CHAPTER IX.
Arrival at Maranham—Character of disturbances there—I assume the military command—Proclamation commanding surrender of arms—Condition of the people—Corruption of the authorities—Murderous propensities—Difficulty in detecting assassins—Letter to Minister of Marine—Pacification of Parahyba—Doubts as to the President's sincerity—He establishes secret agencies—Extraordinary memorials—Public complaints of the President—Bruce endeavours to intercept them—My reply to the memorialists—Letter to the Minister of Marine—Enclosing complaints of the Consuls—Bruce prepares to resist my authority—Complaints of the British Consul—He considers my presence necessary—Letter of the French Consul—Detailing shameful atrocities—Danger of collision with foreign states—Suspension of the President—Provision for future Government—Conduct of the faction at Rio de Janeiro—No instructions sent for my guidance—Letter to the Minister of Marine—The Ministry had previously deposed Bruce—But turned on me for anticipating their own act.