To Don Agostinho Antonia de Faria, the commandant, I wrote as follows:—­

   Pedro Primiero, July 26, 1823.

   SIR,

The naval and military forces under my command, leave me no room to doubt the success of the enterprise in which I am about to engage, in order to free the province of Maranham from foreign domination, and to allow the people free choice of government in the same manner as the inhabitants of Portugal have decided with regard to their constitution.

Of the flight of the Portuguese naval and military forces from Bahia you are aware.  I have now to inform you of the capture of two-thirds of the transports and troops, with all their stores and ammunition.

I am anxious not to let loose the Imperial troops of Bahia upon Maranham, exasperated as they are at the injuries and cruelties exercised towards themselves and their countrymen, as well as by the plunder of the people and churches of Bahia.  It is for you to decide whether the inhabitants of these countries shall be further exasperated by resistance which appears to me unavailing, and alike prejudicial to the best interests of Portugal and Brazil.

Although it is not customary amongst European nations to receive or respect flags of truce, being armed vessels, yet as a proof that we came here with objects far superior to the seizure of the brig of war just released, I have paid respect to the flag, in the hope that forbearance will facilitate that harmony which all must be desirous should exist between the government of the Royal father and that of the Imperial son; and in doing this, I only fulfil the gracious intentions of His Imperial Majesty.

   Awaiting your early reply,

   I have the honour, &c.

   COCHRANE.

   Don AGOSTINHO ANTONIA DE FARIA,
   Commanding the Portuguese Forces.

The subjoined was at the same time despatched to the Provincial Junta;—­

   ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT SIRS,

The forces of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Brazil, having freed the city and province of Bahia from the enemies of independence—­in conformity with the will of His Imperial Majesty that the beautiful province of Maranham should be free also—­I now hasten to offer to the oppressed inhabitants whatever aid and protection they need against a foreign yoke; desiring to accomplish their liberation and to hail them as brethren and friends.

Should there, however, be any who—­from self-interested motives—­oppose themselves to the deliverance of their country, let such be assured that the naval and military forces which have driven the Portuguese from the South, are again ready to draw the sword in the like just cause—­and having drawn it, the result cannot be long doubtful.

The chief authorities are hereby invited to make known to me their decision, in order that the responsibility of consequences—­in case of opposition—­may not be imputed to any undue haste in the execution of the duty which I shall have to perform.

   I have the honour, &c.