CHAPTER I.

Brazilian and Portuguese factions—­Don PEDEO ordered to quit
Brazil—­appointed “Perpetual protector”—­Proclaimed Emperor of
Brazil—­efforts to obtain foreign officers and seamen—­the naval command
offered to me—­acceptation thereof—­arrival at Rio de Janeiro—­visit of
inspection to the squadron—­condition of the vessels—­inferiority of
seamen—­imperial affability—­attempt to evade the terms offered me—­this
failing, to reduce the value of my pay—­pretended commission
conferred—­and refused—­the point argued—­I decline the command—­the
prime minister gives in—­explanatory FORTARIA—­formal commission—­orders
to blockade Bahia—­Portuguese faction—­averse to me from the outset.

Although these memoirs relate to personal services in Brazil, it is nevertheless essential, in order to their comprehension, briefly to recapitulate a few events which more immediately led to my connection with the cause of independence in that country.

The expulsion of the Portuguese Royal Family from Lisbon, in consequence of the occupation of Portugal by the armies of the French Republic, was followed by the accession of Don John VI. to the throne of Portugal whilst resident in Rio de Janeiro.

Twelve months previous to my arrival in Brazil, His Majesty returned to Portugal, leaving his son and heir-apparent, Don Pedro, regent of the Portuguese possessions in South America, which had been for some time in a state of disaffection, arising from a growing desire throughout the various provinces for a distinct nationality.  Hence two opposing interests had arisen,—­a Brazilian party, which had for its object national independence; and a Portuguese party, whose aim was to prevent separation from the mother country—­or, if this could not be accomplished, so to paralyse the efforts of the Brazilians, that in case of revolt it might not be difficult for Portugal to keep in subjection, at least the Northern portion of her South American Colonies.  It will be necessary, in the course of the narrative, to bear these party distinctions clearly in mind.

As the Regent, Don Pedro, was supposed to evince a leaning to the Brazilian party, he gave proportionate offence to the Portuguese faction, which—­though inferior in number, was, from its wealth and position, superior in influence; hence the Regent found himself involved in disputes with the latter, which in June 1821 compelled him to submit to some humiliations.