h the suspicion
that I was about to join General Freire with the squadron--an idea which
could only have arisen from the expectation that I should thus resent
the injuries inflicted on me--I resolved to accept the invitation from
His Majesty the Emperor of Brazil, leaving all which the Chilian
Government owed me to the honour of a juster and more enlightened
administration. Accordingly I addressed to the Supreme Director the
following letter:--

Valparaiso, Jan. 8, 1822.
Most Excellent Sir,

The difficulties which I have experienced in accomplishing
the naval enterprizes successfully achieved during the
period of my command as Admiral of Chili, have not been effected
without responsibility such as I would scarcely again undertake, not
because I would hesitate to make any personal sacrifice in a cause
of so much interest, but because even these favourable results have
led to the total alienation of the sympathies of meritorious officers,
--whose co-operation was indispensable,--in consequence of the
conduct of the Government.

That which has made most impression on their minds has been,
not the privations they have suffered, nor the withholding of their
pay and other dues, but the absence of any public acknowledgment
by the Government of the honours and distinctions promised for
their fidelity and constancy to Chili; especially at a time when no
temptation was withheld that could induce them to abandon the
cause of Chili for the service of the Protector of Peru; even since
that time, though there was no want of means or knowledge of
facts on the part of the Chilian Government, it has submitted itself
to the influence of the agents of an individual whose power having
ceased in Peru, has been again resumed in Chili.

The effect of this on me is so keenly sensible that I cannot trust
myself in words to express my personal feelings. Desiring, as I
do, to extenuate rather than accuse, nothing shall enter into a
narrative of these circumstances which is not capable of undeniable
proof.

Whatever I have recommended or asked for the good of the
naval service has been scouted or denied, though acquiescence
would have placed Chili in the first rank of maritime States in this
quarter of the globe. My requisitions and suggestions were founded
on the practice of the first naval service in the world--that of
England; they have, h