turned all the officers ashore, and took possession of her; the
Protectoral authorities, by way of reprisal, detaining a boat belonging
to the flag-ship, and imprisoning the men; but, rightly calculating the
consequences of such a step, they were soon set at liberty, and the boat
was, on the same night, permitted to return to the ship.

On the 10th of May we quitted Callao, and arrived at Valparaiso on the
13th of June, after an absence of a year and nine months, during which
the objects of the expedition had been completely accomplished.

Having satisfied myself, that, from the oppression practised, the
Protectoral Government could not endure longer than the first favourable
opportunity for a general revolt which might present itself to the
Limeños, and judging that the fall of San Martin might involve serious
consequences to Chili, I had addressed the following letter to the
Supreme Director:--

_Private and confidential_.
Callao Roads, May 2, 1822.
Most Excellent Sir,

You will perceive by my public despatches the points of
most interest as regards the proceedings of the squadron, and the
result of our pursuit of the enemy's frigates, _Prueba_ and _Venganza_,
both of which I have embargoed, the one at Guayaquil and the
other here, until your pleasure shall be known, whatever that may
be, whether to give up the squadron of Chili, or to bring those
vessels to you, shall be alike obeyed.

San Martin has now laid down the external pomp of Protector,