ent for
provisions, when the mob took it into their heads that the _Esmeralda_
could not have been cut out without the assistance of the _Macedonian_,
and, falling upon the boat's crew, murdered the whole of them.

The wounded amongst the _Esmeralda's_ crew were sent on shore under a
flag of truce, a letter from me to the Viceroy proposing an exchange of
prisoners being at the same time transmitted. The proposal was this time
civilly acceded to, and the whole were sent on shore; the Chilian
prisoners, who had long languished in the dungeons of the fortress,
being returned, and ordered to join the army of General San Martin.

On transmitting the intelligence of our success to General San Martin, I
received from him the following acknowledgment of the achievement:--

_10th November, 1820._
"My Lord,"

"The importance of the service you have rendered to the
country by the capture of the frigate _Esmeralda_, and the brilliant
manner in which you conducted the gallant officers and seamen
under your orders to accomplish that noble enterprise, on the night
of the memorable 5th of November, have augmented the gratitude
due to your former services by the Government, as well as that of
all interested in the public cause, and in your fame."

"All those who participated in the risks and glory of the deed,
also deserve well of their countrymen, and I have the satisfaction to
be the medium of transmitting the sentiments of admiration which
such transcendent success has excited in the chiefs of the army
under my command. Permit me to express them to you, in order
that they may be communicated to the meritorious officers, seamen,
and marines of the squadron, to whom will be religiously fulfilled
_the promises you made_."

"It is grievous that, connected with the memory of so glorious
a deed, regret for those who shed their blood in its achievement
should enter; but let us hope that such thoughts will be dissipated,
by your adding further deeds of glory to the country, and to your
name."

"God preserve you many years."

"JOSE DE SAN MARTIN."

San Martin's expression of religiously fulfilling the "promises I
made," is in allusion to the promise, signed by himself, which had been
exacted previous to the departure of the squadron from Valparaiso, that
the men should have a year's pay given to them. With the preceding
letter General San Martin voluntar