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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Narrative of Services in the Liberation of
+Chili, Peru and Brazil, from Spanish and Portuguese Domination, Volume 1,
+by Thomas Cochrane, Tenth Earl of Dundonald
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Narrative of Services in the Liberation of Chili, Peru and Brazil,
+from Spanish and Portuguese Domination, Volume 1
+
+Author: Thomas Cochrane, Tenth Earl of Dundonald
+
+Release Date: February 5, 2005  [eBook #14914]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NARRATIVE OF SERVICES IN THE
+LIBERATION OF CHILI, PERU AND BRAZIL, FROM SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE
+DOMINATION, VOLUME 1***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Ted Garvin, Graeme Mackreth, and the Project Gutenberg
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+NARRATIVE OF SERVICES IN THE LIBERATION OF CHILI, PERU, AND BRAZIL,
+FROM SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE DOMINATION
+
+by
+
+THOMAS, EARL OF DUNDONALD, G.C.B.
+Admiral of the Red; Rear-Admiral of the Fleet, etc. etc.
+
+VOL. I
+
+London:
+James Ridgway, No 169, Piccadilly
+
+MDCCCLIX
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+TO THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE, K.G. ETC. ETC.
+
+
+My Lord,
+
+I am proud to have been honoured with your Lordship's permission to
+dedicate to you the following narrative of historical events, respecting
+which the public has not previously been placed in a position to form a
+correct judgment. Your Lordship's generous acquiescence enables me to
+discharge a double debt: First--of thanks to one whose high political
+character this country will ever warmly cherish;--Secondly--of deep-felt
+gratitude for the countenance and efficient aid experienced from your
+Lordship at a period when party faction made me the object of bitter
+resentment; the injustice of which could in no way be better
+demonstrated, than by the fact that--in the midst of unmerited obloquy,
+it was my high privilege to preserve your Lordship's friendship and
+esteem.
+
+I have the honour to be,
+
+Your Lordship's obliged and faithful Servant,
+
+DUNDONALD.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Invitation to take command of Chilian Navy--Arrival at Valparaiso--First
+expedition to Peru--Attack on Spanish shipping at Callao--Departure for
+Huacho--Capture of Spanish convoys of money--Paita taken--Return to
+Valparaiso to reorganise the squadron--Offer to give up my share of
+prize money to the Republic--This offer declined by the Supreme
+Director--Popular congratulations--Attempt on Lady Cochrane's life.
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Second expedition to Peru--Disappointment at not being provided with
+troops--Failure of rockets--Departure for Arica--Capture of
+Pisco--Capture of Spanish ships at Puna--Determine to make an attempt on
+Valdivia--Arrival off that port, and capture of Spanish brig of war
+_Potrillo_--Troops obtained from Conception--Flag-ship nearly
+wrecked--Attack on forts, and conquest of Valdivia.
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Departure for Chiloe--Preparations of the enemy--Capture of Fort
+Corona--Failure at Fort Aguy, and subsequent retreat--Return to
+Valdivia--Capture of Osorio--Return to Valparaiso--Enthusiastic
+reception--Chagrin of the ministry--Importance of conquest of Valdivia
+in a political point of view--Promotion of officers under
+arrest--Employment of Indians by the Spaniards--Career of
+Benavides--Mutinous spirit of the seamen in consequence of their
+captures being appropriated by Government--Resignation of my
+commission--Refusal thereof--Renewed offer of an estate--This again
+declined--Seamen obtain their wages--Private purchase of an
+estate--Government gives notice of taking it--Appointment of flag
+captain against my wishes--Annoyance given to me by Minister of
+Marine--Renewed resignation of the command--Officers of the squadron
+resign in a body--Government begs of me to retain the command--My
+consent--General San Martin--The Senate--Zenteno--Corruption of parties
+in the Administration.
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Obstacles to equipping the squadron--Sailing of the liberating
+expedition--Debarcation at Pisco--Long inaction of the army--General San
+Martin removes to Ancon--Capture of the Esmeralda--Exchange of
+prisoners--Acknowledgment of the service by General San Martin--Lady
+Cochrane's visit to Mendoza.
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+San Martin's violation, of truth--Removal of blockade--Spanish
+depression--Troops dying of fever--San Martin's designs on
+Guayaquil--Mutinous conduct of officers--Refusal to obey
+orders--Deposition of Viceroy--San Martin gives me troops--Jealousy of
+San Martin--Attack on Arica--Capture of Tacna--Capture of
+Moquega--Refusal of more men--an armistice ratified--Distress of
+Lima--Dissatisfaction of the army--Lady Cochrane in action--Devotion of
+seamen.
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Return to Callao--Lima abandoned--Hesitation of General San Martin to
+occupy the City--Loss of the _San Martin_--Excesses of the
+Spaniards--Proclamation of independence--San Martin assumes autocratic
+power under the title of Protector--My remonstrance--His reply--Mutinous
+state of the squadron from neglect.
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Tampering with Chilian officers--The Archbishop of Lima--His
+expulsion--Negociation for surrender of the Forts--This
+counteracted--San Martin's bombastic Proclamations--His refusal to
+encounter the enemy--The Spaniards relieve Callao--Delusive
+proclamation--The unblushing falsehood--Spaniards carry off the
+treasure--Discontent of the squadron.
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Prolonged destitution of squadron--The men mutiny in a body--The
+seamen's letters--San Martin sends away the public treasure--My seizure
+of it--Private property restored--San Martin's accusations against
+me--The squadron paid wages--Attempt on the officers' fidelity--I am
+asked to desert from Chili--Ordered to quit on refusal--Monteagudo's
+letter--My reply--Justification of seizing the treasure--- No other
+course possible.
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Arrival at Guayaquil--Address to Guayaquilenos--Injurious
+monopolies--Ministerial folly--Departure from Guayaquil--Arrival in
+Mexico--Anchor at Acapulco--Mock Ambassadors--Plot against me--Return to
+Guayaquil--Venganza taken possession of--Agreement with Junta--General
+La Mar--Orders to withhold supplies--Abominable cruelty--Courtly
+splendour--Destruction of a division of the Army--Dissatisfaction of
+officers--Renewed overtures from San Martin--Their refusal by
+me--Warning to the Chilian Government.
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Return to Valparaiso--Thanks of the Government--Reasons for
+satisfaction--Illegitimate trade--Turned to good account--Denunciation
+of Officers deserted--Investigation of accounts--San Martin's charges
+against me--My refutation--Government refuses its publication--Cruelty
+to Spanish prisoners--Retirement to Quintero--Political fruits of our
+success--Destitute condition of squadron--Infamous attempt to promote
+dissatisfaction therein--Object of this course--Steps taken to defeat
+it--Disavowed by the Minister--Sympathy of officers--Attempt to get rid
+of Gen. Freire--Its eventual result--Letter of the Captains.
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Negociations with Bolivar--Exile of Monteagudo--Complaints of the
+Limenos--Extravagance of the Government--Exculpation of San
+Martin--Effects of popular dissension--Disagreement of Bolivar and San
+Martin--Vote of Peruvian Congress--Extraordinary neglect of the Chilian
+Squadron--San Martin's arrival at Valparaiso--I demand his
+trial--Countenance of the Supreme Director--Squadron at length paid
+wages--Revolt of Conception--General Freire apprises me of it--Freire
+asks for my support--His letter not replied to--San Martin's influence.
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+The squadron taken from me--I accept invitation from Brazil--Letter to
+the Supreme Director--San Martin quits Chili--His prudence--Opinion of
+his Aide-de Camp--Ministerial neglect--Permission to quit Chili--Letter
+to General Freire--For the first time made public--Letter to the
+Captains and Officers--To the Chilian people--To the foreign
+merchants--To the President of Peru--San Martin actuated by
+revenge--This shewn from his letters.
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Freire marches on Valparaiso--Elected Supreme Director--He begs of me to
+return--My reply--Subsequent letter to General Freire.
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Injustice to the squadron--Inconsistency of this--Estate taken from
+me--My losses by litigation--Endeavours to enforce my claims--Petty
+excuses for evading them--I am charged with expenses of the Army--And
+with costs for making legal captures--My conduct approved at the time---
+Ministerial approbation--Paltry compensation at length given--Ministerial
+corruption--Proved by San Martin--Cause of official animosity to
+me--Conclusion.
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The first of these volumes forms a history of the consolidation of
+Chilian independence, and of the subsequent liberation of Peru--through
+the instrumentality of the Chilian squadron under my command; a service
+which called forth from the Governments and people of the liberated
+states the warmest expressions of gratitude to the naval service
+collectively, and to myself personally, as having planned and conducted
+the operations whereby these results were attained.
+
+It records also the strangely inconsistent fact that--beyond these marks
+of national approbation--neither Chili nor Peru ever awarded to the
+squadron or myself any more substantial reward--though, in a pecuniary
+sense, deeply indebted to us; for, during the greater portion of the war
+of independence, the subsistence of the crews, and the repairs and
+equipment of the Chilian squadron were solely provided for by our own
+exertions, without cost to the Government; since, in addition to the
+capture of Spanish ships-of-war and merchant vessels--money, provisions,
+and stores to a great extent fell into our hands; all of which--though
+our own stipulated right--were voluntarily devoted to state exigencies,
+in the full conviction that, at the expiration of the war, the value of
+our sacrifices would, as a point of national honour, be returned to us
+by Chili. As regards Peru, our still unpaid for captures of ships-of-war
+formed her first naval force, for which the only requital has been, a
+vote of her first National Assembly--almost its inaugural act--ascribing
+to me the double praise of her liberation from the Spanish yoke, and of
+her subsequent deliverance from an intolerable military tyranny.
+
+The volume contains another point, which forms a yet stranger sequel to
+my services on the Western shores of South America. After the expiration
+of thirty years, Chili granted me the absurdly inadequate sum of L.6,000
+_in full of all my claims!_ And this, with the knowledge that, after my
+return to England I was involved in litigation on account of the legal
+seizure of vessels under the orders of her former Government--by which
+I was subjected to a loss, directly and indirectly, of _more than three
+times the amount_. The Chilian portion of this history, therefore,
+resolves itself into the fact, that not only did I reap no reward
+whatever, for the liberation of Chili and Peru, but that the
+independence of both countries was achieved _at a heavy pecuniary
+sacrifice to myself!_ in compensation for which, as well as for my
+recognised services--Chili has thought its national honour sufficiently
+vindicated by allotting me _one-third of my losses only_, without other
+compensation of any kind! I regret to add, that my necessities at the
+time, arising for the most part from the pecuniary difficulties to which
+I had been subjected on Chilian account, compelled me to accept the
+amount tendered.
+
+The second volume is of a character somewhat similar. It narrates the
+circumstances under which--by promises the most inviting, and
+stipulations the most binding--I was induced to accept the command, or
+rather organization of the first Brazilian navy. It details the complete
+expulsion of all Portuguese armaments, naval and military, from the
+Eastern shores of the South American Continent, by the squadron alone,
+wholly unaided by military co-operation; in the course of which arduous
+service, ships of war, merchant vessels, and valuable property to the
+extent of several millions of dollars were captured under the Imperial
+order, and their value--in spite of previous stipulations--_refused to
+the captors_, on the falsely assumed ground that the provinces liberated
+were Brazilian--though a Brazilian military force had been recently
+beaten in an attempt to expel the Portuguese--and though these provinces
+were, at the period of my assuming the command, in the uninterrupted
+occupation of the very Portuguese fleets and armies afterwards expelled,
+it was falsely pretended that the property captured was not enemy's
+property--though expressly described as such in numerous Imperial
+decrees--and more especially by the instructions given to me by His
+Imperial Majesty to seize or destroy it wherever found.
+
+It was, in short, subsequently decided by a Court of Admiralty--for the
+most part composed of Portuguese members, acting under the influence of
+a Portuguese faction in the Administration--that neither myself nor the
+squadron were entitled to the prizes made--though most inconsistently,
+the same tribunal condemned the ships of war taken--as "_droits_" to the
+crown--for which, compensation was awarded to the squadron by His
+Imperial Majesty, but never paid by the ministers to whom the order was
+directed.
+
+Not to anticipate the contents of the volume devoted to Brazilian
+affairs. It being found after the expulsion of the enemy, that the
+stipulations made with myself were too binding to be easily set aside,
+several futile attempts were made to evade them, but this being found
+impossible, the unworthy expedient was resorted to of summarily
+dismissing me from the service, after the establishment of peace with
+Portugal--an event entirely consequent on my individual services. By
+this expedient--of the rectitude or otherwise of which the reader will
+be able to judge from the documentary evidence laid before him--I was
+got rid of without compensation for my claims, which for thirty years
+were altogether repudiated; but, at the expiration of that period, fully
+recognised as _having been due from the beginning!_ The Brazilian
+Government, however, satisfied its own sense of justice by awarding me
+less than _one-half the simple interest of the amount stipulated in my
+patents_; thus retaining the whole of the principal admitted to be due.
+
+The preceding remarks form a _synopsis_ of my career on both sides of
+the continent of South America; the narrative, where dispute might
+arise, being carefully founded on, and in all cases accompanied by
+documentary evidence, which admits neither dispute nor contradiction.
+
+The trifling amount awarded by Chili, would probably not have been
+granted at all, but for the earnest remonstrance of Lord Palmerston,
+warmly seconded by the efforts of the Hon. Mr. Jerningham, British
+Minister to the Chilian Republic, by whose joint exertions the
+Government was induced to admit--that national honour was involved in
+fulfilling national obligations; though an infinitesimal view of either
+the one or the other was certainly taken when awarding me the
+insignificant sum previously mentioned.
+
+In Brazil the case was somewhat different. It is to His present Imperial
+Majesty, Don Pedro II. that I owe any investigation of my claims, by the
+appointment of a Commission (_Seccoes_), which reported that they ought
+never to have been withheld, as being my stipulated right. But even the
+limited amount awarded in consequence of this decision, was on the point
+of being further diminished one half by its projected payment in a
+depreciated currency--and, had it not been for the intervention of Lord
+Clarendon, and of the Hon. Mr. Scarlett, British Minister at Rio de
+Janeiro, of whose zealous exertions in my favour I cannot speak too
+warmly--this further injustice would have been perpetrated without the
+knowledge or sanction of His present Imperial Majesty.
+
+It may be asked, why--with the clear documentary evidence in my
+possession--and now adduced--I have for so many years endured an amount
+of obloquy and injustice, which might at any time have been set aside by
+its publication? The reply is obvious. The withholding of my claims by
+the Governments of both sides the South American Continent, and the
+ruinous expense to which I was put on account of Chili, entailed upon me
+many years of pecuniary difficulty. To have told even the
+truth--unbacked as I then was, by the British Government--would have
+been to have all my claims set at defiance, so that compulsory
+discretion was a sufficient reason for my silence. It was long before I
+could induce a British Minister to satisfy himself of the rectitude of
+my conduct--the soundness of my claims--or the dishonesty of those who,
+believing me to be powerless, laughed at reiterated demands for my
+stipulated rights. Yet more I have never sought from those to whom I
+gave liberty and dominion.
+
+There is, however, a reason for the present publication, of which I have
+never lost sight. Amidst all the injustice which it has been my lot to
+sustain, I have ever determined--for the sake of my family--to whom my
+character is an heir-loom--that no obloquy shall follow me to the grave,
+for none have I merited. On the day these volumes see the light, this
+resolution will be partially fulfilled. On that day I shall have
+completed the eighty-third year of a career strangely chequered, yet not
+undistinguished; and, therefore, the opinions of either Chilians or
+Brazilians are now of small moment to me in comparison with a reputation
+which has been demmed worthy of belonging to history. None of the
+present ruling powers in either Chili or Brazil can possibly be offended
+with me for giving a guardedly temperate documentary narrative of what
+must hereafter form the basis of their national annals. I do not for a
+moment contemplate that men of enlightened views such as now direct the
+affairs of both countries have either part or sympathy with
+self-interested adventurers who in popular revolutions too often rise to
+the surface, and for a time make confusion worse confounded; till
+replaced--as a matter of course, no less than by necessity--by men of
+greater grasp of mind and more exalted aspirations.
+
+But this is as it maybe--my reputation as a British seaman is to me of
+the highest moment, and it shall not be sullied after my death by the
+aspersions of those who wilfully revenged the thwarting of their
+anti-Imperial designs, by imputations which can alone enter into the
+minds of men devoid of generous impulses and therefore incapable of
+appreciating higher motives. I have not followed their example, but
+where it is necessary to bring forward such persons--they will be viewed
+through the medium of their own documents, which are incontestible and
+irresistible, and which would as easily convict me of untruth as they
+convict my maligners of practices unworthy the honour of a nation.
+
+To my own countrymen these volumes can scarcely be matter of
+indifference; though, perhaps, few reflect that the numerous fleets of
+British merchantmen which now frequent both shores of South America, are
+the consequence of the deliverance of these vast territories from an
+exclusive colonial yoke. It is true that England had previously formed a
+treaty with Portugal, permitting English vessels to trade to her South
+American Colonies, but such was the influence of Portuguese merchants
+with the local governments, that it was nearly inoperative; so that,
+practically, the Portuguese were in the exclusive possession of that
+commerce which my expulsion of the fleet and army of the mother country
+unreservedly threw open to British enterprise. The same, even in a
+higher degree, may be said with regard to Chili and Peru.
+
+Yet, scarcely had my mission to Chili become known, than the influence
+of Spain induced the British Ministry to pass a "Foreign Enlistment
+Act," the penal clauses of which were evidently aimed at me, for
+having entered into the service of unacknowledged governments without
+permission--though I had shortly before been most unjustly driven from
+the service of my native country.
+
+In blind animosity towards me, my former English persecutors failed to
+perceive the advantage to British commerce, of freeing both sides of
+South America from lingering war and internal dissension. An amusing
+instance of this occurred on my return to England. Having occasion to
+wait upon the then Attorney-General relative to a patent which I had in
+hand, he brusquely inquired "_whether I was not afraid to appear before
+him?_" On my replying that "I was not aware of having reason to fear
+appearing in the presence of any man," he told me the question had been
+officially put to him, whether I could be punished under the "Foreign
+Enlistment Act," for the part I had taken in the liberation of Chili,
+Peru, and Brazil? To this I replied, that "if Government was indiscreet
+enough further to persecute me for having thrown open to British
+commerce the largest field for enterprise of modern times, they could
+take what steps they chose, for that I, having accepted service in South
+America before the passing of the Act, was not afraid of the
+consequences of having infringed its provisions." It is almost needless
+to say that no such prosecution was instituted, though the will was
+good, despite the national benefits conferred.
+
+I will not enter farther into the subject in a preface to volumes which
+themselves form only a summary of events in which I was a principal
+actor, but at the same time, one, which I hope will prove satisfactory
+and decisive. It would have been easy to have dilated the narrative, but
+my object is solely to leave behind me a faithful record of events which
+must one day become history, and there is no history like documentary
+history.
+
+To those high personages who have advocated my cause with other nations,
+the present volume will give satisfaction, as affording additional proof
+that their advocacy rested upon no visionary basis. To the members of
+the press, who have adopted the same views, this exposition will be
+equally satisfactory. To all these I owe the thanks of recognising in
+me, a love for that service, from which--for a time I was unjustly
+expelled. It is my intention, if God spare my life, to add to these
+Memoirs a narrative of my former experience in the British navy, and,
+what may be of greater utility, an exposition of that which, from
+jealousy and other causes no less unworthy, _I was not permitted to
+effect_. To these I shall add a few remarks upon my connexion with the
+liberation of Greece, developing some remarkable facts, which have as
+yet escaped the notice of historians. These reminiscences of the past
+will, at least, be instructive to future generations and if any remarks
+of mine will conduce to the permanent greatness and security of my
+country, I shall deem the residue of my life well spent in recording
+them.
+
+At my advanced age, such a task as that now partially executed, would,
+perhaps, have presented insuperable difficulties, but for the assistance
+rendered me by Mr. Earp, who, with great perseverance, has
+unravelled--what, in the lapse of time, had become the almost
+inextricable confusion of my papers. That, however, has, with his
+assistance, been accomplished in such a way as to base upon original
+documents every incident contained in the work--the more important of
+these documents being adduced, so as to admit of neither doubt nor
+question. The same course will be pursued in the forthcoming English
+portion of my career, with a result, I trust, equally clear and
+convincing.
+
+DUNDONALD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+INVITATION TO TAKE COMMAND OF CHILIAN NAVY--ARRIVAL AT VALPARAISO--FIRST
+EXPEDITION TO PERU--ATTACK ON SPANISH SHIPPING AT CALLAO--DEPARTURE FOR
+HUACHO--CAPTURE OF SPANISH CONVOYS OF MONEY--PAITA TAKEN--RETURN TO
+VALPARAISO TO REORGANIZE THE SQUADRON--OFFER TO GIVE UP MY SHARE OF
+PRIZEMONEY TO THE REPUBLIC--THIS OFFER DECLINED BY THE SUPREME
+DIRECTOR--POPULAR CONGRATULATIONS--ATTEMPT ON LADY COCHRANE'S LIFE.
+
+
+In the year 1817, Don Jose Alvarez, accredited agent of the government
+of Chili--as yet unacknowledged by European powers--applied to me to
+undertake the organization of a naval force in that country, capable of
+contending against the Spaniards; who, notwithstanding the successful
+revolt of the Chilenos by land, still maintained their predominance on
+the waters of the Pacific.
+
+Having at that time no professional employment, in consequence of my
+unjust expulsion from the British naval service, by the machinations of
+the powerful political party which I had offended--and finding that
+Chili was making great efforts to create a navy, in furtherance of which
+object a war steamer had been placed on the stocks in London--I accepted
+the invitation, engaging to superintend her building and equipment, and
+to take her to Valparaiso when completed.
+
+Meanwhile, Alvarez received orders from his Government, that, if his
+proposals had been accepted, no time must be lost in my departure, as
+the position of Chili was critical, the Spaniards threatening Valparaiso
+by sea, and being still in possession of the continent from Conception
+to Chiloe, where they were organizing the savage Indian tribes to carry
+desolation into the newly emancipated provinces. Reliable information
+had also been received, that the Court of Madrid was making strenuous
+efforts to recover its lost possessions by a powerful reinforcement to
+its Pacific squadron, against which the Chileno ships of war, in their
+present state, were not in a condition to contend.
+
+Alvarez therefore begged me not to wait for the steamer, the completion
+and equipment of which he would hasten, but at once to sail for Chili in
+the _Rose_ merchantman, then on the eve of departure. Knowing that the
+whole of Peru was in the hands of the Spaniards, and that they were also
+in possession of Valdivia, the strongest fortified harbour to the
+southward--from both of which there would be considerable difficulty in
+dislodging them after the arrival of the anticipated reinforcements--I
+embarked without delay; and on the 28th of November, 1818, landed at
+Valparaiso, accompanied by Lady Cochrane and our two children.
+
+Our reception, both from the authorities and the people, was
+enthusiastic, the Supreme Director, General O'Higgins, coming from the
+seat of Government, Santiago, to welcome us. This excellent man was the
+son of an Irish gentleman of distinction in the Spanish service, who had
+occupied the important position of Viceroy of Peru. The son had,
+however, joined the patriots, and whilst second in command had not long
+before inflicted a signal defeat upon the Spaniards in the interior; in
+reward for which service the gratitude of the nation had elevated him to
+the Supreme Directorate.
+
+A variety of _fetes_ was given at Valparaiso in honour of our arrival,
+these being prolonged for so many days as to amount to a waste of time.
+The same scenes were, however, re-enacted at the distant capital,
+whither the Supreme Director insisted on taking us, till I had to remind
+His Excellency that our purpose was rather fighting than feasting.
+Nevertheless, the reception we had met impressed me with so high a sense
+of Chilian hospitality, that, heartbroken as I had been by the infamous
+persecution which had driven me from the British navy, I decided upon
+Chili as my future home; this decision, however, being only an
+exemplification of the proverb _"L'homme propose--Dieu dispose."_
+
+The Chilian squadron had just returned from a successful cruise, the
+gallant Admiral Blanco Encalada, who commanded it, having captured a
+noble Spanish 50-gun frigate, the _Maria Isabel_, in the bay of
+Talcahuano.
+
+The squadron consisted of the recently captured Spanish frigate, now
+named the _O'Higgins_, in honour of the Supreme Director; the _San
+Martin_, 56 guns, formerly the _Cumberland_ Indiaman, which had been
+bought into the service; the _Lautaro_, 44 guns, also a purchased
+Indiaman; the _Galvarino_, 18 guns, recently the British sloop of war
+_Hecate_; the _Chacabuco_, 20 guns; and the _Aracauno_, 16 guns; a force
+which, though deficient in organization and equipment, was very
+creditable to the energy of a newly emancipated people.
+
+A few days after my arrival a commission was issued, conferring upon me
+the title of "Vice-Admiral of Chili, Admiral and Commander in Chief of
+the Naval Forces of the Republic." Admiral Blanco, with patriotic
+liberality, relinquishing his position in my favour, though, from his
+recent achievement, justly entitled to retain it; paying me also the
+additional compliment of personally announcing to the ships' companies
+the change which had been effected.
+
+My advent was regarded by the captains of the squadron with great
+jealousy, the more so, as I had brought with me from England officers
+upon whom I could place implicit reliance. It so happened that two of
+the Chilian commanders, Captains Guise and Spry, had shortly before
+arrived from England with the _Hecate_, which had been sold out of the
+British navy, and bought by them on speculation. The Buenos Ayrean
+Government having declined to purchase her, they had brought her on to
+Chili, where the Government took her and received her former owners into
+its service. These officers, together with Captain Worcester, a North
+American, got up a cabal, the object of which was to bring about a
+divided command between myself and Admiral Blanco, or, as they
+expressed it--"two commodores and no Cochrane." Finding that Admiral
+Blanco would not listen to this, they persuaded one or two of the
+inferior ministers--whose jealousy it was not difficult to excite--that
+it was dangerous and discreditable to a republican Government to allow a
+nobleman and a foreigner to command its navy, and still more so, to
+allow him to retain his title; the object being to place Admiral Blanco
+in the chief command, with myself as his second--by which arrangement,
+as he had not been accustomed to manage British seamen, they expected to
+control him as they pleased. Admiral Blanco, however, insisted on
+reversing our positions, offering his services as second in command, in
+which arrangement I gladly acquiesced. This insignificant squabble would
+not be worth narrating, but for its bearing on subsequent events; as
+well as enabling me to confer a pleasing testimony to the patriotic
+disinterestedness of Admiral Blanco, who is still one of the brightest
+ornaments of the Republic which he so eminently aided to establish.
+
+On the 22nd of December my flag was hoisted on board the _O'Higgins_,
+after which the greatest despatch was used to get the squadron ready for
+sea. Anxious to avoid delay, on the 16th of January I sailed with four
+ships only, the _O'Higgins, San Martin, Lautaro,_ and _Chacabuco_;
+leaving Admiral Blanco to follow with the _Gaharino, Aracauno,_ and
+_Puyrredon_. A mutiny having broken out on board the _Chacabuco_, it
+became necessary to enter Coquimbo, where the leading mutineers were
+landed, tried, and punished.
+
+I shall here narrate an incident which occurred on our departure. Lady
+Cochrane, with her children, had returned from Santiago to Valparaiso,
+to take leave of me on embarkation. She had just gone ashore, and the
+last gun had been fired to summon all hands on board, when, hearing a
+loud _hurrah_ near the house where she resided, she went to the window,
+and saw our little boy--now Lord Cochrane, but then scarcely more than
+five years old--mounted on the shoulders of my flag-lieutenant, waving
+his tiny cap over the heads of the people, and crying out with all his
+might, _"Viva la patria!"_ the mob being in a frenzied state of
+excitement.
+
+The child had slipped out of Lady Cochrane's house with the officer,
+insisting on being carried to his father; with which request the
+lieutenant, nothing loth, complied. To the horror of Lady Cochrane, she
+saw her boy hurried down to the beach amidst the shouts of the
+multitude, and, before she could interfere, placed in a boat and rowed
+off to the flag-ship, which was at the time under weigh, so that he
+could not be sent ashore again; there being no alternative but to take
+him with us, though without clothes--which were afterwards made for him
+by the sailors--and with no other attendance save that which their rough
+but kindly natures could administer.
+
+On our way along the coast we received information that the _Antonio_
+was about to sail from Callao for Cadiz, with a considerable amount of
+treasure, so that, in the hope of intercepting her, we cruized just out
+of sight of the port till the 21st of February. As she did not make her
+appearance, preparations were made to put in execution a plan which had
+been formed to attack the Spanish shipping during the Carnival, when, in
+the height of that festival, less vigilance than ordinary might
+reasonably be expected. We had previously ascertained that the naval
+force in the harbour consisted of the frigates _Esmeralda_ and
+_Venganza_, a corvette, three brigs of war, a schooner, twenty-eight
+gun-boats, and six heavily-armed merchantmen; the whole being moored
+close in under the batteries, which mounted upwards of 160 guns, whilst
+the aggregate force of the shipping was 350 guns, as appeared from an
+official account of their armament.
+
+A direct attack with our small force seemed, therefore, a thing not at
+present to be attempted; but in its place I had formed the design to cut
+out the frigates during the carnival, which terminated on the 23rd.
+Knowing that two North American ships of war were daily expected at
+Callao, it was arranged to take in the _O'Higgins_ and _Lautaro_, under
+American colours, leaving the _San Martin_ out of sight behind San
+Lorenzo, and if the _ruse_ were successful, to make a feint of sending a
+boat ashore with despatches, and in the meantime suddenly to dash at the
+frigates, and cut them out. Unfortunately, one of those thick fogs, so
+common on the Peruvian coast, arose, in which the _Lautaro_ parted
+company, and did not rejoin the flag-ship for four days afterwards,
+when the carnival being at an end, our plan was rendered abortive.
+
+The fog, which in the climate of Peru often continues for a considerable
+length of time, lasted till the 29th, when hearing heavy firing, and
+imagining that one of the ships was engaged with the enemy, I stood with
+the flag-ship into the bay; the other ships, imagining the same thing,
+also steered in the direction of the firing, when the fog clearing for a
+moment, we discovered each other, as well as a strange sail near us;
+which, when taken possession of by the flag-ship, proved to be a Spanish
+gun-boat, with a lieutenant and twenty men, who, on being made
+prisoners, informed us that the firing was a salute in honour of the
+Viceroy, who had that morning been on a visit of inspection to the
+batteries and shipping, and was then on board the brig of war _Pezuela_,
+which we saw crowding sail in the direction of the batteries.
+
+The fog again coming on, suggested to me the possibility of a direct
+attack, which, if not altogether successful, would give the Spaniards
+such an idea of our determination of purpose, as would inspire them with
+respect for the Chilian squadron, and might induce their ships to
+refrain from the protection of their commerce; in which case a blockade
+would prevent the necessity of separating our small force in chase of
+them, should they evince a desire of getting to sea.
+
+Accordingly, still maintaining our disguise under American colours, the
+_O'Higgins_ and _Lautaro_ stood towards the batteries, narrowly escaping
+going ashore in the fog. The Viceroy having no doubt witnessed the
+capture of the gun-boat, had, however, provided for our reception, the
+garrison being at their guns, and the crews of the ships of war at their
+quarters. Notwithstanding the great odds, I determined to persist in an
+attack, as our withdrawing without firing a shot, would produce an
+effect upon the minds of the Spaniards the reverse of that intended;
+having sufficient experience in war to know that moral effect, even if
+the result of a degree of temerity, will not unfrequently supply the
+place of superior force.
+
+The wind falling light, I did not venture on laying the flag-ship and
+the _Lautaro_ alongside the Spanish frigates, as at first intended, but
+anchored with springs on our cables, abreast of the shipping, which was
+arranged in a half-moon of two lines, the rear rank being judiciously
+disposed so as to cover the intervals of the ships in the front line. A
+dead calm succeeding, we were for two hours exposed to a heavy fire from
+the batteries, in addition to that from the two frigates, the brigs
+_Pezuela_ and _Maypeu_, and seven or eight gun-boats; nevertheless, the
+northern angle of one of the principal forts was silenced by our fire.
+
+A breeze springing up, we weighed anchor, standing to and fro in front
+of the batteries, and returning their fire; when Captain Guise, who
+commanded the _Lautaro_, being severely wounded, that ship sheered off,
+and never again came within range. As from want of wind, or doubt of the
+result, neither the _San Martin_ nor _Chacabuco_ had ever got within
+fire, the flag-ship was thus left alone to continue the action; but as
+this, from want of co-operation on the part of the other ships, was
+useless, I was reluctantly compelled to relinquish the attack, and
+withdrew to the island of San Lorenzo, about three miles distant from
+the forts; the Spaniards, though nearly quadruple our numbers, exclusive
+of their gun-boats, not venturing to follow us.
+
+The annexed was the Spanish naval force present: _Frigates_.--Esmeralda,
+44 guns; Venganza, 42 guns; Sebastiana, 28 guns.
+
+_Brigs_.--Maypeu, 18 guns; Pezuela, 22 guns; Potrilla, 18 guns; and one,
+name unknown, 18 guns.
+
+_Schooner_, name unknown, one long 24, and 20 culverins.
+
+_Armed Merchantmen_.--Resolution, 36 guns; Cleopatra, 28 guns; La Focha,
+20 guns; Guarmey, 18 guns; Fernando, 26 guns; San Antonio, 18 guns.
+
+Total, fourteen vessels, of which ten were ready for sea; and
+twenty-seven gun-boats.
+
+In this action my little boy had a narrow escape. As the story has been
+told by several Chilian writers somewhat incorrectly, I will
+recapitulate the circumstances.
+
+When the firing commenced, I had placed the boy in my after-cabin,
+locking the door upon him; but not liking the restriction, he contrived
+to get through the quarter gallery window, and joined me on deck,
+refusing to go down again. As I could not attend to him, he was
+permitted to remain, and, in a miniature midshipman's uniform, which the
+seamen had made for him, was busying himself in handing powder to the
+gunners.
+
+Whilst thus employed, a round shot took off the head of a marine close
+to him, scattering the unlucky man's brains in his face. Instantly
+recovering his self-possession, to my great relief, for believing him
+killed, I was spell-bound with agony, he ran up to me exclaiming, "I am
+not hurt, papa: the shot did not touch me; Jack says, the ball is not
+made that can kill mamma's boy." I ordered him to be carried below; but,
+resisting with all his might, he was permitted to remain on deck during
+the action.
+
+Our loss in this affair was trifling, considering that we were under the
+fire of more than two hundred guns; but the ships were so placed that
+the enemy's frigates lay between us and the fortress, so that the shot
+of the latter only told upon our rigging, which was considerably
+damaged.
+
+The action having been commenced in a fog, the Spaniards imagined that
+all the Chilian vessels were engaged, and were not a little surprised,
+as it again cleared, to find that their own frigate, the quondam _Maria
+Isabella_, was their only opponent. So much were they dispirited by this
+discovery, that as soon as possible after the close of the contest,
+their ships of war were dismantled, the top masts and spars being formed
+into a double boom across the anchorage so as to prevent approach. The
+Spaniards were also previously unaware of my being in command of the
+Chilian squadron, but on becoming acquainted with this fact, bestowed
+upon me the not very complimentary title of "El Diablo," by which I was
+afterwards known amongst them. The title might have been rendered more
+appropriate, had my efforts been better seconded by the other vessels.
+
+On the following day, having repaired damages, the flag-ship and
+_Lautaro_ again went in and commenced a destructive fire upon the
+Spanish gun-boats, the neutral vessels in the harbour removing out of
+the line of shot. As the gun-boats withdrew to a position closer under
+the batteries, where we could make little impression upon them without
+getting severely punished by the fire of the fortress, we contented
+ourselves with the demonstration made.
+
+On the 2nd of March, I despatched Capt. Foster with the gun-boat
+captured from the Spaniards, and the launches of the _O'Higgins_ and
+_Lautaro_--to take possession of the island of San Lorenzo, when an
+unworthy instance of Spanish cruelty presented itself in the spectacle
+of thirty-seven Chilian soldiers taken prisoners eight years before. The
+unhappy men had ever since been forced to work in chains under the
+supervision of a military guard--now prisoners in turn; their sleeping
+place during the whole of this period being a filthy shed, in which they
+were every night chained by one leg to an iron bar. The joy of the poor
+fellows at their deliverance, after all hope had fled, can scarcely be
+conceived.
+
+From the liberated patriots and the Spanish prisoners, I learned that in
+Lima there were a number of Chilian officers and seamen taken on board
+the _Maypeu_, whose condition was even more deplorable than their own,
+the fetters on their legs having worn their ancles to the bone, whilst
+their commander, by a refinement of cruelty, had for more than a year
+been lying under sentence of death as a rebel. Upon this, I sent a flag
+of truce to the viceroy, Don Joaquim de la Pezuela, requesting him to
+permit the prisoners to return to their families, in exchange for the
+Spanish prisoners on board the squadron, and others in Chili--where
+there were great numbers, who were comparatively well treated. The
+Viceroy denied the charge of ill-treatment--asserted his right, if he
+thought proper, to regard his prisoners as pirates; retorting that after
+the battle of Maypeu, General San Martin had treated the Spanish
+Commissioner as a spy, and had repeatedly threatened him with death. The
+exchange of prisoners was uncourteously refused, the Viceroy concluding
+his reply with an expression of surprise that a British nobleman should
+command the maritime forces of a Government "unacknowledged by all the
+Powers of the globe." To this latter observation, I considered it
+incumbent upon me to reply that "a British nobleman was a free man, and
+therefore had a right to adopt any country which was endeavouring to
+re-establish the rights of aggrieved humanity; and that I had hence
+adopted the cause of Chili, with the same freedom of judgment that I had
+previously exercised when refusing the offer of an Admiral's rank in
+Spain, made to me not long before, by the Spanish Ambassador in London;"
+this offer having been made by the Duke de San Carlos, in the name of
+Ferdinand the Seventh.
+
+Our means being clearly inadequate to any decisive attack on the Spanish
+ships of war, I resolved to try the effect of an explosion vessel, and
+accordingly established a laboratory on the island of San Lorenzo, under
+the superintendence of Major Miller, the Commandant of Marines. Whilst
+engaged in this duty, that able and gallant officer was so severely
+burned by an accidental explosion, as to render his further services on
+this occasion unavailable.
+
+On the 22nd of March--our preparations being completed--we again stood
+towards the batteries, the flag-ship going close in under the combined
+fire of the forts and shipping, in order to divert the attention of the
+enemy from the explosion vessel, which was set adrift in the direction
+of the frigates, but, unfortunately, when within musket shot of them,
+she was struck by a round shot and foundered, causing complete failure
+in our object. The _San Martin_ and the _Lautaro_ keeping far astern,
+there was no alternative but to withdraw from further attack, leaving
+the explosion vessel to her fate.
+
+As other attempts, with our want of means, would answer no better
+purpose than useless demonstration, and as the ships were now destitute
+of water and provisions, we were obliged to fall back upon Huacho,
+leaving the _Chacabuco_ to watch the movements of the enemy.
+
+The inhabitants of Huacho, who were well disposed to co-operate in any
+effort for the emancipation of Peru, afforded us every assistance in
+provisioning and watering the ships, for which the commandant, Cevallos,
+shot two influential persons who had been foremost in aiding us, and
+severely punished others; at the same time seizing our water casks, and
+sending me an insolent letter of defiance, on which a party of seamen
+and marines was landed and put the garrison to flight; the officer
+commanding the party however withdrew from pursuit at hearing salutes
+fired on the arrival of Admiral Blanco with the _Galvarino_ and
+_Puyrredon_, mistaking this for an engagement with a newly-arrived
+enemy. The whole of the Government property found in the Spanish
+custom-house was captured.
+
+The people of Huacho having volunteered information that a quantity of
+specie belonging to the Philippine Company had been placed for safety on
+board a vessel in the river Barranca, she was forthwith overhauled, and
+the treasure transferred to the flag-ship.
+
+Leaving Admiral Blanco at Huacho with the _San Martin_ and _Puyrredon_,
+on the 4th of April we sailed for Supe, with the _O'Higgins_ and
+_Galvarino_, having previously ascertained that a sum of money destined
+for the payment of Spanish troops was on its way from Lima to Guambucho;
+on the following day a party of marines being landed at Patavilca,
+captured the treasure, amounting to 70,000 dollars, together with a
+quantity of military stores. On the 7th, having received further
+information that the Philippine Company had placed other treasure on
+board the French brig, _Gazelle_, at Guambucho, we sailed for that
+place, and, on the 10th, the seamen of the _O'Higgins_ examined her, and
+brought off an additional sum of 60,000 dollars.
+
+The secret of our obtaining possession of these and other convoys of
+Spanish money along the coast, was, that I paid the inhabitants highly
+for information relative to their transmission, and was thus enabled to
+seize the treasure even in the interior of the country. As the Chilian
+Ministry subsequently refused to allow me "secret service money," these,
+disbursements were actually made at my own expense.
+
+It was also my object to make friends of the Peruvian people, by
+adopting towards them a conciliatory course, and by strict care that
+none but Spanish property should be taken, whilst their own was in all
+cases respected. Confidence was thus inspired, and the universal
+dissatisfaction with Spanish colonial rule speedily became changed into
+an earnest desire to be freed from it. Had it not been for this good
+understanding with the inhabitants, I should scarcely have ventured to
+detach marines and seamen for operations at a distance into the country,
+as was subsequently the case; the people giving me the most reliable
+information of every movement of the enemy.
+
+On the 13th, we arrived at Paita, where the Spaniards had established a
+garrison. A party of marines and seamen was again landed, on which the
+enemy fled from the fort, and a quantity of brass ordnance, spirits, and
+military stores, was captured.
+
+Contrary to strict orders, some marines stole a number of valuable
+church ornaments, but on the complaint of the authorities I caused them
+to be restored, punishing the offenders, and at the same time presenting
+the priests with a thousand dollars to repair the damage done in their
+churches; this act, though far from conciliating the priests--who
+dreaded Chilian success--adding greatly to our popularity amongst the
+inhabitants, which was my object in bestowing the amount. Our thus
+refraining from plunder was almost beyond the comprehension of a people
+who had bitter experience of Spanish rapacity, whilst the undisciplined
+Chilenos, who formed the greater portion of the squadron, as little
+comprehended why their plundering propensities should be restrained.
+
+On the 5th of May, I proceeded with the flag-ship alone to reconnoitre
+Callao, having learned that the _Chacabuco_ and _Puyrredon_ had been
+chased off the port by the Spanish frigates. Finding that these were
+again moored under shelter of the batteries, we returned to Supe,
+convinced that our previous visit to Callao had proved sufficient to
+deter them from putting to sea for the protection of their own coasts;
+this, indeed, forming my chief reason for having persisted in attacks
+which, with our small force, could answer no other purpose; but this
+alone was an advantage gained, as it enabled us to communicate freely
+with the inhabitants on the coast, and to ascertain their sentiments,
+which--from our forbearance, no less than command of the sea--were
+almost uniformly in favour of co-operation with Chili for their
+emancipation.
+
+Both at Lima and on the coast, the best effect was produced by the
+circulation of the following proclamation:--
+
+   "Compatriots! The repeated echoes of liberty in South America
+   have been heard with pleasure in every part of enlightened Europe,
+   more especially in Great Britain, where I, unable to resist the
+   desire of joining in such a cause, determined to take part in it.
+   The Republic of Chili has confided to me the command of her naval
+   forces. To these must the dominion of the Pacific be consigned.
+   By their co-operation must your chains be broken. Doubt not but
+   that the day is at hand on which, with the annihilation of despotism
+   and your now degraded condition, you will rise to the rank of a free
+   nation, to which your geographical position and the course of events
+   naturally call you."
+
+   "But it is your duty to co-operate in preparing for this success,
+   and to remove obstacles, under the assurance that you will receive
+   the most efficacious assistance from the government of Chili, and
+   your true friend,             COCHRANE."
+
+This proclamation was accompanied by another from the Chilian
+government, declaratory of the sincerity of its intentions, so that
+these combined caused us to be everywhere received as liberators.
+
+On the 8th, we returned to Supe, and having learned that a Spanish force
+was in the vicinity, a detachment of marines and seamen was, after dark,
+pushed through a heavy surf, and landed, in the hope of taking them by
+surprise. But the enemy was on the alert, and on the following morning
+our little party fell into an ambuscade, which would have proved
+serious, had not Major Miller, who commanded the marines, promptly
+formed his men, who, attacking in turn, soon put the enemy to flight at
+the point of the bayonet, capturing their colours, and the greater
+portion of their arms. On the 13th, a detachment of Spanish troops
+arrived from Lima under Major Camba, who, notwithstanding his
+superiority of numbers, did not venture to attack our small party, which
+withdrew to the ships with a number of cattle taken from the Spaniards;
+Camba writing to the Viceroy so effective a description of his having
+"driven the enemy into the sea," that he was immediately promoted.
+
+Not to enter into further details of our visits to other parts of the
+coast, where similar captures of provisions and military stores, &c.
+were effected--it being my practice to compel the Spaniards to supply
+all the wants of the squadron, nothing being ever taken from the natives
+without payment,--I resolved--as our means were clearly incommensurate
+with our main object--to return to Valparaiso, for the purpose of
+organizing a more effective force, and on the 16th of June reached that
+port, where we found Admiral Blanco with the _San Martin_ and
+_Chacabuco_, he having been obliged to raise the blockade of Callao for
+want of provisions; a step with which the Government was highly
+displeased, though with more reason to blame its own negligence or want
+of foresight in not providing them. Admiral Blanco was nevertheless put
+under arrest, but a court of inquiry being held, he was honourably
+acquitted.
+
+The objects of the first expedition had been fully accomplished, viz. to
+reconnoitre, with a view to future operations, when the squadron should
+be rendered efficient; but more especially to ascertain the
+inclinations of the Peruvians with regard to their desire for
+emancipation--a point of the first importance to Chili, as being obliged
+to be constantly on the alert for her own newly-acquired liberties, so
+long as the Spaniards were in undisturbed possession of Peru. To the
+accomplishment of these objects had been superadded the restriction of
+the Spanish naval force to the shelter of the forts, the defeat of their
+military forces wherever encountered, and the capture of no
+inconsiderable amount of treasure.
+
+It had, however, become evident to me that the passive system of defence
+which the Spaniards adopted in Callao, would render it a difficult
+matter to get at them without more effective means than the guns of the
+ships, which were greatly inferior in number to those of the enemy's
+fortress and shipping combined, whilst their experience in the use of
+artillery was greater than that of our crews. The Supreme Director
+having paid a visit to the squadron--on the 21st of June I addressed to
+him a letter, stating my apprehension that the finances of the
+Government might be limited, and that I would gladly give up to the
+exigencies of the Republic the whole of my share of prize-money taken
+during our recent cruize, provided it were applied to the manufacture of
+rockets. This offer was declined, with a compliment from the Supreme
+Director, on the advantage already gained, by compelling the Spaniards
+ignominiously to shut "themselves up in their port, in spite of their
+numerical superiority."
+
+Complimentary addresses from the Chilian people were also presented to
+me in profusion, and a public panegyric was pronounced at the National
+Institute of the capital, upon the service rendered; but as this was
+only a recapitulation of what has been already narrated--conveyed in
+flowery rhetorical phrases--in the use of which the Occidentals are
+almost as expert, and often as exaggerated, as are the Orientals--I
+shall refrain from giving it. Suffice it to say, that the people were
+not a little delighted with the plain facts, that whereas only a few
+months before theirs had been the blockaded port, they were now able to
+beard the enemy in his stronghold, till then believed--both by
+Spaniards and Chilians--to be inviolable; and that, with only four ships
+on our part, the Spanish Viceroy had been shut up in his capital, and
+his convoys, both by sea and land, intercepted, whilst his ships of war
+did not venture to emerge from their shelter under the batteries of
+Callao.
+
+The manufacture of rockets was now carried on in earnest, under the
+superintendence of Mr. Goldsack, an eminent engineer, who had been
+engaged in England for the purpose. From a mistaken notion of parsimony,
+the labour of constructing and filling them was allotted to a number of
+Spanish prisoners, with what result will appear in the sequel.
+
+In these and other preparations two months were consumed, in the course
+of which another vessel--an American built corvette--was added to the
+squadron, and named by the Supreme Director the _Independencia_.
+
+During my absence Lady Cochrane chiefly resided at Valparaiso, where
+she diligently employed herself in promoting objects essential to the
+welfare of the squadron; after a time removing to a delightful country
+house at Quillota, where her life was endangered by a ruffian in the
+interest of the Spanish faction.
+
+This man, having gained admission to her private apartment, threatened
+her with instant death if she would not divulge the secret orders which
+had been given to me. On her declaring firmly that she would not divulge
+anything, a struggle took place for a paper which she picked off a
+table; and before her attendants could come to her assistance she
+received a severe cut from a stiletto. The assassin was seized,
+condemned, and ordered for execution, without the last offices of the
+Catholic religion.
+
+In the dead of the night preceding the day fixed for his execution, Lady
+Cochrane was awoke by loud lamentations beneath her window. On sending
+to ascertain the cause, the wretched wife of the criminal was found
+imploring her Ladyship's intercession that her husband should not be
+deprived of the benefits of confession and absolution. Forgiving the
+atrocity of the act, Lady Cochrane, on the following morning used all
+her influence with the authorities, not for this alone, but to save the
+man's life, and at length wrung from them a reluctant consent to commute
+his punishment to banishment for life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SECOND EXPEDITION TO PERU--DISAPPOINTMENT AT NOT BEING PROVIDED WITH
+TROOPS--FAILURE OF ROCKETS--DEPARTURE FOR ARICA--CAPTURE OF
+PISCO--CAPTURE OF SPANISH SHIPS AT PUNA--DETERMINE TO MAKE AN ATTEMPT ON
+VALDIVIA--ARRIVAL OFF THAT PORT, AND CAPTURE OF SPANISH BRIG OF WAR
+POTRILLO--TROOPS OBTAINED FROM CONCEPTION--FLAG-SHIP NEARLY
+WRECKED--ATTACK ON FORTS, AND CONQUEST OF VALDIVIA.
+
+
+On the 12th of September, 1819, I again sailed for the Peruvian coast,
+with Admiral Blanco as second in command. The squadron consisted of the
+_O'Higgins, San Martin, Lautaro, Independencia_, and _Puyrredon_, the
+_Galvarino_ and _Araucano_ not being in readiness. Two vessels
+accompanied the squadron, to be afterwards fitted up as fire-ships.
+
+The Government was exceedingly anxious that some decisive blow should be
+at once struck. With the exception of the rockets, the squadron was in
+little better condition than before, a loan having failed, whilst 4,000
+dollars only were subscribed by the merchants. The crews for the most
+part consisted of _cholos_, or native peasants, whom it was difficult to
+shape into good seamen, though they fought gallantly when well led. The
+officers were nearly all English or North American, this being a
+redeeming feature, but very few of them possessed the tact to bring up
+the men to anything like a seaman-like standard; a by no means easy
+task however, as a considerable portion of those embarked did duty both
+as marines and seamen.
+
+I begged of the Government to supply me with 1,000 troops, asserting
+that even with that number of men it would be possible to take the
+castles of Callao, and destroy the whole of the Spanish shipping in the
+harbour. I was assured that this force had been provided, and was in
+readiness to embark at Coquimbo, where, on my arrival on the 16th, in
+place of 1,000 troops I found only 90!--and these in so ragged a
+condition, that a subscription of 400 dollars was raised by the
+inhabitants, and given to Major Miller to buy clothing for them.
+
+I was so much annoyed at this, as to be on the point of returning to
+Valparaiso to throw up my commission; but, reflecting that the squadron
+was in possession of rockets, and that the Government might even yet
+forward a military force, I made up my mind to proceed, and on the 29th
+the squadron again came to an anchor in Callao roads.
+
+The two following days were occupied in making rocket rafts, and in
+getting ready life-preservers for the men, in case of their falling from
+the rafts. On the 1st of October the _Galvarino, Puyrredon_, and
+_Araucano_, stood into the bay to reconnoitre, and sustained a heavy
+fire from the shore, upon which I ordered the _Independencia_ to their
+aid; but that vessel was brought to an anchor when at the distance of
+several miles from them. On the same day Lieutenant-Colonel Charles, a
+most able and gallant officer, reconnoitred in a boat, and made trial
+of some rockets, upon which he reported unfavourably.
+
+In this affair the mast of the _Araucano_ was struck by a round shot,
+and severely damaged--the circumstance being merely mentioned to shew
+the state in which the squadron was equipped; the only means of
+repairing the damage being by fishing the mast with an anchor-stock
+taken from the _Lautaro_, whilst an axe had to be borrowed for the
+purpose from the flag-ship!
+
+On the 2nd, the _Araucano_ again went in, accompanied by a squadron of
+boats under the command of Captain Guise, and fired several rockets, but
+with no perceptible effect--the Spaniards having unrigged their ships;
+the brig sustained considerable damage from the firing of the forts and
+shipping.
+
+After dark, an attack by rockets and shells was arranged, the
+_Galvarino_ taking in tow a mortar raft, under the command of Major
+Miller, and placing it, under a heavy fire, within half a mile of the
+enemy's batteries. The _Puyrredon_ followed with another raft, carrying
+the shells and magazine; the _Araucano_ took charge of a rocket-raft,
+under Captain Hind, whilst the _Independencia_ towed in a second
+rocket-raft, under Lieut-Colonel Charles, the rest of the squadron
+remaining at anchor.
+
+Great expectations were formed, as well by myself as the whole squadron,
+as to the effect to be produced by these destructive missiles, but they
+were doomed to disappointment, the rockets turning out utterly useless.
+Some, in consequence of the badness of the solder used, bursting from
+the expansive force of the charge before they left the raft, and setting
+fire to others--Captain Hind's raft being blown up from this cause, thus
+rendering it useless, besides severely burning him and thirteen men:
+others took a wrong direction in consequence of the sticks not having
+been formed of proper wood, whilst the greater portion would not ignite
+at all from a cause which was only discovered when too late. It has been
+stated in the last chapter that the filling of the tubes was, from
+motives of parsimony, entrusted to Spanish prisoners, who, as was found
+on examination, had embraced every opportunity of inserting handfulls of
+sand, sawdust, and even manure, at intervals in the tubes, thus impeding
+the progress of combustion, whilst in the majority of instances they had
+so thoroughly mixed the neutralizing matter with the ingredients
+supplied, that the charge would not ignite at all, the result being
+complete failure in the object of the expedition. It was impossible to
+blame the Spanish prisoners in the Chilian arsenal for their loyalty,
+but to me their ingenuity was a bitter ground for disappointment, as
+with useless rockets we were no better off than in the first expedition;
+nor indeed so well off, for in the interval the Spaniards had so
+strengthened their booms at the anchorage, as to render it impossible
+for the ships to get at them--whilst, by constant practice, their fire
+had acquired a precision which our crews could not equal.
