Chapter III: Part 3

A good while has elapsed since I mentioned to you any particulars of my affairs in reference to the schools. During this time, however, I have more than once thrown out hints, signifying that matters went on but slowly. I had too much reason for these complaints. The truth is, I was once and again on the point of leaving this place. My affairs here have been such, since my arrival, that I may truly say, my hopes and prospects in South America never were so high, and never were so low as they have been, at different times, in Lima. I formerly stated to you the very favourable reception I met with from San Martin, and from the first Secretary of State, Monteagudo. Both of these left this place a good while ago, although under different circumstances. To me their loss was severely felt. I never mentioned a wish to San Martin, or to Monteagudo, that was not granted, and granted immediately in the most obliging manner. After their going away, I scarcely mentioned any thing I wished done that was not refused. I should not, perhaps, say refused, for I was not actually denied; I was told that the things I stated would be done, but these promises were never fulfilled. Had I been plainly refused, there is every probability that I should have left this place long ago. After experiencing a number of delays, and when my little stock of patience was all gone, I asked for my passport. The same individual, however, who had so often put me off with fair promises, contrived to put off my passport also, and kept me waiting days together, with every thing nailed up for my departure. It was then agreed on between us, that since the school plan we had in view could not be carried into effect from want of funds, I should stop three or four weeks to instruct some individuals in the Lancasterian system. About twelve came, in consequence of this, to my lodgings once a day, for the instructions referred to. At the close of the time mentioned, these individuals were much pleased with the new plan, and some of them represented the matter to the minister, who gladly entered into it, and it was agreed that I should stop, and that what was wanting should be granted. I did think him for this time sincere, and I believe he was so; but I was again subjected to be put off from week to week, until I found that I was circumstanced exactly as before. I petitioned anew for my passport, and in the mean time wrote a letter to the Congress, detailing all that had happened from the time of my arrival in Lima, and concluded by stating, that I intended to leave this place by the first vessel that sailed, but that I would return or send some person instructed in the plan of the schools, if a desire should be expressed by the Congress to that effect. The result of this communication was far beyond my expectation. Upon my letter being read, a great deal of interest was taken in this matter, and it was unanimously agreed to that the school should be commenced as soon as possible. An order was accordingly issued, that every thing I wanted to set it agoing should be immediately granted. When I wrote to the Congress, I had little thought that they would be disposed to carry this object forward at the time, having not long before resolved to use the utmost economy with the public money, and to carry nothing forward that was not of an urgent nature. This resolution was very necessary from the low state of the public funds, owing to their limited resources, and the great expenses of the war. In consequence of the decree of the Congress in our favour, I at once gave up thoughts of leaving this place, and we have been since that time getting on as fast as can be expected. There is another circumstance of considerable importance, which has arisen out of this. The person who brought together those twelve individuals to be instructed in the system, as above mentioned, is a very respectable clergyman. This gentleman has interested himself much in the matter, and has been named by the Congress to take an active part in all the arrangements necessary until a School Society be formed. I have had much intercourse with this individual, and have good reason to esteem him highly. We go hand in hand in our affairs most comfortably. As this gentleman’s name is now connected with the schools, and being a clergyman, many prejudices are thereby removed. This is a matter of no little importance, as there was a strong idea, (whether well or ill founded, I cannot tell,) that the late Secretary, of whom I spoke, was atheistical in his views. Perhaps his atheism consisted in his making free with the convents and other church affairs. However that may be, my being favoured by him probably excited some prejudices, in addition to those arising from my being a Protestant. The counteracting influence, therefore, of my connexion with my present clerical friend will, I have no doubt, be greatly advantageous. When I add to this, that it is through this respectable individual that I expect the New Testament to be introduced into the schools, of which I formerly wrote, you will see that I have great cause for thanksgiving for the circumstances in which we now stand; and I am even inclined to believe, from what I have seen, that our present encouraging prospects have not been too dearly purchased by all the harassing delays that we have experienced. We are very short sighted in all things, and can seldom tell what string of circumstances may end most favourably. Hence it is that we are often joyous, when we have not much real cause for being so; and on the other hand, we are often sad, when every thing is going on in the most prosperous manner. How consoling is the thought, that we are permitted to cast all our cares upon God; upon him who knows the end from the beginning, and in whose hands, sooner or later, every thing must turn out well.

