who had been attacked. The more respectable of whom soon after quitted Maranham in disgust.

It must, however, be stated that these disorders admitted of some palliation, from the consideration that hundreds of Brazilians had been transported to Lisbon, by the Portuguese authorities, when in power; whilst hundreds of others were on my arrival imprisoned at Maranham, in the gaols and vessels in the harbour. On my entrance into the city, I released numbers of these, and saved many others from impending incarceration.

By the 18th, though tranquillity was restored, I postponed the election of a general provisional Junta till the 20th of October, hoping that before that period, a reply to my earnest entreaties for instructions, would arrive from the Imperial Government. It was for the sake of preserving order during the interval, that I had announced my intention of taking the Pedro Primiero to Para only, well knowing that a belief in her speedy return to Maranham would have a salutary influence in maintaining public peace.

Intelligence of the reduction of Maranham, and the annexation of that province, together with the province of Para, to the empire, was received at Rio de Janeiro with surprise and delight;—surprise, that, in less than six months, without military force, and, in truth, with one ship of war only, so much had been effected—and delight that the Empire was cleared of its enemies without the expense and uncertainty of expeditions which had been calculated on. All Brazilians were eager to vie with each other in the expression of entire satisfaction with my exertions.

His Imperial Majesty was pleased to reward the services rendered, by creating me Marquis of Maranhao, as the fittest title to commemorate the advantages gained for the empire, at the same time awarding me an estate commensurate with the dignity of the honours conferred; the "Assemblea Geral, Constituente e Legislativa" adding a vote of thanks in the name of the nation. The estate, however, was never given, notwithstanding that, at Maranham, and in other of the Northern provinces, numerous fine properties, appertaining to the Portuguese Crown, were added to the Imperial domain. The inconsistency of this was remarkable, seeing that I had been the means of adding to Brazil a territory larger than half Europe—for which service I was warmly thanked by the Emperor, his Ministers, and also by the General Assembly—the latter body, nevertheless, refusing to confirm the gift of even so minute a portion of the vast territory unexpectedly added to the Empire.

The subjoined is the Imperial order, elevating me to the Marquisate:—

His Majesty the Emperor, taking into consideration the great services which your Excellency has just rendered to the nation by assisting to liberate the city of Bahia from the unjust Lusitanian yoke, and afterwards wisely aiding the honourable inhabitants of the province of Maranham in throwing off the said foreign domination, so that they were enabled, according to their desire, to acknowledge His Majesty as their constitutional Emperor; and desiring to give your Excellency a public testimonial of gratitude for these great and extraordinary services (per estse altos e extraordinarios servicos) on behalf of the generous Brazilian people, who will ever preserve a lively remembrance of such illustrious acts, I deem it right to confer upon your Excellency the title of Marquis of Maranhao. My Secretary of State will expedite the necessary patent which I communicate to your Excellency for your information.

God preserve your Excellency many years.

Palace of Rio de Janeiro, 25th of November, 1823. (Signed) JOAO SEVERIANO MACIEL DA COSTA.

The annexed is the vote of thanks awarded by the "Assemblea Geral" which, as has been said, refused to recognise His Majesty's gift of an estate in order to support in a dignified manner the title which His Majesty had graciously been pleased to confer. The reason assigned for this extraordinary proceeding, in a lengthy debate on the subject was, that in granting me an estate His Majesty had exercised a feudal prerogative inconsistent with a free country.

The General Constituent and Legislative Assembly having been officially informed that your Excellency, after having freed the province of Bahia from the oppression of Portuguese troops, and having pursued them beyond the equinoctial line, led the squadron on your own judgment and responsibility to the port of the city of St. Louis of Maranhao, where, with your accustomed valour and singular good judgment, you dislodged the Portuguese troops, who had kept down the patriotism of its generous inhabitants, and accomplished their liberation, so that they proclaimed and spontaneously swore with unanimity their independence of Portugal and their decided union with the Brazilian empire. The General Constituent and Legislative Assembly, acknowledging the importance of these great services has decreed in this day's session that there shall be given to your Excellency in the name of the nation which it represents the thanks due.

Charged as organs to transmit this resolution to your Excellency, we fulfil the task with pleasure, and have the honour to lay the same before your Excellency.

God preserve your Excellency.

Palace of the Assembly, Oct. 3, 1823.

