No. 5.

Statement of goods imported from the United States in American vessels, and entered for consumption at the port of Pernambuco, during the year ended June 30, 1862.

MARANHAM.-WILLIAM H. EVANS, Consul.

OCTOBER 10, 1862.

I have the honor to lay before the department the following remarks upon this port, its commerce, &c., during the three months since I entered upon my consular duties, to which I have added such information as I have been able to obtain for the previous portion of the year, and ending September 30, 1862.

There remain in this port ten American vessels, making sixteen arrivals from the United States during the year, the aggregate measurement of which amounts to 4,476 tons. Seven of these vessels were despatched direct to the United States. The American trade has increased considerably in general amount over previous years; the balance being, as heretofore, in our favor. Total value of trade, $186,222; of which $143,158 were imports from, and $44,064 were exports to, the United States; showing a balance in our favor of $98,094.

The exportation of hides to the United States has increased the past year nearly three hundred per cent. over previous year, the aggregate value of which is $36,834.

The exportation of cotton to our country from this port commenced during the present year. The total amount of exports of this article has increased more than twenty-four per cent. over last year. The crop, I am informed, will reach 65,000 bales, of which a small amount (431 bales, of the value of $6,000) has been exported to the United States. The present high prices have done much to develop the natural advantages of the country for its production.

As to imports, there is no special change. American flour, the principal article, has a reputation here that places it above competition. The total amount received from the United States direct is 5,050 barrels, which has been sold at prices ranging from $12 to $15 per barrel. It is worthy of remark that no inconsiderable quantity of flour, produced in the United States and sold in England at a profit during this year, has eventually found its way to Brazil, where a second, and in some instances a very handsome, profit has been realized upon it. Several cargoes have thus reached Maranham.

I take pleasure in announcing the arrival at this port of Messrs. Battin and Williams, citizens of Newark, New Jersey, accompanied by some twenty-eight American mechanics, having in charge the necessary appurtenances for introducing gas into this city. The contract for building the works, &c., was awarded these parties in March last by the provincial government, and by imperial decree noticeable liberality has been extended to them. The capital stock of the company is $200,000, owned equally by American and Brazilian citizens. This is probably the first American enterprise of importance ever introduced here, and, promising success, may be the means of encouraging the offer of other and more valuable privileges to our countrymen.

It is probable that in the course of the ensuing year a number of steamers, owned in this city by a company known as the "Maranham Steam Navigation Company," will be placed on a regular line between Para and (French) Cayenne. Such an arrangement will complete steam communication between the United States and Brazil, and much facilitate travel and commerce. It is a matter of some surprise that American capital has not ere this been employed in establishing a direct line to the mouth of the Amazon. Especially at this time does such an enterprise promise a reward, since it is evident that this great river must soon be opened to the commerce of the world. The discovery of gold in this province during the past year has led to extended explorations; and abundant proof having been deduced that mining would be lucrative, a large tract of land has been purchased by an English company, and the arrival of a number of miners is daily expected to commence active operations.

I have endeavored to obtain from the custom-house authorities of this port a statement showing the course of trade, the articles, &c., of import and export for the past two years; but, at present, I find it impossible to get more than aggregate amounts. For the year ended June 30, 1862, the total value of the trade of this port of Maranham amounted to $3,022,160, of which $1,621,216 were imports, and $1,400,944 were exports, divided among the nations as follows:

The duties collected on said amount of imports was $1, 008, 880, (amount in

Export duties are trifling. The general trade of the past year exhibits an increase of $550,518 over previous year, as follows: Excess of imports, $174,316; excess of exports, $376,202.

During the year Maranham has been unusually healthy, while other ports of Brazil have been visited with the Asiatic cholera, and, in some places, the mortality being very great. This city has thus far escaped. There has been little or no yellow fever.

OCTOBER 22, 1862.

I have the honor of enclosing the following documents relating to the commerce and productions of the province of Maranham:

No. 1.-Relating to production of cotton.

No. 2.-Table of imports and exports.

No. 3.-Agricultural products of province.

No. 4.-Arrivals and departures of vessels in foreign trade.

No. 5.-Coast trade of port of Maranham.

The impulse given to the cultivation of cotton in this consular district by the political difficulties of the United States has resulted in an increased product of from five to seven thousand bales. The amount exported from this port during year 1859-'60 was 36,580 bales. There is no doubt but it will reach 42,000

the