ago in one of the newspapers of this city. There is a great deal of truth
and force in it, and as it is but short, and will not occupy much room,
I shall give you a translation of it. To do it justice it should be put
in poetic dress, but as you know I am neither poet nor rhymester, you
will please accept of it in plain prose. “_Simon possessed a fishing
bark_, and just a fishing bark, nothing more he left to his sons. They
however were great fishers; they caught much and grew rich, and could
no longer be content with their small bark, but got a larger one. This
bark afterwards became a brig, and then a ship. At last it grew into a
man-of-war, and frightened the world with its cannon. How wonderfully is
this ship of war now changed! how different now to what it was in former
times! This great ship is now grown old, and, shattered by the storms it
has encountered, it now lies rotting in the harbour. A thousand times has
it been repaired, but at last it must be laid aside altogether, and its
owners must once more be content with _Simon’s fishing bark_.” You will
find no difficulty, I dare say, in applying this little piece, and, I
believe, you will join with me in wishing that the concluding part may
be verified as exactly as the preceding parts have.
There is a great revolution going forward in South America. I speak not
of the revolt from under the Spanish yoke, for that in the present day
may be said not to be going forward, but accomplished. The revolution
I speak of, is a moral one. Those who have eyes to see this goodly
prospect, and those who have ears to hear the harmony of this moral
change, meet on every hand with indications of its approach. You will not
understand me as saying, that South America has become like the land of
Eden, like the garden of God. No. But a change has been begun, a happy
change. Let us put our hand to this work. Let us bear it onward, and God
Almighty will consummate it in due time.
* * * * *
_Lima, 28th January, 1823._
A good while has elapsed since I mentioned to you any particulars of
my affairs in reference to the schools. During this time, however, I
have more than once thrown out hints, signifying that matters went on
but slowly. I had too much reason for these complaints. The truth is, I
was once and again on the point of leaving this place. My affairs here
have been such, since my arrival, that I may truly say, my hopes and
prospects in South America never were so high, and never were so low
as they have been, at different times, in Lima. I formerly stated to
you the very favourable reception I met with from San Martin, and from
the first Secretary of State, Monteagudo. Both of these left this place
a good while ago, although under different circumstances. To me their
loss was severely felt. I never mentioned a wish to San Martin, or to
Monteagudo, that was not granted, and granted immediately in the most
obliging manner. After their going away, I scarcely mentioned any thing
I wished done that was not refused. I should not, perhaps, say refused,
for I was not actually denied; I was told that the things I stated would
be done, but these promises were never fulfilled. Had I been plainly
refused, there is every probability that I should have left this place
long ago. After experiencing a number of delays, and when my little stock
of patience was all gone, I asked for my passport. The same individual,
however, who had so often put me off with fair promises, contrived to put
off my passport also, and kept me waiting days together, with every thing
nailed up for my departure. It was then agreed on between us, that since
the school plan we had in view could not be carried into effect from want
of funds, I should stop three or four weeks to instruct some individuals
in the Lancasterian system. About twelve came, in consequence of this,
to my lodgings once a day, for the instructions referred to. At the
close of the time mentioned, these individuals were much pleased with
the new plan, and some of them represented the matter to the minister,
who gladly entered into it, and it was agreed that I should stop, and
that what was wanting should be granted. I did think him for this time
sincere, and I believe he was so; but I was again subjected to be put
off from week to week, until I found that I was circumstanced exactly as
before. I petitioned anew for my passport, and in the mean time wrote a
letter to the Congress, detailing all that had happened from the time of
my arrival in Lima, and concluded by stating, that I intended to leave
this place by the first vessel that sailed, but that I would return or
send some person instructed in the plan of the schools, if a desire
should be expressed by the Congress to that effect. The result of this
communication was far beyond my expectation. Upon my letter being read, a
great deal of interest was taken in this matter, and it was unanimously
agreed to that the school should be commenced as soon as possible. An
order was accordingly issued, that every thing I wanted to set it agoing
should be immediately granted. When I wrote to the Congress, I had little
thought that they would be disposed to carry this object forward at the
time, having not long before resolved to use the utmost economy with the
public money, and to carry nothing forward that was not of an urgent
nature. This resolution was very necessary from the low state of the
public funds, owing to their limited resources, and the great expenses
of the war. In consequence of the decree of the Congress in our favour,
I at once gave up thoughts of leaving this place, and we have been
since that time getting on as fast as can be expected. There is another
circumstance of considerable importance, which has arisen out of this.
