He also accused me of wishing to appropriate the sum proposed to be surrendered by the Spanish Commandant to my own use, though the seamen were in a state of mutiny from actual starvation!  Instead of contributing to this useful end, as before the Protector’s interference La Mar was not unwilling to do, the Spaniards were afterwards permitted to retire unmolested with the whole of their treasure; and to this, the most discreditable act which ever sullied the name of a military commander, we now come.  As the whole transaction has been well described by another writer, who was present throughout, I prefer extracting his words, in order to prevent any suspicion of mental bias which I may be supposed to entertain on the subject:—­

“The Spanish army at Janja, in the beginning of September, spread alarm in Lima, from advices received of their movements.  It appeared that they were determined to attack the capital, and on the 5th of September the following proclamation was issued at head-quarters by the Protector:—­”

   “Inhabitants of Lima,”

“It appears that the justice of heaven, tired of tolerating for so long a time the oppressors of Peru, now guides them to destruction.  Three hundred of those troops who have desolated so many towns, burnt so many temples, and destroyed so many thousands of victims, are at San Mateo, and two hundred more at San Damian.  If they advance on this capital, it will be with the design of immolating you to their vengeance (San Martin had 12,000 troops to oppose them), and to force you to purchase at a high price your decision, and enthusiasm for independence.  Vain hope!  The valiant who have liberated the illustrious Lima, those who protect her in the most difficult moments, know how to preserve her against the fury of the Spanish army.  Yes, inhabitants of this capital, my troops will not abandon you; they and myself are going to triumph over that army which—­thirsty of our blood and property, is advancing; or we will perish with honour, for we will never witness your disgrace.  In return for this noble devotion, and that it may receive the favourable success of which it is worthy, all we require of you is, union, tranquillity, and efficacious co-operation.  This alone is necessary to ensure the felicity and splendour of Peru.”

   “SAN MARTIN.”

“On the morning of the 10th, Lord Cochrane received on board the O’Higgins an official communication, informing him that the enemy was approaching the walls of Lima, and repeating the request that his Lordship would send to the army every kind of portable arms then on board the squadron, as well as the marines and all volunteers; because the Protector was ’determined to bring the enemy to an action, and either conquer or remain buried in the ruins of what was Lima.’  This heroic note was, however, accompanied by a private one from Monteagudo, containing a request that