r power to be the Napoleon of South America,
as you have it in your power to be one of the greatest men now
acting on the theatre of the world; but you have also the power
to choose your course, and if the first steps are false, the eminence
on which you stand will, as though from the brink of a precipice,
make your fall the more heavy and the more certain.

The rocks on which the South American Government have
split have hitherto been bad faith, and consequent temporary
expedients. No man has yet arisen, save yourself, capable of
soaring aloft, and with eagle eye embracing the expanse of the
political horizon. But if in your flight, like Icarus, you trust to
waxen wings, your descent may crush the rising liberties of Peru,
and involve all South America in anarchy, civil war, and political
despotism.

The real strength of Government is public opinion. What
would the world say, were the Protector of Peru, as his first act, to
cancel the bonds of San Martin, even though gratitude may be a
private and not a public virtue? What would they say, were the
Protector to refuse to pay the expense of that expedition which
placed him in his present elevated situation? What would they
say, were it promulgated to the world that he intended not even to
remunerate those employed in the navy which contributed to his
success.

What good can be arrived at by a crooked path that cannot be
attained by a straight and open way? Who has advised a tortuous
policy and the concealment of the real sentiments and intentions of
Government? Has an intriguing spirit dictated the refusal of pay
to the Chilian navy, whilst the army is doubly paid? Is it proposed
thus to alienate the minds of the men from their present service, and
by such policy to obtain them for the service of Peru? If so, the
effect will, I predict, be the contrary, for they have looked, and do
look, to Peru for their remuneration, and, if disappointed, they will
feel accordingly.

See to what a state the Senate had brought the beautiful and
fertile province of Chili. Nay, had not their notorious want of
faith deprived them, notwithstanding their mines, their confiscated
and public lands, of the means possessed even by the Spanish
Government, and of the credit necessary to procure a dollar in any
foreign country, or even in their own? I say, therefore, my dear
Ge