subjection of our enemies.

"I beg, with the greatest gratification, the honour to announce to you
your letter of the 3rd instant, transmitting those of Major Beauchef and
Major Miller."

"God preserve your Excellency many years."

(Signed) JOSE IGNACIO ZENTENO.
"The Vice-Admiral commanding the Chilian
Squadron."

It is difficult to see how a man who could have written the above
letter, even officially, could have become my worst enemy; the reasons
for which will, however, develop themselves as we proceed.

As the estate which was conferred upon me at Rio Clara was afterwards
taken from me, without reason assigned, I will here give the letter
conveying it, as this will again have to be alluded to. The
attorney-like cunning of Zenteno prevented its conveyance by any more
formal document than the decree conferring it.

"My Lord,"

"A Decree of this date has been issued by His
Excellency the Supreme Director, of which the annexed is a
copy:--"

"Desirous to expedite, without loss of time, the gift of 4000
_quadras_ of land, which, by decree of the Senate, was assigned to the