I shall probably have the honour of shortly making myself known to you, but that depends on circumstances over which I have no control. If we can come in, permit me to observe, that it would be conducive to the health of my crew to have ready a supply of fresh provisions and fruits, especially lemons and oranges. I hope you will excuse my freedom in mentioning these things, as the health of the men is as conducive to the interests of the empire as are the ships of war themselves.
I have the honour, &c.
COCHRANE.
Sent by the Balia, Captain Haydon.
By the same opportunity I despatched the following to the Minister of
Marine:—
ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,
I have the honour to inform you that half the enemy's army, their colours, cannon, ammunition, stores, and baggage, have been taken. We are still in pursuit, and shall endeavour to intercept the remainder of the troops, and shall then look after the ships of war, which would have been my first object, but that, in pursuing this course, the military would have escaped to occasion further hostilities against the Brazilian Empire.
Such of the enemy's colours as we have had time to take away
I have the honour to transmit, and to lay them at the feet of His
Imperial Majesty, and shall shortly forward the remainder.
The vessels taken are large and beautiful ships, fast sailers, and
resemble, in their appearance, ships of war.
The Portuguese squadron, and other vessels armed for war, I have every reason to believe are on their route for Lisbon. I have also fully ascertained that the troopships which separated from their squadron during the night were destined for Maranham.