The lamentations caused by General Madeira’s proclamation were no doubt faithfully chronicled in the Bahia newspapers, one of these declaring “in the last few days we have witnessed in this city a most doleful spectacle that must touch the heart even of the most insensible.  A panic terror has seized on all men’s minds—­the city will be left without protectors—­and families, whose fathers are obliged to fly, will be left orphans—­a prey to the invaders,” &c. &c.  A prognostication not at all in accordance with my mode of carrying on warfare, which, as Portuguese families afterwards found, both at Bahia and elsewhere, was to protect the defenceless and unoffending.

The before-mentioned resolution of the council was precisely what I wished, as the evacuation of the port and province by the troops as well as the fleet, must prove more favourable to the Imperial cause than if the fleet alone had been destroyed and the military force remained.  As I had, however, every reason to believe that it was General Madeira’s intention to remove the troops to the Northern provinces, which would only have shifted the scene of war to another locality, I was determined at all hazards to prevent such movement.

On the 1st of July, information was brought, that, as the fireships were now known to be in readiness for the attack, the Portuguese admiral had hastily embarked the whole of the troops in transports, and that a number of merchantmen were also filled with persons who wished to leave Bahia under his protection.  As it was clear that the total evacuation of the province by the enemy was preferable to an attack which might only end in destroying the ships and driving both naval and military forces on shore to renew their operations—­I determined not to interfere with their retreat, till they were clear out of the harbour, when a vigilant pursuit would prevent them from again taking shelter in Brazil.

The following order was therefore issued to Captain Beaurepaire, of the Maria de Gloria, Captain Taylor, of the Nitherohy, and Captain.  Thompson, of the Carolina, these being the only vessels on which I could in any degree depend:—­

Having received information that the enemies of the independence of Brazil are about to evacuate the city, and quit the port of Bahia—­taking under the protection of their ships of war numerous transports in which the military force and stores are embarked, together with all the moveable property, public and private—­not excepting even the sacred vases appropriated to religious uses—­and as it is highly expedient that the progress of the enemy should be interrupted and impeded as far as is practicable—­you are required to be particularly vigilant in watching their escape, and are to endeavour to cut off such of their vessels as you can assail with safety, and are to continue in the execution of this duty so long as you can keep sight of the enemy.

   COCHRANE.