chased off the port by the Spanish frigates. Finding that these were
again moored under shelter of the batteries, we returned to Supe,
convinced that our previous visit to Callao had proved sufficient to
deter them from putting to sea for the protection of their own coasts;
this, indeed, forming my chief reason for having persisted in attacks
which, with our small force, could answer no other purpose; but this
alone was an advantage gained, as it enabled us to communicate freely
with the inhabitants on the coast, and to ascertain their sentiments,
which--from our forbearance, no less than command of the sea--were
almost uniformly in favour of co-operation with Chili for their
emancipation.

Both at Lima and on the coast, the best effect was produced by the
circulation of the following proclamation:--

"Compatriots! The repeated echoes of liberty in South America
have been heard with pleasure in every part of enlightened Europe,
more especially in Great Britain, where I, unable to resist the
desire of joining in such a cause, determined to take part in it.
The Republic of Chili has confided to me the command of her naval
forces. To these must the dominion of the Pacific be consigned.
By their co-operation must your chains be broken. Doubt not but
that the day is at hand on which, with the annihilation of despotism
and your now degraded condition, you will rise to the rank of a free
nation, to which your geographical position and the course of events
naturally call you."

"But it is your duty to co-operate in preparing for this success,
and to remove obstacles, under the assurance that you will receive
the most efficacious assistance from the government of Chili, and