The History of Brazil, from the period of the arrival of the Braganza family in 1808, to the abdication of Don Pedro the First in 1831 ... Forming a cotinuation to Southey's History of that country

Front matter

THE HISTORY OF BRAZIL VOL. I BifcEihcd hy Smith . Elder it Co. 65 ComHU.LandOTi THE HISTORY OF BRAZIL, FROM THE PERIOD OX THE ARRIVAL OF THE BRAGANZA FAMILY IN 1808, TO THE ABDICATION OF DON PEDRO THE FIRST IN 1831. COMPILED FROM State Œorumcnts an& otljer ©itginal Sources. FORMING A CONTINUATION TO SOUTHEY'S HISTORY OF THAT COUNTRY. BY JOHN ARMITAGE, Esq. " It is thus that Legislation and Politics become gradually regarded as experimental sciences ; and history, not as formerly, the mere record of tyrannies and slaughters, which, by immortal izing the execrable actions of one age, perpetuates the ambition of committing them in every succeeding one, but as the archive of experiments, successful and unsuccessful, gradually accu mulating towards the solution of the grand problem-how the advantages of government are to be secured with the least possible inconvenience to the governed."

Herscuel. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL I. LONDON: SMITH, ELDER AND CO., CORNHILL, booksellers to their majesties. 1836. LONDON : PR1NI'I-.D UY STKWAItl AW CO. OLD BAILEY* TO MARK PHILIPS, ESQ., M.P., AN ENLIGHTENED BRAZILIAN MERCHANT, AND AN ARDENT AND ZEALOUS FRIEND TO THE PROGRESS OF HUMAN INTELLIGENCE, IN EVERY COUNTRY, THESE VOLUMES ARE, WITH PERMISSION, INSCRIBED, BY THE AUTHOR.

Preface

. Perhaps there is no country with which the relations of Great Britain are so extensive, and yet of which she at the same time knows so little as the Empire of Brazil. The want of even any ordinary means of reference regarding the financial and political affairs of the country, wras so sensibly felt by the Author, during the period of a long residence there, that he was induced to enter upon the following history, chiefly, from a consideration of the advantages which a perfect acquaintance with the facts noted herein, might give him, in a commercial point of view. As he proceeded in his task, he however became animated by higher motives ; for not only was it interesting to him to trace the gradualj progress of a people from rudeness to comparative civili zation, but he also felt, with the author whom he has quoted on the title page, that history can no longer be regarded as " the mere

PREFACE.

. record of tyrannies and slaughters, but rather as the "archive of experiments, tending to show how the advantages of Government can best be secured to the governed." During the execution of the work, he has had opportunities of associating with some of the most eminent political characters in Brazil : he has had access to documents and stores of information open but to few; and he has also had occasion to visit the seat of the Cisplatine war, and thus been enabled to estimate the man ners and character of the wild inhabitants of that district, from personal observation. Whe ther or not he has turned these advantages to good account, it is for the public to decide. He is quite willing to concede that the circum stance of his having been a foreigner in Brazil, may occasionally have proved an obstacle to his entering fully into the spirit of his theme ; yet he hopes it will be borne in mind that this circum stance also has had a tendency to prevent his being unduly biassed in behalf of any faction.

Perhaps contemporary history can in some instances be best written by a foreigner, since he can associate Math, and enter into the feelings of all parties without partaking their pas sions. Rio de Janeiro, July 1, 1835. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

Chapter I

Jealousy of Portugal relative to Brazil — Component parts of the Administration — Code of laws — Municipalities — Military force — Orders of Knighthood — Appropriation of tithes by the Crown, and its results on the condition of the Clergy — Prohibition of the law of Entail, and of Manufactures — Population — General character of the inhabitants — Education — Effects of the independence of the United States of North America — Sedition in Villa Rica — Execution of Tiradentes — Subsequent conspiracy in 1801— Effects of the French revolution — Arrival of the Royal Family in Brazil — Formation of the Bank, and other public institutions — Results of the late changes — Depravity of the Court — Conspiracy and revolt in Pernambuco, in 1817 — Death of the Dowager Queen of Portugal, and marriage of Don Pedro. — Auxiliary troops from Portugal ■ — Systematic exclusion of native Brazilians from commands in the army — Official journalism — Arrival of the intelligence of the revolt in Portugal in 1 820. - Page 1

