This delay was productive of the worst disasters which could have befallen the expedition.  The people were eager to receive us, and not calculating on such tardiness on the part of General Martin—­were everywhere declaring in our favour; but being unsupported, were fined, imprisoned, and subjected to corporal punishment by the Viceroy.  Rendered cautious by this, they naturally distrusted the force idling away its time at Pisco, manifesting reluctance to bring forward the requisite supplies, upon which they were treated, by order of General San Martin, with military rigour; being thus harassed, the Peruvians began to look upon the Chilenos as oppressors in common with the Spaniards, to the no small danger of losing every desire for national independence.

Nevertheless, on reaching Pisco, Gen. San Martin had promulgated a proclamation from the Supreme Director full of fervent appeals to God and man as regarded the good intentions of the Chilian Government:  the following are extracts:—­

“Peruvians, here are the engagements under which Chili—­before the Supreme Being—­and calling all nations to witness as avengers of any violation of the compact, engages to aid you—­setting death and toil at defiance.  You shall be free and independent.  You shall choose your own government and laws, by the spontaneous will of your representatives.  No military or civil influence, direct or indirect, shall your brethren use to influence your social dispositions.  You shall dismiss the armed force sent to your assistance the moment you judge proper, without regard to our opinion of your danger or security.  Never shall any military division occupy the soil of a free people, unless called for by your lawful magistrate.  Neither by ourselves, nor by our aid, shall party opinions which may have preceded your liberty be punished.  Ready to overthrow any armed force which may resist your rights, we beseech you to forget all grievances antecedent to the day of your glory, so as to reserve the most severe justice to obstinacy and oppression.”

Such, were the inducements held out to the Peruvian people, and such was their first experience with regard to their liberators.

Yet even amidst inaction the fruits of demonstration early became manifest, a vessel arriving on the 4th of October, from Guayaquil, with the intelligence that on receiving news of the sailing of the expedition, that province had declared itself independent.  Upon the arrival of this welcome news, I again begged of General San Martin to reimbark the troops and move on Lima, and at length succeeded in inducing him to make a move.

Previous to our departure, General San Martin issued the following proclamation, here given to shew how promises solemnly entered into could afterwards be broken.