tention whatever to his charges, but being afraid of embroiling
themselves with Peru, the weakness of which they failed rightly to
estimate.

Having, however, my own character to defend, I did not think proper to
comply, and therefore forwarded my refutation to the Government, the
Minister of Marine acknowledging its receipt, with an intimation that it
had been deposited in the archives of the Republic.

As, from the Minister of Marine's reply, the document was evidently
intended to remain there without further notice, I addressed the
following letter to the Supreme Director:--

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

As the game attempted to be played by the Government
of Peru for the annihilation of the marine of Chili is now being
put in practice in another form, conjointly with further attacks on
my character, I have to request permission from the supreme
authority to publish my correspondence with San Martin and his
agents on these subjects; together with a copy of his accusation
against me, with my reply thereto, in order that the public may no
longer be deceived, and falsehood pass for truth.

I have the honour, &c.

COCHRANE.

To this the following reply was returned:--

Santiago, Oct. 1, 1822.

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

Your Excellency is too well acquainted with political
affairs not to understand the reasons which oppose the publication
of the disagreeable occurrences which have taken place with the
Protector at the termination of the Peruvian campaign. Were they
made public, it would be opening a vast field of censure to the
enemies of our cause, and also weakening the credit of the independent
Governments, by shewing dissensions amongst themselves.

Already have we felt the inconveniences of the injurious impressions
_made on the British Cabinet_ by the dissensions between your
Excellency and Gen. San Martin; for they had no sooner been
informed thereof, than the diplomatic negociations which had been
established with our Envoy at that Court were paralysed; and had
he not laboured to counteract the rumours, which had been exaggerated
by distance, there is no doubt but that his influence in
advocating the cause of South America would have most prejudicially
failed.

His Excellency the Supreme Director feels confident that these
reflections will have in your mind all the weight they merit; but
if you still insist on the p