re
only conditional, I refused to accept them. In order to enforce the
terms proffered, we entered the river--never before navigated by a
line-of-battle ship--and anchored the _Pedro Primiero_ abreast of the
fort. On the following day, July 27th, the Junta, accompanied by the
bishop, came on board, and gave in their adherence to the empire, after
which the city, forts, and island, were unconditionally surrendered,
though not without subsequent hesitation, which was dispelled by firing
a shot over the town, whereupon a flag of truce was sent off, and all
demands were complied with. Landing a party of marines for the
maintenance of order, the Portuguese ensign was hauled down by
Lieutenant Grenfell, who hoisted Brazilian colours in its place.

Thus, without military force or bloodshed, was a second great province
secured to the empire, neither result being anticipated, nor even
contemplated in the orders communicated to me, which were to blockade
the Portuguese in Bahia, and capture or destroy all ships met
with--anything beyond this not having entered the imagination of the
Government.

As--considering the circumstances in which I was placed--there was no
time to be lost in completing the declaration of independence, I
addressed the subjoined instructions to the civil authorities:--

_Pedro Primiero_, July 27, 1823.
MOST EXCELLENT SIRS,

It affords me the highest satisfaction that your Excellencies have
adopted a course by which all hostilities may be avoided, and the
tranquillity and prosperity of this province peaceably established
upon a secure and permanent basis. The declaration of the independence
of Brazil under His Imperial Majesty will at once tranquillise the
public mind, and give opportunity to the worthy and patriotic
inhabitants to proceed afterwards with a due formality and
deliberation to take the oaths, and elect their provisional
government. To-morrow, therefore--being the earliest possible day--it
maybe well that the said declaration shall be made taking every
necessary precaution that the public peace shall not be disturbed by
individuals under any pretence.

(Signed) COCHRANE.

To the inhabitants generally I issued the following proclamation:--

THE FIRST ADMIRAL OF BRAZIL TO THE INHABITANTS OF
MARANHAM.

The auspicious day has arrived on which the
worthy and public-spirited inhabitants of Maranham have it in their
power at once t