+
+The only damage effected was by Major Miller's mortar, the shells
+sinking a gun-boat, and doing some execution in the forts and amongst
+the shipping. As daylight appeared, I ordered the whole of the rafts to
+be towed off, there being no further use in their remaining exposed to
+the heavy fire of the batteries. As it was, our loss was trifling, only
+about twenty being killed and wounded; but amongst these I had to regret
+the death of a promising young officer, Lieut. Bealey, who was cut in
+two by a round shot.
+
+The failure of the rockets was very unfairly attributed by the Chilian
+Government to Mr. Goldsack, whereas the fault lay in itself for having
+neither supplied him with proper workmen nor materials. From the
+scarcity and high, price of spelter, he had also been compelled to make
+use of an inferior solder for the tubes, and thus the saving of a few
+hundred dollars frustrated the success of a great object. The
+consequence to poor Goldsack was utter ruin, though of his capability
+there could be no question, he having for many years been one of the
+principal assistants of Sir W. Congreve at Woolwich.
+
+By the 5th, one of the explosion vessels was completed, and I resolved
+to try her effect on the booms and shipping, for which purpose she was
+placed in charge of Lieut. Morgell, who carried her in gallant style
+towards the enemy's shipping, but the wind falling calm, she became a
+target for their really excellent practice, and was in a short time
+riddled through and through. As the Spaniards began to fire red-hot
+shot, Lieut. Morgell was compelled to abandon her, first setting fire
+to the train, then turning her adrift, thus causing her to explode,
+though at a distance which did no damage to the enemy.
+
+Whilst this was going on, a strange sail was reported off the bay, and
+the _Araucano_ went in chase, Captain Crosbie returning the next morning
+with the intelligence that she was a frigate. Upon this, the squadron
+got under weigh, in pursuit, when she made all sail, and as I did not
+deem it expedient to quit the bay of Callao, the chase was given up, and
+we returned in the evening to our former anchorage. It was afterwards
+learned that she was the _Prueba_, of 50 guns, just arrived from Cadiz;
+whence she had convoyed another ship, with a cargo valued at half a
+million of dollars; this ship contriving to slip into Callao during the
+short absence of the squadron in pursuit of the frigate, so that we lost
+both prizes.
+
+It was useless to remain any longer at Callao, as my instructions
+peremptorily commanded me not to approach with the ships within range of
+the enemy's batteries, nor to make any attempt on their squadron, except
+with the rockets and fire-ships. I was moreover ordered to return within
+a given time to Valparaiso, these restrictions being insisted on by the
+Minister of Marine, ostensibly from what he considered my temerity in
+having attacked the forts and shipping at Callao on the first
+expedition--but really, from his own narrow-minded jealousy, that I, a
+foreigner, should effect anything which might give me undue prominence
+in the estimation of the Chilian people.
+
+I had, however, other reasons for quitting Callao. The newly-arrived
+Spanish frigate _Prueba_, was at large, and as I had reason to believe,
+was sheltering at Guayaquil, from which port I made up my mind to
+dislodge her. The Government had not sent any of the promised supplies
+for the squadron, which was running short of provisions, so that it was
+necessary to resort to my former practice of compelling the Spaniards to
+furnish them; whilst as no troops had been supplied, it was clear that
+there had never been an intention of sending any; the assurance of the
+Minister of Marine that they were waiting for me at Coquimbo being only
+a _ruse_ on his part to get me to sea without a military force.
+
+We now received intelligence that the _Prueba_ had been accompanied from
+Spain by two line of battle ships, and that these were daily expected at
+Arica, whither I proceeded in quest of them, but was disappointed in not
+finding them. It was subsequently learned, that although they had sailed
+from Cadiz, in company with the _Prueba_, they never reached the
+Pacific, one of them, the _Europe_, being pronounced unseaworthy on
+crossing the line; and the other, the _Elmo_, foundering on the passage
+round Cape Horn!
+
+On the 5th of November, three hundred and fifty troops--now brought by
+the experience and zeal of Lieut.-Col. Charles into a tolerably
+soldier-like condition--were distributed on board the _Lautaro,
+Galvarino_, and the remaining fire-ship, and were despatched to Pisco,
+under the command of Captain Guise, for supplies to be taken from the
+Spaniards, the troops being under the orders of Lieut.-Col. Charles, and
+the marines under the direction of Major Miller.
+
+As it was not improbable that the expected Spanish ships would make for
+Callao, whilst it was more than probable that the _Prueha_ would again
+attempt to run in, I therefore proceeded towards that port, and on the
+8th anchored at San Lorenzo, the United States frigate _Macedonia_ being
+also at anchor there. The presence of the latter put the Spaniards on
+their mettle, for shortly after our arrival, they made a show of sending
+twenty-seven gun-boats to attack us, not however, venturing to get their
+frigates under weigh. Preparations being made on our part to cut off the
+gun-boats, they quickly retreated, to the no small amusement of the
+North Americans, for whose edification the spectacle had been exhibited.
+
+I was not mistaken in the expectation that the _Prueba_ might again
+attempt to take shelter under the forts of Callao. On her appearance, we
+immediately gave chase, but she once more escaped in the night. On my
+return, I fell in with, and captured her boat, which had been sent
+ashore with despatches to the Viceroy, and from the information gained
+from the crew, I now felt certain that she would take refuge in
+Guayaquil, whither I determined to follow her.
+
+Before doing so in the narrative, the success of the expedition
+despatched to Pisco must be mentioned. It was the intention of the
+officers commanding to land in the night, and thus take the garrison by
+surprise; but this plan was frustrated by the wind dying away, so that
+the landing could not be effected till broad daylight, when the
+garrison, supported by field artillery and cavalry, were prepared to
+receive them. Nothing daunted, the patriot troops landed without firing
+a shot, through the fire of the guns, whilst the Spanish infantry from
+house tops, and the church tower, thinned their ranks at every step. At
+length it came to the bayonet, for which the Spaniards did not wait, but
+rushed into the square of the town, after having mortally wounded the
+brave Col. Charles. Major Miller instantly followed, when their last
+volley in the square, before flying in all directions, brought down him
+also, with three bullets in his body, so that his life was despaired of.
+The ships remained for four days, during which they obtained all they
+wanted; but 200,000 gallons of spirits, placed on the beach for
+shipment, was destroyed by order of Captain Guise, in consequence of his
+not being able to control the men, who, from the facility of obtaining
+liquor, were becoming unmanageable.
+
+On the 16th, the _Galvarino_ and _Lautaro_ rejoined me at Santa, which
+place had previously been taken possession of by the marines left on
+board the flag-ship. On the 21st, I despatched the _San Martin,
+Independencia,_ and _Araucano_ to Valparaiso, together with a transport
+filled with sick--an epidemic of a destructive nature having broken out
+on board the squadron. This disease, which carried off many men, had
+been introduced on board by the Minister of Marine's army of ninety men,
+shipped at Coquimbo.
+
+I now proceeded in search of the _Prueba_, with the flag-ship,
+_Lautaro, Galvarino_, and _Puyrredon_. On the 27th, we entered the river
+Guayaquil, and leaving the _Lautaro_ and the brigs outside, the
+flag-ship crowded all sail during the night--though without a
+pilot--arriving next morning at the island of Puna, under which two
+large vessels were anchored, and instantly attacked, when, after a brisk
+fire of twenty minutes, they struck, proving to be the _Aguila_, of 20
+guns, and _Vigonia_, of 16 guns, both laden with timber, destined for
+Lima. The village of Puna was also taken possession of. On rejoining the
+other vessels with the prizes, they were found ready to sail, imagining
+from the firing that I had fallen in with the _Prueba_, and might
+possibly get the worst of the contest.
+
+The _Prueba_ was at Guayaquil as had been anticipated, but having been
+lightened of her guns and stores she had been towed up the river, where,
+from the shallowness of the water, it was impossible to get at her;
+whilst, as she lay under the protection of the batteries, I did not deem
+it practicable to cut her out with the boats.
+
+A circumstance here occurred which would not be worth mentioning, did it
+not bear upon future matters. Captains Guise and Spry--imagining that I
+should now return to Valparaiso, and that the comparative failure of the
+expedition would be attributed to me, instead of to the worthless
+rockets, and to my instructions not to attempt anything beyond their
+use--endeavoured to get up a mutiny, by circulating a report that I did
+not intend to permit the ships left outside to share in the prizes, and
+had indeed left them behind for this purpose; having also permitted my
+officers to plunder the prizes _ad libitum_, before leaving the
+river--further declaring, that I intended to claim a double share, from
+having acted in the capacity of admiral and captain.
+
+As there was not the slightest doubt of their having sedulously
+circulated these reports, with the object of entering the port of
+Valparaiso with the squadron in a discontented condition, I determined
+to take serious notice of their conduct. On the necessary steps being
+taken, they both pledged their honour that they had not made or even
+heard of such a report!
+
+But I had no intention to return to Valparaiso, and still less to make
+officers so inimical to me acquainted with my future plans.
+
+On the 13th of December, Major Miller was so far recovered as to be
+removed on board the flag-ship, after which I despatched the _Lautaro_
+to Valparaiso with the two prizes, first transferring to her armament
+the beautiful brass guns taken in the _Vigonia_; leaving the _Galvarino_
+and _Puyrredon_ to watch the movements of the Spanish frigate.
+
+As the reader may suppose, I was greatly annoyed at having been foiled
+at Callao, from causes altogether beyond my control, for the bad
+rockets, and worse faith of the Minister of Marine in not supplying me
+with the promised troops, were no faults of mine. My instructions, as
+has been said, were carefully drawn up to prevent my doing anything
+rash--as the first trip to Callao had been represented by certain
+officers under my command, who had no great relish for fighting. At the
+same time the Chilian people expected impossibilities; and I had, for
+some time, been revolving in my mind a plan to achieve one which should
+gratify them, and allay my own wounded feelings. I had now only one
+ship, so that there were no other inclinations to consult; and felt
+quite sure of Major Miller's concurrence where there was any fighting to
+be done, though a ball in the arm, another through the chest, passing
+out at his back, and a left hand shattered for life, were not very
+promising fighting incentives as far as physical force was concerned,
+yet the moral courage of my gallant guest was untouched, and his
+capacity to carry out my plans was greater than before, as being more
+matured by sharp experience.
+
+My design was, with the flag-ship alone, to capture by a _coup de main_
+the numerous forts and garrison of Valdivia, a fortress previously
+deemed impregnable, and thus to counteract the disappointment which
+would ensue in Chili from our want of success before Callao. The
+enterprise was a desperate one; nevertheless, I was not about to do
+anything desperate, having resolved that, unless fully satisfied as to
+its practicability, I would not attempt it. Rashness, though often
+imputed to me, forms no part of my composition. There is a rashness
+without calculation of consequences; but with that calculation,
+well-founded, it is no longer rashness. And thus, now that I was
+unfettered by people who did not second my operations as they ought to
+have done, I made up my mind to take Valdivia, if the attempt came
+within the scope of my calculations.
+
+The first step clearly was to reconnoitre the place, where the flag-ship
+arrived on the 18th of January, 1820, under Spanish colours, and made a
+signal for a pilot, who--as the Spaniards mistook the _O'Higgins_ for
+the long-expected _Prueba_--promptly came off, together with a
+complimentary retinue of an officer and four soldiers, all of whom were
+made prisoners as soon as they came on board. The pilot was ordered to
+take us into the channels leading to the forts, whilst the officer and
+his men, knowing there was little chance of finding their way on shore
+again, thought it most conducive to their interests to supply all the
+information demanded, the result being increased confidence on my part
+as to the possibility of a successful attack. Amongst other information
+obtained was the expected arrival of the Spanish brig of war _Potrillo_,
+with money on board for the payment of the garrison.
+
+As we were busily employing ourselves in inspecting the channels, the
+officer commanding the garrison began to suspect that our object might
+not altogether be pacific, this suspicion being confirmed by the
+detention of his officer. Suddenly a heavy fire was opened upon us from
+the various forts, to which we did not reply, but, our reconnoissance
+being now completed, withdrew beyond its reach. Having occupied two days
+in reconnoitring--on the third the _Potrillo_ hove in sight; and being
+also deceived by our Spanish colours was captured without a
+shot--20,000 dollars and some important despatches being found on board.
+
+As nothing could be done without troops, with which the Chilian
+ministers had been careful not to supply me, I determined to sail to
+Conception, where Governor Freire had a considerable force to keep in
+check the savage tribes of Indians whom the Spaniards employed, under
+the monster Benavides and his brother, to murder the defenceless
+patriots. On the 22nd of January we anchored in Talcahuano bay, where we
+found the Buenos Ayrean brig _Intrepido_ and the Chilian schooner
+_Montezuma_.
+
+Governor Freire received us with great hospitality; and after
+explanation of my plans, placed two hundred and fifty men at my
+disposal, under the command of a gallant Frenchman, Major Beauchef;
+notwithstanding that Freire was on the eve of attacking Benavides, and
+by thus weakening his division might incur the displeasure of the
+Government. No time was lost in embarking the men in the three vessels,
+the _Montezuma_ being taken into the service, and the Buenos Ayrean brig
+volunteering to accompany us.
+
+It was highly praiseworthy on the part of General Freire to place these
+troops under my orders, inasmuch as they were destined for a service in
+the praise of which, even if successful, he could not participate;
+whilst, if unsuccessful, he would certainly have incurred great blame.
+He knew, moreover, that the Ministry had refrained from supplying me
+with regular troops; yet he not only generously contributed them, but
+pledged himself not to communicate my plans to the Government; our
+destination being even kept secret from the officers, who were told not
+to encumber themselves with baggage, as we were only going to Tucapel,
+in order to harass the enemy at Arauco, thus making it appear that we
+were about to aid General Freire against Benavides, instead of his
+aiding us to capture Valdivia.
+
+But our difficulties, though we had obtained the troops, were not at an
+end. The flag-ship had only two naval officers on board, one of these
+being under arrest for disobedience of orders, whilst the other was
+incapable of performing the duty of lieutenant; so that I had to act as
+admiral, captain, and lieutenant, taking my turn in the watch--or rather
+being constantly on the watch--as the only available officer was so
+incompetent.
+
+We sailed from Talcahuano on the 25th of January, when I communicated my
+intentions to the military officers, who displayed great eagerness in
+the cause--alone questioning their success from motives of prudence. On
+explaining to them that if unexpected projects are energetically put in
+execution they almost invariably succeed, in spite of odds, they
+willingly entered into my plans; and Major Miller's health being now
+sufficiently re-established, his value as a commander was as great as
+ever.
+
+On the night of the 29th, we were off the island of Quiriquina, in a
+dead calm. From excessive fatigue in the execution of subordinate
+duties, I had laid down to rest, leaving the ship in charge of the
+lieutenant, who took advantage of my absence to retire also,
+surrendering the watch to the care of a midshipman, who fell asleep.
+Knowing our dangerous position, I had left strict orders to be called
+the moment a breeze sprang up, but these orders were neglected, and a
+sudden wind taking the ship unawares, the midshipman, in attempting to
+bring her round, ran her upon the sharp edge of a rock, where she lay
+beating, suspended, as it were, upon her keel, and had the swell
+increased, she must inevitably have gone to pieces.
+
+We were forty miles from the mainland, the brig and schooner being both
+out of sight. The first impulse both of officers and crew was to abandon
+the ship, but as we had six hundred men on board, whilst not more than a
+hundred and fifty could have entered the boats, this would have been but
+a scramble for life. Pointing out to the men that those who escaped
+could only reach the coast of Arauco, where they would meet nothing but
+torture and inevitable death at the hands of the Indians, I with some
+difficulty got them to adopt the alternative of attempting to save the
+ship.
+
+The first sounding gave five feet water in the hold, and the pumps were
+entirely out of order. Our carpenter, who was only one by name, was
+incompetent to repair them; but having myself some skill in carpentry I
+took off my coat, and by midnight got them into working order, the water
+meanwhile gaining on us, though the whole crew were engaged in bailing
+it out with buckets.
+
+To our great delight the leak did not increase, upon which I got out
+the stream anchor, and commenced heaving off the ship, the officers
+clamouring first to ascertain the extent of the leak. This I expressly
+forbade, as calculated to damp the energy of the men, whilst as we now
+gained on the leak, there was no doubt the ship would swim as far as
+Valdivia, which was the chief point to be regarded, the capture of the
+fortress being my object, after which the ship might be repaired at
+leisure. As there was no lack of physical force on board, she was at
+length floated; but the powder magazine having been under water, the
+ammunition of every kind--except a little upon deck and in the cartouch
+boxes of the troops--was rendered unserviceable; though about this I
+cared little, as it involved the necessity of using the bayonet in our
+anticipated attack, and to facing this weapon the Spaniards had, in
+every case, evinced a rooted aversion.
+
+Before making the land to the southward of Punta Galera, the troops in
+the _O'Higgins_ as well as the marines, were, in a high sea, removed
+into the _Intrepido_ and _Montezuma_, to which I shifted my flag,
+ordering the _O'Higgins_ to stand off and on out of sight of land, to
+avoid creating suspicion. We then made for the harbour, intending to
+land the same evening and take the Spaniards by surprise, but, as it
+fell calm, this plan was frustrated.
+
+The fortifications of Valdivia are placed on both sides of a channel
+three quarters of a mile in width, and command the entrance, anchorage,
+and river leading to the town, crossing their fire in all directions so
+effectually, that with proper caution on the part of the garrison no
+ship could enter without suffering severely, while she would be equally
+exposed at anchor. The principal forts on the western shore are placed
+in the following order:--El Ingles, San Carlos, Amargos, Chorocomayo
+Alto, and Corral Castle. Those on the eastern side are Niebla, directly
+opposite Amargos, and Piojo; whilst on the island of Manzanera is a
+strong fort mounted with guns of large calibre, commanding the whole
+range of the entrance channel. These forts, with a few others, amounted
+in the whole to fifteen, and in the hands of a skilful garrison would
+render the place almost impregnable, the shores on which they stand
+being almost inaccesible by reason of the surf, with the exception of a
+small landing place at the Aguada del Ingles.
+
+It was to this landing-place that we first directed our attention,
+anchoring the brig and schooner off the guns of Fort Ingles, on the
+afternoon of Feb. 3rd, amidst a swell which rendered immediate
+disembarkation impracticable. The troops were carefully kept below; and
+to avert the suspicion of the Spaniards, we had trumped up a story of
+our having just arrived from Cadiz, and being in want of a pilot: upon
+which they told us to send a boat for one. To this we replied, that our
+boats had been washed away in the passage round Cape Horn. Not being
+quite satisfied, they began to assemble troops at the landing-place,
+firing alarm guns, and rapidly bringing up the garrisons of the western
+forts to Fort Ingles, but not molesting us.
+
+Unfortunately for the credit of the story about the loss of the boats,
+which were at the time carefully concealed under the lee of the vessels,
+one drifted astern, so that our object became apparent, and the guns of
+Fort Ingles, under which we lay, forthwith opened upon us, the first
+shots passing through the sides of the _Intrepido_, and killing two men,
+so that it became necessary to land in spite of the swell. We had only
+two launches and a gig, into which I entered to direct the operation,
+Major Miller, with forty-four marines, pushing off in the first launch,
+under the fire of the party at the landing place, by which the coxswain
+being wounded, the Major had to take the helm, and whilst doing this,
+received a ball through his hat, grazing the crown of his head. Ordering
+a few only of his party to fire, the whole leaped ashore at the landing
+place, driving the Spaniards, before them at the point of the bayonet.
+The second launch now pushed off from the Intrepido, and, in this way,
+in less than an hour, three hundred men had made good their footing on
+shore.
+
+The most difficult task--the capture of the forts--was to come; the only
+way in which the first, Fort Ingles, could be approached being by a
+precipitous path, along which the men could only pass in single file;
+the fort itself being inaccessible except by a ladder, which the enemy,
+after being routed by Major Miller, had drawn up.
+
+As soon as it was dark, a picked party, under the guidance of one of
+the Spanish prisoners, silently advanced to the attack, expecting to
+fall in with a body of the enemy outside the fort, but all having
+re-entered, our men were unopposed.
+
+This party having taken up its position, the main body moved forward,
+cheering and firing in the air, to intimate to the Spaniards that their
+chief reliance was on the bayonet. The enemy, meanwhile, kept up an
+incessant fire of artillery and musketry in the direction of the shouts,
+but without effect, as no aim could be taken in the dark. Whilst the
+patriots were thus noisily advancing, a gallant young officer, Ensign
+Vidal--who had previously distinguished himself at Santa--got under the
+inland flank of the fort, and with a few men, contrived unperceived to
+tear up some pallisades, by which a bridge was made across the ditch,
+whereby he and his small party entered, and formed noiselessly under
+cover of some branches of trees which overhung it, the garrison
+directing their whole attention to the shouting patriots in an opposite
+direction.
+
+A volley from Vidal's party convinced the Spaniards that they had been
+taken in flank. Without waiting to ascertain the number of those who had
+outflanked them, they instantly took to flight, filling with a like
+panic a column of three hundred men, drawn up behind the fort. The
+Chilians, who were now well up, bayoneted them by dozens, in their
+efforts to gain the other forts, which were opened to receive them; the
+patriots thus entering at the same time, and driving them from fort to
+fort into the Castle of Corral, together with two hundred more, who had
+abandoned some guns advantageously placed on a height at Fort
+Chorocomayo. The Corral was stormed with equal rapidity, a number of the
+enemy escaping in boats to Valdivia, others plunging into the forest;
+whilst upwards of a hundred, besides officers, fell into our hands, the
+like number being found bayoneted on the following morning. Our loss was
+seven men killed, and nineteen wounded.
+
+The Spaniards had, no doubt, regarded their position as impregnable,
+which, considering its difficulty of access and almost natural
+impenetrability, it ought to have been, if properly defended. They had
+only found out their error when too late, thus justifying my former
+remark to the military officers, that an attack where least expected is
+almost invariably crowned with success. Much less had the Spaniards
+calculated on a night attack, the most favourable of all to the
+attacking party, as necessitating unity of action--and the least
+favourable of all to the party attacked, as inspiring doubt and panic,
+almost certain to end in irresolution and defeat. The garrison consisted
+of the Cantabria regiment of the line, numbering about eight hundred,
+with whom was associated a militia of upwards of a thousand.
+
+On the 5th, the _Intrepido_ and _Montezuma_, which had been left at the
+Aguada Inglesa, entered the harbour, being fired at in their passage by
+Fort Niebla on the eastern shore. On their coming to an anchor at the
+Corral, two hundred men were again embarked to attack Forts Niebla,
+Carbonero, and Piojo. The _O'Higgins_ now appearing in sight off the
+mouth of the harbour, the Spaniards abandoned the forts on the eastern
+side, no doubt judging that as the western forts had been captured
+without the aid of the frigate, they had--now that she had arrived--no
+chance of successfully defending them; the patriot troops were therefore
+disembarked at Fort Niebla till the tide served to take them to the town
+of Valdivia.
+
+In crossing the harbour, the _Intrepido_, from want of precaution in
+taking soundings, grounded on a bank in the channel, where, bilged by
+the surf, she finally became a wreck. Nor was the _O'Higgins_ in a much
+better condition, as, from the injury sustained at Quiriquina, it became
+necessary to put her ashore on a mud bank, as the sole means of saving
+her from going down in deep water, so that the only vessel left was the
+little schooner _Montezuma_.
+
+On the 6th, the troops were again embarked to pursue the flying garrison
+up the river, when we received a flag of truce informing us that the
+enemy had abandoned the town, after plundering the private houses and
+magazines; and, together with the Governor, Colonel Montoya, had fled in
+the direction of Chiloe. From the disorders which were committed by the
+Spaniards, previous to their retreat, the town was in great
+consternation, many of the inhabitants having also fled; a proclamation
+issued by me, to the effect that no one should be molested in person or
+property, had, however, the effect of inducing them to return; and an
+additional order immediately to choose for themselves a Governor, at
+once restored peace and tranquillity--the disposition of the people
+being for the most part good, whilst any leaning which might have
+existed in favour of Spanish rule was dissipated by the excesses which,
+previous to their flight, the royalist troops had committed.
+
+The fortifications were so numerous, that at first it was my intention
+to destroy them and embark the artillery, as the Spaniards who had
+escaped to Chiloe--where another Spanish regiment was stationed--might
+return after my departure and recover them, the force which could be
+spared to garrison them being insignificant when distributed amongst
+fifteen forts. On further reflection, I could not make up my mind to
+destroy fortresses, the erection of which had cost upwards of a million
+of dollars, and which Chili would find it difficult to replace; and
+therefore determined on leaving them intact, with their artillery and
+ammunition, intending, before my return to Valparaiso, to render the
+rout of the Spaniards who had escaped, yet more complete.
+
+The booty which fell into our hands, exclusive of the value of the forts
+and public buildings, was considerable, Valdivia being the chief
+military depot in the southern part of the continent. Amongst the
+military stores, were upwards of 1,000 cwt. of gunpowder, 10,000 cannon
+shot, of which 2,500 were brass, 170,000 musket cartridges, a large
+quantity of small arms, 128 guns, of which 53 were brass, and the
+remainder iron; the ship _Dolores_, afterwards sold at Valparaiso for
+20,000 dollars, with public stores, also sold for the like value; and
+plate, of which General Sanchez had previously stripped the churches of
+Conception, valued at 16,000 dollars.
+
+From correspondence found in the archives of Valdivia, it was clear that
+Quintanilla, the Governor of Chiloe, had serious apprehensions of a
+revolt at San Carlos, so that, in place of returning to Valparaiso, I
+resolved to see what could be effected there. The loss of the
+_Intrepido_ was a serious drawback to our means of transporting troops,
+and the flag-ship would no longer float; as, however, we had possession
+of the _Dolores_, it was resolved to crowd into her and the _Montezuma_
+all the troops that could be spared, leaving Major Beauchef the whole of
+those brought from Conception.
+
+Meanwhile, I despatched a _piragua_ to Valparaiso with the intelligence
+of our success; the unexpected news, as was afterwards learned, creating
+such an amount of popular enthusiasm as had never before been witnessed
+in Chili. The most amusing part of the affair was, that by the time my
+despatches announcing our victory reached Vaparaiso, the other ships of
+the squadron had also arrived, when Captain Guise and his officers had
+attributed our rocket failure at Callao to my want of skill in their
+use; the inference desired, being my want of capability to command a
+squadron. Not a word of blame was then attributed to poor Goldsack, who
+had superintended their manufacture, as indeed none was deserved, though
+the blame afterwards attributed to him ended as before stated in his
+ruin.
+
+To this alleged want of professional skill on my part, Zenteno had
+drawn up an elaborate accusation against me of disobedience to orders,
+in not having returned, according to my instructions; the whole _clique_
+felicitating themselves on my dismissal with disgrace. Even the people
+did not know what judgment to form, as all materials for forming an
+opinion were kept from them, whilst every pretence tending to my
+discredit was carefully made known. On news of the victory, all this was
+immediately hushed up--the ministers, to retrieve their own credit,
+joined in the popular enthusiasm, which it would have been unavailing to
+thwart--and poor Goldsack was overwhelmed with reproach for the failure
+of his rockets, though the whole blame rested with the Government in
+having employed Spanish prisoners as his workmen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+DEPARTURE FOR CHILOE--PREPARATIONS OF THE ENEMY--CAPTURE OF FORT
+CORONA--FAILURE AT FORT AGUY, AND SUBSEQUENT RETREAT--RETURN TO
+VALDIVIA--CAPTURE OF OSORIO--RETURN TO VALPARAISO--ENTHUSIASTIC
+RECEPTION--CHAGRIN OF THE MINISTRY--IMPORTANCE OF CONQUEST OF VALDIVIA
+IN A POLITICAL POINT OF VIEW--PROMOTION OF OFFICERS UNDER
+ARREST--EMPLOYMENT OF INDIANS BY THE SPANIARDS--CAREER OF
+BENAVIDES--MUTINOUS SPIRIT OF THE SEAMEN IN CONSEQUENCE OF THEIR
+CAPTURES BEING APPROPRIATED BY GOVERNMENT--RESIGNATION OF MY
+COMMISSION--REFUSAL THEREOF--RENEWED OFFER OF AN ESTATE--THIS AGAIN
+DECLINED--SEAMEN OBTAIN THEIR WAGES--PRIVATE PURCHASE OF AN
+ESTATE--GOVERNMENT GIVES NOTICE OF TAKING IT--APPOINTMENT OF FLAG
+CAPTAIN AGAINST MY WISHES--ANNOYANCE GIVEN TO ME BY MINISTER OF
+MARINE--RENEWED RESIGNATION OF THE COMMAND--OFFICERS OF THE SQUADRON
+RESIGN IN A BODY--GOVERNMENT BEGS OF ME TO RETAIN THE COMMAND--MY
+CONSENT--GENERAL SAN MARTIN--THE SENATE--ZENTENO--CORRUPTION OF PARTIES
+IN THE ADMINISTRATION.
+
+
+Having provided for the safety of the city and province of Valdivia, by
+establishing a provisional government, and left Major Beauchef with his
+own troops to maintain order--on the 16th of February, I sailed with the
+_Montezuma_ schooner, and our prize the _Dolores_, for the island of
+Chiloe, taking with me two hundred men, under the command of Major
+Miller, my object being to wrest Chiloe from Spain, as I had done
+Valdivia. Unfortunately, the services of the flag-ship, the _O'Higgins_,
+were not available, there being no way of rendering her seaworthy,
+without tedious repairs, for which there was no time, as our success
+depended on attacking Chiloe before the Governor had leisure to prepare
+for defence. Neither of our vessels being armed for fighting, I
+depended altogether upon Major Miller and our handful of soldiers to
+oppose a thousand regular troops, besides a numerous militia; but having
+been informed that the garrison was in a mutinous state, I calculated
+that by judicious management, they might be induced to join the patriot
+cause.
+
+Unluckily, our design had got wind, and the Spanish Governor,
+Quintanilla, a judicious officer, had managed to conciliate them. On
+coming to an anchor on the 17th, at Huechucucay, we found a body of
+infantry and cavalry, with a field-piece, ready to dispute our landing;
+but drawing off their attention by a feigned attack upon a distant spot,
+and thus dividing them into two parties, Major Miller got on shore, and
+soon routed them, capturing their field-piece.
+
+A night attack being decided upon, the troops, a hundred and seventy in
+number, moved on under the direction of a guide, who, wilfully or
+treacherously, misled them, the men thus wandering about in the dark
+throughout the whole night. At dawn, they found their way to Fort
+Corona, which, with a detached battery, was taken without loss. Halting
+for a short time to refresh the men, Major Miller bravely, but too
+precipitately, moved on Fort Aguy, in broad daylight; this fort being
+the stronghold of the enemy, mounting twelve guns, with others flanking
+the only accessible path by which entrance could be gained, and being
+garrisoned by three companies of regulars, two companies of militia, and
+a full proportion of artillerymen. The fort stood on a hill, washed on
+one side by the sea, and having on the other an impenetrable forest, the
+only access being by a narrow path, whilst the means of retreat for the
+garrison was by the same path, so that the attack became for the latter
+a matter of life and death, since, in case of defeat, there was no mode
+of escape, as at Valdivia.
+
+In spite of these odds, and the spectacle of two fanatical friars on the
+ramparts, with lance in one hand, and crucifix in the other, urging on
+the garrison to resist to the death the handful of aggressors--the
+indomitable courage of Miller did not allow him to remain in the forts
+he had already taken till nightfall, when he would have been
+comparatively safe by attacking in the dark. Choosing out of his small
+band a forlorn hope of sixty men, he perilled his own safety, upon which
+so much depended, by leading them in person; every gun and musket of the
+enemy being concentrated on a particular angle of the path which he must
+needs pass. As the detachment reached the spot, a shower of grape and
+musketry mowed down the whole, twenty out of the sixty being killed
+outright, whilst nearly all the rest were mortally wounded. Seeing their
+gallant Commander fall, the marines, who were waiting to follow, dashed
+through the fire, and brought him off, with a grape-shot through his
+thigh, and the bones of his right foot crushed by a round shot. Another
+dash by the force which remained brought off the whole of the wounded,
+though adding fearfully to their numbers. This having been accomplished,
+Captain Erescano, who succeeded to the command, ordered a retreat; the
+Spaniards, animated by success, and urged on by the friars, following
+just within musket-shot, and making three separate attacks, which were
+on each occasion repelled, though from the killed and wounded, the
+pursuers were now fully six times their number. Nevertheless one-half of
+the diminished band kept the enemy at bay, whilst the other half spiked
+the guns, broke up the gun-carriages, and destroyed the military stores
+in the forts captured in the morning, when they resumed their march to
+the beach, followed by the Spaniards as before.
+
+The marines who, with affectionate fidelity, had borne off Major Miller,
+had been careful to protect him from fire, though two out of the three
+who carried him were wounded in the act; and when, on arriving at the
+beach, they were invited by him to enter the boat, one of them, a
+gallant fellow named Roxas, of whom I had spoken highly in my despatches
+from Valdivia, on account of his distinguished bravery, refused, saying,
+"No, Sir, I was the first to land, and I mean to be the last to go on
+board." He kept his word; for on his Commander being placed in safety,
+he hastened back to the little band, now nearly cut up, and took his
+share in the retreat, being the last to get into the boats. Such were
+the Chilenos, of whom the mean jealousy of the Minister of Marine,
+Zenteno, refused to allow me a thousand for operations at Callao--which
+could have been conducted with ease, as Valdivia had been captured with
+less than a third of that number.
+
+Our force being now seriously diminished, and feeling convinced that
+the fanatics of Chiloe were devoted to the cause of Spain, there was
+nothing left but to return to Valdivia, where, finding that the
+Spaniards who had been dispersed in the neighbourhood were committing
+excesses, I despatched Major Beauchef with 100 men to Osorio to secure
+that town, the relief being accepted with great joy even by the Indians,
+of whom, wrote Major Beauchef to me, "I have embraced more than a
+thousand Caciques and their followers. They have all offered their
+services to fight in the patriotic cause; but as circumstances do not
+require this, I have invited them to return to their own lands, and have
+received their promises to be ready if the country should call for their
+services." The Spaniards being driven from Osorio, the flag of Chili
+was, on the 26th of February, hoisted on the castle by Major Beauchef,
+who returned to Valdivia.
+
+There being nothing further to require my presence, I placed the
+_O'Higgins_ under the orders of my secretary, Mr. Bennet, to superintend
+her repairs, and embarked in the _Montezuma_, for Valparaiso, taking
+with me five Spanish officers who had been made prisoners, amongst whom
+was Colonel Fausto De Hoyos, the Commandant of the Cantabria regiment.
+
+On my departure, the Spaniards, elated by their success at Chiloe,
+combined with those who had been driven from Valdivia, in an attempt to
+recover their lost possessions, but Major Beauchef, having timely
+intelligence of their intention, set out to meet them. A number of
+volunteers having joined the patriot force, Major Beauchef on the 6th of
+March encountered the enemy on the river Toro, and instantly attacked
+them, when, in about an hour, the Spanish officers mounted their horses
+and fled in a body, leaving the men to their fate. Nearly three hundred
+of these immediately surrendered, and Major Beauchef--having captured
+the whole of the arms and baggage--returned in triumph to Valdivia.
+
+On the 27th of February, I arrived at Valparaiso, in the _Montezuma_,
+amidst the most lively demonstrations of enthusiasm on the part of the
+populace, and warm expressions of gratitude from the Supreme Director.
+But my reception by his ministers was wholly different. Zenteno, through
+whose orders I had broken, declared, that the conquest of Valdivia "was
+the act of a madman! that I deserved to have lost my life in the
+attempt; and even now ought to lose my head for daring to attack such a
+place without instructions, and for exposing the patriot troops to such
+hazard;" afterwards setting on foot a series of intrigues, having for
+their object the depreciation of the service which had been rendered, so
+that I found myself exposed to the greatest possible vexation and
+annoyance, with not the slightest indication of national acknowledgment
+or reward to myself, officers, or men.
+
+The chagrin of Zenteno and the bad passions of his adherents were
+further enhanced by the congratulatory addresses which poured in on both
+the Supreme Director and myself from all parts, the people declaring,
+contrary to the assertions of Zenteno, that I had acted, not from any
+feeling of personal vanity, but from a conviction of the national
+utility of the act; and that by its accomplishment the valour of the
+Chilenos had been so displayed as to shew that they had the utmost
+confidence in their officers, and hence possessed the moral as well as
+physical courage necessary for further achievements.
+
+Notwithstanding the envious dissatisfaction of Zenteno, the government
+was compelled, in deference to the popular voice, to award medals to the
+captors, the decree for this stating that "the capture of Valdivia was
+the happy result of the devising of an admirably arranged plan, and of
+the most daring and valorous execution." The decree further conferred on
+me an estate of 4,000 quadras from the confiscated lands of Conception,
+which I refused, as no vote of thanks was given by the legislature; this
+vote I finally obtained as an indemnification to myself for having
+exceeded my orders; such being necessary after Zenteno's expressions of
+ill-will towards me on account of breaking through instructions.
+
+Situated as Chili then was, it is impossible to over-rate the importance
+of this acquisition--the capture of a noble harbour protected by fifteen
+forts, and the magazines with their vast amount of military stores,
+being even secondary to the political advantages gained by the Republic.
+
+The annexation of this province, at one blow conferred on Chili
+complete independence, averting the contemplated necessity for fitting
+out a powerful military expedition for the attainment of that object,
+vitally essential to her very existence as an independent state;
+because, so long as Valdivia remained in the hands of the Spaniards,
+Chili was, in her moments of unguardedness or disunion, in constant
+danger of losing the liberties she had, as yet, but partially acquired.
+
+The resources of the province of Valdivia, together with those of
+Conception, had contributed the means whereby the Spaniards maintained
+their hold upon the Chilian territory. Not only were they deprived of
+these resources--now added to those of Chili--but a great saving was
+effected by exonerating the Republic from the necessity of maintaining a
+military force in the southern provinces, as a check upon both Spaniards
+and Indians, who, at the moment of our conquest of Valdivia, were being
+let loose in all directions against the Chilian patriots.
+
+Setting aside, therefore, the removal of danger, and the complete
+establishment of independence, the money value alone of the conquest
+was, to a Government of very limited means, of the first importance, as
+doing away with the necessity of military expenditure, estimated by
+competent judges at a million of dollars, merely to attempt the
+accomplishment of an object, which, without any additional cost, I had
+effected with a single ship, so unseaworthy that she had to be left
+behind.
+
+But the advantage of the conquest did not end here. Had it not been for
+this capture, the Spanish power in Chili, aided by the Indians, would
+have found it easy to maintain itself in such a country for a protracted
+period, despite any military force Chili was in a condition to bring
+against it; so that no effective co-operation with the people of Peru
+could have been undertaken--as common prudence would have deterred them
+from entering into distant revolutionary projects, so long as the
+Spaniards were in possession of any part of the Chilian territory;
+whilst the necessity of defending herself through a protracted civil
+war, would have prevented Chili from aiding in the liberation of Peru,
+which would thus have remained a permanent base of operations for the
+Spaniards to annoy, if not again to recover, the Chilian provinces.
+
+A further advantage was the successful negociation of a loan of one
+million sterling in England, which was accomplished solely on account of
+what had been achieved, every attempt at this having failed so long as
+the Spaniards were in possession of the most important harbour and
+fortress in the country, from which, as a basis, they might organize
+future attempts to recover the revolted provinces.
+
+Notwithstanding these advantages, not a penny in the shape of reward,
+either for this or any previous service, was paid to myself, the
+officers, or seamen, nevertheless the Government appropriated the money
+arising from the sale of the _Dolores_, and the stores with which she
+was loaded; neither was there any account taken of the value of the guns
+and the enormous amount of ammunition left in the forts at Valdivia.
+The men who performed this achievement were literally in rags, and
+destitute of everything, no attempt being made by the department of
+Marine to lessen their sufferings--for to this extent was their
+condition reduced.
+
+In place of reward, every encouragement was offered to the officers to
+disobey my orders. Two of these I had marked for punishment, for
+deliberate murder. Ensign Vidal having captured two Spanish officers in
+Fort Ingles, they surrendered their swords, receiving the gallant
+youth's pledge of safety; but Captain Erescano coming up, immediately
+butchered them. Another case was even worse: Ensign Latapia, who had
+been left in command of the castle of Corral, after my departure to
+Chiloe, ordered two of his prisoners to be shot; and four officers would
+have met the same fate, had not my secretary, Mr. Bennet, taken them on
+board the _O'Higgins_. For this I placed Latapia under arrest, making
+the necessary declarations for a court-martial, and conveyed him as a
+prisoner to Valparaiso, where, in place of being punished, both he and
+Erescano were promoted, and taken into the liberating army of General
+San Martin.
+
+I have spoken of the aid afforded to the Spaniards by the Indians. On
+the 10th of March General Freire, afterwards Supreme Director, wrote me
+a letter congratulatory of my success against Valdivia, which he
+concluded by informing me that its capture had already caused the
+Indians of Angol, and their Cacique, Benavente, to declare in favour of
+Chili, and that he did not doubt but that this would shortly be followed
+by a similar declaration on the part of the Indians throughout the
+province; General Freire not being aware that I had already produced
+this effect by distributing amongst them an immense quantity of trumpery
+stores and gewgaws, accumulated by the Spaniards in the magazines at
+Valdivia, for the purpose of rewarding murderous inroads into the
+Chilian territory.
+
+It will be interesting briefly to note the employment of Indians by the
+Spaniards. Their agent, or leader, in this horrible warfare, was a
+wretch named Benavides, who may fairly lay claim to the distinction of
+being the most perfect monster who ever disgraced humanity. He had
+originally been a common soldier in the Buenos Ayrean army, and,
+together with his brother, had _carte blanche_ from the Spaniards to
+commit the most fearful atrocities on the Chilian patriots, who could
+not defend themselves against the stealthy cowardice of Indian warfare.
+His invariable practice was, whenever a village or estate could be
+surprised, to sew up the leading inhabitants as tightly as possible in
+raw ox-hides stripped from their own cattle, when, being laid in the
+burning sun, the contraction of the hides as they dried caused a slow
+and lingering death of perfect agony, which it was the amusement of
+himself and the savages whom he led to enjoy whilst smoking their
+cigars. When any persons of influence fell into his hands, he cut out
+their tongues, and otherwise horribly mutilated them--a bishop and
+several other gentlemen surviving as witnesses of his atrocities.
+
+Valdivia was this man's _point d'appui_, whence he drew his supplies,
+and when we took the place a small vessel fell into our hands, laden
+with arms and ammunition for his disposal amongst the Indians. She was
+destined for Arauco, and had on board two Spanish officers and four
+non-commissioned officers, sent for the purpose of rendering the Indians
+still more formidable by indoctrinating them into European modes of
+warfare.
+
+The wretch Benavides was afterwards bought over by General San Martin,
+and sent to Conception for the orders of General Freire, who told him to
+his face that he would have nothing to do with such a monster; whereupon
+Benavides left Conception, and commenced a desolating warfare upon the
+inhabitants of the coast, even refining upon his former barbarities. The
+country getting too hot for him, he again offered his services to the
+Spaniards, and was on his way to Peru in a small vessel, when, being
+compelled to go ashore for water, in the vicinity of Valparaiso, one of
+his men betrayed him, and he was sent to Santiago, where he was hung.
+
+The seamen were becoming mutinous, in consequence of neither receiving
+pay nor prize-money, every promise given being broken, as well to them
+as to myself. As they looked to me for the vindication of their rights,
+and, indeed, had only been kept from open outbreak by my assurance that
+they should be paid, I addressed a letter of expostulation to the
+Supreme Director, recounting their services and the ill-merited
+harshness to which they were exposed at the hands of his Ministers,
+notwithstanding that since their return they had aided the Government in
+the construction of wharves and other conveniences necessary for the
+embarkation of troops and stores to Peru--a military expedition to that
+country being now decided on.
+
+The fact was, that the proceeds of the captures were appropriated by the
+Government, which, to avoid repayment, declared that the conquest of
+Valdivia was a _restoration!_ though the place had never been in
+possession of Chili. On my refusing to allow the stores I had brought
+from thence to be disembarked, unless as a compensation to the seamen,
+it was alleged as a reason for the course pursued that even if Valdivia
+had not belonged to the Republic, Chili did not make war on every
+section of America. It was therefore put to my liberality and honourable
+character whether I would not give up to the Government all that the
+squadron had acquired?
+
+These views were written by Monteagudo, afterwards the willing
+instrument of General San Martin in Peru. I asked him, "Whether he
+considered that which had been advanced as just, or according to law?"
+The reply was, "_Certainly not, but I was ordered to write so!_" Finding
+that I would surrender nothing, it was next debated in the Council
+whether I ought not to be brought to a court martial for having delayed
+and diverted the naval forces of Chili to the reduction of Valdivia,
+without the orders of Government!
+
+No doubt this course would have been decided on but from the unsettled
+condition of the Republic and fear of the populace, who denounced the
+views of the Ministry as heartily as they advocated my proceedings.
+
+As nothing in the shape of justice could be obtained for the squadron,
+on the 14th of May, I begged His Excellency the Supreme Director to
+accept the resignation of my Commission, as, by retaining it, I should
+only be instrumental in promoting the ruin which must follow the conduct
+of his advisers; at the same time telling him I had not accepted it to
+have my motives misconstrued, and my services degraded as they had been
+on account of objects which I was unable to divine, unless, indeed, a
+narrow-minded jealousy, such as that which designated the capture of
+Valdivia, its "_restoration_," though it had never before passed from
+under the dominion of the Spaniards.
+
+This course had not been anticipated, though it was not adopted in any
+spirit of intimidation, but from repugnance to the heartless ingratitude
+with which important national services had been met. The Ministers were,
+however, thus brought for a time to their senses, the justice of my
+complaints being acknowledged, and every assurance given that for the
+future the Government would observe good faith towards the squadron. An
+estate, as has been said, had been offered to me as a reward for my
+services, which was declined for reasons already adduced. The offer was
+now renewed, but again declined, as nothing but promises were as yet
+forthcoming to the service, and the only hold upon the seamen was my
+personal influence with them, in consequence of my unyielding advocacy
+of their rights--a hold which I was not likely to forego for a grant to
+myself. In place, therefore, of accepting the estate, I returned the
+document conveying the grant, with a request that it might be sold, and
+the proceeds applied to the payment of the squadron; but the requisition
+was not complied with.
+
+Seeing that I was determined not to be trifled with, and shamed by my
+offer of applying the estate to the payment of the men, General San
+Martin, who was appointed to command the military portion of the
+expedition to Peru, came to Valparaiso in June, and on the 13th of July,
+the squadron was paid wages in part only, but as I insisted on the whole
+being liquidated, this was done on the 16th; but without any portion of
+their prize-money. My share alone of the value of captures made at and
+previous to the capture of Valdivia was 67,000 dollars, and for this I
+received the assurance of the Supreme Director that it should be paid to
+me at the earliest possible moment; upon which I accepted the estate
+which continued to be pressed upon me, the grant expressing the purpose
+for which it was given, adding as a reason that "my name should never
+cease from the land." This estate, situated at Rio Clara, was, after my
+departure from Chili, forcibly resumed by the succeeding Government;
+and the bailiff, whom I had placed upon it for the purpose of seeing how
+it could be improved by culture and the introduction of valuable
+European seeds, was forcibly expelled from its supervision.
+
+On my first refusal to accept the estate--for the reason before
+assigned--in order to convince the Chilians how great was my desire to
+be enrolled amongst the number of their citizens, I purchased a hacienda
+at Herradura, about eight miles from Valparaiso. The effect produced by
+this upon the Ministry was almost ludicrous. It was gravely argued
+amongst them as to what I, a foreigner, could intend by purchasing an
+estate in Chili? The conclusion to which they came being, as I was
+credibly informed, that as the whole population was with me, I must
+intend, when opportunity served, to set myself up as the ruler of the
+Republic, relying upon the people for support! Such was statesmanship at
+that day in Chili.
+
+It so happened, that soon after purchasing this property I pointed out
+to the Government how much better the Bay of Herradura was calculated
+for a naval arsenal, than the ill-protected Bay of Valparaiso; offering
+at the same time to make them a gratuitous present of all the land
+required for the establishment of a naval arsenal and marine depot. This
+offer was, no doubt, construed into an act, on my part, to gain
+additional popularity--though this, perhaps, would have been no easy
+matter; and a notice was served upon me not to make any improvements, as
+the Government intended to appropriate the estate--but would not
+reimburse any outlay, though they would repay me the purchase money, and
+also for any improvements that had already have been effected!
+
+I instantly solicited an explanation of the Supreme Director, and
+received an apology, attributing the whole affair to the officiousness
+of the Attorney-General, who had founded his proceeding on an old
+Spanish law; and there, for a time, the matter dropped, but for a time
+only--viz. so long as the necessities of the state required my services.
+
+A new source of annoyance now arose, in all kinds of attempts to lessen
+my authority in the navy, but as I was always on the alert to maintain
+my position, these resulted in nothing but defeat to their concoctors.
+At length an overt act was committed in the appointment of Captain Spry
+as my flag captain on board the _O'Higgins_, which had been repaired at
+Valdivia, and was now come down to Valparaiso. An order to this effect
+was sent to me, which I promptly refused to obey, adding that Captain
+Spry should never tread my quarter-deck as flag captain, and that if my
+privilege as an admiral were not admitted, the Government might consider
+my command as at an end, for so long as I continued in command of the
+squadron, I would not permit an executor of my orders to be forced upon
+me. The point was immediately conceded, and Captain Crosbie was
+appointed flag captain.
+
+The nomination of Spry was, no doubt, meant to control my efforts in the
+future expedition to Peru, the credit of which, if any, was to be
+reserved for the army. As far as I knew anything of Captain Spry, I had
+no personal objections to him, but, restricted as I had been by the
+Minister of Marine Zenteno, I had great doubts as to the motives for
+appointments of his making, being convinced that his principal aim was
+to prevent me from doing anything beyond keeping the Spaniards in check,
+an operation to which I was by no means inclined to accede, as had been
+evinced by the recent conquest of Valdivia, in excess of his
+instructions.
+
+Encouraged by the annoyance given to me by the Minister of Marine and
+his party, one or two of my captains thought themselves at liberty to
+manifest a disregard to my authority, which, as their admiral, I did not
+choose to tolerate. The most influential of these was Captain Guise,
+who, having been guilty of several acts of direct disobedience and
+neglect of duty, was, by my orders, put in arrest, pending a demand made
+by me that the Government should institute a court martial for the
+investigation of his conduct. This act greatly irritated Zenteno, who
+desired to support him, and refused consent to the inquiry; thus
+establishing a precedent for the captain of any ship to consider himself
+independent of the admiral.
+
+Such an act of folly in violation of the discipline of the navy, no less
+than of personal insult to myself, determined me to have nothing more to
+do with the Chilian administration, and on July 16th, I once more
+transmitted to the Government my resignation, at the same time demanding
+my passport to quit the country, notifying to the officers of the
+squadron that on the receipt of the same I should cease to command. A
+meeting was immediately held amongst them, and on the same day, I
+received--not a valedictory address, as might have been expected--but
+two letters, one signed by five captains, and the other by twenty-three
+commissioned officers, containing resolutions of abandoning the service
+also, at the same time handing in their commissions. To this proof of
+attachment, I replied, by requesting that they would not sacrifice their
+own positions on my account, and recommended them not to make their
+resolutions public till they had further considered the matter, as it
+might be seriously detrimental to the interests of the country.
+
+The following letter was addressed to me on this occasion by the
+officers of the squadron:--
+
+   "On board the _Independencia_, July 18, 1820."
+
+   My Lord,
+
+   The general discontent and anxiety which your Lordship's
+   resignation has occasioned amongst the officers and others of
+   the squadron, afford a strong proof how much the ungrateful conduct
+   of the Government is felt by those serving under your command.
+
+   "The officers whose names are subscribed to the enclosed resolutions,
+   disdaining longer to serve under a Government which can
+   so soon have forgotten the important services rendered to the State,
+   beg leave to put in your hands their commissions, and to request
+   you will be kind enough to forward them to the Minister of Marine.
+   At the same time that we are thus forced to withdraw ourselves from
+   the service, our warmest wishes will be offered up for the prosperity
+   and liberty of the country."
+
+   "Signed by 23 Commissioned Officers."
+
+The following resolutions accompanied this letter:--
+
+"Resolved--1. That the honour, safety, and interest of the Chilian
+navy entirely rest on the abilities and experience of the present
+Commander-in-Chief."
+
+"2. That, as the feelings of unbounded confidence and respect which we
+entertain for him cannot be transferred to another, we have come to the
+resolution of resigning our commissions, and of transmitting them to
+Government, through the hands of our admiral."
+
+"3. That our commissions shall be accompanied by a letter expressive of
+our sentiments, signed by all whose commissions are enclosed."
+
+"Signed by 23 Officers."
+
+Pending the acceptance of my resignation by the Government, the
+equipment of the squadron was carried on with the greatest alacrity, so
+that there might be no ground for complaint that the termination of my
+command had caused any remissness in our duties. I, however, withheld
+the commissions which had been enclosed to me by the officers of the
+squadron, lest the measure should excite popular dissatisfaction, and
+thus cause a danger for which the Government was unprepared.
+
+The only captains who did not sign the resolutions were Guise and Spry,
+the former being in arrest, and the latter being offended with me on
+account of my refusal to accept him as flag captain. There is no doubt
+but that he immediately communicated to Zenteno the resolutions of the
+officers, for on the 20th I received from him the following letter:--
+
+   "Valparaiso, July 20th, 1820."
+
+   "My Lord,"
+
+   "At a moment when the services of the naval forces of
+   the State are of the highest importance, and the personal services
+   of your Lordship indispensable, the Supremacy, with the most
+   profound sentiments of regret, has received your resignation, which,
+   should it be admitted, would involve the future operations of the
+   arms of liberty in the New World in certain ruin; and ultimately
+   replace in Chili, your adopted home, that tyranny which, your
+   Lordship abhors, and to the annihilation of which your heroism has
+   so greatly contributed."
+
+   "His Excellency the Supreme Director commands me to
+   inform your Lordship that should you persist in resigning the command
+   of the squadron which has been honoured by bearing your
+   flag--the cause of terror and dismay to our enemies, and of glory to
+   all true Americans; or should the Government unwisely admit it,
+   this would indeed be a day of universal mourning in the New
+   World. The Government, therefore, in the name of the nation
+   returns you your commission, soliciting your re-acceptance of it, for
+   the furtherance of that sacred cause to which your whole soul is
+   devoted."
