The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-11-29 00:00:00

THE LATE ADMIRAL GRAU.

The Peruvian newspapers publish lengthened
memoirs of the late Seii,)r Don Miguel Gran, Vice.
Admiral of the Peruvian fleet, who perished on board
the Husscar on the Bth ult. He was born at Piura, a
town in the north of Peru, in 134, and, showing at an
early age a liking for the sea, was sent to the nautical
school at Payta. Here he proved an apt scholar, and
at the age of ten his fatber placed him on board a
merchant vessel. In this ship he remained seven years,
sailing to all parts of the world. In 1851, on return-
ing to Peru he was a mate of the vessel, though only
17 years old. Soon afterwards he went to Lima. with
the object of entering the navy, and in 1856 became
sub-lieutenant to a frigate. In September, 1863,
he was made second lieutenant, and promotion fol.
lowed promotion rapidly, for before the year expired
he was made first lieutenant; two years later he was
appointed to the command of a corvette and then to
that of a frigate; and 1868 saw him breveted to a post
captaincy. The latter appointment was almost im-
mediately succeeded by his resignation, on the plea
that as a Peruvian he could not submit to serve under
an admiral who was a foreigner. However, before
the end of the yesr he withdrew his protest and was
appointed to the command of the Huascar, a turret
vessel of about 1,250 tone, armed with two 3001 b, Arm-
strong rifle guns and a complement of smaller
cannon. He became much attached to th 'vessel
and for many years supervise her repairs and
maintained her in perfect efficiency. During the elec.
tions of 1876 the province of Payta, proud of
the success of the scholar from their Naval School,
chose him to represent them in Congress. His ad.
ministrative abilities led to his appointment to the
Admiralty, and he next became Commander in Chief
to the navy. When, in March last year war became
Imminent with Chili, the new Cammandant lost no
time in putting the Peruvian fleet on a war footing.
Several of the smaller vessels had been laid up in ordi-
nary, and all required a thorough overhaul. The
greatest exertions were made to expedite these mew
surest and prevent a surprise from the Chilian
squaaron, which had been fully equipped some
months previously in anticipation of war with the
Argentine Republic. In Congress some speakers de-
precated the idea of pitting the naval forces of Peru
against those of Chili in a general engagement until
the former were reinforced. It was then that Captain
Grau demanded to be allowed to lead the fleet forth-
with against the enemy; his confidence reassured the
country. The s ,bsequent course of the war is identi.
fled with the exploits of Admiral Grau, and may there.
fore excuse a brief recapitulation. It will be remem-
bered that the Peruvian fleet being ready for sea
sailed from Callao in May last. Tile Huascir and
Incependencia led the van, the smaller vessels in com-
pany with the monitors Mancocapac and Atahualpa
following, the two last from their slow speed having
to be towed. The Chilian squadron, steaming north,
but further at sea, passed the Peruvians unperceived
before Arica was reached. The Huascar and Indepen-
dencia proceeded southwards in quest of the enemy. It
will be recollected that an engagement ensued, which
resultei in the destruction of the Esmeral.da and the
running ashore and wreck of the ironclad Indepen-
dencia. It is noticeable that Admiral Grau, who
hitherto was so determined to engage the enemy
at any odds, now thought it well to adopt more
prudent tactics. The change of circumstances
led him to adopt a system of cruising, for
which the speed of his vessel was especially adapted.
In company with the unarmoured corvette Union
(a still faster vessel) the Admiral kept the Chilians on
the coast in constant alarm. He menaced the safety
of vessels bringing arms from the Atlantic, and so
caused one Chilian ironclad to be sent down to the
Straits of Magellan, while the other ironclad had
enough to occupy it in protecting the coast. Antofa.
gasto being defended by batteries, he attacked the
town and the two vessels anchored there, disabling the
little corvette Abtao, which had her machinery under
repair and could not escape. Jointly with the Union
he captured a Chilian troopship, the Rimac, with a
troop of horse, arms, and ammunition on board. This
achievement was followed by a public ovation, and
Congress decreed Grau's appointment as Vice Ad-
miral of the Peruvian fleet.
On the Bth of October the good fortune that had
hitherto attended his flag appeared suddenly to desert
him. In one of those sea fogs prevalent at this season
along the Peruvian and Chili= coasts the Huascar
and Union chanced to come upon a division of the
°Wiwi fleet led by an ironclad, The Union, being in

advance purposely approached the enemy to divert
attention from the Hummer. The ruse was at first
successful, and the Hummer passed to northward, but
only to fall into a trap. The fog suddenly lifted and
discovered her, at the same time showing a second
division of the enemy, with the other ironclad,
further still to the north. The Hnascar attempted to
repeat her manoeuvre, but the Chilian ironclad also
drew in shore, and escape was impossible. She then
seems to have gone into smoother water in the Bay of
Mejillones to meet there the fate that awaited her. The
superior speed of the Union enabled her to escape with
these particulars. The result of the engagement is al-
ready known. Admiral Gran was wounded early in the
action, and, while being attended to by the surgeon,
was killed by a second shot. To the end his spirit
animated his officers, five of whom were killed.
Peru has not been slow to recogniee bhi .7.rth. T. one
day £BO,OOO in value of jewellery, plate, and bullion
were subscribed to a fund in commemoration of his
memory. The money will be expended in the pur-
chase of an ironclad to be named the Admiral Grau.
At the close of the war the vessel is to be purchased
by the Government, and the proceeds devoted to the
relief of the widows and orpaans of seamen killed in
the war.