POLICY OF SAN MARTIN. 



277 



interesting parts of the scene. Thus it frequent- 

 ly happens, as on this occasion, that, during our 

 stay, we are too busy to remark properly what is 

 passing ; and that we are called away just at the 

 moment when the interest is greatest, and when 

 a traveller, whose time was at his own disposal, 

 would determine to remain. Indeed, it was often 

 matter of regret to us, that all record of so many 

 interesting and important events should be lost, 

 for want of a disinterested spectator having lei- 

 sure to note them down as they occurred. 



San Martin certainly did wisely to assume the 

 supreme command, circumstanced as he was, es- 

 pecially with an enemy's force still in the country* 

 Under whatever name he might have chosen to 

 mask his authority, he must still have been the 

 prime mover of everything ; for there was no in- 

 dividual in the country who had any pretensions 

 to rival him in talents, or who, admitting that he 

 possessed equal talents, could hope to gain so 

 completely the confidence of the army, and of the 

 Patriots. It was more creditable to assume the 

 full authority in a manly and open manner, than 

 to mock the people with the semblance of a Re? 



