structions, to show him that it was the desire of the
Confederate States to cultivate friendly relations with other powers,
and to pay particular respect to neutral property and rights; and the
better to satisfy him that he might supply me with coal without a
departure from neutrality, and to contradict the false sentiments of the
United States Consul, I exhibited to him a newspaper from Trinidad,
setting forth the fact that the question of the propriety of supplying
me with coal in that island, had been formally submitted to the law
officers of the Crown, and decided in my favour, &c.

The President then announced to me that I might purchase whatever
supplies I wanted, coal included, munitions of war only excepted. I then
stated to him that this war was in fact a war as much in behalf of
Brazil as of ourselves, and that if we were beaten in the contest,
Brazil would be the next one to be assailed by Yankee propagandists.
These remarks were favourably received, the three gentlemen evidently
sympathizing with us.

Captain Semmes continues his short diary as follows:--

Fresh wind and cloudy. Painting ship, and making preparations for the
reception of coal. We are looking anxiously for the arrival of the Rio
mail steamer, as we have a report brought by a Portuguese vessel from
Pernambuco that a great battle has been fought; that we have beaten the
enemy; and that we have marched upon Washington. God grant that our just
cause may thus have triumphed! The whole town is agog discussing our
affairs. Different parties take different views of them: the opposition
party in the legislature, which is in session, being disposed to censure
the government for its reception of us.

_Thursday, September 12th_.--Clear, with passing clouds; trade-wind
fresh, as usual at this season of the year. Indeed, these winds will
continue to increase in force until December, when they will gradually
give place to the rains. It has been a favourite project of mine from
the commencement of the cruise, to run off Cape St. Roque, and there
waylay the commerce of the enemy in its transit both ways; but the
strong gales and strong current which now prevail, will interfere for
the present with my plan, and I must postpone it for awhile. If the war
continues I shall hope to put it in execution at the proper time. It was
at one time reported to-day that there were two United States vessels of
war awaiting us outside, off Santa Anna; but the report proved