POLITICAL HISTORY OF PERU. 299 



government longer than any one who has yet occupied the presidential 

 chair. 



Lafuente was a cadet in the Spanish service, but joined the patriot 

 cause. He did not gain much reputation in the war of the revolution, 

 and his first eSsay as a general orrlcer was a disobedience of orders 

 in landing at Callao, while on his way to join La Mar, at the same 

 time uniting in intrigues with Gamarra, whom he succeeded in getting 

 nominated as President, and himself as Vice-President. These two 

 chiefs appear to have understood each other, and, to avoid collision in 

 the division of the spoils, agreed that each should pursue his leading 

 passion. Gamarra accordingly conferred honours and rewards, whilst 

 Lafuente indulged his mercenary propensity in the accumulation of 

 wealth. The latter has grown rich, by robbing the people and by 

 farming out the resources of the state to his agents and friends. 

 Although certainly not the only chief magistrate who has plundered 

 the state, he is, perhaps, the only one in Peru who has hoarded his ill- 

 gotten wealth, and obtained affluence whilst his country was impo- 

 verished. He is still living, and was acting as chief during our visit 

 to Lima. 



Orbejoso served in the patriot army during the revolution, and at 

 the close of the war retired to his estate near Truxillo, with but little 

 reputation. There he remained until elected to the presidency, in 

 1831. Without talents as a statesman or courage as a soldier, he 

 acquired more popularity than any other of his contemporaries in 

 Peru. He undoubtedly sold his country to Santa Cruz, receiving as* 

 the price of it the appointment of President of North Peru, or rather 

 that of one of Santa Cruz's lieutenants. At the momenl of a threatened 

 invasion from Chili, he renounced the Confederation, in order to 

 acquire independent command, and regained much of his lost popu- 

 larity by a show of patriotism and gallantry in opposing the invading 

 force. His imbecility and want of knowledge, together with the 

 conduct of General Nieto, lost him the battle under the walls of Lima, 

 as well as the possession of the city, and all his troops. Soon after- 

 wards, he was found in retirement at Guayaquil, where he has been 

 constantly occupied in forming plans for his reinstatement to power. 



Salaverry served as a cadet in the last year of the revolution, and 

 was esteemed an enterprising and gallant officer. He was, however, 

 of a reckless disposition, and it is related that he threatened to shoot 

 his mother, who had opposed one of his youthful freaks. Others, how- 

 ever, bear testimony to his good conduct in all his domestic relations, 

 and to his kindness and generosity. When he usurped the supreme 



