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NARRATIVE OF SERVICES IN THE LIBERATION OF CHILI, PERU, AND BRAZIL,FROM SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE DOMINATION

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 todedicate to you the following narrative of historical events, respectingwhich the public has not previously been placed in a position to form acorrect judgment. Your Lordship's generous acquiescence enables me todischarge a double debt: First—of thanks to one whose high politicalcharacter this country will ever warmly cherish;—Secondly—of deep-feltgratitude for the countenance and efficient aid experienced from yourLordship at a period when party faction made me the object of bitterresentment; the injustice of which could in no way be betterdemonstrated, than by the fact that—in the midst of unmerited obloquy,it was my high privilege to preserve your Lordship's friendship andesteem.

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—Firstexpedition to Peru—Attack on Spanish shipping at Callao—Departure forHuacho—Capture of Spanish convoys of money—Paita taken—Return toValparaiso to reorganise the squadron—Offer to give up my share ofprize money to the Republic—This offer declined by the SupremeDirector—Popular congratulations—Attempt on Lady Cochrane's life.

CHAPTER II.

Second expedition to Peru—Disappointment at not being provided withtroops—Failure of rockets—Departure for Arica—Capture ofPisco—Capture of Spanish ships at Puna—Determine to make an attempt onValdivia—Arrival off that port, and capture of Spanish brig of warPotrillo—Troops obtained from Conception—Flag-ship nearlywrecked—Attack on forts, and conquest of Valdivia.

CHAPTER III.

Departure for Chiloe—Preparations of the enemy—Capture of FortCorona—Failure at Fort Aguy, and subsequent retreat—Return toValdivia—Capture of Osorio—Return to Valparaiso—Enthusiasticreception—Chagrin of the ministry—Importance of conquest of Valdiviain a political point of view—Promotion of officers underarrest—Employment of Indians by the Spaniards—Career ofBenavides—Mutinous spirit of the seamen in consequence of theircaptures being appropriated by Government—Resignation of mycommission—Refusal thereof—Renewed offer of an estate—This againdeclined—Seamen obtain their wages—Private purchase of anestate—Government gives notice of taking it—Appointment of flagcaptain against my wishes—Annoyance given to me by Minister ofMarine—Renewed resignation of the command—Officers of the squadronresign in a body—Government begs of me to retain the command—Myconsent—General San Martin—The Senate—Zenteno—Corruption of partiesin the Administration.

CHAPTER IV.

Obstacles to equipping the squadron—Sailing of the liberatingexpedition—Debarcation at Pisco—Long inaction of the army—Gene

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