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 the wars of independence in South America.

Thomas Cochrane (Author)

9781108054041, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 November 2012

322 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 2 of this two-volume work, published in 1859, concerns the period, from 1823, of Cochrane's command of the Brazilian navy. It addresses the recruitment of seamen and the strengthening of the fleet, his negotiations with the government for payment, and his eventual resignation after independence had been secured in 1825. Cochrane did not achieve the same level of battle engagement and naval success as he had done in Chile; rather, his time in Brazil was largely characterised by infighting, bitterness and administrative machinations. Cochrane was the quintessential naval hero of the age, and his memoir remains of interest to both scholars and readers of maritime adventure.

1. Brazilian and Portuguese factions
2. Attempt to cut off the enemy's ships
3. Capture of the Don Miguel
4. Captain Grenfell sent to summon Parà
5. First effort to curtail the imperial power
6. Remonstrance against decree of prize tribunal
7. Ministerial malignity towards me
8. Republican government proclaimed at Pernambuco
9. Arrival at Maranham
10. Misrepresentations made in England
11. Imperial approval
12. I quit Maranham for a cruise
13. I am dismissed from the service by the Brazilian government
14. Proclamation for payment of officers and men.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]