ich might only
end in destroying the ships and driving both naval and military forces
on shore to renew their operations--I determined not to interfere with
their retreat, till they were clear out of the harbour, when a vigilant
pursuit would prevent them from again taking shelter in Brazil.

The following order was therefore issued to Captain Beaurepaire, of the
_Maria de Gloria_, Captain Taylor, of the _Nitherohy_, and Captain.
Thompson, of the _Carolina_, these being the only vessels on which I
could in any degree depend:--

Having received information that the enemies of the independence
of Brazil are about to evacuate the city, and quit the
port of Bahia--taking under the protection of their ships of war
numerous transports in which the military force and stores are
embarked, together with all the moveable property, public and
private--not excepting even the sacred vases appropriated to
religious uses--and as it is highly expedient that the progress of
the enemy should be interrupted and impeded as far as is
practicable--you are required to be particularly vigilant in watching
their escape, and are to endeavour to cut off such of their vessels as
you can assail with safety, and are to continue in the execution of
this duty so long as you can keep sight of the enemy.

COCHRANE.

Given on board the _Pedro Primiero_ this 1st of July, 1823.

To Captain Taylor, of the _Nitherohy_, I gave further instructions to
continue the chase as long as he considered it practicable to capture or
destroy the enemy's vessels, using his utmost endeavours to disable all
having troops on board; and as it was necessary to occupy Bahia after
its evacuation, I directed Captains Beaurepaire and Thompson, after
having captured or disabled all they could, to return forthwith to
Bahia, and take possession; for which purpose the following order was
issued to Captain Beaurepaire:--

After having executed the previous order, you are to return to
the port of Bahia, taking upon yourself the command of the naval
department afloat in my absence, and it will be your duty to
ascertain the nature of the cargoes of the neutral ships now in the
port of Bahia, or which may afterwards enter, as there are many
neutral ships said to have embarked property to a large amount,
which has been illegally transferred to such neutrals since the
blockade, for the purpose of fraudulent concealment.