The enemy in Bahia are in want of all kinds of fresh provisions —­though they have been using every means to procure them.  Some supplies they have lately had from Buenos Ayres, and even from the Cape de Verds; but the most surprising fact is that the Brazilian Governor of San Mattheos, near the Abrolhos, and the chiefs of other small Brazilian ports in that quarter have been loading vessels for the enemy’s use—­under the simulated destination of Rio de Janeiro.  Permit me to suggest that an investigation into this matter is highly essential.

From all the information which I can collect, the enemy at Bahia are considerably distracted in their councils, which dissensions cannot fail to be increased by seeing their vessels taken in the very mouth of the harbour, and their look-out ships driven under the guns of the batteries by those of His Imperial Majesty, I may, indeed, say by two ships alone, because in the state of the other vessels and crews I have not deemed it prudent to trust them in the neighbourhood of a port occupied by the enemy.

I have no doubt of succeeding—­by some means or other—­in effecting our object, and that in as short a time as can reasonably be expected—­for it is not to be supposed that I should all at once accomplish objects of such magnitude with a force so inferior, and in great part so inexperienced and heterogeneously composed.  On this subject I beg to call your attention to the low opinion entertained of our squadron by the enemy, as expressed in the enclosed Bahia Gazette (No 65), which, on that point, is in conformity with my own opinion as previously expressed.

    I have the honour, &c.  COCHRANE.

    To the Prime Minister.

The following proclamation from the Bahia Gazette will shew the nature of these vapourings deliberately inserted by the Bahia authorities:—­

Last week the wind was Southerly, with rain, which has rendered it impossible for our squadron to get at the Rio squadron, to decide whether Brazil shall remain in the fetters of the usurper of Rio—­ or enjoy constitutional liberty.  Had they credited me more, we should not have seen on our bar, an enterprising man who ruined the commerce of the Pacific, and now thinks to regain the glory he lost.  The conduct of Lord Cochrane verberates in our ears—­ examine his conduct in the Pacific, and observe that he lost all, and was obliged to abandon everything to the Spaniards in Peru, afterwards losing his little force in attacks and tempests.  The Ministry of Rio sent for him, giving him the pompous title of “Admiral of the Brazils,” and great promises—­thinking that he would bring with him a squadron to help the Imperial fraudulence.  This is the great wonder, who has come to carry fire and blood to the trusty Bahia, bringing with him vessels manned, for the most part, with Portuguese sailors—­and not leaving in Rio a single vessel, from which