owever, met with no consideration, as
though their object had been directed to my own personal benefit.

Until now I have never eaten the bread of idleness. I cannot
reconcile to my mind a state of inactivity which might even now
impose upon the Chilian Republic an annual pension for past
services; especially as an Admiral of Peru is actually in command
of a portion of the Chilian squadron, whilst other vessels are sent to
sea without the orders under which they act being communicated
to me, and are despatched by the Supreme Government through
the instrumentality of the Governor of Valparaiso (Zenteno.) I
mention these circumstances incidentally as having confirmed me
in the resolution to withdraw myself from Chili for a time; asking
nothing for myself during my absence; whilst as regards the sums
owing to me, I forbear to press for their payment till the Government
shall be more freed from its difficulties. I have complied
with all that my public duty demanded, and if I have not been able
to accomplish more, the deficiency has arisen from circumstances
beyond my control--at any rate, having the world still before me,
I hope to prove that it is not owing to me.

I have received proposals from Mexico, from Brazil, and from an
European state, but have not as yet accepted any of these offers.
Nevertheless, the active habits of my life do not permit me to refuse
my services to those labouring under oppression, as Chili was before
the annihilation of the Spanish naval force in the Pacific. In this
I am prepared to justify whatever course I may pursue. In thus
taking leave of Chili, I do so with sentiments of deep regret that I
have not been suffered to be more useful to the cause of liberty,
and that I am compelled to separate myself from individuals with
whom I hoped to have lived for a long period, "without violating
such sentiments of honour as, were they broken, would render me
odious to myself and despicable in their eyes."

Until this day I have abstained from pressing upon your Excellency's
attention my reply to the infamous accusations presented
against me by the agents of San Martin--knowing that your
Excellency had more urgent objects to attend to. Nevertheless, I
now beg your Excellency's consideration of this matter, in order
that--as has been the case in Peru--these falsehoods may be
rendered manifes