+
+   "The Supremacy is convinced of the necessity which obliges
+   your Lordship to adopt the measures which placed Captain Guise, of
+   the _Lantaro_, in arrest, and of the justice of the charges exhibited
+   against this officer; but being desirous of preventing any delay in
+   the important services in which the ships of war are about to
+   proceed, it is the request of His Excellency the Supreme Director
+   that his trial be postponed to the first opportunity which does not
+   interfere with the service of the squadron, so important at the
+   present epoch."
+
+   "(Signed) JOSE IGNACIO ZENTENO."
+
+In addition to this communication from the Minister of Marine, I
+received private letters from the Supreme Director and General San
+Martin, begging me to continue in command of the naval forces, and
+assuring me that there should be no further cause for complaint.
+
+On receipt of these letters I withdrew my resignation, and returned to
+the officers of the squadron their commissions, at the same time
+setting Captain Guise at liberty, and reinstating him in the command of
+his ship. I would not have done this but from a feeling of attachment to
+the Supreme Director, General O'Higgins, whose amiable disposition--too
+easy to contend with the machinations of those around him,--- was a
+sufficient assurance that he was neither an actor in, nor even privy to
+the system of annoyance pursued towards me by a clique of whom Zenteno
+was the agent. Like many other good commanders, O'Higgins did not
+display that tact in the cabinet which had so signally served his
+country in the field, in which,--though General San Martin, by his
+unquestionable powers of turning the achievements of others to his own
+account, contrived to gain the credit--the praise was really due to
+General O'Higgins. The same easy disposition, after the elevation of the
+latter to the Supreme Directorate, induced him to consent to the
+establishment of a senatorial court of consultation, conceding to it
+privileges altogether incompatible with his own supremacy; and it was
+with this body that all the vexations directed against me originated--as
+has been asserted by writers on Chili, at the instigation of General San
+Martin; but having no documentary evidence to prove this, I shall not
+take upon myself to assert the fact, notwithstanding that the subsequent
+conduct of the General gave more than probability to the generally
+received opinion.
+
+There was, however, no doubt but that General San Martin had been privy
+to much of the annoyance given to the squadron and myself, as, upon my
+accusing him of this, he replied that he only "wanted to see how far the
+Supreme Director would allow a party spirit to oppose the welfare of the
+expedition;" adding, "Never mind, my lord, I am general of the army, and
+you shall be admiral of the squadron." _"Bien, milord, yo soy General
+del exercito, y V. sara Almirante de la esquadra."_ His allusion to the
+complicity of the Supreme Director I knew to be false, as His Excellency
+was anxious to do all in his power both for the squadron and his
+country; had not the Senate, on which he had conferred such
+extraordinary powers, thwarted all his endeavours.
+
+General San Martin was, however, much surprised when I shewed him the
+letters and returned commissions of the officers, he having no
+conception of their determination not to serve under any command but my
+own; this step on their part being fraught with the greatest danger to
+the equipment of the contemplated expedition.
+
+The Senate just noticed was an anomaly in state government. It consisted
+of five members, whose functions were to remain only during the first
+struggles of the country for independence; but this body had now assumed
+a permanent right to dictatorial control, whilst there was no appeal
+from their arbitrary conduct, except to themselves. They arrogated the
+title of "Most Excellent," whilst the Supreme Director was simply "His
+Excellency;" his position, though nominally head of the executive,
+being really that of mouth-piece to the Senate, which, assuming all
+power, deprived the Executive Government of its legitimate influence, so
+that no armament could be equipped, no public work undertaken, no troops
+raised, and no taxes levied, except by the consent of this irresponsible
+body. For such a clique, the plain, simple good sense, and thorough good
+feeling of the Supreme Director was no match; as, being himself above
+meanness, he was led to rely on the honesty of others from the
+uprightness of his own motives. Though in every way disposed to believe,
+with Burke, that "what is morally wrong can never be politically right,"
+he was led to believe that a crooked policy was a necessary evil of
+Government; and as such a policy was adverse to his own nature, he was
+the more easily induced to surrender its administration to others who
+were free from his conscientious principles.
+
+Of these the most unscrupulous was Zenteno, who, previous to the
+revolution, had been an attorney at Conception, and was a _protege_ of
+General San Martin--carrying with him into State Administration the
+practical cunning of his profession, with more than its usual proportion
+of chicanery. As he was my bitter opponent, obstructing my plans for the
+interests of Chili in every possible way, it might ill become me to
+speak of him as I then felt, and to this day feel. I will therefore
+adduce the opinion of Mrs. Graham, the first historian of the Republic,
+as to the estimation in which he was generally held:--"Zenteno has read
+more than usual among his countrymen, and thinks that little much. Like
+San Martin, he dignifies scepticism in religion, laxity of morals, and
+coldness of heart, if not cruelty, with the name of philosophy; and
+while he could shew creditable sensibility for the fate of a worm, would
+think the death or torture of a political opponent matter for
+congratulation." I was his political opponent, as wishing to uphold the
+authority of the Supreme Director, and hence, no doubt, his enmity to
+me; his influence even extending so far as to prevent the Supreme
+Director from visiting me whilst in Santiago, on the ground that such a
+course on his part would be undignified!
+
+At this distance of time--now that Chili is in possession of a
+Government acting on more enlightened principles--there is no necessity
+for withholding these remarks, without which the subsequent acts of the
+Chilian Government towards me might be liable to misconstruction as to
+my representations of them. So long as Chili was in a transition state
+from a corrupt and selfish Government to one acting in accordance with
+the true interests of the country, I forbore to make known these and
+other circumstances, which, having now become matters of history, need
+not any longer be withheld.
+
+Writing in this spirit, I may mention a reason, notorious enough at the
+time, why the squadron was not paid even its wages. The Government _had_
+provided the means, but those to whom the distribution was entrusted
+retained the money during their pleasure, employing it for their own
+advantage in trading speculations or in usury, only applying it to a
+legitimate purpose when further delay became dangerous to themselves.
+One great cause of the hatred displayed towards me by these people, was
+my incessant demands that the claims of the squadron should be satisfied
+as regarded wages. As to prize-money, not a dollar was ever conceded by
+the Government either to myself, officers, or men, so long as I remained
+in Chili; but I had the satisfaction to see that the constant watch
+which I kept on those financial disorders, was the means of ameliorating
+the system, though with the additional dislike to myself of those whose
+short-sighted policy I was thwarting, and whose avaricious speculations
+were thus curtailed.
+
+In spite of his enmity, the Minister of Marine had been officially
+compelled to write me the following letter:--
+
+   "My Lord,"
+
+   "If victories over an enemy are to be estimated
+   according to the resistance offered, or the national advantages
+   obtained, the conquest of Valdivia is, in both senses, inestimable;
+   encountering, as you did, the natural and artificial strength of that
+   impregnable fortress which, till now, had obstinately defended itself
+   by means of those combined advantages. The memory of that
+   glorious day will occupy the first pages of Chilian history, and the
+   name of Your Excellency will be transmitted from generation to
+   generation by the gratitude of our descendants."
+
+   "His Excellency the Supreme Director, highly gratified by that
+   noble conquest, orders me to inform you (as I have now the
+   satisfaction of doing), that he experiences, in his own name, and in
+   that of the nation, the most heartfelt gratification at that signal
+   achievement. The meritorious officers, Beauchef, Miller, Erescano,
+   Carter, and Vidal, and all the other officers and soldiers who, in
+   imitation of your Excellency, encountered such vast dangers, will be
+   brought to the notice of Government, in order to receive a decorative
+   medal, in gratitude for their gallantry, and in proof that Chili rewards
+   the heroes who advocate her cause."
+
+   Our national flag has been displayed amidst the most festive public
+   demonstrations, above those of Valdivia and Cantabria, in proof of the
+   subjection of our enemies.
+
+   "I beg, with the greatest gratification, the honour to announce to you
+   your letter of the 3rd instant, transmitting those of Major Beauchef and
+   Major Miller."
+
+  "God preserve your Excellency many years."
+
+  (Signed) JOSE IGNACIO ZENTENO.
+  "The Vice-Admiral commanding the Chilian
+   Squadron."
+
+It is difficult to see how a man who could have written the above
+letter, even officially, could have become my worst enemy; the reasons
+for which will, however, develop themselves as we proceed.
+
+As the estate which was conferred upon me at Rio Clara was afterwards
+taken from me, without reason assigned, I will here give the letter
+conveying it, as this will again have to be alluded to. The
+attorney-like cunning of Zenteno prevented its conveyance by any more
+formal document than the decree conferring it.
+
+   "My Lord,"
+
+   "A Decree of this date has been issued by His
+   Excellency the Supreme Director, of which the annexed is a
+   copy:--"
+
+   "Desirous to expedite, without loss of time, the gift of 4000
+   _quadras_ of land, which, by decree of the Senate, was assigned to the
+   Commander-in-Chief of the Squadron, Vice-Admiral Lord Cochrane,
+   as a demonstration of public appreciation for his distinguished
+   services in the '_Restoration,_' of the important fortress of Valdivia;
+   the said 4000 _quadras_ are assigned on the lands of Rio Clara, in
+   the province of Conception, being part of the confiscated estate of
+   Pablo Furtado, a fugitive Spaniard."
+
+   "'The present deed shall serve as a sufficient title to the property in
+   favour of the Vice-Admiral, being communicated to the Minister of
+   Finance, in order to the accustomed formalities, to receive possession
+   and enjoy the benefits.'"
+
+  "I have the honour to communicate the above, by Supreme orders, for your
+   information."
+
+  "God preserve your Excellency many years."
+
+  "(Signed) JOSE IGNACIO ZENTENO.
+   Administration of Marine,
+   Valparaiso, August SO, 1820.
+   Published by order of His Excellency."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+OBSTACLES TO EQUIPPING THE SQUADRON--SAILING OF THE LIBERATING
+EXPEDITION--DEBARCATION AT PISCO--LONG INACTION OF THE ARMY--GENERAL SAN
+MARTIN REMOVES TO ANCON--CAPTURE OF THE ESMERALDA--EXCHANGE OF
+PRISONERS--ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE SERVICE BY GENERAL SAN MARTIN--LADY
+COCHRANE'S VISIT TO MENDOZA.
+
+
+The difficulties which attended the equipment of the squadron and troops
+destined for the liberation of Peru were very great, the Government
+being without credit, whilst its treasury had been completely exhausted
+by efforts to organise an army--a loan being impossible, and indeed
+refused. By my influence with the British merchants, I managed to obtain
+considerable quantities of naval and military stores, and in addition, a
+contribution to a subscription which was set on foot, in place of a
+forced loan, upon which the Government hesitated to venture.
+
+The greatest difficulty was, however, with regard to the foreign seamen,
+who, disgusted with the want of faith towards them, refused to re-enter
+the service. The Government, upon this, requested me to resort to
+impressment, which I declined, telling them, moreover, that the captain
+of the British frigate then in port would not permit his countrymen to
+be impressed. The alternative proposed was to use my influence with the
+men, by issuing such a proclamation, dictated by myself, as would render
+them dependent for their pay and prize-money upon General San Martin,
+and on the success of the expedition; it being evident that they would
+not place further confidence in the promises of the Government.
+
+A joint proclamation was therefore issued by Gen. San Martin and myself,
+my signature being added as a guarantee, whilst his bore the authority
+of Commander-in-Chief. The following extract will shew the nature of
+this proclamation:--
+
+   "On my entry into Lima, I will punctually pay to all foreign
+   seamen who shall voluntarily enlist into the Chilian service, the whole
+   arrears of their pay, to which, I will also add to each individual,
+   according to his rank, one year's pay over and above his arrears, as
+   a premium or reward for his services, if he continue to fulfil his
+   duty to the day of the surrender of that city, and its occupation by
+   the liberating forces."
+
+   (Signed) JOSE DE SAN MARTIN.
+   "COCHRANE."
+
+This proclamation had the desired effect, and the crews of the ships
+were immediately completed.
+
+The Chilian force amounted to 4200 men, General San Martin, to the great
+disappointment of General Freire, being nominated Captain-General--the
+force under his command was designated the "liberating army" _(Exercito
+Libertador)_. Whilst the expedition was in process of formation, the
+Supreme Director had apprised the Peruvian people of its object, and
+lest they should entertain any jealousy of its presence uninvited, had
+declared his views in a general proclamation, from which the following
+is an extract:--
+
+   "Peruvians--Do not think we shall pretend to treat you as a
+   conquered people? such a desire could have entered into the heads
+   of none but those who are inimical to our common happiness. We
+   only aspire to see you free and happy; _yourselves will frame your
+   own government_, choosing that form which is most consistent with
+   your customs, your situation, and your wishes. Consequently, _you
+   will constitute a nation as free and independent as ourselves_."
+
+This, and subsequent proclamations, will require to be borne in mind, as
+the result by no means corresponded with the intentions of the Supreme
+Director, whose honesty of purpose was afterwards set at nought by those
+in whose estimation Peru was only a field for the furtherance of their
+own ambition. The Chileno officers, both native and foreign, certainly
+believed in the sincerity of their leaders, but were subsequently doomed
+to be miserably disappointed as regarded the chief of them.
+
+On the 21st of August, 1820, the squadron sailed amidst the enthusiastic
+plaudits of the people, who felt proud that in so short a time the power
+of Spain had not only been humbled, but that they were enabled to
+despatch an army to liberate her principal remaining State.
+
+On the 25th, the squadron hove to off Coquimbo, taking on board another
+battalion of troops. On the 26th we again sailed, when General San
+Martin made known to me his intention of proceeding with the main body
+of the army to Truxillo, a place four degrees to leeward of Lima, where
+the army could have gained no advantage, nor, indeed, have found
+anything to do, except to remain there safe from any attack by the
+Spaniards, who could not approach it by land, whilst the squadron could
+protect it by sea.
+
+By representing to General San Martin that this course would cause great
+dissatisfaction amongst the Chileno officers and men, who expected to be
+landed and led at once against Lima, for the immediate conquest of which
+they were amply sufficient, he consented to give up his plan of
+proceeding to Truxillo, but firmly refused to disembark his men in the
+vicinity of Lima; for what reason I could not then divine. My own plan
+was to land the force at Chilca, the nearest point to Callao, and
+forthwith to obtain possession of the capital; an object by no means
+difficult of execution, and certain of success.
+
+Finding all argument unavailing, we sailed for Pisco, where the
+expedition arrived on the 7th of September, and on the 8th, to my great
+chagrin, the troops were disembarked, and for fifty days remained in
+total inaction! with the exception of despatching Colonel Arenales into
+the interior with a detachment, which, after defeating a body of
+Spaniards, took up a position to the eastward of Lima.
+
+Even on arriving at Pisco, General San Martin declined to enter the
+town, though the Spanish forces consisted of less than three hundred
+men. Landing the troops under Major-General Las Heras, he went down the
+coast in the schooner _Montezuma_ the inhabitants meanwhile retiring
+into the interior, taking with them their cattle, slaves, and even the
+furniture of their houses. This excess of caution excited great
+discontent in the army and the squadron, as contrasting strangely with
+the previous capture of the place, in the preceding year, by
+Lieut.-Colonel Charles and Major Miller, with their handful of men.
+
+On the return of General San Martin, he professed to be greatly
+chagrined at the departure of the inhabitants, and the consequent loss
+of supplies. Instead of attributing this to his own tardy movements, he
+declared his disbelief in the accounts he had received from Peru as to
+the friendly disposition of the inhabitants, even throwing out doubts as
+to the success of the expedition in consequence. It was of the first
+importance to have taken the place immediately, and to have conciliated
+the inhabitants, as the ships were scantily provisioned, and all but
+destitute of other necessary supplies. A detailed account, however, of
+the capture of the place was transmitted to Santiago, where it was duly
+recorded in the official organ as the first feat of the great
+expedition.
+
+During these fifty days the squadron was also necessarily kept in
+inaction, having achieved nothing beyond the capture of a few
+merchantmen along the coast, and a fruitless chase of two Spanish
+frigates, the _Prueba_ and _Venganza_, which I did not follow up, as
+involving risk to the transports during my absence.
+
+This delay was productive of the worst disasters which could have
+befallen the expedition. The people were eager to receive us, and not
+calculating on such tardiness on the part of General Martin--were
+everywhere declaring in our favour; but being unsupported, were fined,
+imprisoned, and subjected to corporal punishment by the Viceroy.
+Rendered cautious by this, they naturally distrusted the force idling
+away its time at Pisco, manifesting reluctance to bring forward the
+requisite supplies, upon which they were treated, by order of General
+San Martin, with military rigour; being thus harassed, the Peruvians
+began to look upon the Chilenos as oppressors in common with the
+Spaniards, to the no small danger of losing every desire for national
+independence.
+
+Nevertheless, on reaching Pisco, Gen. San Martin had promulgated a
+proclamation from the Supreme Director full of fervent appeals to God
+and man as regarded the good intentions of the Chilian Government: the
+following are extracts:--
+
+   "Peruvians, here are the engagements under which Chili--before
+   the Supreme Being--and calling all nations to witness as
+   avengers of any violation of the compact, engages to aid you--setting
+   death and toil at defiance. You shall be free and independent.
+   You shall choose your own government and laws, by the
+   spontaneous will of your representatives. No military or civil
+   influence, direct or indirect, shall your brethren use to influence
+   your social dispositions. You shall dismiss the armed force sent to
+   your assistance the moment you judge proper, without regard to
+   our opinion of your danger or security. Never shall any military
+   division occupy the soil of a free people, unless called for by your
+   lawful magistrate. Neither by ourselves, nor by our aid, shall
+   party opinions which may have preceded your liberty be punished.
+   Ready to overthrow any armed force which may resist your rights,
+   we beseech you to forget all grievances antecedent to the day of
+   your glory, so as to reserve the most severe justice to obstinacy
+   and oppression."
+
+Such, were the inducements held out to the Peruvian people, and such
+was their first experience with regard to their liberators.
+
+Yet even amidst inaction the fruits of demonstration early became
+manifest, a vessel arriving on the 4th of October, from Guayaquil, with
+the intelligence that on receiving news of the sailing of the
+expedition, that province had declared itself independent. Upon the
+arrival of this welcome news, I again begged of General San Martin to
+reimbark the troops and move on Lima, and at length succeeded in
+inducing him to make a move.
+
+Previous to our departure, General San Martin issued the following
+proclamation, here given to shew how promises solemnly entered into
+could afterwards be broken.
+
+   "Peruvians! I have paid the tribute which, as a public man, I
+   owe to the opinion of others, and have shewn what is my object and
+   mission towards you. I come to fulfil the expectations of all those
+   who wish to belong to the country which gave them birth, and who
+   desire to be governed by their own laws. On the day when Peru
+   shall freely pronounce as to the form of her institutions, be they
+   whatever they may, _my functions shall cease_, and I shall have the
+   glory of announcing to the Government of Chili, of which I am a
+   subject, that their heroic efforts have at last received the consolation
+   of giving liberty to Peru, and peace to the neighbouring states."
+
+The troops being reimbarked--on the 28th we sailed from Pisco, and on
+the following day anchored before Callao. After having reconnoitred the
+fortifications, I again urged on General San Martin an immediate
+disembarcation of the force, but to this he once more strenuously
+objected, to the great disappointment of the whole expedition;
+insisting on going to Ancon, a place at some distance to the northward
+of Callao. Having no control over the disposition of the troops, I was
+obliged to submit; and on the 30th, detached the _San Martin,
+Galvarino,_ and _Araucano_, to convoy the transports to Ancon, retaining
+the _O'Higgins, Independencia_, and _Lautaro_, as if for the purpose of
+blockade.
+
+The fact was, that--annoyed in common with the whole expedition--at this
+irresolution on the part of General San Martin, I determined that the
+means of Chili, furnished with great difficulty, should not be wholly
+wasted, without some attempt at accomplishing the objects of the
+expedition; and accordingly formed a plan of attack with the three ships
+which I had kept back--though being apprehensive that my design would be
+opposed by General San Martin, I had not even mentioned to him my
+intentions.
+
+This design was to cut out the _Esmeralda_ frigate from under the
+fortifications, and also to get possession of another ship, on board of
+which we had learned that a million of dollars was embarked for flight,
+if it became necessary; my opinion being that if such display of power
+were manifested, the Spaniards would either surrender the capital or
+abandon it.
+
+The enterprise was hazardous, for since my former visit the enemy's
+position had been much strengthened, no less than 300 pieces of
+artillery being mounted on shore, whilst the _Esmeralda_ was crowded
+with the best sailors and marines that could be procured, these sleeping
+every night at quarters. She was, moreover, defended by a strong boom
+with chain moorings, and by armed blockships; the whole being surrounded
+by twenty-seven gun-boats; so that no ship could possibly get at her.
+
+For three days we occupied ourselves in preparations, still keeping
+secret the purpose for which they were intended. On the evening of 5th
+of November, this was communicated to the ships by the following
+proclamation:--
+
+   "Marines and Seamen,"
+
+   "This night we are going to give the enemy a mortal
+   blow. Tomorrow you will present yourselves proudly before
+   Callao, and all your comrades will envy your good fortune. One
+   hour of courage and resolution is all that is required of you to
+   triumph. Remember, that you have conquered in Valdivia, and be
+   not afraid of those who have hitherto fled from you."
+
+   "The value of all the vessels captured in Callao will be yours,
+   and the same reward in money will be distributed amongst you as
+   has been offered by the Spaniards in Lima to those who should
+   capture any of the Chilian squadron. The moment of glory is
+   approaching, and I hope that the Chilenos will fight as they have
+   been accustomed to do, and that the English will act as they have
+   ever done at home and abroad."
+
+   "COCHRANE."
+
+On issuing this proclamation, it was stated that I should lead the
+attack in person, volunteers being requested to come forward, on which
+the whole of the marines and seamen on board the three ships offered to
+accompany me. As this could not be permitted, a hundred and sixty seamen
+and eighty marines were selected, and after dark were placed in fourteen
+boats alongside the flag-ship, each man armed with cutlass and pistol,
+being, for distinction's sake, dressed in white, with a blue band on
+the left arm. The Spaniards I expected would be off their guard, as, by
+way of _ruse_, the other ships had been sent out of the bay under the
+charge of Captain Foster, as though in pursuit of some vessels in the
+offing--so that the Spaniards would consider themselves safe from attack
+for that night.
+
+At ten o'clock all was in readiness, the boats being formed in two
+divisions, the first commanded by my flag-captain Crosbie, and the
+second by Captain Guise,--my boat leading. The strictest silence, and
+the exclusive use of cutlasses were enjoined; so that, as the oars were
+muffled, and the night dark, the enemy had not the least suspicion of
+the impending attack.
+
+It was just upon midnight when we neared the small opening left in the
+boom, our plan being well-nigh frustrated by the vigilance of a
+guard-boat, upon which my launch had luckily stumbled. The challenge was
+given, upon which, in an under-tone, I threatened the occupants of the
+boat with instant death if they made the least alarm. No reply was made
+to the threat, and in a few minutes our gallant fellows were alongside
+the frigate in line, boarding at several points simultaneously.
+
+The Spaniards were completely taken by surprise--the whole, with the
+exception of the sentries, being asleep at their quarters--and great was
+the havoc made amongst them by the Chileno cutlasses whilst they were
+recovering themselves. Retreating to the forecastle, they there made a
+gallant stand, and it was not until the third charge that the position
+was carried. The fight was for a short time renewed on the
+quarter-deck, where the Spanish marines fell to a man, the rest of the
+enemy leaping overboard and into the hold to escape slaughter.
+
+On boarding the ship by the main chains, I was knocked back by the butt
+end of the sentry's musket, and falling on a thole pin of the boat, it
+entered my back near the spine, inflicting a severe injury, which caused
+me many years of subsequent suffering. Immediately regaining my footing,
+I reascended the side, and when on deck, was shot through the thigh, but
+binding a handkerchief tightly round the wound, managed, though with
+great difficulty, to direct the contest to its close.
+
+The whole affair, from beginning to end, occupied only a quarter of an
+hour, our loss being eleven killed and thirty wounded, whilst that of
+the Spaniards was a hundred and sixty, many of whom fell under the
+cutlasses of the Chilenos before they could stand to their arms. Greater
+bravery I never saw displayed than that of our gallant fellows. Before
+boarding, the duties of all had been appointed, and a party was told off
+to take possession of the tops. We had not been on deck a minute, when I
+hailed the foretop, and was instantly answered by our own men, an
+equally prompt answer being returned from the frigate's maintop. No
+British man-of-war's crew could have excelled this minute attention to
+orders.
+
+The uproar speedily alarmed the garrison, who, hastening to their guns,
+opened fire on their own frigate, thus paying us the compliment of
+having taken it; though, even in this case, their own men must still
+have been on board, so that firing on them was a wanton proceeding, as
+several Spaniards were killed or wounded by the shot of the fortress,
+and amongst the wounded was Captain Coig, the commander of the
+_Esmeralda_--who, after he was made prisoner, received a severe
+contusion by a shot from his own party.
+
+The fire from the fortress was, however, neutralised by a successful
+expedient. There were two foreign ships of war present during the
+contest--the United States frigate _Macedonian_, and the British frigate
+_Hyperion_; and these, as previously agreed on with the Spanish
+authorities in case of a night attack--hoisted peculiar lights as
+signals, to prevent being fired upon. This contingency being provided
+for by us--as soon as the fortress commenced its fire on the
+_Esmeralda_, we also ran up similar lights, so that the garrison became
+puzzled which vessel to fire at; the intended mischief thus involving
+the _Hyperion_ and _Macedonian_, which were several times struck, the
+_Esmeralda_ being comparatively untouched. Upon this the neutral
+frigates cut their cables and moved away; whilst Captain Guise, contrary
+to my orders, cut the _Esmeralda_ cables also, so that there was nothing
+to be done but to loose her top-sails and follow; the fortress then
+ceasing its fire.
+
+My orders were not to cut the cables of the, _Esmeralda_; but after
+taking her to capture the _Maypu_, a brig of war previously taken from
+Chili--and then to attack and cut adrift every ship near, there being
+plenty of time before us; no doubt existing but that when the
+_Esmeralda_ was taken, the Spaniards would desert the other ships as
+fast as their boats would permit them, so that the whole might either
+have been captured or burned. To this end all my previous plans had been
+arranged; but on being placed _hors de combat_ by my wounds, Captain
+Guise, on whom the command of the prize devolved, chose to interpose his
+own judgment, and content himself with the _Esmeralda_ alone, cutting
+her cables without my orders; the reason assigned being, that the
+English had broken into her spirit-room and were getting drunk, whilst
+the Chilenos were disorganized by plundering. It was a great mistake,
+for if we could capture the _Esmeralda_, with her picked and
+well-appointed crew, there would have been little or no difficulty in
+cutting the other ships adrift in succession. It would only have been
+the rout of Valdivia over again, chasing the enemy, without loss, from
+ship after ship, instead of from fort to fort.
+
+The following extract, from the order issued preparatory to the attack,
+will clearly shew the plan frustrated by cutting the _Esmeralda_
+adrift:--
+
+   "On securing the frigate, the Chilian seamen and marines are
+   not to give the Chilian cheer, but to deceive the enemy, and give
+   time for completing the work: they are to cheer '_Viva el Rey_.'"
+
+   "The two brigs of war are to be fired on by the musketry _from
+   the Esmeralda_, and are to be taken possession of by Lieutenants
+   Esmonde and Morgell, in the boats they command; which, being
+   done, they are to cut adrift, run out, and anchor in the offing as
+   quickly as possible. The boats of the _Independencia_ are to turn
+   adrift all the outward Spanish merchant ships; and the boats of the
+   _O'Higgins_ and _Lautaro_, under Lieutenants Bell and Robertson, are to
+   set fire to one or more of the headmost hulks; but these are not to be
+   cut adrift, so as to fall down upon the rest."
+
+  (Signed) "COCHRANE."
+
+By the cutting of the _Esmeralda's_ cables, not one of these objects was
+effected. The captured frigate was ready for sea, with three months'
+provisions on board, and with stores sufficient for two years. She was,
+no doubt, if opportunity offered, intended to convoy the treasure-ship,
+which, by the precipitancy of Captain Guise, we had missed; indeed the
+Spanish Admiral being on board at the time, with his flag flying, was a
+pretty clear proof that she was on the point of departure; instead of
+which, the Admiral, his officers, and 200 seamen were made prisoners,
+the remainder of the crew, originally 370 in number, being killed,
+wounded, or drowned.
+
+An incident occurred during the contest which, at this distance of time,
+I shall not refrain from mentioning. His Britannic Majesty's ship
+_Hyperion_ was so close to the _Esmeralda_, as to be a witness of the
+whole proceeding. A midshipman was standing at the gangway looking on,
+amongst others, when his truly English nature, unable to restrain itself
+as our gallant fellows cleared the forecastle of the enemy, gave vent to
+its expression by clapping his hands in approbation. It was afterwards
+reported that he was immediately ordered below by his commander, Captain
+Searle, who threatened to put him under arrest. Such was the feeling of
+an English commander towards me. I should not have condescended to
+notice this occurrence but for the bravado shown by the same officer on
+a previous occasion, by casting loose his guns, with their tompions out,
+when my flag-ship entered the roads; thereby either intimating that he
+considered me a pirate, or that he would so treat me, if he had an
+opportunity.
+
+When approaching the _Esmeralda_, the British frigate also hailed each
+boat separately, with the evident intention of alarming the enemy; which
+would no doubt have been the case, had not the Spaniards been thrown off
+their guard by the before-mentioned ruse of sending the ships out of the
+bay.
+
+Far different was the conduct of the commander of the United States
+frigate _Macedonian_--whose sentinels did not hail the boats--the
+officers in an under-tone wishing us success; and still more honourable
+was the subsequent testimony of that talented officer, Captain Basil
+Hall, who commanded His Britannic Majesty's ship _Conway_, then in the
+Pacific. This testimony, though in some degree a recapitulation of the
+events already related, but slightly inaccurate as regards the number of
+men employed, I feel proud to adduce:--
+
+   "While the liberating army, under General San Martin, was
+   removing to Ancon, Lord Cochrane, with part of his squadron,
+   anchored in the outer roads of Callao. The inner harbour was
+   guarded by an extensive system of batteries, admirably constructed,
+   and bearing the general name of the 'Castles of Callao.' The
+   merchant ships, as well as the men of war, consisting of the
+   _Esmeralda_, a large 40-gun frigate, and two sloops of war, were
+   moored under the guns of the castle, within a semicircle of fourteen
+   gun-boats, and a boom made of spars chained together."
+
+   "Lord Cochrane, having previously reconnoitred these formidable defences
+   in person, undertook, on the 5th of November, 1820, the desperate
+   enterprise of cutting out the Spanish frigate, although she was known to
+   be fully prepared for an attack. His Lordship proceeded in fourteen
+   boats, containing 240 men--all volunteers from the different ships of
+   the squadron--in two divisions, one under the orders of Captain Crosby,
+   and the other under Captain Guise, both officers commanding the Chileno
+   squadron."
+
+  "At midnight, the boats having forced their way across the boom, Lord
+  Cochrane, who was leading, rowed alongside the first gun-boat, and
+  taking the officer by surprise, proposed to him, with a pistol at his
+  head, the alternative of silence or death. No reply being made, the
+  boats pushed on unobserved, and Lord Cochrane, mounting the
+  _Esmeralda's_ side, was the first to give the alarm. The sentinel on the
+  gangway levelled his piece and fired, but was instantly cut down by the
+  coxwain, and his Lordship, though wounded in the thigh, at the same
+  moment stepped on the deck, the frigate being boarded with no less
+  gallantry on the opposite side by Captain Guise, who met Lord Cochrane
+  midway on the quarter-deck, as also Captain Crosby, and the afterpart of
+  the ship was soon carried, sword in hand. The Spaniards rallied on the
+  forecastle, where they made a desperate resistance, till overpowered by
+  a fresh party of seamen and marines, headed by Lord Cochrane. A gallant
+  stand was again made on the main deck, but before one o'clock the ship
+  was captured, her cables cut, and she was steered triumphantly out of
+  the harbour."
+
+  "This loss was a death-blow to the Spanish naval force in that quarter
+  of the world; for, although there were still two Spanish frigates and
+  some smaller vessels in the Pacific, they never afterwards ventured to
+  shew themselves, but left Lord Cochrane undisputed master of the coast."
+
+On the morning of the 6th a horrible massacre was committed on shore.
+The market-boat of the United States frigate was, as usual, sent for
+provisions, when the mob took it into their heads that the _Esmeralda_
+could not have been cut out without the assistance of the _Macedonian_,
+and, falling upon the boat's crew, murdered the whole of them.
+
+The wounded amongst the _Esmeralda's_ crew were sent on shore under a
+flag of truce, a letter from me to the Viceroy proposing an exchange of
+prisoners being at the same time transmitted. The proposal was this time
+civilly acceded to, and the whole were sent on shore; the Chilian
+prisoners, who had long languished in the dungeons of the fortress,
+being returned, and ordered to join the army of General San Martin.
+
+On transmitting the intelligence of our success to General San Martin, I
+received from him the following acknowledgment of the achievement:--
+
+
+   _10th November, 1820._
+   "My Lord,"
+
+
+   "The importance of the service you have rendered to the
+   country by the capture of the frigate _Esmeralda_, and the brilliant
+   manner in which you conducted the gallant officers and seamen
+   under your orders to accomplish that noble enterprise, on the night
+   of the memorable 5th of November, have augmented the gratitude
+   due to your former services by the Government, as well as that of
+   all interested in the public cause, and in your fame."
+
+   "All those who participated in the risks and glory of the deed,
+   also deserve well of their countrymen, and I have the satisfaction to
+   be the medium of transmitting the sentiments of admiration which
+   such transcendent success has excited in the chiefs of the army
+   under my command. Permit me to express them to you, in order
+   that they may be communicated to the meritorious officers, seamen,
+   and marines of the squadron, to whom will be religiously fulfilled
+   _the promises you made_."
+
+   "It is grievous that, connected with the memory of so glorious
+   a deed, regret for those who shed their blood in its achievement
+   should enter; but let us hope that such thoughts will be dissipated,
+   by your adding further deeds of glory to the country, and to your
+   name."
+
+   "God preserve you many years."
+
+   "JOSE DE SAN MARTIN."
+
+
+San Martin's expression of religiously fulfilling the "promises I
+made," is in allusion to the promise, signed by himself, which had been
+exacted previous to the departure of the squadron from Valparaiso, that
+the men should have a year's pay given to them. With the preceding
+letter General San Martin voluntarily sent another promise to the
+captors, of 50,000 dollars, to be paid on gaining possession of Lima.
+Neither the one promise nor the other were ever fulfilled, nor did they
+ever obtain any prize-money.
+
+To the Administration in Chili General San Martin wrote as follows:--
+
+
+   "Head Quarters, Supe, Dec. 1, 1820.
+    Senor Minister,"
+
+
+   "I have the honour of forwarding to you the despatches
+   of the Right Hon. Lord Cochrane, Vice-Admiral of the squadron,
+   relative to the heroic capture of the frigate _Esmeralda_, by boarding
+   her under the batteries of Callao."
+
+   "It is impossible for me to eulogise in proper language the daring
+   enterprise of the 5th of November, by which Lord Cochrane
+   has decided the superiority of our naval forces--augmented the
+   splendour and power of Chili--and secured the success of this
+   campaign."
+
+   "I doubt not that His Excellency the Supreme Director will
+   render the justice due to the worthy chief, his officers, and other
+   individuals who have had a share in that successful action."
+
+   "I beg you will honour me by congratulating His Excellency on
+   this important success, and principally on account of the influence
+   it will have on the great object which occupies his attention."
+
+   "JOSE DE SAN MARTIN."
+
+   "To Don Jose Ignacio Zenteno,
+   Minister of Marine."
+
+Soon after my departure for Peru, Lady Cochrane undertook a journey
+across the _Cordillera_, to Mendoza, the passes being, at that season,
+often blocked up with snow. Having been entrusted with some despatches
+of importance, she pushed on rapidly, and on the 12th of October arrived
+at the celebrated _Ponte del Inca_, 15,000 feet above the level of the
+sea. Here the snow had increased to such an extent as to render farther
+progress impossible, and her ladyship was obliged to remain at a
+_Casucha_, or strong house, built above the snow for the safety of
+travellers; the intense cold arising from the rarity of the atmosphere,
+and the absence of all comfort--there being no better couch than a dried
+bullock's hide--producing a degree of suffering which few ladies would
+be willing to encounter.
+
+Whilst proceeding on her mule up a precipitous path in the vicinity, a
+Royalist, who had intruded himself on the party, rode up in an opposite
+direction and disputed the path with her, at a place where the slightest
+false step would have precipitated her into the abyss below. One of her
+attendants, a tried and devoted soldier, named Pedro Flores, seeing the
+movement, and guessing the man's intention, galloped up to him at a
+critical moment, striking him a violent blow across the face, and thus
+arresting his murderous design. The ruffian finding himself vigorously
+attacked, made off, without resenting the blow, and so, no doubt,
+another premeditated attempt on Lady Cochrane's life was averted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+SAN MARTIN'S VIOLATION OF TRUTH--REMOVAL OF BLOCKADE--SPANISH
+DEPRESSION--TROOPS DYING OF FEVER--SAN MARTIN'S DESIGNS ON
+GUAYAQUIL--MUTINOUS CONDUCT OF OFFICERS--REFUSAL TO OBEY
+ORDERS--DEPOSITION OF VICEROY--SAN MARTIN GIVES ME TROOPS--JEALOUSY OF
+SAN MARTIN--ATTACK ON ARICA--CAPTURE OF TACNA--CAPTURE OF
+MOQUEGA--REFUSAL OF MORE MEN--AN ARMISTICE RATIFIED--DISTRESS OF
+LIMA--DISSATISFACTION OF THE ARMY--LADY COCHRANE--GOES INTO THE
+INTERIOR--DANGEROUS POSITION--LADY COCHRANE IN ACTION--DEVOTION OF
+SEAMEN.
+
+
+On the 8th of November I went to Ancon with our prize, this being hailed
+with great enthusiasm by the army, which--now that the Spanish naval
+force had received, what even the Spaniards themselves considered its
+death blow--made certain that it would be at once led against Lima,
+before the authorities recovered from their consternation. To their
+mortification--no less than my own--General San Martin, in defiance of
+all argument to the contrary, ordered the troops on board the
+transports, having decided on _retreating to Huacho!_ whither the
+_O'Higgins_ and _Esmeralda_, abandoning the blockade, had to convoy
+them. In place of prompt action--or rather demonstration, for the
+occupation of the city would have amounted to little more--he issued a
+proclamation, promising, as before, the most perfect freedom to the
+Peruvian people if they would join him:--
+
+  "Spaniards, your destiny is in your own hands. I come not to declare
+  war against the fortunes and persons of individuals. The enemy of the
+  liberty and independence of America alone is the object of the vengeance
+  of the arms of the PATRIA. I promise you in the most positive manner,
+  that your property and persons shall be inviolable, and that you shall
+  be treated as respectable citizens, if you co-operate in the great
+  cause," &c. &c.
+
+By the 12th the army was again disembarked, amidst evident
+manifestations of dissatisfaction on the part of the officers, who were
+naturally jealous of the achievements of the squadron, from being
+themselves restrained from enterprise of any kind. To allay this feeling
+General San Martin had recourse to an almost incredible violation of
+truth, intended to impress upon the Chilian people, that the army, and
+not the squadron, had captured the _Esmeralda!_--indeed stating as much
+in words, and declaring that the whole affair was the result of his own
+plans, to which I had agreed! though the truth is, that doubting his
+confidants, I had concealed from him my intentions of making the attack.
+The following is an extract from the bulletin issued to the army:--
+
+   "Before the General-in-Chief left the Vice-Admiral of the
+   Squadron, _they agreed on the execution of a memorable project,
+   sufficient to astound intrepidity itself!_ and to make the history of
+   the liberating expedition of Peru eternal!"
+
+   "Those valiant soldiers who for a length of time have suffered
+   with the most heroic constancy the severest oppression, and the
+   most inhuman treatment in the dungeons of Casas-matas, have just
+   arrived at our head-quarters. Flattering promises of liberty, and
+   the threats of death, were not sufficient to destroy their loyalty to
+   their country; they have waited with firmness the day on which
+   their companions in arms should rescue them from their misery, and
+   revenge the insults which, humanity has received in their persons.
+   This glory was reserved _to the liberating army, whose efforts have
+   snatched from the hands of tyranny these respectable victims._ Let
+   this be published for the satisfaction of these individuals, _and that
+   of the army, to whose arms they owe their liberty_."
+
+It thus went forth to the people of Chili, that the army captured the
+frigate, and subsequently released the prisoners, though not a man in
+the whole force had the most distant idea that an attack was even
+contemplated, much less could it have co-operated, seeing that it was
+far away in cantonments! This bulletin excited the astonishment of the
+troops; but as it contributed to their _amour propre_, by representing
+to the Chilian people that the achievement which had been effected was
+due to them, they accepted it; whilst I thought it beneath me to refute
+a falsehood palpable to the whole expedition. It had, however, as
+General San Martin no doubt calculated, the effect of allaying, for the
+moment, a dissatisfaction which foreboded serious consequences.
+
+On the 15th we again sailed from Huacho, to renew the blockade at
+Callao, beyond which nothing could be done; though even this was of
+importance, as cutting off supplies from the capital, the inhabitants of
+which, in consequence of the privations they were subjected to, caused
+great uneasiness to the Viceregal Government.
+
+Several attempts were now made to entice the remaining Spanish naval
+force from their shelter under the batteries, by placing the _Esmeralda_
+apparently within reach, and the flag-ship herself in situations of some
+danger. One day I carried her through an intricate strait called the
+Boqueron, in which nothing beyond a fifty-ton schooner was ever seen.
+The Spaniards, expecting every moment to see the ship strike, manned
+their gun-boats, ready to attack as soon as she was aground, of which
+there was little danger, for we had found, and buoyed off with small
+bits of wood invisible to the enemy, a channel through which a vessel
+could pass without much difficulty.
+
+On the 2nd of December the _Esmeralda_, being in a more than usually
+tempting position, the Spanish gun-boats ventured out in the hope of
+recapturing her, and for an hour maintained a smart fire; but on seeing
+the _O'Higgins_ manoeuvring to cut them off, they precipitately
+retreated.
+
+The preceeding successes caused great depression amongst the Spanish
+troops, and on the following day the battalion of Numantia, numbering
+650 disciplined men, deserted in a body, and joined the Chilian forces
+at Chancay. On the 8th, forty Spanish officers followed their example;
+and every day afterwards, officers, privates, and civilians of
+respectability, joined the patriot army, which thus became considerably
+reinforced; the defection of so large a portion of his troops being a
+severe loss to the Viceroy.
+
+On the 6th, Colonel Arenales, who, after his previous success, had
+marched into the interior, defeated a division of the royalist army at
+Pasco. On his proceeding to Huamanga, the authorities fled, and the
+inhabitants declared themselves independent. Tarma was next abandoned,
+and followed the same example, as did Huanuco, Cuenca, and Loxa;
+whilst, on the news of the capture of the _Esmeralda_ arriving at
+Truxillo, that important province also revolted, under the direction of
+the Spanish governor, the Marquis of Torre Tagle.
+
+Notwithstanding this succession of favourable events, General San Martin
+still declined to march on Lima, remaining inactive at Haura, though the
+unhealthy situation of the place was such, that nearly one-third of his
+troops died of intermittent fever, during the many months they remained
+there. In place of securing the capital, where the army would have now
+been welcomed, he proposed to send half the army to Guayaquil, in order
+to annex that province, this being the first manifestation on the part
+of General San Martin to found a dominion of his own--for to nothing
+less did he afterwards aspire, though the declared object of the
+expedition was to enable the South Pacific provinces to emancipate
+themselves from Spain, leaving them free to choose their own
+governments, as had been repeatedly and solemnly declared, both by the
+Chilian Government and himself.
+
+Finding that I would not consent to avert the naval force from the
+purposes to which it was destined, the project was abandoned; but the
+troops which had advanced to Chancay were ordered to fall back on Haura,
+this step being actually a further retreat as regarded the position of
+the Spanish forces, which thus managed to check further desertion by
+apprehending and shooting all who attempted it.
+
+Still General San Martin was determined, if possible, to accomplish his
+views on Guayaquil. Two deputies, Tomas Guido and Colonel Luzuriago,
+were despatched with complimentary messages to Torre Tagle and others,
+warning them against the designs of Bolivar, whose success in the north
+led San Martin to fear that he might have designs on Peru. The deputies
+were strictly enjoined to represent that if such were Bolivar's
+intention, Guayaquil would only be regarded as a conquered province;
+whilst, if the people of that place would adhere to him, he would, on
+the fall of Lima, make it the _principal port of a great empire_, and
+that the establishment of the docks and arsenals which _his navy_ would
+require, would enrich the city beyond measure. They were at the same
+time exhorted to form a militia, in order to keep out Bolivar.
+
+By way of conciliating me, General San Martin proposed in a flattering
+way to call the captured frigate the "_Cochrane_," as two vessels before
+had been named the "_San Martin_," and "_O'Higgins_;" but to this I
+demurred, as acquiescence in such a proceeding might in the estimation
+of others have identified me with any course the general might be
+inclined to pursue, and I had already formed my conjectures as to what
+were evidently his future purposes. Finding me firm in declining the
+proffered honour, he told me to give her what name I thought proper; but
+this was also refused, when he said, "Let her be called the
+'_Valdivia_,' in memory of your conquest of that place;" her name was
+accordingly changed from the _Esmeralda_ to the _Valdivia_.
+
+The command of the frigate had been given to Captain Guise; and after
+her change of name, his officers wrote to him a letter deprecating the
+name, and alleging, that as they had nothing to do with the conquest of
+Valdivia, it ought to be withdrawn, and one more consonant with their
+feelings substituted. This letter was followed by marked personal
+disrespect towards myself, from the officers who had signed it, who made
+it no secret that the name of Guise was the one sought to be
+substituted.
+
+As the conversations held by these officers with the rest of the
+squadron were of such a derogatory nature as regarded my character and
+authority, as might lead to serious disorganization, I brought the whole
+of the officers who had signed the letter to a court-martial, two being
+dismissed the service, the remainder being dismissed the ship, with a
+recommendation to General San Martin for other appointments.
+
+During the arrest of these officers, I had determined upon an attack
+upon the fortifications of Callao, intending to carry them by a coup de
+main, similar to that which had succeeded at Valdivia, and having, on
+the 18th, taken soundings in the _Potrillo_, was convinced of the
+feasibility of the plan.
+
+On the 20th, this intention was notified by an order, stating that on
+the following day I should make the attack with the boats of the
+squadron and the _San_ _Martin_, the crew of which received the order
+with loud cheers, volunteers for the boats eagerly pressing forward from
+all quarters.
+
+In place of preparing to second the operations, Captain Guise sent me a
+note refusing to serve with any other but the officers under
+arrest--stating that unless they were restored, he must resign his
+command. My reply was that I would neither restore them nor accept his
+resignation, without some better reason for it than the one alleged.
+Captain Guise answered, that my refusal to restore his officers was a
+sufficient reason for his resignation, whereupon I ordered him to weigh
+anchor on a service of importance; the order being disobeyed on the
+ground that he could no longer act, having given over the command of the
+ship to Lieutenant Shepherd. Feeling that something like a mutiny was
+being excited, and knowing that Guise and his colleague, Spry, were at
+the bottom of the matter, I ordered the latter to proceed with the
+_Galvarino_ to Chorillos, when he also requested leave to resign, as
+"his friend Captain Guise had been compelled so to do, and he had
+entered the Chilian navy conditionally to serve only with Captain Guise,
+under whose patronage he had left England." Such was the state of mutiny
+on board the _Galvarino_, that I deputed my flag-captain, Crosbie, to
+restore order, when Spry affected to consider himself superseded, and
+claimed exemption from martial law. I therefore tried him by
+court-martial, and dismissed him from the ship.
+
+The two officers now made their way to head-quarters, where General San
+Martin immediately made Spry his naval _aide-de-camp_, thus promoting
+him in the most public manner for disobedience to orders, and in
+defiance of the sentence of the court-martial; this being pretty
+conclusive proof that they had been acting under the instructions of
+General San Martin himself, for what purpose will appear in the course
+of the narrative. The course now pursued by General San Martin
+sufficiently showed that the disturbance previously made at Valparaiso
+emanated also from himself, and that in both cases the mutinous officers
+felt quite secure in his protection; though I will do both the credit of
+supposing them ignorant at the time of the treacherous purposes of which
+they were afterwards the instruments.
+
+Knowing that I should take their punishment into my own hands if they
+returned to the squadron, General San Martin kept both about his own
+person at head-quarters, where they remained.
+
+So dissatisfied were the Spanish troops at Lima with the government of
+their Viceroy, Pezuela, to whose want of military capacity they absurdly
+attributed our successes, that they forcibly deposed him, after
+compelling him to appoint General Lacerna as his successor. The deposed
+Viceroy wishing to send his lady and family to Europe, applied to
+General San Martin for a passport, to avoid capture by the Chilian
+squadron. This was refused; but Lady Cochrane having arrived at Callao
+in the British frigate _Andromache_, to take leave of me previous to
+her departure for England, the Viceroy's lady, Donna Angela, begged of
+her Ladyship to use her influence with the General to obtain leave for
+her departure for Europe. Lady Cochrane immediately proceeded to Haura,
+and effected the object; after which she remained for a month at
+head-quarters, residing at the house of a Peruvian lady, Donna Josefa
+Monteblanco.
+
+A passage was also, by Lady Cochrane's influence, procured for the lady
+in the _Andromache_, on board which ship Captain Sherriff politely
+invited me to meet her. At this interview the ex-Vicequeen expressed her
+surprise at finding me "a gentleman and _rational being_ and not the
+_ferocious brute_ she had been taught to consider me!" A declaration,
+which, from the unsophisticated manner in which it was made, caused no
+small merriment in the party assembled.
+
+As I was determined not to be idle, General San Martin was with some
+difficulty prevailed upon to give me a division of 600 troops, under the
+command of Lieutenant-Colonel Miller. On the 13th of March we sailed for
+Pisco, of which, on its previous abandonment by the army, after a
+useless sojourn of fifty days, the enemy had again taken possession. On
+the 20th it was retaken, when it was found that the Spaniards had
+severely punished the alleged defection of the inhabitants for
+contributing to the supplies of the patriot force during its stay. Not
+imagining that we should return, the Spanish proprietors of estates had
+brought back their cattle, of which we managed to seize some 500 head,
+besides 300 horses for the use of the Chilian forces, the squadron thus
+supplying their wants instead of remaining in total inaction.
+
+Previous to going to Pisco, I had again urged on General San Martin to
+advance on Lima, so convinced was I of the goodwill of the inhabitants.
+On his refusal, I begged him to give me 2,000 men, with whom I offered
+to take the capital, but this was also declined. I then offered to
+undertake the capture of Lima with 1,000 men, but even this was refused,
+and the detachment under Colonel Miller was only given to me to get rid
+of my importunity. Of this detachment I however determined to make the
+most before our return.
+
+The only way of accounting for this indisposition on the part of General
+San Martin to place an adequate military force at my disposal, was the
+reason current amongst the officers of the army, who were all eager to
+place themselves under my orders; viz. the violent jealousy which caused
+him to look upon me as a rival, though without reason, as I should
+certainly not have attempted to interfere with him in the government of
+Peru when its reduction was complete. Suspicious himself he could not
+trust me, employing every effort to lessen my reputation amongst his
+officers, and endeavouring to the utmost to prevent the squadron from
+gathering fresh laurels; even sacrificing his own reputation to this
+insane jealousy, by preventing anything being done in which I could take
+part.
+
+On the 18th I shifted my flag into the _San Martin_, and leaving the
+_O'Higgins_ and _Valdivia_ at Pisco to protect the troops, sailed for
+Callao, where we arrived on the 2nd of April. On the 6th, we again
+attacked the enemy's shipping under the batteries, and did them
+considerable damage, but made no further attempt to gain possession of
+them, as I had other aims in view. After this demonstration, the object
+of which was to deter them from quitting their shelter, we returned to
+Pisco.
+
+General San Martin having now given me discretionary power to do what I
+pleased with the few troops placed at my disposal, I determined on
+attacking Arica, the southernmost port of Peru. Reimbarking the troops,
+and abandoning Pisco, we sailed on the 21st, and on the 1st of May
+arrived off Arica, to the Governor of which I sent a summons to
+surrender, promising to respect persons and personal property. As this
+was not complied with, an immediate bombardment took place, but without
+any great effect, as, from the difficulties of the port, it was
+impracticable to get sufficiently near to the fortifications.
+
+After a careful survey, the _San Martin_ was on the 6th, hauled nearer
+in shore, and some shells were thrown over the town by way of
+intimidation. As this had not the desired effect, a portion of the
+troops was landed at Sama, to the northward of the town, being followed
+by Colonel Miller with the remainder, and Captain Wilkinson with the
+marines of the _San Martin_; when the enemy fled, and the patriot flag
+was hoisted on the batteries. We took here a considerable quantity of
+stores, and four Spanish brigs, besides the guns of the fort and other
+detached artillery. A quantity of European goods, belonging to the
+Spaniards at Lima, was also seized and put on board the _San Martin_.
+
+On the 14th Colonel Miller, with the troops and marines, advanced to
+Tacna, and by my directions took possession of the town, which was
+effected without opposition, two companies of infantry deserting the
+royalist cause and joining his force. These I ordered to form the
+nucleus of a new regiment, to be called the "Tacna Independents."
+
+Learning that the Spanish General Ramirez had ordered three detachments
+from Arequipa, Puno, and La Paz, to form a junction at Tacna, to execute
+the usual Spanish order--to "drive the insurgents into the sea"--Miller
+determined on attacking them separately. The Arequipa detachment, under
+Colonel Hera, was fallen in with at Maribe, and immediately routed, the
+result being that nearly the whole were killed or taken prisoners,
+together with four hundred mules and their baggage. In this affair we
+lost a valued officer, Mr. Welsh, an assistant surgeon, who had
+volunteered to accompany the detachment. This gentleman was sincerely
+mourned by all, and his early death was a great loss to the patriot
+service.
+
+This action was fought none too soon, for before it was over the other
+detachments from Puno and La Plaz appeared in sight, so that the
+patriots had to face a fresh enemy. With his usual promptness Miller
+despatched Captain Hind, with a rocket party, to oppose their passage of
+a river; when, finding that the Arequipa detachment had been cut up,
+the royalists remounted their mules and decamped, in the direction of
+Moquega.
