40 THE BRAZILIAN FLEET 
the happiest, as well as the loveliest and most 
fruitful empire in the world ! 
The Brazilian fleet, then commanded by the 
celebrated Lord Cochrane, consisted of one ship 
of the line, two frigates, three brigs, and some 
smaller vessels. Inconsiderable as was this force, 
it was in good order, and under the direction of 
its skilful and heroic commander, had done 
wonders. Lord Cochrane had recently, with 
his single ship of the line and one frigate only, 
attacked and defeated a Portuguese squadron. 
of two ships of the line and four frigates, pur- 
sued them to the port of Lisbon, and made 
prize of forty merchant vessels they were con- 
voying. For this exploit, he received from the 
Emperor the appointment of Grand Admiral, 
and the title of Marquis of Marenham, after 
one of the provinces. He had before served 
the republic of Chili; and, it is said, in the 
midst of his warlike ardour, he had not forgot- 
ten the care of his private finances. 
This was his first year in the Brazilian service. 
I was curious to see so celebrated a man, and 
soon found an opportunity of forming an ac- 
quaintance with him, which led to a frequent 