The person who brought together those twelve individuals to be instructed
in the system, as above mentioned, is a very respectable clergyman. This
gentleman has interested himself much in the matter, and has been named
by the Congress to take an active part in all the arrangements necessary
until a School Society be formed. I have had much intercourse with this
individual, and have good reason to esteem him highly. We go hand in
hand in our affairs most comfortably. As this gentleman’s name is now
connected with the schools, and being a clergyman, many prejudices are
thereby removed. This is a matter of no little importance, as there was a
strong idea, (whether well or ill founded, I cannot tell,) that the late
Secretary, of whom I spoke, was atheistical in his views. Perhaps his
atheism consisted in his making free with the convents and other church
affairs. However that may be, my being favoured by him probably excited
some prejudices, in addition to those arising from my being a Protestant.
The counteracting influence, therefore, of my connexion with my present
clerical friend will, I have no doubt, be greatly advantageous. When
I add to this, that it is through this respectable individual that I
expect the New Testament to be introduced into the schools, of which I
formerly wrote, you will see that I have great cause for thanksgiving
for the circumstances in which we now stand; and I am even inclined to
believe, from what I have seen, that our present encouraging prospects
have not been too dearly purchased by all the harassing delays that we
have experienced. We are very short sighted in all things, and can seldom
tell what string of circumstances may end most favourably. Hence it is
that we are often joyous, when we have not much real cause for being so;
and on the other hand, we are often sad, when every thing is going on in
the most prosperous manner. How consoling is the thought, that we are
permitted to cast all our cares upon God; upon him who knows the end from
the beginning, and in whose hands, sooner or later, every thing must turn
out well.
I think I have perceived, during the time I have been in this place, a
greater desire to study the English language than I have met with in any
other part of South America. I have uniformly encouraged this desire
as much as possible, being fully persuaded that the knowledge of our
language, and of the excellent works it contains, will contribute in no
inconsiderable degree to the progress of this country in every point of
view. Want of books suitable for beginners in this language has formed
a considerable obstacle, as well as the want of suitable teachers. In
order to remove these difficulties to a certain degree, and to carry
forward this useful object, I some time ago set to work to prepare, in
Spanish, a grammar of the English language. This is now finished, and
nearly all printed. I have at the same time been getting ready a small
book, consisting of extracts from various authors in our language, for
something of this kind was equally necessary. This little work is also
pretty far advanced in the printing. In the next place, in order to carry
this object into immediate effect, I lately published my intention of
giving instructions in the English language, and I now have twenty-three
studying it with me, two of whom are members of Congress.
Accounts have reached us, that on the 19th November last, a severe
earthquake was experienced in Chile. The first shock was felt about 11
o’clock at night, and was preceded by a frightful noise. During the
night, and for several succeeding days, a number of shocks were felt,
less destructive, I believe, but sufficiently alarming. We have not
yet had full information as to the extent of country over which these
shocks have been experienced, but from what reports have reached us,
it seems to have extended over the greater part of Chile. The greatest
damage, we understand, has been done in Valparaiso. In that place several
houses have been thrown down, and all the churches have been severely
injured. Accounts say that more than two hundred people have perished in
Valparaiso alone. Many are the blessings which Providence has poured out
on Chile, and one would almost think that earthquakes have been added,
by way of giving to it its due proportion of evil. The same may be said
of this country, which has suffered still more from this cause than
Chile has done. We do not know _the moment_ we may be visited in this
city, by one of these dreadful calamities which have laid Lima nearly in
ruins at different times. To remind us of our danger, as it were, we are
visited by small shocks from time to time; a month rarely elapses without
one, and about a week ago we had two in one day. One would naturally
think that the being continually exposed to these catastrophes would
be productive of some happy moral effects upon the inhabitants of this
place. I am sorry to say there are no appearances of these good results.
If a comparison were to be instituted between the people of this place,
and those of other parts of South America, in regard to morals, I am
afraid Lima would appear in the back ground. The most imminent danger,
the most signal judgments, seem somehow or other to be productive of
nothing but momentary effects on mankind. Wherever this danger or these
judgments are, there the words of Jesus are verified; “If they believe
not Moses and the prophets, neither would they be persuaded though one
should arise from the dead.” I question much if we should, in one sense,
find fault with this disposition of mankind; or shall I say rather with
this arrangement of Providence. It points out to us, I think, how much
happier and more solid effects may be produced by the wielding of the
word of God, than by wielding the mountains, and casting them into the
sea. _The word of God_ is a _fire_, and is a _hammer_, and nothing shall
be able to stand before it; every thing that opposeth shall be reduced
into ashes or into dust; and these shall be blown away by the winds, to
be seen no more for ever.