+
+On the 22nd Miller pursued the runaway royalists, and, on the 24th,
+entered Moquega, by a forced march of nearly a hundred miles, where he
+found the enemy, deserted by their colonel. Notwithstanding the fatigue
+of the Chilenos, an instant attack was made, when the whole, with the
+exception of about twenty killed, were made prisoners. The inhabitants
+at once gave in their adherence to the cause of independence, their
+Governor, Colonel Portocarrera, being the first to set the example.
+
+On the 25th Colonel Miller learned that a Spanish force was passing
+Torata, about fifteen miles distant, when, coming up with them on the
+following day, they were all taken prisoners or dispersed, as were also
+those who had fled from Arica, numbering four hundred men; so that in
+less than a fortnight after landing at Arica, the patriot forces had
+killed and made prisoners upwards of one thousand of the royalist army,
+by a series of difficult forced marches, and amidst hunger and
+privations of every kind, which were cheerfully borne by the Chilenos,
+who were no less inspired by a love of country than with attachment to
+their commander. The result was the complete submission of the Spaniards
+from the sea to the Cordilleras, Arica forming the key to the whole
+country.
+
+Having ascertained that Colonel Miller was at Moquega, I took the _San
+Martin_ to Ilo, from which anchorage the patriot force was supplied
+with everything requisite. The sick were taken on board the brigs
+captured at Arica, as were also the Spanish colonels, Sierra and Suares,
+who had been taken prisoners, but whom I liberated on their _parole_,
+not to serve again until regularly exchanged.
+
+It has been said that, before sailing to Arica, I had procured from
+General San Martin discretionary powers to do as I pleased with the
+troops placed at my disposal. My object was believed to be to create a
+diversion in favour of the general, but this was the least part of my
+intention; for, as the army had remained inactive from its first landing
+in Peru--with the exception of the detachment under Colonel
+Arenales,--no diversion would have been of much use. I wrote to the
+Government at Santiago for 1,000 men, or, if these could not be sent,
+for 500, and also for 1,000 stand of arms, of which there was abundance
+in the arsenal to equip recruits, who would have been forthcoming; and
+with these we could, with the greatest ease, have secured the whole of
+the southern provinces of Peru, the people being warmly disposed in our
+favour. I therefore told the Government that with such a force, we could
+hold the whole of Lower Peru, and gain eventual possession of Upper
+Peru. My request was refused, on the false ground that the Government
+had no means to equip such an expedition, and thus the good will
+manifested by the natives was thrown away.
+
+In spite of this neglect, I determined to persevere, relying upon
+sacrifices made by the Peruvians themselves in our favour. General
+Ramirez was actively engaged in drawing men from distant garrisons to
+act against our small force, which was suffering severely from ague.
+Nevertheless, every effort was made again to advance into the
+interior--a number of recruits from the adjacent provinces having been
+enrolled--and everything promised a general revolt in favour of
+independence, when the Governor of Arequipa communicated to us
+intelligence that an armistice had been agreed upon for twenty days,
+between General San Martin and the Viceroy Lacerna. This happening just
+at the moment when hostilities could have been carried on with the
+greatest effect, and we were preparing to attack Arequipa itself--was
+annoying in the extreme; the more so, as the application had come from
+the Viceroy, who, being the first to receive intelligence of our
+success, had, no doubt, deceived General San Martin into the
+arrangement, in order to check our operations in the South.
+
+This armistice was ratified on the 23rd of May, and sent by express to
+the Governor of Arequipa, the unusual haste proving the object of the
+Viceroy in persuading General San Martin to its ratification. To have
+regarded the armistice as a preliminary to the independence of Peru was
+a great mistake on the part of General San Martin, as the Viceroy
+Lacerna had no more power to acknowledge the absolute independence of
+the Colonists, than had his predecessor; and therefore the object of the
+armistice could have been none other than to put a stop to our progress,
+thereby giving the Spanish generals time to collect their scattered
+forces, without any corresponding advantage to the patriot cause.
+
+Being thus reluctantly reduced to inaction, I dropped down to Mollendo,
+where we found a neutral vessel taking in corn for supplying the city of
+Lima, which city, from the vigilance of the squadron, was reduced to
+great straits, as shewn in an address from the _Cabildo_ to the
+Viceroy:--"The richest and most opulent of our provinces has succumbed
+to the unopposable force of the enemy, and the remaining provinces are
+threatened with the same fate; whilst this suffering capital of Lima is
+undergoing the horrible effects of a rigorous blockade, hunger,
+robberies, and death. Our soldiers pay no respect to the last remains of
+our property, even our oxen, indispensable for the cultivation of the
+land, being slain. If this plague continues, what will be our lot--our
+miserable condition?" From this extract it is plain that Lima was on the
+point of being starved out by the squadron, whilst the inhabitants
+foresaw that, although the army of General San Martin was inactive, our
+little band in the south would speedily overrun the provinces, which
+were willing to second our efforts in favour of independence.
+
+To return to the shipment of wheat for the relief of Lima. On
+ascertaining the fact, I wrote to the Governor of Arequipa, expressing
+my surprise that neutrals should be allowed to embark provisions during
+an armistice; the reply being that the most positive orders should be
+given to put a stop to it, upon which I retired from Mollendo, but
+leaving an officer to keep watch, and finding that the embarkation was
+persisted in, I returned and shipped all the wheat found on shore. The
+consequence of this was that Colonel La Hera, with 1,000 royalists, took
+possession of Moquega, on pretence that I had broken the armistice.
+
+My private advices from head quarters informed me that the
+dissatisfaction of the Chilian army was daily increasing, on account of
+their continued inaction, and from jealousy at our success; knowing
+also, that the capital of Peru was, from the straits to which it was
+reduced, as well as from inclination, eager to receive them. General San
+Martin nevertheless declined to take advantage of the circumstances in
+his favour, till dissension began to assume the character of
+insubordination. A daily toast at the tables of the officers was, to
+those who fight for the liberties of Peru, not those who write. "_A los
+que pelean por la libertad del Peru, no los que escriven_." General San
+Martin, aware of the state of feeling in the army, went on board the
+schooner _Montezuma_, for the re-establishment of his health.
+
+I was further informed that the Viceroy was negociating with General San
+Martin for the prolongation of the armistice to _sixteen months_, in
+order to give time for communication with the Court of Madrid, to
+ascertain whether the parent state would consent to the independence of
+Peru! At the same time official information was forwarded to me that a
+further prolongation of twelve days had been conceded.
+
+Feeling certain that there was something wrong at head-quarters, I
+determined to proceed to Callao for the purpose of learning the true
+state of affairs, leaving Colonel Miller to return to Arica, and in case
+of emergency, victualling and equipping the prizes, so as to be in
+readiness, if necessary, for the reception of his troops.
+
+During my absence Lady Cochrane sailed for England, partly for the sake
+of her health, but more for the purpose of obtaining justice for me, for
+in addition to the persecution which I had undergone, a "Foreign
+Enlistment Bill" had been passed, the enactments of which were
+especially aimed at my having engaged in a service which had for its
+object the expulsion of Spain, then in alliance with England, from her
+Colonies in the Pacific.
+
+As an incident relating to her Ladyship has been mentioned in the
+"Memoirs of General Miller," I may be pardoned for giving it as narrated
+in that work.
+
+   "On the 25th, six hundred infantry and sixty Cavalry, all picked
+   men, were placed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Miller,
+   who received directions to embark on a secret service under the
+   orders of Lord Cochrane, and proceeded to Huacho. On the day
+   after his arrival there, and whilst he was inspecting the detachments
+   in the Plaza, Lady Cochrane galloped on to the parade to speak to
+   him. The sudden appearance of youth and beauty on a fiery
+   horse, managed with skill and elegance, absolutely electrified
+   the men, who had never before seen an English lady. '_Que
+   hermosa! Que graciosa! Que linda! Que airosa! Es un angel del
+   cielo_!' were exclamations which escaped from one end of the line
+   to the other. Colonel Miller, not displeased at this involuntary
+   homage to the beauty of his countrywoman, said to the men, 'This
+   is our _generala_;' on which her Ladyship, turning to the line,
+   bowed to the troops, who no longer confining their expressions of
+   admiration to suppressed interjections, loud _vivas_ burst from officers
+   and men, to which Lady Cochrane, smiling her acknowledgments, cantered
+   off the ground like a fairy."
+
+In the month of February, during my absence, Lady Cochrane, tired of the
+crowded villages occupied by the liberating army, undertook a journey
+into the interior, in the hope that change of air might prove
+advantageous to our infant child, which was in a precarious state of
+health. She performed the journey on horseback, under the intense heat
+of a vertical sun, across a desert, impeded by the precipitous beds of
+torrents which intersect the country in every direction. On her arrival
+at Quilca, she was most hospitably received by the Marchioness de la
+Pracer, who placed her palace and every luxury at Lady Cochrane's
+disposal.
+
+In the midst of the festivities which followed, her child was taken
+dangerously ill, whilst no medical assistance of any kind was at hand.
+On this she determined to return to the coast, and seek the aid of an
+English or Spanish physician, but as the Royalist army was advancing
+towards the direction necessary to be taken, this was judged
+impracticable till they had passed.
+
+Whilst her Ladyship was in this state of suspense, information was
+received that the Royalists, having gained intelligence that she was at
+Quilca, had determined to seize her and her infant that very evening,
+and to detain them as hostages. This intelligence arrived just as a
+large party was assembled in the ball-room, when, with a decision which
+is one of her chief characteristics, Lady Cochrane ordered a
+_palanquin_--presented to her by the Marquis of Torre Tagle--to be got
+ready instantly, and placing the child and its nurse in it, she
+despatched them under the protection of a guard. Leaving the ball-room
+secretly, she changed her dress, immediately following on horseback with
+relays of her best horses.
+
+Travelling all night and the following day without intermission, the
+party came to one of those swollen torrents which can only be crossed by
+a frail bridge made of cane-rope, a proceeding of extreme danger to
+those who are not well accustomed to the motion produced by its
+elasticity. Whilst the party was debating as to how to get the palanquin
+over, the sound of a Royalist bugle was heard close at hand. Lady
+Cochrane sprang to the palanquin, and taking out her suffering infant,
+rushed on to the bridge, but when near the centre, the vibration became
+so great that she was compelled to lie down, pressing the child to her
+bosom--being thus suspended over the foaming torrent beneath, whilst in
+its state of vibration no one could venture on the bridge. In this
+perilous situation, Pedro, the faithful soldier of whom mention has been
+previously made, seeing the imminent danger of her Ladyship, begged of
+her to lie still, and as the vibration ceased, crept on his hands and
+knees towards her Ladyship, taking from her the child, and imploring her
+to remain motionless, when he would bring her over in the same way; but
+no sooner had he taken the child, than she followed, and happily
+succeeded in crossing, when the ropes being cut, the torrent was
+interposed between her and her pursuers.
+
+All travellers agree in describing these torrent bridges as most
+perilous. They are constructed of six elastic cane or hide ropes, four
+of which, with some sticks laid across, form the floor, and two the
+parapet. Only one person can pass at a time, and as the weight of the
+passenger causes the bridge to belly downwards, he remains suspended as
+it were in an elastic bag, from which it requires considerable skill to
+extricate himself with safety. Mules and horses cannot go over at all,
+but are hauled through the torrent with ropes.
+
+Having reached the coast in safety, Lady Cochrane came down to me at
+Callao. Whilst she was on board, I received private information that a
+ship of war laden with treasure was about to make her escape in the
+night. There was no time to be lost, as the enemy's vessel was such an
+excellent sailer that, if once under weigh, beyond the reach of shot,
+there was no chance of capturing her. I therefore determined to attack
+her, so that Lady Cochrane had only escaped one peril ashore to be
+exposed to another afloat. Having beat to quarters, we opened fire upon
+the treasure-ship and other hostile vessels in the anchorage, the
+batteries and gun-boats returning our fire, Lady Cochrane remaining on
+deck during the conflict. Seeing a gunner hesitate to fire his gun,
+close to which she was standing, and imagining that his hesitation from
+her proximity might, if observed, expose him to punishment, she seized
+the man's arm, and directing the match fired the gun. The effort was,
+however, too much for her, as she immediately fainted, and was carried
+below.
+
+The treasure-vessel having been crippled, and the gun-boats beaten off,
+we left off firing and returned to our former anchorage, Lady Cochrane
+again coming on deck. As soon as the sails were furled, the men in the
+tops, and the whole crew on deck, no doubt by preconcerted arrangement,
+spontaneously burst forth with the inspiring strains of their national
+anthem, some poet amongst them having extemporized an alteration of the
+words into a prayer for the blessing of Divine providence on me and my
+devoted wife; the effect of this unexpected mark of attachment from five
+hundred manly voices being so overwhelming as to affect her Ladyship
+more than had the din of cannon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+RETURN TO CALLAO--LIMA ABANDONED--HESITATION OF GEN. SAN MARTIN TO
+OCCUPY THE CITY--LOSS OF THE SAN MARTIN--EXCESSES OF THE
+SPANIARDS--PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE--SAN MARTIN ASSUMES AUTOCRATIC
+POWER UNDER THE TITLE OF PROTECTOR--MY REMONSTRANCE--HIS REPLY--MUTINOUS
+STATE OF THE SQUADRON FROM NEGLECT.
+
+
+We arrived at Callao on the 2nd of July, when learning that Lima was no
+longer tenable from want of provisions, and that an intention existed on
+the part of the Viceroy to abandon it, I forebore to make any hostile
+demonstration which might interfere with such decision, and withdrew to
+a distance from the port, awaiting the result, which could not be far
+distant, as the people had become clamorous, and all hope of assistance
+from Spain was abandoned.
+
+Having, however, learned, on the 5th of July, that an attempt was being
+made by the Viceroy to obtain a still further prolongation of the
+armistice, I again entered the bay with the _San Martin_--my former
+flag-ship, the _O'Higgins_, being absent on the coast.
+
+On the 6th the Viceroy abandoned the city, retaining, however, the
+fortresses at Callao, the garrison of which was reinforced from the
+troops which had evacuated Lima; a large quantity of warlike stores
+being also deposited in the forts, thus securing greater efficiency
+than before.
+
+To the astonishment of the Peruvians and Chilenos, no movement was made
+by the liberating army to take possession of the Capital; and as the
+Spanish troops were withdrawn, whilst no government existed, serious
+disorders were anticipated, so that the _Cabildo_ applied to Capt. Basil
+Hall, then in command of the British ship of war _Conway_, for his
+assistance to maintain tranquillity and protect public and private
+property. Captain Hall immediately despatched a party of marines, who
+contributed to maintain order.
+
+General San Martin having been apprised by the Viceroy of his intention
+to abandon the capital, had entered the harbour in the schooner
+_Sacramento_, but nevertheless gave no orders for its occupation. On the
+7th a detachment of cavalry, _without orders_, entered Lima, and those
+on the 8th were followed by another detachment of infantry.
+
+On working up to the port on the 8th, I was surprised to find General
+San Martin still afloat in his schooner, though the liberating army was
+now entering the city in a body, and the occupation was complete;
+General San Martin remained on board till the evening of the 10th, when
+he privately landed.
+
+As the forts at Callao were still in the possession of the enemy, I made
+preparations to attack them, and to destroy the shipping still sheltered
+under them. Aware of my intentions, the garrison, on the 11th, sank the
+_San Sebastian_, the only frigate left in the harbour, in order to
+prevent her falling into our hands On the following day, the
+_O'Higgins, Lautaro, Puyrredon_, and _Potrillo_ arrived, so that the
+squadron was again complete.
+
+It was mentioned in the last chapter that I had seized a considerable
+quantity of wheat at Mollendo, on account of a breach of the armistice.
+This was still on board, and the city being in a state of famine,
+General San Martin directed that the wheat, of which there were upwards
+of two thousand _fanegas_, should be landed at the Chorillos free of
+duty. As the _San Martin_ was deeply laden, I objected to this from the
+dangerous nature of the anchorage, but more especially, that the only
+anchor on board was made from the remains of two broken anchors lashed
+together; this objection was nevertheless overruled, and, as I had
+anticipated, she went ashore at Chorillos, where, from the heavy swell
+which set in, she became a total wreck.
+
+On the 17th I received an invitation from the _Cabildo_ to visit the
+city, and on landing, found that preparations had been made to give the
+visit the character of a public entry, carriages being provided, with
+deputations from the various corporations. Finding this to be the case,
+I declined entering Lima in a manner so ostentatious, as General San
+Martin had entered the city privately by night. I was, however,
+compelled to hold a _levee_ at the palace, where the compliments of the
+established authorities and principal inhabitants were tendered to me.
+General San Martin declined to attend this complimentary manifestation,
+remaining at La Legua, about halfway between Lima and Callao, where he
+had established his head quarters; probably considering such honours out
+of place towards one whom as Captain-General he might regard as a
+subordinate, and the more so, as no such compliment had been offered to
+himself.
+
+On the following day, General San Martin directed a civic guard to be
+organized in place of the Spanish guard which had evacuated the city,
+the Marquis of Torre Tagle being appointed its commandant. At the same
+time the General retained the whole of the liberating army, though had
+even a portion of these followed the retreating Spaniards, the greater
+part would have joined the patriot standard--it being afterwards
+ascertained that Colonel Rodil who commanded them, had shot great
+numbers in the attempt to desert; even the patriot guerilla parties,
+unaided, had defeated those who were kept together; so that had a
+division of the liberating army been sent to co-operate with the
+guerillas, the entire Spanish force might have been annihilated, in
+place of forming the _nucleus_--as they afterwards did--of a force
+which, after my departure from Chili, threatened not only the
+independence of Peru, but even that of the Chilian Republic itself.
+
+Being thus unopposed, and the towns which had given in their adhesion to
+the cause of independence being left defenceless--the retreating
+Spaniards committed great excesses amongst the inhabitants of the
+interior, who found themselves exposed to more than the rigours of
+martial law, without the least attempt for their protection; though a
+promise of this had formed one of the principal inducements for
+throwing off their allegiance to the Viceroy, at whose mercy--or rather
+want of it--they now found themselves exposed.
+
+In place of protecting the Peruvians in the interior, a number of highly
+inflated proclamations were issued, in which it was left to be inferred
+that the city had been taken by hard fighting, though not a blow had
+been struck, except by the detachment of Colonel Arenales and the
+squadron, whose vigilance of blockade and previous actions had so
+dispirited the enemy and reduced them to such straits, that abandonment
+of the capital was inevitable. Nor was the large force present even
+required to maintain Lima, the inhabitants having for a long period been
+subjected to miseries which they had no disposition to re-encounter.
+
+But General San Martin had other views in retaining the army than
+protecting those who had confided in his promises; the military force
+being required for very different purposes to that which had been set
+forth in his proclamations and in those entrusted to him by the Chilian
+government.
+
+On the 24th I ordered Captain Crosbie to proceed to Callao in the boats,
+and cut out as many of the enemy's vessels as he could bring away. The
+service was gallantly performed, for on the following day he brought out
+two large merchantmen, the _San Fernando_ and _Milagro_, and the sloop
+of war _Resolucion_, together with several launches; burning moreover
+two vessels within musket shot of the batteries.
+
+On the 27th, the _Cabildo_ sent me an invitation to be present at the
+public proclamation of the independence of Peru. As their letter fully
+recognises the obligations of the Limenos to the services of the
+squadron,--I shall transcribe it:--
+
+   "Lima is about to solemnize the most august act which has been
+   performed for three centuries, or since her foundation; this is the
+   proclamation of her independence, and absolute exclusion from
+   the Spanish government, as well as from that of any other foreign
+   potentate, and this _Cabildo_--wishing the ceremony to be conducted
+   with all possible decorum and solemnity, _considers it necessary that
+   your Excellency, who has so gloriously co-operated in bringing about
+   this highly desired object_, will deign to assist at the act with your
+   illustrious officers, on Saturday, the 28th instant."
+
+Imagining that myself and officers had been mainly instrumental in
+establishing the independence of Peru--for I had in vain urged the
+Captain-General to action, as far as the army was concerned, the
+invitation was accepted, but judge of my surprise at the ceremony, when
+medals were distributed, ascribing to General San Martin and the army
+the whole credit of having accomplished that which the squadron had
+achieved! The inscription on the medals was as follows.--"Lima secured
+its independence on the 28th of July, 1821, under the protection of
+_General San Martin and the liberating army_." The declaration of
+independence was however complete, according to the promises and
+intentions of the Chilian government. On hoisting the national flag,
+General San Martin pronounced the following words:--"Peru is from this
+moment free and independent, by the general vote of the people, and by
+the justice of her cause, which God defend."
+
+The inhabitants of Lima were in a state of great delight at this
+termination of centuries of Spanish misrule, and that their independence
+of action was fully recognized as had been stipulated by Chili. As a
+mark of gratitude, a deputation from the _Cabildo_, on the next day
+waited on General San Martin, offering him, in the name of the
+inhabitants of the capital, the first presidency of their now
+independent state. To the astonishment of the deputation they were
+curtly told that their offer was altogether unnecessary, as he had
+_already taken the command, and should keep it as long as he thought
+proper, whilst he would allow no assemblies for the discussion of public
+matters_. The first act of the freedom and independence so
+ostentatiously proclaimed on the previous day, being the establishment
+of a despotic government, in which the people had neither voice nor
+share; and this by the General of a Republic which existed only by the
+will of the people!
+
+In this extraordinary assumption of power I had not been at all
+consulted, probably because it was known that I would not countenance
+anything but carrying out intact the intentions of the Supreme Director
+of Chili as declared in his proclamations. It now became evident to me
+that the army had been kept inert for the purpose of preserving it
+entire to further the ambitious views of the General, and that with the
+whole force now at Lima the inhabitants were completely at the mercy of
+their pretended liberator, but in reality their conqueror.
+
+As the existence of this self-constituted authority was no less at
+variance with the institutions of the Chilian Republic than with its
+solemn promises to the Limenos, I again shifted my flag on board the
+_O'Higgins_, determined to adhere solely to the interests of Chili; but
+not interfering in any way with General San Martin's proceedings till
+they interfered with me in my capacity as Commander in Chief of the
+Chilian navy.
+
+On the 3rd of August, General San Martin issued a proclamation to the
+same effect as his declaration to the now extinct _Cabildo_; setting
+forth that although it was abundantly notorious that he aspired only to
+retirement and tranquillity, nevertheless a moral responsibility
+required him to unite all government in his own person, and he therefore
+declared himself "Protector of Peru," with Don Juan Garcia del Rio, Don
+Bernardo Monteagudo, and Don Hipolito Unanue, as his three ministers of
+state.
+
+Being at the time on board the flag-ship, I knew nothing of this
+proclamation; but as the squadron had not been paid their twelve months'
+wages, nor the 50,000 dollars promised by General San Martin, I went on
+shore on the 4th of August, to make the demand on behalf of the
+squadron, the seamen having served their time. Being ignorant of the
+self-imposed title which General San Martin had assumed, I frankly
+asked him to devise some means for defraying these payments.
+
+I forbear personally to relate what passed at this interview; but as my
+secretary was present, and on his return to England published an account
+thereof, which is in every respect substantially true, I will give it in
+his words:--
+
+
+   "On the following morning, August 4th, Lord Cochrane, uninformed
+   of the change which had taken place in the title of San
+   Martin, visited the palace, and began to beg of the General in
+   Chief to propose some means for the payment of the foreign seamen,
+   who had served their time and fulfilled their contract. To this,
+   San Martin answered, that 'he would never pay the Chilian
+   squadron unless it was sold to Peru, and then the payment should
+   be considered part of the purchase money!' To this Lord Cochrane
+   replied, that 'by such a transaction the squadron of Chili
+   would be transferred to Peru by merely paying what was due to the
+   officers and crews for services done to that state.' San Martin knit
+   his brows, and turning to his two ministers, Garcia and Monteagudo,
+   ordered them to retire, to which his Lordship objected, stating that
+   'as he was not master of the Spanish language, he wished them to
+   remain as interpreters, fearful that some expression, not rightly
+   understood, might be considered offensive.' San Martin now turned
+   round to the Admiral, and said--'Are you aware, my Lord, that I
+   am Protector of Peru?'--'No,'--said his Lordship, 'I ordered my
+   secretaries to inform you of it,' returned San Martin. 'That is
+   now unnecessary, for you have personally informed me,' said his
+   Lordship; 'I hope that the friendship which has existed between
+   San Martin and myself will continue to exist between the Protector
+   of Peru and myself.' San Martin then--rubbing his hands--said,
+   'I have only to say, that I am Protector of Peru!'"
+
+   "The manner in which this last sentence was expressed, roused
+   the Admiral, who, advancing, said--'Then it becomes me, as
+   senior officer of Chili, and consequently the representative of the
+   nation, to request the fulfilment of all the promises made to Chili
+   and the squadron; but first--and principally--the squadron.' San Martin
+   returned--'Chili! Chili! I will never pay a single _real_ to Chili! As
+   to the squadron, you may take it where you please, and go where you
+   choose; a couple of schooners are quite enough for me;' '_Chili! Chili,
+   yo nunca pagare 'un real a Chili! y en quanto a la esquadra, puede V
+   llevarla donde quiere, e irse quando guste, con un par de golestas me
+   basta a mi_.'"
+
+   "On hearing this, Garcia left the room, and Monteagudo walked to the
+   balcony. San Martin paced the room for a short time and turning to his
+   Lordship, said,--'Forget, my Lord, what is past.' The admiral
+   replied--'I will, when I can,' and immediately left the palace."
+
+   His Lordship was now undeceived by the man himself; the repeated reports
+   he had heard of his past conduct crowded on his imagination, and knowing
+   what might be attempted, from what had been already done, his Lordship
+   agreed with me, that his life was not safe ashore. He therefore
+   immediately took horse--rode to Boca Negra, and went on board his
+   frigate[1].
+
+[Footnote 1: "_Twenty Years Residence in South America_,"
+by W.B. STEVENSON, Secretary to Lord Cochrane, Vice-Admiral of Chili,
+&c. &c. 1825.]
+
+One thing has been omitted in the preceding narrative. General San
+Martin, following me to the staircase, had the temerity to propose to me
+to follow his example--viz. to break faith with Chilian Government to
+which we had both sworn--to abandon the squadron to his interests--and
+to accept the higher grade of "First Admiral of Peru." I need scarcely
+say that a proposition so dishonourable was declined; when in a tone of
+irritation he declared that "he would neither give the seamen their
+arrears of pay, nor the gratuity he had promised."
+
+On arriving at the flag-ship, I found the following official
+communication, requesting me to fire a salute in honour of San Martin's
+self-elevation to the protectorship:--
+
+   Lima, 4th Aug. 1821.
+   MY LORD,
+
+   His Excellency the Protector of Peru commands
+   me to transmit to you the annexed organic decree, announcing his
+   exaltation to the Supreme Authority; in order that the squadron
+   may be informed of this momentous event, and that the new
+   Government may be acknowledged by the naval department under
+   your command, belonging to the Republic of Chili.
+
+   I hope, that duly estimating this high act, you will cause it to be
+   celebrated with all the dignity which is compatible with the martial
+   usage of the naval service.
+
+   (Signed) MONTEAGUDO.
+   Attested by the _Rubrica_ of the Protector.
+
+Though this was a request to acknowledge General San Martin as invested
+with the attributes of a Sovereign Prince, I complied with it in the
+hope that quiet remonstrance might recal him to a sense of duty to the
+Chilian Government, no less than to his own true interests. On the 7th
+of August, I addressed to him the following letter:--
+
+
+   Callao Roads, 7th Aug. 1821.
+   MY DEAR GENERAL,
+
+   I address you for the last time under your late designation,
+   being aware that the liberty I may take as a friend might
+   not be deemed decorous to you under the title of "Protector," for I
+   shall not with a gentleman of your understanding take into account,
+   as a motive for abstaining to speak truth, any chance of your
+   resentment. Nay, were I certain that such would be the effect of this
+   letter, I would nevertheless perform such an act of friendship, in
+   repayment of the support you gave me at a time when the basest
+   plots and plans were laid for my dismissal from the Chilian Service,
+   for no other reason than that certain influential persons of shallow
+   understanding and petty expedients hate those who despise mean
+   acts accomplished by low cunning.
+
+   Permit me, my dear General, to give you the experience of
+   eleven years during which I sat in the first senate in the world,
+   and to say what I anticipate on the one hand, and what I fear
+   on the other, nay, what I foresee; for that which is to come, in
+   regard to the acts of Governments and Nations, may as certainly
+   be predicted from history, as the revolutions of the solar system.
+   You have it in your power to be the Napoleon of South America,
+   as you have it in your power to be one of the greatest men now
+   acting on the theatre of the world; but you have also the power
+   to choose your course, and if the first steps are false, the eminence
+   on which you stand will, as though from the brink of a precipice,
+   make your fall the more heavy and the more certain.
+
+   The rocks on which the South American Government have
+   split have hitherto been bad faith, and consequent temporary
+   expedients. No man has yet arisen, save yourself, capable of
+   soaring aloft, and with eagle eye embracing the expanse of the
+   political horizon. But if in your flight, like Icarus, you trust to
+   waxen wings, your descent may crush the rising liberties of Peru,
+   and involve all South America in anarchy, civil war, and political
+   despotism.
+
+   The real strength of Government is public opinion. What
+   would the world say, were the Protector of Peru, as his first act, to
+   cancel the bonds of San Martin, even though gratitude may be a
+   private and not a public virtue? What would they say, were the
+   Protector to refuse to pay the expense of that expedition which
+   placed him in his present elevated situation? What would they
+   say, were it promulgated to the world that he intended not even to
+   remunerate those employed in the navy which contributed to his
+   success.
+
+   What good can be arrived at by a crooked path that cannot be
+   attained by a straight and open way? Who has advised a tortuous
+   policy and the concealment of the real sentiments and intentions of
+   Government? Has an intriguing spirit dictated the refusal of pay
+   to the Chilian navy, whilst the army is doubly paid? Is it proposed
+   thus to alienate the minds of the men from their present service, and
+   by such policy to obtain them for the service of Peru? If so, the
+   effect will, I predict, be the contrary, for they have looked, and do
+   look, to Peru for their remuneration, and, if disappointed, they will
+   feel accordingly.
+
+   See to what a state the Senate had brought the beautiful and
+   fertile province of Chili. Nay, had not their notorious want of
+   faith deprived them, notwithstanding their mines, their confiscated
+   and public lands, of the means possessed even by the Spanish
+   Government, and of the credit necessary to procure a dollar in any
+   foreign country, or even in their own? I say, therefore, my dear
+   General, that whoever has advised you to commence your Protectorship
+   with devices unworthy of San Martin, is either a thoughtless
+   or a wicked man, whom you should for ever banish from your
+   counsels.
+
+   My dear General, look to the flattering addresses presented by
+   the servile of all countries to the most base in power. Think not
+   that it is to the person of San Martin that the public are attached.
+   Believe not, that without a straight and dignified course you can
+   obtain the admiration or love of mankind. So far yet you have
+   succeeded, and, thank God, it is in your power to succeed yet
+   farther. Flatterers are more dangerous than the most venomous
+   serpents, and next to them are men of knowledge, if they have not
+   the integrity or courage to oppose bad measures, when formally
+   discussed, or even when casually spoken of.
+
+   What political necessity existed for any temporary concealment
+   of the sentiments of Government in regard to the fate of the
+   Spaniards in Peru? Were not the army and the people ready to
+   support your measures, and did not the latter call aloud for their
+   expulsion? Believe me, my dear General, that after your
+   declaration, even the seizing on Spanish property belonging to
+   those who remain, is an act which ought not to be resorted to without
+   crime on their part subsequently committed.
+
+   In the feelings of my breast no man can deceive me. Of the sentiments
+   of others, I judge by my own, and I tell you what they are
+   as an honest man and a friend.
+
+   I could say much to you, my dear General, on other subjects of
+   little inferior importance, but as the foregoing are the only acts
+   immediately contemplated of which I have acquired a knowledge,
+   and which are, in their consequences, ruinous, I shall, at present,
+   only add, that had kings and princes but one man in their
+   dominions who would, on all occasions, utter the naked truth,
+   multifarious errors would be avoided, and the mischief to mankind
+   would be infinitely less.
+
+   You will plainly perceive that I have no personal interests in
+   these, or any other points, at variance with yours; but, on the
+   contrary, if I were base and interested, I have now taken a decisive
+   and irrevocable step to ruin my prospects; having no other security
+   for such not being the consequence of my candour save my good
+   opinion of your judgment and your heart.
+
+   Believe me, under all circumstances, your attached friend,
+
+   COCHRANE.
+
+To this letter, on the 9th of August, General San Martin replied as
+follows:--
+
+   Lima, 9th August, 1821.
+
+   My Lord,
+
+
+   The best proof of friendship that can be given by
+   you is the sincere announcement of your opinions as to the course
+   I should follow in my new political character.
+
+   Assuredly you have not erred, when, under the title of Protector,
+   you do not anticipate any change in my personal character. Happily,
+   the alteration is only in a name, which, in my opinion, was
+   required for the benefit of the country; and if, in the character in
+   which you have known me, you have met with _civility_ and frankness,
+   it would be an injustice to deny me confidence, having always
+   listened to you as an enlightened person, experienced in the world;
+   especially as you do me justice in enabling me to make observations
+   on the spirit of your last communication.
+
+   I am aware that good faith in one who presides over a nation, is
+   the vital spirit of its prosperity; and as, in this respect, a singular
+   current of success has called me temporarily to the supreme magistracy
+   of this country, I should renounce the advantages acquired
+   and betray my principles, if vanity or servile acquiescence in bad
+   advice were to induce me to deviate from the social interests of
+   Peru, and so expose it to the evils which in such case you dread.
+
+   I know, my Lord, that one cannot fly with waxen wings. I perceive
+   the course I ought to pursue, and that, however great the
+   advantages already gained, there are rocks which, _without the aid of
+   prudence and good faith_, must be encountered.
+
+   By good fortune, I have not forgotten the maxim of religiously
+   adhering to the word of a gentleman, which, as General, has been
+   the pivot on which my anticipations have rested.
+
+   It now behoves me to explain my engagements towards the
+   Chilian squadron, to which, it is very gratifying to declare that
+   Peru, in part, owes its liberty; an acknowledgment which would
+   have been made on the medals coined, if, in the hurry of business,
+   _I had been able to give my attention to the subject of the inscription
+   that was presented to me as a model!_ You yourself have heard me
+   eulogise its merits and services.
+
+   I have offered to the crews of the squadron of Chili twelve
+   months' pay, as an acknowledgment of its services, and am employed
+   in providing the means, and also in endeavouring to collect the
+   reward of 50,000 dollars which _you_ offered to the seamen who should
+   capture the _Esmeralda_, and I am not only disposed to pay these sums,
+   but to recompense valour displayed in the cause of the country.
+
+   But you know, my Lord, that the wages of the crews do not
+   come under these circumstances, and that I--_never having engaged
+   to pay the amount--am not obliged to do so!_ That debt is due from
+   Chili, whose government engaged the seamen. Although it may
+   be just, in the state of its finances, to indemnify Chili in some
+   degree for the expeditionary expenses, that will be, for me, an
+   agreeable consideration; but in no degree will I acknowledge a right
+   to claim arrears of pay!
+
+   If I could forget the services of the squadron, and the sacrifices
+   of Chili, I should manifest ingratitude, which, neither as a public
+   or private virtue will I ever forego; but it is as imprudent to lavish
+   rewards, as to withhold them from the meritorious. I am engaged
+   in finding means to realize measures as regards the squadron, which
+   I intend to propose to the Supreme Government of Chili, and thus
+   conciliate all interests.
+
+   Your affectionate friend,
+   JOSE DE SAN MARTIN.
+   To Lord Cochrane, Vice-Admiral of Chili.
+
+In this letter, San Martin attributes his usurpation to a "singular
+current of success;" omitting to state that he neither achieved one
+blow, nor devised one plan which led to it, whilst he had all along
+offered it every obstruction in his power. He declares that the
+arrogation of the fall of the Spaniards, attributed by the inscription
+on the medal to the army and himself, was a mistake, brought about by
+"his not being able, in the hurry of business, to give attention to the
+model presented to him;" whereas the inscription was his own writing,
+after days of deliberation and consultation with others, who advised him
+not to mention the squadron in the inscription.
+
+In this letter he repudiates all connection with Chili, though he had
+sworn fidelity to the republic as its Captain General. He denies ever
+having engaged to pay the squadron their wages, though on no other
+condition had it put to sea from Valparaiso, and his own handwriting to
+this specific promise was accepted as the inducement. Though himself an
+officer of Chili, he treats Chili as a state with which he had nothing
+to do, whose debts he declares that he will not pay, as he had
+previously told me on the 4th of August; finally, he says that he will
+propose to Chili to pay its own seamen! As to his promises to give the
+men a twelvemonths' pay in acknowledgment of their services, this was
+neither intended nor given; whilst, as to the 50,000 dollars promised to
+the captors of the _Esmeralda_, which he is "endeavouring to collect,"
+he had long before "collected" many times the amount from the old
+Spaniards--who had offered a similar reward for the capture of any
+vessels of the Chilian squadron--and kept it. Fortunately, his own
+letters prove these matters, which otherwise I should have hesitated to
+mention, unsupported by testimony so irrefutable.
+
+General San Martin afterwards denied to the Chilian Government that he
+refused, on the 4th of August, to pay the squadron. Here is the same
+assertion, in his own handwriting, on the 9th! During the whole of this
+time the squadron was in a state of literal destitution; even the
+provisions necessary for its subsistence being withheld from it, though
+the Protector had abundant means of supplying them; but his object was
+to starve both officers and men into desertion--so as to accelerate the
+dismemberment of the squadron which I would not give up to his ambitious
+views.
+
+The sound advice contained in my letter General San Martin never
+forgave--and he afterwards fell exactly as I had predicted--there was no
+merit in the prophecy, for similar causes lead to like effects. Adhering
+to my own duty, I felt that I was free from his command, and determined
+to follow no other course than to carry out, as far as lay in my power,
+the pledge of the Chilian Government to the Peruvian people.
+
+Concealing for the present his resentment, and reflecting that the forts
+of Callao were still in the hands of the Spaniards, the Protector
+endeavoured to explain away the disagreeable nature of our interview on
+the 4th of August, by asserting, "that he only said, or meant to say,
+that it might be interesting to Chili to _sell some of her vessels of
+war to Peru_, because the latter wanted them for the protection of her
+coasts;" adding, that "the Government of Chili would at all times devote
+their squadron to the furtherance of the cause of Peru." He repeated,
+that the arrears of pay to the squadron should be liquidated, as well as
+the rewards which had been promised.
+
+As none of these were forthcoming, the squadron began to shew symptoms
+of mutiny at the conduct of the Protector. On the 11th of August I wrote
+to him, apprising him of the increasing discontent of the seamen, again
+requesting payment. On this a decree was issued, ordering one-fifth of
+the customs receipts to be set aside for the joint pay of the army and
+navy, but as the fortress and port of Callao were in the hands of the
+Spaniards, these receipts were most insignificant, and the measure was
+rightly regarded by the squadron as a subterfuge.
+
+To this communication the Protector replied, on the 13th of August--at
+the same time hinting that I might _reconsider_ my refusal to accept the
+command of the contemplated Peruvian navy.
+
+The subjoined is his letter:--
+
+  Lima, 13th of August, 1821. MY LORD,
+
+  In my official letter addressed to you on the disagreeable business of
+  paying the squadron, which causes us so much uneasiness, I have told you
+  that it is impossible to do as we wish. I have nothing to add, unless my
+  previous declaration, that I shall never view with indifference any
+  thing that interests you. I told you in Valparaiso, that "your lot
+  should be equal to mine" and I believe myself to have proved that my
+  intentions have not varied--nor can vary, because every day renders my
+  actions more important.
+
+  No, my Lord, I do not view with indifference anything which concerns
+  you, and I shall be deeply grieved, if you do not wait till I can
+  onvince you of the truth. If, however, in despite of all this, you
+  determine on the course, which, at our interview a few days ago, you
+  proposed to take, it will be for me a difficulty from which I cannot
+  extricate myself, but I hope that--_conforming yourself to my
+  wishes_--you will conclude the work begun, on which our common lot
+  depends.
+
+  Adieu, my Lord, I repeat that I am, with sincere esteem, your eternal
+  friend,
+
+  JOSE DE SAN MARTIN.
+
+The assertion, that he could not satisfy the seamen, was a subterfuge;
+he had abundance of money, derived from the wholesale spoliation of the
+Spaniards, to which indefensible course I had alluded in my letter of
+August 7th. He also hoped that "_conforming to his wishes_," I would
+accept the appointment of "First Admiral;" the consequence of
+which--together with the decree transferring the Chilian
+officers--without their consent--to the service of Peru, would have been
+to turn over to his Government the Chilian squadron.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+TAMPERING WITH CHILIAN OFFICERS--THE ARCHBISHOP OF LIMA--HIS
+EXPULSION--NEGOCIATION FOR SURRENDER OF THE FORTS--THIS
+COUNTERACTED--SAN MARTIN'S BOMBASTIC PROCLAMATIONS--HIS REFUSAL TO
+ENCOUNTER THE ENEMY--THE SPANIARDS RELIEVE CALLAO--DELUSIVE
+PROCLAMATION--THE UNBLUSHING FALSEHOOD--SPANIARDS CARRY OFF THE
+TREASURE--DISCONTENT OF THE SQUADRON.
+
+
+Finding that I was indisposed to acknowledge his self-assumed authority,
+and still less to contribute to measures which would, in effect, have
+deprived Chili of the Navy, which by her patriotic sacrifices had been
+created, the Protector issued a proclamation, again _promising_ the
+payment of arrears to the seamen, and a pension for life to the
+officers, _acknowledging them as officers of Peru_! No inference can be
+drawn from this other than a direct intimation to the officers to desert
+from the Chilian service.
+
+The following are extracts from the proclamation, which was published in
+a Gazette Extraordinary of August 17th, 1821:--
+
+   "The Army and Squadron of Chili united, have, at last, completed
+   the oath which they took, to liberate Peru, and have raised it to
+   the rank which justice and the interests of the world demand.
+   Their constancy and heroism will hand them down to posterity
+   with gratitude. I should be deficient in my political duty, did
+   I not manifest the appreciation due to their transcendent deeds,
+   promoting the interests of both hemispheres."
+
+   "1. The State of Peru acknowledges as a national debt the
+   arrears of the Army and Squadron, as well as the promises made by
+   me to both."
+
+   "2. All the property of the State, and also twenty per cent, on
+   the revenue, are pledged to the extinction of these debts."
+
+   "3. All the officers of the Army and Squadron who sailed with
+   the liberating expedition, and now remain in them, _are acknowledged
+   as officers of Peru_."
+
+   "4. Those comprehended in the preceding articles, and those
+   employed in the said cause, shall receive, during the period of their
+   lives, a pension of half their full pay, awarded on leaving Valparaiso,
+   which pension shall be paid even in the case of their settling in a
+   foreign country."
+
+   "5. All shall receive a medal," &c, &c.
+
+Not a penny of the arrears and the other emoluments promised, was,
+however, paid to the squadron; nor was any intended to be paid, the
+object being to get the officers quietly to transfer themselves from the
+Chilian squadron to the service of the Protector, on the strength of the
+promises made: and, in this, he was ably seconded by his instruments,
+Guise and Spry, who, in defiance of their desertion, and the sentence of
+court-martial on the latter, had been retained near his person for the
+accomplishment of this object.
+
+One of the most fearless opponents of the Protector was the Archbishop
+of Lima, an excellent man, much beloved by the people--who made no
+secret of his indignation at the usurpation which had taken place,
+despite all the promises of Chili, declared "before God and man"--as
+well as those of the Protector himself, to "leave the Peruvians free as
+regarded their own choice of Government." As the honest prelate
+denounced, in no measured terms, the despotism which had been
+established in the place of the liberty guaranteed, it was determined
+to get rid of him.
+
+The first step was an order to the Archbishop, dated August 22, 1821, to
+close all the houses of spiritual exercises. This was politely refused;
+but, at the same time, the prelate stated, that if any confessor
+disturbed public order, he would take the requisite measures for his
+punishment. On the 27th, the Archbishop was told in reply, that "the
+Protector's orders were irrevocable, and he must at once decide on the
+line of conduct he intended to adopt."
+
+On the 1st of September, the prelate, in an admirable letter, told the
+Protector, that "the principal obligation of a bishop was to defend the
+deposit of doctrine and faith which had been confided to him, and, if
+threatened by any great potentate, to remonstrate with respect and
+submission, to the end that he might not be a participator in crime by a
+cowardly condescension. God had constituted bishops as the pastors and
+guards of the flock, and he tells us, that we are not to be cowards in
+the presence of the greatest potentates on earth, but, if necessary, we
+must shed our blood, and lay down our lives, in so just a cause;
+anathematizing us, on the contrary, as dumb dogs who do not bark when
+the spiritual health of the flock is in danger."
+
+The end of this was, that the Protector urged on the Archbishop to
+resign, promising him a vessel to convey him to Panama; relying on which
+promise, he sent in his resignation, and was ordered to quit Lima in
+twenty-four hours! As the promise of a conveyance to Panama was broken,
+the Archbishop embarked in a merchant vessel for Rio de Janeiro,
+addressing to me the following letter previous to his departure.
+
+   Chancay, Nov. 2, 1821.
+
+   My dear Lord,
+
+
+   The time is arrived for my return to Spain, the Protector
+   having granted me the necessary passport. The polite
+   attention which I owe to your Excellency, and the peculiar
+   qualifications which adorn and distinguish you, oblige me to
+   manifest to you my sincere regard and esteem.
+
+   In Spain, if God grant that I arrive in safety, I request that you
+   will deign to command me. On leaving this country, _I am convinced
+   that its independence is for ever sealed_. This I will represent to the
+   Spanish Government, and to the Papal See, and will do all in my
+   power to preserve the tranquillity, and to further the views, of the
+   inhabitants of America, who are dear to me.
+
+   Deign, my Lord, to receive these sentiments as emanating from
+   the sincerity of my heart, and command
+
+   Your obliged servant and Chaplain,
+   BARTOLOME MARIA DE LAS HERAS.
+
+
+This forcible expulsion of the Archbishop was an act of political folly,
+as being tantamount to a declaration that he was too good a man to
+countenance the designs of those who had usurped an unjust dominion over
+his flock. Had the promises of Chili been carried out in their
+integrity, both the Archbishop and his clergy would have used all their
+influence to promote the cause of liberty--not more from interest than
+inclination. The expression of the Archbishop, that "the independence of
+Peru was _for ever_ sealed," was, however, erroneous. Tyranny is not
+composed of enduring materials.
+
+The Bishop of Guamanga, who resided at Lima, was also ordered to leave
+Peru within eight days, without reason assigned, and thus the
+opposition of the Church was got rid of, though not without deep feeling
+on the part of the Limenos, who were, however, powerless to help their
+clergy or themselves.
+
+The affairs of the squadron becoming every day worse, and a mutinous
+spirit being excited from actual destitution, I endeavoured to obtain
+possession of the castles of Callao by negociation, offering to the
+Spanish Commandant permission to depart with two-thirds of the property
+contained in the fort, on condition of the remainder, together with the
+forts, being given up to the Chilian squadron. My object was to supply
+the crews with the absolute necessaries, of which they stood in need
+from the evasive conduct of the Protector, who continued to withhold,
+not only pay, but provisions, though the squadron had formed the ladder
+on which he had ascended to his present elevated position. There were
+large sums and a vast amount of plate in the possession of the Spanish
+garrison,--the wealthy citizens of Lima--fearing their liberators--having
+deposited both in the forts for security. A third of this would have
+relieved us from our embarrassments. The vessels were, in fact, in want
+of stores of every kind, their crews being without animal food, clothing,
+or spirits, indeed their only means of subsistence was upon money
+obtained from the Spanish fugitives, whom I permitted to ransom themselves
+by surrendering a third only of the property with which they were escaping.
+
+As soon as my offer to the Spanish Commandant, La Mar, became known to
+the Protector--in order to counteract it, and ensure the success of his
+design to starve out the Chilian squadron, and so procure its transfer
+to himself--he offered La Mar unlimited and unconditional protection,
+both as to persons and property, on purchase of letters of citizenship!
+The Commandant, therefore, rejected my proposal, and the hope of
+obtaining a sufficient sum for the payment of the seamen, and for
+refitting the ships, was frustrated.
+
+General San Martin afterwards accused me to the Chilian Government of
+aiming at the possession of the fortress of Callao, for the purpose of
+setting at defiance the Government of Peru! This was ridiculous; though,
+had it been my object, it would have been perfectly consistent with my
+duty to Chili, from which State the Protector of Peru had cast off his
+allegiance. My object was simply to obtain means to subsist the
+squadron; though, had I obtained possession of the forts, I would most
+certainly have dictated to General San Martin the fulfilment of his
+promises; and should as certainly have insisted on his performing his
+solemn engagement to the Peruvians, of giving them the free choice of
+their own government.
+
+He also accused me of wishing to appropriate the sum proposed to be
+surrendered by the Spanish Commandant to my own use, though the seamen
+were in a state of mutiny from actual starvation! Instead of
+contributing to this useful end, as before the Protector's interference
+La Mar was not unwilling to do, the Spaniards were afterwards permitted
+to retire unmolested with the whole of their treasure; and to this, the
+most discreditable act which ever sullied the name of a military
+commander, we now come. As the whole transaction has been well described
+by another writer, who was present throughout, I prefer extracting his
+words, in order to prevent any suspicion of mental bias which I may be
+supposed to entertain on the subject:--
+
+   "The Spanish army at Janja, in the beginning of September,
+   spread alarm in Lima, from advices received of their movements.
+   It appeared that they were determined to attack the capital, and on
+   the 5th of September the following proclamation was issued at
+   head-quarters by the Protector:--"
+
+   "Inhabitants of Lima,"
+
+   "It appears that the justice of heaven, tired of tolerating for so long
+   a time the oppressors of Peru, now guides them to destruction. Three
+   hundred of those troops who have desolated so many towns, burnt so many
+   temples, and destroyed so many thousands of victims, are at San Mateo,
+   and two hundred more at San Damian. If they advance on this capital,
+   it will be with the design of immolating you to their vengeance (San
+   Martin had 12,000 troops to oppose them), and to force you to purchase
+   at a high price your decision, and enthusiasm for independence. Vain
+   hope! The valiant who have liberated the illustrious Lima, those who
+   protect her in the most difficult moments, know how to preserve her
+   against the fury of the Spanish army. Yes, inhabitants of this capital,
+   my troops will not abandon you; _they and myself are going to triumph
+   over that army which--thirsty of our blood and property, is advancing;
+   or we will perish with honour, for we will never witness your
+   disgrace_. In return for this noble devotion, and that it may receive
+   the favourable success of which it is worthy, all we require of you is,
+   union, tranquillity, and efficacious co-operation. This alone is
+   necessary to ensure the felicity and splendour of Peru."
+
+   "SAN MARTIN."
+
+
+   "On the morning of the 10th, Lord Cochrane received on board
+   the _O'Higgins_ an official communication, informing him that the
+   enemy was approaching the walls of Lima, and repeating the
+   request that his Lordship would send to the army every kind of
+   portable arms then on board the squadron, as well as the marines
+   and all volunteers; because the Protector was '_determined to bring
+   the enemy to an action, and either conquer or remain buried in the
+   ruins of what was Lima_.' This heroic note was, however, accompanied
+   by a private one from Monteagudo, containing a request that
+   the boats of the vessels of war might be kept in readiness, and a
+   look out placed on the beach of Boca Negra."
+
+   "Lord Cochrane immediately pressed forward to San Martin's
+   camp, where, being recognised by several officers, a murmur of
+   congratulation was heard, and even Guise and Spry exclaimed,
+   'We shall have some fighting now the Admiral is come.' General
+   Las Heras, acting as General-in-Chief, saluting the Admiral, begged
+   of him to endeavour to persuade the Protector to bring the enemy
+   to an action. His Lordship, on this, rode up to San Martin, and
+   taking him by the hand, in the most earnest manner entreated
+   him to attack the enemy without losing a single moment; his
+   entreaties were, however, in vain, the only answer received being--'My
+   resolutions are taken'--'_mis medidas estan tomadas_.'"
+
+   "Notwithstanding this apathy, his Lordship remonstrated, stating
+   the situation in which he had, not five minutes before, observed the
+   enemy's infantry, and begged of the Protector to ascend an eminence
+   at the back of the house, and convince himself how easily a victory
+   might be obtained; but he only received the same cold reply--_mis
+   medidas estan tomadas_.'"
+
+   "The clamour of the officers in the _patio_ of the house roused
+   San Martin, who called for his horse and mounted. In a moment
+   all was bustle, and the anticipated glow of victory shone in every
+   countenance. The order to arms was given, and instantly obeyed
+   by the whole army, amounting to about 12,000 men, including
+   guerillas, all anxious to begin the fight. The Protector beckoned
+   to the Admiral and General Las Heras, who immediately rode up to
+   him, hoping that he was either about to consult them respecting the
+   attack, or to inform them how it was to be conducted."
+
+   "At this moment a peasant approached San Martin on horseback,
+   the General with most unparalleled composure lending an
+   attentive ear to his communications as to where the enemy was
+   the day before! The Admiral, exasperated at so unnecessary a
+   waste of time, bade the peasant 'begone,' adding--'The General's
+   time is too important to be employed in listening to your
+   fooleries.' At this interruption, San Martin frowned on the
+   Admiral, and turning his horse rode up to the door of the house,
+   where he alighted and went in."
+
+   "Lord Cochrane then requested a private conference with San
+   Martin--which was the last time he ever spoke to him--and assured
+   him that it was not even then too late to attack the enemy, begging
+   and entreating that the opportunity might not be lost, and offering
+   himself to lead the cavalry. But to this he received the reply, 'I
+   alone am responsible for the liberties of Peru.'--_'Yo solo soy
+   responsable de la libertad del Peru_.' On this the Protector retired
+   to an inner apartment of the house to enjoy his customary _siesta_,
+   which was disturbed by General Las Heras, who came to receive orders,
+   and recalled to the attention of the Protector that the force was still
+   under arms, when San Martin ordered that the troops should receive
+   their rations!"
+
+   "Thus Gen. Cantarac, with 3,200 men, passed to the southward
+   of Lima--within half-musket shot of the protecting army of Peru,
+   composed of 12,000--entered the castles of Callao with a convoy of
+   cattle and provisions, where he refreshed and rested his troops for
+   six days, and then retired on the 15th, taking with him the _whole
+   of the vast treasure deposited therein by the Limenos_, and leisurely
+   retreating on the north side of Lima."
+
+   "After Cantarac had led his troops into the batteries of Callao,
+   the success was announced by the firing of guns and other demonstrations
+   which harrowed up the souls of the Chilian officers. The
+   patriot army thereupon passively occupied their old camp at the
+   Legua, between Callao and Lima."
