Minister of Foreign Affairs, &c.

I will quote one more letter, subsequently addressed by me to the
Supreme Director, General Freire, in whose administration I felt a
sincere interest, knowing him to be a truly honest man, having only at
heart the good of his country; but from his rough training in the camp,
without the administrative ability to contend with the intrigues by
which he was surrounded.

Rio de Janeiro, Dec. 14, 1823.

My respected and esteemed friend,

It would afford me great satisfaction to learn that
everything you contemplated for the advancement and happiness of
your country, has succeeded to the extent of your wishes and
endeavours, but here we live at so great a distance, and the
communication by letter is so scanty, that we have no certain
knowledge with respect to your proceedings. I dare not venture to
offer you my congratulations, being well aware that the re-union of
the Congress would present difficulties which might possibly be
insuperable, fearing also that you may have been subjected to much
uneasiness by the diversity of views entertained by the members,
and their deficiency in those habits, and that general information
in affairs of Government, so necessary in the deliberations of a
Legislative Assembly.

Here we have had our Cortes, but their meeting has produced
nothing beneficial to the State. There existed indeed amongst
them so great a discordance of opinion, and the temper of those
who found their crude notions opposed was so violent, that the
Emperor--finding it impracticable to act with them--determined
to dissolve them, which he did on the 12th of last month, and
issued his commands for the meeting of a new Cortes, but I much
doubt whether the people in the various provinces can find others
competent to the task. Everything here is quiet, and I have no
doubt will remain so in the neighbourhood of the capital, but I
have some fear as to the disposition of the northern provinces. I
shall regret much should anything occur which will disturb the
public tranquillity, now that all the provinces are entirely free and
independent of European authority.

With regard to myself, the friendship you have always expressed
and entertained towards me, justifies my belief that you will be
gratified to learn that everything has succeeded here to the full
extent of my expectations, the fore