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 Maranhaõ.

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