+
+   "It would be an act of injustice not to mention that the second in
+   command, General Las Heras, disgusted with the result, left the
+   service of the Protector, and requested his passport to Chili, which
+   was granted; his example being followed by several officers of the army,
+   who, deeply wounded by what had taken place, preferred obscurity,
+   and even poverty, to further serving under such circumstances.
+   The British ship of war, _Superb_, was in the bay, and several of
+   the officers, expecting to see the decisive blow struck in Peru,
+   repaired to San Martin's head-quarters, and were astounded at the
+   coolness of a general, who, commanding 12,000 men, could abandon
+   a favourable position in which he might at least have intercepted
+   the convoy of cattle, and so at once have compelled the surrender of
+   Callao, instead of permitting them to pass without a single shot
+   being fired."[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: "_Twenty years Residence in South America_," by W.B.
+Stevenson. Vol. iii. London, 1825.]
+
+The preceding extract, published in London by one who was by my side
+during the whole affair, is perfectly correct. The Limenos were deeply
+humiliated by the occurrence, nor was their annoyance mitigated by the
+publication of the following proclamation in the ministerial Gazette of
+the 19th, in which General San Martin informed them that he had beaten
+the enemy and pursued the fugitives! though, the said enemy had relieved
+and reinforced the fortress, and then coolly walked off unmolested with
+plate and money to the amount of many millions of dollars; in fact, the
+whole wealth of Lima, which, as has been said, was deposited by the
+inhabitants in the fortress for security.
+
+   Limenos,
+
+   It is now fifteen days since the liberating army left the
+   capital, resolved not to permit that even the shadow of the Spanish
+   flag should again darken the illustrious city of Lima. The enemy
+   haughtily descended the mountains, filled with the calculations they
+   had formed in their ignorant meditations. They fancied that to
+   appear before our camp was enough to conquer us; but they found
+   _valour armed with prudence_! They acknowledged their inferiority.
+   _They trembled at the idea of the hour of battle, and profited by the
+   hour of darkness_!! and they sought an asylum in Callao. My army
+   began its march, and at the end of eight days the enemy has had to
+   fly precipitately--convinced of their impotency to try the fortune of
+   war, or to remain in the position they held.
+
+   The desertion which they experience ensures us that, before they
+   reach the mountains, there will only exist a handful of men, terrified
+   and confounded with the remembrance of the colossal power which
+   they had a year ago, and which has now disappeared like the fury of
+   the waves of the sea at the dawn of a serene morning. _The liberating
+   army pursues the fugitives. They shall he dissolved or beaten_.
+   At all events, the capital of Peru shall never be profaned with the
+   footsteps of the enemies of America--_this truth is peremptory_. The
+   Spanish empire is at an end for ever. Peruvians! your destiny is
+   irrevocable; consolidate it by the constant exercise of those virtues
+   which you have shown in the epoch of conflicts. _You are independent_,
+   and nothing can prevent your being happy, if you will it
+   to be so,
+
+   SAN MARTIN.
+
+To these monstrous assertions I only know one parallel, viz:--Falstaff's
+version of his victory over the robbers at Gadshill. The Protector
+asserts that "the shadow of the Spanish flag should never again darken
+Lima." It nevertheless passed completely round the city within
+half-musket shot. "The enemy thought that to view our camp was to
+conquer us." They were only 3,000 to 12,000. "They trembled at the hour
+of battle, _and profited by the hour of darkness_!" The fact being that
+with droves of cattle and abundance of other provisions, they
+triumphantly marched into Callao _at mid-day_! viz, from eleven A.M. to
+three P.M. "The liberating army pursues the fugitives." This is the only
+fact contained in the proclamation. The enemy _was_ pursued by 1,100
+men, who followed them at a distance for ten miles, when Cantarac
+suddenly facing about, let loose his cavalry at them, and nearly the
+whole were cut up! The Spaniards in fact came to relieve Callao, and
+fully effected their object.
+
+Were not the preceding proclamation indelibly imprinted in the columns
+of the ministerial Gazette, it would be deemed a malicious fabrication.
+Yet the poor, _independent_ Limenos dared not utter a voice against
+falsehood so palpable. Disarmed and betrayed, they were completely at
+the mercy of the Protector, who, if he can be said to have had a motive
+in not encountering the small force of Cantarac, no doubt founded it in
+keeping his own troops intact for the further oppression of the unhappy
+Limenos--with what effect we shall presently see.
+
+This triumphant retreat of the Spanish force with its large amount of
+treasure was a disaster which, after the Limenos had risen against the
+tyranny of San Martin and forcibly expelled him from their city,
+entailed the shedding of torrents of blood in Peru, for the Spaniards
+were thus enabled to reorganize a force which would have subjected the
+country to its ancient oppressors, had not the army of Colombia stepped
+in to resist a common enemy. Even Chili trembled for her liberties, and,
+after I had left the Pacific, begged me to return and check disasters
+with which she was incompetent to grapple.
+
+Had not the Protector prevented the Spanish Commandant, La Mar, from
+accepting my offer of permitting him to retire with two-thirds of the
+enormous treasure deposited in the fort, Chili would, at the lowest
+computation, have received ten millions of dollars, whilst the Spaniards
+would have retired with twenty millions. Surely this would have been
+better than to permit them--as General San Martin did--to retire
+unmolested with the whole.
+
+Foiled in this attempt to relieve the necessities of the squadron,
+whilst the Protector's Government pertinaciously refused to supply them,
+it was impossible to keep the men from mutiny; even the officers--won
+over by Guise and Spry, who paid midnightly visits to the ships for the
+purpose--began to desert to the Protectoral Government.
+
+The following letter, addressed to Monteagudo, will shew the state of
+the matter as regarded the squadron:--
+
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   I have written you an official letter to-day, by which
+   you will perceive that the consequences which I have long predicted
+   will have so far come to pass, as to render the removal of the
+   large ships of the squadron indispensable. If by a total neglect
+   of all I tell the Protectoral Government through you, things happen
+   prejudicial to the service, the Protector and yourself will at least do
+   me the justice to feel that I have done my duty; the base,
+   interested, and servile, for the promotion of their selfish views, may
+   clamour, but I regard them not.
+
+   I would send you the _original_ reports of the provisions and state
+   of the ships issued by the captains, but I must hold these for my
+   public justification, should such be necessary.
+
+   What is the meaning of all this, Monteagudo? Are these people
+   so base as to be determined to force the squadron to mutiny? And
+   are there others so blind as not to foresee the consequences? Ask
+   Sir Thomas Hardy, and the British captains, or any other officers,
+   what will be the result of such monstrous measures.
+
+   Believe me, with a heavy heart,
+
+   Yours, &c.
+
+   COCHRANE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+PROLONGED DESTITUTION OF SQUADRON--THE MEN MUTINY IN A BODY--THE
+SEAMEN'S LETTERS--SAN MARTIN SENDS AWAY THE PUBLIC TREASURE--MY SEIZURE
+OF IT--PRIVATE PROPERTY RESTORED--SAN MARTIN'S ACCUSATIONS AGAINST
+ME--THE SQUADRON PAID WAGES--ATTEMPT ON THE OFFICERS' FIDELITY--I AM
+ASKED TO DESERT FROM CHILI--ORDERED TO QUIT ON REFUSAL--MONTEAGUDO'S
+LETTER--MY REPLY--JUSTIFICATION OF SEIZING THE TREASURE--NO OTHER COURSE
+POSSIBLE.
+
+
+Previous to this time I had on board the flag-ship the unexpended
+portion of the money captured at Arica, but as the Chilian Government,
+trusting to Peru to supply the wants of the squadron, neither sent funds
+or provisions, I was compelled to spend for our subsistence the
+uncondemned portion of the prize money belonging to the seamen--a
+necessity which, no less than their want of pay or reward, irritated
+them beyond measure, as, in effect, compelling them to fight the battles
+of the Republic not only without pay but at their own expense. In
+addition to this, I was in possession of the uncondemned portion of
+other sums taken on the coast, and these also I was obliged to expend,
+at the same time transmitting accounts thereof to the Minister of Marine
+at Valparaiso, the appropriation being fully approved by the Chilian
+Government. The destitute condition of the squadron, and the consequent
+dissatisfaction of the crews, will be best shewn by a few extracts from
+the letters of the officers and the men themselves.
+
+On the 2nd of September, Captain Delano, the Commander of the
+_Lantaro_, wrote to me as follows:--
+
+   "The officers as well as the men are dissatisfied, having been a
+   long time on the cruise, and at present without any kind of meat
+   or spirits, and without pay, so that they are not able to provide for
+   themselves any longer, though, _until starved_, they have borne it
+   without a murmur."
+
+   "The ship's company have now absolutely refused duty on
+   account of short allowance. The last _charqui_ (dried beef) they got
+   was rotten and full of vermin. They are wholly destitute of clothing,
+   and persist in their resolution not to do duty till beef and spirits
+   are supplied, alleging that they have served their time, with nothing
+   but promises so frequently broken that they will no longer be
+   put off."
+
+   "In your Lordship's absence I took the liberty to write to the
+   Government and make their complaints known, but the Minister of
+   Marine did not even give me an answer."
+
+   "The greater portion have now left the ship and are all gone
+   ashore, so that under existing circumstances, and with the
+   dissatisfaction of the officers and the remainder of the ship's
+   company I do not hold myself responsible for any accident that may
+   happen to the ship until these difficulties are removed, as the
+   cables are bad and not to be trusted to, and we have no anchor
+   sufficient to hold her."
+
+   "PAUL DELANO, _Captain_."
+
+On Captain Delano sending his first lieutenant on shore to persuade the
+men to return to the ship, he was arrested by order of the Government
+and put in prison, the Protector's object being to get all the men to
+desert, thus furthering his views towards the appropriation of the
+squadron.
+
+The _Galvarino_ was even in a worse condition, so that I deemed it
+expedient to address a letter to the ship's company asking them to
+continue at their duty till I could devise means for their relief; with
+what result the following letter from Captain Esmond, commanding the
+_Galvarino_ will shew.
+
+   _Galvarino_, Sept. 8th, 1821.
+
+   MY LORD,
+
+   Pursuant to your Excellency's order, I have read your
+   letter of the 6th instant to the ship's company, respecting your
+   communication with His Excellency the Protector, concerning
+   arrears of pay, prize-money, &c.
+
+   I am sorry to inform your Excellency that they still persist in
+   their demands, _and are determined not to proceed to sea_.
+
+   I. ESMOND, _Captain_.
+
+On the 19th, the foreign seamen of the flag-ship itself mutinied in a
+body, on which my flag-captain, Crosbie, wrote me the following
+letter:--
+
+   MY LORD,
+
+   It is with the utmost regret I have to inform your Lordship
+   that being ready for sea early this morning, the foreigners
+   refused heaving up the anchor in consequence of arrears of pay and
+   prize-money, and to my great surprise many of the natives also
+   came aft.
+
+   I endeavoured by persuasive means to induce them to return
+   quietly and willingly to their duty, which had no effect. Knowing
+   well, had I commenced hostile measures to enforce those orders the
+   consequence might be serious, I refrained therefrom, being aware of
+   your Lordship's wish to conduct everything as peaceably as possible.
+
+   The names of the foreigners who refuse going to sea I have the
+   honour to enclose to your Lordship, and also to enclose several
+   letters sent me officially from Captain Cobbett, of the _Valdivia_.
+
+   I.S. CROSBIE, _Captain_.
+
+Not to multiply these letters from other Commanders, I will adduce two
+written by the whole of the English and North-American seamen
+themselves.
+
+   Captin Crosby,
+
+   Sir, It his the request of us all in the Ship's Company to
+   inform you that we would wish to acquaint his Lordship that we was
+   promised by General San Martin to receive a bounty of 50,000
+   dollars and the Total Amount of the Spanish Frigate _Ismeralda_, it
+   his the Sole thought of us all that if San Martin had any Honure
+   he would not breck his promises wish out to have been fulfilled
+   Long a go.
+
+   Ship's Company of _O'Higgins_.
+
+
+   Capt. Corbet
+
+   It is the request of us all On Bord the Chili States
+   ship _Valdivia_ To aquaint you that we are disatisfied on account of
+   our pay and prize money, and likewise the promises made to us on
+   leaving Valpariso, it is likewise our Determination not to weigh the
+   anchor of the _Valdivia_ untill we get the whole of our wages and
+   prize money, likewise a number of us is a Bove twelvemonths aBove
+   our time that we Shipt for And we should likewise wish our Discharge
+   and let them that wish to Reenter Again May do as they think
+   proppre as we consider this a patriot port.
+
+   The Ship's Company at large of the _Valdivia_.
+
+
+   Capt Crosby, Esq
+
+   We would wish to acquaint you of wot his bean read to
+   us on board of the different C. States ship under his Lordship's
+   Command Concerning the Capture of the _Ismeralda_.
+
+   Sir it was thus
+   the importance of the Service performed by your Lordship to the
+   States by the Capture of the Spanish Frigat _Ismeralda_, and the
+   brillant manner in which this noble enterprize was conducted
+   under your Command on the memorable night of the fifth
+   of November, has aurgumented the claims which your previous
+   services gave to the Consideration of the government and those
+   that is Interested in thar cause as well as my present esteem.
+
+   All those who partook in the risk and glory of this Interprise
+   deserves also the estermation of thar Companions in the Army, and
+   I enjoy the pleasure of being the Organ of thar Sentiments of
+   Admiration Wich so important an action as praduced in the officers
+   and army, Permit me tharfore to express such thar sentiments to
+   your Lordship that may be communicated to the Officers and
+   Seamen and troops of the Sqwardon.
+
+   Regarding the premium for the Frigat It is to be regretted that
+   the memorey of so herioic an Interprise should be mixed with the
+   painful ideer that blood as been shed in Accomplishment, and
+   we hope that your Lordship and the Gallant Officers and Seamen
+   may be enabbled to give new days of Glorry to the cause of
+   indispendence.
+
+   Ship's Company, _O'Higgins_.
+
+   N.B.--Warre One Single Sentiment his not been fulfilled.
+
+This letter, though somewhat incomprehensible, was intended as a
+farewell complimentary address to myself, previous to the desertion of
+the flag-ship; and, had this taken place, there was no doubt that the
+ships' companies of the whole squadron would have followed the example,
+so that the Protector would have gained his ends, in spite of my
+endeavours to keep the men faithful to the flag under which they were
+engaged to serve.
+
+Fortunately for Chili and myself, an occurrence took place which averted
+the evil, and was brought about by the very means which the Protector
+had devised to promote his individual views.
+
+The occurrence alluded to, was the embarkation of large sums of money by
+the Protector in his yacht _Sacramento_, which had cast out her ballast
+to stow the silver, and in a merchant vessel in the harbour, to the
+exclusion of the _Lantaro_ frigate, then at the anchorage. This money
+was sent to Ancon, on the pretence of placing it in safety from any
+attack by the Spanish forces, but possibly to secure it for the further
+purposes of the Protector. The squadron having thus ocular demonstration
+that its arrears could be paid, but were not, both officers and men
+refused longer to continue in a service which had brought them nothing
+but prolonged suffering.
+
+My own views coincided with theirs, and I determined that the squadron
+should be no longer starved nor defrauded. I therefore sailed to Ancon,
+and personally seized the treasure, before witnesses; respecting all
+that professed to belong to private individuals, and also the whole of
+that contained in the Protector's schooner, _Sacramento_, considering it
+his private property, though it could not have been other than plunder
+wrested from the Limenos. Independently of this yacht-load of silver,
+there were also on board, seven _surrones_ (sacks) of uncoined gold,
+brought down on his account by the Legate Parroisien; so that, after all
+the moveable wealth of Lima was supposed to have been previously
+deposited for safety in the castles of Callao, but carried off by
+Cantarac, the condition of the unhappy Limenos may be imagined, from the
+additional sums of which they were subsequently deprived.
+
+I immediately made proclamation, that all private individuals, having
+the customary documents, might receive their property upon application,
+and considerable sums were thus given up to Dr. Unanue, Don Juan Aguero,
+Don Manuel Silva, Don Manuel Primo, Don Francisco Kamirez, and several
+others, though connected with the Government. Besides which, I gave up
+40,000 dollars to the commissary of the army, who claimed it; so that,
+having returned all the money for which dockets were produced, there
+remained 285,000 dollars, which was subsequently applied to the payment
+of one year's arrears to every individual of the squadron; but relying
+on the justice of the Chilian Government, I took no part myself,
+reserving the small surplus that remained for the more pressing
+exigencies and re-equipment of the squadron.
+
+Accounts of the whole money seized, were forwarded to the Minister of
+Marine at Valparaiso, as well as vouchers for its disbursement, and in
+due course, I received the approbation of the Chilian Government for
+what had been done.
+
+General San Martin entreated, in the most earnest terms, the restoration
+of the treasure, promising the faithful fulfilment of all his former
+engagements. Letter after letter was sent, begging me to save the credit
+of the Government, and pretending that the money seized was all the
+Government possessed for indispensable daily expenses. To this I
+replied, that had I been aware that the treasure spared in the
+_Sacramento_ was the property of Government, and not that of the
+Protector, I would have seized it also, and retained it till the debts
+due to the squadron were liquidated. Finding all arguments unavailing,
+and that no attention was paid to his threats, the Protector--to save
+the credit of his Government--addressed a proclamation to the squadron,
+confirming the distribution which was going on by my orders, at the same
+time writing to me, that I "might employ the money as I thought proper."
+
+San Martin afterwards accused me to the Chilian Government of seizing
+the whole of the treasure, that in his yacht included, which, at a low
+computation, must have been worth several millions of dollars, which
+were all left untouched. He also asserted, that I had retained the
+whole belonging to private individuals, though each _real_ claimed was
+given up, as was well known to every individual concerned, and he also
+knew that I did not retain a penny on my own account. Nevertheless, he
+added, that I had kept the whole myself,--that, in consequence, the
+squadron was in a state of mutiny, and the seamen were abandoning their
+ships to offer their services to the Government of Peru! the fact being,
+that those who went on shore to spend their pay after the fashion of
+sailors, were prevented from returning on board, a lieutenant of my
+flag-ship being put in jail for attempting to bring them off again.
+
+The first intimation of this outrage was conveyed by the officer
+himself, in the following letter, from his place of confinement.
+
+   My Lord,
+
+   Whilst obeying your Lordship's orders in bringing off the
+   men to the _O'Higgins_, Captain Guise sent his Lieutenant to tell me
+   that I could not ship any more men. My answer was, that, till I
+   received contrary orders from you I could not think of desisting.
+   I then went to Captain Guise to tell him your orders, and he told
+   me, that it was the Governor's order that I should not do it; he
+   likewise told me, that several officers had spoken against the
+   Government, instancing Captain Cobbett and others. He then
+   asked me, whether I thought that your Lordship's _robbery_! of the
+   money at Ancon was right? and, whether I believed that the
+   Government meant to keep its promise, and pay us, or not? My
+   answer was, that I thought your Lordship had acted perfectly right,
+   and that, in my opinion, the Government never intended to pay us;
+   upon which, he ordered me to be seized.
+
+   My Lord, I am now a prisoner in the Case-mates, and am told
+   that the Governor has written to you on the subject. The men, my
+   Lord, will, I have no doubt, come off, as many have promised me to
+   do so, to-morrow morning. Hoping that your Lordship will enquire
+   into the circumstance, I remain, &c. &c,
+
+   J. PAYNTOR.
+
+On receipt of this, I immediately demanded his release, which was
+complied with.
+
+Before distributing the money to the squadron, I took the precaution to
+request that a commissary of the Government might be sent on board to
+take part in the payment of the crews. As this was not complied with, I
+again urged it, but without effect--the object of not attending to the
+request being, as was afterwards learned, the expectation that I should
+place the money in his hands ashore, when it doubtless would have been
+seized, without payment to officers or men. This was, however, foreseen,
+the Government being informed by me that "the money was on board ready
+for distribution, whilst the people were on board ready to receive it,
+there was, therefore no necessity to take it on shore;" it was then
+distributed by my own officers.
+
+Annoyed beyond measure at my having taken such steps to restore order in
+the squadron by doing justice to the officers and men, the Protector, on
+the very day, September 26th, on which he told me by letter to "make
+what use I pleased of the money," sought to revenge himself by sending
+on board the ships of the squadron his two _aides-de-camp_, Colonel
+Paroissien and Captain Spry, with papers for distribution, stating that
+"the squadron of Chili was under the command of the Protector of Peru,
+and not under that of the Admiral, who was an inferior officer in the
+service; and that it was consequently the duty of the Captains and
+Commanders to obey the orders of the Protector and not mine." One of
+these papers was immediately brought to me by that excellent and highly
+honourable officer, Captain Simpson, of the _Araucano_ (now an Admiral
+in the Chilian service), to whose ship's company it had been delivered.
+These emissaries offered, in the name of the Protector, commissions, and
+the promise of honours, titles, and estates to all such officers as
+might accept service under the Government of Peru.
+
+From the _Araucano_, the Protector's envoys went to the _Valdivia_,
+where similar papers were given to the men, and Captain Cobbett, nephew
+of the celebrated William Cobbett, was reminded of the preference which
+an officer, for his own interests, ought to give to the service of a
+rich state like Peru, in place of adhering to Chili, which must soon
+dwindle to comparative insignificance; besides which the authority of
+the Protector over the Chilian forces being unquestionable, it was the
+duty of the officers to obey the orders of the Protector as
+General-in-Chief. Captain Cobbett, who was a faithful and excellent
+officer, sarcastically inquired of Spry whether, if his disobedience to
+the Admiral brought him to a court-martial, the Protector's authority
+would ensure him an acquittal? This closed the argument; for Spry being
+at the time under sentence of court-martial, the question was much too
+pertinent to be pleasant, especially as he by no means felt confident
+that Cobbett might not seize him as a deserter.
+
+Unfortunately for the emissaries, my flag-captain, Crosbie, was on a
+visit to Captain Cobbett, and on learning their errand he pushed off to
+the flag-ship with the intelligence. Observing this movement they
+immediately followed, judging it more prudent to visit me than to run
+the risk of being compelled so to do. At one o'clock in the morning
+their boat came alongside, when Paroissien solicited an interview, Spry
+remaining in the boat, having his own reasons for not wishing to attract
+my attention. Paroissien then addressed me with the most high-flown
+promises, assuring me of the Protector's wish, notwithstanding all that
+had occurred, to confer upon me the highest honours and rewards, amongst
+others the decoration of the newly-created order of "the Sun," and
+telling me how much better it would be for me to be First Admiral of a
+rich country like Peru, than Vice-Admiral of a poor province like Chili.
+He assured me, as one of the Commissioners of confiscated property, that
+it was the intention of the Protector to present me with a most valuable
+estate, and regretted that the present unlucky difference should form an
+obstacle to the Protector's intentions to confer upon me the command of
+the Peruvian navy.
+
+Perceiving that he felt nervously uneasy in his attempt at negotiation,
+I reminded him that the Peruvian navy had no existence except in
+imagination; that I had no doubt whatever of his desire for my
+prosperity, but that it might be more agreeable to him to join me in a
+bottle of wine than to reiterate his regrets and lamentations. After
+taking a glass he went into his boat, and pulled off, glad no doubt to
+escape so easily, not that it occurred to me to resent the treachery of
+visiting the ships of the squadron in the dark, to unsettle the minds of
+the officers and men.
+
+This, however, and other efforts proved but too successful, twenty-three
+officers abandoning the Chilian service, together with all the foreign
+seamen, who went on shore to spend their pay, and who were either
+forced, or allured by promises of a year's additional pay to remain, so
+that the squadron was half unmanned.
+
+The fortress, notwithstanding the supplies so successfully introduced by
+General Cantarac, having again--by the vigilance of the squadron--been
+starved into surrender, I received an order immediately to quit Callao
+and proceed to Chili, although the Peruvian Government believed that
+from the abandonment of the squadron by the officers and foreign seamen,
+it would not be possible to comply with the order. The following is
+Monteagudo's letter conveying the commands of the Protector:--
+
+   Lima, Sept. 26th, 1821.
+   My Lord,
+
+   Your note of yesterday, in which you explain the motives
+   which induced you to decline complying with the positive orders of
+   the Protector, _temporarily_ to restore the money which you forcibly
+   took at Ancon, has frustrated the hopes which the Government
+   entertained of a happy termination to this most disagreeable of all
+   affairs which have occurred during the expedition.
+
+   To answer your Excellency in detail, it will be necessary to enter
+   into an investigation of acts which cannot be fully understood without
+   referring to official communications and documents which prove
+   the interest which has been taken in the necessities of the squadron.
+
+   (Here follows a reiteration of the _promises_ and good intentions of
+   the Protector, with which the reader is already well acquainted.)
+
+   This has been a mortal blow to the State, and worse could not
+   have been received from the hand of an enemy, there only remaining
+   to us a hope in the moderation and patient suffering of the
+   valiant men who have sacrificed all!
+
+   You will immediately sail from this port to Chili, with the whole
+   squadron under your command, and there deliver up the money
+   which you have seized, and which you possess without any pretext
+   to hold it. In communicating this order to your Excellency, the
+   Government cannot avoid expressing its regret at being reduced to
+   this extremity towards a chief with whom it has been connected by
+   ties of friendship and high consideration since August 20th, 1820.
+
+   I have to complain of the style of your Excellency's Secretary,
+   who, perhaps from his ignorance of the idiom of the Spanish
+   language, cannot express himself with decency--his soul not having
+   been formed to conceive correct ideas.
+
+   MONTEAGUDO.
+
+The complaining tone of this letter about the "valiant sacrificing all,"
+is worthy of the writer; when I had left untouched many times the amount
+seized, and the army, according to the admission of the Protectoral
+Government, had received two-thirds of its pay, whilst the squadron had
+even been suffered to starve. On the 28th I replied to the Minister as
+follows:--
+
+   Sir,
+
+   I should have felt uneasy, had the letter you addressed
+   to me contained the commands of the Protector to quit the ports of
+   Peru without reason assigned, and I should have been distressed
+   had his motives been founded in reason, or on facts; but finding
+   the order based on the groundless imputation that I had declined to
+   do what I had no power to effect, I console myself that the Protector
+   will ultimately be satisfied that no blame rests on me. At all
+   events, I have the gratification of a mind unconscious of wrong, and
+   gladdened by the cheering conviction that, however facts may be
+   distorted by sycophancy, men who view things in their proper
+   colours will do me the justice I deserve.
+
+   You address me as though I required to be convinced of your
+   good intentions. No, Sir, it is the seamen who want convincing,
+   for it is they who put no faith in professions so often broken. They
+   are men of few words and decisive acts, and say that "for their
+   labour they have a right to pay and food, and will work no longer
+   than they are paid and fed"--though this may be uncourtly
+   language, unfit for the ear of high authority. They urge, moreover,
+   that they have had no pay whatever, whilst their fellow-labourers,
+   the soldiers, have had two-thirds of their wages; they were starved,
+   or living on stinking _charqui_, whilst the troops were wholly fed on
+   beef and mutton; they had no grog, whilst the troops had money
+   to obtain that favourite beverage, and anything else they desired.
+   Such, Sir, are the rough grounds on which an English seaman
+   founds his opinions. He expects an equivalent for the fulfilment
+   of his contract, which, on his part, is performed with fidelity; but,
+   if his rights are withheld, he is as boisterous as the element on
+   which he lives. It is of no use, therefore, to convince me, but
+   them.
+
+   In what communication, Sir, have I insisted on the payment of
+   200,000 dollars. I sent you an account of money due, but told you
+   in my letter that it was the mutinous seamen who demanded the
+   disbursements, and that I was doing all in my power, though
+   without effect, to restrain their violence and allay their fears. You
+   tell me in your letter that it was impossible to pay the clamorous
+   crews. How, then, is it _that they are now paid out of the very money
+   then_ lying at your disposal, I having left untouched ten times as much?
+   My warning to you, that they were no longer to be trifled with, was
+   founded on a long acquaintance with their character and disposition;
+   and facts have proved, and may more fully prove, the truth of what
+   I told you.
+
+   Why, Sir, is the word "immediate" put into your order to go
+   forth from this port? Would it not have been more decorous to
+   have been less peremptory, knowing, as you do, that the delay of
+   payment had unmanned the ships--that the total disregard of all
+   my applications had left the squadron destitute--and that the men
+   were enticed away by persons acting under the Peruvian Government?
+   This being so, why are matters pushed to this extremity?
+
+   I thank you for the _approval of my services since the 20th of
+   August_, 1820, and assure you that no abatement of my zeal for the
+   Protector's interest took place till the 5th of August, when I became
+   acquainted with his Excellency's installation, and when, in your
+   presence, he uttered sentiments that struck a thrill through my
+   frame, which no subsequent act, nor protestation of intentions, has
+   been able to mitigate. Did he not say--aye, did you not hear him
+   declare, that he would never pay the debt to Chili, nor that due to
+   the navy, unless Chili would sell the squadron to Peru? What
+   would you have thought of me as an officer, sworn to be faithful to
+   the state of Chili, had I listened to such language in cold, calculating
+   silence, weighing my decision in the scale of personal interest?
+   No, Sir, the promise of San Martin, that "my fortune should be
+   equal to his own," will not warp from the path of honour
+
+   Your obedient, humble Servant,
+   COCHRANE.
+
+After a lapse of nearly forty years' anxious consideration, I cannot
+reproach myself with having done any wrong in the seizure of the money
+of the Protectoral Government. General San Martin and myself had been,
+in our respective departments, deputed to liberate Peru from Spain, and
+to give to the Peruvians the same free institutions which Chili herself
+enjoyed. The first part of our object had been fully effected by the
+achievements and vigilance of the squadron; the second part was
+frustrated by General San Martin arrogating to himself despotic power,
+which set at naught the wishes and voice of the people. As "my fortune
+in common with his own" was only to be secured by acquiescence in the
+wrong he had done to Chili by casting off his allegiance to her, and by
+upholding him in the still greater wrong he was inflicting on Peru, I
+did not choose to sacrifice my self-esteem and professional character by
+lending myself as an instrument to purposes so unworthy. I did all in my
+power to warn General San Martin of the consequences of ambition so
+ill-directed, but the warning was neglected, if not despised. Chili
+trusted to him to defray the expenses of the squadron when its
+objects--as laid down by the Supreme Director--should be accomplished;
+but in place of fulfilling the obligation, he permitted the squadron to
+starve, its crews to go in rags, and the ships to be in perpetual danger
+for want of the proper equipment which Chili could not afford to give
+them when they sailed from Valparaiso. The pretence for this neglect was
+want of means, though at the same time money to a vast amount was sent
+away from the capital to Ancon. Seeing that no intention existed on the
+part of the Protector's Government to do justice to the Chilian
+squadron, whilst every effort was made to excite discontent among the
+officers and men with the purpose of procuring their transfer to Peru, I
+seized the public money, satisfied the men, and saved the navy to the
+Chilian Republic, which afterwards warmly thanked me for what I had
+done. Despite the obloquy cast upon me by the Protector's Government,
+there was nothing wrong in the course I pursued, if only for the reason
+that if the Chilian squadron was to be preserved, _it was impossible for
+me to have done otherwise_. Years of reflection have only produced the
+conviction, that, were I again placed in similar circumstances, I should
+adopt precisely the same course.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ARRIVAL AT GUAYAQUIL--ADDRESS TO GUAYAQUILENOS--INJURIOUS MONOPOLIES
+--MINISTERIAL FOLLY--DEPARTURE FROM GUAYAQUIL--ARRIVAL IN
+MEXICO--ANCHOR AT ACAPULCO--MOCK AMBASSADORS--PLOT AGAINST ME--RETURN
+TO GUAYAQUIL--VENGANZA TAKEN POSSESSION OF--AGREEMENT WITH
+JUNTA--GENERAL LA MAR--ORDERS TO WITHHOLD SUPPLIES--ABOMINABLE
+CRUELTY--COURTLY SPLENDOUR--DESTRUCTION OF A DIVISION OF THE
+ARMY--DISSATISFACTION OF OFFICERS--RENEWED OVERTURES FROM SAN
+MARTIN--THEIR REFUSAL BY ME--WARNING TO THE CHILIAN GOVERNMENT.
+
+
+The orders of the Protector to proceed to Chili were not complied with,
+1st, because having thrown off his allegiance to Chili, he had no right
+to interfere with the squadron; and, 2ndly, as the Spanish frigates
+remained at large, my mission was incomplete till they were taken or
+destroyed.
+
+Before going in quest of them, it was essential to repair, equip, and
+provision the ships, none of which purposes could be effected in Peru,
+the Protector not only having refused supplies, but having also issued
+orders on the coast to withhold necessaries of all kinds even to wood
+and water. From want of stores, none of the ships were fit for sea; even
+the _Valdivia_, so admirably found when captured, was now in as bad a
+condition as the rest, from the necessity which had arisen of
+distributing her equipment amongst the other ships; and to complete her
+inefficiency, the Protector refused to restore the anchors which had
+been cut away from her bows at the time of her capture, thus adding to
+our embarrassment.
+
+Many of the officers had gone over to the service of Peru, and the
+foreign seamen had been kept on shore in such numbers, that there were
+not sufficient left to perform the duties of reefing and steering. I
+therefore resolved on sending part of the squadron to Chili, and with
+the remainder to proceed to Guayaquil, in order to repair and refit for
+a cruise on the coast of Mexico in search of the Spanish frigates.
+
+We reached Guayaquil on the 18th of October, and were extremely well
+received by the authorities, who saluted the Chilian flag, the like
+compliment being paid to their own. The work of repairing and refitting
+occupied six weeks, during which period the newly-constituted Government
+rendered us all the assistance in its power, entering into the most
+friendly intercourse with us. The expenses, which were heavy, were all
+defrayed out of the uncondemned prize-money remaining on board, this
+rightfully belonging to the officers and seamen, as never having had
+their previous claims satisfied by the Government, on which account it
+had been retained. To inspire the seamen with the reasonable expectation
+that the Chilian Government would reimburse them for their generosity, I
+added money of my own, on which they willingly consented to the
+appropriation of that due to the squadron.
+
+Before quitting the anchorage, I was honoured with a public address, and
+thinking the opportunity good for striking a blow at those Spanish
+prejudices which, in spite of independence, still lingered from force of
+habit, the compliment was returned by the following address:--
+
+   GUAYAQUILENOS,
+
+   The reception which the Chilian squadron has met
+   with from you not only shews the generosity of your sentiments, but
+   proves that a people capable of asserting their independence in spite
+   of arbitrary power must always possess noble and exalted feelings.
+   Believe me, that the state of Chili will ever be grateful for your
+   assistance, and more especially the Supreme Director, by whose
+   exertions the squadron was created, and to whom, in fact, South
+   America owes whatever benefit she may have derived from its
+   services.
+
+   May you be as free as you are independent, and as independent
+   as you deserve to be free! With the liberty of the press, now
+   protected by your excellent Government, which discriminates
+   enlightenment from that fount, Guayaquil can never again be
+   enslaved.
+
+   See what difference a year of independence has produced in public
+   opinion. In those whom you then looked upon as enemies, you have
+   discovered your truest friends, whilst those formerly esteemed as
+   friends have proved enemies. Remember your former ideas on
+   commerce and manufactures, and compare them with those which
+   you at present entertain. Accustomed to the blind habits of Spanish
+   monopoly, you then believed that Guayaquil would be robbed, were
+   not her commerce limited to her own merchants. All foreigners
+   were forbidden by restrictive laws from attending even to their own
+   business and interests: now you appreciate a true policy, and your
+   enlightened Government is ready to further public opinion in the
+   promotion of your riches, strength, and happiness, as well as to assist
+   these, by disseminating through the press the political opinions of
+   great and wise men--without fear of the Inquisition, the faggot, or
+   the stake.
+
+   It is very gratifying to me to observe the change which has taken
+   place in your ideas of political economy, and to see that you can
+   appreciate and despise the clamour of the few who would still interrupt
+   the public prosperity; though it is difficult to believe how any
+   citizen of Guayaquil can be capable of opposing his private interest
+   to the public good, as though his particular profit were superior to
+   that of the community, or as if commerce, agriculture, and manufactures
+   were to be paralysed for his especial behoof.
+
+   Guayaquilenos! Let your public press declare the consequences of
+   monopoly, and affix your names to the defence of your enlightened
+   system. Let it shew that, if your province contains 80,000 inhabitants,
+   and that if 80 of these are privileged merchants according to
+   the old system, 9,999 persons out of 10,000 must suffer because
+   their cotton, coffee, tobacco, timber, and other productions must
+   come into the hands of the monopolist, as the only purchaser of
+   what they have to sell, and the only seller of what they must
+   necessarily buy! the effect being that he will buy at the lowest
+   possible rate, and sell at the dearest, so that not only are the
+   9,999 injured, but the lands will remain waste, the manufactories
+   without workmen, and the people will be lazy and poor for want of
+   a stimulus, it being a law of nature that no man will labour solely
+   for the gain of another.
+
+   Tell the monopolist that the true method of acquiring general
+   riches, political power, and even his own private advantage, is to sell
+   his country's produce as high, and foreign goods as low as possible--and
+   that public competition can alone accomplish this. Let foreign
+   merchants who bring capital, and those who practise any art or
+   handicraft, be permitted to settle freely; and thus a competition
+   will be formed, from which all must reap advantage.
+
+   Then will land and fixed property increase in value; the
+   magazines, instead of being the receptacles of filth and crime, will
+   be full of the richest foreign and domestic productions, and all will
+   be energy and activity, because the reward will be in proportion to
+   the labour. Your river will be filled with ships, and the monopolist
+   degraded and shamed. You will bless the day in which Omnipotence
+   permitted the veil of obscurity to be rent asunder, under which the
+   despotism of Spain, the abominable tyranny of the Inquisition, and
+   the want of liberty of the press, so long hid the truth from your
+   sight.
+
+   Let your customs' duties be moderate, in order to promote the
+   greatest possible consumption of foreign and domestic goods; then
+   smuggling will cease, and the returns to the treasury increase. Let
+   every man do as he pleases as regards his own property, views, and
+   interests; because every individual will watch over his own with
+   more zeal than senates, ministers, or kings. By your enlarged
+   views set an example to the New World; and thus, as Guayaquil
+   is from its situation the _Central Republic_, it will become the centre
+   of the agriculture, commerce, and riches of the Pacific.
+
+   Guayaquilenos! The liberality of your sentiments, and the justice
+   of your acts and opinions, are a bulwark to your independence more
+   secure than that of armies and squadrons. That you may pursue
+   the path which will render you as free and happy as the territory is
+   fertile, and may be rendered productive, is the sincere wish of your
+   obliged friend and servant,
+
+   COCHRANE.
+
+The English reader may consider a lecture of this nature superfluous to
+an emancipated people, but the adherence to injurious monoplies, in
+spite of independence, was one of the most marked features of the South
+American Republics, and one which I never lost an opportunity of
+combating. Even the Chilian Republic, which was amongst the first to
+assert its freedom, increased its monopolistic practices, instead of
+diminishing them. One or two examples will not be here out of place.
+
+English malt liquor bore a very high price in Chili, from the heavy
+freight and customs' duties. An ingenious Scotchman, named Macfarlane,
+set up a brewery at considerable expense, and malt costing in Chili
+barely a shilling per _fanega_ (about a bushel), soon produced beer of a
+fine quality, at a low price. The Government forthwith imposed a duty on
+his beer equal to the whole freight from England, customs' dues, and his
+profit, the consequence being, that the brewery was stopped and the
+capital employed lost. He had unwittingly interfered with the
+established duties on beer!
+
+Some enterprising Americans formed a whale fishery on the Chilian coast
+near Coquimbo, where the sperm whale abounded, and so successful was the
+fishery, that the speculation promised a fortune to all concerned. A
+large plant had been provided, including abundance of casks to contain
+the oil. The Government directed the whole of the casks to be seized for
+the purpose of watering the squadron, that being easier than to provide
+them themselves, which being done, pursuant to orders, the Americans
+formed pits lined with clay, in which the oil was put till fresh casks
+could be procured. On this, the Governor of Coquimbo forbade the
+practice, as the wind might waft an unpleasant smell to Coquimbo, though
+the trade wind never blew in that direction. The Americans were
+therefore compelled to abandon the pursuit, and with it several sperm
+whales which were lying in the bay ready for boiling.
+
+An enterprising English engineer, Mr. Miers, brought out complete
+machinery for smelting, rolling, and manufacturing copper, purchasing
+land whereon to erect his factory. As soon as his purpose became known,
+he was involved in a long and expensive law-suit to prevent the use of
+the land which he had bought, the result being great pecuniary loss,
+complete prevention of his operations, and the final removal of such of
+his machinery as was not utterly spoiled, to Brazil.
+
+It would be easy to multiply similar instances to a great extent, but
+these will show that my advice to the Guayaquilenos was not unnecessary;
+and to give counsel of this nature, wherever it could be applied, was my
+invariable practice, in place of engaging in petty intrigues, or
+bargaining for personal power or advantages, which, situated as I was, I
+could have commanded to any extent by a sacrifice of my own principles.
+Efforts of the above nature to enlighten the people, rendered me
+obnoxious to men in power, as interfering with their cherished
+monoplies, out of which they contrived to extract individual profit.
+
+The necessity for a speedy pursuit of the enemy's frigates, precluded
+more than a temporary repair of the ships; nothing, indeed, had been
+done to remedy the leak in the hull of the flag-ship, as, from the
+rotten state of her masts, we durst not venture to heave her down, so
+that when we got in a sea-way she made six feet of water a day.
+
+We quitted the Guayaquil river on the 3rd of December, coasting along
+the shore, and examining every bay for the objects of our search. On the
+5th we reached Salango, where we again watered the ships, there being
+only twenty-three tons of water casks on board the flag-ship. On the
+11th we reached Cocos Island, when we found and took possession of an
+English pirate, commanded by a man, named Blair. On the following day we
+captured a _felucca_, which turned out to be a deserter from Callao.
+From the men on board we learned that, after my departure, San Martin
+had refused to fulfil the promises by which they had been induced to
+remain, though he had thus allured nearly the whole of the foreign
+seamen, who comprised the only skilled portion of the Chilian squadron,
+into the service of Peru. The _felucca_ thus manned, and sent as a
+_guarda costa_ to Chorillas, the men took advantage of the absence of
+their captain on shore, and seized the vessel, which they named the
+_Retaliation_, having put to sea, no doubt with the intention of turning
+pirates. As they had committed no depredations, and I had no wish to be
+encumbered with them, they were suffered to escape.
+
+On the 14th we made the coast of Mexico, the leak of the flag-ship daily
+increasing, and on the 19th we anchored in the bay of Fonseca, with five
+feet of water in the hold, the chain pumps being so worn as to be
+useless, there being no artificers on board to repair them, the ship was
+only kept afloat by the greatest possible exertions, in which my
+personal skill in smiths' work had to be called into requisition.
+
+After three days' constant baling at the hatchways, we got two pumps
+from the _Valdivia_; but these proving too short, I ordered holes to be
+cut through the ships' sides, on a level with the berth deck, and thus
+managed to keep her clear till the old pumps could be refitted. Nearly
+all our ammunition was spoiled, and, in order to preserve the dry
+provisions, we were compelled to stow them in the hammock-nettings.
+
+Having transferred forty men from the other ships to assist at the
+pumps, we quitted Fonseca bay on the 28th, and on the 6th of January,
+1822, arrived at Tehuantepec, a volcano lighting us every night. This
+was one of the most imposing sights I ever beheld; large streams of
+molten lava pouring down the sides of the mountain, whilst at
+intervals, huge masses of solid burning matter were hurled into the air,
+and rebounding from their fall, ricocheted down the declivity till they
+found a resting place at its base.
+
+On the 29th we anchored at Acapulco, where we met the _Araucano_ and
+_Mercedes_, the latter having been sent on to gain intelligence of the
+Spanish frigates. We were civilly received by the Governor, though not
+without misgivings, on his part, that we might attempt to seize some
+Spanish merchantmen at anchor in the harbour; so that we found the fort
+manned by a strong garrison, and other preparations made to receive us
+in case of hostile demonstration.
+
+We were not a little surprised at this, as nothing could be more
+friendly than our intentions towards the newly emancipated Republic. The
+mystery was, however, soon cleared up. When at Guayaquil, we met with
+two officers, General Wavell and Colonel O'Reilly, to whom the Chilian
+Government had given passports to quit the country, not estimating the
+value of their services as tantamount to their pay. As no secret was
+made of the object of the Chilian squadron, they had, owing to our delay
+on the coast, carried their own version of our mission to Mexico, and
+had reported to the Mexican Government, both personally and by letter,
+that Lord Cochrane had possessed himself of the Chilian Navy,--plundered
+the vessels belonging to Peru,--was now on a piratical cruise,--and was
+coming to ravage the coast of Mexico; hence the preparations which had
+been made.
+
+The two worthies whom I have mentioned had represented to the
+authorities at Guayaquil that they were ambassadors from Chili to
+Mexico, deputed to congratulate the Mexican Government on their
+achievement of independence. Knowing this to be false, I requested them
+to shew their credentials, which of course they could not do. Their
+passports were then demanded, and evinced by their dates that the
+pretended ambassadors had quitted Chili prior to the intelligence of the
+establishment of independence in Mexico. This disclosure having become
+known to the lady of the Captain-General of Guatemala, who happened to
+be at Guayaquil, she forwarded the account to her husband, and he
+reported it to the Mexican authorities, who were thus informed of the
+true character of their visitors; who, in revenge, trumped up the story
+of our piratical intentions, to which the Governor of Acapulco attached
+sufficient importance to strengthen his forts as narrated.
+
+The reserve, however, immediately wore off, and the most cordial
+relations were entered into; the President of Mexico, Iturbide, writing
+me a very polite letter, regretting that he could not visit me
+personally, but inviting me to repair to his court, assuring me of the
+most honourable reception. This, of course, I could not accept.
+
+On the 2nd of February, a vessel arrived at Acapulco, and reported the
+Spanish frigates to the southward, whither, notwithstanding the
+unseaworthy state of the ships, I determined to proceed in search of
+them.
+
+During our stay an officer of marines, named Erescano--who by cruelty to
+his prisoners had made himself notorious at Valdivia--endeavoured to
+revenge my disapprobation of his conduct by representing to the men,
+that, notwithstanding the expenses we had been put to, there was still
+money on board the flag-ship, and that it ought to be divided amongst
+them. Failing in this, he had laid a plot to get possession of the
+chest, even at the cost of my assassination. All this was duly reported
+to me by the commander of the _Valdivia_, Captain Cobbett.
+
+As I did not wish to produce a ferment by punishing this diabolical plot
+as it deserved, I contented myself with thwarting its execution, till we
+were under weigh, when I ordered Captain Cobbett to send Erescano on
+shore with a despatch to the Governor, detailing the whole plot; the
+result being, that the traitor was left on shore, the squadron sailing
+without him. What afterwards became of him I never heard.
+
+After despatching the _Independencia_ and _Araucano_ to California for
+the purpose of purchasing provisions, with instructions to follow us to
+Guayaquil, we stood down the coast, and when off Tehuantepec,
+encountered a gale of wind, which, owing to the bad state of the
+frigate, threatened her destruction. To add to our distress, a sea
+struck the _Valdivia_--to which vessel we contemplated escaping--and
+forced in the timbers on her port side, so that she was only saved from
+sinking by passing a sail over the leak, till the damage could be
+repaired.
+
+On the 5th of March we made the coast of Esmeraldas, and came to an
+anchor in the bay of Tacames, where we learned that the Spanish frigates
+had some time before left for Guayaquil. On receipt of this intelligence
+we immediately pursued our voyage, and on the 13th anchored off the
+forts of Guayaquil, where we found the _Venganza_.
+
+Our reception was not of the same cordial nature as on the previous
+visit--two agents of San Martin having arrived, who by promises had
+gained over the Government to the Protector's interests, and had excited
+in their minds a jealousy of me which was as unexpected as ill-founded.
+Some attempts were even made to annoy me; but as, upon their
+manifestation, I laid the flag-ship alongside the _Venganza_, civility
+was enforced.
+
+The _Prueba_ and _Venganza_, being short of provisions, were compelled
+by our close pursuit, to put into Guayaquil, daily expecting us to
+follow. Previous to our arrival, the Peruvian envoy, Salasar, had so
+impressed upon the officers commanding the certainty of their being
+captured by the Chilian squadron, that he had induced them to give up
+the ships to Peru, on the promise that the Protectoral Government would
+pay the whole of the officers and crews all the arrears due to them, and
+that those who chose to remain in South America should be naturalized,
+with lands and pensions assigned to them; whilst such as were desirous
+of returning to Spain should have their passages defrayed by the
+Peruvian Government.
+
+Many of the Spanish officers and most of the crews were adverse to the
+surrender of the ships, so that a mutiny was the consequence; when, at
+the instance of Salasar, the Government of Guayaquil was induced to
+sanction an assertion that the Chilian squadron was at anchor in the bay
+of La Manta, and that letters had been received from me announcing my
+intention to come to Guayaquil and seize the ships. This mendacity had
+the desired effect, and both officers and crews accepted the terms
+offered; so that San Martin's agents had thus tricked the Chilian
+squadron out of its prizes.
+
+Under the before-mentioned impression the _Prueba_ was hastily sent to
+Callao before our arrival, but the _Venganza_, being in a condition
+unfit for sea, remained at Guayaquil. On being positively assured of the
+dishonourable transaction which had taken place, on the morning of the
+14th of March I sent Captain Crosbie on board the _Venganza_ to take
+possession, of her, for Chili and Peru jointly, being unwilling to
+embroil Chili in hostilities with Guayaquil by seizing her on our own
+account, as we were indisputably entitled to do, having chased her from
+port to port, until, destitute of provisions, she was compelled to take
+refuge in that port.
+
+My orders to Captain Crosbie were to hoist at the peak of the
+_Venganza_, the flag of Chili conjointly with that of Peru. This act
+gave great offence to the Guayaquil Government, which manned its
+gun-boats, erected breast-works, and brought guns to the river side with
+the apparent intention of firing upon us; the Spanish sailors, who
+shortly before had sold their ships from the dread of having to fight,
+being extremely active in these hostile demonstrations.
+
+Upon this, I ordered the _Valdivia_ to drift with the flood tide in the
+direction of the gun-boats, now filled with Spanish officers and seamen.
+Imagining that the frigate was about to attack them--though there was no
+intention of the kind--these heroes ran the boats ashore, and took to
+their heels in most admired disorder, not stopping till they had gained
+the protection of the city.
+
+The Junta, finding that we did not consider their warlike demonstration
+worthy of notice, remonstrated at my taking possession of the
+_Venganza_, but without effect, as I was not going to permit the Chilian
+squadron to be thus cheated out of its prize. I therefore proposed such
+terms as were best calculated to be accepted and ratified by the Junta
+of Government, composed of Olmedo, Kimena, and Roco, as follows:--
+
+   1st.--The frigate _Venganza_ shall remain as belonging to the
+   Government of Guayaquil, and shall hoist her flag, which shall be
+   duly saluted.
+
+   2nd.--Guayaquil guarantees to the Chilian squadron, on responsibility
+   of 40,000 dollars, that the frigate _Venganza_ shall not be
+   delivered to, nor negotiated for with any Government, till those of
+   Chili and Peru shall have decided on what they may esteem most
+   just. Moreover, the Government of Guayaquil is bound to destroy
+   her rather than consent that the said vessel shall serve any other
+   state till such decision be made.
+
+   _3rd_.--Any Government which may henceforward be established
+   in Guayaquil shall be bound to the fulfilment of the articles here
+   made.
+
+   _4th_.--These articles shall be understood literally, and in good
+   faith, without mental reservations or restrictions.
+
+   (Signed)    &c. &c.
+
+After the ratification of this agreement, the Government of Guayaquil
+addressed to me a letter acknowledging the important services which had
+been conferred on the States of South America, and assuring me that
+"Guayaquil would always be the first to honour my name, and the last to
+forget my unparalleled achievements," &c, &c. Yet no sooner had I sailed
+from the port, than the _Venganza_ was given up to the agent of Peru,
+but the 40,000 dollars have never been paid.
+
+At Guayaquil, I met General La Mar, the late governor of the fortress of
+Callao; and a report having been circulated by the Peruvian Government
+that during the recent blockade I had made an offer to supply the
+fortress with provisions, in order to prevent its falling into the hands
+of the Protector, I requested the General to favour me with a statement
+whether I did or did not promise to succour his garrison, to which
+request the General obligingly returned the following answer:--
+
+   Guayaquil, March 13th, 1823.
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   In consequence of the official note which I yesterday
+   received from your Excellency through the hands of the Government,
+   it is my duty to assert that I have neither said, nor written,
+   nor ever heard that you proposed to supply with provisions the place
+   of Callao during the whole of the time that it was under my charge.
+   God preserve your Excellency many years.
+
+   (Signed)    JOSE DE LA MAR.
+
+On the 27th we left the Guayaquil river, and on the 29th fell in with
+Captain Simpson, of the _Araucano_, whose crew had mutinied and carried
+off the ship. On the 12th of April we reached Guambucho, whither we had
+gone for the purpose of taking in water. To our surprise the Alcalde
+shewed a written order from San Martin, telling him that if any vessel
+of war belonging to Chili touched there he was to forbid their landing,
+and to deny assistance of every kind, not even permitting them to obtain
+wood and water.
+
+To this order no attention was paid by us, and we took on board whatever
+was required, remaining further to repair the _Valdivia_. On the 16th we
+sailed, and on the 25th anchored at Callao, where we found the _Prueba_
+under Peruvian colours, and commanded by the senior Chilian captain, who
+had abandoned the squadron! On our arrival she was immediately hauled in
+close under the batteries, with guns housed, and ports closed, whilst
+she was so crammed with troops that three died on the following night
+from suffocation; these steps being taken to prevent her sharing the
+fate of the _Esmeralda_. To calm their fears, I wrote to the Government
+that there was no intention of taking her, otherwise I would have done
+so, and at midday too in spite of any such precautions.
+
+Lima was at this time in an extraordinary condition, there being no less
+than five different Peruvian flags flying in the bay and on the
+batteries. The Protector had passed a decree ordering that all Spaniards
+who might quit the place should surrender half their property to the
+public treasury, or the whole should be confiscated, and the owners
+exiled. Another decree imposed the penalties of exile and confiscation
+of property upon all Spaniards who should appear in the streets wearing
+a cloak; also against any who should be found in private conversation!
