The life of Thomas Lord Cochrane later 10th Earl of Dundonald was more extraordinary than that of Nelson more far fetched than that of Hornblower or Patrick OBriens Jack Aubrey. Born the son of an eccentric & indigent Scottish peer he entered the Royal Navy in 1793. In a series of outstanding & heroic actions often against seemingly overwhelming odds he made his name fighting Napoleons navy as one of the most dashing & daring frigate captains of his day before embarking on a career as a mercenary admiral.