crime on their part subsequently committed.

In the feelings of my breast no man can deceive me. Of the sentiments
of others, I judge by my own, and I tell you what they are
as an honest man and a friend.

I could say much to you, my dear General, on other subjects of
little inferior importance, but as the foregoing are the only acts
immediately contemplated of which I have acquired a knowledge,
and which are, in their consequences, ruinous, I shall, at present,
only add, that had kings and princes but one man in their
dominions who would, on all occasions, utter the naked truth,
multifarious errors would be avoided, and the mischief to mankind
would be infinitely less.

You will plainly perceive that I have no personal interests in
these, or any other points, at variance with yours; but, on the
contrary, if I were base and interested, I have now taken a decisive
and irrevocable step to ruin my prospects; having no other security
for such not being the consequence of my candour save my good
opinion of your judgment and your heart.

Believe me, under all circumstances, your attached friend,

COCHRANE.

To this letter, on the 9th of August, General San Martin replied as
follows:--

Lima, 9th August, 1821.