1S39.] TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES. 57 



southern provinces of Brazil. The most important seaport 

 town in this section of the Empire, is Rio Grande. 



To the United States, the trade of Brazil is of considera- 

 ble moment, as a ready market is afforded in the latter for 

 a portion of our surplus agricultural products ; but it is more 

 than probable that she is the greater gainer of the two, — 

 since our imports from Brazil, during the year ending in 

 June, 1847, amounted to over seven million dollars, while 

 our exports were a little short of three millions. 



(11.) In consequence of the unseaworthy condition of the 

 Peacock, and the long time required to fit her for continuing 

 the cruise, the squadron was detained at Rio for several 

 weeks. About the middle of December, the Relief was 

 dispatched to Orange Harbor, to cut wood for the use of the 

 other vessels, and on the 6th of January following, the 

 remainder of the fleet dropped down the harbor of Rio and 

 stood out to sea, directing their course towards the same 

 place of destination. 



3* 



