546 



PROVINCE OF BAHIA. 



Bahia is considered by the English merchants a more agreeable place of 

 residence than any of the maritime towns of the Brazil, and a more social 

 intercourse has existed amongst themselves than at some of the other places. 

 The city and residences in the vicinity are delightfully refreshed by the land 

 and sea breezes, and the climate is deemed very healthy. There is an English 

 hospital here, as at the other commercial towns of note, but there are generally 

 few invalids. 



Here, as in all parts of the Brazil, the females are much confined to the 

 houses, and do not take free and open exercise ; their domestic habits are 

 slovenly and indolent ; many, in the Turkish style, sit on the ground" upon 

 mats, while at work ; they dress loosely; and to the general listlessness and pre- 

 vailing custom of indulging in a sesta, or nap after dinner, may be attributed the 

 gross and unshapely appearance of some of the Brazihan females. It would, 

 however, be illiberal to include the whole in this description, as there are many 

 fine women, and if better acquainted with the graces and the refinements of 

 the fair sex, would be ornaments to any circle of society, having naturally much 

 sprightliness and wit, if properly directed, and freed from the shackles of 

 jealousy with which they are surrounded. 



This city, on the 10th of February, 1821, followed the example of Para, in 

 declaring itself for the new constitution of Portugal, and a resolution to that 

 effect was publicly adopted in the camara, and signed by Conde de Palma, the 

 governor, who however declined holding that situation longer. This measure 

 was brought about principally by the military. Lieut.-Colonels Manuel Pedro 

 de Freitas and Francisco de Paula, were its most active promoters. It is said, 

 that thirteen of the military, including a major, were killed. 