MARTIN FRANCISCO EIBEIEO DE ANDEADA, JOAO SEVERIANO MACIEL DA COSTA, MIGUEL CALMON DU PIN E ALMEIDA.

This vote of thanks by the Assembly contains a remarkable error, by averring that I "led the squadron" to Maranhao, whereas I had only a single ship, and with her singly performed all for which I received the thanks of the nation.

In the interval between this recognition of my services and my return to Rio de Janeiro, an unfortunate change had taken place in the Councils of His Imperial Majesty, introductive of persons more favourable to the interests of Portugal than to furtherance of the judicious measures contemplated by His Majesty for the consolidation of the newly-constituted empire. To the obstructive aspirations of these persons—in ill-concealed concert with the designs of the parent state—my annexation of the Northern provinces necessarily proved fatal; and they ever afterwards regarded me with an animosity which appeared to increase as the empire became, by these, and my subsequent exertions, more firmly established.

Sailing from Maranham on the 20th of September, the Pedro Primiero arrived at Rio de Janeiro on the 9th of November—the Emperor doing me the honour to come on board to welcome me. I immediately forwarded to the Minister of Marine a recapitulation of all transactions since my departure seven months before; viz. the evacuation of Bahia by the Portuguese in consequence of our nocturnal visit, connected with the dread of my reputed skill in the use of fireships, as arising from the affair of Basque Roads; the pursuit of their fleet beyond the Equator, and the dispersion of its convoy; the capture and disabling of the transports filled with troops intended to maintain Portuguese domination in Maranham and Para; the device adopted to obtain the surrender to the Pedro Primiero alone of the enemy's naval and military forces at Maranham; the capitulation of Para with the ships of war to my summons sent by Captain Grenfell; the deliverance of the Brazilian patriots whom the Portuguese had imprisoned; the declaration of independence by the intermediate provinces thus liberated, and their union with the empire; the appointment of Provisional Governments; the embarkation and final departure of every Portuguese soldier from Brazil; and the enthusiasm with which all my measures—though unauthorised and therefore extra official—- had been received by the people of the Northern provinces, who—thus relieved from the dread of further oppression—had everywhere acknowledged and proclaimed His Imperial Majesty "Constitutional Emperor."

The powers which I had taken upon myself to exercise during this eventful period, were, no doubt; in excess of those conferred by my orders, but, knowing that everything depended upon the annexation and pacification of the Northern provinces by the expulsion of the enemy—setting aside my own interests—I considered it better for the welfare of the empire to exceed my instructions, than to entail the continuance of civil war by confining my operations within their scope. In the exercise of this self-imposed duty it may be said that I had also exercised Imperial functions, but this was only in the unavoidable absence of Imperial instructions, which it was my constant endeavour to anticipate rather than to exceed; that I judged and acted rightly, the elevation to the title of Marquis of Maranhao, before reaching Rio de Janeiro—the vote of thanks of the legislature, and the warm acknowledgment of His Imperial Majesty on landing, sufficiently testify. In addition to the gracious reception accorded by His Majesty, I received from his own hands a decoration of the Imperial Order of the Cruizeiro, and, though a foreigner, was subsequently nominated to the high office of Privy Councillor—the greatest honour in the Imperial gift to bestow.

During my absence from Rio de Janeiro, Lady Cochrane—ignorant of my having quitted Chili—was on her way to rejoin me at Valparaiso, but the vessel in which she embarked, having fortunately put into Rio de Janeiro, she was at once made acquainted with my change of service, and remained in the capital till my return. The most hospitable attention was paid to her by the Royal family, the Empress conferring upon her the appointment of Lady of Honour to Her Majesty. The relief to my mind on finding Lady Cochrane at Rio de Janeiro was very great, for, as there had not been opportunity to apprise her of my departure from Chili in time to prevent her return thither, it had been a constant source of regret to me that she would have to endure the discomfort of two tedious voyages round Cape Horn before she could join me in Brazil. The fortunate circumstance of putting into Rio happily terminated the embarrassment.



CHAPTER V.

