Within the three days limited in our notification, we had called upon the chief of police for a licence of residence, which was furnished us gratuitously. This officer was one of the many examples that we met with of the disregard paid to colour, in public or private life, throughout the country. He is considered the second officer of the Provincial Government, and, like the President, receives his appointment directly from Rio Janeiro.

In passing our chattels through the custom-house also we had not experienced the least difficulty or annoyance, the officers discharging their duties in the most gentlemanly manner; and, at all times, in our intercourse with officers of the Government, we found them extremely polite and obliging, and generally they were men of intelligence and education.

The President, with three Vice-Presidents, constitute the Executive of the Province. Assemblies of deputies, chosen by the people, meet at stated seasons at Pará, to regulate provincial matters. They have a greater licence, in some respects, than the corresponding branches of our State Governments, such as the imposing of tariffs and the like, but their acts are referred to Rio Janeiro for confirmation.

The judges of the various districts, who are also chiefs of police, are appointed at Rio, but the justices of the peace are chosen by the people.

The church establishment of Pará is not very large, when the wants of the whole province are considered; but as by far the larger portion of the padres never go beyond the city, their number seems disproportionate.