Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: His Majesty’s government ordered a census of the kingdom and the colonies to be taken on the 31st of December last, and I now transmit a resume of the results, which, although not published officially, is accepted as being in the main correct.
The returns from the Indian and African possessions have not yet been made known. This census is far from being considered perfect, because the mode adopted left it quite discretionary with the population to fill up the printed forms furnished by the government correctly, incorrectly, or not at all. Prejudice was excited among the uneducated classes from a belief that the census was intended as a means of increasing taxation, consequently many made no report, and others made such as best suited their supposed interests.
The population of this capital and its environs, in spite of defective returns, sums up much larger than the common estimate allowed it. A very considerable growth has been noticeable in the last few years, which many adverse causes have not been able to retard. The industrious, enterprising, and emigrating Portuguese of the north, who seek and make fortunes in Brazil, generally adopt Lisbon as the abode of their days of ease and plenty.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
POPULATION OF PORTUGAL.
* * * * * December 31, 1863.
| Angra | 72,099 | Leiria | 178,411 |
| Beja | 142,889 | Lisbon | 450,180 |
| Braga | 319,078 | Ponta Delgada | 111,456 |
| Braganca | 163,746 | Portalegre | 98,756 |
| Castello Branco | 166,533 | Porto | 399,303 |
| Evoca | 104,289 | Santarem | 202,214 |
| Faro | 179,478 | Vianna de Castello | 204,058 |
| Funchal | 112,164 | Villa Real, (parte) | 151,687 |
| Guarda | 214,759 | Vizen | 365,251 |
| Total | 3,636,364 |