108 INTRODUCTION. 
the O’Higgins and Valdivia reached Callao *, where they remained 
until the 8th of May. On their arrival, San Martin made every La 
sible effort to get Lord Cochrane into his power; but without e Re 
Monteagudo went on board to wait on His Lordship. He oe 
him of San Martin’s high regard for him, entreated him to go as 
and that the minister, Torre Tagle, had prepared his own house for 
his reception. He proposed that Lord Cochrane should take upon 
him the title of admiral of the joint squadrons of Peru and Chile ; 
which was only another means of getting possession of the Chileno 
ships. He held out to him the prospect of making an immense for- 
tune by the taking of the Philippine Islands, which San Martin con- 
templated ; and, among other bribes, fitted well enough indeed to the 
semi-barbarous taste of his employer, he talked to Lord Cochrane of 
a diamond star of the Order of Merit which had been prepared for 
him, and which, as well as a kind letter from San Martin, had been 
withheld on the receipt of a letter which he had addressed the day 
before, which was that of his arrival, to the minister of war. Lord 
Cochrane’s answer to all this was —That he could not and would not 
accept office, title, or honours, from a government founded on the 
breach of that faith which had promised the free choice of its con- 
stitution to the people of Peru, and which was supported by tyranny, 
oppression, and the violation of all laws: that he would hoist no 
flag but that of Chile on board of her ships ; nor would he hoist his 
on board the Prueba, because he would not deceive the government 
of Peru. He thanked Torre Tagle for the offer of his house; but had 
resolved never to set foot in a land governed not only without law, 
but contrary to law. And that as to fortune, his habits were frugal 
and his means sufficient. 
Ihave been the more particular in the account of this 
conference, 
because it took place on the 
26th of April, six weeks after Garcia del 
* When the Honourable Captain F. Spencer, 
Lord Cochrane’s flag, His Lordship it is said wa 
next day, his guns being shotted, as it was not s 
of His Majesty’s ship Alacrity, saluted 
s unable to return the compliment till 
afe to bein Callao without precaution. 