* * * * *
_Lima, 3d March, 1823._
I have more than once, my dear friend, within these few days past,
heard the exclamation, “happy are the countries that enjoy a settled
and secure government.” The truth is, we have just experienced one of
those occurrences which frequently happen in revolutionary times. I
wrote you formerly, that three individuals of the members of Congress
were exercising the executive power in this place. From events which
have lately occurred, a general dissatisfaction towards this triumvirate
was felt by the army in the neighbourhood of this city. The consequence
of this was, that the troops drew near to the walls and shut the gates,
sending at the same time a message to the Congress, requesting, or
rather ordering, a change in the government. After a good deal of
deliberation, the triumvirate was removed by the Congress. Another step
was yet necessary, as a certain individual was pointed out as the only
person capable of filling the vacant situation. There was no alternative
in this more than in the other proposition, as a part of the troops
kept their station, as before mentioned, whilst the rest or the greater
part came into the great square in the centre of the city. Indeed the
public opinion, not of the army only, but also of the great majority of
the people, seemed clearly expressed in favour of the person proposed.
The individual in question was accordingly appointed by the Congress as
“President of the Republic of Peru.” This was done on the first current.
The troops have retired, and there seems to be a general satisfaction
with this appointment. Our President’s name is Don José de la Riva Aguera.
You will naturally wish to know how our new President is likely to
act regarding the schools, and other such matters. Respecting what
his conduct will be in these things, I have great confidence. I have
known him, and visited him occasionally since my arrival in Lima, in
consequence of a letter of introduction to him, with which I was favoured
on my leaving Chile. I have uniformly found him very obliging, and
much interested in our concerns. In short, he is the very individual
I should have named, had I been asked what person I wished to have in
this high station. I called on him this afternoon in company with my
clerical friend, whom I formerly mentioned to you. We were well received,
and encouraged to go forward in our work, with the assurance of his
protection and support.
I forgot to mention to you in my last quarterly letter, that I had about
that time got one added to the number of my friends. This person is a
very respectable clergyman, and a member of the Congress. We have had
several conversations together, in a very open and friendly manner. I
have been much pleased with his candour and frankness. He told me that
when he first heard of my having come to Lima, he resolved to oppose me,
but that when he learned that I was not an opposer of religion, but a
friend to it, he changed his mind, and resolved to befriend me as far
as lay in his power. There is a kind of idea among several of those who
are the most religious in this country, that many or most foreigners who
arrive here are deists or atheists, or at least men no way friendly to
religion. Grounds have, no doubt, been given for forming this opinion,
although I think it is generalized among the class of people I mentioned,
with some degree of illiberality, as is, indeed, commonly the case.
The books which come here in favour of deism and atheism strengthen
the opinion. Most of these are printed in France, but some of them, I
am sorry to say it, are printed in England. From all I have seen here,
both in the Congress, and out of it, I am strongly inclined to think
that those who oppose toleration, or at least many of them, do so with a
view to prevent the influx into the country of such as oppose or scoff
at religion. As a proof of this, I refer to the member of Congress,
of whom I have just been speaking. This man opposed toleration when
it was discussed in the Congress, and spoke publicly against it; yet
when conversing with him upon the subject, he told me that he was not
opposed to the toleration of Protestants in the country. I have taken
occasion at different times to point out to some of the members, in
private conversation, that their law prohibiting the public religious
exercises of those who differ from the Catholic church, does not hinder
atheists and deists from settling in the country, as these have no form
of religion they wish to practise; and that this law serves only to
prevent the coming of those men who are sincerely religious and moral,
and who, as they themselves admit, would be of great use in the country,
by bringing into it many branches of the arts and manufactures. I think
I have observed some good effects arising from these conversations, and
I wish it may so appear when, the subject comes before Congress a second
time.
* * * * *
_Lima, 26th May, 1823._
A considerable time has now elapsed since I last wrote you. I confess I
have acted wrong in delaying so long; but I know that yourself and the
Committee of the British and Foreign School Society are ready to forgive.
The truth is, I have had no heart to write you; I have had nothing
encouraging to communicate; and I am never fond of being a messenger of
evil tidings. I have been bandied about these many months past, without
being able to make any progress in those highly important affairs in
which you feel so deeply interested. I have been more than once on the
eve of leaving this part of South America, but one little encouragement
or another called me back just as I was going to embark, and flattered me
into a belief that all would go on well. I shall not detain you with a
long list of grievances, but shall pass at once to the more pleasing task
of calling on you to join with me in thanksgiving unto Him who comforteth
those that are cast down, and who hath turned my darkness into light.
