Publisher's Synopsis
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. This two-volume work was first published in 1859. Volume 1 concerns Cochrane's activity in the wars of independence of Chile and Peru, covering his command of the Chilean navy from 1818, his recruitment of British and American officers, attacks on Spanish shipping, and seizure of booty. It goes on to recount his command of a Chilean expedition to liberate Peru from the Portuguese in 1820. Volume 2 concerns the period, from 1823, of Cochrane's command of the Brazilian navy, 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.
