After a while a few musket-balls dropped in the water short of the gig. Of course there was a row, but I think it was our Consul who explained that the Brazilian officer was wrong in attempting to stop a British officer in uniform, however small. Nothing satisfactory to either party was arranged. We left Bahia on the 17th, and arrived at the open and exposed anchorage of Pernambuco on August 23. We found Lord Cochrane had arrived with his squadron on the 18th. The “Patriots,” as they called themselves, had not been idle. Count Manuel Carvalho Pas de Andrade had been elected President: he had already denounced Don Pedro as a traitor, and was endeavouring to excite the neighbouring provinces to form themselves into a federation on the model of the United States, under the title of “Confederação del Ecuador.” A few days after our arrival Lord Cochrane came on board the _Tweed_, but I do not think there was much cordiality between him and our Captain. An attempt at arrangement by correspondence having failed, Lord Cochrane threatened to bombard the city. The shoal-water and exposed anchorage would not admit of the fleet going in, but on the night of August 27 I witnessed the pretty effect of mortar shells flying between the small craft and the forts protecting the town. The damage done was not, however, much on either side. The following day we were disappointed at seeing Lord Cochrane sail for Bahia, which he did to get wood for rafts and to procure vessels of light draught, capable of carrying mortars. He left a portion of his fleet behind to continue the blockade. The Brazilian General, Lima, who had been landed with his troops about seventy miles distant at a place called Alagoas, hearing of the panic established, pushed on for Pernambuco, where he arrived on September 11, and, assisted by the blockading squadron, made an attack on the town. President Carvalho retreated to the suburbs, which were protected by an inlet of the sea, and, having broken down the bridge, prepared to defend himself. However, his heart failed him, for during my middle watch the following night a catamaran came alongside with the would-be President fully accoutred, just as he had left the fight, having come to claim the protection of the British flag! All the next and two following days the fight was kept up with much spirit, the place being gallantly defended while the “brave” Count Carvalho looked on from the deck of the _Tweed_. We were so near that on one occasion a shot fired at one of the blockading squadron passed over our mastheads. On September 13 _Brazen_, 20, Captain W. Willes, arrived from the coast of Africa. In running for the anchorage whilst hostilities were going on, her English ensign was taken for a ruse on the part of Lord Cochrane’s squadron, and she was fired into, two round shots taking effect. One cut away the hammock netting and tore up part of the quarter-deck. Luckily no one was hurt.