Chapter II

Insurrection, and subsequent convocation of the Cortes in Portugal — Manifesto to the Portuguese nation — Declaration of Para, Madeira, Bahia and Monte Video, in favour of the Constitution— Dis- CONTENTS. X orders in Pernambuco— Measures adopted by the government in Rio de Janeiro— Acceptance of the Portuguese Constitution- Resolution of Don John to return to Portugal— Elections- Effects of the late changes on the disposition of the native inhabitants of Rio— Meeting, and subsequent massacre in the Exchange- Impatience of Don Pedro to assume the regency— Nullification of the acts of the 21st of April— Change of ministry— Predictions of the counsellors of Don John VI.— Departure of the King, and his parting charge to Don Pedro. - - "aSe 22

Chapter III

Character of Don Pedro — Measures adopted subsequently to the departure of the King— Reception of the bases of the Portuguese costitution — Insurrection of the 5th of June, 1821.- — Establishment of provincial governments — Influence of the Portuguese party — Straits of the Administration in Rio — Suspension of payments by the National Bank— Sketch of the history of that establishment — Change in the sentiments of Don Pedro, in consequence of his embarrassments. - - - - -37

Chapter IV

Measures adopted by the Cortes of Lisbon — Suppression of the tribunals, and recal of the Prince — Appointment of Governors-at- Arms — Aspirations for Independence — Effects of the Abolition o' the Censorship — Patriotism of the Secular Clergy— Proclamation of the 4th of October, 1821 — Attestation of Don Pedro— Effect of the Decrees of the 29th of September — Preparations for the Regent's Departure — State of Parties — -Address from San Paulo — Andrada Family — Address of the Municipality of Rio — Consent of the Prince to remain in Brazil — Revolt of the Auxiliary Division in consequence — Ejection of the Portuguese Troops — Convocation of a Council of State — Dissensions in Pernambuco and Bahia. - 50

Chapter V

Incorporation of the Banda Oriental with Brazil in 1821 — Previous siege of Monte Video — Operations of Artigas, and invasion of the disputed province by the Portuguese — Overthrow of Artigas — Municipal Congress — Threats of Buenos Ayres — Demonstrations of the Cortes. - - - CONTENTS. XI

Chapter VI

Demeanour of the Portuguese members of the Cortes towards the Brazilian Deputies — Arrival of the squadron for the conveyance of the Prince — Journey of his Highness to Villa Rica — Prohibition of the exportation of arms to Brazil by the Portuguese Government — Acceptation of the title of " Perpetual Protector and Defender of Brazil" by Don Pedro — Decree for the convocation of a Constituent Assembly — Order to General .Madeira to embark for Portugal — Manifesto of the first of August, 1822.— Commencement of hostilities in Bahia— Ejection of the Portuguese troops from Pernambuco— Journey of Don Pedro to San Paulo, and declaration of independence— All dissentients subjected to banishment — Election of Don Pedro as Emperor — State and prospects of the new Empire, and its Administration. - Pa-re 76

Chapter VII

Further decrees of the Cortes of Lisbon — Return of the Brazilian Deputies — Character of the Andrada Ministry, and their arbitrary policy — Dissensions in the Cabinet — Deportation of Ledo, and dissolution of the Masonic Lodges — Coronation of Don Pedro New Order of Knighthood — Sequestration of Portuguese property — Overtures to Lord Cochrane — Engagement of British seamen, and organization of a battalion of foreigners — Incorporation of the Imperial Guard of Honour — Lord Cochrane's operations off Bahia — Portuguese abandonment of Bahia — Captain Grenfell's operations at Para — Death of prisoners from suffocation — Lord Cochrane's seizure of Portuguese property at Maranham, and return to Rio. - - - - - 92 CHAPTER VIIIJj Affairs of Portugal — Decree for the Banishmei^Bf the Queen — Invasion of the Peninsula by the French, under the Ducd'Angouleme — Influence and Agency of the Clergy in Portugal — Counter-revolution, and consequent Dissolution of the Cortes of Lisbon — Convo cation of the Constituent Assembly in Rio de Janeiro — Spirit of its Members — Speech of Don Pedro — Subsequent Discussion — Coalition of the Royalists and Patriots against the Andradas, and CONTENTS. consequent dismissal of the latter from the Cabinet — New Mi nistry, and their Measures — Factious Opposition of the Andradas — Arrival of Commissioners from Portugal — Dissensions between Brazilians and Portuguese — The Military March to San Chris tova"o, and the Members of the Assembly declare themselves in permanent Session — Negotiations with the Government, and sub sequent forcible Dissolution of the Assembly. - Page 110

