To PEDRO JOSE DE COSTA BARROS.

The charges against Lobo, I well knew to have been fabricated for the purpose of getting me to place him in arrest, and instal Barros in the presidency.  This plot failing, I learned, on the following day, that arrangements had been made for the forcible seizure of the interim President’s person without any specific cause for dissatisfaction with his government, which was in all respects just and excellent.  Finding the spirit of intrigue thus again manifested for the neutralisation of all my efforts to restore order and prosperity to the province—­to the discomfiture of the intriguants—­I again, on the 11th of March, declared martial law.  Such was the terror inspired by this act in the minds of those who had fomented renewed disorder, that, anticipating summary retribution from me, they prepared for the flight of which they had accused an innocent man.  On learning this, I despatched a vessel with a competent officer to cruise at the mouth of the port, under orders neither to let ships nor passengers leave without passports counter-signed by myself.

Having received a letter from Jose Feliz de Azevedo e Sa, the President of Ceara, warning me of the intentions of Barros, who had come from that province, I was confirmed in my determination that the good which had been effected at Maranham should not be neutralised by one who had no authority to shew for his interference.  Accordingly, I wrote to Barros the following order to quit the province forthwith, until His Majesty’s intentions with regard to him should be made known:—­

   March 11th,1825.

   SIR,

Your Excellency having acquainted me that the President interino intended to fly from justice, at the same time calling upon me to take precautionary measures to prevent his escape, without setting forth any crime of which he had been guilty; and further, with regard to my letter requesting that you would make known the nature of the delinquency which impelled the said President interino to fly from the province, you have not considered it necessary to give the slightest explanation.

Now, as I have ample reason to believe the whole allegation to be a fabrication—­as I know that your Excellency—­instead of waiting, as is your duty, for communications from His Imperial Majesty —­has, by your countenance, suffered to be stirred up a spirit of dissension and party, and as I understand the laws which I have been compelled to call into operation to prevent greater evils.

I have to acquaint your Excellency that I have provided a convenient conveyance for your Excellency and suite, in order that you may reside in the neighbouring province of Para, until the arrival of orders from His Imperial Majesty; and that my barge will be at the service of your Excellency and suite at any hour to-morrow, between sunrise and sunset, in order to proceed to the anchorage of the Pedro 1’ro, where you will find the Cacique ready for your reception.

   (Signed) COCHRANE AND MARANHAO.