338 , JOURNAL. 
been issued concerning the rebuilding of Valparaiso, and magnificent 
plans talked of. But the grand stroke is the order given to the 
Admiral to place the O’Higgins and Valdivia under the charge of the 
commandant of marine, in order, as it is said, to be repaired, and to 
make a store-ship of the Lautaro. This is intended to answer no 
less than three ends. The people are to be deluded by seeing that 
the government has confidence enough to undertake so heavy an 
expense as the repair of the two ships at this time. Lord Cochrane 
is deprived of even the slightest authority ; and as they have not 
accepted his resignation, he is, they flatter themselves, a kind of state- 
prisoner ; and I doubt not would, the moment they dared, be sacri- 
ficed to the same private malignity which instigated the charges laid 
against him in April. He remains in the port until he has put it out 
of the power of the Lautaro to put to sea, by causing her to strike 
her masts, &c. And he has hoisted his fag on board the schooner 
Montezuma, the only thing now serviceable at Valparaiso; the 
Galvarino, with not an Englishman in her, having at length sailed 
by his permission, on the request of the Director, for some secret 
service. Those who planned this blow forgot the schooner, I pre- 
sume. Thank God, he will soon be beyond the reach of the ill-treat- 
ment of those for whom he has done so much! All the seamen are 
paid off. The officers only are retained, and on full pay. The arrears 
have been also paid, excepting to the crew of the Montezuma, and 
part of that of the Lautaro. The troops are dissatisfied ; and I suspect 
that nothing but the personal respect felt for the Director still holds 
his wretched government together. 
28th. — Some slight shocks felt to-day. 
Sunday, 29th.—The earth has been remarkably quiet these last 
twenty-four hours. 
Lord Cochrane arrived, bringing with him the D—-s, and all their 
family. They had taken refuge on board the O’Higgins, and now 
the ship is dismantled they have not where to lay their heads: here 
there is at least shelter among the tents and ranchos, and quiet and 
kindness. 
