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CHAP. XIX. 



Account of the Capitania of Rio Grande. 



HE capitania of Rio Grande is one of the most important in 



Brazil. It is of considerable extent, and is bounded by the 

 capitania of St. Paul's on the north, Matto Grosso on the west, and 

 and by the Spanish territories, between it and the Rio de la Plata, 

 on the south. 



Its port is situated about 32° south ; it is dangerous to enter, first 

 from its being shoal water, and next, from a violent sea always run- 

 ning, and from the shifting of the sands. Notwithstanding these in^- 

 conveniences, there is a great trade carried on from this place to all 

 the ports of Brazil, in brigs and small vessels that do not draw above 

 ten feet water. After passing the bar, which is long, they enter into 

 an inland sea, or lagoon, of deep water, and navigate to the north 

 and west to its head, where the principal river runs into it. To the 

 southward is the lagoon Meni, and the neutral ground, a little to the 

 southward of which is the Spanish fortress of Santa Teresa, lately 

 put in repair. 



The principal town is defended by many forts, some of which are 

 upon islets. Since it was taken from the Spaniards by General 

 Coimbra, the Portugueze have much strengthened it,^and now there 

 is a very considerable force of cavalry, horse-artillery, and foot-sol- 

 diers ; so that at a short notice, with the addition of the militia, a 

 body of five or seven thousand men might be calculated upon. 



The climate is considered very fine, and the soil so productive, that 

 this district may be called the granary of Brazil : the wheat grown 



