n on the part of the Government, I applied to the Minister of
Marine for a more minute investigation into their contents, as from the
charges made against me by San Martin, I was desirous that the most
rigid inquiry should be instituted forthwith, and indeed expressed my
surprise--from the time which had elapsed since they were
forwarded--that this had not been done. On the 14th of June, the
Minister replied as follows:--

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

The accounts of monies applied by your Excellency
in the necessary requirements of the vessels of war under your
command, which you conveyed to me in your two notes of the 25th
of May last, have been passed to the office of the Accountant-General,
for the purpose indicated by your Excellency.

JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA.

Knowing the dilatory habits of the departments of State, I did not deem
this satisfactory, and being engaged in preparing a refutation of San
Martin's charges, I again urged on the Minister to investigate the
accounts without further delay, when, on the 19th of June, he
acknowledged--in a letter too long for insertion--the specific items; at
the same time declaring his "high consideration for the manner in which
I had made the flag of Chili respected in the Pacific."

This was satisfactory, but it is perhaps necessary to assign a reason
why so much importance is attached to a mere matter of routine,
especially after the Government had declared its satisfaction with all
my proceedings. The reason is this--that for all the services so warmly
acknowledged, the Government of Chili restrained from conferring either
upon myself or the squadron the slightest pecuniary recompense, even the
prize-money due to the officers and seamen, part of which the ministry
had appropriated. On pressing these claims year after year subsequent to
my departure from Chili, I was informed _sixteen years afterwards!_ that
my accounts required explanation! the reason for this unworthy
proceeding being, that, as the claim could not be disputed, it might
thus be evaded.

My refutation of San Martin's accusations was drawn up in the most
minute manner, replying to every charge _seriatim_, and bringing to
light a multitude of nefarious practices on the part of his Government,
which had been previously kept back. Lest I might appear in the
invidious light of an accuser, I was strongly dissuaded from its
publication, as being unnecessary, the Chilian Government paying no
at