All such
vessels and all such property ought to be detained and subjected to
legal investigation in the prize tribunals of His Imperial Majesty.
You will have a perfect right to require this investigation, and
though the neutrals may clamour, they cannot lawfully oppose your
proceedings therein--advisedly taken.

A Portuguese frigate being daily expected at Bahia, as well as
other vessels from Portugal and the Portuguese colonies, it will be
advisable, for the better opportunity of capturing the same, to
arrange with the General and Commander-in-Chief, that the
Portuguese flag shall be displayed at least on the outer fort or
battery on the appearance of such Portuguese vessels, or of others
whose nationality is doubtful.

You are to continue on the service above pointed out until further
orders from me, or from the Minister of Marine, with whom you are
to communicate, and convey to him a copy of the present order.

COCHRANE.

Having learned that a great number of the more influential inhabitants
were about to quit Bahia with the fleet--and not wishing to involve them
in the consequences of war--I addressed the following caution to the
Junta of Bahia:--

GENTLEMEN,

Understanding that it is in contemplation to abandon the town of
Bahia, without any security being given not again to resume
hostilities against the subjects and territories of His Imperial
Majesty, and as you may not be aware of the difficulty of
retiring--whilst hopes may have been held out to you that this is
practicable--I must, for the sake of humanity, caution you against
any attempt to remove yourselves by sea, unless I have a perfect
understanding as to the future intentions of the naval forces which
may accompany you, but to whom I have nothing to suggest.

I tell you however, that it is in my power to take advantages which
may be fatal to your escape, and if, after this notice, you shall
sail, you must not lay anything to my charge in the destruction of
passengers, for in the obscurity of night it is impossible to
discriminate ships in which they may be embarked. If, after this
notice, you embark, or continue embarked, it will be to me a subject
of great regret, because I have ever desired that the dangers of war
should be confined to the military and naval profession.

COCHRANE.

To the Junta, Bahia,

To General Madeira, comman