Junta of Bahia:--

GENTLEMEN,

Understanding that it is in contemplation to abandon the town of
Bahia, without any security being given not again to resume
hostilities against the subjects and territories of His Imperial
Majesty, and as you may not be aware of the difficulty of
retiring--whilst hopes may have been held out to you that this is
practicable--I must, for the sake of humanity, caution you against
any attempt to remove yourselves by sea, unless I have a perfect
understanding as to the future intentions of the naval forces which
may accompany you, but to whom I have nothing to suggest.

I tell you however, that it is in my power to take advantages which
may be fatal to your escape, and if, after this notice, you shall
sail, you must not lay anything to my charge in the destruction of
passengers, for in the obscurity of night it is impossible to
discriminate ships in which they may be embarked. If, after this
notice, you embark, or continue embarked, it will be to me a subject
of great regret, because I have ever desired that the dangers of war
should be confined to the military and naval profession.

COCHRANE.

To the Junta, Bahia,

To General Madeira, commanding the Portuguese troops, I wrote as
follows:--