were thus curtailed.

In spite of his enmity, the Minister of Marine had been officially
compelled to write me the following letter:--

"My Lord,"

"If victories over an enemy are to be estimated
according to the resistance offered, or the national advantages
obtained, the conquest of Valdivia is, in both senses, inestimable;
encountering, as you did, the natural and artificial strength of that
impregnable fortress which, till now, had obstinately defended itself
by means of those combined advantages. The memory of that
glorious day will occupy the first pages of Chilian history, and the
name of Your Excellency will be transmitted from generation to
generation by the gratitude of our descendants."

"His Excellency the Supreme Director, highly gratified by that
noble conquest, orders me to inform you (as I have now the
satisfaction of doing), that he experiences, in his own name, and in
that of the nation, the most heartfelt gratification at that signal
achievement. The meritorious officers, Beauchef, Miller, Erescano,
Carter, and Vidal, and all the other officers and soldiers who, in
imitation of your Excellency, encountered such vast dangers, will be
brought to the notice of Government, in order to receive a decorative
medal, in gratitude for their gallantry, and in proof that Chili rewards
the heroes who advocate her cause."

Our national flag has been displayed amidst the most festive public
demonstrations, above those of Valdivia and Cantabria, in proof of the