Sir,
I have written to the Junta and the General commanding the military force, relative to particulars which I have felt it my duty to submit to their consideration. To you, as a professional man, I have nothing to suggest or request—but merely to express my conviction that, for the sake of humanity, you will give that professional opinion on the subject of my letters—should they be referred to you—which may be expected from a naval officer of your experience.
(Signed) COCHRANE.
The Admiral of the Portuguese Squadron.
On the 2nd of July, the whole Portuguese force, naval and military, got under weigh, and steered out—the troops being embarked in the armed transports and large merchantmen, whilst other vessels were filled with Portuguese families and their property—everything moveable being put on board—with the utmost confidence in the protection of their fleet. As only the flagship and Maria de Gloria were present, we made no attempt to attack them whilst issuing from the mouth of the river, they no doubt ridiculing my warnings as communicated to the Junta and the commanding officers.
In this, however, they were mistaken; as every thing was in readiness, both on board the flagship and the Maria de Gloria, for immediate chase, so soon as the whole were clear of the port; though I had no intention—as they no doubt interpreted my letters—of attacking thirteen ships of war and numerous armed transports, with two ships alone, so long as they remained within the harbour; but when once out, the superior sailing qualities of these two ships would safely enable us to harass them with impunity.
As the merchant brig, Colonel Allen, which had conveyed us from Chili, was still with us, and as she might be made useful in looking after the prizes, I adopted her into the Brazilian navy under the name of the Bahia, appointing her master, Captain Haydon, to the rank of captain-lieutenant.
Whilst the Portuguese were passing out, I wrote and despatched by the Liberal schooner, the following letter to the Minister of Marine at Rio de Janeiro:—
Pedro Primiero, off Bahia, July 2nd, 1833.