FIRST EFFORT 10 CURTAIL THE IMPERIAL POWER—PORTUGUESE INTRIGUE—DISMISSAL Of THE ANDRADAS—THE ASSEMBLY DISSOLVED BY FORCE—EXILE OF THE ANDRADAS—LETTER TO HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY—MY ADVICE PARTLY ADOPTED—AND CAUSES MINISTERIAL ENMITY TOWARDS ME—RATIFICATION Of MY PATENT—I DEMAND THE ADJUDICATION OF PRIZES—LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF MARINE—OFFER OF PERSONAL ADVANTAGE TO FOREIGN CLAIMS—SQUADRON REMAINED UNPAID—I AM APPOINTED A PRIVY COUNCILLOR—THE PRIZE VESSELS PLUNDERED—SHAMEFUL TREATMENT OF CAPTAIN GRENFELL—TROUBLES IN PERNAMBUCO—HOSTILITY OF THE PRIZE TRIBUNAL—CONDEMNS ME TO THE RESTITUTION OF PRIZES—FORBIDS MAKING ANY CAPTURES AT ALL.

Shortly before returning to Rio de Janeiro, a total change had taken place in the administration of which Jose Bonifacio de Andrada was the head. As that minister's views were patriotic, he was, in consequence, obnoxious to the Portuguese faction, which had made one or two unsuccessful efforts to supplant him, these only serving to confirm his power amongst the people, who justly appreciated his leadership in the cause of independence. Becoming, thus, more confident in his position, he was accused, whether rightly or wrongly, of intolerance towards persons who were plotting against him, though, even if the accusation were true, he was scarcely to blame for discountenancing those whose chief aim was to paralyse the independence they were unable to prevent.

On the proclamation of the Empire, two influential Portuguese, in the Assembly, endeavoured to impose a condition on the Emperor that, before ascending the throne, he should make oath to a constitution framed by the Constituent Assembly alone, thus reducing His Majesty to a cypher in the hands of the legislature. The proposition was plausible enough to those who were anticipating power, but it gave rise to such dissensions, that Bonifacio de Andrada and his brother sent in their resignations, which, under these difficult circumstances, were accepted by the Emperor.

A violent tumult amongst the people was the immediate consequence, and His Majesty was induced to recall the patriotic Andradas to the cabinet—they however, refusing to resume their functions, unless their Portuguese opponents were banished; to this the Emperor assented, and the Andradas returned to office amidst the plaudits of the populace, who drew the carriage of Jose de Andrada in triumph into the town.

As might have been expected, less tolerance was manifested by the triumphant ministers than before, this just but perhaps impolitic course being eagerly seized on by the Portuguese faction to excite the apprehension of the patriots, who were somewhat dissatisfied by the revival of what were considered feudal usages; above all, by the creation of an Imperial Guard of Honour, selected from the youth of the principal families, who were required to take an oath "of implicit obedience to His Majesty"—this act being especially represented by the adverse faction as evincing a tendency to absolutism.

On the 20th of June, 1823, a project of law had been laid before the Assembly, for the expulsion of all Portuguese deemed hostile to the cause of the empire. This measure might have originated with the Andradas, or not; it was certainly defended in the Assembly by Antonio Andrada. The Portuguese party, alarmed by the still impending danger, formed a coalition with the Brazilian party, to eject the Andradas from the ministry, and having, during a severe illness of the Emperor, gained the ascendancy, the now obnoxious ministers were dismissed; and—though the patriots had not calculated thereon—were succeeded by the leaders of the Portuguese faction itself, who, to the regret of all true Brazilians, effected an immediate change of policy in the Government.

The chief object of the new administration, appeared to be to limit the functions of the Emperor to an extent almost subversive of his authority; His Majesty, in the unsettled state of the empire, being comparatively powerless amidst the machinations with which he was surrounded.

No constitution had, as yet, been fixed upon—His Majesty resenting the former attempt to force upon him a constitution framed solely by the will of the Assembly, which was still seeking an opportunity to assert its supremacy. As the city and province abounded with influential Portuguese, desirous of overthrowing the new regime, and as many of these were in the Assembly, there was a total want of unity between the Emperor and his legislature, the administration leaning to the side of the latter.

About this time, the Marquis of Palmella had widely circulated a document, appealing to the loyalty of the Portuguese, and declaring the policy desired by the mother country; which policy was—to divide Brazil into a number of petty states, easy to be intimidated and controlled. As this scheme held out large promise of irresponsible power to influential persons in such anticipated states—it could scarcely fail to be agreeable to many expectants of office, whose interest it therefore was to prevent the consolidation of the empire, by promoting disunion. It was scarcely a secret that some in the administration were favourable to these views, though not openly professing them; so that the patriotic efforts of His Majesty were paralysed, and the administration, no less than the legislature, exhibited a policy seriously detrimental to the interests of the Empire.

