purpose of seeing how
it could be improved by culture and the introduction of valuable
European seeds, was forcibly expelled from its supervision.

On my first refusal to accept the estate--for the reason before
assigned--in order to convince the Chilians how great was my desire to
be enrolled amongst the number of their citizens, I purchased a hacienda
at Herradura, about eight miles from Valparaiso. The effect produced by
this upon the Ministry was almost ludicrous. It was gravely argued
amongst them as to what I, a foreigner, could intend by purchasing an
estate in Chili? The conclusion to which they came being, as I was
credibly informed, that as the whole population was with me, I must
intend, when opportunity served, to set myself up as the ruler of the
Republic, relying upon the people for support! Such was statesmanship at
that day in Chili.

It so happened, that soon after purchasing this property I pointed out
to the Government how much better the Bay of Herradura was calculated
for a naval arsenal, than the ill-protected Bay of Valparaiso; offering
at the same time to make them a gratuitous present of all the land
required for the establishment of a naval arsenal and marine depot. This
offer was, no doubt, construed into an act, on my part, to gain
additional popularity--though this, perhaps, would have been no easy
matter; and a notice was served upon me not to make any improvements, as
the Government intended to appropriate the estate--but would not
reimburse any outlay, though they would repay me the purchase money, and
also for any improvements that had already have been effected!

I instantly solicited an explanation of the Supreme Director, and
received an apology, attributing the whole affair to the officiousness
of the Attorney-General, who had founded his proceeding on an old
Spanish law; and there, for a time, the matter dropped, but for a time
only--viz. so long as the necessities of the state required my services.

A new source of annoyance now arose, in all kinds of attempts to lessen
my authority in the navy, but as I was always on the alert to maintain
my position, these resulted in nothing but defeat to their concoctors.
At length an overt act was committed in the appointment of Captain Spry
as my flag captain on board the _O'Higgins_, which had been repaired at
Valdivia, and was now come down to Valparaiso. An order to this effect
was sent to me, which I promptly refused to obey, adding th