CHAPTER XIV. 
POLITICAL HISTORY OF PERU. 
18 39. 
The history of Peru, during the last twenty years, is involved in 
even more obscurity than that of Chili. This arises from the 
frequent change of rulers, and the consequent alterations in policy 
and government. The history may be said to be merged in 
biographical memoirs of its several rulers, who have, without an 
exception, acted for self-aggrandizement alone, without ever looking 
to the benefit of their country, its peace, or happiness. They have, 
in their public decrees and acts, been lavish and prodigal of the 
words honour, liberty, justice, &c, in order to cry themselves up, 
and their opponents down. Yet, without exception, the moment they 
have become installed, they have pursued the very course they before 
reprobated, and the country has continued to suffer. 
The victory of Ayacucho, gained by General Sucre in December, 
1824, put an end to the war of the revolution, and placed the whole 
country in the possession of the patriots, with the exception of Callao. 
On the surrender of that fortress, January 7th, 1826, Spanish 
authority ceased to exist in South America. General Bolivar was 
at this time President of Colombia, and Dictator of Peru, invested 
as the latter with constitutional powers, but exercising unlimited 
authority. Through his means, and the troops of Colombia, the 
liberation of Peru had been effected, and after that event, many 
of these troops were quartered in Lima, much to the annoyance of 
the Peruvians, who were anxious to get rid of the military, and the 
expense of maintaining them. Their presence, and the cost of 
supporting them, became the more odious, because it was believed 
they were retained to support the arbitrary power of the Dictator. 
