Narrative of Services in the Liberation of Chili, Peru and Brazil, from Spanish and Portuguese Domination, Volume 1   By: Thomas Cochrane Dundonald (1775-1860)

by

THOMAS, EARL OF DUNDONALD, G.C.B. Admiral of the Red; Rear Admiral of the Fleet, etc. etc.

VOL. I

London: James Ridgway, No 169, Piccadilly

MDCCCLIX

TO THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE, K.G. ETC. ETC.

My Lord,

I am proud to have been honoured with your Lordship's permission to dedicate to you the following narrative of historical events, respecting which the public has not previously been placed in a position to form a correct judgment. Your Lordship's generous acquiescence enables me to discharge a double debt: First of thanks to one whose high political character this country will ever warmly cherish; Secondly of deep felt gratitude for the countenance and efficient aid experienced from your Lordship at a period when party faction made me the object of bitter resentment; the injustice of which could in no way be better demonstrated, than by the fact that in the midst of unmerited obloquy, it was my high privilege to preserve your Lordship's friendship and esteem.

I have the honour to be,

Your Lordship's obliged and faithful Servant,

DUNDONALD.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE

CHAPTER I.

Invitation to take command of Chilian Navy Arrival at Valparaiso First expedition to Peru Attack on Spanish shipping at Callao Departure for Huacho Capture of Spanish convoys of money Paita taken Return to Valparaiso to reorganise the squadron Offer to give up my share of prize money to the Republic This offer declined by the Supreme Director Popular congratulations Attempt on Lady Cochrane's life.

CHAPTER II.

Second expedition to Peru Disappointment at not being provided with troops Failure of rockets Departure for Arica Capture of Pisco Capture of Spanish ships at Puna Determine to make an attempt on Valdivia Arrival off that port, and capture of Spanish brig of war Potrillo Troops obtained from Conception Flag ship nearly wrecked Attack on forts, and conquest of Valdivia.

CHAPTER III.

Departure for Chiloe Preparations of the enemy Capture of Fort Corona Failure at Fort Aguy, and subsequent retreat Return to Valdivia Capture of Osorio Return to Valparaiso Enthusiastic reception Chagrin of the ministry Importance of conquest of Valdivia in a political point of view Promotion of officers under arrest Employment of Indians by the Spaniards Career of Benavides Mutinous spirit of the seamen in consequence of their captures being appropriated by Government Resignation of my commission Refusal thereof Renewed offer of an estate This again declined Seamen obtain their wages Private purchase of an estate Government gives notice of taking it Appointment of flag captain against my wishes Annoyance given to me by Minister of Marine Renewed resignation of the command Officers of the squadron resign in a body Government begs of me to retain the command My consent General San Martin The Senate Zenteno Corruption of parties in the Administration.

CHAPTER IV.

Obstacles to equipping the squadron Sailing of the liberating expedition Debarcation at Pisco Long inaction of the army General San Martin removes to Ancon Capture of the Esmeralda Exchange of prisoners Acknowledgment of the service by General San Martin Lady Cochrane's visit to Mendoza.

CHAPTER V.

San Martin's violation, of truth Removal of blockade Spanish depression Troops dying of fever San Martin's designs on Guayaquil Mutinous conduct of officers Refusal to obey orders Deposition of Viceroy San Martin gives me troops Jealousy of San Martin Attack on Arica Capture of Tacna Capture of Moquega Refusal of more men an armistice ratified Distress of Lima Dissatisfaction of the army Lady Cochrane in action Devotion of seamen.

CHAPTER VI.