impose de ne pas m'exposer a un outrage, et
l'interet que je dois a mes nationaux de les soustraire a son
implacable vengeance. Si Votre Excellence ne jugeoit pas convenable
d'user de ses pleins pouvoirs pour m'accorder la seule garantie qui
puisse me permettre de sejourner plus longtemps ici, je viens lui
demander de proteger mon embarquement et celui des Francois qui
restant encore a Maragnon.

Je suis, avec respect, Monsieur le Marquis, de Votre Excellence le
tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur,

(Signe) PL. DES SALLIERES.

A son Excellence LORD COCHRANE, Marquis de Maragnon, Premier Amiral
du Bresil, &c. &c.

The steps alluded to were such as I considered most essential for the
safety of the as yet unacknowledged empire; which, through the folly of
a provincial Governor, was in danger of being jeopardised by collision
with powerful European states. As stated to the Maranham memorialists, I
did not adopt the extreme measure of deposing Bruce from the
presidential authority, but resolved to suspend him therefrom till the
pleasure of His Imperial Majesty as regarded his conduct should be made
known. Accordingly, on Christmas day, 1824, I addressed to him the
following letter;--

Maranham, Dec. 25,1824.

SIR,

It is with extreme regret that I feel myself under
the necessity of acquainting your Excellency that it is impossible
for me to withdraw the squadron from Maranham, so long as your
Excellency continues to exercise the functions of President of this
province; because it is evident that if your Excellency is left in
authority, without the aid of the squadron, you must again
have recourse to the assistance of the lowest order of the people,
whom, on my arrival here, I found in arms in support of your
Excellency, against nine-tenths of the upper classes of society, who
continue to entertain the greatest terror of being left under the
authority of your Excellency.

To prevent the recurrence of so lamentable a state of things--the
loss of lives--and the calamities of every kind which would inevitably
ensue, I would respectfully suggest to your Excellency the
necessity of your withdrawing from office, until the determination of
His Imperial Majesty can be obtained.

I can, with great truth, assure your Excellency that my intentions
are not in any degree dictated by any feelings of personal ill-will