The family of Mr. Gunter, from Alabama, with that of his son-in-law, are located in Botafogo, and await his return from an exploration of the country to determine upon a location. They have been very kindly assisted and looked after by that noble-souled friend of Southerners, Mr. Carlos Nathan. His acts of kindness will relieve the embarrassments of many who have received favors at his hands, and among that number I shall always feel thankful for the gentlemanly courtesy and substantial aid which he has extended to me.
With a view to promote in a more enlarged sphere the emigration of our people, a proposition has been submitted to the Brazilian government by Mr. Nathan, in which arrangements will be made by him for the transportation of persons from the Southern States to Brazil, with the privilege to the emigrants of paying the passage-money in three instalments, at the end of the third, fourth, and fifth years, and without interest. He assumes the responsibility of guaranteeing to the government the payment of these passage bills which it is to receive, giving him bonds for the amount, with the allowance of a certain amount for each emigrant that is thus brought from the United States to Brazil.
No action has been taken as yet upon this practical business proposition, which would systematize the transportation across the ocean, and enable many to accomplish the removal to Brazil who otherwise will not be able to avail themselves of transportation.
A highly important meeting of citizens was held to-day at the hall of the Merchants’ Exchange, at which the Minister of Agriculture and other important officials co-operated with many of the most influential men of the city, for the consideration of measures most likely to promote emigration to Brazil.
Two meetings have been held prior to this, and propositions were submitted by Senor Dom Furquim d’Almeida, which have in view the recognition of all the civil and religious privileges which can be desired by our people in coming into this empire. This gentleman has great worth of character, and exercises much control in the affairs of the country, so that his prominent advocacy of these reforms has secured the concurrence of a large number of important persons, and through this influence it is expected that action of the government will be secured.
An organization has been formed to-day with the object of facilitating all the different steps towards settlement in this country; and with a view to reach more adequately those for whose benefit it is designed, foreigners are to be associated with Brazilians in a committee for carrying out the plans of this society.
Few matters are initiated here by a public assemblage of the people, such as that now witnessed in regard to emigration, and it indicates a widespread and abiding conviction of the importance that is attached to the settlement of the Southern planters in the territory of Brazil.
The official authorities have manifested great readiness to receive favorably all of our people who have sought any position in connection with the government; and they have afforded all the facilities practicable for aiding those who desired to examine the resources of the country, while they hold out the encouragement of prospective assistance to such as may need aid in emigrating to this empire with their families.
The people everywhere exhibit likewise the most cordial disposition to favor this movement.
Wednesday, January 31, 1866.