Portuguese from the South, are again ready to draw the sword in
the like just cause--and having drawn it, the result cannot be long
doubtful.

The chief authorities are hereby invited to make known to me
their decision, in order that the responsibility of consequences--in
case of opposition--may not be imputed to any undue haste in the
execution of the duty which I shall have to perform.

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

To the Illustrious and Excellent
The Provincial Junta of Maranham.

The reader may perhaps conclude, that the threats held out are somewhat
inconsistent with my only having a single ship, without a soldier in
her; and I must even confess to some compunction at this off-hand sketch
of an imaginary fleet and army--but the matter was of the last
importance. On the one hand, if my demands were vigorously pressed,
there was a strong probability of obtaining them without bloodshed; but,
on the other hand, if any delay took place, the enemy would, in a day or
two at most, find out that the only force was the flagship, when the
acquisition of Maranham would be impossible. The sensation caused by the
evacuation of Bahia gave probability to my representations, and added to
the despondency of the Portuguese, so that the _ruse_ was completely
successful.

Proposals of capitulation were immediately returned; but, as these were