London, United Kingdom, 27 June. A letter from Rio Janeiro dated 8 April
reported that Lord Cochrane arrived 13 March with the brig Colonel Allan coming
from Valparaiso to accept the offer done by the government to accept the
supreme command over the Brazilian navy. On all ships was since 15 March an
embargo lay on. Just after the arrival of Cochrane entered the squadron the
harbour being in good condition. The next day arrived the former British
warship Lapwing with 43 sailors from London; the Lindsay of Liverpool arrived
with 144 British sailors who went in Brazilian service. Cochrane hoisted 17
March his flag and yesterday were the ship of the line, a heavy frigate, 2
corvettes and a goelette prepared for departure while Bahia was blockaded. The
second division commanded by captain Taylor consisting of a frigate and a brig
of war was to follow with the fire ships and the bomb galliots as soon as their
crews were completed. On board of the ship commanded by Cochrane were more as
300 British sailors serving. According to rumours were another 60 British
sailors on board of the packet expected at Rio coming from England and when the
Lindsay departed were another 150 ready to depart.
