CHAPTER I.

Brazilian and Portuguese factions--Don Pedro ordered to quit Brazil--Appointed "Perpetual Protector"--Proclaimed Emperor of Brazil--Efforts to obtain foreign officers and seamen--The naval command offered to me--Acceptation thereof--Arrival at Rio de Janeiro--Visit of inspection to the squadron--Condition of the vessels--Inferiority of seamen--Imperial affability--Attempt to evade the terms offered me--This failing, to reduce the value of my pay--Pretended commission conferred--And refused--The point argued--I decline the command--The Prime Minister gives in--Explanatory Portaria--Formal commission--Orders to blockade Bahia--Portuguese faction--Averse to me from the outset.