POLITICAL HISTORY OF CHILI. 219 



was successful, and they returned with him prisoner, and the other 

 vessels as prizes. Thus ended, in the short space of two months, an 

 expedition headed by one who had been the most popular ruler Chili 

 ever had. Though possessing still many friends in the country, he 

 found himself a prisoner and not a voice raised to his rescue. His 

 life was considered forfeited, as he had been banished by the present 

 government, and had come to introduce anew all the horrors of civil 

 war into a peaceful country. The recollection of his distinguished 

 services to the nation in times past, his having with honour to himself 

 and credit to his country filled its highest office, and no doubt some 

 sympathy for his changed situation, obtained for him the clemency of 

 the government. He and his adherents were again banished, and no 

 person connected with him otherwise punished. He was also per- 

 mitted to see his family frequently during his confinement. 



The result of this attempt had the effect of strengthening the admi- 

 nistration. People of property and respectability, even of opposite 

 parties, rallied around it : a satisfactory proof that there was a love of 

 order rising, and that the supremacy of civil rule would no longer 

 submit to changes effected by arms. 



In the meanwhile, circumstances seemed to justify the belief of the 

 connivance of the Peruvian government in Freyre's plan. It had been 

 notified by the Chilian consul-general, a few hours after the vessels 

 sailed, of the true objects of the voyage, and there was still time to 

 prevent Freyre's success. They shuffled out of the affair, and on 

 learning that the consul-general was despatching a vessel to inform 

 his government, they put an embargo on the port of Callao. The 

 vessels however, had sailed before the order reached the port; on 

 understanding which the embargo was immediately raised. 



This was publicly commented on at the time by foreigners in the 

 place, and afforded conclusive evidence that the Peruvian government 

 was concerned in the plot. The Chilian vessels of war, Achilles and 

 Colocolo, the only ones possessed by the government, were despatched 

 suddenly on secret service. A confidential agent accompanied them. 

 They went to Callao, and seized upon three Peruvian vessels of war 

 lying in the harbour, to take away the only means of offence in the 

 power of a government which had proved itself so unfriendly. This 

 being done, the vessels were taken over to the island of San Lorenzo, 

 and anchored under the guns of the Chilian vessels. The Chilian civil 

 agent demanded explanations respecting Freyre's expedition. Before 

 these were given, great excitement prevailed on shore, at what was 

 conceived to be an outrage against civilized nations; for it was said 

 that the Chilian vessels had entered under the guise of friendship, and 



