NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



459 



nevertheless he suffered not the friend to usurp the seat of justice, but 

 passed an unmitigated sentence. On this account some were disposed 

 to think him severe, yet besides the satisfaction arising from the con- 

 sciousness of having done what was right, he possessed the respect, the 

 affection, and blessings of the people. Without reserve, parade, or 

 affectation, he showed himself among them, and was every where 

 received as their guardian and friend. 



On one occasion, when walking with him in the streets, and observing 

 the respect with which he was every where received, the familiarity, 

 which he loved and encouraged, induced me to say to him, " you are 

 " the greatest tyrant with whom I am acquainted, you hold this people 

 " in more complete subjection than the sword could possibly give you." 

 His reply was, " They are a good people, easily governed, and I am 

 fond of being loved by them." A striking instance of their mutual 

 satisfaction had occurred a short time before. Governors are appointed 

 for three years only, and then removed ; but in this case both parties, 

 without the slightest acquaintance with the purpose of each other, had 

 solicited from the Court a renewal of the term, and the petitions met 

 in the Secretary of State's Office. The jealous Almeida would, for this 

 sole reason, have refused the request, concluding that the Governor 

 was too amiable and too popular ; fortunately the Minister of the day acted 

 upon different principles, and willingly assented to the reappointment. 



I soon had the honour of being invited to this gentleman's table, 

 and met there the civil and military officers of the place, with several 

 other of the principal inhabitants. It was spread in a style of substantial 

 hospitality, devoid of affected superiority and unnecessary parade. No 

 stiff formality was admitted, but the company appeared as much at ease 

 as in the house of a private individual and an equal. All seemed to 

 enjoy, and to give unfeigned satisfaction. The part of the entertainment 

 which made most impression upon my mind was the dessert, into which 

 were introduced twenty-nine different sorts of native fruits, preserved in 

 sugar, the growth and manufacture of the neighbourhood. Many of 



them to me were new, and a white Tangerine Orange attracted attention 



3 M 2 



