This morning is clear and beautiful, with the thermometer at 64° degrees Fahrenheit, having risen two degrees since last night. Nature seems to be all in smiles to welcome the return of a new year. Oh, that my heart could feel in unison with this bright and sunny morning!
But while all around is joyous, all within is sadness. The old year of 1865 has come to a close, and the events which have transpired shroud the retrospect with gloom and sadness. Horrible in their reality, and almost maddening to the thought, I would gladly if it were in my power cease to think of what is past. Could the fruitless martyrdom of my three noble brothers be forgotten, the sad fate of many who are left behind cannot be torn from my consciousness and consigned to oblivion. The fact that my own wife and children have been deprived of a house and home by the ruthless hand of the hostile incendiary, stares me constantly in the face as a terrible reality. I cannot but feel very anxious for the present condition and the future well-being of those near and dear to me.
Four months entire have now elapsed since any intelligence has reached me from them or other friends, and the disturbed state of society around them causes me much concern.
My heart feels a weight and depression not in keeping with the advent of a new year; but, flying from the dark abyss of misery which reflection brings to view, let me occupy my thoughts with the persons and things around me.
The sound of music awoke us at early dawn, and several pieces were performed to welcome the coming of another year. Upon going out, we found quite a transformation in the plaza, by the planting of forty-two palm trees (species of palmetto) during the night, making an avenue from the front of the church. They are not expected to grow, but are merely placed here as a part of the festivities of the occasion, to be continued to-day.
The companions of my voyage thus far have now left me to return to Itapetininga, from which point they will proceed to Botocatu. Two mules were brought here by Mr. Bennaton, though it was known that no further provision was to be made for me. This purchase, at forty-seven and a half ($47.50) dollars for a saddle-mule, and thirty-five ($35) dollars for a pack-mule, is considerably below the prices at the capital, but above the average valuation in this region.
The outfit for three men and three attendants now consists of eighteen animals.
I remain here for the camarada, Senor Pedro Crano D’Oliveiro, to come with his mules, and proceed with me through the woods to Iporanga. All these men, though performing menial service, expect a certain deference to be shown them; and it is customary to give them the title of respect implied by Senhor on all occasions. In fact, no freeman, white or black, is ever addressed here without this, but it is usual to prefix it to the first part of the name, even with persons of distinction, instead of using the surname or family name as is done with us, in prefixing the word Mister through respect.
My old friend, the Catholic priest, who is vicar of this district, has given me a letter to a friend in Xiririca, and has likewise procured another from a gentleman here to a party in Iporanga, so that I will get assistance in both places, should I fail to meet Senor Street.
The priest belongs to the order of Friars, and signs himself accordingly Frei, in the prefix to his name. He has gone out to attend to his duties at the church, leaving us at his house without seeming to expect that any of us took any interest in attending the services. The long flowing gown, with a monk’s hood hanging on the shoulders, is worn habitually, as indeed the clerical attire is the common dress of priests everywhere in this country; but when he goes to the church, the ceremonial vestments are taken by his page to be used in the services.