endeavour to intercept the remainder of the troops, and shall then
look after the ships of war, which would have been my first object,
but that, in pursuing this course, the military would have escaped
to occasion further hostilities against the Brazilian Empire.

Such of the enemy's colours as we have had time to take away
I have the honour to transmit, and to lay them at the feet of His
Imperial Majesty, and shall shortly forward the remainder.

The vessels taken are large and beautiful ships, fast sailers, and
resemble, in their appearance, ships of war.

The Portuguese squadron, and other vessels armed for war, I
have every reason to believe are on their route for Lisbon. I have
also fully ascertained that the troopships which separated from their
squadron during the night were destined for Maranham.

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

The Minister of Marine.

The pursuit was now resumed, but the weather becoming hazy, we saw
nothing of the enemy till the 11th, when they appeared to have recovered
the _Gran Para_. As it became calm, nothing could be done till the 14th,
when we crossed the Equator in Long. 33-30, making straight for the
ships of war, but finding them well together, considered it prudent to
defer an attack till they should become separated.