Chapter IX

Manifesto relative to the dissolution of the Assembly — Convention of a Council of State for the formation of a New Constitution — Plot for the Assassination of Don Pedro— Affairs in Monte Video — Unpleasant situation of Lord Cochrane — Bad faith of the Government relative to the Prize Claims — Abstract of the New Constitution, made oath to on the 25th of March, 1824 — Subsequent analysis of its principal features — Spirit of the Administration—Further particulars relative to the Prize Claims. - 137

Chapter X

Application of the Portuguese Government for the intervention of his Britannic Majesty —Mediation of Mr. Canning, in 1824 — Attempt of Don Miguel to overthrow the Portuguese Administration — Negotiations relative to the affairs of Brazil — Unsatisfactory line of poilcy adopted by the Portuguese Government. - - 159

Chapter XI

Revolt in Pernambuco — Arrest and subsequent release of Manoel Carvalho Paes de Andrada — Proclamation of the " Confederation of the Equator" — Lord Cochrane despatched to Pernambuco, in August, 1824— His operations and negociations there — Advantages obtained by the Imperialists, under the command of Francisco de Lima— Arrival of Commodore Jewett in Pernambuco, and flight of Carvalho — Execution of Ratcliff, Metrowich, and Loureiro for high treason. - - - . - 166

Chapter XII

Arrival of Lord Cochrane in Maranham, in November, 1824 Dissensions there — Operations of his Lordship — His claim on the CONTENTS. XIII ordnance, &c. formerly appertaining to the Portuguese Govern ment — Banishment of Abranches — Arrival of a new President, and his subsequent removal by Lord Cochrane— His Lordship's departure for England. - - page iso

Chapter XIII

Assassination of Caldeira in Bahia — Acknowledgement of the independence of the Spanish republics by England, and its effects on the Negociations between Portugal and Brazil — Mr. Canning's proposals to the Portuguese Government — Their Impolicy — Embassy of Sir Charles Stuart— Treaty of the 29th of August, 1825, recognizing the independence — Secret convention annexed— Ratification of the treaty— State of parties in Brazil — Private character of Don Pedro — Marchioness de Santos — Chalaca the favourite — Operations of the Absolutists. - - - 189

Chapter XIV

Description of the Banda Oriental, and of the manners and character of its inhabitants — State of Monte Video — Petition of the Cabildo for absolute Government — Unique letter from the same body to Don Pedro — Conspiracy for throwing off the Brazilian yoke — Expedition of the thirty adventurers from Buenos Ayres — Defection of Rivera — Interference of Buenos .\yres — System of warfare pursued by the Gauchos — Battle of the Sarandi, on the 13th of October, 1825. - - - - 205

Chapter XV

Spirit of the Administration — Concessions of titulary honours, and their effect — Treaties with the British Government —The Emperor sails for Bahia, in February, 1826 — Pamphlet of Chapuis — Its effect, and the subsequent banishment of the Writer — Death of Don John VI. — The Regency of Portugal declare in favour of Don Pedro, who consequently assumes the Crown — Grant of a Constitution to the Portuguese — Policy of the appointment of an Hereditary Senate —Projected marriage of Donna Maria to her uncle Don Miguel. - - - - - CONTENTS.

Chapter XVI

Convocation of the Legislative body on the 6th of May, 1826 — Law regarding the nomination of Senators perverted by Don Pedro — Speech on the opening of the Chambers — Blockade of Buenos Ayres — Operations of the Navy — Procrastinating policy of General Lecor — Contrast of manners between the South American Spaniards and the Brazilians — Timidity of the House of Deputies — State of Finance — Dissatisfaction of the House concerning the late Treaty with Portugal — Legislative measures — Close of the Chambers, and Speech of His Majesty on that occasion. - 1'age 236

Chapter XVII

Operations of the blocklading force before Buenos Ayres — Impolicy of the Brazilian Minister of Marine — Brown's discomfiture on the 29th of July, 1826— Privateers— Land blockade of Monte Video — Enlistments in Brazil — Employment of foreign troops — Impolicy of the measure — Affairs of Buenos Ayres — Enthusiasm of the EngliÆ in the service of that Republic — Voyage of Don Pedro to Rio Grande— Critical situation of Admiral Brown — Death of the Empress — Marchioness of Santos — Interment of the Empress — Her character — Payment of her debts by the Legislative Assembly. 254

