“984 JOURNAL. 
a par; both are too openly used as mere masks to impose on the 
world ; and, indeed, they are so worn as that they would not impose 
on any people but those he has unhappily had to rule. He certainly 
has no genius; but he has some talents, with no learning, and little 
general knowledge. Of that little, however, he has the dexterity to 
make a great deal of use ; nobody possesses more of that most useful 
talent, “ V’art de se faire valoir.” Wis fine person, his air of supe- 
riority, and that suavity of manner which has so long enabled him 
to lead others, give him very decided advantages. He understands 
English, and speaks French tolerably ; and I know no person with 
whom it might be pleasanter to pass half an hour: but the want of 
heart, and the want of candour, which are evident even in con- 
versation of any length, would never do for intimacy, far less for 
friendship. 
At nine o’clock the party left me, much pleased certainly at hav- 
ing seen one of the most remarkable men in South America; and 
I think that, perhaps, in the time, I saw as much of him as was pos- 
sible. He aims at universality, in imitation of Napoleon ; who had, 
I have heard, something of that weakness, and whom he is always 
talking of as his model, or rather rival. * I think too that he had 
a mind to exhibit himself to me as a stranger; or Zenteno might 
have suggested, that even the little additional fame that my report 
of him could give was worth the trouble of seeking. The fact cer- 
tainly is, that he did talk to-night for display. 
16th. —I have lost this day all my best known friends. Captain 
Spencer is gone to Buenos Ayres across the Andes: the Doris 
has sailed for Rio de Janeiro; and I feel her departure the more, 
from the situation of my poor invalid. Of all who once made that 
ship interesting to me, none but poor G. remains with me; and of 
the rest how probable it is that I may have lost sight of most of 
them for life! 
17th. — Mr. Clarke called on his way to the city, and brought me 
San Martin’s farewell to Peru. It is as follows : — 
* In his closet at Mendoza, his own portrait was placed between those of Napoleon 
and the Duke of Wellington. 
