THE EXPEDITION. 



85 



After a short stay at Ancon, San Martin, in 

 the end of 1820, proceeded with the army to 

 Huara, a strong position near the port of Hua- 

 cho, lying seventy-five miles to the northward of 

 Lima : here the expedition remained for upwards 

 of six months, without performing any otlier bril- 

 liant service. San Martin, indeed, having shown 

 sufficiently what his army and fleet were capable 

 of> chose to rely less on military achievements, 

 than on the effect of disseminating the principles 

 of freedom throughout the country. By means of 

 political publications, aided by the exertions of 

 numerous able and active agents, he carried his 

 intrigues not only into the provinces, but into the 

 very heart of the capital ; and in process of time 

 acquired sufficient influence in the surrounding 

 districts, to cut off* the principal supply of provi« 

 sions to the capital by land. The port of Callao, 

 being at the same time closely blockaded by Lord 

 Cochrane, the inhabitants of Lima were reduced 

 to the greatest extremity, while every other part 

 of the country was enjoying freedom and plenty. 



