Note 357 — JOURNAL OF ELIZABETH LADY HOLLAND (continued 5)

Dom John was appointed Regent of Portugal in 1799, on account of his mother Queen Maria I.’s insanity. In conformance with Napoleon’s orders he proclaimed in November 1807, that he was about to detain all British subjects and property in Lisbon, upon which the British Minister, Lord Strangford, at once went on board the fleet, and broke off diplomatic relations. On consideration, however, the Regent preferred to remain friendly with the English and move the Court to Brazil; consequently Lord Strangford returned, but not till after the Portuguese royal family had already embarked. This is the point here insisted upon, for Lord Strangford was accused of inferring in his despatch that the departure of the Court was chiefly due to his own representations.