and an addition made to the Brazilian navy of a brig-of-war, the _Don
Miguel_, a schooner, and eight gunboats--besides merchant vessels, some
of which were appropriated to the conveyance of the late garrison to
Lisbon, under engagement to restore their value--a stipulation which was
never fulfilled.

Everything being thus satisfactorily settled, my next step was to inform
the Minister of Marine at Rio de Janeiro of the extraordinary means by
which possession of the city and province of Maranham had been obtained;
the subjoined letters were accordingly despatched.

(Secret.) _Pedro Primiero_, August 8, 1823.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

Your Excellency will perceive by the official
documents accompanying this, that in order to effect the objects I
had in view at Maranham, I judged it expedient to create a belief
amongst the people and garrison, that a large force was at my
disposal, and therefore I used expressions in my public correspondence
that were not borne out by the actual circumstances
under which I summoned that city, as I had--in fact--no other force
than this ship alone, which from the nature of the anchorage could
scarcely approach within gunshot--whilst there was neither a soldier
nor effective marine on board; but the fear entertained by the hostile
Government of Imperial troops from Bahia, whom they understood
to be off the bar with the remainder of the squadron, and the sudden
appearance of so large a ship as this, produced the effect which I
had anticipated, and it is with the greatest satisfaction that I now
communicate the occupation of this important city and province,
which has been accomplished without effusion of blood, or material
disturbance.

As soon as I have completed the necessary arrangements here, I
propose to return to Rio de Janeiro, and to have the honour
personally to inform you of all particulars.

I have, &c.

COCHRANE.

Minister of Marine.

With this was transmitted the following official document:--

_Pedro Primiero_, Aug. 8, 1823.

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SIR,

I had the honour to inform your Excellency by
letter, off Pernambuco, that we had captured transports containing a
moiety of the enemy's army--that we were in pursuit of the
remainder--and that I hoped for further success. I have now to
acquaint your Excellency that, having followed the enemy's squadron
to the fifth degree