father and that of
the Imperial son; and in doing this, I only fulfil the gracious
intentions of His Imperial Majesty.

Awaiting your early reply,

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

Don AGOSTINHO ANTONIA DE FARIA,
Commanding the Portuguese Forces.

The subjoined was at the same time despatched to the Provincial Junta;--

ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT SIRS,

The forces of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor
of Brazil, having freed the city and province of Bahia from the
enemies of independence--in conformity with the will of His
Imperial Majesty that the beautiful province of Maranham should
be free also--I now hasten to offer to the oppressed inhabitants
whatever aid and protection they need against a foreign yoke;
desiring to accomplish their liberation and to hail them as brethren
and friends.

Should there, however, be any who--from self-interested motives--oppose
themselves to the deliverance of their country, let such be
assured that the naval and military forces which have driven the
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 we