feeling of personal vanity, but from a conviction of the national
utility of the act; and that by its accomplishment the valour of the
Chilenos had been so displayed as to shew that they had the utmost
confidence in their officers, and hence possessed the moral as well as
physical courage necessary for further achievements.

Notwithstanding the envious dissatisfaction of Zenteno, the government
was compelled, in deference to the popular voice, to award medals to the
captors, the decree for this stating that "the capture of Valdivia was
the happy result of the devising of an admirably arranged plan, and of
the most daring and valorous execution." The decree further conferred on
me an estate of 4,000 quadras from the confiscated lands of Conception,
which I refused, as no vote of thanks was given by the legislature; this
vote I finally obtained as an indemnification to myself for having
exceeded my orders; such being necessary after Zenteno's expressions of
ill-will towards me on account of breaking through instructions.

Situated as Chili then was, it is impossible to over-rate the importance
of this acquisition--the capture of a noble harbour protected by fifteen
forts, and the magazines with their vast amount of military stores,
being even secondary to the political advantages gained by the Republic.

The annexation of this province, at one blow conferred on Chili
complete independence, averting the contemplated necessity for fitting
out a powerful military expedition for the attainment of that object,
vitally essential to her very existence as an independent state;
because, so long as Valdivia remained in the hands of the Spaniards,
Chili was, in her moments of unguardedness or disunion, in constant
danger of losing the liberties she had, as yet, but partially acquired.