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 régime, 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.