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.

   I have the honour, &c.

   COCHRANE.

   The Minister of Marine.

The pursuit was now resumed, but the weather becoming hazy, we saw nothing of the enemy till the 11th, when they appeared to have recovered the Gran Para.  As it became calm, nothing could be done till the 14th, when we crossed the Equator in Long. 33-30, making straight for the ships of war, but finding them well together, considered it prudent to defer an attack till they should become separated.

On the 15th they continued united, giving us no opportunity for mischief, yet not venturing to attack us, though only one ship to thirteen.  At 3 A.M. on the 16th, we crowded sail and went in amongst them, firing a broadside within half musket shot at one of the frigates with evident effect, as, from the damage caused, they did not return our fire.  Whilst tacking to give them the other broadside, our mainsail split in two, and night setting in, we relinquished the pursuit in 5 degrees North latitude.