The occupation of the Banda Oriental by the Portuguese, and now by the Brazilians, has been the subject of a strong remonstrance from the government of Buenos Ayres. The original plea of the disturbed state of the country, and danger thereby to the neighbouring Brazilian provinces, no longer existing, Don Valentin Gomez[37] was sent to Rio Janeiro, but returned without accomplishing his object. The Brazilian flag still waves, and is likely to do so, from the fortresses of Monte Video, Colonia, Maldonado, and the adjacent country. I am not aware upon what arguments the Brazilians determine to keep their hold, excepting possibly that of "might constituting right." Buenos Ayres would seem its more natural protector. A portion of the inhabitants, it is likely, prefer that the country should remain under its present masters, satisfied with the manner in which authority has been exercised, and dreading revolutions. [37] Senor Don Valentin Gomez belongs to the clergy: he has talents and eloquence, and is withal a handsome man, with a face as rosy as an English fox-hunter. As he was returning from Rio, in the British brig _Agenoria_, the brig struck upon the English bank in the river Plate, on the 11th March, 1824: there were eleven passengers on board. The captain left the vessel to get assistance, which was promptly dispatched from Buenos Ayres; but before any thing effectual could be done, eleven persons had quitted the wreck, on four rafts: one was picked up by a Portuguese vessel, containing five persons, who, after enduring great misery, arrived at Rio Janeiro; of the other three no tidings have since been heard. Those that remained on the wreck, amongst whom was Mr. Gomez, and Mr. George Brittain, an Englishman, were preserved: they, too, encountered great privations. This misfortune caused great anxiety in Buenos Ayres, from the extensive connections of Senor Gomez, and his secretary, Lucca, a young man of considerable acquirements, and who was one that perished. The brig of war, in the outer roads, was ordered to signalize, should she gain information from vessels arriving; and, on doing so, the Fort fired a gun, and hoisted a flag; crowds went to the beach. Upon Padre Gomez's arrival, he was met by relations and friends, the females crying for joy. The sufferings of the Padre had not blanched the roses in his cheeks: he came on shore as blooming as ever. Blame has been attributed to the captain: he had often navigated this river, and, perhaps, was too confident. A Danish and American ship passed at the time of the wreck, and have been much censured for not rendering assistance. The old Spanish part of the population bear no particular love to the Patriots: of the two, it is doubtful which they hate most, the Patriots or the English.