are too numerous to be detailed by letter, and to
endeavour to put a stop to them, unless under the express authority
and protection of the Imperial Government, would be a thankless
task.

* * * * *

No. 291.

Maranham, March 17th, 1825.

The difficulties with which I have had to contend in this
province have been greatly increased by the arrival of Pedro Jose
de Costa Barros on the 5th of last month--when intrigue within
intrigue was set on foot by different parties, and which--if Barros
were placed in power--I clearly foresaw would end in anarchy and
bloodshed--and probably in the destruction of all the Portuguese
part of the community, whose unequivocal reception of a partisan
President excited at once the jealousy and distrust of the
Brazilians.

Under these circumstances, I felt that the only course to be
adopted, for the prevention of serious evils, was to defer the
introduction of Barros into authority, and to leave Lobo as President
interino, until further directions from the Imperial Government.
This additional degree of responsibility I took upon myself with the
less reluctance, as Barros had no other authority to assume the
Government than a letter to Bruce, whom I had previously been
compelled to suspend from office and send to Rio--to whom, therefore,
such letter could not be delivered. Besides which, having
appointed Lobo to be President interino, until His Majesty's
pleasure should be known, I could not consistently consent to his
removal from office until His Majesty was acquainted with his
appointment, and had expressed his pleasure thereon.

* * * * *

No. 292.

Maranham, March 18th, 1825.

As I observe by the Lisbon newspapers that most of the vessels
acquitted by the Court of Admiralty have arrived at Lisbon, I beg to
call your Excellency's attention to the fact that I have received no
reply to my letter addressed to your Excellency on the 1st of
August last, requesting to know whether, in addition to the loss
of the property, _which ought to have been condemned_, I was personally
liable to the enormous costs and damages decreed against me by
that tribunal.

* * * * *

No. 293.

Maranham, March 18, 1825.

In my letter, No. 291, I acquainted your Excellency
of