i83l.] CLAIMS ON BRAZIL. 33 
pointed in meeting with the northeast trades ; and had, also, 6t-i 
perienced much calm weather near the equator. 
Our claims on the Brazilian government have been adjusted. 
These claims were founded on a "few mistakes''^ which had 
occurred during the late war with Buenos Ayres, when the 
blockading squadron of the La Plata had appropriated to their 
own use and behoof sundry vessels and cargoes, belonging to 
sundry good citizens of the United States, who were navigating 
the high seas upon "their lawful occasions." 
The British government was at this time m-ging its claims to 
indemnity for spoliations upon her commerce, committed under 
similar circumstances with those upon our own vessels ; but, it 
Would appear, with less success. Both parties were evidently- 
growing warm upon the subject, and, but a short time previously, 
the commander of the British squadron threatened that he would 
blockade the port, and make reprisals. Whether the threat was 
officially communicated to the Brazilian government or not, we 
do not pretend to know; but the fleet did get under way, and 
proceed off the harbom- ; and, after backing and filling for a day 
or two in a rather menacing manner, returned to its original 
anchorage. 
There were those who were ready, of course, to indulge in a. 
sarcastic smile at this manceuvre of Admiral Baker, which, it ap- 
pears, had not the desired effect, if it had been done for that pur- 
pose. The Cortez was at this time in session; and the claims 
preferred by the British government seemed to give rise to much 
excitement between the two parties. 
"We have stated above, that our claims on the Brazilian govern- 
ment were adjusted ; that is, the principle of settlement had beeii 
agreed on, though much in detail remained to be done. 
€ 
