“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 assured him that it was not even then too late to attack the enemy, begging and entreating that the opportunity might not be lost, and offering himself to lead the cavalry.  But to this he received the reply, ’I alone am responsible for the liberties of Peru.’—­’Yo solo soy responsable de la libertad del Peru.’  On this the Protector retired to an inner apartment of the house to enjoy his customary siesta, which was disturbed by General Las Heras, who came to receive