Chapter XVIII

Return of His Imperial Majesty to Rio — Dismissal of the Ministry — Affairs of Buenos Ayres — Marquis de Barbacena — Battle of Ituzaingo — Browne's blockade of the Brazilian force in the Uruguay and his success — Brazilian expedition to Colonia — Its failure, — Brown's discomfiture on the 9th of April, 1827 — Overtures for peace— Garcia's Treaty — Refusal of the Buenos Ayrean Government to ratify it— State of public feeling in Buenos Ayres — Infractions of the blockade — Opening of the Legislative Chambers — His Majesty's speech— Tieaty regarding the Slave Trade— Augmentation of the stipend allotted to the Emperor— Colonel Cotter sent to Ireland to engage colonists — Attempt of dictation to the Deputies on the part of the Senate— Don Pedro's scheme for supplying funds lo meet the expenses of the war— Closing of the Session of the Chambers— Change of Ministry— Obvious incapacity of the late Cabinet. - CONTENTS. XV

Chapter XIX

Re-appointment of General Lecor to the command of the army — Marquis de Barbacena despatched to Europe — State of Affairs in Portugal — Revolt in favour of Don Miguel — Interference of Great Britain — Conduct of Don Pedro relative to the Affairs of Portugal Appointment of Don Miguel as Lieutenant-General, and Regent of Portugal — Don Miguel's Oath to the Constitution — Machinations of the Absolutists — Death of Mr. Canning, and its effect on the affairs of Portugal — Disolution of the House of Deputies there — Convocation of the ancient States of the Kingdom in June 1828 — Protest of the Marquis de Itabayana — Assembly of the Three Estates, and their decision — Donna Maria sent to Europe — Negotiations of the Marquis de Barbacena — Fulsome style of the Official Journals in Rio. - - - Page 293

Chapter XX

Disputes relative to the prize claims — The North American Ministers' interpretation of the laws of blockade — LTnavailing representations — Mr. Raguet demands his passports — The French and English make similar claims to the Americans, aud the British Ministry undertake the office of mediators between the Emperor and the Government of Buenos Ayres — State of the Imperial army — Audacity of the privateers — Meeting of the Chambers in 1828 — New Ministry — Revolt of the foreign troops, and subsequent massacre — Further changes in the Cabinet — A French squadron enters in line of battle, and their demand is acceded to — Negotiations for peace — Preliminary treaty — Effects of the war in Brazil as well as in Buenos Ayres. - 308 331 NOTES ERRATA IN VOL. I. Pa0e 4, line 13, for statutes, read code. 8, — 15, for its, read their. 30, — 30, for deliberate, read deliberative. 38, — 10, for revolt, read massacre. 86, — 12, for allies, read sallies. 124, — 8, for from the Emperor, read for the Emperor, 150, — 25, for session, read sessions. 169, — 20, far 1834, read 1824. 191, — 18, for was also the, read was the. 194, — 27, for he, read she. THE HISTORY OF BRAZIL.

Chapter I

Jealousy of Portugal relative to Brazil — Component parts of the Administration — Code of laws — Municipalities — Military force — Orders of Knighthood — Appropriation of tithes by the Crown, and its results on the condition of the Clergy — Prohibition of the law of Entail, and of Manufactures — Population — General character of the inhabitants — Education — Effects of the independence of the United States of North America — Sedition in Villa Rica — Execution of Tiradentes — Subsequent conspiracy in 1801 — Effects of the French revolution — Arrival of the Royal Family in Brazil — Formation of the Bank, and other public institutions — Results of the late changes — Depravity of the Court — Conspiracy and revolt in Pernambuco, in 1817— Death of the Dowager Queen of Portugal, and marriage of Don Pedro. — Auxiliary troops from Portugal — Systematic exclusion of native Brazilians from commands in the army — Official journalism — Arrival of the intelligence of the revolt in Portugal in 1 820.

In order to form a correct appreciation of the various political changes in Brazil, since the period when Mr. Southey concludes his history of that country, it will be necessary, in the first instance, to pass in review the component parts of the administration under the absolute system. VOL. i. B For more than three centuries one of the most beautiful and fertile regions of the globe, was by the policy of Portugal restricted from all inter course, or commerce, with the other nations of Europe ; and even the residence, or admission of foreigners was equally prohibited. The vessels of the allies of the mother country were occasionally permitted to anchor in its ports, but neither passengers nor crew were allowed to land, excepting under the superintendence of a guard of soldiers. The result of these re straints naturally was, that but little more was known respecting the institutions of the colony, than what the mother country chose to commu nicate ; and as most of these accounts were more or less disfigured by party feeling, it is presumed that an exposition which of itself would excite but little interest, but which will materially tend to the elucidation of many passages of the succeeding history, may not be deemed an useless introduction.

