APPENDIX. 491 



future fate ; anxiety and doubt as to which, being of all things most dis- 

 tressing. 



" First, then, it is known that since the capture of the Isabel, the dominion 

 of the Pacific has been maintained by the Chilian navy ; and that such have 

 been the exertions of our commander and ourselves, that with Chileno crews, 

 unaccustomed to the arts of navigation, and a few foreign seamen whom we 

 alone could controul, not only the shores of this land have been effectually 

 protected from injury or insult, but the maritime ports of the enemy have 

 been closely blockaded in the face of a superior naval force. By means of 

 the navy the important province, fortifications, and port of Valdivia, were 

 added to the republic. By the same means the Spanish power in Peru was 

 brought into contempt, and the way opened for the invasion of that country ; 

 which, so far as the navy was concerned, was crowned with success. The 

 ships of war of the enemy have all fallen into our hands, or have been com- 

 pelled by our means to surrender. Their merchant vessels have been seized 

 from under their batteries ; whilst the Chilian transports and trading vessels 

 have been afforded such perfect security, that no one, even of the smallest, 

 has been compelled to haul down its flag. Among these achievements, that 

 of the Esmeralda has reflected lustre on the Chilian marine equal to any 

 thing recorded in the naval chronicles of ancient states, greatly adding to its 

 importance in the eyes of Europe ; and by the vigilance of the naval blockade, 

 the fortifications of Callao were compelled to surrender. 



" The happy event of such surrender, so long hoped for, was deemed by all 

 to complete our labours in Peru, and entitle us, if not to a remuneration from 

 that state, as in the case of those officers who abandoned the Chilian service, 

 yet at least to a share of the valuable property taken by our means ; as 

 awarded under similar circumstances by other states, who, by experience, are 

 aware of the benefit of stimulating individuals by such rewards for great 

 enterprises for the public good. But, alas ! so far from either of these modes 

 of remuneration being adopted, even the pay so often promised was withheld, 

 and food itself was denied, so that we were reduced to a state of the greatest 

 privation and suffering ; so great indeed, that the crew of the Lautaro aban- 

 doned their vessel for want of food, and the seamen of the squadron, natives 

 as well as foreigners, were in a state of open mutiny, threatening the safety of 

 all the vessels of the state. We do not wish to claim merit for not relieving 

 ourselves from this painful situation by an act that would have been of a 

 doubtful nature as to its propriety; namely, by acquiescence in the intentions 



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