Narrative of Services in the Liberation of Chili, Peru, and Brazil, from Spanish and Portuguese Domination

This two-volume work, published in 1859, recounts mercenary naval activity during wars of independence in South America.

Thomas Cochrane (Author)

9781108054034, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 November 2012

324 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.8 cm, 0.41 kg

The most renowned naval officer of the mid-nineteenth century, Thomas Cochrane, tenth Earl of Dundonald (1775–1860), led an eventful life. Due to a financial scandal, he left the Royal Navy for a period and became a celebrated mercenary. Volume 1 of this two-volume work, published in 1859, concerns his activity in the wars of independence of Chile and Peru, covering his taking command of the Chilean navy in 1818, his recruitment of British and American officers, attacks on Spanish shipping, littoral warfare on Spanish forts, seizure of booty, and his troubled relationship with the Chilean government. It goes on to recount his command of a Chilean expedition to liberate Peru from the Portuguese in 1820 and his departure from Chile in 1822 before further unrest. Cochrane was the quintessential naval hero of the age, and his memoir remains of interest to both scholars and readers of maritime adventure.

Preface
1. Invitation to take command of Chilian navy
2. Second expedition to Peru
3. Departure for Chiloe
4. Obstacles to equipping the squadron
5. San Martin's violation of truth
6. Return to Callao
7. Tampering with Chilian officers
8. Prolonged destitution of a squadron
9. Arrival at Guayaquil
10. Return to Valparaiso
11. Negociations with Bolivar
12. The squadron taken from me
13. Freire marches on Valparaiso
14. Injustice to the squadron
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]