e assertion that I had done so, or suppose me
capable of acting in the way which had been falsely reported!

The re-hoisting my flag was a step which had not been anticipated, and
as it was unbidden, a remonstrance was addressed to me upon having taken
such a step unauthorised by the Government. My reply was, that I had
taken the step upon my own responsibility, and that as such an infamous
accusation had been promulgated against me, for the purpose of promoting
mutiny amongst the men, I intended to keep my flag flying till they were
paid. At the same time I addressed the following letter to the Minister
of Marine:--

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

Aroused from the tranquillity in which I had
vainly hoped to spend at least the short period of my leave of
absence by imputations against my character, propagated with a
view to excite dissatisfaction and mutiny in the squadron, by taking
advantage of the irritation occasioned by the necessities of the
officers, and the destitute and naked condition of the men, which I
have so often implored you to remedy; I have reluctantly proceeded
to this port to refute the calumny and prevent the evil anticipated,
for which purpose I have re-hoisted my flag, to haul it down when
the discontent shall cease, by the people being clothed and paid, or
when I shall be ordered to haul it down for ever.

I enclose a copy of a letter which I have sent to the Governor
of Valparaiso.

(Signed) COCHRANE.

It is unnecessary to give the letter to Zenteno, as being to the same
effect with the preceding, with some additional guesses at the infamous
author of the report, these proving sufficient for his discreet silence
on the subject. The following reply from the Minister of Marine was
immediately forwarded to me:--

Santiago, Oct. 1, 1822.

MOST EXCELLENT SIR,

His Excellency the Supreme Director is impressed
with deep disgust at the calumny to which you allude in your note,
a copy of which I have forwarded to the Governor of Valparaiso.
Your Excellency may rest satisfied that the authors thereof will not
remain unpunished if discovered.

Accept the assurance of my high consideration.

The Minister of Marine,

JOAQUIM DE ECHEVERRIA.

To the Vice-Admiral Com.-in-Chief of the Squadron.

As a matter of course the libeller was neither discovered nor punished,
otherwise the Governor of Valparaiso, and the agents of San M