INTRODUCTION. 83 
same manner if you and IJ were going to be hanged.” To which he 
replied, vehemently repeating the words several times, “ Oh, I will 
punish them in the most cruel manner.” * From this moment his 
measures against the old Spaniards were determined, although the 
time was not yet arrived for completing his revenge. Nor were they 
alone the objects of his anger. To the jealous, “ trifles light as air 
are confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ;” and I have no doubt 
that his jealousy of Lord Cochrane was increased to that fury which 
afterwards broke out, in great measure by this circumstance. 
On the 29th, the most solemn masses were performed in thanks- 
giving for the deliverance of Lima from the Spaniards; and San Martin, 
a professed unbeliever, not content with a decent acquiescence in 
the rites at which he was necessarily present, distinguished himself 
by a zeal for all holy things, an energy of worship, and, above all, by 
excessive veneration for the tutelar Saint Rosa +t, which I think 
rather prejudiced than favoured his cause, even among the clergy 
themselves. But at this present juncture all means were to be re- 
sorted to to conciliate all men; the clergy were particularly courted. 
A letter was written to the bishop to entreat him to use his good 
offices to keep the people quiet, and to show them the benefits of the 
new order of things. The Spaniards were flattered and assured of 
personal protection, and those who chose to remain were promised 
also the enjoyment of their whole property upon their soliciting or 
purchasing letters of citizenship. The officers of the squadron were 
caressed, and many of them flattered with assurances of honours, 
rewards, and personal friendship from the general. 
At length, on the fourth of August, the grand measure which all 
these preparatives announced was carried into effect ; and San Martin 
published a proclamation, declaring himself protector of Peru 
with an authority absolute and undivided. In direct violation of his 
* Je les traiterai de la maniére la plus feroce.— They were speaking French. 
+ At her church they show the dice with which she used to play when Christ came to 
amuse her in person. This is one of the most harmless and decent legends concerning 
her intercourse with the Saviour. 
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