kept in readiness, and a
look out placed on the beach of Boca Negra."

"Lord Cochrane immediately pressed forward to San Martin's
camp, where, being recognised by several officers, a murmur of
congratulation was heard, and even Guise and Spry exclaimed,
'We shall have some fighting now the Admiral is come.' General
Las Heras, acting as General-in-Chief, saluting the Admiral, begged
of him to endeavour to persuade the Protector to bring the enemy
to an action. His Lordship, on this, rode up to San Martin, and
taking him by the hand, in the most earnest manner entreated
him to attack the enemy without losing a single moment; his
entreaties were, however, in vain, the only answer received being--'My
resolutions are taken'--'_mis medidas estan tomadas_.'"

"Notwithstanding this apathy, his Lordship remonstrated, stating
the situation in which he had, not five minutes before, observed the
enemy's infantry, and begged of the Protector to ascend an eminence
at the back of the house, and convince himself how easily a victory
might be obtained; but he only received the same cold reply--_mis
medidas estan tomadas_.'"

"The clamour of the officers in the _patio_ of the house roused
San Martin, who called for his horse and mounted. In a moment
all was bustle, and the anticipated glow of victory shone in every
countenance. The order to arms was given, and instantly obeyed
by the whole army, amounting to about 12,000 men, including
guerillas, all anxious to begin the fight. The Protector beckoned
to the Admiral and General Las Heras, who immediately rode up to
him, hoping that he was either about to consult them respecting the
attack, or to inform them how it was to be conducted."

"At this moment a peasant approached San Martin on horseback,
the General with most unparalleled composure lending an
attentive ear to his communications as to where the enemy was
the day before! The Admiral, exasperated at so unnecessary a
waste of time, bade the peasant 'begone,' adding--'The General's
time is too important to be employed in listening to your
fooleries.' At this interruption, San Martin frowned on the
Admiral, and turning his horse rode up to the door of the house,
where he alighted and went in."

"Lord Cochrane then requested a private conference with San
Martin--which was the last time he ever spoke to him--and assure