+The punishment of death was awarded against all who should be out of
+their houses after sunset; and confiscation and death were pronounced on
+all who possessed any kind of weapons except table-knives! A wealthy
+lady in Lima was so annoyed at the rigour of these decrees, that her
+patriotism overcame her prudence, and having called the Protector ill
+names, she was compelled to give up her property. She was then habited
+in the garb of the Inquisition,--a garment painted with imaginary
+devils!--and taken to the great square, where an accusatory libel being
+fastened to her breast, a human bone was forced into her mouth--her
+tongue being condemned as the offending member--and then secured; in
+which state, with a halter round her neck, she was paraded through the
+streets by the common hangman, and afterwards exiled to Callao, where
+after two days she died from mental anguish arising from the treatment
+she had received. Such was the liberty conceded to Peru.
+
+In the midst of this national degradation, the Protector had assumed the
+style of a Sovereign Prince. An order of nobility was established, under
+the title of "The Institute of the Sun," the insignia being a golden sun
+suspended from a white ribbon, the Chilian officers who had abandoned
+the squadron coming in for a full share as the reward of their
+subserviency.
+
+A quasi-royal guard was established, consisting of the leading youth of
+the city, who formed the Protector's escort in public; a precaution
+which, notwithstanding that the exasperated Limenos were weaponless, was
+not altogether unnecessary. The Solar nobility were permitted to place
+their armorial bearings in front of their houses, with the sun blazoned
+in the centre, which was certainly an addition to, if not an improvement
+on all previous orders of nobility. In short, the Limenos had a Republic
+swarming with marquises, counts, viscounts, and other titles of
+monarchy, to which consummation all expected the Protector to aspire;
+the more so, as the only unfettered portion of the press was that which
+saluted him under the title of Emperor. (_See Appendix, Ode of "The
+Dove," sung in celebration, of our Protector and Emperor of Peru!_)
+
+The strength of a State so constituted did not keep pace with the
+brilliancy of its court. On the 7th of April, General Cantarac had
+fallen upon a division of the liberating army, and cut up or made
+prisoners of the whole, capturing 5,000 muskets, the military chest,
+containing 100,000 dollars, and all their ammunition and baggage. It
+would have been thought that so serious a disaster occurring amongst a
+justly-exasperated people would have caused some embarrassment to the
+Government, but the Gazette of the 13th of April almost turned it into
+matter for congratulation.
+
+   LIMENOS,
+
+   The division of the south, _without having been beaten_, has
+   been surprised and dispersed. In a long campaign all cannot be
+   prosperity. You know _my_ character, and you know that _I_ have
+   always spoken the truth! I do not mean to search for consolation
+   in conflicts, notwithstanding, I dare to assure you, that the iniquitous
+   and tyrannical empire of the Spaniards in Peru will cease in the
+   year 1823. I will make an ingenuous confession to you. It was
+   my intention to go in search of repose after so many years of agitation,
+   but I believed your independence was not secured. Some
+   trifling danger now presents itself, and so long as there remains the
+   least appearance of it, till you are free you shall not be left by your
+   faithful friend,
+
+   SAN MARTIN.
+
+His proclamation to the army is still more extraordinary:--
+
+   Companions of the United Army,
+
+   Your brothers in the division of the south
+   have not been beaten--but they have been dispersed. To you it
+   belongs to revenge this insult. You are valiant, and have known
+   long ago the path to glory. Sharpen well your bayonets and your
+   swords. The campaign of Peru shall finish in this year. Your old
+   general assures it. Prepare to conquer!
+
+   SAN MARTIN.
+
+To the inhabitants of the interior, proclamations of a still more
+bombastic nature were despatched, in which they were assured that a
+reverse of this kind "weighed nothing in the balance of destiny of Peru.
+Providence protects us, and by this action will accelerate the ruin of
+the enemies of Peru. Proud of their first victory, _they will spare us
+part of our march in search of them_. Fear not! the army that _drove
+them from the capital_ is ready to punish them a third time, and to
+punish them for ever!"
+
+The army, however, rightly dreaded another reverse, and what remained of
+the Chilian force was discontented, as no promise to them had been
+fulfilled. All gold and silver had disappeared, and paper money was
+issued by the Government in its stead. Contributions from the already
+drained inhabitants were increased, and had to be collected at the point
+of the bayonet. In short, on my arrival, Peru presented the
+extraordinary spectacle of a court whose minions indulged in every
+species of costly luxury, and a people impoverished to the dregs to
+administer to their rapacity.
+
+Those who had condemned my conduct in taking possession of the money at
+Ancon, now admitted that I had adopted the only possible step to
+preserve the squadron of Chili. The officers of the liberating army sent
+me deplorable accounts of the state of affairs; and the regiment of
+Numantia, which had deserted from the Spaniards soon after the capture
+of the _Esmeralda_, sent an officer, Captain Doronso, with a message,
+asking me to receive them on board, and convey them to Colombia, to
+which province they belonged.
+
+My appearance in the port of Callao caused serious, though, as far as I
+was concerned, unnecessary alarm to the Government, to which I
+transmitted a fresh demand for the sums due to the squadron, further
+alluding, in no measured language, to the events which had taken place
+at Guayaquil. Without replying to this by letter, Monteagudo came off to
+the _O'Higgins_, lamenting that I should have resorted to such
+intemperate expressions, as the Protector, before its receipt, had
+written me a private letter praying for an interview, but on the receipt
+of my note he became so indignant as to place his health in danger.
+Monteagudo further assured me that in that letter he had made me the
+offer of a large estate, and the decoration of the "Sun" set in
+diamonds, if I would consent to command the united navies of Chili and
+Peru, in a contemplated expedition to capture the Philippine Islands, by
+which I should make an immense fortune. My reply was, "Tell the
+Protector from me, Mr. Monteagudo, that if, after the conduct he has
+pursued he had sent me a private letter, on any such subject, it would
+certainly have been returned unanswered; and you may also tell him, that
+it is not my wish to injure him; I neither fear him nor hate him, but I
+disapprove of his conduct."
+
+Monteagudo, in spite of his reception, begged of me to reconsider my
+determination, saying that the Marquis of Torre Tagle had got ready his
+house for my reception; asking me further to recal the letter I had
+written the day before, and accept the offers which had been made. I
+again told him that "I would not accept either honours or rewards from a
+Government constituted in defiance of solemn pledges; nor would I set
+foot in a country governed not only without law, but contrary to law.
+Neither would I recal my letter, my habits were frugal, and my means
+sufficient without a fortune from the Philippine Islands." Finding he
+could make no impression upon me, and not liking the scowl on the
+countenances of those on board, though he wore his blazing decoration
+of the first order of the "Sun," and was covered with ribbons and
+embroideries, the minister retired, accompanied by his military escort.
+
+Consequent upon my refusal to comply with his wishes the Protector
+shortly afterwards, unknown to me, despatched Colonel Paroissien and
+Garcia del Rio to Chili with a long series of the most preposterous
+accusations, in which I was represented as having committed every
+species of crime, from piracy to petty robbery; calling on the Chilian
+Government to visit me with the severest punishment.
+
+On the 8th of May, the schooner _Montezuma_, which had been lent to
+General San Martin by the Chilian Government, entered Callao _under
+Peruvian colours_. The insolence of thus appropriating a vessel of my
+squadron was too great for forbearance, so that I compelled her to come
+to an anchor, though not before we were obliged to fire upon her. I then
+turned all the officers ashore, and took possession of her; the
+Protectoral authorities, by way of reprisal, detaining a boat belonging
+to the flag-ship, and imprisoning the men; but, rightly calculating the
+consequences of such a step, they were soon set at liberty, and the boat
+was, on the same night, permitted to return to the ship.
+
+On the 10th of May we quitted Callao, and arrived at Valparaiso on the
+13th of June, after an absence of a year and nine months, during which
+the objects of the expedition had been completely accomplished.
+
+Having satisfied myself, that, from the oppression practised, the
+Protectoral Government could not endure longer than the first favourable
+opportunity for a general revolt which might present itself to the
+Limenos, and judging that the fall of San Martin might involve serious
+consequences to Chili, I had addressed the following letter to the
+Supreme Director:--
+
+   _Private and confidential_.
+   Callao Roads, May 2, 1822.
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   You will perceive by my public despatches the points of
+   most interest as regards the proceedings of the squadron, and the
+   result of our pursuit of the enemy's frigates, _Prueba_ and _Venganza_,
+   both of which I have embargoed, the one at Guayaquil and the
+   other here, until your pleasure shall be known, whatever that may
+   be, whether to give up the squadron of Chili, or to bring those
+   vessels to you, shall be alike obeyed.
+
+   San Martin has now laid down the external pomp of Protector,
+   and, like Cincinnatus, has withdrawn to retirement, but not with the
+   same view. This modesty is to captivate the crowd, who are to call
+   on him to convert the ploughshare _into an Imperial sceptre!_ I have
+   excellent information to this effect, having found means to obtain it
+   from behind the scenes of this political actor.
+
+   Great hopes are entertained, from the mission to Chili, that
+   the squadron will at least be withdrawn, and that when the sun of
+   Peru shall rise on the ocean, the star (the national emblem of Chili)
+   which has hitherto shone, will be for ever eclipsed! Some spots
+   have, however, appeared on the sun's surface. Two thousand men
+   have ceased to see its light at Pasco; and the Numantian regiment,
+   once dazzled by its splendour, are about to grope their way to their
+   native land.
+
+   As the attached and sincere friend of your Excellency, I hope you
+   will take into your serious consideration the propriety of at once
+   fixing the Chilian Government upon a base not to be shaken by the
+   fall of the present tyranny in Peru, of which there are not only
+   indications, but their result is inevitable; unless, indeed, the
+   mischievous counsels of vain and mercenary men can suffice to prop
+   up a fabric of the most barbarous political architecture, serving as
+   a screen from whence to dart their weapons against the heart of
+   liberty. Thank God, my hands are free from the stain of labouring
+   in any such work, and, having finished all which you gave me to do,
+   I may now rest till you shall command my further endeavours for
+   the honour and security of my adopted land.
+
+   The enemy's forces, since the destruction of the division at Pasco,
+   under Tristan, are superior to those of San Martin at Lima, and are
+   said to be advancing on the capital.
+
+   Everything being fully explained in my despatches, I need not
+   trouble your Excellency with a repetition. Trusting that you will
+   judge of my conduct and intentions by my acts--not by the vile
+   scandals of those who have deserted their flag, and set your
+   proclamations at defiance,
+
+   I have the honor, &c,
+   COCHRANE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+RETURN TO VALPARAISO--THANKS OF THE GOVERNMENT--REASONS FOR
+SATISFACTION--ILLEGITIMATE TRADE--TURNED TO GOOD ACCOUNT--DENUNCIATION
+OF OFFICERS DESERTED--INVESTIGATION OF ACCOUNTS--SAN MARTIN'S CHARGES
+AGAINST ME--MY REFUTATION--GOVERNMENT REFUSES ITS PUBLICATION--CRUELTY
+TO SPANISH PRISONERS--RETIREMENT TO QUINTERO--POLITICAL FRUITS OF OUR
+SUCCESS--DESTITUTE CONDITION OF SQUADRON--INFAMOUS ATTEMPT TO PROMOTE
+DISSATISFACTION THEREIN--OBJECT OF THIS COURSE--STEPS TAKEN TO DEFEAT
+IT--DISAVOWED BY THE MINISTER--SYMPATHY OF OFFICERS--ATTEMPT TO GET RID
+OF GEN. FREIRE--ITS EVENTUAL RESULT--LETTER OF THE CAPTAINS.
+
+
+On my arrival at Valparaiso, I found that San Martin's agents,
+Paroissien and Garcia del Rio, had produced his accusations against me
+to the Government at Santiago, though without effect, as I had taken
+care to keep it apprised of everything which had transpired, exercising
+the most scrupulous care in furnishing accounts of monies and stores
+taken from the Spaniards, but especially as regarded the public money of
+the Peruvian Government appropriated at Ancon.
+
+The return of the squadron was announced by me to the Government in the
+following letter:--
+
+   The anxious desires of His Excellency the Supreme Director
+   are now fulfilled, and the sacrifices of the Chilian people are
+   rewarded. The naval power of Spain in the Pacific has succumbed
+   and is extinguished, the following vessels having surrendered to
+   the unceasing efforts of the squadron of this Free State:--
+
+   _Prueba_, 50 guns; _Esmeralda_, 44; _Venganza_, 44; _Resolution_, 34;
+   _Sebastiana_, 34; _Pesuela_, 18; _Potrillo_, 16; _Prosperina_ 14;
+   _Arausasu_; seventeen gun-boats; the armed ships _Aguila_ and
+   _Begonia_; the block ships at Callao; and many merchantmen.
+
+   It is highly gratifying to me, after labouring under such difficulties
+   as were never before witnessed on board ships of war, to announce
+   the arrival of the Chilian squadron in Valparaiso--its cradle; where,
+   owing to its unceasing services in the cause of liberty and independence
+   of Chili, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico, it forms an object
+   of admiration and gratitude to the inhabitants of the New World.
+
+   (Signed) COCHRANE.
+
+By the inhabitants of Valparaiso our return was hailed with every
+manifestation of delight, almost every house in the place being
+decorated with the patriot flag, whilst other demonstrations of national
+joy showed the importance which the Chilian people attached to our
+services, in spite of the obstacles which they well knew had been
+opposed to them.
+
+On the 4th of June, the following letters of thanks were forwarded to
+me:--
+
+   Ministry of Marine,
+   Santiago de Chili, June 4th, 1822.
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   The arrival of your Excellency at Valparaiso with the
+   squadron under your command, has given the greatest pleasure to
+   his Excellency the Supreme Director. In those feelings of gratitude
+   which the glory acquired by your Excellency during the late
+   campaign has excited, you will find the proof of that high
+   consideration which your heroic services so justly deserve.
+
+   Among those who have a distinguished claim are the chiefs and
+   officers, who, faithful to their duty, have remained on board the
+   vessels of war of this State, a list of whom your Excellency has
+   honoured me by enclosing. These gentlemen will most assuredly
+   receive the recompense so justly due to their praiseworthy constancy.
+
+   Be pleased to accept the assurance of my highest esteem.
+
+   JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA.
+
+   His Excellency the Vice-Admiral and
+   Commander-in-Chief of the Squadron,
+   the Right Honourable Lord Cochrane.
+
+From the preceding letter it will be observed that my old opponent,
+Zenteno, was no longer at the head of the Department of Marine, but was
+appointed Governor of Valparaiso, where he exercised the office of
+Port-Admiral, a position in which, with all his former enmity, he
+contrived, notwithstanding the complete satisfaction of the Government
+with my services, to give me great annoyance.
+
+In addition to the above acknowledgment of our services, a decree was
+issued commanding a medal to be struck in commemoration thereof.
+
+   Ministry of Marine,
+   Santiago de Chili, 19th June, 1822.
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   His Excellency the Supreme Director being desirous
+   of making a public demonstration of the high services that the
+   squadron has rendered to the nation, has resolved that a medal be
+   struck for the officers and crews of the squadron, with an inscription
+   expressive of the national gratitude towards the worthy supporters
+   of its maritime power.
+
+   I have the honour to communicate this to your Excellency by
+   supreme command, and to offer you my highest respects.
+
+   JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA.
+
+   His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Lord Cochrane,
+   Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief, &c. &c.
+
+It is here observable, that whereas San Martin, on the occupation of
+Lima, had caused a medal to be struck, arrogating the success of the
+expedition entirely to the army, which had done little or nothing
+towards it--leaving out all mention of the services of the squadron; the
+Chilian Government gave the credit, as was deserved, to the
+squadron--omitting all mention of the army, which remained under the
+standard of the Protector. Nothing can be more conclusive as to the
+opinions of the Chilian Government on the subject.
+
+Chili had indeed reason to be grateful, no less for the management than
+the achievements of the squadron. I had now been in command something
+more than two years and a half, during which we either took, destroyed,
+or forced to surrender, every Spanish ship of war in the Pacific; the
+whole of the west coast was cleared of pirates, which before abounded;
+we had reduced unaided the most important fortresses of the enemy,
+either by storm or blockade; the commerce both of Chili and neutral
+powers had been protected; and the cause of independence placed on a
+basis so firm, that nothing but folly or corruption could shake it.
+
+For these most important results, Chili had been at no cost whatever
+beyond the original ineffective equipment of the ships. With the
+exception of three or four cargoes of provisions sent to Callao, I had,
+by my own exertions, for the whole period, provided for the maintenance
+and subsistence of the squadron, its repairs, equipment, stores,
+provisions, and pay, as far as the men had been paid; not a dollar
+having been expended for these purposes by the Chilian Government, which
+trusted--but in vain--to Peru. To have been ungrateful--as far as the
+public expression of gratitude went, for other reward there was
+none--would have been a national crime.
+
+As one of my modes of providing for the necessities of the squadron has
+not been mentioned, it must be here given.
+
+Under the Spanish regime, no foreign vessel could trade at their ports
+in the Pacific. But, for the sake of revenue as well as to obtain
+supplies, it had become the practice of the Viceroy to sell licences,
+enabling British merchants to employ British vessels in the Spanish
+Colonial trade. These had to load in some port in Spain, and were there
+furnished with legalized Spanish papers.
+
+Under the altered state of things in Chili, in order to secure such
+vessels from capture by the Chilian ships of war, as having Spanish
+property on board, the device of simulated papers was resorted to,
+representing the cargoes as British property, coming from the port of
+Gibraltar; one set of papers being used ashore, and the other afloat, or
+as occasion required. Several British vessels had been detained by the
+Chilian squadron, whereof the Spanish papers were found in the Peruvian
+custom-houses when taken possession of; they were accordingly liable to
+be libelled as Spanish property.
+
+In order, however, to land their cargoes in safety, the commanders and
+supercargoes of such British vessels voluntarily offered terms which
+should confer upon their trade a legitimate character, viz. to pay a
+certain impost as an equivalent for customs' duties. I accepted these
+terms as furnishing me with means to supply the necessities and defray
+the expenses of the squadron, the wants of which were with great
+difficulty supplied, as the Protectoral Government refused to aid in
+any way, notwithstanding that it owed its very existence to our efforts.
+
+The duties thus collected,--for the most part in contraband of
+war,--were duly accounted for by me to the Government of Chili, whilst
+such compromise was received as a boon by the British merchants, and
+highly approved of by the British naval authorities, Sir Thomas Hardy
+especially.
+
+Yet General San Martin, and others interested in a line of policy which
+in its prosecution was inimical to the true interests of Chili,
+afterwards charged these proceedings upon me as "acts of piracy."
+
+That the Chilian Government was, however, well satisfied with all the
+steps taken for provisioning and maintaining the squadron, as well as
+with the seizure and disposal of the public money at Ancon, is evident
+from the following acknowledgment:--
+
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   I have informed the Supreme Director of the note
+   which you addressed to me on the 7th of October, accompanying the
+   accounts of the monies supplied to the payment of the officers and
+   seamen of the squadron, and to the other objects of the naval
+   service; as well as the accounts of money and bars of silver returned
+   at Ancon to their respective owners.
+
+   His Excellency approves of all that you have done in these matters
+   and orders me in reply to convey his approbation, which I have the
+   honour now to do.
+
+   Accept the assurance of my high consideration,
+
+   (Signed) JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA,
+   Ministry of Marine, Santiago de Chili.
+
+   To LORD COCHRANE,
+   Vice-Adm. & Comm.-in-Chief. Nov. 13, 1821.
+
+On the same date, the following was received relative to the officers
+who had deserted from the squadron, for the purpose of entering the
+service of the Protector:--
+
+   Santiago de Chili, Nov. 13, 1821.
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   His Excellency the Supreme Director has received
+   with the greatest dissatisfaction a list of the naval officers who have
+   deserted from the squadron. These will not fail to be noted in
+   order to be tried by a court-martial, in case they should again tread
+   the soil of Chili. It is fortunate that your Excellency has altered
+   the private signals, lest Capt. Esmonde should divulge those which
+   were in use.
+
+   (Signed) JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA.
+   Vice-Adm. Lord Cochrane.
+
+Immediately after my arrival, an intimation was forwarded to me by the
+Supreme Director of his wish to confer with me privately on the subject
+of my letter of May 2nd, in which had been pointed out the danger
+arising in Peru, from the tyranny exercised by the Protectoral
+Government.
+
+   Santiago, June 4th, 1822.
+   My Distinguished Friend Lord Cochrane,
+
+   I do not wish to delay a moment in expressing
+   my satisfaction at your arrival, of which you have informed me in
+   your letter of the 2nd inst. As in that letter you acquaint me
+   that you will speedily be in this Capital, with a view to communicate
+   matters which would be better conveyed in a verbal conference,
+   shall anxiously await the day to express to you all the consideration
+   with which I am
+
+   Your sincere friend,
+
+   BERNARDO O'HIGGINS.
+
+Having as yet received no official acknowledgment of the accounts of the
+squadron, beyond the previously mentioned general expression of entire
+satisfaction on the part of the Government, I applied to the Minister of
+Marine for a more minute investigation into their contents, as from the
+charges made against me by San Martin, I was desirous that the most
+rigid inquiry should be instituted forthwith, and indeed expressed my
+surprise--from the time which had elapsed since they were
+forwarded--that this had not been done. On the 14th of June, the
+Minister replied as follows:--
+
+   MOST EXCELLENT SIR,
+
+   The accounts of monies applied by your Excellency
+   in the necessary requirements of the vessels of war under your
+   command, which you conveyed to me in your two notes of the 25th
+   of May last, have been passed to the office of the Accountant-General,
+   for the purpose indicated by your Excellency.
+
+   JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA.
+
+Knowing the dilatory habits of the departments of State, I did not deem
+this satisfactory, and being engaged in preparing a refutation of San
+Martin's charges, I again urged on the Minister to investigate the
+accounts without further delay, when, on the 19th of June, he
+acknowledged--in a letter too long for insertion--the specific items; at
+the same time declaring his "high consideration for the manner in which
+I had made the flag of Chili respected in the Pacific."
+
+This was satisfactory, but it is perhaps necessary to assign a reason
+why so much importance is attached to a mere matter of routine,
+especially after the Government had declared its satisfaction with all
+my proceedings. The reason is this--that for all the services so warmly
+acknowledged, the Government of Chili restrained from conferring either
+upon myself or the squadron the slightest pecuniary recompense, even the
+prize-money due to the officers and seamen, part of which the ministry
+had appropriated. On pressing these claims year after year subsequent to
+my departure from Chili, I was informed _sixteen years afterwards!_ that
+my accounts required explanation! the reason for this unworthy
+proceeding being, that, as the claim could not be disputed, it might
+thus be evaded.
+
+My refutation of San Martin's accusations was drawn up in the most
+minute manner, replying to every charge _seriatim_, and bringing to
+light a multitude of nefarious practices on the part of his Government,
+which had been previously kept back. Lest I might appear in the
+invidious light of an accuser, I was strongly dissuaded from its
+publication, as being unnecessary, the Chilian Government paying no
+attention whatever to his charges, but being afraid of embroiling
+themselves with Peru, the weakness of which they failed rightly to
+estimate.
+
+Having, however, my own character to defend, I did not think proper to
+comply, and therefore forwarded my refutation to the Government, the
+Minister of Marine acknowledging its receipt, with an intimation that it
+had been deposited in the archives of the Republic.
+
+As, from the Minister of Marine's reply, the document was evidently
+intended to remain there without further notice, I addressed the
+following letter to the Supreme Director:--
+
+   MOST EXCELLENT SIR,
+
+   As the game attempted to be played by the Government
+   of Peru for the annihilation of the marine of Chili is now being
+   put in practice in another form, conjointly with further attacks on
+   my character, I have to request permission from the supreme
+   authority to publish my correspondence with San Martin and his
+   agents on these subjects; together with a copy of his accusation
+   against me, with my reply thereto, in order that the public may no
+   longer be deceived, and falsehood pass for truth.
+
+   I have the honour, &c.
+
+   COCHRANE.
+
+To this the following reply was returned:--
+
+   Santiago, Oct. 1, 1822.
+
+   MOST EXCELLENT SIR,
+
+   Your Excellency is too well acquainted with political
+   affairs not to understand the reasons which oppose the publication
+   of the disagreeable occurrences which have taken place with the
+   Protector at the termination of the Peruvian campaign. Were they
+   made public, it would be opening a vast field of censure to the
+   enemies of our cause, and also weakening the credit of the independent
+   Governments, by shewing dissensions amongst themselves.
+
+   Already have we felt the inconveniences of the injurious impressions
+   _made on the British Cabinet_ by the dissensions between your
+   Excellency and Gen. San Martin; for they had no sooner been
+   informed thereof, than the diplomatic negociations which had been
+   established with our Envoy at that Court were paralysed; and had
+   he not laboured to counteract the rumours, which had been exaggerated
+   by distance, there is no doubt but that his influence in
+   advocating the cause of South America would have most prejudicially
+   failed.
+
+   His Excellency the Supreme Director feels confident that these
+   reflections will have in your mind all the weight they merit; but
+   if you still insist on the publication of your reply to Gen. San
+   Martin, you may nevertheless avail yourself of the liberty of the
+   press which prevails in Chili.
+
+   (Signed) JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA.
+
+It was "_the injurious impressions made on the British Cabinet,_" which
+made me chiefly desirous of replying to the Protector's charges; but
+being thus adjured not to sacrifice the interests of South America, and
+being, moreover, strenuously requested to let the matter drop, as being
+of no consequence to me in Chili, I reluctantly yielded, contenting
+myself with sending a copy of my reply to the Peruvian Government.
+Further to assure me of the disbelief of the Chilian Government in the
+charges made, an additional vote of thanks was given me by the Senate,
+and inserted in the Gazette.
+
+On my return to Valparaiso, I found a lamentable instance of the cruelty
+practised by the military tyrants of Peru, It has been mentioned that
+the old Spaniards were ostensibly permitted to quit Lima on surrender of
+half their property--a regulation of which many availed themselves
+rather than submit to the caprices of the Protectoral Government. In
+place of the security which they thus purchased for the remainder of
+their property, they were seized and stripped on their way to Callao of
+the whole that remained, thrust on board the prison ship, and finally
+sent, in a state of complete destitution of the necessaries of life, to
+be added to the Spanish prisoners in Chili. The _Milagro_ had arrived
+in Valparaiso full of these miserable people, many of whom were shortly
+before amongst the most respectable inhabitants of Lima; and, to add to
+the bitterness of their treatment, they were accompanied to Chili by the
+agents of the Protector, Paroissien and Garcia del Rio, with his charges
+against me, no doubt for the further purpose of again tampering with the
+officers of the squadron. I did all in my power to interfere on the part
+of the unhappy prisoners, but in vain; they were at length transferred
+to the hospital of San Juan de Dios, where they were confined with the
+common felons, and would have been starved but for the English
+inhabitants of Valparaiso, who raised a subscription on their behalf,
+and appointed one of their body to see their daily food distributed.
+They were afterwards transferred to Santiago. The cruelty practised
+towards these prisoners in Peru, is of itself a reason why their tyrants
+did not venture to encounter the Spanish General Cantarac. Cruel people
+are invariably cowards.
+
+On my arrival at Santiago, I found the Supreme Director on the point of
+resigning his high office from the opposition he had to encounter by
+adhering to a ministry which in one way or other was constantly bringing
+his Government into discredit, and from being supposed to favour the
+designs of General San Martin, though to this I attached no credit,
+believing that his high sense of principle led him to take upon himself
+the obnoxious acts of his Ministers, who were partisans of the
+Protector. The dissatisfaction increasing, the Supreme Director at
+length tendered his resignation to the Convention, who, being unprepared
+for this step, insisted on reinstating him in the supreme executive
+authority.
+
+Being indisposed to mingle in the conflicting state of parties which
+distracted Chili after my return, and being in need of relaxation after
+the two years and a-half of harassing anxiety which I had encountered, I
+requested permission of the Government to retire to my estate at
+Quintero, intending also to visit the estate which had been conferred
+upon me at Rio Clara as an acknowledgment of services rendered at
+Valdivia; my object being to bring it into a state of cultivation, which
+might give an impetus to the low condition of agriculture in Chili.
+
+At this juncture, the _Rising Star_, the steamer which was spoken of as
+having been left behind in England, arrived in Valparaiso, too late,
+however, to take any part in the operations which were now brought to a
+close by the surrender of the Spanish navy. This delay had been caused
+by want of funds to complete her equipment, which could not even now
+have been accomplished, had not large means been furnished to the
+Chilian agent in London, by my brother, the Hon. Major Cochrane, who, to
+this day, has not been reimbursed a shilling of the outlay advanced on
+the faith of the accredited Chilian Envoy! Though the _Rising Star_ was
+now of little use as regarded naval operations, she was the first
+steamer which had entered the Pacific, and might, had she not been
+repudiated by the Government, have formed the nucleus of a force which
+would have prevented an infinity of disasters which shortly after my
+departure from Chili befel the cause of independence, as will presently
+be seen.
+
+The political fruits of our successes in Chili and Peru now began to
+manifest themselves in the recognition of the South American Republics
+by the United States, so that Chili had assumed the rank of a recognised
+member of the family of nations.
+
+I took with me as a guest to Quintero, my former prisoner, Colonel
+Fausto del Hoyo, the Commandant at Valdivia on our reduction of that
+fortress. Previous to my departure for Peru, I had obtained from the
+Government a promise for his generous treatment, but no sooner had the
+squadron sailed, than he was thrust into prison, without fire, light, or
+books, and in this miserable condition he had remained till our return.
+As he received the promise of generous treatment from me, I insisted on
+and obtained his liberation, and he was now on parole. By paying him
+every attention, I hoped to inculcate that national greatness does not
+include cruelty to prisoners of war.
+
+No sooner had I arrived at Quintero, than I zealously entered on my
+improvements, having now received from England a variety of agricultural
+implements, such as ploughs, harrows, spades, &c, all of which were new
+to Chili; also European agricultural seeds, such as carrots, turnips,
+&c, which, previous to their introduction by me were unknown in the
+country.
+
+But I was not long permitted to enjoy the "_otium_" marked out for
+myself. Letter after letter came from the squadron, complaining that,
+like the Spanish prisoners, they too were in a state of destitution,
+without pay, clothes, or provisions. Starting again for Valparaiso, I
+found their complaints to be more than realized, upon which I addressed
+to the Minister of Marine the following letter:--
+
+   MOST EXCELLENT SIR,
+
+   Three months having passed since the squadron
+   anchored in this port, and the same period since my representations
+   on its condition were made to the Supreme Government, relative to
+   the nakedness and destitute condition of the crews; who still
+   continue in the same state as that in which they passed the
+   winter, without beds or clothes, the sentinel at my cabin door
+   being in rags, no portion of which formed his original uniform. As
+   it is impossible that such a state of things can continue, without
+   exciting dangerous discontent and mutiny, I beg that you will order
+   such clothing as may be found in Valparaiso to be supplied through
+   the Commissary of the squadron, in order that it may immediately
+   be distributed to the naked crews.
+
+   (Signed) COCHRANE.
+
+The determination with which I had entered upon the relief of the
+seamen, was so offensive to those who, in popular estimation, were
+deserving of blame, that a report was circulated of my having
+surreptitiously shipped on board the English frigate _Doris_, then lying
+in the harbour of Valparaiso, 9000 ounces of coined gold, and also a
+quantity of gold and silver bars to the like amount! the object no doubt
+being to induce a belief in the popular mind, that money had been
+applicable for the use of the squadron, but that it had been dishonestly
+appropriated by myself.
+
+As I had returned to Quintero, this rumour did not reach me till it had
+become widely disseminated amongst the Chilian people. The first
+intimation I had of it, was contained in the following letter from
+Captain Cobbett, of the _Valdivia_:--
+
+   MY DEAR LORD,
+
+   When I informed you, on my arrival at Quintero,
+   that something unpleasant would take place, I was not altogether
+   ignorant of a report which has now become prevalent. It was said
+   on the day of your departure, that your Lordship had placed a large
+   sum of money on board one of the British men of war in the
+   harbour, 9,000 ounces in gold in a package directed to Lady
+   Cochrane, and an equal amount in gold and silver bars to wait
+   further orders from your Lordship. Every exertion was made by
+   one interested in injuring your Lordship, to convince me of the fact,
+   my reply being, that I had too long been accustomed to rely in
+   your Lordship's integrity to believe any such report without proof.
+
+   Yesterday the same person came again to my house to inform me
+   that the matter was cleared beyond doubt, for that the master of the
+   _Doris_ frigate had told him that the two boxes of gold and silver
+   were on board, directed as above-mentioned. This report has created
+   great sensation here, and the greatest pains are being taken to
+   spread it far and wide. On making inquiry on board the _Doris_,
+   Captain Wilkinson and myself found that no packages of the kind
+   were on board, and on telling the parties engaged in spreading the
+   report the result of our inquiry, they seemed much chopfallen, but
+   would not retract their charge, which I am certain they intend
+   to carry to the Supreme Director, the consequence of which would
+   be, that were the report true or false, the Government would blame
+   your Lordship, and accuse us of being your abettors; whilst, as the
+   want of pay and prize-money renders the officers irritable, they are
+   ready for anything and everything which might promise to relieve
+   their necessities.
+
+   I have told your Lordship all I know, and have conceived the
+   rumour to be of so much importance, as to send one of my own
+   horses with the little doctor to inform you immediately of what is
+   going on, as such reports ought not to be treated lightly. I beg to
+   subscribe myself, with the greatest respect,
+
+   Your Lordship's grateful Servant,
+
+   HENRY COBBETT.
+
+Another letter, from Captain Wilkinson, was to the same effect:--
+
+   MY DEAR LORD,
+
+   A report is in circulation that your Lordship has put
+   on board the British frigate _Doris_ nine thousand ounces in gold. I
+   feel it my duty to acquaint you of this, as no person can have your
+   Lordship's reputation more at heart than myself. I have been told
+   this by two or three persons after your Lordship left for Quintero,
+   and in the evening by Moyell, who must have known it to be
+   false, and I declared it so to him. I trust your Lordship will
+   be able to trace the shameless offender.
+
+   I am, my Lord, &c. &c.
+
+   W. WILKINSON.
+
+As soon as these letters were received, I lost no time in repairing to
+Valparaiso, not doubting that Zenteno and the Peruvian agents were again
+at work to disorganize the squadron, and in case of the overthrow of the
+Supreme Director, which was still impending, to place it in the hands of
+San Martin. The object of the party was to cause dissension amongst the
+seamen, by making them believe that, amidst their poverty and
+sufferings, I had been taking care of myself, and hence they hoped to
+destroy that confidence in me which officers and men had all along
+exhibited, notwithstanding their privations. As they had never before
+been so wretchedly destitute, this circumstance was considered
+favourable to the impression, that having secured all I could for
+myself, I was about to abandon them.
+
+Though there was not a word of truth in the report which had been thus
+sedulously disseminated, it was too serious to be trifled with;
+accordingly, on the receipt of Captain Cobbett's letter, I hastened to
+Valparaiso, and to the chagrin of Zenteno, again hoisted my flag on
+board the _O'Higgins_.
+
+My first step was to demand from the Government the appointment of a
+commission to go on board the _Doris_, and there ascertain whether I had
+placed any packages on board that frigate for transmission to England or
+elsewhere. The reply was, that no such commission was requisite, as no
+one gave credit to the assertion that I had done so, or suppose me
+capable of acting in the way which had been falsely reported!
+
+The re-hoisting my flag was a step which had not been anticipated, and
+as it was unbidden, a remonstrance was addressed to me upon having taken
+such a step unauthorised by the Government. My reply was, that I had
+taken the step upon my own responsibility, and that as such an infamous
+accusation had been promulgated against me, for the purpose of promoting
+mutiny amongst the men, I intended to keep my flag flying till they were
+paid. At the same time I addressed the following letter to the Minister
+of Marine:--
+
+   MOST EXCELLENT SIR,
+
+   Aroused from the tranquillity in which I had
+   vainly hoped to spend at least the short period of my leave of
+   absence by imputations against my character, propagated with a
+   view to excite dissatisfaction and mutiny in the squadron, by taking
+   advantage of the irritation occasioned by the necessities of the
+   officers, and the destitute and naked condition of the men, which I
+   have so often implored you to remedy; I have reluctantly proceeded
+   to this port to refute the calumny and prevent the evil anticipated,
+   for which purpose I have re-hoisted my flag, to haul it down when
+   the discontent shall cease, by the people being clothed and paid, or
+   when I shall be ordered to haul it down for ever.
+
+   I enclose a copy of a letter which I have sent to the Governor
+   of Valparaiso.
+
+   (Signed) COCHRANE.
+
+It is unnecessary to give the letter to Zenteno, as being to the same
+effect with the preceding, with some additional guesses at the infamous
+author of the report, these proving sufficient for his discreet silence
+on the subject. The following reply from the Minister of Marine was
+immediately forwarded to me:--
+
+   Santiago, Oct. 1, 1822.
+
+   MOST EXCELLENT SIR,
+
+   His Excellency the Supreme Director is impressed
+   with deep disgust at the calumny to which you allude in your note,
+   a copy of which I have forwarded to the Governor of Valparaiso.
+   Your Excellency may rest satisfied that the authors thereof will not
+   remain unpunished if discovered.
+
+   Accept the assurance of my high consideration.
+
+   The Minister of Marine,
+
+   JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA.
+
+   To the Vice-Admiral Com.-in-Chief of the Squadron.
+
+As a matter of course the libeller was neither discovered nor punished,
+otherwise the Governor of Valparaiso, and the agents of San Martin would
+have been placed in an unpleasant position. But they had nothing to
+fear, as, from the daily increasing perplexities of the Chilian
+Government, it was in no condition to defend itself, much less to assert
+the majesty of the law.
+
+From the promptitude displayed in meeting a charge as utterly groundless
+as it was infamous, and from the conviction of the squadron that I was
+incapable of acting in the manner imputed to me, the calumny produced
+the opposite effect to that which was intended, viz. by inspiring in the
+minds of the officers and men the most intense disgust towards its
+originators. On my re-hoisting my flag, I was received with every
+demonstration of enthusiasm and affection, the officers unanimously
+uniting in the following address;--
+
+   May it please Youe Excellency,
+
+   We, the undersigned officers of the Chilian squadron,
+   have heard with surprise and indignation the vile and scandalous
+   reports tending to bring your Excellency's high character in
+   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 squadron
+   and our dearest rights as individuals are at stake, we feel especially
+   indignant at an attempt to destroy that union and confidence which
+   at present exists, and which we are assured ever will exist, while we
+   have the honour to serve under your Excellency's command.
+   With these sentiments we subscribe ourselves,
+
+   Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servant,
+   (Signed) J.P. GRENFELL, Lieut.-Com. _Mercedes_,
+   And all the Officers of the Squadron.
+
+The excellent officer whose name is prominently attached to this
+address, is now Admiral Grenfell, Consul-General in England of the
+Brazilian Empire. He was my flag-lieutenant at the capture of the
+_Esmeralda_, under the batteries of Callao, and it is no more than
+justice to mention, that his distinguished gallantry in that affair in
+an eminent degree contributed to the success of the enterprise.
+
+But I was not the only person of whom the envoys of San Martin and their
+creatures in the Chilian Government desired to get rid. General Santa
+Cruz was openly appointed to supersede General Freire as Governor of
+Conception and Chief of the Army of the South; the keen discrimination
+of Freire having estimated San Martin and his proceedings in Peru as
+they deserved, and hence he had become obnoxious to those whose design
+it was to lay Chili at the feet of the Protector. On Santa Cruz
+proceeding to Conception to take up the command, the troops unanimously
+refused to obey his authority, or to permit General Freire to leave
+them. The people of Conception, who had suffered more from their
+patriotism than any other in Chili, were equally resolute, not only from
+attachment to Freire, but because they knew that if the ministry gained
+their ends, Conception would be destroyed as a port; it being their
+object to shut up every port but Valparaiso, in order that by the
+corrupt practices prevalent there, they might monopolize the whole
+advantage to be personally gained from the commerce of the country.
+
+The Supreme Director was, as usual, made the scapegoat for the
+unsuccessful attempt of his ministers to depose General Freire, and the
+consequence was that in three months after the attempt was made, General
+O'Higgins was deposed from his authority, and General Freire elevated to
+the Supreme Directorate!
+
+As I had been falsely accused of stealing money which ought to have been
+divided amongst the seamen, I was determined that no ground for future
+accusation of the kind should arise in consequence of their not being
+paid; and with this view, pertinaciously insisted on the payment of the
+arrears due to the squadron. These efforts were seconded by the
+commanding officers of ships, who, in a temperate address to the
+Government, set forth the nature of their claims. From this address, the
+following extracts are given, as forming an excellent epitome of the
+whole events of the war:--
+
+   "Ever since the capture of the _Isabel_, the dominion of the
+   Pacific has been maintained by the Chilian navy, and such have
+   been the exertions of our Commander and ourselves that with
+   Chileno crews unaccustomed to navigation, and a few foreign seamen
+   whom we alone could control, not only have the shores of this
+   State been effectually protected from injury and insult, but the
+   maritime forces of the enemy have been closely blockaded in the
+   face of a superior force. By means of the navy the important
+   province, fortifications, and port of Valdivia have been added to the
+   Republic. By the same means the Spanish power in Peru was
+   brought into contempt, and the way opened for the invasion of that
+   country. The enemy's ships of war have all fallen into our hands
+   or by our means have been compelled to surrender. Their merchant
+   vessels have been seized under their very batteries, whilst the
+   Chilian transports and trading vessels have been in such perfect
+   security that not even the smallest has been compelled to haul down
+   its flag. Amongst these achievements, the capture of the _Esmeralda_
+   has reflected lustre on the Chilian marine equal to anything recorded
+   in the chronicles of ancient States, greatly adding to Chilian
+   importance in the eyes of Europe; whilst, from the vigilance of the
+   naval blockade, the fortifications of Callao were finally compelled
+   to surrender."
+
+   "This happy event, so long hoped for, was by all considered to
+   complete our labours in Peru, and to entitle us if not to a remuneration
+   from that State, _as in the case of those officers who abandoned
+   the Chilian service_! yet, at least, to a share of the valuable property
+   taken by our means, as awarded under similar circumstances by
+   other States, which, by experience, are aware of the benefit of
+   stimulating individuals by such rewards for great enterprises undertaken
+   for the public good. But, alas! so far from either of these
+   modes of remuneration being adopted, _even the pay so often promised
+   was withheld, and food itself was denied, so that we were reduced to a
+   state of the greatest privation and suffering; so great, indeed, that
+   the crew of the Lautaro abandoned their ship for want of food, and
+   the seamen of the squadron, natives as well as foreigners, were in a
+   state of open mutiny, threatening the safety of all the vessels of the
+   State_."
+
+   "We do not claim merit for not relieving ourselves from this
+   painful situation by an act of a doubtful nature, viz. by an
+   acquiescence in the intentions of the General Commanding-in-Chief
+   the expeditionary forces; _who, having declared us officers of Peru,_
+   offered, through his _aides-de camps_, Colonel Paroissien and Captain
+   Spry, honours and estates to those who would further his views.
+   _Nor do we envy those who received those estates and honours_; but
+   having rejected these inducements to swerve from our allegiance,
+   we may fairly claim the approbation of Government for providing
+   the squadron of Chili with provisions and stores at Callao, _out of
+   monies in our hands justly due for the capture of the Esmeralda,
+   when such supplies had been refused by General San Martin_. We
+   may also claim similar approbation for having repaired the squadron
+   at Guayaquil, and for equipping and provisioning it for the pursuit
+   of the enemy's frigates, _Prueba_ and _Venganza_, which we drove from
+   the shores of Mexico in a state of destitution to the shores of Peru;
+   and if they were not actually brought to Chili, it was because they
+   were seized by our late General and Commander-in-Chief, and
+   appropriated in the same manner as he had previously intended with
+   respect to the Chilian squadron itself. We may add, that every
+   endeavour short of actual hostilities with the said General, was
+   made on our part to obtain the restitution of those valuable frigates
+   to the Government of Chili. In no other instance through the
+   whole course of our proceedings, has any dispute arisen but what
+   has terminated favourably to the interests of Chili, and the honour
+   of her flag. Private friendships have been preserved with the naval
+   officers of foreign powers; no point has been conceded that could
+   be maintained consistently with the maritime laws of civilized
+   nations, by which our conduct has been scrupulously guided; and
+   such has been the caution observed, that no act of violence contrary
+   to the laws of nations, nor any improper exercise of power,
+   can be laid to our charge. The Chilian flag has waved in triumph,
+   and with universal respect, from the southern extremity of the
+   Republic to the shores of California; population and the value of
+   property have by our exertions increased threefold; whilst commerce
+   and its consequent revenue have been augmented in a far greater
+   proportion; which commerce, so productive to the State, might,
+   without the protecting aid of its navy, be annihilated by a few of
+   those miserable privateers which the terror of its name alone deters
+   from approaching."
+
+   "The period has now arrived at which it is essential for the well-being
+   of the service in general, and especially for our private affairs,
+   that our arrears, so long due, should be liquidated; and far as it is
+   from our desire to press our claims on the Government, yet we
+   cannot abstain from so doing, in justice to the State, as well as to
+   ourselves; because want of regularity in the internal affairs of a
+   naval service is productive of relaxation of discipline, as just
+   complaints cannot be redressed, nor complainants chastised--discontent
+   spreading like a contagious disease, and paralysing the system."
+
+   "Permit us, therefore, to call to the notice of the Government
+   that since our return to Valparaiso _with our naked crews, even clothes
+   have been withheld for four months_, during which no payment has
+   been made, the destitute seamen being _without blankets, ponchos, or
+   any covering to protect them from the cold of winter_, the more severely
+   felt from the hot climates in which they have for nearly three years
+   been employed."
+
+   "The two months' pay offered the other day could not now effect
+   its purpose, as the whole--and more is due to the Pulperia keepers,
+   to whose benefit, and not that of the seamen, it must have immediately
+   accrued. Judge, then, of the irritation produced by such
+   privations, and the impossibility of relieving them by such inadequate
+   payment; also whether it is possible to maintain order and
+   discipline amongst men worse circumstanced than the convicts of
+   Algiers! Under such circumstances, it is no exaggeration to affirm
+   that confidence will be for ever gone, and the squadron entirely
+   ruined, if measures of preservation are not immediately resorted to."
+
+   "With respect to the offer of _one month's pay to ourselves!_ after
+   our faithful and persevering services, undergoing privations such as
+   were never endured in the navy of any other State, we are afraid to
+   trust ourselves to make any observations; but it is quite impossible
+   that it could have been accepted under any circumstances, as it
+   would have placed us in no better situation than if, on our arrival
+   here four months ago, we had actually paid the Government three
+   months' salary for the satisfaction of having served it, during a
+   period of two years, with unremitting exertions and fidelity."
+
+   "In conclusion, we respectfully hope, that the Supreme Government
+   will be pleased to take what we have stated into its serious
+   consideration, and more especially that it will be pleased to comply
+   with its existing engagements to us, with the same alacrity and
+   fidelity with which we have acted towards the Government; the
+   duties of each being reciprocal, and equally binding on both parties."
+
+   Signed by all the Captains.
+
+   The preceding statement of the captains is a faithful
+   statement of the case as regarded the injustice done to
+   the squadron, which had throughout supported itself,
+   even to the repairs and equipment of the ships. As
+   to the ruin which the captains predict, it was no
+   doubt intended by the envoys of San Martin and
+   their creatures in the Chilian Ministry, as the effect
+   would have been to have driven the men to desertion,
+   when the ships would have been turned over to Peru,
+   and manned with fresh crews. Fortunately for Chili,
+   this consummation was prevented by an occurrence
+   as strange as unexpected by her short-sighted rulers,
+   though long before predicted by myself.
+
+
+
+
+   CHAPTER XI.
+
+   NEGOCIATIONS WITH BOLIVAR--EXILE OF MONTEAGUDO--COMPLAINTS OF THE
+   LIMENOS--EXTRAVAGANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT--EXCULPATION OF SAN
+   MARTIN--EFFECTS OF POPULAR DISSENSION--DISAGREEMENT OF BOLIVAR
+   AND SAN MARTIN--VOTE OF PERUVIAN CONGRESS--EXTRAORDINARY NEGLECT
+   OF THE CHILIAN SQUADRON--SAN MARTIN'S ARRIVAL AT VALPARAISO--
+   I DEMAND HIS TRIAL--COUNTENANCE OF THE SUPREME DIRECTOR--
+   SQUADRON AT LENGTH PAID WAGES--REVOLT OF CONCEPTION--GENERAL
+   FREIRE APPRISES ME OF IT--FREIRE ASKS FOR MY SUPPORT--HIS
+   LETTER NOT REPLIED TO--SAN MARTIN'S INFLUENCE.
+
+
+   Mention has been made in a previous chapter
+   of the all but total destruction of a division of the
+   liberating army by General Canterac, and of the
+   bombastic proclamations issued on that occasion by
+   San Martin, to the effect that they were "only
+   dispersed, not beaten," &c. The Protector was
+   however ill at ease, and entered into a correspondence
+   with Bolivar, with a view to procure the assistance
+   of Columbian troops against the Spaniards, who,
+   following up their success, were making demonstrations
+   of attacking the patriot forces in Lima. To
+   this request was added another soliciting an interview
+   with Bolivar at Guayaquil. A similar despatch was
+   sent to Santiago, asking, in the most urgent terms,
+   for aid from the Chilian Government.
+
+   The whole affair--as narrated at the time, for
+   personally I had nothing to do with it--was somewhat
+   curious. San Martin's designs on Guayaquil
+   having got wind, Bolivar marched the Columbian
+   troops across the Cordillera, successfully invaded
+   Quito, and was hastening towards Guayaquil, with a
+   view of being beforehand with San Martin, of whose
+   intentions upon that province he was aware. After
+   the above-mentioned defeat of the Peruvian army by
+   Canterac, San Martin had been compelled to withdraw
+   his forces from Truxillo, on which Sucre, the
+   next in command to Bolivar, advanced to Guayaquil
+   and took possession of it. At this time, as was afterwards
+   well known, the Limenos were privately
+   soliciting Bolivar to give them his assistance in
+   liberating Peru, _both from the Protector_ and the
+   Spaniards!
+
+   Ignorant of this, the Protector, having delegated
+   the supreme authority to the Marquis of Torre Tagle,
+   and appointed General Alvarado Commander-in-Chief
+   in his absence, departed for Guayaquil, for the
+   purpose of the proposed interview.
+
+   No sooner had San Martin turned his back, than a
+   public meeting of the Limenos took place in the
+   Plaza, and insisted on the reconstitution of the _Cabildo_,
+   which assembly had been put down by the Protector
+   immediately after the declaration of independence.
+   The members having complied, it was decided that
+   "the Minister Monteagudo should be deposed, tried,
+   and subjected to the severity of the law," a note
+   being despatched to this effect to the Supreme
+   Delegate, Torre Tagle. The Council of State met,
+   and informed Monteagudo of what had taken place,
+   when he was induced to resign; the Supreme
+   Delegate politely informing the _Cabildo_ that the
+   ex-Minister should be made to answer to the Council
+   of State for the acts of his administration.
+
+   This note not satisfying the municipality, the
+   _Cabildo_ requested that Monteagudo should at once
+   be placed in arrest till called upon for his defence,
+   which was immediately complied with; but the step
+   was disapproved by the Limenos, who feared that
+   some crafty subterfuge might again place him in
+   authority. The _Cabildo_, therefore, in order to satisfy
+   the people and get rid of the ex-Minister,
+   requested of the Government that he might be put
+   on board ship, and exiled for ever from Peru. This
+   was also acceded to; and, on the anniversary of his
+   arrival in Lima, Monteagudo was sent under escort
+   to Callao, and forthwith taken to sea.
+
+   Torre Tagle was unable to cope with the returning
+   spirit of the Limenos, nor did he attempt it, as the
+   army was as much disgusted as were the inhabitants,
+   and would not have raised a hand against them. The
+   liberty of the press returned, and the first use of it
+   was the following picture of the exiled Minister, taken
+   from the Lima newspapers; this would not have been
+   inserted here, except to shew the class of men with
+   whom I had so long to contend.
+
+   "Every honourable citizen found in Don Bernardo Monteagudo,
+   (this is the name of the man of whom we speak,) an enemy who
+   at any price would have sacrificed him. How many victims has he
+   not immolated in his one year's ministry! More than eight hundred
+   honourable families have been reduced by him to extreme indigence,
+   and the whole city to misery! Amongst the patriots of Lima,
+   nothing was thought of but where they might find an asylum in a
+   foreign land. Without agriculture, commerce, industry, personal
+   security, property, and laws, what is society here but a scene of the
+   most afflicting torments?"
+
+   "The religion of our forefathers suffered an equal persecution in
+   its ministers and its temples; these were deprived of their riches,
+   not for the service of our country, but for the reward of _espionage_,
+   and to deceive us with useless trickeries. The satellites of this
+   bandit were equally despotic with himself, and committed under his
+   protection the most horrid crimes. This is not a proper place in
+   which to insert the baseness with which he abused the delicacy and
+   weakness of females. Fathers of families  *  *  *  *. Every
+   man was intimidated. Every feeling man wept, because all were
+   the victims of the caprice of this insolent upstart, who made an
+   ostentation of atheism and ferocity."
+
+   "It is impossible to recapitulate his actions. Volumes would be
+   necessary to shew the world the arbitrary crimes of this atrocious
+   individual. It would appear that for the commission of so many
+   offences he must have had some cause that impelled him, for they
+   could not possibly be the effect of ignorance. It was impossible to
+   believe that by insulting and ruining every one, plundering our
+   property, despising the ingenuity and talents of the Peruvians, and
+   endeavouring to introduce anarchy, he could be longer tolerated in
+   this capital. Was the reduction of Peru to the most degrading
+   slavery, the means to make us or even himself happy?" &c. &c. &c
+
+The reader can--from what has been narrated in these pages,--form pretty
+correct opinions upon the majority of the enormities which drove
+Monteagudo into exile. Of his private character I have always foreborn
+to speak, as considering it a thing apart from official acts--but as the
+Limenos themselves have forcibly alluded to it, I can say that in no
+respect can their allegations be called in question.
+
+The opinion of the roused Limenos, that for Monteagudo's plunders,
+insults, and cruelties, there "must have been an impelling cause," is
+correct, though it is rather surprising that they should not have more
+justly estimated that cause. The vast amount of silver and gold which I
+spared in the _Sacramento_ at Ancon, as being the property of the
+Protector, shews the gulf which swallowed up his plunder of the
+inhabitants. The costly extravagance of the Government--amidst which the
+degraded Minister's ostentation was even more conspicuous than that of
+the Protector himself--could have had no other source but plunder, for
+of legitimate revenue there was scarcely enough to carry on the expenses
+of the Government--certainly none for luxurious ostentation; which,
+nevertheless, emulated that of the Roman Empire in its worst period--but
+without the "_panem et circenses_."
