Having heard from several disinterested persons that the province of São Paulo combined fertility of soil and adaptation especially to the culture of coffee, with a pleasant and healthy climate, I was inclined to think very favorably of that region. Upon an examination of its outline on the map it was found that it extended sufficiently towards the north to afford all the tropical fruits, and that its southern limit would secure a mitigation of heat, without being exposed to much frost during the winter, lying between 19° 38′ and 25° 39′ south latitude.
Under these circumstances I withdrew my application for transportation to the Bay of Paranagua, and asked Dom Galvão to arrange for a visit to the province of São Paulo.
He had been down to see me, and not finding me in, had left a paper, embodying modifications of the regulations pertaining to emigrants, which are intended to carry out my views. Upon having this document, written in Portuguese, translated by Mr. Hagins, it did not seem very definite or satisfactory, and I will confer with the author in person, when we meet again on Monday at his office. Then I will get more precise information as to the points submitted in this paper, and can determine whether any practical benefit is likely to accrue from the acceptance of his propositions.
Mr. Mallory and myself were expected at the office of Major Pedro Latão da Cunha, at 11 o’clock a. m., but, failing to have the papers in readiness, we did not reach there until after 12 o’clock, when he had left, and we were fully conscious of our dereliction. As we returned, however, he hailed us from the opposite side of the street; and on speaking with him, we found that he had been to learn the cause of our failure to meet him. This made us notice the great importance of promptness and punctuality in keeping our appointments with officials. He proposed that we should call at his office on Monday at 12 o’clock, when he would go with us to see the Minister of State, and endeavor to have our applications acted upon forthwith.
Though there is no special consequence attached to the disposition that is made of mine, it is of great moment to Mr. Mallory to get a speedy and favorable response to his application.
My understanding with different parties as to matters of business, indicates that I may, in a short time, ascertain definitely something as to the lands that may be available; and learn further my future relations to this government.
Sunday, September 17, 1865.
In compliance with a previous understanding, Mr. Mallory and myself went immediately after breakfast to Captain Buhlaw’s quarters, on one of the highest hills in the city, whence he and his wife accompanied us to the museum. This visit was made to-day, as we were informed that it was open only upon Sundays.
We examined a very extensive collection in the departments of Ornithology and Herpatology, with a fair assortment of minerals, of which the specimens of native diamond engaged my special attention. There was a very interesting variety of coins of different nations, and also some specimens of paper money, among which I observed a one dollar ($1.00) greenback note, and others of smaller denomination of the United States currency. These certainly have very little claim to a place among coins, except as curiosities.
In the collection of fishes, I observed a very badly-prepared specimen of flying fish, and were it not for the great interest my friends will take in one preserved by me on the voyage across the water, it might be presented to this museum, so that the characteristics of this truly remarkable phenomenon could be appreciated.