those combined advantages. The memory of that
glorious day will occupy the first pages of Chilian history, and the
name of Your Excellency will be transmitted from generation to
generation by the gratitude of our descendants."

"His Excellency the Supreme Director, highly gratified by that
noble conquest, orders me to inform you (as I have now the
satisfaction of doing), that he experiences, in his own name, and in
that of the nation, the most heartfelt gratification at that signal
achievement. The meritorious officers, Beauchef, Miller, Erescano,
Carter, and Vidal, and all the other officers and soldiers who, in
imitation of your Excellency, encountered such vast dangers, will be
brought to the notice of Government, in order to receive a decorative
medal, in gratitude for their gallantry, and in proof that Chili rewards
the heroes who advocate her cause."

Our national flag has been displayed amidst the most festive public
demonstrations, above those of Valdivia and Cantabria, in proof of the
subjection of our enemies.

"I beg, with the greatest gratification, the honour to announce to you
your letter of the 3rd instant, transmitting those of Major Beauchef and
Major Miller."

"God preserve your Excellency many years."

(Signed) JOSE IGNACIO ZENTENO.
"The Vice-Admiral commanding the Chilian
Squadron."

It is difficult to see how a man who could have written the above
letter, even officially, could have become my worst enemy; the reasons
for which will, however, develop themselves as we proceed.

As the estate which was conferred upon me at Rio Clara was afterwards
taken from me, without reason assigned, I will here give the letter
conveying it, as this will again have to be alluded to. The
attorney-like cunning of Zenteno prevented its conveyance by any more
formal document than the decree conferring it.

"My Lord,"

"A Decree of this date has been issued by His
Excellency the Supreme Director, of which the annexed is a
copy:--"

"Desirous to expedite, without loss of time, the gift of 4000
_quadras_ of land, which, by decree of the Senate, was assigned to the
Commander-in-Chief of the Squadron, Vice-Admiral Lord Cochrane,
as a demonstration of public appreciation for his distinguished
services in the '_Restoration,_' of the important fortress of Valdivia;
the said 4000 _quadras_ are assigned on the lands of R