La Mar was not unwilling to do, the Spaniards were afterwards permitted
to retire unmolested with the whole of their treasure; and to this, the
most discreditable act which ever sullied the name of a military
commander, we now come. As the whole transaction has been well described
by another writer, who was present throughout, I prefer extracting his
words, in order to prevent any suspicion of mental bias which I may be
supposed to entertain on the subject:--

"The Spanish army at Janja, in the beginning of September,
spread alarm in Lima, from advices received of their movements.
It appeared that they were determined to attack the capital, and on
the 5th of September the following proclamation was issued at
head-quarters by the Protector:--"

"Inhabitants of Lima,"

"It appears that the justice of heaven, tired of tolerating for so long
a time the oppressors of Peru, now guides them to destruction. Three
hundred of those troops who have desolated so many towns, burnt so many
temples, and destroyed so many thousands of victims, are at San Mateo,
and two hundred more at San Damian. If they advance on this capital,
it will be with the design of immolating you to their vengeance (San
Martin had 12,000 troops to oppose them), and to force you to purchase
at a high price your decision, and enthusiasm for independence. Vain
hope! The valiant who have liberated the illustrious Lima, those who
protect her in the most difficult moments, know how to preserve her
against the fury of the Spanish army. Yes, inhabitants of this capital,
my troops will not abandon you; _they and myself are going to triumph
over that army which--thirsty of our blood and property, is advancing;
or we will perish with honour, for we will never witness your