CHAPTER II.

Attempt to cut off the enemy's ships--Disobedience to orders--Letter to the Prime Minister--Worthlessness of the men--Their treachery--Blockade established--Equipment of fireships--Enemy's supplies cut off--Portuguese untrustworthy--Demonstrations of the enemy--His pretended contempt for us--The enemy returns to port--Their consternation at the fireships--Portuguese contemplate attacking us--Flagship reconnoitres enemy at anchor--Excessive alarm at my nocturnal visit--Proclamation of the Commandant--Consternation in the city--The authorities decide on evacuating Bahia--Instructions to the Brazilian Captains--Warnings addressed to the authorities--Enemy quits Bahia--Readiness for chase--Numbers of the enemy--Capture of the Convoy--Prizes disabled--Attempt of troops to escape--Prizes sent to Pernambuco--Pursuit discontinued--Reasons for going to Maranham--Reasons for not taking more prizes--Advantages to the Empire.