THE LATE ADMIRAL GRAU.

Kumara Times, Issue 1044, 4 February 1880, Page 4

THE LATE ADMIRAL GRAU.

The Peruvian newspapers publish .lengthened memoirs of the late Senor Miguel Grau, "Vice-Admiral of the Peruvian fleet, who perished on board the Huscar on the Bth ultimo. He was born at Fiura, a town in the north of Peru, in 1834, 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 father placed him on board a merchant vessel. In this ship he remained seven years, sailing to all parts of the world. On returning to Peru in 1851 he was already a mate of the vessel, though only seventeen years old. Soon afterwards Ihe 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 followed 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 brevetted to a post-captaincy, The latter appointment was almost immediately 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 year he withdrew his protest, and was appointed to the command of the Hauscar, a turret vessel of about 1,250 tons, armed with 300-pound Armstrong rifle guns and a complement of Bmaller cannon. He became much attached to this vessel, and for many years supervised her repairs and maintained her in perfect efficiency. During the elections of(l 876 the province of Payta, proud of the (success of the scholar, chooße him to represent them in Congress. His administrative abilities led to his appointment to the admiralty, and he next became Commandant-in- Chief of the Navy,' When in March last year war became imminent with Chili, the new commandant lost no time in putting the Peruvian fleet on a war footing, Several of the smaller vessels had been laid up for ordinary, and all required a thorough overhaul. The greatest exertions were made to expedite these measures, and prevent a surprise from the Chilian suuadron, which had been fully equipped some months previously in anticipation of war -vith the Argentine Republic. In Congress some speakers deprecated 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 forthwith against the enemy. His confidence reassured the country. The subsequent course of the war is identified with his exploits.