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