Previously to the year 1808, though the Viceroy resident in Rio de Janeiro was nominally the highest functionary of the government, yet this personage was in reality invested with but little political power, except in the province of Rio, where alone he acted as Captain-general : the virtual administration of the colony being en trusted chiefly to similar officers, one of whom was appointed to each province. They were nominated for three years only, and received their instructions from the Court of Lisbon, to which they were compelled to render an account of their proceedings. They were not only pro hibited from marrying within the sphere of their jurisdiction, but also from the transaction of any commercial pursuits ; as well as from ac cepting any present, or emolument, in addition to the stipend allotted them by the government.

For the management and application of the public finances, bodies were appointed denomi nated "Juntas de Fazenda," Juntas of Finance ; of which the Captains-general of the respective provinces were the Presidents. The highest functions of the judicial power were confided to a Court of appeal, composed of Desembargadores, or Chief Judges ; to whom succeeded the Ouvidores, or itinerant Judges, who were under the obligation of making an annual circuit to the districts committed to their charge, for the purpose of passing judgment in criminal cases. For the adjudication of certain causes, Judges, termed " Juizes de fora," who were selected from amongst such as had taken their degree in Coimbra, as bachelors of law, were appointed ; who, as well as the officers of the higher tribunals, were all nominated by the Court of Portugal.

In the less populous, and inferior districts, " Juizes ordinarios," with the same attributes as the "Juizes de fora," b were also occasionally elected by the votes of individuals, denominated " Bons de povo ;" the qualification for which title was, to have held office in the municipalities. From the sentence of these "Juizes," appeal could be made to the court of Desembargadores in Rio, and from this again ultimately to the " Desembargo do Paco" in Lisbon. Unless, however, the appel lant were possessed either of great interest at Court, or in default of it could bribe higher than his antagonist, these final appeals were seldom of any real utility. The Statutes on which the decisions of the judicial power wrere founded, was the Portu guese Code framed during the reigns of the two Philips, and entitled " Ordinacoens do Reino ;" to which were appended all the "Cartas de Lei," and decrees issued since the accession of the House of Braganza : forming altogether about nine volumes.

Though in ordinary cases the decisions of both civil and criminal causes was left exclusively to the judicial authorities, the mandate of the Captains-general was at any time sufficient either to suspend, or set aside the ordinary operations of the law. The Municipalities were close corporations, formed on the model of those of Portugal ; where those bodies had formerly been entrusted with the nomination of deputies to the supreme Cortes : though this, as well as many other important privileges, had latterly fallen into disue tude. On occasions of public ceremony, the national banner was still carried in their pro cessions, and they were still recognized, in ap pearance at least, as the representatives of the people. In Brazil also, their power was once considerable ; and instances have occurred of the deposition of the Captains-general by the Municipalities, and of this exercise of authority having been sanctioned by the entire approbation of the government at Lisbon ; though to wards the end of the last century, their powers had been restricted almost exclusively to the improvement of roads, the construction of bridges, the control of the markets, and other objects of minor importance.

Their executive officers, who were entitled " Juizes Almotaceis," were nominated by the Municipalities them selves, every three months ; and were charged with the power of exacting fines, and enforcing imprisonment, according to certain established regulations. The regular troops were recruited according to the direction, and placed entirely at the dis position, of the Captains-general ; but the officers were nominated by the Court of Lisbon. The militia, or troops of the second line, were enlisted by the officers of each respective corps, and the officers themselves were also appointed in Lisbon, at the proposition of the Captainsgeneral. Though serving gratuitously, this lat ter force was often employed in very laborious and odious services ; and its members, as well as the regular troops, were amenable to mar tial law, in all matters relative to their military duty.

In addition to the preceding, were the " Ordenancas," or troops of the third line ; who, by the regulations of their institution, ought to have been composed exclusively of such individuals as were incapacitated by physical defects, or otherwise, from serving in the militia. Their duty was to defend the country in cases of emergency; but this service was merely nomi nal, and by a perversion of the real objects of the institution, it became customary for all pos sessed of sufficient patronage to obtain a post in the Ordenancas, for the express object of avoiding enrolment in the militia. The Fidal gos, or Portuguese noblemen of the first rank, were exempt from personal service altogether. The Orders of Knighthood were those of Santo Iago, San Bento de Aviz, and the Order of Christ ; of all of which the Sovereigns of Portugal were the Grand Masters, and perpetual administrators.

