Finding that this made no impression on me, he began to threaten, saying that “he would state to his Government that all delay was occasioned by me, and that I should have to answer for it.”  I told him that, in the event of my sailing without your orders, I subjected myself to be tried by a court-martial for so doing, and leaving your Lordship behind.  He answered that “I must be aware that he was the legal representative of His Imperial Majesty, and that he would give me despatches of such a nature as would not only exonerate me from all blame, but would shew the great zeal I had for His Imperial Majesty’s service.”

I asked Gameiro—­if I were to act in such a manner, what would people think of me?  The answer was, “Never mind what Lord Cochrane says, you will be in the Brazils and he in England, and I will take upon myself all the blame and the responsibility.” He gave me till the evening to think of his proposals, and if I would not consent to them, he had other means of sending the Piranga to sea.  He further requested me to keep this secret from your Lordship, as if you heard of it you would come post and stop it; adding that if I would consent, he would send a sufficient number of men in a steamboat, with every kind of store and provisions required to complete us, and we were to sail immediately.

   This deep laid plot of Gameiro’s was not to be carried on as
   Portuguese plots are in general, but was to be done—­using his own
   words—­at a blow, before anybody could know anything about it.

   With this I send a copy of my answer to Gameiro’s proposals, and a
   letter representing the state of the ship.

   I have the honour to remain
   Your Lordship’s obedient Servant,
   JA’S.  SHEPHERD.

Such were the underhand expedients of a man who was silly enough to tell the secrets of his Government, as regarded the intended injustice of the Brazilian Ministry towards me—­in spite of stipulations thrice ratified by the Emperor’s own hand.  But in confiding them to Lieutenant Shepherd, the Envoy’s want of common honesty, no less than of common sense, did not perceive that he was imparting iniquitous projects to a brave and faithful officer, who would not lose a moment till he had apprised me of the whole.  I should be unjust to the memory of Captain Shepherd did I not give his written reply to the infamous proposals of Gameiro, a copy of which was enclosed to me in the preceding letter.

Copy of my answer to Gameiro’s proposals, sent in Portuguese, and translated by Mr. March:—­