hope that the friendship which has existed between San Martin and myself will continue to exist between the Protector of Peru and myself.’  San Martin then—­rubbing his hands—­said, ‘I have only to say, that I am Protector of Peru!’”

“The manner in which this last sentence was expressed, roused the Admiral, who, advancing, said—­’Then it becomes me, as senior officer of Chili, and consequently the representative of the nation, to request the fulfilment of all the promises made to Chili and the squadron; but first—­and principally—­the squadron.’  San Martin returned—­’Chili!  Chili!  I will never pay a single real to Chili!  As to the squadron, you may take it where you please, and go where you choose; a couple of schooners are quite enough for me;’ ’Chili!  Chili, yo nunca pagare ’un real a Chili! y en quanto a la esquadra, puede V llevarla donde quiere, e irse quando guste, con un par de golestas me basta a mi.’”

“On hearing this, Garcia left the room, and Monteagudo walked to the balcony.  San Martin paced the room for a short time and turning to his Lordship, said,—­’Forget, my Lord, what is past.’  The admiral replied—­’I will, when I can,’ and immediately left the palace.”

His Lordship was now undeceived by the man himself; the repeated reports he had heard of his past conduct crowded on his imagination, and knowing what might be attempted, from what had been already done, his Lordship agreed with me, that his life was not safe ashore.  He therefore immediately took horse—­rode to Boca Negra, and went on board his frigate[1].

[Footnote 1:  “Twenty Years Residence in South America,” by W.B.  STEVENSON, Secretary to Lord Cochrane, Vice-Admiral of Chili, &c. &c. 1825.]

One thing has been omitted in the preceding narrative.  General San Martin, following me to the staircase, had the temerity to propose to me to follow his example—­viz. to break faith with Chilian Government to which we had both sworn—­to abandon the squadron to his interests—­and to accept the higher grade of “First Admiral of Peru.”  I need scarcely say that a proposition so dishonourable was declined; when in a tone of irritation he declared that “he would neither give the seamen their arrears of pay, nor the gratuity he had promised.”

On arriving at the flag-ship, I found the following official communication, requesting me to fire a salute in honour of San Martin’s self-elevation to the protectorship:—­

   Lima, 4th Aug. 1821. 
   MY LORD,

His Excellency the Protector of Peru commands me to transmit to you the annexed organic decree, announcing his exaltation to the Supreme Authority; in order that the squadron may be informed of this momentous event, and that the new Government may be acknowledged by the naval department under your command, belonging to the Republic of Chili.

   I hope, that duly estimating this high act, you will cause it to be
   celebrated with all the dignity which is compatible with the martial
   usage of the naval service.