APPENDIX. 485 



" Do not imagine that we mean to attempt to treat you as a conquered people. 

 Such an idea could never have entered the heads of any but the enemies of 

 our common happiness. We only aspire to see you free and happy. You will 

 frame your own government, electing the Jo: .n most congenial to your habits, 

 your situation, and your inclinations : you will be your own legislators ; and 

 consequently you will constitute a nation as free and as independent as our- 

 selves. 



" What are you waiting for, Peruvians ? Hasten to break your chains. 

 Come ; and at the tombs of Tupac- Amaru, and Pumacahua, of those illus- 

 trious martyrs to liberty, swear to the contract which is to secure your inde- 

 pendence and our eternal friendship. 



" Bernardo O'Higgins." 



No. IV. 



" Countrymen ! — Yes, I will flatter myself that it cannot be long before I 

 give you this delightful name. The echoes of the cry of liberty in South 

 America have resounded even to the shores of cultivated Europe, more espe- 

 cially to those of Britain ; and I could not resist the mighty temptation to 

 defend a cause which, interesting human nature, involving the happiness of 

 half the globe, and of millions of generations, has decided me to take in it a 

 personal and effective part. The republic of Chile has consequently entrusted 

 her maritime forces to my direction and command. The dominion of the 

 Pacific is consigned to them, as well as the co-operation in the long-wished-for 

 bursting of the chains which have oppressed you. Doubt not of the near ap- 

 proach of that great day on which, together with the dominion of tyranny, the 

 degrading condition of Spanish colonies which now disgraces you will be at an 

 end ; and you will occupy among the nations that noble place to which you 

 are called by your population, your riches, your geographical position, and the 

 course of circumstances. But you must be our coadjutors in preparing for 

 success, in removing obstacles, and opening to yourselves the path of glory ; 

 secure of the cordial assistance of the government of Chile, and of your true 

 friend, " Cochrane." 



The above proclamations were published before the sailing of the great 

 expedition to Peru. They are referred to in the Introduction, and show the 

 hopes held out to the Peruvians by the invading chiefs. 



