CHAPTER III. 
RIO JANEIRO. 
18 38. 
The city of San Salvador, better known as Rio de Janeiro, has 
been often described. At the time of our visit a great change 
appeared to have taken place within a few years, as well in its 
outward appearance as in its government and institutions, that gives 
to the whole a different aspect from what we read of. Under its 
former monarch, Don Pedro the First, it had all the aspect of a 
court residence : now it is the very reverse. I shall, therefore, give 
my impressions, and a picture of its state as we found it in the latter 
part of the year 1838. 
Republican forms, habits, and customs, are gradually creeping in 
under its new and reformed constitution. It is not to be denied that 
the people now appear to be much better off than formerly, and more 
at liberty to carry on their lawful pursuits. Commerce, and inter- 
course with foreigners, are every day making alterations for the 
better. Every one, on his first landing at Rio, will be struck with the 
indiscriminate mingling of all classes, in all places, all appearing on 
terms of the utmost equality. Officers, soldiers, and priests, both 
black and white, mixing and performing their respective duties, 
without regard to colour or appearance. The only distinction seems 
to be that of freedom and slavery. There are many wealthy free 
blacks, highly respectable, who amalgamate with the white families, 
and are apparently received on a perfect equality. The police, 
too, consisting of a national guard, has taken away those forms 
of military parade that formerly existed. An air of independence 
is creeping in even among the working classes. Any little ser- 
vice that is required, and for which they are well paid, they appear 
