Page:The naturalist on the River Amazons 1863 v2.djvu/31

 by tribes which live on the rivers flowing into the Upper Amazons from the north, 1200 miles distant from the Tapajos.

The city of Santarem suffered greatly during the disorders of 1835–6. According to the accounts I received, it must have been just before that time a much more flourishing place than it is now. There were many more large proprietors, rich in slaves and cattle; the produce of cacao was greater; and a much larger trade was done with the miners of Matto Grosso, who descended the Tapajos with their gold and diamonds, to exchange for salt, hardware, and other heavy European goods. An old Scotch gentleman, Captain Hislop, who had lived here for about thirty-five years, told me that Santarem was then a most delightful place to live in. Provisions were abundant and cheap; labour was easily obtained; and the greatest order, friendliness, and contentment prevailed. The political squabble amongst the whites, which began the troubles, ended, in this part of the country, in a revolt of the Indians. At the beginning of the disorders two parties were formed, one tolerant of the "Bicudos" (long-snouts), as the Portuguese were nicknamed, and supporters of the legal Brazilian Government; the other in favour of revolution, expulsion of the Portuguese, and native rule. The latter co-operated with a large body of rebels who had collected at a place on the banks of the river, not far distant; and on a certain day, according to agreement, the town was invaded by the horde of scoundrels and mistaken patriots. All the Portuguese and those who befriended them, that these infuriated