s productive of relaxation of discipline, as just
complaints cannot be redressed, nor complainants chastised--discontent
spreading like a contagious disease, and paralysing the system."

"Permit us, therefore, to call to the notice of the Government
that since our return to Valparaiso _with our naked crews, even clothes
have been withheld for four months_, during which no payment has
been made, the destitute seamen being _without blankets, ponchos, or
any covering to protect them from the cold of winter_, the more severely
felt from the hot climates in which they have for nearly three years
been employed."

"The two months' pay offered the other day could not now effect
its purpose, as the whole--and more is due to the Pulperia keepers,
to whose benefit, and not that of the seamen, it must have immediately
accrued. Judge, then, of the irritation produced by such
privations, and the impossibility of relieving them by such inadequate
payment; also whether it is possible to maintain order and
discipline amongst men worse circumstanced than the convicts of
Algiers! Under such circumstances, it is no exaggeration to affirm
that confidence will be for ever gone, and the squadron entirely
ruined, if measures of preservation are not immediately resorted to."

"With respect to the offer of _one month's pay to ourselves!_ after
our faithful and persevering services, undergoing privations such as
were never endured in the navy of any other State, we are afraid to
trust ourselves to make any observations; but it is quite impossible
that it could have been accepted under any circumstances, as it
would have placed us in no better situation than if, on our arrival
here four months ago, we had actually paid the Government three
months' salary for the satisfaction of having served it, during a
period of two years, with unremitting exertions and fidelity."

"In conclusion, we respectfully hope, that the Supreme Government
will be pleased to take what we have stated into its serious
consideration, and more especially that it will be pleased to comply
with its existing engagements to us, with the same alacrity and
fidelity with which we have acted towards the Government; the
duties of each being reciprocal, and equally binding on both parties."

Signed by all the Captains.

The preceding statement of the captains is a faithful