QUINTERO. 343 



" trade of those vast provinces, to which Spain formerly asserted an 

 " exclusive right. The squadron which maintained the monopoly 

 " has disappeared from the face of the ocean ; and the flags of inde- 

 " pendent South America wave every where triumphant, protecting 

 " that intercourse between nations which is the source of their riches, 

 " power, and happiness. 



" If, for the furtherance of this great object, some restraints were 

 " imposed, they were no other than those sanctioned by the practice 

 " of all civilised states ; and though they may have affected the im- 

 " mediate interests of a few who were desirous to avail themselves 

 " of accidental circumstances presented during the contest, it is a 

 " gratification to know that such interests were only postponed for 

 " the general good. Should there, however, be any who conceive 

 " themselves aggrieved by my conduct, I have to request them to 

 " make known their complaints, with their names affixed, through 

 " the medium of the public press, in order that I may have an 

 " opportunity of particular reply. 



" I trust you will do me the justice to believe that I have not de- 

 " termined to withdraw myself from these seas, while any thing 

 " remained within my means to accomplish for your benefit and 

 " security. 



" I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, 



" Your faithful humble servant, 



" Cochrane." 



Mr. C , who understands the management of the press bet- 

 ter than any of our party, has kindly volunteered to come and assist 

 in taking the impressions from the stone. 



I like this wild life we are living, half in the open air ; every 

 thing is an incident ; and as we never know who is to come, or what 

 is to happen next, we have the constant stimulus of curiosity to bear 

 us to the end of every day. The evening walk is the only thing we 

 are sure of. Sometimes we trace the effects of the recent earthquake, 

 and fancy they lead to marks of others infinitely more violent, and at 



