till the 20th, when I learned from an English
vessel that they had been as far down as the Abrolhos shoals, for
what purpose I know not. They consist of thirteen vessels, being
the number which we encountered on the 4th. I am watching an
opportunity to attack them in the night, in the hope not only of
being able to damage them materially by the fire of this ship, but
also in the expectation that, if they are not better disciplined than
the crews of this squadron, they will occasion as much damage
amongst themselves, as they would sustain if they had an equal
force to contend with. In the meantime we are as effectually
blockading Bahia, as if the enemy did not dare to remove from his
anchorage--for both this ship and the _Maria de Gloria_ outsail them
all. We have captured three Portuguese vessels, and from the
letters found therein, many more are expected from Maranham and
other ports to leeward, as well as from San Mattheos.

Should the enemy's squadron return to port before I can obtain
a favourable opportunity of assailing them at sea, I shall endeavour
to attack them at their anchorage, and the Government may be
assured that no exertion shall be wanting on my part, or on that of
the officers now in this ship, to effect their destruction.

I may fairly ascribe the prepared state of the enemy, and the
great force in which they appeared on the 4th, and still exhibit--to
the information carried by the British ship of war Tartar, which
was permitted to sail from Rio so early after our departure for
Bahia, and thus served them as effectually as though she had been
expressly hired for the purpose.

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

To the Minister of Marine.

On the 22nd we captured another vessel, and reconnoitred the port of
Bahia, the Portuguese squadron being there at anchor. Finding this to be
the case, I returned to the Moro to expedite the fireships--leaving the
_Maria de Gloria_ to watch the enemy's movements.

On the 26th the Portuguese Admiral again appeared in full force, and
approached towards us at the Moro San Paulo, when we prepared for
action, but the hostile squadron withdrew. The same demonstration was
made for several days, the enemy not venturing on an attack, whilst,
from the causes previously alleged, we were in no condition to take the
initiative.

On the 26th I apprised the Minister of Marine that, when t