CHAPTER XIV. 



POLITICAL HISTORY OF PERU. 

 1839. 



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 govern- 

 ment. The history may be said to be merged in biographical memoirs 

 of its several rulers, who have, without an exception, acted for self- 

 aggrandizement, 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 extol themselves, and decry their opponents. Yet, without 

 exception, the moment they have attained power, 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. In the beginning of the year 1827, the Peru- 

 vians, through their intrigues, effected a revolt among the Colombian 



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