See to what a state the Senate had brought the beautiful and
fertile province of Chili. Nay, had not their notorious want of
faith deprived them, notwithstanding their mines, their confiscated
and public lands, of the means possessed even by the Spanish
Government, and of the credit necessary to procure a dollar in any
foreign country, or even in their own? I say, therefore, my dear
General, that whoever has advised you to commence your Protectorship
with devices unworthy of San Martin, is either a thoughtless
or a wicked man, whom you should for ever banish from your
counsels.

My dear General, look to the flattering addresses presented by
the servile of all countries to the most base in power. Think not
that it is to the person of San Martin that the public are attached.
Believe not, that without a straight and dignified course you can
obtain the admiration or love of mankind. So far yet you have
succeeded, and, thank God, it is in your power to succeed yet
farther. Flatterers are more dangerous than the most venomous
serpents, and next to them are men of knowledge, if they have not
the integrity or courage to oppose bad measures, when formally
discussed, or even when casually spoken of.

What political necessity existed for any temporary concealment
of the sentiments of Government in regard to the fate of the
Spaniards in Peru? Were not the army and the people ready to
support your measures, and did not the latter call aloud for their
expulsion? Believe me, my dear General, that after your
declaration, even the seizing on Spanish property belonging to
those who remain, is an act which ought not to be resorted to without