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

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.