H. Clay Armstrong,
gave me a hint of what the difficulty was and how to obviate it. I then
went about the business myself as I should have done at first, and I
found those at the various departments who were willing to help me
without the intervention of outside "influence."

Commander Marquis of the Brazilian navy recommended me to His
Excellency, the Minister of Marine, "out of regard," he said, "for
American seamen," and when the new document came it was "_Passe
Especial_," and had on it _a seal as big as a soup plate_. A port naval
officer then presented me to the good _Administradore,_ who also gave me
a _passe especial_, with the seal of the _Alfandega_.

I had now only to procure a bill of health, when I should have papers
enough for a man-o'-war. Rio being considered a healthy place, this was
readily granted, making our equipment complete.

I met here our minister whose office, with other duties, is to keep a
weather-eye lifting in the interest of that orphan, the American
ship--alas, my poor relation! Said he, "Captain, if your _Liberdade_ be
as good as your papers" (documents given me by the Brazilian officials),
"you may get there all right"; adding, "well, if the boat ever reaches
home she will be a great curiosity," the meaning of which, I could
readily infer, was, "and your chances for a snap in a dime museum will
be good." This, after many years of experience as an American
shipmaster, and also shipowner, in a moderate way, was interesting
encouragement. By our Brazilian friends, however, the voyage was looked
upon as a success already achieved.

The utmost confidence [said the "Journal Opiz," of Rio], is placed
in the cool-headed, audacious American mariner, and we expect in a
short time to hear proclaimed in all of the journals of the Old and
New World the safe arrival of this wonderful little craft at her
destination, ourselves taking part in the glory. (Temos confianca
na pericia e sangue frio do audaciauso marinhero Americano por isso
esperamos que dentro em pouco tempo veremos o seu nome proclamado
por todos os jornaes do velho e novo mundo. A nos tambem cabera
parte da gloria.)

With these and like kind expressions from all of our _friends_, we took
leave of Rio, sailing on the morning of July 23rd, 1888.

[Illustration: Course of the _Liberdade_ from Paranagua to Barbadoes]

CHAPTER XI

Sail from Rio--Anchor at Cape Frio--Encoun