the
city only. Accordingly on the 8th of August, in less than a fortnight
after my first appearance off the port, a Provisional Government was
chosen by the population, and the city and province were incorporated
with Brazil, with the national advantage of adding nearly a million of
dollars to the annual revenue of the empire; and this without the
expense of another expedition to the Government, or the loss of time
which would have been necessary, and might, had the reinforcements
intercepted, gained their destination--have ended in a different result
to the integrity of the empire.

The first act of the new Government was to address a congratulatory
letter to His Imperial Majesty, explaining that they should long before
have espoused the Imperial cause, but from fear of the Portuguese
troops. The following is an extract from this letter:--

What was our joy when unexpectedly we saw the _Pedro Primiero_
summoning our port. Oh, 26th of July, 1823! Thrice happy day,
thou wilt be as conspicuous in the annals of our province, as the
sentiments of gratitude and respect inspired by the illustrious
admiral sent to our aid by the best and most amiable of monarchs
will be deeply engraven on our hearts and on those of our posterity.
Yes! august Sire! the wisdom, prudence, and gentle manners of
Lord Cochrane have contributed still more to the happy issue of our
political difficulties than even the fear of his force. To anchor in
our port--to proclaim independence--to administer the oaths of
obedience to your Majesty--to suspend hostilities throughout the
province--to provide proper government--to bring the troops of the
country into the town, but only in sufficient numbers to ensure
order and tranquillity--to open the communication between the
interior and the capital--to provide it with necessaries--and to
restore navigation and commerce to their pristine state--all this,
Sire, was the work of a few days. Grant Heaven, that this noble
chief may end the glorious career of his political and military labours
with the like felicity and success, and that your Imperial Majesty
being so well served, nothing more may be necessary to immortalise
that admirable commander, not only in the annals of Brazil, but in
those of the whole world.

A large amount of government and public property in the several
departments was seized, in conformity with the Imperial proclamation,