Whilst the Portuguese were passing out, I wrote and despatched by the
_Liberal_ schooner, the following letter to the Minister of Marine at
Rio de Janeiro:--

_Pedro Primiero_, off Bahia,
July 2nd, 1833.

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Excellency
that the enemy's squadron have this day evacuated Bahia, their
resources by sea being no longer available. Their ships of war,
consisting of thirteen sail of different sizes, and many large
merchantmen filled with troops, are now standing out of the bay.
It is my intention to pursue them as long as it shall appear
beneficial so to do. This ship and the _Maria de Gloria_ are the only
two in sight of the enemy, the _Carolina_ having been obliged to
return to the Moro, in consequence of having lost a topmast, and
the _Nitherohy_ not having joined. I hope in my next to be able to
give you some account of the ulterior objects the enemy have in
view, which, whatever they may be, I shall endeavour to frustrate.

(Signed) COCHRANE.

To the commanders of the other ships, I sent the following order on
their joining the pursuit:--

It being improper to weaken the squadron, and impossible to
officer and man the vessels which may fall into our hands, you are to
adopt the following plan to secure them, viz. to send with the boats