the port of Bahia, taking upon yourself the command of the naval
department afloat in my absence, and it will be your duty to
ascertain the nature of the cargoes of the neutral ships now in the
port of Bahia, or which may afterwards enter, as there are many
neutral ships said to have embarked property to a large amount,
which has been illegally transferred to such neutrals since the
blockade, for the purpose of fraudulent concealment. All such
vessels and all such property ought to be detained and subjected to
legal investigation in the prize tribunals of His Imperial Majesty.
You will have a perfect right to require this investigation, and
though the neutrals may clamour, they cannot lawfully oppose your
proceedings therein--advisedly taken.

A Portuguese frigate being daily expected at Bahia, as well as
other vessels from Portugal and the Portuguese colonies, it will be
advisable, for the better opportunity of capturing the same, to
arrange with the General and Commander-in-Chief, that the
Portuguese flag shall be displayed at least on the outer fort or
battery on the appearance of such Portuguese vessels, or of others
whose nationality is doubtful.

You are to continue on the service above pointed out until further
orders from me, or from the Minister of Marine, with whom you are
to communicate, and convey to him a copy of the present order.

COCHRANE.

Having learned that a great number of the more influential inhabitants
were about to quit Bahia with the fleet--and not wishing to involve them
in the consequences of war--I addressed the following caution to the