HO INTRODUCTION. 



On the 2d of June Lord Cochrane brought the O'Higgins and 

 Valdivia to Valparaiso. On the 4th, the following letters of thanks 

 and congratulation were addressed to him and the officers of the 

 squadron by the supreme government at Santiago ; and every thing 

 appeared as favourable to the interests of the squadron as they could 

 wish. 



" Ministry of Marine, 

 " Santiago de Chile, 4th June, 1822. 



" Most Excellent Sir, 



" The arrival of Your Excellency in the city of Valparaiso with the 

 squadron under your command, has given the greatest pleasure to 

 His Excellency the supreme director ; and in those feelings of gra- 

 titude which the glory acquired by Your Excellency during the late 

 protracted campaign has excited, you will find the proof of that high 

 consideration which your heroic services so justly deserve. 



" Among those who have a distinguished claim are the chiefs and 

 officers, who, faithful to their duty, have remained on board the 

 vessels of war of this State, a list of whom Your Excellency has ho- 

 noured me by enclosing. These gentlemen will, most assuredly, 

 receive the recompense so justly due to their praiseworthy constancy. 



" Please to accept the assurance of my highest esteem. 



" JOAQUIM DE EcHEVERRIA. 



" To His Excellency the Vice Admiral and Commander- 

 " in-chief of the Squadron, the Right Honourable 

 " the Lord Cochrane." 



" Ministry of Marine, 

 " Santiago de Chile, 19th June, 1822. 



" Most Excellent Sir, 



" His Excellency the Supreme Director, being desirous of making 



a public demonstration of the high services that the squadron has 



rendered to the nation, has resolved, that a medal be struck for the 



officers and crews of the squadron, with an inscription expressive of 



