y accomplished.

Having satisfied myself, that, from the oppression practised, the
Protectoral Government could not endure longer than the first favourable
opportunity for a general revolt which might present itself to the
Limenos, and judging that the fall of San Martin might involve serious
consequences to Chili, I had addressed the following letter to the
Supreme Director:--

_Private and confidential_.
Callao Roads, May 2, 1822.
Most Excellent Sir,

You will perceive by my public despatches the points of
most interest as regards the proceedings of the squadron, and the
result of our pursuit of the enemy's frigates, _Prueba_ and _Venganza_,
both of which I have embargoed, the one at Guayaquil and the
other here, until your pleasure shall be known, whatever that may
be, whether to give up the squadron of Chili, or to bring those
vessels to you, shall be alike obeyed.

San Martin has now laid down the external pomp of Protector,
and, like Cincinnatus, has withdrawn to retirement, but not with the
same view. This modesty is to captivate the crowd, who are to call
on him to convert the ploughshare _into an Imperial sceptre!_ I have
excellent information to this effect, having found means to obtain it
from behind the scenes of this political actor.

Great hopes are entertained, from the mission to Chili, that
the squadron will at least be withdrawn, and that when the sun of
Peru shall rise on the ocean, the star (the national emblem of Chili)
which has hitherto shone, will be for ever eclipsed! Some spots
have, however, appeared on the sun's surface. Two thousand men
have ceased to see its light at Pasco; and the Numantian regiment,
once dazzled by its splendour, are about to grope their way to their
native land.

As the attached and sincere friend of your Excellency, I hope you
will take into your serious consideration the propriety of at once
fixing the Chilian Government upon a base not to be shaken by the
fall of the present tyranny in Peru, of which there are not only
indications, but their result is inevitable; unless, indeed, the
mischievous counsels of vain and mercenary men can suffice to prop
up a fabric of the most barbarous political architecture, serving as
a screen from whence to dart their weapons against the heart of
liberty. Thank God, my hands are free from the stain of labouring
in any such wor