Phenix Gazette

PARAIBA, OCT. 4th, 1826.

In reply to your request, I am sorry to say, I can furnish you with little information of importance, owing as you well know, to the distance we are from the capital, the still greater distance from the scene of action most important, (I mean Buenos Ayres.) and also to the rigor with which the press is treated in regard to the publication of any thing which may tend to promote a knowledge of the state of affairs as they are. Several instances of decided disposition in which the government have shown their fear of another revolution have occurred here; the printer of a small paper published in this city was the other day prohibited publishing any thing before its being examined by a Corrector, who was appointed for that purpose.

There are many disaffected persons in the neighboring provinces, and there have been some disturbances among the troops, who, as well as the civil officers, are considerably in arrears. The Emperor a short time since issued a decree, that the troops be paid first, and I suppose in fear of a revolt. One was attempted about a month ago, but was got under immediately. There has been one also in Pernambuco. These were in consequence of not being paid.

The inhabitants of this province, and the neighboring ones, are in the most abject poverty, on account of the drought which has prevailed for between two and three years past.—Business for the last year has been at an entire stand—two, four and six bags per day, are, I think, more than the average arrival of cotton for the last six months, while it was formerly 100 to 200 bags daily. However, times will soon be better; the farmers have commenced planting, and in course of a very few months, we shall need nothing (which this city produces) from the southern provinces, or the United States. Crops of rice, corn, beans, have already been raised since the rainy season commenced. but not sufficient as yet for the consumption, for want of seed to plant—the next crop will be fully adequate.

Cotton will come in, in about two months, and money will be more brisk; at present there is a sad want of it.