286 JOURNAL. 



righteous as the cause, he would have been the very first of his 

 countrymen : but there is blood on his hands ; there is the charge 

 of treachery on his heart. 



He is this day gone to Cauquenes, and has left the port not one 

 whit enlightened as to the cause of his leaving Peru. It is probably 

 like the retirement of Monteagudo, a sacrifice of his political exist- 

 ence in order to save his natural life. * 



I think Lord Cochrane went either to day or yesterday to Quintero. 

 The Valparaiso world would have rejoiced in some meeting, some 

 scene, between him and San Martin : but his good sense, and truly 

 honourable feelings towards the country he serves, have prevented this. 

 If San Martin is unfortunate, and forced to fly his dominion, His 

 Lordship's conduct is magnanimous ; if it be only a ruse de guerre 

 on San Martin's part to save himself, it is prudent, and will leave 

 him at liberty to expose the Protector as he deserves. 



Monday the c 2\st. — During these last few daysValparaiso has enjoyed 

 nearly its ordinary state of dull tranquillity. It seems the convention 

 had, notwithstanding the express wish of the executive, rejected the 

 reglamento in toto ; but their vote being sent back for revision, its 

 operation is to be suspended for a few months. 



My poor invalid continues suffering, though the kindness of my 

 neighbours and the advance of the season enable me to procure for 

 him all the little comforts which can amuse his mind, or gratify his 

 still delicate appetite. Milk is very abundant at this season ; green 

 peas are come in ; a friend sends us asparagus from the city ; and 

 the strawberries are just ripe. It is the custom here, when this ele- 

 gant fruit first comes in, to tie it up in bunches, with a rose, a pink, 

 or a sprig of balm ; and these little bunches, laid on the evergreen 

 leaves of mayten, shaded with sprigs of the same, and laid in little 

 wicker baskets, are brought by the rosy-faced children, from all the 

 wardens within ten miles, to the port for sale. I have known a real 



* See Lord Cochrane's letter, and Lima Justificada. 



