CHILI. 205 



the following, in round numbers : eight thousand troops, six thousand 

 of whom are still in Peru, but about to return ; two thousand in Chili, 

 with officers complete, all under the command of General Bulnes, 

 nephew of the President. 



The navy, increased by capture and purchase, consists of, and now 

 in service, four ships, two brigs, two schooners, and a new forty-four 

 gun frigate, expected daily from France. 



During the time of our visit, June, 1839, the President, in his message, 

 resigned the extraordinary powers conferred upon him, and recom- 

 mended a reduction of the army to a peace establishment. Since that 

 time he has been succeeded by his nephew, General Bulnes, who from all 

 accounts retains the high reputation and popularity he gained in Peru. 

 From G. G. Hobson, Esq., United States' Consul at Valparaiso, and 

 our countrymen resident there, we received every kindness and 

 assistance, and from them we derived much information respecting 

 the country. To the former I feel myself under many obligations for 

 his great kindnesses, and the attention he gave to our business, the warm 

 interest he took in the Expedition, and the manner in which he for- 

 warded our views, and aided in procuring the necessary supplies. 

 To him I feel bound to acknowledge my indebtedness for much 

 valuable information, and the many agreeable hours spent in his family 

 will long be remembered. He not only stands deservedly high with 

 our countrymen, but has the respect and high consideration of the 

 Chilian government. An American cannot but feel proud of such a 

 representative abroad. 



Our departure from Valparaiso was delayed for some days, owing 

 to the non-arrival of the Sea-Gull, and the prevalence of north winds 

 and calms, together with fogs. These often prevent vessels from 

 sailing in the winter season. 



§ During this time, one morning as the fogs lifted, a brig^ was disco- 

 vered in a dangerous situation near the beach of Concon ; boats were 

 immediately despatched to her relief; she proved to be the English 

 brig Superior; the master was found dead drunk on his cabin-floor! 

 She was towed to the anchorage, and placed in safety. 



Lieutenant Craven was left at Valparaiso, to take command of the 

 Sea-Gull when she should arrive. After a delay there of some months, 

 he joined the Pacific Squadron, and was transferred to the Schooner 

 Boxer, Lieutenant-Commandant Nicholson, which vessel made strict 

 search for the Sea-Gull in all the places she could have possibly met 

 with disaster, in conformity to the orders of Captain Clack, then in 

 command of the Pacific Squadron. 



I cannot resist the opportunity when speaking of Lieutenant Craven, 



