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.