338 JOURNAL. 



been issued concerning the rebuilding of Valparaiso, and magnificent 

 plans talked of. But the grand stroke is the order given to the 

 Admiral to place the O'Higgins and Valdivia under the charge of the 

 commandant of marine, in order, as it is said, to be repaired, and to 

 make a store-ship of the Lautaro. This is intended to answer no 

 less than three ends. The people are to be deluded by seeing that 

 the government has confidence enough to undertake so heavy an 

 expense as the repair of the two ships at this time. Lord Cochrane 

 is deprived of even the slightest authority ; and as they have not 

 accepted his resignation, he is, they flatter themselves, a kind of state- 

 prisoner ; and I doubt not would, the moment they dared, be sacri- 

 ficed to the same private malignity which instigated the charges laid 

 against him in April. He remains in the port until he has put it out 

 of the power of the Lautaro to put to sea, by causing her to strike 

 her masts, &c. And he has hoisted his flag on board the schooner 

 Montezuma, the only thing now serviceable at Valparaiso ; the 

 Galvarino, with not an Englishman in her, having at length sailed 

 by his permission, on the request of the Director, for some secret 

 service. Those who planned this blow forgot the schooner, I pre- 

 sume. Thank God, he will soon be beyond the reach of the ill-treat- 

 ment of those for whom he has done so much ! All the seamen are 

 paid off. The officers only are retained, and on full pay. The arrears 

 have been also paid, excepting to the crew of the Montezuma, and 

 part of that of the Lautaro. The troops are dissatisfied ; and I suspect 

 that nothing but the personal respect felt for the Director still holds 

 his wretched government together. 



28^A. — Some slight shocks felt to-day. 



Sunday, 29th. — The earth has been remarkably quiet these last 

 twenty-four hours. 



Lord Cochrane arrived, bringing with him the D — s, and all their 

 family. They had taken refuge on board the O'Higgins, and now 

 the ship is dismantled they have not where to lay their heads : here 

 there is at least shelter among the tents and ranchos, and quiet and 

 kindness.- 



