HFXRUITING. 



75 



most shameful partiality prevails, that the most 

 intolerable oppression is experienced ; in fact 

 now it is, that the whole country is seen in arms 

 igainst itself, and that every means of entrap- 

 ping each other are used by the nearest neigh- 

 bours. It is one of those impolitic arrangements 

 which are sometimes practised by governments 

 without perceiving their pernicious effects, and 

 by which, as in the present case, the bad qua- 

 lities of mankind are drawn forth, instead of 

 every thing being done for their correction. 

 Revenge, violence, deceit, and breach of trust 

 are excited, and instead of suppression, they 

 meet with encouragement. 



The mildness of the provincial government of 

 Pernambuco, under the present Captain-general, 

 is in none of its proceedings more apparent than 

 in this. Although this nobleman has for so 

 many years held the situation of chief of the 

 province, now for the first time were issued the 

 orders for recruiting ; but not until they had 

 become absolutely necessary from the state of 

 the regiments. And even now, the directions 

 of the Governor to the officers who w£re to 

 execute his commands were dictated in the 

 spirit of gentleness ; — if this word may be 

 used when despotism sends forth such mandates 

 as these. The official letter recommended im- 

 partiality, and threatened punishment, in case 

 wounds were inflicted without the most evident 



