Understanding that you are about to embark the military forces
under your command, with a view to proceed to some of the Northern
provinces, humanity compels me to declare to you my duty, however
painful, to take all measures within my power to dismantle whatever
transports may attempt to sail from Bahia under convoy of the
ships of war. That I have the means of performing this duty, in
defiance of the ships of war which may endeavour to obstruct
my operations, is a fact which no naval officer will doubt--but
which to you as a military man may not be so apparent. If,
after this warning, I am compelled to have recourse to the measures
alluded to, and if numerous lives should be sacrificed thereby, I
shall stand acquitted of those consequences which would otherwise
press heavily on my mind.

(Signed) COCHRANE.

Gen. MADEIRA.

To the Portuguese Admiral I addressed the following note:--

Sir,

I have written to the Junta and the General commanding
the military force, relative to particulars which I have felt it my
duty to submit to their consideration. To you, as a professional
man, I have nothing to suggest or request--but merely to express
my conviction that, for the sake of humanity, you will give that
professional opinion on the subject of my letters--should they be
referred to you--which may be expected from a naval officer of your
experience.