Indeed, a powerful party in the legislative assembly openly called in question the Emperor's authority—even requiring His Majesty to divest himself of his crown in their presence. They deprived him of his council of state; denied him a voice in the enactment of laws, and the functions of administration; even objecting to His Majesty's exercise of the common prerogative of royalty to confer crown lands as territorial rewards for public services—the latter limitation of the royal prerogative being avowedly directed against the grant of an estate to myself, as spontaneously accorded by His Majesty, in gratitude for my recent services to the nation.

This was the state of affairs on my return to Rio de Janeiro, and as His Majesty did me the honour to consult with me in his difficulties, I unhesitatingly recommended him to support his dignity constitutionally—despite all attempts made for its limitation by the Portuguese faction; which—extraordinary as it may appear—was now said to be countenanced by the Andradas, who, though out of office, were still deputies to the assembly, and who—in consequence of their dismissal from power—were considered to be giving opposition to every measure calculated to promote unity between the Emperor and the legislature. The Brazilian patriots—and with good reason—were becoming alarmed, lest an attempt might yet be made to place Portugal and Brazil upon their former relative footing, and the Emperor, who was thoroughly Brazilian—from a conviction that Portuguese ascendancy could never be regained—was no less so.

Matters, at length, rose to such a pitch in the assembly, that the intentions of the factious majority became no longer doubtful, when His Majesty somewhat unceremoniously adopted the course pursued in England by Cromwell in a somewhat similar predicament, viz. to dissolve the assembly, and, should it prove refractory, to turn the members out by force. Cutting short all farther altercation with his legislature, the scene of the English protectorate was re-enacted in Brazil; the Emperor entering Rio de Janeiro at the head of a body of cavalry—surrounding the chamber with a military force—planting cannon before it—and ordering its instantaneous dissolution; the members—after in vain remonstrating against this proceeding—being compelled to retire.

The Andradas were soon afterwards arrested, and exiled—a proceeding impolitic and unjust to men who had laid the foundation of Brazilian independence, and who were no less distinguished by their honesty than their ability. By consenting to their exile, His Majesty lost three valuable servants, and at the same time placed himself in the hands of a faction which he never afterwards controlled, and which eventually forced him from his throne.

As the expulsion of the Assembly—whether justifiable or not, it is not my province to inquire—was decisive, it was obviously of the greatest importance to follow it up by some measure which should convince the public that so extreme a course was intended for their good. As yet no permanent constitution had been declared This, therefore, was clearly the moment for its proclamation, no less to satisfy the people—who were heart and soul with the Emperor—than to prevent retaliation by the faction which had been thus summarily dealt with.

Seeing that nothing was promptly acted upon in an emergency involving the stability of Government, I addressed to His Imperial Majesty the following letter:—

Rio de Janeiro, November 14, 1823.

SIRE,

My sense of the impropriety of intruding myself on the attention of your Imperial Majesty, on any subject unconnected with the official position with which your Majesty has been pleased to honour me, could only have been overcome by an irresistible desire, under existing circumstances, to contribute to the service of your Majesty and the Empire.

The conduct of the late legislative assembly, which sought to derogate from the dignity and prerogatives of Your Majesty—even presuming to require you to divest yourself of your crown in their presence—who deprived you of your Council of State—denied you a voice in the enactment of laws and the formation of the constitution, and who dared to object to your exercising the only remaining function of royalty—that of rewarding services, and conferring honours—could no longer be tolerated; and the justice and wisdom of Your Imperial Majesty in dissolving such an assembly will be duly appreciated by discerning men, and by those whose love of good order and their country supersedes their ambition or personal interests. There are, however, individuals who will wickedly take advantage of the late proceedings to kindle the flames of discord, and throw the empire into anarchy and confusion, unless timely prevented by the wisdom and energy of Your Imperial Majesty.

