INTRODUCTION. 63 
The discontent broke out in the San Martin and Araucana early in 
May ; but it was not until the middle of July that the only proper 
and just remedy was applied, that of paying the people and officers, 
which immediately restored tranquillity, and nothing of any moment 
occurred before the sailing of the troops for Peru. 
While the arms of Chile were thus successful, the civil government 
was, at least, improving. Some sort of order had been introduced 
into the financial department ; and, although the custom-house 
regulations were still, in great part, formed upon the ancient narrow 
Spanish system, there was a considerable improvement even in them. 
A college had been instituted in Santiago, and other works of utility 
had been carried into effect. A public library was founded, a theatre 
was built, and the director had even intended to have erected a tele- 
graph; but the prejudices of the people, and especially the priests, 
against such a’ miraculous mode of communication, were too strong, 
and a telegraph must wait, at least, twenty years before it can be 
admitted in Chile. 
But the army destined for Peru was now (August, 1820,) assembled 
at Valparaiso, and the name of Exercito Libertadore (liberating 
army) was resounded in all parts. The director had come to Val- 
paraiso to be present at the sailing of the squadron; and he and 
General San Martin, who was appointed captain-general of the liber- 
ating forces, renewed solemnly those protestations in favour of 
Peruvian liberty which they had formerly made in the proclamations 
‘issued by them, and distributed among the people of Peru, during 
the preceding 18 months. In one of those of O'Higgins, dated 
Feb. 1819 *, he says, after telling them the expedition is almost 
ready — “ Do not think that we pretend to treat you as a‘conquered 
“ people; such a desire could have entered into the heads of none 
« but those who are inimical to our common happiness. We only 
“ aspire to see you free and happy: yourselves will frame your govern- 
« ment, choosing that form which is most consistent with your cus- 
* See Appendix. 
