and other qualities of Lord
Cochrane as an admiral, being well-known by the performance of
various services in which he has been engaged, and seeing how
advantageous it would be for the Empire to avail itself of the
known qualities of an Officer so gifted, I deem it proper to confer
on him a patent as "First Admiral of the National and Imperial
Navy," with an annual salary of eleven contos and five hundred and
twenty milreis, whether at sea or on shore; and further in table
money, when embarked, five contos, seven hundred and twenty
milreis, which is the same pay and table money as he received in
Chili. To which favour, no admiral of the Imperial Navy shall claim
succession, neither to the post of "First Admiral," which I have
thought fit to create solely for this occasion, from the motives
aforesaid, and from particular consideration of the merits of the
said Lord Cochrane. The supreme Military Council will so
understand, and shall execute the necessary despatches.

Given at the Palace of Rio de Janeiro, March 21st, 1823.

Second year of the Independence of the Empire.

(Signed) IMPERADOR. LUIZ DA CUNHA MOREIEA,

Secretary of State,

March 26th, 1823.

LEONARDO ANTONIO BASTO.

Thus was a right understanding established, my only object during the
undignified contentions which had arisen, being--relinquishment of the
proffered command, in order to carry out my long-entertained intention
of visiting Greece, then engaged in a struggle for independence--or to
obtain a definite arrangement with the Brazilian Government, which
should recognise the circumstances under which I had been induced to
quit Chili--_confer upon me permanent rank--give me the equivalent
promised with regard to pay_--and be binding on both parties.

On the 29th of March, a proclamation was issued by the Imperial
Government declaring Bahia in a state of blockade, the Portuguese having
there assembled a combined naval and military force superior to that of
Brazil, and, under ordinary circumstances, fully competent to maintain
itself; as well as to put down, or at least paralyse, any movement in
favour of independence.

The following orders were then communicated to me, and were of the usual
kind, viz. "to capture or destroy all enemy's ships and property,
whereever found:"--

His Imperial Majesty, through the Secretary of State for the