SAN MARTIN. 



97 



tirpation of the Spaniards, though equally com- 

 plete, has been accompanied by less abruptness. 



With respect to the propriety or impropriety 

 of San Martinis leaving the Peruvians to be go- 

 verned by the congress, unaided by him, it is dif- 

 ficult to speak decidedly, without more exact and 

 extensive information on the subject than has yet 

 been published. He never made any secret of 

 his wish for retirement, and lost no opportunity 

 of declaring, both publicly and privately, his in- 

 tention of gratifying his inclinations as soon as 

 the independence of Peru should be established. 

 The question, therefore, seems to be, not whether 

 he was justified in leaving the Peruvians at all ; 

 but if he has seized the proper moment for doing 

 so. It is true, that he undertook to stand by, 

 and protect Peru, when the sole charge was plac- 

 ed in his hands : but when the inhabitants, after 

 a whole year's reflection, thought fit to claim from 

 him the privilege of being governed by represent- 

 atives chosen from amongst themselves, he did 

 not feel justified in refusing their demand. Yet, 

 at the same time, he may not have considered 

 himself at all called upon, as the subject of ano- 



VOL. II. G 



