SOUTH AMERICA. IQi 



lar exercise of their duty, and require that redress 

 adequate to the abuse given. 



With respect to the general demand of the Portu- 

 guese minister^ for the surrender of all Portuguese 

 subjects who may be on board this ship, it is of so ex. 

 traordinary a nature, that until it assumes a more defi- 

 nite and specific shape, I have only to reply, under 

 present circumstances, that the flag of my country pro- 

 tects every man in the ship, which I have the honor to 

 command. 



I have the honor to remain, 

 with high respect, sir, 



your obedient servant, 

 (Signed,) A. Sinclair. 



The affair had been buzzed abroad through the 

 city, and was no doubt represented in the most unfa- 

 vorable light with respect to us. The jealous and un- 

 friendly disposition we had at first remarked, among 

 those generally collected at the common lounging 

 place, was evidently heightened, and studiously dis- 

 played in their looks. It became unpleasant for us to 

 go on shore, from thB apprehension of being exposed 

 to insult; and the commodore laid his injunctions on 

 the two lieutenants to remain on board. But the most 

 unpleasant circumstance, was the singular demand 

 made by the Portuguese minister, of ail the Portu^ 

 guese seamen on board the Congress; tlsns taking it 

 for granted, that there were such. It is probable that 

 this was founded upon the statement of the deserter, 

 who would naturally enough be inclined to ingratiate 

 himself with his new friends, by inventing such sto- 



