say that a proposition so dishonourable was declined; when in a tone of
irritation he declared that "he would neither give the seamen their
arrears of pay, nor the gratuity he had promised."

On arriving at the flag-ship, I found the following official
communication, requesting me to fire a salute in honour of San Martin's
self-elevation to the protectorship:--

Lima, 4th Aug. 1821.
MY LORD,

His Excellency the Protector of Peru commands
me to transmit to you the annexed organic decree, announcing his
exaltation to the Supreme Authority; in order that the squadron
may be informed of this momentous event, and that the new
Government may be acknowledged by the naval department under
your command, belonging to the Republic of Chili.

I hope, that duly estimating this high act, you will cause it to be
celebrated with all the dignity which is compatible with the martial
usage of the naval service.

(Signed) MONTEAGUDO.
Attested by the _Rubrica_ of the Protector.

Though this was a request to acknowledge General San Martin as invested
with the attributes of a Sovereign Prince, I complied with it in the
hope that quiet remonstrance might recal him to a sense of duty to the
Chilian Government, no less than to his own true interests. On the 7th
of August, I addressed to him the following letter:--