efeated,
were able to take refuge in positions from which they could not be
driven by the Spaniards; and many, under various leaders, remained in
arms, prepared for the moment when they might again attack the Royalists
with a prospect of success, and drive them, as they had vowed to do,
from the country.

The bloodthirsty monster, General Murillo, had at this time his
headquarters at Santa Fe de Bogota, the capital of New Granada. Our own
city of Popayan had not altogether escaped, but it was at present
comparatively tranquil, though people lived in dread of what a day might
bring forth. Murillo was attempting to stamp out Liberal principles by
the destruction of every man of science and education in the country,
being well aware that ignorance and superstition were the strongest
supporters of Spanish tyranny. My father, as a medical man and an
English subject, hoped to escape annoyance; though our uncle, Dr
Cazalla, owing to his known Liberal principles and scientific
attainments, was well aware that his position was critical in the
extreme. Though on his guard, he was too bold to fly. My father often
urged him to leave the country, but his reply was, "I will remain, to
forward, by every means in my power, the cause of liberty, and endeavour
to advance the true liberties of the people among whom I live." My
father steadily pursued his professional duties, attending equally on
the Royalists and Liberals, by both of whom he was highly esteemed,--
though those who knew him best were well aware that his sympathies were
all on the side of Freedom.

However, my object is not so much to describe the political events which
occurred in the country, as to narrate my own adventures, and those of
my relatives and friends. My father had often intended to send my
brother and me to England for our education; but my mother was unwilling
to part with us, and suggested, instead, that an English tutor should be
procured, who would give us the instruction we required. My father
remarked that it was not only the knowledge we should obtain by going to
England which would prove of value, but the training and general
education we should receive at an English school. He had made up his
mind to act as he thought best, notwithstanding our mother's objections,
when he was called in to visit an English traveller who had lately
arrived at Popayan, accompanied by a secretary--Mr Laffan--for whom he
seemed to entertain a warm regard. His