308 POLITICAL HISTORY OF PERU.. 
having occurred, would not have taken place. These I cannot but 
consider as destroying all the glory of the day to the Chilians, whose 
avowed object in coming to Peru, was to make war against Santa 
Cruz, and not against the Peruvians. 
Gamarra was now established firmly in Peru, and the confederation 
broken up. Bulnes and his forces returned to Chili, where he has 
since been elevated to the highest office of the republic (that of Pre- 
sident); thus ended the year 1839. 
In 1840, Bolivia, after the overthrow of Santa Cruz, became the 
prey of rival factions, and Gamarra was invited to come with an armed 
force and settle their disputes. No sooner, however, had he reached 
Bolivia, than the rival chiefs, forgetting their own quarrels, united, 
for their animosity against him exceeded their own little jealousies. 
They attacked him at disadvantage, and completely routed his forces. 
He himself was killed in his flight from the field of battle. The 
Bolivians in their turn now invaded Peru, but through the mediation 
of Chili, a peace was brought about, which left both Peru and Bolivia 
in a state of great anarchy and confusion : all the men of any note 
endeavouring to create a party for themselves. 
The above sketch of the history of Peru has been obtained from 
persons long resident and eye-witnesses of many of the scenes, and 
the few official documents that have been from time to time published. 
To complete the history of the misgovernment of Peru, I will now 
add short biographical sketches of the chiefs who have been the 
principal actors in all these troubles and revolutions, obtained from 
those who were personally acquainted with most of them. 
In the order of events, as they have occurred, Bolivar stands first ; 
his history is, however, too well known to need any detail. He un- 
doubtedly had talents, and was at first an honest and conscientious 
patriot. He split upon the rock that had already wrecked so many 
before him. His desire of personal aggrandizement made him forget 
that he set out to promote the welfare and happiness of his country. 
He consequently fell a victim to his disappointed ambition, and for 
many years previous to his death, accused his country, which he 
believed to be indebted to him, of ingratitude, for not preferring his 
interests to its own happiness. Notwithstanding his many faults, 
posterity will give him due credit for his actions. This, however, 
does not satisfy the South Americans. Their taste and customs lead 
them to desire present gratification rather than posthumous fame. It 
is remarkable, that not one of the men that the revolutions in South 
