pect to all past political opinions
shall be used as has been observed under the constitutional government
of His Most Faithful Majesty John VI.; and that all persons
desiring to remove shall be at liberty to do so, under the usual
formalities.

Secondly,--You are at liberty either to depart to any other
country, or to remain in this.

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,