Author
Thomas Cochrane Dundonald
1775-1860
Thomas Cochrane Dundonald (1775-1860) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Thomas Cochrane Dundonald
The autobiography of a seaman (volume 2 of 2)
Compiled by G. B. Earp from oral or written material furnished by Lord Dundonald and his secretary, William Jackson.
The autobiography of a seaman (volume 1 of 2)
"The autobiography of a seaman (volume 1 of 2)" by Earl of Thomas Cochrane Dundonald is a naval autobiography written in the mid-19th century. It charts the celebrated but contentious career of a British admiral known for daring operations, outspoken reformism, and political battles, set chiefly against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars. This first volume focuses on his early life, family background, formative service, and the lead-up to the celebrated but disputed action at Aix Roads, alongside his criticisms of naval administration. The opening of the work presents a dedication to the Westminster electors and a forthright preface outlining its scope: service up to the Basque Roads attack, the ensuing court-martial of Lord Gambier, years of exclusion from command, and eventual restorations of rank and honours. Cochrane thanks prominent supporters (notably the Marquis of Lansdowne and Lord Brougham) and credits his wife’s direct appeal to the sovereign for a key turn in his fate, then states a “moral” about the personal costs of truth-telling and reform. An introductory chapter traces the Dundonald lineage—from medieval Cochranes and the rise and fall of Robert Cochran under James III, through staunch Stuart loyalties, civil-war entanglements, and the family’s elevation—before turning to the author’s own beginnings. Chapter I sketches his 1775 birth, the loss of ancestral estates, and his father’s scientific ventures (soda, alumina, British gum, sal ammoniac, white lead, and coal-tar/coke), including an early, accidental demonstration of coal-gas illumination later developed by others; these pursuits, though inventive, ruined the family finances and delayed his entry into the navy.
Narrative of Services in the Liberation of Chili, Peru and Brazil, from Spanish and Portuguese Domination, Volume 2
"Narrative of Services in the Liberation of Chili, Peru and Brazil" by Thomas, Earl of Dundonald, is a historical account written during the mid-19th century. The work chronicles the personal experiences and contributions of Lord Cochrane during the independence movements in Brazil, particularly focusing on naval strategies and battles against Portuguese forces. The narrative details the complex political situations and challenges faced throughout his command, highlighting issues of naval discipline and partisan loyalty that were pivotal to the unfolding events. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for the conflict between Brazilian factions seeking independence and those loyal to Portugal during the early 1820s. Dundonald describes the initial discontent in Brazil following the departure of Don Pedro to Portugal and the subsequent rise of independence fervor among the populace, led by figures such as José Bonifacio. Cochrane's role is further established as he arrives in Rio de Janeiro, discusses his terms of service with the Brazilian Emperor, and begins to confront the internal challenges of an undisciplined crew and political intrigue within the Brazilian Navy. The narrative promises a blend of personal insight and broader historical context as it charts the tumultuous waters of naval warfare and revolution in South America.
Narrative of Services in the Liberation of Chili, Peru and Brazil, from Spanish and Portuguese Domination, Volume 1
"Narrative of Services in the Liberation of Chili, Peru and Brazil" by Thomas, Earl of Dundonald, is a historical account written during the mid-19th century. The narrative details the author's firsthand experiences and contributions to the naval operations that led to the independence of these South American nations from Spanish and Portuguese rule. It presents a vivid portrayal of military engagements, the challenges faced during wartime, and the political complexities of the era. At the start of the narrative, the author recounts his invitation to command the Chilean Navy in 1817, highlighting the urgent need to counter Spanish naval dominance. Upon arriving in Valparaiso, Dundonald describes a warm reception and his immediate engagement in expeditions aimed at liberating Peruvian territories. He recounts significant events, such as the challenges faced when attacking Spanish forts, the difficulties in commanding a squadron often lacking in resources, and attempts to establish good relations with local populations. His personal struggles, including political intrigue and the mutinous behavior of some crew members, lay the groundwork for a complex depiction of a revolutionary struggle that intertwines valor and political strife.