As the existence of this self-constituted authority was no less at
variance with the institutions of the Chilian Republic than with its
solemn promises to the Limeños, I again shifted my flag on board the
_O'Higgins_, determined to adhere solely to the interests of Chili; but
not interfering in any way with General San Martin's proceedings till
they interfered with me in my capacity as Commander in Chief of the
Chilian navy.

On the 3rd of August, General San Martin issued a proclamation to the
same effect as his declaration to the now extinct _Cabildo_; setting
forth that although it was abundantly notorious that he aspired only to
retirement and tranquillity, nevertheless a moral responsibility
required him to unite all government in his own person, and he therefore
declared himself "Protector of Peru," with Don Juan Garcia del Rio, Don
Bernardo Monteagudo, and Don Hipolito Unanue, as his three ministers of
state.

Being at the time on board the flag-ship, I knew nothing of this
proclamation; but as the squadron had not been paid their twelve months'
wages, nor the 50,000 dollars promised by General San Martin, I went on
shore on the 4th of August, to make the demand on behalf of the
squadron, the seamen having served their time. Being ignorant of the
self-imposed title which General San Martin had assumed, I frankly
asked him to devise some means for defraying these payments.

I forbear personally to relate what passed at this interview; but as my
secretary was present, and on his return to England published an account
thereof, which is in every respect substantially true, I will give it in
his words:--