BOLIVAE. 



95 



While these ruinous proceedings were going 

 on, Bolivar was bringing the war in Colombia to 

 a close ; and foreseeing, that, if the affairs of Li- 

 ma were not put into better train, the Spaniards 

 would in a short time re-establish their authority, 

 and probably shake the power of the Independ- 

 ents in Colombia ; he resolved to proceed to Peru 

 with a considerable force. The Spaniards had 

 retired before Bolivar's approach ; and as we learn 

 that he has been well seconded by the Chilian 

 government, who sent a fresh expedition to Peru, 

 there is reason to believe, that the war may soon 

 be put an end to, and this last spot, over which 

 the Spaniards have any control, be rendered in- 

 dependent. 



As the character and conduct of San Martin 

 have been made the subject of a controversy into 

 which for many reasons I am unwilling to enter, 

 I shall merely state what are the leading points 

 in this discussion ; the real merits of which can- 

 not, for the present, as I conceive, be fully under- 

 stood at this distance from the spot. 



The first charge made against him is his want 

 of activity and energy in the conduct of the Pe- 



