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 Exce.iency, 
“« 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, Grenrety, Lieut. Commanding Mercenrs, 
“ And all Officers of the Squadron.” 
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