90 INTRODUCTION. 



worse appear the better cause ;" and then Lord Cochrane agreed, 

 that on condition of receiving necessaries for the ships, and particu- 

 larly anchors *, some portion of the bullion should be restored ; but 

 as the stores, &c. were refused, the money, amounting to 285,000 

 dollars was detained, and distributed as above stated ; regular ac- 

 counts being kept, and all being placed to the credit of the Chileno 

 government. The scheme for revenge was more successful. At 

 midnight, on the 26th of September, the very day on which the Pro- 

 tector had desired the admiral to make what use he pleased of the 

 money, San Martin's two aides-de-camp, Captain Spry j" and Colo- 

 nel Paroissien, boarded the several ships of the squadron, and then, 

 for the first time, made known the secret instructions and full powers 

 granted by Chile to the Protector concerning the squadron. Besides 

 this communication, they offered commissions, and held out the 

 prospect of honours, titles, and estates, to such as might desert 

 and serve under Peru. Then, finding that the admiral had discovered 

 their nocturnal visits, Paroissien insolently went to him, and held 

 the same language ; hinting that it was better to be admiral of a 

 rich country like Peru, than vice-admiral of so poor a province as 

 Chile, and attempting anew to gain or bribe him. Of those officers 

 who basely deserted their flag on these suggestions, most have been 

 punished by the disappointment of their hopes, — and all by the 

 contempt of both friends and enemies. The seamen were enticed to 

 enter the Peruvian service by every possible means ; and, while on 

 shore enjoying themselves after receiving their pay, were either bribed 

 or threatened into compliance. Nay, the faithful officers were put 

 into the guard-house for attempting to induce them to return to their 

 former ships. Thus the squadron, in bad repair and scantily sup- 

 plied, was half unmanned. Yet, under these circumstances, now that 

 Callao had surrendered, San Martin peremptorily ordered Lord 



* Two that had been cut from the Esmeralda when she was taken, and one lost by the 

 O'Higgins in an attack on Callao, were then in San Martin's possession, — he refused 

 them. 



f The same who had been dismissed his ship by sentence of a court-martial, and had 

 afterwards deserted. 



