William Hadfield
Brazil and the River Plate in 1868
"Brazil and the River Plate in 1868" by William Hadfield is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the significant changes and developments in Brazil and the River Plate region since the author's previous visit in 1853, focusing on topics such as emigration, commerce, and the impact of the war in Paraguay. Hadfield's narrative aims to shed light on these countries, which, despite their growing importance to England, remain largely unknown to the public. The opening portion of the work sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of South America, beginning with the author's voyage from England to Brazil. Hadfield provides observations about the state of steam navigation, highlighting advances since his last trip and the increased passenger and commercial traffic between these regions and Europe. He reflects on the socio-economic conditions, including the status of African slavery in Brazil and ongoing issues related to health crises, such as cholera, which affected both Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Ayres. The introduction establishes both the personal and broader contextual significance of the author's journey, illustrating the transformations within these vibrant territories.