To this I replied, that the captures made by the flagship were strictly in accordance with the decrees of His Imperial Majesty, no less than with the rights of belligerents as defined by the laws of nations; so that their request was directly opposed to the Imperial decrees against all the subjects of Portugal, as well as against all who should contribute to continue the Brazils under a foreign yoke.  The Junta was reminded that it was within my power to have imposed upon the Portuguese authorities whatever terms I thought proper, but having granted those I had judged best for the interests of the empire to which I was bound, I would adhere to the treaty as it stood, and should any attempt be made to evade it, it would be my duty—­however painful—­to enforce its fulfilment, as being responsible to His Imperial Majesty.

This specimen of patriotism in a body of men who little more than a fortnight before were imprisoned or in expectation of imprisonment, but now—­to save their own interests in Lisbon—­sought to set His Majesty’s decrees and my instructions alike at defiance, inspired me with deep distrust of their fitness for the Government of the province—­it being evident that if the flagship quitted the port, they would construe the functions of Government in favour of their own private purposes.  I accordingly wrote to the Prime Minister, Andrada, representing the course which had been pursued—­concluding with the subjoined advice as to the steps to be taken in order to place the future Government on a right basis:—­

I beg, through your Excellency, to suggest most respectfully to His Imperial Majesty my opinion that it would greatly conduce to the peace and prosperity of this province, if some able and honourable person should be sent to take the chief authority; for—­with all respect to the individuals composing the new Junta, and to those from whom succeeding Juntas might be chosen—­none appear to me to possess either the talents or acquirements necessary for the good government of Maranham.  I may also add that family connections, together with private and political friendships, no less than enmities—­exist here to a degree which can hardly fail to involve the province in internal dissensions, unless averted by the means which I respectfully suggest.

I had shortly afterwards the pleasure of receiving the following expressions of satisfaction from His Imperial Majesty through the Prime Minister:—­

   Rio, July 12, 1823.

   MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

I have received the secret communications with which you have favoured me, whereby I learn in detail the distinguished conduct which you have pursued since quitting this port, and the various difficulties with which, (to my regret) you have had to contend.  These are, however, of such a nature as to be irremediable in our present circumstances; but let us hope they will vanish when the empire is consolidated.