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.