218 POLITICAL HISTORY OF CHILI. 
subordinate branches of government, and not listening to the 
respectful remonstrances sent him from all quarters of the country, 
a meeting of the principal inhabitants of the capital and neighbour- 
hood took place at the town hall. 
The subject was discussed freely, and his deposition was deter- 
mined upon. It was agreed, however, to notify him, for few men 
were more esteemed than O'Higgins. He received the commission 
courteously, and when satisfied that they really expressed the voice 
of the people, he without hesitation resigned his power, and departed 
for Valparaiso, with the intention of proceeding to Peru. A council 
of state was named by the assembly at Santiago, composed of three 
distinguished citizens, until the supreme power could be disposed of. 
When O'Higgins arrived in Valparaiso, General .Ramon Freyre 
landed from Concepcion with three hundred men, having come up 
from the south to depose O'Higgins. 
Although the latter was no longer in his way, he arrested him on 
the plea of making him give an account of his administration. This 
step was not popular. The Junta in Santiago directed his release, 
and ordered Freyre to furnish him with the necessary passport. 
This was done in the most complimentary style, and this distin- 
guished individual, admitted by all to be the first soldier of his 
country, left it for Peru without complaint. There honours were 
showered upon him as testimonials of his worth, and what was far 
better, the Peruvian government gave him a hacienda. 
He still lives in Lima, respected by every one, not having engaged 
in politics since his retirement from Chili. He has been invited 
back, but refuses to come. He was succeeded by Ramon Freyre, 
considered as the champion of liberal institutions, who was named 
Supreme Director and Captain-General, 31st March, 1823. He 
resigned in July, 1826, retiring to private life, after a popular rule. 
His opposition to O'Higgins is justified by its being said that he was 
left to perish from want of supplies to his troops on the frontier. 
Though he had been constant in his representations of the fact to 
O'Higgins, he had been neglected, and was compelled to appear 
himself and claim attention. There is believed to be much truth in 
this— O'Higgins having many corrupt creatures about him, who are 
said to have been the cause of it. Freyre is much respected, though 
not considered a man of talent. He never mixed in public life after 
the resignation of his dictatorship, unless called upon as a mediator. 
Admiral Blanco was next named President by the Congress then 
