As it was of importance not to let any of these troopships escape,
Captain Grenfell was ordered to disable the _Gran Para_, cutting away
her main and mizen masts, throwing the arms and ammunition overboard,
taking possession of the regimental flags, and compelling the officers,
as before, to give their _parole_ not to serve against Brazil. This
done, the other transports were successively boarded and disabled, so
far as was consistent with not leaving them positive wrecks on the
water; for with my single ship, to have made prisoners of so numerous a
body of troops was manifestly impossible.

The brig _Bahia_ having opportunely hove in sight, I seized four of the
vessels carrying troops, and ordered Captain Haydon to convoy them to
Pernambuco, to the President of which province I addressed the following
letter:--

Pedro Primiero, July 7th, 1823.

ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT SIR,

The abandonment of Bahia by the enemy, in
consequence of the rigours of blockade--and the capture of half of
his army, ensigns, artillery, and stores, are events which you will
be gratified to learn. Part of the captured officers and troops I
send in for your disposal, having engaged that they shall be treated
after the manner which may justly be expected from the high
character of the Government of His Imperial Majesty, and the
customary practice of all European states. I have to request that
you will be pleased to order their disembarkation without delay.

We require seamen to finish the war. If you will be pleased to