of North latitude beyond the line, until, by capture
and dispersion, their convoy was so reduced that only thirteen
vessels out of seventy remained with the ships of war, and as the
latter were evidently steering for Lisbon, and were too strong to be
attacked with success by this ship alone--for the remainder of the
Brazilian squadron had separated in the chase--I judged it advantageous
for the interests of His Imperial Majesty's service, to discontinue
the pursuit, and to proceed, with all possible despatch, to
Maranham, where I arrived on the 26th ultimo.

I have the happiness to acquaint you, for the satisfaction of
the Imperial government, that Maranham is now united to the
Empire, the inhabitants having proclaimed their independence of
Portugal on the 28th, and elected their provisional government this
day. I have embarked the Portuguese troops for Europe, and the
militia are disarmed.

I have the honour to enclose a copy of the correspondence which
has taken place on the occasion, with other papers and documents.
We have found here a fine brig of war--a schooner--eight gunboats,
and about sixteen sail of Portuguese merchant vessels. Amongst
the other advantages of this important event may be mentioned, that
while the expense of an express expedition has been saved, an addition
of nearly a million of dollars is made to the revenue of His
Imperial Majesty.

I have manned and sent the brig of war to Para, to summon that
city--offering to the enemy the same terms as we have granted
here. The beautiful new frigate, lately launched at Para, has not
sailed for Portugal, and I am in expectation that the next account
which I shall have the honour to send or bring to your Excellency,
will communicate the pleasing intelligence that His Imperial
Majesty has no enemy, either on shore or afloat, between the extremities
of his empire.

I have, &c.

COCHRANE.

The Minister of Marine.

CHAPTER IV.

CAPT. GRENFELL SENT TO SUMMON PARA--THE JUNTA DEMANDS THE PRIZE
PROPERTY--MY REFUSAL--IMPERIAL APPROVAL OF MY SERVICES--REALISATION OF
PRIZE PROPERTY--TURI ASSU SENDS IN ITS ADHESION--MONEY CAPTURED LENT TO
THE JUNTA--ITS RETURN TO THE SQUADRON EXPECTED--POSSESSION TAKEN OF
PARA--INSURRECTION AT PARA--MISCONDUCT OF THE MARANHAM JUNTA--THEIR
PERSECUTION OF THE PORTUGUESE--STEPS IN CONSEQUENCE--MANIFESTATION OF
THE NATIONA