MILITARY INTERFERENCE. 



123 



time we were sailing up the river, the whole army 

 of the state of Guayaquil, consisting of one regi- 

 ment, marched out of the town, and having taken 

 up a position half a league off, sent in a message 

 at day-break to the governor, to say they were de- 

 termined to serve under no other flag than that 

 of Bolivar ; and unless they were indulged in this 

 matter, they would instantly set fire to the town. 

 The governor, with the good sense and prudence 

 of utter helplessness, sent his compliments to the 

 troops, and begged they would do just as they 

 pleased. Upon the receipt of this civil message, 

 one-half of the regiment being much pleased with 

 having the matter left to their own free choice, 

 and being rather anxious, perhaps, for their break- 

 fast, which was waiting for them, agreed to relin- 

 quish the character of rebels, and come quietly 

 back to their allegiance. 



The government thus strengthened, took more 

 vigorous measures, and lost no time in acceding to 

 the wishes of the remainder of the troops, who 

 were embarked in the course of the morning of 

 our arrival, and sent up the river to join Bolivar's ' 

 forces, at this time surrounding Quito. This mea- 



