ves of the treasure carried away
from Callao in reorganising their forces, which now threatened Lima, and
would no doubt have recovered Peru, had not Bolivar, foreseeing the
result, sent a division of his army, under General Sucre, to the
assistance of the beleaguered city.

In the midst of these embarrassments, the New Government of Chili
despatched the following letter to Rio de Janeiro, for the purpose of
inducing me to return, and reorganise the navy, the officers and men of
which had, as I learned, shortly subsequent to my departure been turned
adrift, without any reward whatever for their extraordinary privations
and exertions in the cause of independence.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Santiago de Chili, April 11, 1823.
Most Excellent Sir,

The Representatives of the people of Chili, legally
assembled, having elected Don Ramon Freire as Supreme Director
of the State, this event has happily terminated the internal movements
which agitated the country. The new Government, on
entering on its delicate functions, has been impressed with the want
of your Excellency to give preponderance to this maritime state, by
the imposing aptitude of your Excellency's measures and extraordinary
renown, so highly prized by the Chilenos, and dreaded by
their enemies.

The loss of the Allied army in Moquegua, where it has been
beaten by General Cantarac, has occasioned such an effect on the
result of the war, that possibly the capital of Peru may fall into the
hands of the enemy in consequence of the ascendancy thus acquired.

In consequence of this event, Chili must give a new impulse to
her maritime affairs, especially as an expedition is about to sail from
Cadiz, composed of two ships of the line, to restore the Spanish
authority in Peru.

Your Excellency, on leaving Chili, promised not to abandon the
cause of independence; and Chili--which has ever admired in your
Excellency one of its most illustrious protectors--must not therefore
be deprived of your services in a time of danger, and your great
work thus be left incomplete. These considerations his Excellency
desires me to lay before you in the name of the nation, and in his
own name, to request that you will return to this State, at least
during the period of danger. His Excellency trusts in your
generosity and zeal for the cause of humanity, that you will return
as speedily as c