The whale fishery is carried on by Brazilians altogether, and not
by Portuguese; but in very small vessels, so that the fishermen know
nothing of managing a large ship. They would want of us; at all times,
shipping, corn, and salt fish. The latter is a great article, and they
are at present supplied with it from Portugal. Portugal being without
either army or navy, could not attempt an invasion under a twelvemonth.
Considering of what it would be composed, it would not be much to be
feared, and if it failed, they would probably never attempt a second.
Indeed, this source of their wealth being intercepted, they are scarcely
capable of a first effort. The thinking part of the nation are so
sensible of this, that they consider an early separation inevitable.
There is an implacable hatred between the Brazilians and Portuguese;
to reconcile which, a former minister adopted the policy of letting
the Brazilians into a participation of public offices; but subsequent
administrations have reverted to the ancient policy of keeping the
administrations in the hands of native Portuguese.
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