INTRODUCTION. gg 



same manner if you and I were going to be hanged." To which he 

 replied, vehemently repeating the words several times, " Oh, I will 

 punish them in the most cruel manner." * From this moment his 

 measures against the old Spaniards were determined, although the 

 time was not yet arrived for completing his revenge. Nor were they 

 alone the objects of his anger. To the jealous, " trifles light as air 

 are confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ;" and I have no doubt 

 that his jealousy of Lord Cochrane was increased to that fury which 

 afterwards broke out, in great measure by this circumstance. 



On the 29th, the most solemn masses were performed in thanks- 

 giving for the deliverance of Lima from the Spaniards; and San Martin, 

 a professed unbeliever, not content with a decent acquiescence in 

 the rites at which he was necessarily present, distinguished himself 

 by a zeal for all holy things, an energy of worship, and, above all, by 

 excessive veneration for the tutelar Saint Rosa f, which I think 

 rather prejudiced than favoured his cause, even among the clergy 

 themselves. But at this present juncture all means were to be re- 

 sorted to to conciliate all men ; the clergy were particularly courted. 

 A letter was written to the bishop to entreat him to use his good 

 offices to keep the people quiet, and to show them the benefits of the 

 new order of things. The Spaniards were flattered and assured of 

 personal protection, and those who chose to remain were promised 

 also the enjoyment of their whole property upon their soliciting or 

 purchasing letters of citizenship. The officers of the squadron were 

 caressed, and many of them flattered with assurances of honours, 

 rewards, and personal friendship from the general. 



At length, on the fourth of August, the grand measure which all 

 these preparatives announced was carried into effect ; and San Martin 

 published a proclamation, declaring himself protector of Peru 

 with an authority absolute and undivided. In direct violation of his 



* Je les traiterai de la maniere la plus feroce. — They were speaking French. 



f At her church they show the dice with which she used to play when Christ came to 

 amuse her in peison. This is one of the most harmless and decent legends concerning 

 her intercourse with the Saviour. 



M 2 



