Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-06-02
For the Phenir Gazette.

lfamere cursory glance at Rio Janeiro, the
eapital of Brazil, from the pen Of a resident OF
few months, can receive place in your pa
per, should feel obliged.
In approaching the coast Of Brazil, the eye
Of the ,oyager is struck with the gloomy and
mountainous land--looking the complete op.
posi,e of our American coast; but as we get
nearer, there is something so romantic and pic
turesoue, that am half inclined 10 doubt whe-
ther the sea coast Of my native country would
give as much qualification 10 the stranger
EsRio, and its eapacious Bay, (probably the
finest harbor in The world,) is defended by-se'e-
eral forts which, as they are oil solid rock, are
allowed to be impreguable: this remains TO be
proved; and fear, from The want OF energy in
80 vouptuous climate, it admits ola doubt
whether the natives would defend il long
against 4 large * we'll disciplined naval force.
The city has striking appearance. lbe
houses, as usual in South America, are built OF
fre delightful fruit trees in The suburbs, pre-
sent an appt arance much like the scenery Of a
theatre.
The first time saw Don Pedro, the LIST, was
st Churcn; and assure you, |, for the mo.
ment, partially forgot my republicanism, in my
anxiety u see him. BY dint Of pushing OBJ
tanned sight. He was seated under canopy
close up TO the altar; dressed in the style we
often see in old prlnts-bue scarf, and his
breast covered with orders. He appeared We.
ry naughty aud unconcerned; and when his
court. who were in the main aisle, kneeled at
the presentation Of the Host, he merely inclined
his head. Indeed 1t is whispered, that he has
lost much Of The respect which he once paid to
the reverend fathers who educated him, and
with that respect also vanished many of his
H., I,.~,o 49,,
policy obliges him occasionally TO conform TO
the outward ceremonies.
He is about thirty, and if not so deeply pit.
ted with the small pox. would be called hand
some. However, his large black mustachoes,
and his gallant bearing, makes him look like
what he is, an ambitious Emperor; in fact he
is man who possesses cunning and talents in
no ordinary degree, and
"Can suit his face to all occasions"
Maria This daughter) the Queen of Portugal
is an interesting lilIle child apparently about
ten years OF age, with the fair hair and blue
eyes of Germany. saw her and her little sis
ter on one of the court days, and i, appeared 10
my rpublicsp optics as ridiculous in the ex-
IRENE TO see some "old veteran Of the court"
kneeling and kissing the fair hand Of the chii>
dren as they passed through the hall to the car
rage that was intended 10 convey them 10 the
country palace.
The climate of Rio is delightful, and were
the inhabitants less selfish, would be the mos,
delightful residence, in my opinion, in the
world-but every one is So intent on making
money, that tits impossible for that sociabiIi,y
TO exist which a more generous feeling possess
es. Il is place OF great trade, yet the cur,
reDcy fuctuates SO much that when person
thinks he has made good speculation the
loss Of single battle may perhaps ruin him.
The Emperor's palace is situated immed
ately on the wharf and is remarkable only for
its size. All the filth of the city is thrown in
the water within fifty yards of the front, which
the tide generally carries away, but with Il |!
strong easterly wind the sench in the palace |
square is almost intolerable.
Females generally con6ne themselves 10 their
houses, or il they go out it is in sedan chairs:
they are not remarkable for personal beauty,
and assure you, al the sight Of two English
ladies in The street, who at home would be
thought but tolerable, were in my opinion beau
tiful in comparison to the native l4ie.
w. II. P.
MKssRs EDIToRs:
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