The declaration that you will give to your people a practical constitution, more free than even that which the late assembly professed an intention to establish, cannot—considering the spirit which now pervades South America—have the effect of averting impending evils, unless Your Imperial Majesty shall be pleased to dissipate all doubts by at once declaring—before news of the recent events can be dispersed throughout the provinces, and before the discontented members of the late congress can return to their constituents—what is the precise nature of that constitution which Your Imperial Majesty intends to bestow.

Permit me, then, humbly and respectfully to suggest to Your Imperial Majesty, as a means of tranquillising the public mind—of averting evils at home, and preventing injurious representations abroad—that, even before the sailing of the next packet for Europe, Your Majesty should specifically declare the nature of the government you are graciously pleased should be adopted. As no monarch is more happy, or more truly powerful than the limited monarch of England, surrounded by a free people, enriched by that industry which the security of property by means of just laws never fails to create—if Your Majesty were to decree that the English constitution, in its most perfect practical form (which, with slight alteration, and, chiefly in name, is also the constitution of the United States of North America), shall be the model for the Government of Brazil under Your Imperial Majesty, with power to the constituent assembly so to alter particular parts as local circumstances may render advisable—it would excite the sympathy of powerful states abroad, and the firm allegiance of the Brazilian people to Your Majesty's throne.

Were Your Majesty, by a few brief lines in the Gazette, to announce your intention so to do, and were you to banish all distrust from the public mind by removing from your person for a time, and finding employment on honourable missions abroad, for those Portuguese individuals of whom the Brazilians are jealous—the purity of Your Majesty's motives would be secured from the possibility of misrepresentation—the factions which disturb the country would be silenced or converted—and the feelings of the world, especially those of England and North America, would be interested in promoting the glory, happiness, and prosperity of Your Imperial Majesty.

These thoughts, hastily expressed, but most respectfully submitted to your gracious consideration will, I hope, be candidly appreciated by Your Imperial Majesty, proceeding, as they do, from the heart of

Your Majesty's most faithful and dutiful Servant,

COCHRANE AND MARANHAO.

His Majesty saw good to adopt this advice in part, but in offering it—though instrumental in establishing the political liberties of Brazil—I had unconsciously placed myself in the position of a partisan against the powerful faction which influenced the administration, and through them every part of the empire. My unauthorised services after the pursuit of the Portuguese fleet and army—resulting in the annexation of the Northern provinces—had drawn upon me the resentment of those now in power whose ultimate intentions were thus defeated. That I—a foreigner, having nothing to do with national politics—should have counselled His Majesty to banish those who opposed him, was not to be borne, and the resentment caused by my recent services was increased to bitter enmity for meddling in affairs which it was considered did not concern me; though I could have had no other object than the good of the Empire by the establishment of a constitution which should give it stability in the estimation of European states.

The effect of this enmity towards me personally, was not long in manifesting itself, and fearing the extent to which this might be carried, I lost no time in demanding that the patent under which I had been invested with the grade of "First Admiral," should be formally engrossed and registered, according to the engagement of the late Prime Minister, previous to my departure for Bahia. On the 25th of November, this was accordingly done, and a commission conferring the same pay and emolument as before—without limitation as to time, received the sign manual—was counter-signed by the Ministers—sealed with the great seal—and registered in the archives of the empire; His Majesty further testifying his approbation of my conduct and services, by directing the transmission of the completed patent without payment of the usual fees.

The following are the stipulations of the commission so solemnly conferred—but afterwards shamefully violated without cause, as though fidelity to its engagements formed no part of national honour and good faith:—

I, Don Pedro, by the grace of God, and the unanimous voice of the people, Constitutional Emperor and Perpetual Defender of Brazil, hereby make known to those who shall see this my charter patent, that the valour, intelligence, and activity united in Admiral Lord Cochrane, now Marquis of Maranhao, who has so distinguished himself in the different services with which he has been entrusted—giving proof of the greatest bravery and talent; and seeing how advantageous it would be for the interests of this empire to avail itself of the skill of so valuable an officer—consider it beneficial to confer upon him—as by this charter is confirmed—the patent of "First Admiral," with the annual pay of eleven contos five hundred and twenty milreas, as well ashore as afloat; and farther in table money, when embarked, five contos seven hundred and seventy milreas—which are the same emoluments as he received in Chili. No admiral in the service having any right to consider himself entitled to succeed to the post of First Admiral, which I create solely for this occasion for the motives expressed, and from the particular consideration merited by the said admiral.