I would send you the _original_ reports of the provisions and state
of the ships issued by the captains, but I must hold these for my
public justification, should such be necessary.

What is the meaning of all this, Monteagudo? Are these people
so base as to be determined to force the squadron to mutiny? And
are there others so blind as not to foresee the consequences? Ask
Sir Thomas Hardy, and the British captains, or any other officers,
what will be the result of such monstrous measures.

Believe me, with a heavy heart,

Yours, &c.

COCHRANE.




CHAPTER VIII.

PROLONGED DESTITUTION OF SQUADRON--THE MEN MUTINY IN A BODY--THE
SEAMEN'S LETTERS--SAN MARTIN SENDS AWAY THE PUBLIC TREASURE--MY SEIZURE
OF IT--PRIVATE PROPERTY RESTORED--SAN MARTIN'S ACCUSATIONS AGAINST
ME--THE SQUADRON PAID WAGES--ATTEMPT ON THE OFFICERS' FIDELITY--I AM
ASKED TO DESERT FROM CHILI--ORDERED TO QUIT ON REFUSAL--MONTEAGUDO'S
LETTER--MY REPLY--JUSTIFICATION OF SEIZING THE TREASURE--NO OTHER COURSE
POSSIBLE.