of all constituted authority, the resident British, by
general and firm perseverance in a strictly neutral line of conduct,
and by calm endurance of not a few unavoidable ills--succeeded in
averting from themselves the chief weight of those evils to which all
the remaining population were exposed.

But though they now feel grateful at having escaped outrage
and have passed unhurt amidst general anarchy, still, they recollect,
that while by their conduct they were entitled to protection, they
nevertheless continued in a painful anxiety for their safety.

In this state of uncertain security the resident British continued
for several months, and when at last intrigue attempted to force
them into the general scene of distress--some being openly
threatened--your Lordship's providential arrival averted the destruction
of many inhabitants, and the dangerous condition of all.

Into this critical situation were British interests at this place
thrown by violent party spirit. That spirit, though at present
smothered, cannot be totally extinguished without time. It has
unsettled the community at large, and disorganised all the military
establishments of the province.

After this exposition of facts, I may be allowed to assert, without
thereby offering the least disrespect to any constituted authority,
that your Lordship's presence in this province for the time being is
indispensable for the tranquillity and security of all its inhabitants--
because the only means by which legal control can be revived, and
consequently an occurrence which must be as desirable and needful
to all public functionaries, as I frankly avow it to be to one, who has
the honour to declare himself

Your Lordship's
Most obedient and humble servant,

ROBERT HESKETH,
His Britannic Majesty's Consul.

To the Right Hon. Lord Cochrane,
Marquis of Maranhao, Admiral, &c. &c.

The letter of the French Consul is even more precise, and therefore I
subjoin that also:--

Vice Consulate of France at S. Louis de Maragnon,

Monsieur le Marquis, Dec. 4, 1821.

La position difficile dans laquelle je me suis trouve depuis trois
mois--la delicatesse de celle dans laquelle je suis place maintenant
vis-a-vis M. le President de la province de Maragnon, m'imposant le
devoir de porter a la connoissance de votre Excellence les justes
motifs de plai