Understanding a death registration from Brazil 1865

[Lazarus]

Can someone kindly explain the expression "Bar" appearing on a death registration from the British Consulate Rio Grande do Sul.
The deceased died 1865 Rio Grande do Sul. He is described as a sailor.
The informant appears to be "Capt. Santos Inspector of the Bar".

We had hoped to learn the cause of death.

Help appreciated.

[fastfusion]

couldnt find the meaning of the word as requested, however, there was a war in 1865 which somehow connected to Rio Grande do Sul.......  maybe there was a blockade of vessels ....... ??

[Lazarus]

Apparently the port was on the Rio Grande river and the river passed over a submerged bar which had to be dredged in order to give access to large ships.
I must now consider the reference is to this bar.

[fastfusion]

maybe write snail mails to the Library in Rio de J , or Brasilia.... surely there would have been some sort of newspaper then......    and the local archivists would probably have better resources.....?

[Lazarus]

I don't suppose British newspapers are likely to have covered an untimel death?