Amongst other privileges appertaining to the office of Grand Master of the Order of Christ, a Pontifical bull had conferred that of an entire ecclesiastical jurisdiction over all ultra-marine conquests ; and by virtue of this title, the crown of Portugal, shortly after the discovery of Brazil, appropriated to its own use all the tithes levied in this country ; with, however, a proviso, binding the Monarch to provide for the celebration of public worship, and to pay a stipulated sum for the adequate maintenance of the various Clergy. By the same authority the presentation of ecclesiastical benefices was also constituted one of the ex clusive privileges of Royalty ; though the proposition of candidates was subsequently delegated to the Bishops, with an injunction that the na tives of the respective captaincies, and more especially the descendants of the ancient no bility, who were among the first emigrants to Brazil, should on all occasions be preferred ; the right of presentation being still restricted to the Sovereign.

The stipulations made for the maintenance of the established Religion, and the due support of the clergy, were nevertheless but very imperfectly complied with. Many Priests came to be dependent on the mere fees of their office for subsistence ; and the stipend paid to the highest dignitaries of the Church was but trifling, when compared with what would have accrued to them, had they been allowed to retain possession of the tithes. The revenue of the Archbishop of Bahia, the head functionary of the Brazilian Church, never amounted to more than ten contos of rees per annum; at par, 2,812/. 10s. sterling; nor was the Bishopric of Rio de Janeiro, embracing within its limits the provinces of Rio Grande, Espirito Santo, and Santa Catherina, ever worth to its incumbent more than six contos of rees, or 1,687/. 10*. per annum.

These peculiarities in the condition of the Clergy are, perhaps, worthy of more particular note than the circumstances of any other class, since they will be found to have exercised a most important in fluence during the period of the subsequent revolution. The jealousy of the Portuguese government constantly led them to dread the growth of every power, or corporation, which might here after militate against the exercise of its authority ; and on this account, not only were the civil and ecclesiastical functionaries brought more immediately under control than in the mother country, but even the increase of capi talists and large proprietors was systematically prevented. The entailment of landed property could be effected only by virtue of an express permission from the Sovereign ; and all manufactures, excepting the preparation of sugar, were most rigidly prohibited.

At the close of the last century, the popula tion might be estimated at about three millions, six hundred thousands ; of whom, about two fifths were negro slaves. The majority of the free population were also a mixed race, derived jointly from African, Indian, and European origin ; the white inhabitants being the only class as yet entrusted with political power. In the ideas and manners of a people comprising so many different castes, it is evident there could be but very little similarity; still their more general characteristics were in every respect such as might be anticipated from the na ture of their institutions. Provided for by the labour of slaves, inhabitants of a climate where the productions of the earth are almost sponta neous, and devoid alike of the stimulus and the instruction, which must have resulted from a more unrestricted communication with foreigners, they were for the most part an indolent and apathetic race.

Education had as yet made little progress among them ; even the knowledge of the eccle siastics was in most instances confined to a little bad Latin ; and the happy individual who possessed some acquaintance with both Latin and French, was regarded as so transcendant a genius, that people came from miles distant to consult him. Political science was completely in its infancy, with nearly all the inhabitants of Brazil. The histories of Greece and Rome, the " Contrat Social" of Rousseau, and such few stray volumes of the writings of Voltaire and the Abbe Raynal as had escaped the vigilance of the authorities, were hitherto their only sources of information ; and there was neither a Printing press, nor an University in all Brazil. During the Vice-royalty of the Count de Re zende, from 1790 to 1801, an attempt was made to establish a literary academy at Rio de Janeiro, but its members were subjected to so much political persecution, that they were compelled to break up the association in its commence ment.

On the establishment of the independence of the United States of North America, a vague aspiration for the similar enfranchisement of Brazil was undoubtedly cherished there ; but this feeling was long limited exclusively to such individuals as had become aware of the existing state of other countries ; and such was the absence of all the elements of sociability, that public opinion could not at this period be said to have any existence. During the year 1789 a conspiracy was formed by a few influential individuals in Villa Rica, not so much, however, with the design of pro claiming an independent republic, as from a desire to ascertain what co-operation they were likely to meet with, in case that step should subsequently be adopted. From a diminution in the product of the gold mines in this district, several of the individuals working them were in considerable arrear for taxes.