+
+The "impelling cause" was the Protector himself. Ambitious beyond all
+bounds, but with a capacity singularly incommensurate with his ambition,
+he believed that money could accomplish everything. Monteagudo supplied
+this literally by plunder and cruelty, whilst San Martin recklessly
+flung it away in ostentation and bribes. In return for the means of
+prodigality, the Minister was permitted to carry on the Government just
+as he chose, the Protector meanwhile indulging in the "_otium cum
+dignitate_" at his country palace near La Legua--his physical powers
+prostrated by opium and brandy, to which he was a slave, whilst his
+mental faculties day by day became more torpid from the same
+debilitating influence. This was well known to me, and alluded to in my
+letter to him of August 7th, 1821, in which I adjured him to banish his
+advisers and act as became his position. I now mention these things, not
+to cast a slur on San Martin, but for the opposite purpose of averting
+undue reproach, though my bitter enemy. The enormities committed in his
+name were for the most part not his, but Monteagudo's; for, to
+paraphrase the saying of a French wit, "San Martin reigned, but his
+Minister governed." Duplicity and cunning were San Martin's great
+instruments when he was not too indolent to wield them; and while he was
+wrapped in ease, his Minister superadded to these qualities all the
+cruelty and ferocity which sometimes converts a ruler into a monster, as
+the Limenos very appropriately designate him. San Martin was not
+innately cruel, though, as in the execution of the Carreras, he did not
+hesitate to sacrifice men of far greater patriotism and ability than
+himself, regarding them as rivals; but he would not, as Monteagudo did,
+have endeavoured to tempt me ashore to the house of Torre Tagle, for the
+purpose of assassinating me; nor, failing in this, would he as
+Monteagudo also did, have liberated a convict for the express purpose of
+murdering me on board my own ship. At this distance of time these things
+may be mentioned, as there can be no delicacy in thus alluding to
+Monteagudo, who, having lived the life of a tyrant, died the death of a
+dog; for having sometime afterwards imprudently returned to the Peruvian
+capital, he was set upon and killed in the streets by the enraged
+Limenos.
+
+This bad commencement of the Peruvian Government subsequently entailed
+on the country years of misery and civil war, from intestine feuds and
+party strife--the natural results of the early abuse which unhappily
+inaugurated its liberation. No such features have been exhibited in
+Chili, where the maritime force under my command at once and for ever
+annihilated the power of Spain, leaving to the mother country neither
+adherents nor defenders, so that all men agreed to consolidate the
+liberty which had been achieved. The same good results followed my
+expulsion of the Portuguese fleets and army from Brazil, where, whatever
+may have been the contentions of the parties into which the country was
+divided, the empire has ever since been preserved from those revolutions
+which invariably characterise states based at the outset upon virulent
+contentions. In Peru, the liberty which had been promised was trodden
+under foot by the myrmidons of San Martin, so that a portion of the
+people, and that the most influential, would gladly have exchanged the
+degradation of their country for a return to Spanish rule, and this was
+afterwards very nearly achieved. Another portion, dreading the
+Spaniards, invited Bolivar to free them from the despotism to which, in
+the name of liberty, they had been subjected. A third party sighed for
+independence, as they originally hoped it would have been established.
+The community became thus divided in object, and, as a consequence, in
+strength; being in constant danger of the oppressor, and in even more
+danger from its own intestine dissensions; which have continued to this
+day, not in Peru only, but in the majority of the South American States,
+which, having commenced their career in the midst of private feud and
+public dissension, have never been able to shake off either the one or
+the other monuments of their own incipient weakness.
+
+The intelligence of Monteagudo's forced exile was received at Valparaiso
+on the 21st of September; and if this excited the surprise of the
+Chilians, still greater must have been their astonishment when, on the
+12th of October, General San Martin himself arrived at Valparaiso, a
+fugitive from his short-lived splendour, amidst the desolation of
+despotism.
+
+The story of this event is brief, but instructive. Having met Bolivar,
+as previously agreed upon, the Liberator, in place of entering upon any
+mutual arrangement, bitterly taunted San Martin with the folly and
+cruelty of his conduct towards the Limenos; to such an extent, indeed,
+that the latter, fearing designs upon his person, precipitately left
+Guayaquil, and returned to Callao shortly after the expulsion of
+Monteagudo. Finding what had taken place, he remained on board his
+vessel, issuing vain threats against all who had been concerned in
+exiling his minister, and insisting on his immediate recal and
+reinstatement. A congress had however, by this time been appointed, with
+Xavier de Luna Pizarro as its head, so the remonstrances of the
+Protector were unheeded. After some time spent in useless recrimination,
+he made a virtue of necessity, and sent in his abdication of the
+Protectorate, returning, as has been said, to Chili.
+
+One of the first acts of the Peruvian Congress, after his abdication,
+was to address to me the following vote of thanks, not only marking my
+services in the liberation of their country, but denouncing San Martin
+as a military despot:--
+
+   _Resolution of thanks to Lord Cochrane by the Sovereign Congress
+   of Peru._
+
+   The Sovereign Constituent Congress of Peru, in consideration
+   of the services rendered to Peruvian liberty by Lord Cochrane, by
+   whose talent, worth, and bravery, the Pacific Ocean has been
+   liberated from the insults of enemies, and the standard of liberty
+   has been planted on the shores of the South,
+
+   Has Resolved,--
+
+   That the Supreme Junta, on behalf of the Nation, shall offer to
+   Lord Cochrane, Admiral of the Chilian squadron, its most expressive
+   sentiments of gratitude for his hazardous exploits on behalf of
+   Peru, hitherto under the tyranny of military despotism, but now the
+   arbiter of its own fate.
+
+   This resolution being communicated to the Supreme Junta, they
+   will do that which is necessary for its fulfilment, by ordering it to
+   be printed, published, and circulated.
+
+   Given in the Hall of Congress, at Lima, September 27th, 1822.
+
+   Xavier de Luna Pizarro, President.
+
+   Jose Sanchez Carrion, Deputy and Secretary.
+
+   Francisco Xavier Mariatique, Deputy and Secretary.
+
+   In fulfilment of the preceding Resolution, we direct the same to
+   be executed.
+
+   Jose de la Mar,
+
+   Felipe Anto. Alvarado,
+
+   El Conde de Vista Florida.
+
+   By order of His Excellency,
+   Francisco Valdivieso.
+
+San Martin had, however, played his cards so cunningly, that, in order
+to be well rid of him, the Peruvian congress had been induced to give
+him a pension of 20,000 dollars per annum, whilst nothing but thanks
+were awarded to me, both for liberating their country and for freeing
+them from military despotism! notwithstanding that the new Peruvian
+Government was in possession of our prizes, the _Prueba_ and _Venganza_,
+the latter only to be given up by paying 40,000 dollars to the Chilian
+squadron, which at its own cost had run it down in Guayaquil--these
+sums, no less than the value of the other frigate, being, in common
+honesty, due from Peru to the Chilian squadron to this day. To have
+thanked me so warmly as the exclusive instrument of their independence
+and deliverance from military tyranny--yet to have rewarded the tyrant
+and not myself in any form beyond the acknowledgment of my services, is
+a circumstance to which the Peruvian Government of the present day
+cannot look back with satisfaction; the less so as Chili has, after the
+lapse of thirty years, partially atoned for the ingratitude of a former
+Government in availing itself of my aid, without a shilling in the way
+of recompense, though I had supported its squadron by my own exertions,
+with comparatively no expense to the Government, during the whole period
+that I held the command.
+
+To add to this palpable injustice, the Peruvian Congress distributed
+500,000 dollars amongst twenty general and field officers of the army;
+but the officers of the squadron, whose prowess had freed the Pacific of
+the enemy, and by the admission of the Congress itself Peru also--were
+not only excluded from the Peruvian bounty, but were denied the
+prize-money which they had won and generously given up to the temporary
+exigencies of Chili. Such a monstrous perversion of justice and even
+common honesty, never before reflected discredit on a state. But more
+of this hereafter.
+
+It having been circulated in Lima that San Martin had secreted a
+quantity of gold in the _Puyrredon_, steps were taken to verify the
+rumour, on which, at midnight on the 20th of September, he ordered the
+Captain to get under weigh, though the vessel was not half manned, and
+had scarcely any water on board. He then went to Ancon, and despatched a
+messenger to Lima, on whose return, he ordered the Captain instantly to
+weigh anchor and proceed to Valparaiso, where on his arrival, it was
+given out that an attack of rheumatism compelled him to have resource to
+the baths of Cauquenes.
+
+On the arrival of the Ex-protector, two _aides-de-camp_ were sent by
+Zenteno to compliment him, and his flag was regularly saluted, the
+Governor of Valparaiso's carriage being sent to convey him to the
+Government house. Yet shortly before, this very Governor of Valparaiso
+had rightly branded those who abandoned the Chilian flag for that of
+Peru, as "deserters;" but now he received the man who had not only first
+set the example, but had also induced others to desert--with the honours
+of a Sovereign Prince! The patriots were eager that I should arrest
+General San Martin, and there were those in power who would not have
+complained had I done so, but I preferred to leave the Government to its
+own course.
+
+On the following day, General San Martin was forwarded in one of the
+Director's carriages to Santiago with an escort, the pretence for this
+mark of honour being fears for his personal safety, in which, there
+might be something of truth, for the Chilian people rightly estimated
+his past conduct. Without troubling myself about such matters, I
+immediately forwarded to the Supreme Director the annexed demand, that
+he should be tried for his desertion and subsequent conduct:--
+
+   MOST EXCELLENT SIR,
+
+   Don Jose de San Martin, late Commander-in-Chief
+   of the Expeditionary forces from Chili for the liberation of Peru,
+   having this day arrived at Valparaiso, and being now within the
+   jurisdiction of the laws of Chili, I lose no time in acquainting you
+   that, if it be the pleasure of Government to institute an inquiry into
+   the conduct of the said Don Jose de San Martin, I am ready to
+   prove his forcible usurpation of the Supreme Authority of Peru, in
+   violation of the solemn pledge given by his Excellency the Supreme
+   Director of Chili; his attempts to seduce the navy of Chili; his
+   receiving and rewarding deserters from the Chilian service; his
+   unjustifiably placing the frigates, _Prueba_ and _Venqanza_, under the
+   flag of Peru; with other demonstrations and acts of hostility towards
+   the Republic of Chili.
+
+   Given under my hand this 12th day of October, 1822, on board
+   the Chilian ship _O'Higgins_, in the harbour of Valparaiso.
+
+   (Signed) COCHRANE.
+
+In place of my demand being complied with, San Martin was honoured by
+having the palace appointed as his residence, whilst every mark of
+public attention was paid him by the Ministry, the object being no other
+than to insult me, both as regarded the countenance given to him in the
+face of my demand for his trial, and the infamous accusations which he
+had made against me, but which he did not dare to sustain.
+
+The passive acquiescence of the Supreme Director in the treachery of his
+advisers caused an amount of popular discontent which ended in his exile
+also; both Chilenos and Spaniards revolting at the idea of San Martin
+being thus publicly honoured. To see the Supreme Director parade himself
+as the friend and ally of such a man, was more than the patriot spirit
+could bear, and the voice of dissatisfaction was loud in every
+direction. By the partisans of San Martin this was attributed to the
+squadron; and at his instigation, as was generally believed, troops were
+sent to Valparaiso for the purpose of overawing it. I was cautioned to
+be on my guard against personal seizure or assault, as had been
+attempted in Peru, but did not place sufficient reliance on the courage
+of my opponents to adopt any steps evincing doubt of the Chilian people,
+who were well disposed to me.
+
+On the 21st of November there occurred an earthquake, which completely
+destroyed the town of Valparaiso, so that scarcely a house remained
+habitable; the people rushing to the hills or to the ships in the
+harbour. On the first shocks, knowing that terrible disasters would
+ensue, I went on shore to restore what order could be maintained amongst
+the terrified people, and met with the Supreme Director, who had
+narrowly escaped with his life when hurrying out of his house. It being
+impossible to render the unhappy townspeople any service, I paid His
+Excellency every possible attention, even though I had reason to
+believe that his visit was unfriendly to me, he being falsely persuaded
+that my incessant demands for the payment of the squadron was an act of
+hostility to himself, instead of a measure of justice to the officers
+and men.
+
+Finding me determined, after what had occurred, to procure the payment
+of the squadron, the now tottering Government gave in, and thus far
+decided on doing justice; but even in this--as I had reason to
+believe--the counsels of San Martin induced them to adopt a plan of
+making the payments ashore, and paying the men and petty officers
+first--after which, they were to be allowed a furlough of four months.
+As this plan was palpably meant to unman the squadron, and thus place
+the officers and myself at the mercy of the intriguers, I would not
+suffer it to be carried into effect, the men were therefore paid on
+board their respective ships.
+
+A new system of annoyance was hereupon practised towards me by Zenteno,
+who had again assumed the office of Minister of Marine. From the neglect
+to repair the ships--which were left in the same wretched condition as
+when they returned from Peru and Mexico--the _Independencia_ was alone
+seaworthy; and was sent to sea by Zenteno without even the formality of
+transmitting the requisite orders through me.
+
+But a crisis was now at hand. The insult offered to General Freire, by
+sending Santa Cruz to supersede him, will be fresh in the reader's
+recollection. Soon after this the Provincial Convention of Conception
+met, and passed a vote of censure upon the Council of Government at
+Santiago, for re-electing General O'Higgins as Supreme Director after
+his resignation--an act which it considered illegal, as no such power
+was vested in the Ministry--and it became known that General Freire was
+about to march with the troops under his command to enforce these views.
+On the 17th, General Freire had advanced his troops as far as Talca, and
+a division of the army at Santiago was ordered to be in readiness to
+meet him. The marines belonging to the squadron, under the command of
+Major Hind, were also ordered to reinforce the Director's troops.
+
+I was at this time at my country residence at Quintero, but learning
+what was going on, I immediately went to Valparaiso and resumed the
+command of the squadron, to which I found that orders had been issued at
+variance with the arrangements which had been entered into in regard to
+the prize-money due to the officers and men--the _Galvarino_, which was
+pledged to be sold for that purpose, being under orders for sea, to
+convey San Martin to some place of safety, for, not anticipating the
+disorganisation which he found in Chili, he was afraid of falling into
+the hands of General Freire, from whom he would doubtless have
+experienced the full amount of justice which his conduct deserved. The
+squadron in my absence had, however, taken the matter into its own
+hands, by placing the _Lautaro_, with her guns loaded, in a position to
+sink the _Galvarino_ if she attempted to move. The forts on shore had
+also loaded their guns for retaliation, though of these the squadron
+would have made short work.
+
+No sooner had I restored order, by resuming the command, than I received
+from General Freire the subjoined letter, which no longer left me in
+doubt of his intentions:--
+
+   Conception, Dec. 18th, 1822.
+
+   MY LORD,
+
+   The province under my command being tired of
+   suffering the effects of a corrupted administration, which has reduced
+   the Republic to a state of greater degradation than that under
+   which it was labouring when it made the first struggle to obtain its
+   liberty; and when, by means of an illegitimately-created convention,
+   without the will of the people, they have traced the plans of
+   enslaving them, by constituting them as the patrimony of an
+   ambitious despot, whilst, in order to ensure him the command, they
+   have trodden under foot the imprescriptible right of the citizens,
+   exiling them in the most arbitrary manner from their native
+   country.
+
+   Nothing now remains for us but heroically to resolve that we will
+   place the fruit of eleven years of painful sacrifices in the way of
+   saving it; to which effect I have deposited in the hands of its legal
+   representatives who are united in this city the authority that I
+   have hitherto exercised; but notwithstanding my want of merit, and
+   sincere renouncement, the constituent power has deigned to place
+   upon my weak shoulders this enormous weight, by again depositing
+   the civil and military command in my person, which the adjoining
+   resolution I have the honour of remitting will explain to your
+   Lordship.
+
+   God preserve your Lordship many years.
+
+   (Signed) RAMON FREIRE.
+
+In short, a revolution to depose the Supreme Director had commenced, and
+General Freire, supported by the inhabitants of Conception and Coquimbo,
+was in arms to effect it. With this revolution I was determined to have
+nothing to do, because, as a foreigner, it was not desirable for me to
+become a party to any faction, though it was evident that the authority
+of General O'Higgins would shortly be at an end.
+
+Regarding General Freire's letter as an indirect request to me to aid
+him in deposing General O'Higgins, I did not even reply to it. On the
+20th of September he made the following direct overture to me to join in
+the revolution:--
+
+   Conception, Nov. 20th, 1853.
+   My Best and Most Distinguished Friend,
+
+   The time has arrived when circumstances and
+   the country require the protection of those who generously and
+   judiciously know how to maintain its sacred rights. Let us withdraw
+   the curtain from the scene which trifles with the interests of the
+   Republic, leading it to inevitable ruin. Its deplorable state is
+   public and notorious. There is not a man who is unacquainted
+   with it, and who does not bewail the prospective loss of its
+   independence,
+   with a thraldom also in view more grievous than the
+   Spanish yoke.
+
+   The self-assumed powers of the Government, the restrictions on
+   commerce, and, above all, the constitution recently promulgated,
+   place the ambitious views of the Chief Magistrate and the corruption
+   of his Ministers in a clear light. Every act proves that the
+   intentions of the Supreme Director have undergone a change.
+   Fortune, which has hitherto favoured him, has given a new turn to
+   his ambition, as if the proposal of a crown could no longer be
+   resisted--all the measures pursued throughout the state leading to
+   that end. It is grievous to see laurels thus stained in the grasp of
+   one who so gloriously obtained them. It is, however, needless to
+   trespass on you with further reflections on these occurrences, as
+   your judgment cannot fail to be formed both on the facts and their
+   consequences. Let us therefore touch on other subjects.
+
+   Permit me, without offence to your delicacy, to make some
+   reflections on subjects equally public and notorious.
+
+   You enjoyed honours, rank, and fortune, amidst a people the most
+   distinguished in Europe. You generously abandoned ease and
+   comfort in order to aid in the attainment of our liberty, and you
+   have been the chief instrument which has enabled us to achieve it.
+   The whole world is acquainted with your gallant efforts to abolish
+   tyranny and give liberty to South America. The people of this
+   Republic are full of the most lively gratitude, and are grieved that
+   it is not in their power to give you an effectual proof of their deep
+   attachment. This Province, holding valour and merit in estimation,
+   idolizes you, whilst it holds in abhorrence and detestation the tyrant
+   "Liberator of Peru!" who has stained our soil with tears of blood
+   shed for his pretended services. Chacabuco would have terminated
+   the war throughout the Republic, had it not been deemed necessary
+   to foster its continuance for the interests of this individual.
+
+   This Province (Conception) having been completely sacrificed,
+   has arrived at the point of exasperation. Its inhabitants are
+   unanimously determined on a change and a reform of Government,
+   and declare that in Arauco they will breathe the air of liberty, and
+   that they will perish in the field of battle to obtain it. This is the
+   decision universally adopted without exception. This is the
+   determination of the gallant troops which I have the honour to command,
+   and of their valiant officers, and is moreover sanctioned by the holy
+   orders of the clergy.
+
+   Compromised by these declarations, what am I to reply to them?
+   Must I profess my sympathy and accordance of opinion with them,
+   and admit to you, that, though yesterday a private citizen, with a
+   heart burning to be freed from fetters, _I must to-day gird on the
+   sword_. May Heaven favour my lot in the absence of personal
+   merit! To my country I owe my life and the position I hold--from
+   having contributed to its welfare--can I then neglect the duty
+   that I owe to it? No, my dear friend, far be that course from me.
+   Freire has sworn to live or perish for the liberty of his native
+   country, and he now repeats that solemn oath, grieved at the cause
+   which compels him to renew it, but trusting in the hope that God
+   will avert the effusion of blood in the accomplishment of the object.
+
+   I know that you are deeply interested in securing the liberty of
+   Chili, for which you have so gloriously contended. I know you will
+   deeply feel the privation of hope--for neither in your generous
+   heart, nor in mine, can such events be received with indifference. Let
+   us then pursue a course in uniformity with the glory of Chili, and
+   the opinion of the world. Let us listen to the voice of the country,
+   which calls us to avert evils when repose might have been anticipated.
+   I count, together with the whole Province, on your
+   co-operation to avert mischief and advance the good of the country.
+
+   Act as you judge best, but for the promotion of that object, the
+   moment has arrived for action. Answer me with promptitude and
+   frankness. Let us have the satisfaction of applying effective
+   remedies to the evils which afflict the country, zealously and
+   disinterestedly for the good of the Republic, and without personal
+   views.
+
+   _I hold the residence of San Martin in any part of Chili as suspicious
+   and dangerous. Let him be off to make some other quarter happy,
+   where he can sell his protection to the ill-fated inhabitants._
+
+   I hope my intentions meet your approbation, and will be seconded
+   by the officers of the squadron.
+
+   I trust you will receive this as the sincerest proof that I can give
+   of the high consideration with-which I am
+
+   Your most faithful and unchangeable Friend,
+   RAMON FREIRE.
+
+   To Vice-Adm. Lord Cochrane,
+   Commanding the squadron of Chili.
+
+I did not reply with promptitude, for I felt that it was no part of my
+mission to mingle in civil warfare. This letter, however, corroborated
+my opinion as to the fact of San Martin's influence over the Supreme
+Director, and the recent coolness in his conduct towards me. If General
+Freire's information was correct, there was evidently a desire to
+restore San Martin to the Empire of Peru! when possession could be got
+of the squadron, and he in return had deluded General O'Higgins into
+the plot by promise of support. Whether this was so in reality is
+problematical, but there is General Freire's letter, for the first time
+published, and the Chilian people can thence draw their own conclusions.
+
+Fortunately an occurrence took place, which relieved me from the dilemma
+in which I was placed, as will be narrated in the succeeding chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE SQUADRON TAKEN FROM ME--I ACCEPT INVITATION FROM BRAZIL--LETTER TO
+THE SUPREME DIRECTO--- SAN MARTIN QUITS CHILI--HIS PRUDENCE--OPINION OF
+HIS AIDE-DE-CAMP--MINISTERIAL NEGLECT--PERMISSION TO QUIT CHILI--LETTER
+TO GENERAL FREIRE--FOR THE FIRST TIME MADE PUBLIC--LETTER TO THE
+CAPTAINS AND OFFICERS--TO THE CHILIAN PEOPLE--TO THE FOREIGN
+MERCHANTS--TO THE PRESIDENT OF PERU--SAN MARTIN ACTUATED BY
+REVENGE--THIS SHEWN FROM HIS LETTERS.
+
+
+The event alluded to in the last chapter was the arrival of an express
+from the Brazilian _Charge d'Affaires_ at Buenos Ayres, with a request
+from the Imperial Court at Rio de Janeiro, to the effect that, as by my
+exertions the Spaniards had now been driven from the Pacific, I would
+accept the command of the Brazilian navy, for the purpose of expelling
+the Portuguese, who still maintained their hold upon the greater portion
+of that side of the South American Continent. As acquiescence in this
+offer would relieve me from the embarrassing situation in which I was
+placed in Chili, I began seriously to consider the expediency of
+accepting it.
+
+At this juncture Freire commenced his march towards the capital, at the
+same time sending Captain Casey to Valparaiso with an armed merchantman,
+to ascertain the effect of his last letter to me. Without coming to an
+anchor, Captain Casey sent a boat on board the _O'Higgins_ to ascertain
+my sentiments, but meeting with a refusal to acquiesce in the
+revolution, he again sailed. The ministers, however, judging me by
+themselves, and suspecting that I was about to become a party to
+General Freire's designs, began to withdraw the ships from my command,
+on the pretence of repairs or converting them into store-ships, several
+being thus taken from the squadron. I was also ordered to place the
+_O'Higgins_ and _Valdivia_ under the charge of the Commandant of Marine,
+to be repaired, and to make a store-ship of the _Lautaro_, and being
+thus deprived of the slightest authority over them, I was now considered
+as a sort of state prisoner; but in pursuing this course, the little
+schooner _Montezuma_, which I had rescued from Peru, had been
+overlooked, and on board of her I hoisted my flag.
+
+The _Galvarino_ was now sent to sea without my permission, and without
+an Englishman in her. The _Lautaro_, the pretended store-ship, was also
+being got ready for sea, when I addressed the following note to Captain
+Worcester, who commanded her:--
+
+   Memo,
+
+   Having received directions from the Supreme Government
+   to cause the _Lautaro_ to be placed as a store-ship, under the command
+   of the Governor, and observing that the said order is in
+   process of violation by the preparations making for sea; you are
+   hereby required and directed to hoist my flag, and obey all such
+   orders as you shall receive from me on the service of the State.
+
+   Given under my hand this 8th day of January, 1823, on board
+   the _Montezuma_.
+
+   COCHRANE.
+
+Tired of this heartless ingratitude, and disgusted with the suspicion
+that I was about to join General Freire with the squadron--an idea which
+could only have arisen from the expectation that I should thus resent
+the injuries inflicted on me--I resolved to accept the invitation from
+His Majesty the Emperor of Brazil, leaving all which the Chilian
+Government owed me to the honour of a juster and more enlightened
+administration. Accordingly I addressed to the Supreme Director the
+following letter:--
+
+   Valparaiso, Jan. 8, 1822.
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   The difficulties which I have experienced in accomplishing
+   the naval enterprizes successfully achieved during the
+   period of my command as Admiral of Chili, have not been effected
+   without responsibility such as I would scarcely again undertake, not
+   because I would hesitate to make any personal sacrifice in a cause
+   of so much interest, but because even these favourable results have
+   led to the total alienation of the sympathies of meritorious officers,
+   --whose co-operation was indispensable,--in consequence of the
+   conduct of the Government.
+
+   That which has made most impression on their minds has been,
+   not the privations they have suffered, nor the withholding of their
+   pay and other dues, but the absence of any public acknowledgment
+   by the Government of the honours and distinctions promised for
+   their fidelity and constancy to Chili; especially at a time when no
+   temptation was withheld that could induce them to abandon the
+   cause of Chili for the service of the Protector of Peru; even since
+   that time, though there was no want of means or knowledge of
+   facts on the part of the Chilian Government, it has submitted itself
+   to the influence of the agents of an individual whose power having
+   ceased in Peru, has been again resumed in Chili.
+
+   The effect of this on me is so keenly sensible that I cannot trust
+   myself in words to express my personal feelings. Desiring, as I
+   do, to extenuate rather than accuse, nothing shall enter into a
+   narrative of these circumstances which is not capable of undeniable
+   proof.
+
+   Whatever I have recommended or asked for the good of the
+   naval service has been scouted or denied, though acquiescence
+   would have placed Chili in the first rank of maritime States in this
+   quarter of the globe. My requisitions and suggestions were founded
+   on the practice of the first naval service in the world--that of
+   England; they have, however, met with no consideration, as
+   though their object had been directed to my own personal benefit.
+
+   Until now I have never eaten the bread of idleness. I cannot
+   reconcile to my mind a state of inactivity which might even now
+   impose upon the Chilian Republic an annual pension for past
+   services; especially as an Admiral of Peru is actually in command
+   of a portion of the Chilian squadron, whilst other vessels are sent to
+   sea without the orders under which they act being communicated
+   to me, and are despatched by the Supreme Government through
+   the instrumentality of the Governor of Valparaiso (Zenteno.) I
+   mention these circumstances incidentally as having confirmed me
+   in the resolution to withdraw myself from Chili for a time; asking
+   nothing for myself during my absence; whilst as regards the sums
+   owing to me, I forbear to press for their payment till the Government
+   shall be more freed from its difficulties. I have complied
+   with all that my public duty demanded, and if I have not been able
+   to accomplish more, the deficiency has arisen from circumstances
+   beyond my control--at any rate, having the world still before me,
+   I hope to prove that it is not owing to me.
+
+   I have received proposals from Mexico, from Brazil, and from an
+   European state, but have not as yet accepted any of these offers.
+   Nevertheless, the active habits of my life do not permit me to refuse
+   my services to those labouring under oppression, as Chili was before
+   the annihilation of the Spanish naval force in the Pacific. In this
+   I am prepared to justify whatever course I may pursue. In thus
+   taking leave of Chili, I do so with sentiments of deep regret that I
+   have not been suffered to be more useful to the cause of liberty,
+   and that I am compelled to separate myself from individuals with
+   whom I hoped to have lived for a long period, "without violating
+   such sentiments of honour as, were they broken, would render me
+   odious to myself and despicable in their eyes."
+
+   Until this day I have abstained from pressing upon your Excellency's
+   attention my reply to the infamous accusations presented
+   against me by the agents of San Martin--knowing that your
+   Excellency had more urgent objects to attend to. Nevertheless, I
+   now beg your Excellency's consideration of this matter, in order
+   that--as has been the case in Peru--these falsehoods may be
+   rendered manifest--as well as the despicable character of that man
+   who falsely arrogated to himself the attributes of a General and a
+   Legislator, though destitute of courage or legislative knowledge--the
+   substitution for which was duplicity and cunning.
+
+   (Signed) COCHRANE.
+
+Foiled in getting one of the ships of the squadron, wherein to escape
+from the impending storm, San Martin remained in Santiago till the
+beginning of January, 1823, when finding matters in Chili becoming
+dangerous to his safety, he crossed the Cordillera to Mendoza, and from
+thence went to Europe to avoid reprobation in retirement.
+
+Throughout this narrative I have been careful that San Martin's
+proceedings should be shown from his own acts and letters, there not
+being in this volume one which has not been published in the gazettes of
+Chili and Peru, or of which the originals are not now in my possession.
+Of the latter, I could communicate San Martin's letters to me by dozens,
+and had I so far trespassed on the patience of the reader, his acts
+would have appeared in a yet more invidious light. What have been given
+are strictly relative to public transactions, and belong to the people
+of Chili as part of their national history, which, rather than any
+defence of my own conduct--which was never brought in question by the
+Chilian Government--is my chief reason for now making them public.
+
+There may be, however, some who think that I have mistaken General San
+Martin's _prudence_ in not approaching Lima when every advantage was
+before him--for a worse quality, which until my letter to the Supreme
+Director O'Higgins, just quoted, I had never publicly attributed to him,
+though, in the estimation of every officer of the army and squadron,
+richly deserving it. It will be in the recollection of the reader, that
+instead of marching on Lima, he wasted nearly two months at Haura, and
+that from the pestilential character of the climate, a fearful amount of
+sickness amongst the troops was the consequence. I will here give a
+letter to me from his _Aide-de-camp_ Paroissien, who was subsequently
+employed by San Martin to promulgate his infamous accusations against
+me, when he had no longer any hope of securing my co-operation;
+premising that in my ardour to get the army at once to Lima, and
+unsuspicious at that time of San Martin's secret designs, I had laid
+Paroissien a wager that by a given day we should be in the Peruvian
+capital; the _Aide-de-camp_ being a better judge of his chief than I
+was, accepted the wager, and as a matter of course, won it.
+
+   Haura, 10 April, 1821
+   My dear Lord,
+
+   With what pleasure would I lose twenty bets like that
+   which I have unfortunately won of you, if you could but tell me
+   that I should be _the loser_. Nay more, I will lay you the same
+   wager now, that in another three weeks we shall not get to the
+   little room over the great entrance of the Palaccio. I have received
+   this afternoon a fine fat turtle; and egad, if I thought I _should
+   lose_, I would fatten him up all the more--but, alas! I fear we shall
+   have to calipee and calipash it in Haura; however, the bustle that has
+   lately prevailed seems to indicate some movement; and those of us
+   who are well, are ready to march at an hour's notice--but of course
+   you are infinitely better acquainted with these things than I am.
+   Still, I think that _were we more active and enterprising, a great deal
+   might he done, particularly with our cavalry--whose swords for want
+   of use are getting rusty. If we do not make a push now, God knows
+   when we shall do so._
+
+          *       *       *       *       *
+
+   The General appears desirous of striking a blow against Baldez.
+   It may be right---and I dare say it is; _but I should rather we had a
+   touch against the Capital_. Thank God we are about to do something.
+   Yours very truly,
+   PAROISSIEN.
+
+The reader will have gathered from the narrative, that San Martin struck
+no blow anywhere, even hesitating to enter Lima when no blow was
+required to be struck. His _Aide-de-camp's_ view of the matter can
+hardly be mistaken.
+
+It is not a little remarkable, that in a letter addressed to the Supreme
+Director, before sailing on the liberating expedition to Peru, I should
+have, from the first, correctly estimated San Martin's character in
+persisting not to make any military movement without an unnecessary
+force to ensure his personal safety, though our recent victory at
+Valdivia with a force of 350 men only, could not have given him any very
+great idea of the difficulties to be encountered. As this letter was
+omitted in its place, I will here transcribe it.
+
+   May 4, 1820.
+   Most excellent Sir,
+
+   Finding that all the measures proposed in the
+   expedition to Peru are made public--that all that is decided on
+   to-day is contradicted to-morrow--that no system is followed, either
+   in regard to naval or state matters, which can promote your
+   interest--that mischievous delays of all kinds are opposed to the
+   success of an enterprise, which your Excellency is desirous of promoting
+   --that the expedition of 2,000 men (abundantly sufficient),
+   was not to be delayed on any pretence, but that it has been delayed
+   in order to increase it to 4,000--and that even now it is kept back,
+   in order to ascertain the position and force of the enemy at Callao,
+   of which we know just as much now as we should when the
+   _Montezuma_ may return, some forty days hence, after an investigation
+   to no purpose--in short, finding that everything stipulated and
+   agreed upon has been deviated from. I am desirous to give up the
+   command of the squadron to whoever may enjoy the confidence of
+   your Excellency; which act will, I hope, add to your tranquillity,
+   by relieving you from my opinions in regard to what ought to be
+   done, but has not been done--and to that which could be effected,
+   but has not even been attempted.
+
+   I have abstained from sending the _Montezuma_ on a meaningless
+   voyage of forty days to Callao, till I receive your Excellency's
+   definitive commands--considering that the despatch of that vessel
+   is not only useless, but a pretext for delay, and is calculated to
+   frustrate all that your Excellency has in contemplation. Would that
+   you could yourself note the palpable treachery which prevents anything
+   of importance being collected for the expedition--I say palpable
+   treason--as not a single article necessary has yet been procured.
+
+   Can your Excellency believe, that only one vessel is in the hands
+   of the contractor; and even she is not prepared for sea? Will you
+   believe that the only provisions that the contractor's agent has in
+   hand is twenty-one days' rations of bread, and six days' of salt meat,
+   whilst to my query whether he had any _charqui_ ready, his reply
+   was, "There is plenty in the country." Will your Excellence
+   believe that there are only 120 water casks ready for 4,000 troops
+   and the crews of the squadron?
+
+   Your Excellency may be assured that only your interest and that
+   of the State could induce me to utter these opinions; but, in order
+   to convince you that I have no wish to abandon the service, if my
+   continuance in it can be of any use--my only wish being to avoid
+   becoming the butt of disasters after their occurrence--I now offer
+   to give up the command of the squadron, and to accept in lieu
+   thereof, the command of the four armed prizes taken by the
+   _O'Higgins_ in the last cruise, and with 1,000 troops selected by
+   myself, to accomplish all that is expected from the 4,000 troops
+   and the squadron; the former being a manageable force, capable of
+   defeating all the defensive measures of the enemy--whilst the latter,
+   solely under military command, will not only be unmanageable for
+   desultory operations, but, from its unhandiness, will paralyse naval
+   movements.
+
+   Lastly, I must repeat to your Excellency that the inviolable
+   secresy of determinations and the rapidity of operations under
+   present circumstances, are the only security for the prosperity of
+   the Chilian Government and the hoped-for liberty of Peru. If
+   those are to be set at nought, I hereby again place at your Excellency's
+   disposal the commission with which I have been honoured,
+   in order that you may be convinced of my having no other object
+   than to serve your Excellency in every way compatible with honour.
+
+
+   I have the honour, &c.
+   COCHRANE.
+
+   To his Excellency the Supreme Director,
+   &c. &c.
+
+To return to my, now in reality, approaching departure from Chili. The
+request to be permitted to retire for a time from the service, was
+promptly complied with, and no doubt gladly so, from the belief of the
+Government that I might otherwise ally myself with General Freire,
+though, that I had no such intention, the annexed reply to his
+communications--made shortly after I had left Chili, and when he had
+succeeded in overthrowing the Government of General O'Higgins--will
+shew.
+
+   Bahia, June 21, 1823.
+   My respected Friend,
+
+
+   It would give me great pleasure to learn that the
+   change which has been effected in the Government of Chili proves
+   alike conducive to your happiness and to the interests of the State.
+   For my own part--like yourself--I suffered so long and so much,
+   that I could not bear the neglect and double dealing of those in
+   power any longer, but adopted other means of freeing myself from an
+   unpleasant situation.
+
+   Not being under those imperious obligations which, as a native
+   Chileno, rendered it incumbent on you to rescue your country from
+   the mischiefs with which it was assailed by the scandalous measures
+   of some of those who were unhappily in the confidence of the late
+   Supreme Director, I could not accept your offers. My heart was
+   with you in the measures you adopted for their removal; and my
+   hand was only restrained by a conviction that my interference, as a
+   foreigner, in the internal affairs of the State, would not only have
+   been improper in itself, but would have tended to shake that confidence
+   in my undeviating rectitude which it was my ambition that
+   the people of Chili should ever justly entertain. Indeed, before I
+   was favoured with your communications, I had resolved to leave the
+   country, at least for a time, and return to England, but accident so
+   ordered it that at the very moment I was preparing to execute this
+   intention, I received an offer from the Emperor of Brazil to
+   command his navy, and conditionally accepted it.
+
+   Brazil has one great advantage over other South American States,
+   it is free from all question as to the authority of its Chief, who has
+   nothing to fear from the rivalry to which those elevated to power
+   are so frequently subject. I pray God that this may not be your
+   case. The command of the army will enable you to accomplish
+   great things without jealousy, but the possession of the Supreme
+   power of the State will hardly fail to excite the envy of the selfish
+   and ambitious to a degree that may operate to the destruction of
+   your expectations of doing good, and to the injury of the cause in
+   which you have embarked.
+
+   Permit me to add my opinion, that whoever may possess the
+   Supreme authority in Chili--_until after the present generation,
+   educated as it has been under the Spanish colonial yoke, shall have
+   passed away_, will have to contend with so much error, and so many
+   prejudices, as to be disappointed in his utmost endeavours to pursue
+   steadily the course best calculated to promote the freedom and
+   happiness of the people. I admire the middle and lower classes of
+   Chili, but I have ever found the Senate, the Ministers, and the
+   Convention, actuated by the narrowest policy, which led them to
+   adopt the worst measures. It is my earnest wish that you may
+   find better men to co-operate with you; if so, you may be fortunate,
+   and may succeed in what you have most at heart--the promotion of
+   your country's good.
+
+   Believe me that I am--with gratitude for the disinterested and
+   generous manner in which you have always acted towards me--
+   your unshaken and faithful friend,
+
+   COCHRANE.
+
+   To His Excellency Don Ramon Freire,
+   Supreme Director of Chili, &c.
+
+This letter has never before seen the light, and I here make it public,
+in order to show that the Government of General O'Higgins had nothing to
+fear, even from its ingratitude to me; my only desire being to escape
+from it, even at the cost of leaving behind the whole amount due to my
+services, none of which was conceded.
+
+Previous to my departure, I addressed the following letter to the
+squadron:--
+
+   To the Captains and Officers generally of the Chilian Navy,
+
+   Gentlemen,
+
+   As I am now about to take my leave of you, at least
+   for a time, I cannot refrain from expressing my satisfaction at the
+   cheerful manner in which the service has been carried on, the
+   unanimity which has prevailed, and the zeal which, on all trying
+   occasions, you have shown. These have compensated me for the
+   difficulties with which I have had to contend, and which I am
+   confident have been such as never before presented themselves in
+   any service. Your patience and perseverance under privations of
+   all kinds were such as Chili had no right to expect, and such as no
+   other country would have demanded, even from its own native
+   subjects. In all maritime states the strictest attention is paid to
+   the necessities of officers and men--regularity of pay and adequate
+   reward for services are deemed necessary as excitements to perseverance,
+   and the achievement of effective and heroic exploits--but
+   your exertions and achievements have been made independently of
+   any such inducements.
+
+   Gentlemen, by our united exertions, the naval power of the
+   enemy of these seas, though superior to our own, has been annihilated,
+   and the commerce of the Pacific is everywhere carried on in security
+   under the protection of the independent flag of Chili. To me it is
+   highly gratifying to reflect, that these services have not been sullied
+   by any act of illegality or impropriety on your part; and that, while
+   you have asserted the rights of Chili, and maintained and confirmed
+   her independence, you have so conducted yourselves, as uniformly
+   to preserve the strictest harmony and good fellowship with the
+   officers of the ships of war of all neutral states. The services you
+   have rendered to Chili will, however, be better appreciated at a
+   future period, when the passions which now actuate individuals
+   shall have ceased to influence those in power, and when your
+   honourable motives shall no longer be felt as a reproach by those
+   whose selfishness has withheld the reward of your fidelity, and
+   whose jealousy has denied you even the official expression of public
+   approbation.
+
+   Gentlemen, the best approbation is that of your own hearts--of
+   that, none can deprive you. However, if it be any satisfaction to
+   you to receive my assurance that your conduct has, on all occasions,
+   merited my warmest applause, I can say with perfect truth that I
+   have great pleasure in rendering you that assurance, and in conveying
+   to you my heartfelt thanks for your uniform cordial and
+   efficient co-operation in the cause in which we have been engaged.
+
+   Towards the brave seamen under my command I entertain similar
+   sentiments, which you will oblige me by communicating to them in
+   terms most gratifying to their feelings.
+
+   In taking my leave of you and them, I have only to add, that if I
+   have not been able to evince my gratitude so fully as I ought, it has
+   not been owing to any deficiency of zeal, but to circumstances over
+   which I had no control.
+
+
+   I remain, Gentlemen,
+   Your grateful and faithful friend and servant,
+   COCHRANE.
+   Jan. 18th, 1823.
+
+On my acceptance of the Brazilian command becoming known, several highly
+meritorious officers begged to accompany me--giving up, like myself, all
+present hope of adequate payment for their services. Knowing that in
+Brazil--as had been the case in Chili--it would be necessary to organize
+a navy, I gladly complied with the requisition; so that neither then,
+nor afterwards, did they receive from Chili any recompense for their
+unparalleled bravery and perseverance in the cause of independence.
+
+To the people of Chili--amongst whom, disgusted with the treatment I had
+received at home, I had once hoped to spend the remainder of my days in
+the bosom of my family--I issued the following address:--
+
+   Chilenos--My fellow Countrymen!
+
+   The common enemy of America has fallen in Chili.
+   Your tricoloured flag waves on the Pacific, secured by your sacrifices.
+   Some internal commotions agitate Chili. It is not my
+   business to investigate their causes, to accelerate or retard their
+   effects; I can only wish that the result may be favourable to the
+   national interest.
+
+   Chilenos. You have expelled from your country the enemies of
+   your independence, do not sully the glorious act by encouraging
+   discord and promoting anarchy--that greatest of all evils. Consult
+   the dignity to which your heroism has raised you, and if you must
+   take any step to secure your national liberty--judge for yourselves--act
+   with prudence--and be guided by reason and justice.
+
+   It is now four years since the sacred cause of your independence
+   called me to Chili. I assisted you to gain it. I have seen it
+   accomplished. It only remains to preserve it. I leave you for a
+   time, in order not to involve myself in matters foreign to my duties,
+   and for other reasons, concerning which I now remain silent, that I
+   may not encourage party spirit.
+
+   Chilenos. You know that independence is purchased at the
+   point of the bayonet. Know also, that liberty is founded on good
+   faith, and on the laws of honour, and that those who infringe upon
+   these, are your only enemies, amongst whom you will never find
+
+
+   COCHRANE.
+   Quintero, Jan. 4th, 1823.
+
+On the same day I issued another address to the English and other
+merchants at Valparaiso who at the outset had given me every confidence
+and assistance, but--notwithstanding the protection imparted by the
+squadron to their legitimate commerce, the minds of some had become
+alienated because I would not permit illegitimate trading at which the
+corrupt ministers not only connived, but for their own individual
+profit, encouraged,--by granting licences to supply the enemy, even to
+contraband of war. In the subjoined, allusion is made to this matter--
+
+   To the Merchants of Valparaiso.
+
+   Gentlemen,
+
+
+   I cannot quit this country without expressing to
+   you the heartfelt satisfaction which I experience on account of the
+   extension which has been given to your commerce, by laying open
+   to all the trade of these vast provinces, to which Spain formerly
+   asserted an exclusive right. The squadron which maintained the
+   monopoly has disappeared from the face of the ocean, and the flag
+   of Independent South America waves everywhere triumphant, protecting
+   that intercourse between nations which is the source of
+   riches, power, and happiness.
+
+   If, for the furtherance of this great object, some restraints were
+   imposed, they were no other than those sanctioned by the practice
+   of all civilized states: and though they may have affected the
+   immediate interests of a few who were desirous to avail themselves of
+   accidental circumstances presented during the contest, it is a
+   gratification to know that such interests were only postponed for the
+   general good. Should there, however, be any who conceive themselves
+   aggrieved by my conduct. I have to request them to make known
+   their complaints, in order that I may have an opportunity of particular
+   reply.
+
+   I trust that you will do me the justice to believe that I have not
+   determined to withdraw myself from these seas, whilst anything
+   remained within my means to accomplish for your benefit and
+   security.
+
+
+   I have the honour to be, gentlemen,
+   Your faithful humble servant,
+   COCHRANE.
+   Quintero, Chili, Jan. 4, 1823.
+
+Though I remained in Chili a fortnight after the date of this letter,
+not a complaint of any kind was forwarded from the merchants; indeed,
+considering the protection which the squadron had afforded to their
+existing commerce, and the facilities which it had given for extending
+it, I had no reason to suppose that any complaint would be made.
+
+The above addresses were printed by a lithographic press in my house at
+Quintero, this being the first introduced into the Pacific States. I had
+sent for this press from England, together with other social
+improvements, and a number of agricultural implements, hoping thereby,
+though at my own expense, to give an impetus to industry in Chili. All
+this was, however, frustrated, and the mortification was not a little
+enhanced by the circumstance that, whilst turning printer for the nonce,
+there lay opposite my house at Quintero one of our best prizes, the
+_Aguila_, a wreck, tenanted only by shell-fish--she having gone ashore
+whilst waiting the decision of the Chilian Government, previous to being
+sold for the benefit of her captors!
+
+As the Chilian Government refused to permit my refutation of San
+Martin's charges against me in a way as public as they had been
+promulgated, I addressed the following note to the Peruvian congress,
+together with a copy of the refutation:--
+
+   To His Excellency the President of the Congress of Peru.
+   Sir,
+
+
+   I have the honour to transmit through you to the Sovereign
+   Congress a copy of a letter addressed by me to Don Jose de San
+   Martin, translations of which I have forwarded to Europe and to
+   North America, to be issued to the world through the press.
+   Mankind will then cease to accuse the Peruvians of ingratitude,
+   and will do longer wonder that an Imperial Crown was withheld
+   from the Protector as the reward of labours in the cause of liberty,
+   but will applaud your resolution to select from amongst yourselves
+   the most enlightened of your citizens--men capable of securing the
+   independence and promoting the prosperity of the State on principles
+   of national freedom under the rule of law.
+
+   Be pleased to solicit in my name that the Sovereign Congress
+   may deign to deposit in their archives that letter and the charges
+   against me thereto annexed, which were preferred by Don Jose de
+   San Martin to the Chilian Government relative to my conduct in
+   Peru, in order that a record may remain whereby to judge of facts
+   when the actors shall have passed from this scene. Then the even
+   hand of time shall poise the scale of justice, apportioning to all the
+   due measure of approbation or reproach.
+
+   That the acts of the Sovereign Congress and of the Executive
+   Government of Peru may be such as shall call forth the admiration
+   and secure the affections of its people, is the prayer of
+
+
+   Your Excellency's obedient humble Servant,
+   COCHRANE.
+   Valparaiso, Dec. 12, 1822.
+
+One word more with regard to these accusations of San Martin. It was not
+till all his offers to me to abandon my allegiance to Chili, and to join
+him in his defection had proved unavailing, that he sought to revenge
+himself by such charges, well knowing that Zenteno and his party in the
+Chilian ministry would second any chance of injuring me in public
+estimation from their unabating personal enmity to me, arising from my
+constant opposition to their selfish measures for private advantage.
+Into these matters I have no inclination to enter, though possessing
+abundant materials for disclosing a career of state dishonesty without
+parallel in the history of Governments.
+
+Up to the time of my last refusal of San Martin's offers, made through
+Monteagudo, everything was "couleur de rose"--with all kinds of
+declarations that "my lot should be equal to his own"--though, thank
+God, my lot has been of a far different nature. It was within a week of
+my last refusal that his charges against me were trumped up. I will
+select one more from his numerous letters now in my possession, to show
+that nothing but revenge at being disappointed in my co-operation to
+ensure his personal aggrandisement, could have influenced him to
+perpetrate such an act of meanness.
+
+   Lima, 20 Aug., 1821.
+
+   My esteemed friend,
+
+   Your appreciated letter, received yesterday, has convinced
+   me that the frankness of your sentiments is only equalled by
+   the regard you entertain for the public cause--especially as to
+   matters under my charge. I cannot view the counsel and opinions
+   you offer, otherwise than as proof of the zeal you entertain for my
+   interests. Aware of the estimation in which you hold glorious
+   acts, I cannot do otherwise than sympathize with you, as you desire
+   that I shall augment those I have acquired. Without entertaining
+   a doubt that I shall contribute effectually in the field still open to
+   us--_more particularly to you_, I wish that the enterprises in which
+   you evince so much zeal, _did not require so great temerity to carry
+   them out, and such enthusiasm to bring them to a successful result._
+   Believe me, my Lord, that nothing will make me swerve from the
+   determination that the _lot of Lord Cochrane shall be that of Gen.
+   San Martin._
+
+   I hope that in your correspondence with Sir Thos. Hardy, all
+   difficulties will be smoothed in a manner satisfactory to both. I
+   understand that he is desirous to accord to _our_ flag all that justice
+   demands and the policy of England will permit. On these points I
+   confide in your prudence.
+
+   Never doubt, my Lord, of the sincere friendship with which I am
+   your affectionate
+
+   JOSE DE SAN MARTIN.
+
+It is so utterly incredible that a man entertaining such opinions of me
+should believe in the charges he afterwards made against me, _with
+regard to acts occurring long previous to this period_, even to accusing
+me of "endangering the safety of the squadron from the first moment of
+our quitting Valparaiso," that I will not weary the reader's patience in
+commenting further upon them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+FREIRE MARCHES ON VALPARAISO--ELECTED SUPREME DIRECTOR--HE BEGS OF ME TO
+RETURN--MY REPLY--SUBSEQUENT LETTER TO GENERAL FREIRE.
+
+
+On the 18th of January, 1823, I hauled down my flag, hoisted in the
+_Montezuma_ schooner--the only vessel which the suspicious jealousy of
+the Chilian ministers had left me--and sailed for Rio de Janiero in the
+chartered brig, Colonel Allen, though my brother's steamer, the _Rising
+Star_--or rather the Chilian Government's steamer, upon which he had a
+lien for money advanced for its completion and equipment--was lying idle
+at Valparaiso. Could I have taken this vessel with me to Brazil, on the
+refusal of Chili to repay the sums which my brother had advanced on the
+guarantee of its London envoy Alvarez--the Brazilian Government would
+have eagerly availed itself of an advantage to which the Chilian
+ministry was insensible: though recently by the exertions of Admiral
+Simpson, and the more enlightened views of the present Government, Chili
+is now beginning to appreciate the advantage of a steam marine, which,
+at the period of her liberation, she so perversely rejected by refusing
+to honour the comparatively trifling pecuniary engagements of her
+minister in London. The probable reason why the Chilian Government
+refused to acknowledge these obligations was--that the war being now
+ended by the annihilation of the Spanish naval power in the Pacific
+through the instrumentality of sailing ships alone, there was no
+necessity for a steam ship of war--the narrow-minded policy of the
+ministers who have figured in these pages never conceiving that to
+maintain maritime preponderance is scarcely less difficult than to
+achieve it. Hence, to get rid of the paltry sum of L13,000 due--and
+still due--to my brother for his advances on the ship, she was rejected;
+the consequence was, that after my departure, the independence of Chili
+was again placed in jeopardy, whilst Peru was only saved from a Spanish
+reconquest by the intervention of the Colombian liberator, Bolivar.
+
+Shortly after my departure, the partisans of General Freire, and the
+enemies of General O'Higgins, having entered into a combination--the
+former marched on Valparaiso, where the people ardently espoused his
+cause; so that abandoned by his evil genius, San Martin, and equally so
+by others who had caused his downfall, the Supreme Director found
+himself a prisoner in the hands of the very man who had most conduced to
+his overthrow, viz., Zenteno, in whose charge he was placed on pretence
+of being made accountable for the expenditure of those who now held him
+in durance!
+
+The end of this was, a five months' examination of O'Higgins, which
+resulted in his being permitted to leave the country; General Freire
+having, meanwhile, been elected to the Supreme Directorate, in the midst
+of internal dissensions in Chili, and disasters in Peru, where the
+Spaniards, under Cantarac--emboldened by the pusillanimity of the
+Protector in permitting them to relieve Callao unmolested, and elated
+with their decisive victory over a division of his army, as narrated in
+a previous chapter--had availed themselves of the treasure carried away
+from Callao in reorganising their forces, which now threatened Lima, and
+would no doubt have recovered Peru, had not Bolivar, foreseeing the
+result, sent a division of his army, under General Sucre, to the
+assistance of the beleaguered city.
+
+In the midst of these embarrassments, the New Government of Chili
+despatched the following letter to Rio de Janeiro, for the purpose of
+inducing me to return, and reorganise the navy, the officers and men of
+which had, as I learned, shortly subsequent to my departure been turned
+adrift, without any reward whatever for their extraordinary privations
+and exertions in the cause of independence.
+
+   Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
+   Santiago de Chili, April 11, 1823.
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+
+   The Representatives of the people of Chili, legally
+   assembled, having elected Don Ramon Freire as Supreme Director
+   of the State, this event has happily terminated the internal movements
+   which agitated the country. The new Government, on
+   entering on its delicate functions, has been impressed with the want
+   of your Excellency to give preponderance to this maritime state, by
+   the imposing aptitude of your Excellency's measures and extraordinary
+   renown, so highly prized by the Chilenos, and dreaded by
+   their enemies.
