COCHRANE.

   To the Illustrious and Excellent
   The Provincial Junta of Maranham.

The reader may perhaps conclude, that the threats held out are somewhat inconsistent with my only having a single ship, without a soldier in her; and I must even confess to some compunction at this off-hand sketch of an imaginary fleet and army—­but the matter was of the last importance.  On the one hand, if my demands were vigorously pressed, there was a strong probability of obtaining them without bloodshed; but, on the other hand, if any delay took place, the enemy would, in a day or two at most, find out that the only force was the flagship, when the acquisition of Maranham would be impossible.  The sensation caused by the evacuation of Bahia gave probability to my representations, and added to the despondency of the Portuguese, so that the ruse was completely successful.

Proposals of capitulation were immediately returned; but, as these were only conditional, I refused to accept them.  In order to enforce the terms proffered, we entered the river—­never before navigated by a line-of-battle ship—­and anchored the Pedro Primiero abreast of the fort.  On the following day, July 27th, the Junta, accompanied by the bishop, came on board, and gave in their adherence to the empire, after which the city, forts, and island, were unconditionally surrendered, though not without subsequent hesitation, which was dispelled by firing a shot over the town, whereupon a flag of truce was sent off, and all demands were complied with.  Landing a party of marines for the maintenance of order, the Portuguese ensign was hauled down by Lieutenant Grenfell, who hoisted Brazilian colours in its place.

Thus, without military force or bloodshed, was a second great province secured to the empire, neither result being anticipated, nor even contemplated in the orders communicated to me, which were to blockade the Portuguese in Bahia, and capture or destroy all ships met with—­anything beyond this not having entered the imagination of the Government.

As—­considering the circumstances in which I was placed—­there was no time to be lost in completing the declaration of independence, I addressed the subjoined instructions to the civil authorities:—­

   Pedro Primiero, July 27, 1823. 
   MOST EXCELLENT SIRS,

It affords me the highest satisfaction that your Excellencies have adopted a course by which all hostilities may be avoided, and the tranquillity and prosperity of this province peaceably established upon a secure and permanent basis.  The declaration of the independence of Brazil under His Imperial Majesty will at once tranquillise the public mind, and give opportunity to the worthy and patriotic inhabitants to proceed afterwards with a due formality and deliberation to take the oaths, and elect their provisional government.  To-morrow, therefore—­being the earliest possible day—­it maybe well that the said declaration shall be made taking every necessary precaution that the public peace shall not be disturbed by individuals under any pretence.

   (Signed) COCHRANE.