Still it was important to get rid of the Portuguese troops before they found out the ruse which had been practised upon them; for, three days having now elapsed without any appearance of my reputed forces, there was some fear that they might attempt to recover their former position. Accordingly I addressed the following letter to General de Faria:—
Pedro Primiero, July 29, 1823.
MOST EXCELLENT SIR,
The declaration of independence having been formally made, and His Imperial Majesty being declared constitutional Emperor of Brazil by acclamation of the worthy people of Maranham—which important event has happily taken place, not only without disorder, but, to the honour and credit of the inhabitants, with the greatest harmony and regularity—it now becomes my duty, as military chief under his Imperial Majesty, to take care that no military interference or intimidation shall in any way overawe or influence the choice of the inhabitants in the election of their provisional government. I have, therefore, to request that you will be pleased to direct all the Portuguese troops who intend to avail themselves of the third article of the stipulations entered into with regard to the military to repair to the place appointed, and there await the preparations which I shall immediately make for their transportation to Lisbon.
I have also to beg that you will he pleased to furnish me with a correct list of those who desire to depart, and also of those who choose to remain and take the oaths as Brazilian citizens.
I have, &c. &c.
COCHRANE.
To Gen. A.A. DE FARIA.
These instructions were promptly complied with by the Ex-Commandant, and no time was lost in providing ships for the reception of the Portuguese troops who wished to avail themselves of permission to sail for Lisbon. This leniency was scarcely deserved, for the Portuguese authorities had filled the gaols with respectable Brazilian citizens, who were treated with great severity; but, for obvious reasons, I was desirous to get rid of the Portuguese on any terms.
The next step was to provide for the proper administration of government, and this—from the factions which were afterwards found to exist—was a work of infinitely greater difficulty than had been the acquisition of the city. Some of the more influential inhabitants, however, offering their services, I formed them into a provisional Junta, until a more popular Government could be provided.