286 JOURNAL. 
righteous as the cause, he would have been the very first of his 
countrymen : but there is blood on his hands; there is the charge 
of treachery on his heart. 
He is this day gone to Cauquenes, and has left the port not one 
whit enlightened as to the cause of his leaving Peru. It is probably 
like the retirement of Monteagudo, a sacrifice of his political exist- 
ence in order to save his natural life. * 
I think Lord Cochrane went either to day or yesterday to Quintero. 
The Valparaiso world would have rejoiced in some meeting, some 
scene, between him and San Martin: but his good sense, and truly 
honourable feelings towards the country he serves, have prevented this. 
If San Martin is unfortunate, and forced to fly his dominion, His 
Lordship’s conduct is magnanimous ; if it be only a ruse de guerre 
on San Martin’s part to save himself, it is prudent, and will leave 
him at liberty to expose the Protector as he deserves. 
Monday the 21st.—During these last few days Valparaiso has enjoyed 
nearly its ordinary state of dull tranquillity. It seems the convention 
had, notwithstanding the express wish of the executive, rejected the 
reglamento in toto; but their vote being sent back for revision, its 
operation is to be suspended for a few months. 
My poor invalid continues suffering, though the kindness of my 
neighbours and the advance of the season enable me to procure for 
him all the little comforts which can amuse his mind, or gratify his 
still delicate appetite. Milk is very abundant at this season; green 
peas are come in; a friend sends us asparagus from the city; and 
the strawberries are just ripe. It is the custom here, when this ele- 
gant fruit first comes in, to tie it up in bunches, with a rose, a pink, 
or a sprig of balm ; and these little bunches, laid on the evergreen 
leaves of mayten, shaded with sprigs of the same, and laid in little 
wicker baskets, are brought by the rosy-faced children, from all the 
gardens within ten miles, to the port for sale. I have known a real 
* See Lord Cochrane’s letter, and Lima Justificada. 
