274 JOURNAL. 



directed against every object and every person, with or without 

 reason. Even Lord Cochrane, after all his exertions and sacrifices 

 both for the state and the squadron, has been made the object of a 

 malicious calumny, which, indeed, he has condescended to disprove 

 most convincingly ; but which is, nevertheless, mortifying, as coming 

 directly from individuals who have been benefited and trusted by him 

 and the country they serve. This calumny charges him with having 

 made a private advantageous bargain for himself, and having already 

 received from the government the greater part of the money destined 

 for the pay of the whole squadron. I have been much pleased by a 

 letter written to him by the lieutenants of the squadron on the occa- 

 sion, dated only yesterday, and of which a copy has been obligingly 

 given me by one of those signing it. 



" May it please Your Excellency, 



" We, the undersigned officers of the Chile squadron, have heard 

 " with surprise and indignation the vile and scandalous reports tend- 

 " ing to bring Your Excellency's high character into question, and to 

 " destroy that confidence and admiration with which it has always 

 " inspired us. 



" We have seen with pleasure the measures Your Excellency has 

 " adopted to suppress so malicious and absurd a conspiracy, and 

 " trust that no means will be spared to bring its authors to public 

 " shame. 



" At a time like the present, when the best interests of the squa- 

 " dron, and our, dearest rights as individuals, are at stake, we feel 

 " particularly indignant at an attempt to destroy that union and con- 

 " fidence which at present exists, and which we are assured ever will, 

 " while we have the honour to serve under Your Excellency's 

 " command. 



" With these sentiments, we subscribe ourselves 



" Your Excellency's most obedient humble servants. 



(Signed) " P. O. Grenfell, Lieut. Commanding Mercedes, 

 " And all Officers of the Squadron." 



