NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



177 



sake of avoiding pursuit and detention. He threw himself at the Prince 

 Regent's feet, confessed the debt and his utter inabihty to discharge it. 

 His Royal Highness was so much pleased with this mark of confidence, 

 as generously to remit the sum and reinstate the man in his post. 



The appearance of the' Governor in the streets was announced by 

 drums, at the sound of which, the people repaired to the fronts of their 

 houses, to pay their compliments. He was a tall, thin, handsome man, 

 about fifty years of age, wore a General's uniform, and appeared to have 

 seen some service. He entered into conversation with some, noticed 

 others, and seemed pleased with aU. We could not expect a visit from 

 a person of such consideration ; but he stopped at our door, talked fami- 

 liarly, inquired how we liked the place, and whether we were accommo- 

 dated to our satisfaction, and renewed his professions of a readiness to 

 serve us. We were not only gratified by his notice, but felt it an 

 addition to our security and comfort, by giving us some consequence in 

 the eyes of the people, and more especially by raising us above the 

 insolence of the soldiery. 



There were here marks of vigour, precaution, and discipline, such 

 as I had not before seen in this part of the country. On the Northern 

 side of the Plata, not a single sentinel made his appearance, 'and the few 

 soldiers were ill clothed and worse accoutred. But at Rio Grande, men 

 under arms, properly furnished for their duty, were stationed at the 

 Government house, on the quay, and at all pubHc offices. Their military 

 compliments were duly paid, and as exactly returned by Colonel 

 D'Elbeux and others. He civilly intimated to me that it was customary 

 for every one, not belonging to the service, to take off his hat when he 

 passed a sentinel on duty, because the man was considered, at that time, 

 as a representative of the Sovereign, I am aware, he added, that this 

 deference to the mihtary is ungrateful to Englishmen, yet it is best to 

 comply with the harmless customs of every place which you enter 

 as strangers. This lecture was not lost upon me; I apprehended, 

 indeed, that more was meant than met the ear, and became prepared 



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