QUINTERO. 



333 



imagining that his retreat by the Andes would be cut of. Some 

 time ago the same order was given, and it was supposed for the same 

 purpose in fact, although it was to be executed by the vessel running 

 along the coast, and taking up the passenger or passengers at the 

 mouth of the Maypu. But neither then nor now would the squadron 

 hear of her sailing, having a claim on her, as she was pledged to be 

 sold to pay the officers and men. The Lautaro has accordingly 

 loaded her guns, and is to sink her if she attempts to move without 

 the Admiral's express permission. The fort has loaded its guns also, 

 but this the squadron may laugh at. His Lordship's resuming the 

 command will no doubt restore every thing to order. 



The party in the South have not been inactive by sea any more than 

 by land. Captain Casey, who was captain of the port at Talcahuana, 

 has the command of a large vessel which arrived off Valparaiso last 

 night, but did not anchor. She sent a boat on board the O'Hiawins, 

 it is conjectured with the design of engaging the squadron to aban- 

 don the cause of the Director, and to act in opposition to the govern- 

 ment, whose sworn subjects every officer and man are. But if such 

 were the design, it has failed. Captain Casey has proceeded to 

 Coquimbo, where he is likely to meet with more success. That port, 

 like those of the South, is grievously injured by the reglamento ; the 

 troops are equally indignant at the non-payment of their wages ; and 

 if I may trust the reports brought by cattle-dealers and other itine- 

 rant persons, they are all ready to revolt. The troops at Quillota and 

 Aconcagua have refused to march to the capital ; and though the re- 

 cruiting is going on in all the neighbouring districts, it is doubtful on 

 which side the new troops will engage. We begin to feel the anxie- 

 ties preparatory to a civil war. Our pistols are cleaned ; we have 

 prepared a store of bullets: we feel an unusual uneasiness on account 

 of the Admiral, who is riding to -town with only his one peon. 

 Wednesday, December \&th. — Three shocks to-day, all slight. 

 Thursday, \9th. — One long shock, with a very loud noise, and 

 several slight shocks. 



Friday, 20th. — Some very slight shocks ; none of which I felt, being 



