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.