Blessed be his name, the prospects of something being done in this place
brighten daily, and I hope yet to communicate to you something gladdening
from the land of the Incas.
We have, at length, got our school fairly begun, and under very
favourable auspices. I formerly mentioned to you that the government had
given us for our schools, the College belonging to the Dominican Friars.
The whole of the edifice is at our disposal for school objects. We have
fitted up for our present school-room, a large apartment, formerly
the college dining-room, which will contain 300 children. The number
attending at present is upwards of a hundred; and we intend to increase
it gradually rather than rapidly, as we might do were we inclined. The
experience I have had has taught me the necessity of this. It is an easy
matter to tell what the system is, and to say things are to be managed in
such and such a way; but the great difficulty consists in reducing it to
practice, in training the children to method.
The Congress and the Government here are decidedly in favour of
education. Their object is not merely the education of the few, but the
education of the many, namely, of every individual in Peru. The attention
of the Congress is, at present, engaged in drawing up a constitution
for the nation. One of the articles already sanctioned is, that no one
can vote for a member of Congress unless he can read and write. From
the consideration, however, of the shameful neglect of the Spaniards
in promoting education in the country, these literary qualifications
are not to be exacted until the year 1840. Time is thus given for every
individual to qualify himself in these matters; and the anxious desire of
the Congress is, I am fully persuaded, to carry forward education with
all possible rapidity.
You are aware, I suppose, that the inhabitants of Peru do not all speak
the Spanish language. The descendants of the ancient Peruvians are very
numerous, and most of them speak the language of their ancestors. In
some parts of the country they have assumed the manners and the language
of their conquerors and oppressors; but in other parts, and these by
far the most populous, their ancient tongue is their only medium of
communication. I have long had my eye on this interesting part of the
population of this country. I have, at length, obtained a fair prospect
of being able to plant schools among them, and also to hand to them the
word of God in their native tongue. An officer belonging to a regiment,
called the Peruvian Legion, and who thoroughly understands the _Quichua_,
or Peruvian, language, has taken a great liking to our system, and
is extremely desirous of benefiting his countrymen by communicating
instruction to them. He is, at present, attending our school for this
purpose, and I entertain a pleasing hope regarding the future results of
his operations.
I beg you to express to your Committee my sincere respect and gratitude
for the very obliging manner in which they have come forward in aid of
the great work of education in South America.
* * * * *
_Truxillo, 15th July, 1823._
When I wrote my last letter to Mr. S. I little thought my next letter
would be written in this place. Such, however, is the case, and I proceed
to mention the circumstances that have brought me here. It is probable
that what has lately taken place in Lima will reach your ears some days
before this comes into your hand. The Spanish army entered that city on
the 18th ultimo, the Government, the Congress, and a great number of
the inhabitants having left it on the preceding day. You will wonder
at this, I dare say, after the favourable account of our affairs in my
last letter. It has also been a subject of wonder unto us all, and of
consternation to not a few. I mentioned in my last, that the Spaniards
had collected a considerable force in Jauja. They had left Arequipa, and
collected in Jauja with the intention of coming down upon Lima. They had
made this movement when the independent army was sadly crippled, and
when there was no efficient force to oppose their taking possession of
the capital. When, however, reinforcements had arrived from Colombia,
and an expedition had been sent off to Arequipa, we little thought they
would persevere in their intention of attacking Lima. On the contrary,
we thought they would immediately retrace their steps with all speed
towards Arequipa or Cuzco, to secure to themselves the possession of
these valuable provinces. The event, however, has turned out otherwise,
and we now understand that they were badly informed as to the real state
of their opponents. The Spaniards crossed the Andes, and came down
towards Lima in a very rapid and unexpected manner, with a force of seven
thousand well disciplined men. Upon their presenting themselves in the
neighbourhood of the city, they were reconnoitred by the Independent
Generals, and as soon as the number and discipline of the Spanish army
were known, it was judged imprudent to risk a battle with them, as
the patriot army is but about five thousand strong, and many of them
recruits. The independent army considered it most advisable not only to
avoid a general battle, but also to avoid defending Lima, and chose to
retire to the forts in Callao. The Government and the Congress, together
with a great number of the principal inhabitants, retired at the same
time to Callao. A few days after, the President and Congress judged it
most suitable to remove from the scene of military operations, and to
take up a temporary residence in this city. They accordingly sailed for
this place, and arrived about a fortnight ago.