A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF OUB WORK. 51 1 



A word more, and I have done. Many things may have been told in the preceding pages 

 apparently ungracious from one who acknowledges so many attentions, so many acts of courtesy, 

 and such valuable assistance ; but I claim justification and pardon. These very acts would 

 have inspired lasting regard for the people even had not nature invested their country with 

 elements to create the strongest interest in its and their welfare. And first, it is more than 

 difficult for a foreigner to comprehend fully or to appreciate properly the customs and motives 

 for thought and action of the nation in whose midst he tarries. He brings the standards of his 

 own land by which to measure them ; and though long residence may somewhat soften the home 

 character of his criticism, the impressions of childhood will not be effaced, but, like magic ink, 

 will appear plainly whenever subjected to certain ordeals. Constant occupations prevented 

 much of the intercourse that would have imparted some of these softening influences ; and it 

 may be that I continue scarcely more competent to truly estimate Chile and Chilenos than in 

 1849. Faithfully, however, has the motto been kept before me, " Nothing extenuate, nor aught 

 set down in malice." More than this: next to my own, there is neither land nor people for 

 whose prosperity and happiness I feel such earnest desire none whose advancement I would 

 make such efforts to promote. Will these sentiments give me a right to indicate faults ; not 

 as a censor regardless of the pain he inflicts, but as the friend who details errors that they may 

 be the better corrected the admirer who desires to perfect the object of his esteem? On these 

 grounds I ask the indulgence of friends in Chile, praying they will ever believe me grateful 

 for their untiring kindness and hospitality. 



