blockading Bahia, as if the enemy did not dare to remove from his anchorage—­for both this ship and the Maria de Gloria outsail them all.  We have captured three Portuguese vessels, and from the letters found therein, many more are expected from Maranham and other ports to leeward, as well as from San Mattheos.

Should the enemy’s squadron return to port before I can obtain a favourable opportunity of assailing them at sea, I shall endeavour to attack them at their anchorage, and the Government may be assured that no exertion shall be wanting on my part, or on that of the officers now in this ship, to effect their destruction.

I may fairly ascribe the prepared state of the enemy, and the great force in which they appeared on the 4th, and still exhibit—­to the information carried by the British ship of war Tartar, which was permitted to sail from Rio so early after our departure for Bahia, and thus served them as effectually as though she had been expressly hired for the purpose.

   I have the honour, &c.

   COCHRANE.

   To the Minister of Marine.

On the 22nd we captured another vessel, and reconnoitred the port of Bahia, the Portuguese squadron being there at anchor.  Finding this to be the case, I returned to the Moro to expedite the fireships—­leaving the Maria de Gloria to watch the enemy’s movements.

On the 26th the Portuguese Admiral again appeared in full force, and approached towards us at the Moro San Paulo, when we prepared for action, but the hostile squadron withdrew.  The same demonstration was made for several days, the enemy not venturing on an attack, whilst, from the causes previously alleged, we were in no condition to take the initiative.

On the 26th I apprised the Minister of Marine that, when the enemy returned to port, I should make an attempt on them on the first dark night with the flagship alone, pending the equipment of the fireships.  At the same time I addressed the following letter to the Prime Minister, De Andrada:—­

    Moro San Paulo, 26th May, 1823.

    MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

    With regard to the transactions of the squadron, I beg to refer you
    to my despatches to the Minister of Marine, but solicit your
    attention to a few particulars which appear to me of importance.

In the first place, you will observe from the enclosed Bahia newspaper, that the maritime force of the enemy is contrasted with that of the squadron under my command.  I should be well content were the real disparity of the respective forces no greater than the statement has set forth, but unfortunately, the Brazilians, who have never before been at sea, are of little or no use, from their total want of discipline, and of any kind of nautical knowledge; whilst the Portuguese seamen in the squadron, are not only useless—­but a great deal worse, for the reasons stated in my former letters.