+
+   The loss of the Allied army in Moquegua, where it has been
+   beaten by General Cantarac, has occasioned such an effect on the
+   result of the war, that possibly the capital of Peru may fall into the
+   hands of the enemy in consequence of the ascendancy thus acquired.
+
+   In consequence of this event, Chili must give a new impulse to
+   her maritime affairs, especially as an expedition is about to sail from
+   Cadiz, composed of two ships of the line, to restore the Spanish
+   authority in Peru.
+
+   Your Excellency, on leaving Chili, promised not to abandon the
+   cause of independence; and Chili--which has ever admired in your
+   Excellency one of its most illustrious protectors--must not therefore
+   be deprived of your services in a time of danger, and your great
+   work thus be left incomplete. These considerations his Excellency
+   desires me to lay before you in the name of the nation, and in his
+   own name, to request that you will return to this State, at least
+   during the period of danger. His Excellency trusts in your
+   generosity and zeal for the cause of humanity, that you will return
+   as speedily as circumstances require, without taking into account
+   fatigue or sacrifices in supporting the cause which you have
+   advocated since its commencement.
+
+   Be pleased to accept the expression of my high consideration.
+
+
+   (Signed)   MARIANO DE EGANA.
+
+It is almost unnecessary to state that my engagements with Brazil, and
+the fact that when the invitation to resume the command of the Chilian
+navy was received, I was blockading the Portuguese fleet in
+Bahia--rendered it impossible to comply with the request. That a state
+whose ministers had, by the greatest injustice, compelled me to quit
+it--should, in so short a period, have thus earnestly entreated me to
+return and free it from impending disaster, is not more a proof of the
+peril in which the Government was placed, than of its thorough
+satisfaction with my conduct as its admiral, and of its anxiety for my
+renewed assistance.
+
+In reply to the request, I addressed the following letter to the
+minister:--
+
+   Most Excellent Sir,
+
+   I have just been honoured with your letter of
+   April 11th, announcing the elevation of Mareschal Don Ramon
+   Freire to the high dignity of Director of the State of Chili, by
+   acclamation of the people--a choice at which I cordially rejoice,
+   as it has placed in power a patriot and a friend. My sentiments
+   with respect to His Excellency have long been well known to the
+   late Supreme Director, as well as to his Ministers, and I would
+   to God that they had availed themselves of Gen. Freire's able and
+   disinterested services in the expedition to Peru--in which case the
+   affairs of South America would have now worn a different aspect;
+   but the Buenos Ayrean faction, being actuated by ambitious motives
+   and more sordid views, interfered, and rendered abortive those plans
+   which, under Gen. Freire's management, would have brought the
+   war to a speedy and successful termination.
+
+   On my quitting Chili, there was no looking to the past without
+   regret, nor to the future without despair, for I had learned by
+   experience what were the views and motives which guided the
+   councils of the State. Believe me, that nothing but a thorough
+   conviction that it was impracticable to render the good people
+   of Chili any further service under existing circumstances, or to
+   live in tranquillity under such a system, could have induced
+   me to remove myself from a country which I had vainly hoped
+   would have afforded me that tranquil asylum which, after the
+   anxieties I had suffered, I felt needful to my repose. My inclinations,
+   too, were decidedly in favor of a residence in Chili, from
+   a feeling of the congeniality which subsisted between my own
+   habits and the manners and customs of the people, those few only
+   excepted who were corrupted by contiguity with the Court, or
+   debased in their minds and practices by that species of Spanish
+   Colonial education which inculcates duplicity as the chief qualification
+   of statesmen in all their dealings, both with individuals
+   and the public.
+
+   I now speak more particularly of the persons late in power--
+   excepting, however, the late Supreme Director--who I believe
+   to have been the dupe of their deceit; and I do assure you
+   that nothing would afford me greater pleasure, for the sake of
+   the ingenuous Chilian people, than to find that with a change
+   of Ministers, a change of measures has also taken place, and that
+   the errors of your predecessors, and their consequent fate, shall
+   operate as an effectual caution against a course so destructive.
+
+   Point out to me one engagement that has been honourably
+   fulfilled--one military enterprise of which the professed object
+   has not been perverted--or one solemn pledge that has not been
+   forfeited; but my opinions on this want of faith, at various periods
+   of the contest, when everything was fresh in my recollection,
+   are recorded in my correspondence with the Minister of Marine,
+   and more particularly in my private letters to His Excellency, the
+   late Supreme Director, whom I unavailingly warned of all that
+   has happened. My letter also to San Martin, in answer to his
+   accusations--a copy of which was officially transmitted to your
+   predecessor in office--contains a brief abstract of the errors and
+   follies committed in Peru; as my public letters and those documents
+   are, of course, in your possession, I shall abstain from trespassing
+   on your attention with a repetition of facts with which you are
+   acquainted.
+
+   Look to my representations on the necessities of the navy,
+   and see how they were relieved! Look to my memorial, proposing
+   to establish a nursery for seamen by encouraging the coasting
+   trade, and compare its principles with the code of Rodriguez, which
+   annihilated both. You will see in this, as in all other cases, that
+   whatever I recommended in regard to the promotion of the good
+   of the marine, was set at naught, or opposed by measures directly
+   the reverse. Look to the orders which I received, and see whether I
+   had more liberty of action than a schoolboy in the execution of his
+   task. Look back into the records of the Minister of Marine's
+   office, and you will find that, while the squadron was nearly reduced
+   to a state of starvation, provisions were actually shipped at
+   Valparaiso, _apparently for the navy, but were consigned to Don Luiz
+   de Cruz, and disposed of in such a way as to reflect eternal reproach
+   and disgrace_. You may probably find also, the copy of an order,
+   the original of which is in my possession, (not rubricated by the
+   Supreme Director) _to permit a vessel laden with corn to enter the
+   blockaded port of Callao at the period of its greatest distress_,
+   and which did enter in my absence, and was sold for an enormous amount;
+   whilst funds could not be found to send even 500 troops on an eight
+   days' voyage from Chili to secure Upper Peru, when the greater part of
+   the country was actually in our possession, and when the minds of
+   the people, afterwards alienated by the base conduct of San Martin,
+   were universally in our favour.
+
+   Sir, that which I suffered from anxiety of mind whilst in the
+   Chilian service, I will never again endure for any consideration.
+   To organise new crews--to navigate ships destitute of sails, cordage,
+   provisions, and stores--to secure them in port without anchors and
+   cables, except so far as I could supply these essentials by accidental
+   means, were difficulties sufficiently harassing; but to live amongst
+   officers and men--discontented and mutinous on account of arrears
+   of pay and other numerous privations--to be compelled to incur the
+   responsibility of seizing by force from Peru, funds for their payment,
+   in order to prevent worse consequences to Chili--and then to be
+   exposed to the reproach of one party for such seizure, and the
+   suspicions of another that the sums were not duly applied, though the
+   pay-books and vouchers for every material item were delivered to the
+   Accountant-General--are all circumstances so disagreeable and so
+   disgusting that until I have certain proof that the present Ministers
+   are disposed to act in another manner, I cannot possibly consent to
+   renew my services, where, under such circumstances, they would be
+   wholly unavailing to the true interests of the people. Intrigue and
+   faction might again place me in the predicament in which I found
+   myself previous to my departure from Valparaiso, viz., a cypher and
+   a public burthen; for the ships of war might again be placed in the
+   hands of a Governor Zenteno, for the purpose of exposing me to
+   popular odium, as a person receiving a large salary from the state,
+   for which--without a vessel under my command--no adequate
+   services could be rendered. That this was the intention of the
+   late ministers in withdrawing the ships from my command, on the
+   false pretence of repairing them, there can be no doubt; for whilst
+   every honorary reward was withheld from me, they refused to accept
+   the remission which I offered of 4,000 dollars from my annual pay--
+   treating me at the same time with every neglect and indignity.
+
+   Such proceedings, I am aware, are far distant from the contemplation
+   of the excellent person who now presides over the affairs of Chili,
+   as in my conscience I believe that they were no less distant from
+   the mind and heart of the late Supreme Director, who, being placed
+   in that elevated situation, was unfortunately exposed to the errors
+   that arise from listening to the reports of interested individuals who
+   ever surround the powerful, making a gain by concealing the truth
+   and propagating falsehood.
+
+   It is a fact--as is well known to all my friends--that I had determined
+   to quit Chili, previous to my receiving any proposition from
+   the Government of Brazil. By that Government I have been
+   hitherto treated with the utmost confidence and candour, and the
+   orders they have given me are in everything the reverse of those
+   narrow and restricted instructions with which I was hampered by
+   the Senate, the Ministers of Chili, and San Martin, under whose
+   orders they had placed me. The Government of Brazil, having in
+   view the termination of the war, gave orders to that effect, without
+   any of those miserable restrictions which are calculated to retard, if
+   not finally to defeat, their object. The consequence is, that the war
+   in Brazil is already successfully terminated--though we have had to
+   contend with a much superior force--by the evacuation of Bahia--
+   the flight of the Portuguese fleet--the capture of great part of their
+   transports and troops--and the surrender of Maranham--all in
+   fewer months than the Chilian Government have employed years
+   without having even yet accomplished their object, nay, with no
+   other result than that of removing the independence of Peru, and
+   their own peace and security to a greater distance.
+
+   I must now call your attention, although I have already addressed
+   a letter on the subject to the Minister of Finance, to a breach of
+   faith on the part of the late Government of Chili in respect to the
+   contract between Senor Alvarez, their Envoy in England, and my
+   brother, the Honourable William Erskine Cochrane, for the completion,
+   outfit, and navigation to Chili of the steamer _Rising Star_,
+   by which my brother has been involved in expenses to a very great
+   amount. Whether the inconvenience he is sustaining from the
+   perfidy of the late Ministers is in the course of removal by the good
+   faith of their successors I have yet to learn, but if not, I must
+   respectfully state to you on behalf of my brother that I demand
+   payment of the amount due to him under the contract above-mentioned.
+
+   I also respectfully suggest, that it is your duty to examine the
+   accounts of Mr. Price, and cause him to pay over the bonus of
+   40,000 dollars which was granted by the Government on account of
+   the _Rising Star_, which bonus Mr. Price prematurely obtained in
+   advance nearly three years ago, although it did not become due till
+   the arrival of the ship. This sum, which is part of the remuneration
+   due to my brother on account of the said ship, Mr. Price, or the
+   house of which he is a member, refuses to deliver up, under the
+   pretence that its detention is necessary to their own security, in the
+   event of the Chilian Government requiring it to be restored. This
+   is a most extraordinary way of justifying the detention of another's
+   property, and I trust, Sir, that you will immediately take the
+   necessary steps to cause both that sum, and all other sums due to
+   my brother for the _Rising Star_--the particulars of which you may
+   receive from Mr. Barnard--to be paid without further delay. To
+   that end, and in order to prevent the risk and serious expense
+   attending the remittance of money to so great a distance, I beg to
+   suggest that the best mode of payment will be by an order on your
+   agents in London.
+
+   I am much less solicitous on the subject of the debt due to
+   myself, but after repeatedly requesting the Accountant-General,
+   Correa de Saa, during the last six months of my residence in Chili,
+   to investigate and determine on my accounts, without his proceeding
+   therein in any effectual way, I was astonished to receive from him
+   a communication calling upon me to appoint an agent to explain
+   certain particulars, which I had considered as explicitly set forth in
+   the documents delivered. This delay and these obstacles, I cannot
+   consider in any other light than _as mere pretexts to avoid the
+   payment of the balance due to me for my services_, and for the
+   expenditure of monies that were my own, inasmuch as I might,
+   with perfect justice--instead of employing them for the maintenance
+   of the Chilian navy--have applied them to the liquidation of the
+   debt due to myself, and have left the service, as the Government
+   did, to shift for itself. Besides, Sir, let me call to your recollection
+   that not a _real_ of these monies came out of the pocket of any
+   Chileno, but that the whole were captured or collected by me from
+   sources never before rendered available to supply the necessities of
+   a destitute squadron.
+
+   I call upon you, Sir, as the Minister of Marine, to see justice
+   done on the above subjects, and if in my accounts or demands you
+   find anything false or fraudulent, let it be printed in the _Gazette_,
+   and give me the privilege of reply.
+
+   I trust you will excuse my entering into the present detail, and
+   do me the justice to feel that no part of it is irrelevant to the
+   subject of your letter. Indeed, if I were not desirous of troubling
+   you as briefly as possible, I could assign numerous other reasons for
+   desiring to have demonstration of a change of ministerial conduct in
+   the management of affairs in Chili, before again exposing myself to
+   difficulties of so painful a nature, and re-occupying a situation
+   which I have found to be harassing, thankless, and unprofitable.
+
+   When the _puertos non habilitados_ (unlicensed ports) shall be
+   thrown open to the national commerce--when those obstacles shall
+   be removed which now render the transport by sea more expensive
+   than carriage by land--when the coasting trade, that nursery for
+   native seamen, shall be encouraged instead of prohibited, it will be
+   time enough to think of re-establishing the marine, for, with regard
+   to foreign seamen, such is the disgust they entertain for a service
+   in which they have been so neglected and deceived, that I am confident
+   that the ships of Chili will never again be effectively supplied
+   with men of that description. Indeed, there was not an individual
+   amongst the foreign seamen under my command during the latter
+   period of my services in Chili whose fidelity was not shaken to such
+   a degree as to be undeserving of confidence on any occasion of
+   danger or emergency. Could the late Ministers even expect the
+   natives to serve them faithfully without pay and without food?--
+   but His Excellency the present Director can solve this question in
+   a similar case with regard to the army.
+
+   It will be well if the foreign seamen have sufficient forbearance
+   to refrain from revenging--by acts of hostility to the state--the
+   deception and breach of promise which they experienced from San
+   Martin, and that destitute condition to which they were reduced,
+   especially during the last six months of my stay at Valparaiso,
+   by similar frauds on the part of Rodriguez, who, I believe, as
+   Minister of Finance, has been actuated by the hope of compelling
+   the men to abandon their country without remuneration for their
+   services, when they appeared to him and to other short-sighted
+   individuals to be no longer useful.
+
+   The Chilian expedition to the Intermedios, and the mean methods
+   by which it was proposed to obtain Chiloe without my intervention,
+   excited in my mind at the time no other feeling than pity and
+   contempt, mixed with regret that the sacrifices of so good a people
+   should be rendered unavailing by the imbecility of their rulers.
+   The failure of both these wretched attempts I predicted. From the
+   men now in power I hope better things, and it will gratify me
+   extremely to observe that you succeed in establishing just laws--a
+   free constitution--and a representative body to direct civil affairs.
+   In fine, that you succeed in all you undertake for the public good;
+   and when I see you entered on the right path, my most zealous
+   cooperation--if required--shall not be withheld.
+
+   I cannot conclude without expressing my high sense of the honour
+   which His Excellency the present Director conferred upon me, by
+   desiring my continuance in the command of the navy. To him I
+   return my heartfelt thanks, and to you also for the polite manner
+   in which you communicated his obliging wishes.
+
+
+   (Signed)   COCHRANE.
+
+   To His Excellency Don Mariano Egana,
+   Minister of Foreign Affairs, &c.
+
+I will quote one more letter, subsequently addressed by me to the
+Supreme Director, General Freire, in whose administration I felt a
+sincere interest, knowing him to be a truly honest man, having only at
+heart the good of his country; but from his rough training in the camp,
+without the administrative ability to contend with the intrigues by
+which he was surrounded.
+
+   Rio de Janeiro, Dec. 14, 1823.
+
+   My respected and esteemed friend,
+
+   It would afford me great satisfaction to learn that
+   everything you contemplated for the advancement and happiness of
+   your country, has succeeded to the extent of your wishes and
+   endeavours, but here we live at so great a distance, and the
+   communication by letter is so scanty, that we have no certain
+   knowledge with respect to your proceedings. I dare not venture to
+   offer you my congratulations, being well aware that the re-union of
+   the Congress would present difficulties which might possibly be
+   insuperable, fearing also that you may have been subjected to much
+   uneasiness by the diversity of views entertained by the members,
+   and their deficiency in those habits, and that general information
+   in affairs of Government, so necessary in the deliberations of a
+   Legislative Assembly.
+
+   Here we have had our Cortes, but their meeting has produced
+   nothing beneficial to the State. There existed indeed amongst
+   them so great a discordance of opinion, and the temper of those
+   who found their crude notions opposed was so violent, that the
+   Emperor--finding it impracticable to act with them--determined
+   to dissolve them, which he did on the 12th of last month, and
+   issued his commands for the meeting of a new Cortes, but I much
+   doubt whether the people in the various provinces can find others
+   competent to the task. Everything here is quiet, and I have no
+   doubt will remain so in the neighbourhood of the capital, but I
+   have some fear as to the disposition of the northern provinces. I
+   shall regret much should anything occur which will disturb the
+   public tranquillity, now that all the provinces are entirely free and
+   independent of European authority.
+
+   With regard to myself, the friendship you have always expressed
+   and entertained towards me, justifies my belief that you will be
+   gratified to learn that everything has succeeded here to the full
+   extent of my expectations, the foreign war being entirely brought to
+   a close within the short space of six months; during which period
+   about seventy vessels have fallen into our hands, including several
+   ships of war, amongst which is a beautiful new frigate of the largest
+   dimensions.
+
+   We have gone on here in the happy manner that I fondly
+   anticipated we should have done in Peru, and which would have
+   been the case if the expedition which was intended to be sent to the
+   Puertos Intermedios three years ago under your command, had not
+   been prevented by the intrigues of San Martin, who was jealous of
+   anything being done in which he was not personally engaged,
+   though he had neither the courage nor talent to avail himself of
+   circumstances when appointed to the command of the Peruvian
+   expedition.
+
+   I have heard that my reply to San Martin's accusations has been
+   published in Peru, but as it is chiefly a personal defence, it cannot
+   be very interesting to the public, to whom I feel a great inclination
+   to address a letter on the causes of the miscarriage of their _military
+   enterprises_, and the origin and progress of those intrigues which led
+   to the mismanagement of public affairs, and disappointed the hopes
+   and expectations of the worthy people of Chili, who conducted
+   themselves so long with patient submission to rulers who governed
+   without law, and often without justice.
+
+   In my letter to you of the 21st of June last, I mentioned at some
+   length my reasons for leaving Chili, but as that letter may possibly
+   have miscarried, I think it well to repeat here--which I do with
+   great truth--that it would have given me great pleasure to have
+   been at liberty to co-operate with you; but having, long previous to
+   your communications, determined from the ill-treatment I received
+   to quit the country, I considered that it was better in every point
+   of view to conform to that resolution, without mixing myself in its
+   internal affairs, it being my province, as a foreigner, to leave all
+   parties uncontrolled, and in the free exercise of their civil rights.
+   In adhering to this resolution, I sacrificed both my inclination to
+   have acted with you in overthrowing the ministers, and my own
+   personal interests--abandoning nearly all that I had individually
+   hoped to attain; but I had predetermined to do this, rather than
+   endure any longer the base intrigues of those men, and their packed
+   Convention; whose injustice became the more conspicuous after
+   their receiving the stars and distinctions bestowed by San Martin,
+   with the promise of estates and further bounties. Indeed, the
+   reception which even the late Supreme Director influenced by these
+   persons gave to San Martin after his apostacy to Chili, his cowardice,
+   ambition, and tyranny in Peru, formed a sufficient contrast with
+   the conduct pursued towards me, to convince me that my presence
+   in Chili was no longer desired by the Government, and could not,
+   under existing circumstances, be useful to the people.
+
+   I hear that O'Higgins has proceeded to Peru. Personally I wish
+   him well, and hope that the lesson he has received will enlighten
+   him, and enable him in future to distinguish between sincere
+   friends and insidious enemies. I fear, however, that his asylum in
+   Peru will not meet his expectations, because his passive acquiescence
+   in the barbarities inflicted by San Martin on the Spaniards
+   to whom he had tendered protection cannot be forgotten; and the
+   Peruvian people are not ignorant that the miseries which they
+   have suffered might have been averted by a little firmness on the
+   part of O'Higgins.
+
+   I have no reason to believe that the old intrigue on the part of
+   Puyrredon and San Martin, is again revived by the latter, and that
+   a French frigate which lately sailed hence for Buenos Ayres, has a
+   commission on that subject. Whether these intrigues extend from
+   Mendoza over the Cordilleras, or not, I have no means to ascertain,
+   but I know that the French _Charge d'Affaires_ here has been
+   endeavouring underhand to induce this Government to give up the
+   fortifications of Monte Video to the State of Buenos Ayres, which
+   can only be with the view of extending the influence of France in
+   that quarter.
+
+   I fear that I have already trespassed too long on the time of
+   your Excellency, otherwise I might take the liberty to throw out
+   some suggestions which it appears to me ought to be useful, though
+   you may probably have anticipated them. The principal one is the
+   benefit which might be derived from having some accredited agent
+   here; and from the reciprocal and formal acknowledgment of the
+   independence of the respective States. Treatises of commerce and,
+   if possible, alliance and mutual protection against any hostile
+   attempts on the independence of South America should be entered
+   into. This country possesses a squadron of considerable force, in
+   addition to which six new frigates and eight large steam gallies
+   have been ordered to be built in North America, England, and the
+   northern ports of the Empire.
+
+   I shall be gratified if you will do me the favour to honour me
+   with the continuance of your friendly correspondence, and believe
+   me to be,
+
+
+   Your respectful and attached friend,
+
+   (Signed) COCHRANE and Marenhao.
+
+   His Excellency Don Ramon Freire,
+
+   Supreme Director of Chili.
+
+
+   P.S. I did not intend to have trespassed on you with anything of
+   a private nature, having written at length to the Accountant-General
+   on the subject of my brother's claim for the steamer
+   "_Rising Star_," and my own claims for monies disbursed _for the
+   maintenance of the Chilian squadron, whilst in pursuit of the Prueba
+   and Venganza_; but, on consideration, I think it well to request
+   you to do me the favour to cause justice to be done.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+INJUSTICE TO THE SQUADRON--INCONSISTENCY OF THIS--ESTATE TAKEN FROM
+ME--MY LOSSES BY LITIGATION--ENDEAVOURS TO ENFORCE MY CLAIMS--PETTY
+EXCUSES FOR EVADING THEM--I AM CHARGED WITH EXPENSES OF THE ARMY--AND
+WITH COSTS FOR MAKING LEGAL CAPTURES--MY CONDUCT APPROVED AT THE
+TIME--MINISTERIAL APPROBATION--PALTRY COMPENSATION AT LENGTH
+GIVEN--MINISTERIAL CORRUPTION--PROVED BY SAN MARTIN--CAUSE OF OFFICIAL
+ANIMOSITY TO ME----CONCLUSION.
+
+
+My services to Chili and Peru have been so fully narrated in these
+pages, that recapitulation is unnecessary. I will, therefore, briefly
+notice their reward.
+
+I was compelled to quit Chili by the political dissensions previously
+related--without any of the emoluments due to my position as
+Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, or any share of the sums belonging to
+myself, officers, and seamen; which sums, on the faith of repayment had,
+at my solicitation, been appropriated to the repairs and maintenance of
+the squadron generally, but more especially at Guayaquil and Acapulco,
+when in pursuit of the _Prueba_ and _Venganza_. Neither was any
+compensation made for the value of stores captured and collected by the
+squadron, whereby its efficiency was chiefly maintained during the whole
+period of the Peruvian blockade.
+
+The revolutionary movements already detailed, also compelled me to quit
+the Pacific without any compensation from Peru, either to myself or the
+officers who remained faithful to Chili--though my absence ought not to
+have operated as a bar to such compensation as the Sovereign Congress
+awarded to the generals and field officers of the army, who, though
+restrained by General San Martin from effecting anything of importance
+towards the liberation of the country, nevertheless received 500,000
+dollars as a reward, whilst nothing was bestowed on myself or the
+squadron, except thanks for "hazardous exploits on behalf of Peru,
+hitherto," as the Congress expressed it, "under the _tyranny of military
+despotism_, but now the arbiter of its own fate." To the "military
+despot" himself, a pension of 20,000 dollars was granted, no doubt, as
+has been said, in order to be rid of him; but it was I who gave the
+death-blow to his usurped power, by seizing the treasure at Ancon to pay
+the squadron, and by my constant refusal of his insidious overtures to
+aid him in further treading under foot the liberties of Peru. It is
+scarcely possible that the Government of Peru, even at this day, can
+contrast with any degree of satisfaction, the empty thanks which were
+alone given to one--to use the words of the Sovereign Congress in its
+laudatory vote to myself--"by whose talent, worth, and bravery, the
+Pacific Ocean has been liberated from the insults of enemies, and the
+standard of liberty has been planted on the shores of the South"--and
+its lavish reward to the enemy of that liberty, and even to those
+officers who deserted from Chili to aid the specious views of the
+Protector, of which rewards all who remained faithful to their duty were
+wholly deprived.
+
+Still more inconsistent has been the neglect of succeeding Peruvian
+Governments in not fulfilling existing obligations. The Supreme Director
+of Chili, recognising--as must also the Peruvians--the justice of their
+paying, at least, the value of the _Esmeralda_, the capture of which
+inflicted the death-blow on Spanish power, sent me a bill on the
+Peruvian Government for 120,000 dollars, which was dishonoured, and
+never since paid by any succeeding Government. Even the 40,000 dollars
+stipulated by the authorities at Guayaquil as the penalty of giving up
+the _Venganza_ was never liquidated, though the frigate was delivered to
+Peru contrary to written stipulations previously adduced--and was thus
+added to the Peruvian navy without cost to the State, but in reality at
+the expense of the Chilian squadron, which ran it down into Guayaquil.
+How the successive Governments of Peru can have reconciled this
+appropriation to the injury of one whom their first independent
+Government so warmly eulogised, it is difficult to conceive.
+
+To return, however, to my relations with Chili. Shortly after my
+departure for Brazil, the Government forcibly and indefensibly resumed
+the estate at Rio Clara, which had been awarded to me and my family in
+perpetuity, as a remuneration for the capture of Valdivia, and my
+bailiff, Mr. Edwards, who had been left upon it for its management and
+direction, was summarily ejected. Situated as this estate was, upon the
+borders of the Indian frontier, it was, indeed, a trifling remuneration
+for overthrowing the last remnant of Spanish power in the continental
+territory of Chili. To have resumed it then, without pretext of any
+kind, was an act reflecting infinite discredit upon those who
+perpetrated that act, whether from revengeful feelings or baser motives.
+
+The sum of 67,000 dollars, the speedy payment of which was promised to
+me by the Supreme Director after our return from Valdivia, was never
+paid, though the conquest of that fortress proved the immediate cause of
+success in negociating a loan in England, which, before that event, had
+been found impracticable. By a remarkable coincidence, the first
+instalment of the loan arrived at Valparaiso at the period of my
+departure; but the English merchants to whose care it was consigned,
+refused to permit the money to be landed, in consequence of the
+disorganization in which the corrupt conduct of the ministry had
+involved the State.
+
+No compensation for the severe wounds received during the capture of the
+_Esmeralda_ was either offered or received--though for these all States
+make separate provision. Even the Grand Cross of the Legion of Merit,
+conferred for the capture of the _Esmeralda_, was suspended; whilst, in
+its place, I was exposed to the greatest imaginable insults, even to the
+withdrawal of every ship of war from under my command.
+
+Unhappily, this ingratitude for services rendered was the least
+misfortune which my devotedness to Chili brought upon me. On my return
+to England, in 1825, after the termination of my services in Brazil, I
+found myself involved in litigation on account of the seizure of
+neutral vessels by authority of the then unacknowledged Government of
+Chili. These litigations cost me, directly, upwards of L.14,000, and
+indirectly, more than double that amount; for, in order to meet the
+expenses, I was compelled to dispose of property at a great sacrifice,
+amongst which the loss arising from the sale of my residence and grounds
+in the Regent's Park alone was upwards of L.6,000--whilst that on other
+property also sacrificed was as much more; thus, in place of receiving
+anything for my efforts in the cause of Chilian and Peruvian
+independence, I was a loser of upwards of L.25,000, this being more than
+double the whole amount I had received as pay whilst in command of the
+Chilian squadron: in other words, not only did I obtain no compensation
+for my services in Chili--but was, in addition, compelled to sacrifice
+all I afterwards earned in Brazil to satisfy claims arising from
+seizures made under the authority of the Chilian Government! No
+consideration whatever for these losses has been shewn by those whom I
+so zealously and faithfully served in their hour of need; not even by
+Peru, in behalf of which country nearly all these litigations arose,
+though the services of the squadron cost nothing to that country or
+Chili, beyond the expense to the latter of its original ineffective
+equipment, the provisioning and maintenance of the ships having been
+provided for at the cost of the enemy, even to the payment of the crews
+with their own prize-money, none of which was ever refunded!
+
+For sixteen years I made unceasing efforts to induce the succeeding
+Governments of Chili to liquidate my claims, but without effect. At the
+expiration of that period, I was no less surprised than annoyed by
+receiving from the Accountant-General a demand for explanation of my
+accounts, though, whilst I remained in Chili, I had urged incessantly
+their official investigation, for, notwithstanding that the Government
+had pronounced its approbation upon all I had done, I foresaw that
+quibbles might arise as the pretext for continued injustice.
+
+That the accounts were not adjusted previous to my departure from Chili,
+was no fault of mine, as I was, in self-defence, compelled to quit the
+country, unless I chose to take part with the late Supreme Director, in
+supporting a ministry which, unknown to him, were guilty of the most
+avaricious and injurious acts--or aid Gen. Freire in overthrowing one to
+whom I was attached, as having always believed him to be a sincere and
+honourable man.
+
+To call upon me, therefore, in the year 1838, for an explanation of
+complicated accounts delivered to the Chilian Government and
+unquestioned in 1821-2, was an unworthy course, the more so as most of
+the explanations required were of a paltry description, even to the
+expenditure of a single dollar in the purser's accounts--as though
+amidst operations of such magnitude as had successfully resulted in the
+accomplishment of every object proposed, my time could be occupied in
+minor details, yet even to these I was compelled to attend, the
+Government not furnishing me with a competent person to register the
+expenditure of the squadron.
+
+The explanations thus demanded, after a lapse of nearly twenty years,
+were one hundred in number--no great amount in a series of accounts
+extending over more than three years' prosecution of an arduous service,
+during which I had to find the means of supporting the squadron, the
+expenditure of which was now, for the first time, called into question.
+The paltry character of many of the matters in dispute will be best
+judged of from the following items:--
+
+   No.  4. Vouchers demanded for ten dollars' worth of mutton.
+       23 to 32. Certificates for cases of gin lost in the San Martin.
+       40. Deficiency of nine dollars in the pay-books of the Lautaro.
+       42. Do. of three dollars in the pay-books of the Independencia.
+       69. Error of three dollars in the valuation of goods captured at
+       Arica.
+       73. Forty dollars for repairing pumps at a time when the ships
+       could hardly be kept afloat.
+       75. Imputed error of _one dollar!_ in the purchase of 756 gals.
+       of gin, &c. &c.
+
+In addition to many such petty items, I was accused of giving bounty to
+seamen unauthorised--though the seamen had captured the very monies with
+which they were rewarded--and was expected to refund some which had been
+stolen. My having supplied rudders and rigging to the vessels cut out
+from before the batteries at Callao, was called into question, though
+the ships could not be sent from the port without re-equipment, the
+Spaniards having dismantled them before their capture. I was expected,
+after the lapse of sixteen years, to produce the pursers' books of the
+division of stores captured, the books having been sent in due course to
+the Minister of Marine's office; yet the Government had not furnished
+the squadron with the necessary articles for the safety of the ships,
+whether under sail or at anchor, whilst the stores which were taken from
+the enemy and applied to the use of the expedition, were so much clear
+gain to the State.
+
+A still more unjust act of the Chilian Government was that of calling
+upon me for vouchers for the expenditure of 50,000 dollars, captured by
+Col. Miller, in Upper Peru, and expended by him in paying and
+provisioning his troops, of which transactions I was not at all
+cognizant: the sums, however, were no doubt faithfully applied by Col.
+Miller to the exigencies of the service in which he was engaged; he
+merely apprising me that he had captured or otherwise collected 32,000
+dollars, with which he had given his men two months' pay, and an
+additional month's gratuity for their gallantry, a transaction no less
+essential than honourable, but one which the narrow views of the
+ministry failed to appreciate. No vouchers were, however, remitted to me
+whilst I remained on the coast, as the following letter from Col. Miller
+will shew:--
+
+   Ica, Aug. 27, 1821.
+   My Lord,
+
+
+   Inclosed is a memorandum of money received and
+   disbursed to the division under my command. So soon as time will
+   permit, another more detailed and circumstantial account shall be
+   forwarded for your Lordship's approval.
+
+   I have written to Major Soler, who is in Lima, to furnish your
+   Lordship with the necessary particulars relative to the capture of
+   the cash.
+
+
+   I have the honour, &c.
+
+   Wm. MILLER,
+   Col. Comm. Southern Division.
+
+I never afterwards saw Col. Miller nor his division in Peru; but the
+whole that was expended by him in emancipating the country, was charged
+to me, and thus I was made responsible for the price of his victories,
+though they did not cost either Government a dollar.
+
+But the most flagrant act of injustice was the deduction from my claims
+of costs and damages for the detention of neutral vessels seized under
+the orders of blockade issued by the Chilian Government. The
+circumstances were as follows:--
+
+The Spanish Government had chartered the _Edward Ellice_ and other ships
+to transport troops from Spain to Peru, but internal divisions in the
+parent state prevented their despatch. The masters of these vessels
+thereupon claimed demurrage, which it was not convenient for the Spanish
+Government to pay--but in lieu thereof licences were granted to carry
+Spanish goods to Peru. These ships, being thus loaded, proceeded to
+Gibraltar, where the house of Gibbs & Co. provided them with British
+papers, in addition to the Spanish manifests supplied at Cadiz--this
+fact alone shewing that they considered the speculation illegitimate.
+
+Furnished with these double sets of papers, they came to Peru for the
+purpose of trading; but as I had advice of this proceeding--and
+afterwards found the Spanish duplicates in the Peruvian Custom Houses--I
+seized the vessels on account of the fraudulent papers, they having also
+on board contraband of war, and was about to send them to Valparaiso for
+adjudication, when their commanders offered to surrender to me all the
+anchors, cables, and other illegal cargo, if I would forego this
+determination, which I did, and applied these articles to the use of the
+Chilian squadron, which at that time had not a trustworthy anchor in any
+of the ships.
+
+The course pursued was satisfactory to the masters and supercargoes, and
+subsequently, on explanation, to Sir Thomas Hardy, whilst it was highly
+approved by the Chilian Government. After my return to England, actions
+were brought against me for even the contraband which had been
+voluntarily surrendered by the masters; but as I was fortunately enabled
+to produce the Spanish duplicates, they were abandoned, otherwise I
+should have been involved in utter ruin, for releasing British vessels
+subject to condemnation, and at the same time _gratuitously providing_
+for the Chilian ships of war, the essential articles of which they were
+entirely destitute.
+
+In order to conciliate the English merchants at Valparaiso, the
+Admiralty Court acquitted various vessels seized under the orders of the
+Government, charging the costs and damages to my account! and that in
+the face of its own right to blockade and seizure as expressed to the
+British Commodore, Sir Thomas Hardy, who, though he insisted on the
+protection of British ships, disavowed their taking advantage of his
+protection to supply the enemy with contraband of war, as had been done.
+
+Sir Thomas Hardy's view was this, that if the blockading power was not
+in a position to render the blockade efficient over the whole coast, it
+was not recognisable anywhere by the law of nations; but, whilst
+expressing this erroneous view of blockade, he added, "nor can I resist
+the right which the Government of Chili has to establish and maintain
+blockade on the same footing as other belligerents."
+
+But even in the extreme views of Sir Thomas Hardy, we were competent to
+establish and maintain a blockade in its widest extent, and the best
+proof of the fact is, that the blockade was established. Even Zenteno,
+the Minister of Marine, pointed out to Sir Thomas Hardy, the ability of
+the squadron to maintain the blockade which he recognised.
+
+   "Our naval forces, perhaps diminished in apparent magnitude by
+   distance, was not believed sufficient to maintain the blockade in all
+   its extent, yet it has had the glory of setting at liberty, and of
+   placing in the hands of the American Independents, all the ports and
+   coasts of Peru, excepting only the port of Callao. Moreover, from the
+   very centre even of that port, and from under the fire of the
+   batteries, the Spanish ship of war, _Esmeralda_, has been cut out by
+   our naval forces, and our strength thereby augmented, whilst that
+   of the enemy is reduced to nothing."
+
+   (Signed) "JOSE IGNACIO ZENTENO."
+
+So that, in face of this declaration by the Chilian Minister himself, as
+to the naval supremacy of the squadron on the coast of Peru, and its
+consequent right of seizure, the Admiralty Court, for its own sinister
+purposes, chose to decide that I was liable for seizures of neutral
+vessels made by my captains, without my knowledge--condemning me in
+costs and damages for their acts; the result being that I was mulcted in
+this, and every other charge it saw fit to make in my absence. The
+injustice of this was the more striking, as San Martin was appointed
+Commander-in-Chief of the squadron as well as the army, so that, even
+supposing the decisions of the Admiralty Court to be right, the onus lay
+upon him, not me. Yet he was rewarded, and I was compelled to pay for
+acts executed under his authority.
+
+In the year 1845, _twenty-three years after_ the liberation of Peru, and
+the annihilation of the Spanish power in the Pacific, the Chilian
+Government deducted all charges thus unjustly placed to my account, and
+awarded me the balance of 30,000 dollars (L.6000) for all the services
+rendered to the country. I have before mentioned that, from the
+consequence of litigation proceeding from obedience to the orders of the
+Chilian Government, I was subjected to a loss in England of nearly
+L.25,000; so that in place of my reaping any reward whatever for my
+services to Chili and Peru, the liberation of the latter and the
+completion of independence of the former cost me L.19,000 out of my own
+pocket!
+
+I would ask the Chilian people and Government whether they do not now
+see the injurious treatment pursued towards me--arising from the base
+impositions then practised upon them, though these have been partly
+compensated by the present enlightened Government, which, as its recent
+decision has shewn, is composed of men of a far higher stamp than those
+with whom I was placed in contact, and, as I have every reason to
+believe, would redeem the stigma left on the national character by their
+corrupt predecessors of 1820-23, on fully comprehending the treatment to
+which I was subjected. That explanation is here truthfully laid before
+them, enabling them to judge for themselves. I will only add that not a
+single statement has been made in this narrative which is not based on
+original documents, the more important of which have been incorporated,
+the whole being about to be photographed and sent out to Chili, so that,
+comparing them with their official originals, their authenticity shall
+be beyond question.
+
+I have said that the ministry which paralysed my operations, and by
+their ill-disguised mercenary practices overthrew the Supreme Director,
+O'Higgins, was corrupt, though I have thought it beneath the dignity of
+historical narrative, more particularly to expose their dishonest
+practices, of which I was well apprised. I feel, however, that in making
+such a charge, some proof thereof is incumbent on me, I will therefore
+in conclusion simply adduce a solitary instance of those practices, so
+damning, that, unless supported by irrefutable testimony, I might well
+be deemed a malicious libeller for making accusations otherwise utterly
+incredible.
+
+It has been proved by the narrative--as indeed it has never been
+disputed--that the vigilance of the blockade before Callao starved the
+Spanish garrison out of Lima, and ultimately out of the fortress of
+Callao, this being the main object of the blockade. Whilst I was thus,
+as the only means within my power, endeavouring to starve out the
+Spaniards, _the Chilian Ministers were sending corn to be sold, at a
+thousand per cent, profit, to the blockaded garrison!_
+
+To such an extent was this carried, that even Gen. San Martin, aware of
+the villainy of his pretended supporters in the Chilian ministry, and
+dreading the result, put me on my guard by writing to me the following
+letter:--
+
+   Haura, Feb. 21, 1821.
+   My esteemed Friend,
+
+
+   I am expecting information from you with great
+   anxiety, and sincerely hope that it may be as favourable as that
+   which I received in Ancon when I was in similar uncertainty.
+
+   The _Miantinomo_ is on her way from Valparaiso, _by permission of
+   the Government, to introduce a cargo of corn into Callao! It is most
+   essential at all risks to avert this mischief, for it would be perfect
+   ruin to admit such a cargo under existing circumstances!_ I have
+   officially given you information on this subject.
+
+   The day before yesterday the _Andromache_ arrived at Huacho;
+   Capt. Sherriff tells me that in a few days he shall return to Callao.
+
+   Lady Cochrane is at Huaita, making shift in the best way she
+   can. God give you happiness, my friend. Always count on the
+   sincere esteem of your affectionate
+
+   JOSE DE SAN MARTIN.
+
+This testimony from one whose creatures the more influential of the
+Chilian ministers were, is indisputable, but in the present case their
+rapacity alarmed even their patron. San Martin is however wrong in
+attributing the traitorous attempt to the Government collectively--the
+Supreme Director, O'Higgins, not being capable of such practices as were
+carried on under his authority--of which this is only one solitary
+instance. The real perpetrators of these enormities are fresh in the
+recollection of many Chilenos still living. Yet these were the men who,
+under the mask of patriotism, originated the most unworthy charges
+against me, without giving me the slightest credit for having carried on
+the naval war without national assistance either in money or stores. The
+present generation of Chilenos are proud of their country, and--as their
+present excellent President, when awarding me an admiral's pay for the
+remainder of my life has stated--desire to reward those illustrious
+foreigners who assisted them in their struggles for independence--but
+they have great reason to regret the conduct of those ministers who
+imperilled that independence, and jeopardised the liberties of Chili for
+private gain.
+
+It is scarcely necessary to add that not a grain of corn in the
+_Miantinomo_, or other vessels similarly despatched, with the exception
+of one which arrived during my absence, found its way to the starving
+garrison of Callao. Yet on their arrival I was implored to permit its
+landing, and on replying that no such treachery to the people of Chili
+should be carried on before my face, I was coolly asked to stand off
+during the night from the blockade, _that I might not see what was going
+on!_ Such was ministerial honesty in the first days of Chilian
+independence.
+
+The cause of official animosity to me is now apparent. Had I
+participated in these nefarious practices, or had I accepted the rank,
+decorations, and estates offered to me by San Martin as the price of my
+defection from Chili, I should now be rich, however despicable to
+myself--in place of having long and severely suffered in consequence of
+my rigorous adherence to the national interests--with the proud
+consciousness of never having done an act which I desire to conceal.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+_Recent Address of the President of Chili to the Senate and Chamber of
+Deputies, recognising Lord Dundonald's services, and according to him
+full pay as Admiral for the remainder of his life._
+
+_Fellow Citizens of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies,_
+
+Towards the end of 1818, when Chili celebrated the first maritime
+triumph obtained by our squadron in Talcahuano, the gallant seaman
+Thomas Lord Cochrane, now Earl of Dundonald, and an admiral in the
+British service, appeared upon our seas, decided to assist the noble
+cause of our independence.
+
+The important services of this chief in the British Navy are well known
+during the European war which ended in 1815.
+
+He was a post captain, not in active service, when the squadron of his
+country was reduced to the peace establishment, and he accepted the
+invitation which was made to him in London by the Chilian agent, to
+enter the service of this country, and came to take the command of our
+naval forces, bringing in the prestige of his name, his great skill and
+intelligence, his active and daring spirit,--a powerful contingent to
+that struggle of such vital importance for our independence, the
+dominion of the Pacific.
+
+In how far the well-founded hopes in the cooperation of Lord Cochrane
+were realised by the able direction which he knew how to give to our
+maritime forces, are facts which have been judged by the world at large
+and history. Still alive in our memory is the taking of Valdivia, the
+feats at Callao, the bloody and splendid triumph of the _Esmeralda_, the
+taking of the Spanish frigates _Prueba_ and _Venganza_ on the coast of
+the Ecuador, and the complete annihilation of the power of Spain in
+these seas executed by our squadron under the command of Lord Cochrane;
+and this Chief upon leaving the service of Chili in January 1823, and
+when he delivered over to Government, when there were no longer any
+enemies to contend with, the triumphant insignia of his rank, he might
+with justice and truth have said, "I return this into your hands when
+Chili has ensured the dominion of the Pacific."
+
+Chili at the same time that she resists unjust and exaggerated
+pretensions, has always been proud of her desire to reward, in a
+dignified and honourable manner, the services of illustrious foreigners
+who have assisted us in the glorious struggle for our independence. This
+noble and spontaneous sentiment of national gratitude was what dictated
+the law of 6th October, 1842, incorporating, during his life with the
+full pay of his rank, General D. Jose San Martin, even when he might
+reside in foreign parts; and it is the same sentiment which induces me
+to propose to you at present, and with consent of the Council of State,
+the following project of law:--
+
+   Sole Article.--Vice-Admiral Thomas Lord Cochrane,
+   now Earl of Dundonald, is to be considered during the term
+   of his life as in active service of the squadron of the Republic,
+   with the full pay of his rank, even although he may reside
+   without the territory of Chili.
+
+   Santiago, July 28, 1857.
+   Manuel Montt.
+   Jose Francisco Gana.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+   _Lord Dundonald's reply to the preceding._
+
+   _To His Excellency the President in Council and Congress of Chili._
+
+   Your Excellency magnanimously presented to Congress
+   a brief but lucid enumeration of my services to the State, which
+   being taken into consideration by the enlightened representatives of
+   a judicious and gallant people, "full pay during my life," and an
+   honorary medal, were voted to me, accompanied by the truly
+   gratifying announcement that such estimable gifts were "en
+   testimonio de gratitud nacional por grandes servicios que presto a
+   la Republica durante la guerra de Independencia."
+
+   These honours I most thankfully accept, as highly gratifying
+   proofs that, after the lapse of more than thirty years, my zealous,
+   official, extra-official, and successful exertions, to ensure to Chili
+   complete independence, internal peace, and the dominion of the
+   Pacific, are held in grateful remembrance by the Government and
+   People of that highly respected nation. Nevertheless I must be
+   permitted to observe that the grant of full pay, only prospectively,
+   to one who is upwards of eighty years of age, is little more than
+   nominal, as my life, in all human probability, is approaching its
+   close. I had hoped that, as vast benefits have uninterruptedly
+   accrued to the State, ever since the completion of the services so
+   honourably recognised, the grant would have dated from that period,
+   in the same manner that has recently been accorded to me by the
+   Government of Brazil, which has decreed the restitution of arrears
+   of pay from the period that my actual command ceased, and also its
+   continuance during my life.
+
+   If my services to Chili be acknowledged to have been great, might
+   I not expect an equal boon from a country which owes the blessings
+   of peace and subsequent tranquillity, and consequent prosperity, to
+   the speedy termination of war? I plead not for myself, most
+   Excellent Sir, for at my advanced age, I have few wants, but for the
+   sake of my children and for the honour of my family. I need only
+   point to the additional examples of Spain and Portugal, where all
+   general officers and admirals of first rank, employed in the struggle
+   for the emancipation and independence of those countries, were
+   rewarded by the subsequent continuance of their pay during their
+   lives; an engagement ever punctually discharged.
+
+   I have no doubt that had the recollection of my advanced age been
+   present to the mind of your Excellency when you proposed the project
+   of law in my behalf, and had you remembered that a merely
+   prospective grant would be of little personal benefit to me or to my
+   numerous family, your Excellency would have been happy to have
+   recommended, and the Congress to have conceded, that it should
+   likewise be retrospective, especially as Chili had not (as is the case
+   in my native country) to rear and maintain numerous officers for
+   one found suited to command.
+
+   In order to convince your Excellency that I do not desire _full_ pay
+   to be granted to me during the long period elapsed since my services
+   were rendered (though from the privations I have suffered and the
+   losses I have sustained, such delay in truth might be deemed an
+   additional title), I therefore beg most respectfully to suggest to the
+   consideration of your Excellency, to that of the Council and National
+   Congress, as well as to the just feeling of the honourable people of
+   Chili, that _one half_ of the pay which I received in actual service, be
+   accorded to me retrospectively, in the same manner that a similar
+   boon was granted by the Brazilian nation. This I should accept
+   with deep gratitude, in compensation for the wounds I received this
+   day thirty-six years, in the capture of the _Esmeralda_, for other
+   perilous extra-official services rendered, and the heavy
+   responsibilities incurred, all of which terminated in results most
+   important to the national cause.
+
+   Be assured, most Excellent Sir, that it is only my advanced age
+   that prevents me from attempting to re-visit your now peaceful and
+   prosperous country, personally to acknowledge your Excellency's
+   courtesy, and the kind feeling evinced towards me by the Council of
+   State, by the representatives, and people of Chili. It would be with
+   delight that I should see steam vessels now introduced into the
+   national marine, the great railroad from Valparaiso to Quillotta and
+   Santiago, now in progress, and witness the various important
+   improvements accomplished, and advancement in national prosperity
+   effected in the course of the last third of a century. Such happy
+   results testify highly to the merits of the Government and to the
+   character of the Chilian people.
+
+   COCHRANE--DUNDONALD.
+   London, Nov. 5, 1857.
+
+_Letter from the Supreme Director of Chili, approving all I had done in
+Peru. This letter was written in English, in which tongue His Excellency
+was by no means unversed, having, in early life, had the advantage of a
+few years spent at Richmond; a circumstance which, in after years, gave
+to his mind an English tone, elevating him far above the then
+narrow-minded men by whom, unfortunately for Chili, he was surrounded
+and thwarted._
+
+   Most secret and confidential.
+   Santiago, Nov. 12, 1821.
+   My Dear Friend Lord Cochrane,
+
+
+   Capt. Morgell, the bearer of this, has delivered to
+   me the despatches sent by you in the _Ceransasee_, together with your
+   interesting notes, Nos. 1 to 9, dated 10th to 30th of September
+   last; as also the documents to which they are referred. I have read
+   them, with great attention, but have always felt just indignation
+   against the ungrateful course pursued towards Chili, which can only
+   be tempered by the pleasure which I feel in reading the dignity,
+   good judgment, and knowledge with which you knew how to sustain
+   your rights, and those of this Republic.
+
+   It was my wish that this reply should not be in writing, but
+   personally, and with embraces of approbation for all that you have
+   said and practised under the difficult circumstances detailed in your
+   private and official letters; but as the great distance in which you
+   are from this deprives me of this pleasure, and as you expect to add
+   new glories to Chili in the seizure of the _Prueba_ and _Venganza_, and
+   to bring them to port Bernardo under your orders, I will hastily
+   answer the principal points of your communications.
+
+   The party and the words you mention, do not leave any doubt of
+   the small hopes which Chili is to have for its sacrifices; yet there
+   is nothing to fear from such intentions when discovered. Whilst
+   the squadron under your orders commands the Pacific, this Republic
+   is very well covered, and it is in our hands to be the masters of the
+   moral, political, commercial, and even of the physical force of this
+   part of America.
+
+          *       *       *       *       *
+
+   Although the battery placed at Ancon _after_ the enemy went away
+   in tranquillity, and the threat (_from San Martin_,) about not paying
+   one _real_, unless Chili should sell the squadron to Peru, made it
+   excusable not to send any mission there; yet I have named my
+   Minister of Finance, in whom I have the greatest confidence,
+   to go to Lima to fix the basis of relations, and to ask compensation
+   for the active debt of Chili against Peru. My Minister has orders
+   to return as soon as possible, let the end of his mission be what it
+   will, and by that time you may have returned to Chili, and then
+   we will accord the ulterior.
+
+   It is very painful that the garrison of Callao would not capitulate
+   under your flag! Then you and Chili would have been implored
+   for grants,--then all should have been paid without excuse,--and
+   then you would not have found yourself under the necessity
+   of taking the property retained, to pay and save the squadron. I
+   _would have done the same if I had been there, therefore I say again
+   all has my approbation_, and I give to you, as to the meritorious
+   officers under your orders, my cordial thanks for their fidelity and
+   heroism, in favour of Chili, where, in a more glorious and decorous
+   way, the fortune of all will be made in the course of progress which
+   events are preparing for this happy country; whilst it is not known
+   what is to be had in Peru, because, as you observe, the war is only
+   beginning, which will be followed by poverty, discontent, and above
+   all, anarchy. They will soon feel the want of you and of the
+   squadron, and those ungrateful officers who separated themselves
+   from you to enter the Peruvian navy will also feel their deceit and
+   punishment. They have been scratched out of the list of the
+   Chilian navy, and I only wait your arrival or an official detail
+   relating to the expedition, to assign lands and premiums to those
+   who have not abandoned you, and in particular to the honourable
+   Captains Crosbie, Wilkinson, Delano, Cobbet, and Simpson, whom you
+   recommend.
+
+   Although we live in poverty, and the Exchequer continues in
+   affliction, yet we have sufficient resignation and courage to make
+   convenient sacrifices. All my efforts shall be employed in making
+   the _Rising Star_ one of the vessels of our squadron, and then we
+   shall be invincible, and by keeping good relations with Sir Thomas
+   Hardy, and by his means with England, we shall establish fundamental
+   principles to our glories. I am satisfied of the conferences
+   and deliberations you had with this gentleman, and I approve the
+   whole, although the Valparaiso merchants might scream.
+
+   I like the precautions you have taken in sending correspondence
+   directly to me, and not to the ministry. But you must
+   understand that even before I had read your private and official
+   letters, much of their contents was known to the public, no doubt
+   by the private communications of some officers, or by what was
+   verbally communicated in Valparaiso by the officers of the _Aransasu_.
+   On my part, I also recommend you all necessary secrecy on the
+   contents of this letter, so that our reserve may not be frustrated,
+   and our best measures disappointed.
+
+   I shall claim from the Lima Government satisfaction for putting
+   in prison the First Lieutenant of the _O'Higgins_, and also for
+   imprisoning him of the same class belonging to the _Valdivia_, as
+   also for the threat of the Ungrateful Guida, as narrated in your
+   favour of the 29th of September last. I assure you that I will
+   never permit the least insult against the flag of this Republic. I
+   felt the greatest pleasure in the answer you gave to Monteagudo
+   and Guida in your note of the 28th and 29th.
+
+   As you have left Callao there is nothing officially to communicate
+   upon your conduct there. You have not submitted to Lima neither
+   directly nor indirectly, and from the moment the independence of
+   that country was declared under the protectoral Government of San
+   Martin ceased the provisional control that he had upon the
+   squadron.
+
+   The province of Conception is almost free of enemies, and I hope
+   Chiloe will be so very soon, to accomplish our greatness. There is
+   a nursery for a good navy, and when you can visit that archipelago
+   you will discover advantages and richness, relieved from the care of
+   indolent and despotic Spain.
+
+   Believe me, my dear Lord,
+   Your eternal friend,
+   O'HIGGINS.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NARRATIVE OF SERVICES IN THE
+LIBERATION OF CHILI, PERU AND BRAZIL, FROM SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE
+DOMINATION, VOLUME 1***
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