108 



INTRODUCTION. 



the O'Higgins and Valdivia reached Callao *, where they remained 

 until the 8th of May. On their arrival, San Martin made every pos- 

 sible effort to get Lord Cochrane into his power, but without effect. 

 Monteagudo went on board to wait on His Lordship. He assured 

 him of San Martin's high regard for him, entreated him to go ashore, 

 and that the minister, Torre Tagle, had prepared his own house for 

 his reception. He proposed that Lord Cochrane should take upon 

 him the title of admiral of the joint squadrons of Peru and Chile ; 

 which was only another means of getting possession of the Chileno 

 ships. He held out to him the prospect of making an immense for- 

 tune by the taking of the Philippine Islands, which San Martin con- 

 templated ; and, among other bribes, fitted well enough indeed to the 

 semi-barbarous taste of his employer, he talked to Lord Cochrane of 

 a diamond star of the Order of Merit which had been prepared for 

 him, and which, as well as a kind letter from San Martin, had been 

 withheld on the receipt of a letter which he had addressed the day 

 before, which was that of his arrival, to the minister of war. Lord 

 Cochrane's answer to all this was — That he could not and would not 

 accept office, title, or honours, from a government founded on the 

 breach of that faith which had promised the free choice of its con- 

 stitution to the people of Peru, and which was supported by tyranny, 

 oppression, and the violation of all laws : that he would hoist no 

 flag but that of Chile on board of her ships ; nor would he hoist his 

 on board the Prueba, because he would not deceive the government 

 of Peru. He thanked Torre Tagle for the offer of his house ; but had 

 resolved never to set foot in a land governed not only without law, 

 but contrary to law. And that as to fortune, his habits were frugal 

 and his means sufficient. 



I have been the more particular in the account of this conference, 

 because it took place on the 26th of April, six weeks after Garcia del 



* When the Honourable Captain F. Spencer, of His Majesty's ship Alacrity, saluted 

 Lord Cochrane's flag, His Lordship it is said was unable to return the compliment till 

 next day, his guns being shotted, as it was not safe to be in Callao without precaution. 



