Thomas Cochrane, Earl of Dundonald, 1854-1866.

Studio portrait photograph by Maull and Polyblank of Thomas Cochrane, tenth Earl of Dundonald (1775-1860). Cochrane had a colourful career; he was captured by the French in 1801; elected MP for Honiton, Devon, in 1806, and exposed the abuses of the admiralty for which he was expelled from the Navy and parliament. Taking command of the Chilean navy in 1817, Cochrane secured the independence of Chile and Peru, 1819-1822. He went on to command the Brazilian fleet and was instrumental in obtaining Brazilian independence, 1823-5. Cochrane first employed steam power in ships of war. He was re-instated in the Royal Navy and promoted to admiral. He urged the adoption of screw-propellers 1843.