appropriation of that due to the squadron.

Before quitting the anchorage, I was honoured with a public address, and
thinking the opportunity good for striking a blow at those Spanish
prejudices which, in spite of independence, still lingered from force of
habit, the compliment was returned by the following address:--

GUAYAQUILENOS,

The reception which the Chilian squadron has met
with from you not only shews the generosity of your sentiments, but
proves that a people capable of asserting their independence in spite
of arbitrary power must always possess noble and exalted feelings.
Believe me, that the state of Chili will ever be grateful for your
assistance, and more especially the Supreme Director, by whose
exertions the squadron was created, and to whom, in fact, South
America owes whatever benefit she may have derived from its
services.

May you be as free as you are independent, and as independent
as you deserve to be free! With the liberty of the press, now
protected by your excellent Government, which discriminates
enlightenment from that fount, Guayaquil can never again be
enslaved.

See what difference a year of independence has produced in public
opinion. In those whom you then looked upon as enemies, you have
discovered your truest friends, whilst those formerly esteemed as
friends have proved enemies. Remember your former ideas on
commerce and manufactures, and compare them with those which