I think I have perceived, during the time I have been in this place, a greater desire to study the English language than I have met with in any other part of South America. I have uniformly encouraged this desire as much as possible, being fully persuaded that the knowledge of our language, and of the excellent works it contains, will contribute in no inconsiderable degree to the progress of this country in every point of view. Want of books suitable for beginners in this language has formed a considerable obstacle, as well as the want of suitable teachers. In order to remove these difficulties to a certain degree, and to carry forward this useful object, I some time ago set to work to prepare, in Spanish, a grammar of the English language. This is now finished, and nearly all printed. I have at the same time been getting ready a small book, consisting of extracts from various authors in our language, for something of this kind was equally necessary. This little work is also pretty far advanced in the printing. In the next place, in order to carry this object into immediate effect, I lately published my intention of giving instructions in the English language, and I now have twenty-three studying it with me, two of whom are members of Congress.

Accounts have reached us, that on the 19th November last, a severe earthquake was experienced in Chile. The first shock was felt about 11 o’clock at night, and was preceded by a frightful noise. During the night, and for several succeeding days, a number of shocks were felt, less destructive, I believe, but sufficiently alarming. We have not yet had full information as to the extent of country over which these shocks have been experienced, but from what reports have reached us, it seems to have extended over the greater part of Chile. The greatest damage, we understand, has been done in Valparaiso. In that place several houses have been thrown down, and all the churches have been severely injured. Accounts say that more than two hundred people have perished in Valparaiso alone. Many are the blessings which Providence has poured out on Chile, and one would almost think that earthquakes have been added, by way of giving to it its due proportion of evil. The same may be said of this country, which has suffered still more from this cause than Chile has done. We do not know _the moment_ we may be visited in this city, by one of these dreadful calamities which have laid Lima nearly in ruins at different times. To remind us of our danger, as it were, we are visited by small shocks from time to time; a month rarely elapses without one, and about a week ago we had two in one day. One would naturally think that the being continually exposed to these catastrophes would be productive of some happy moral effects upon the inhabitants of this place. I am sorry to say there are no appearances of these good results. If a comparison were to be instituted between the people of this place, and those of other parts of South America, in regard to morals, I am afraid Lima would appear in the back ground. The most imminent danger, the most signal judgments, seem somehow or other to be productive of nothing but momentary effects on mankind. Wherever this danger or these judgments are, there the words of Jesus are verified; “If they believe not Moses and the prophets, neither would they be persuaded though one should arise from the dead.” I question much if we should, in one sense, find fault with this disposition of mankind; or shall I say rather with this arrangement of Providence. It points out to us, I think, how much happier and more solid effects may be produced by the wielding of the word of God, than by wielding the mountains, and casting them into the sea. _The word of God_ is a _fire_, and is a _hammer_, and nothing shall be able to stand before it; every thing that opposeth shall be reduced into ashes or into dust; and these shall be blown away by the winds, to be seen no more for ever.

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_Lima, 3d March, 1823._

I have more than once, my dear friend, within these few days past, heard the exclamation, “happy are the countries that enjoy a settled and secure government.” The truth is, we have just experienced one of those occurrences which frequently happen in revolutionary times. I wrote you formerly, that three individuals of the members of Congress were exercising the executive power in this place. From events which have lately occurred, a general dissatisfaction towards this triumvirate was felt by the army in the neighbourhood of this city. The consequence of this was, that the troops drew near to the walls and shut the gates, sending at the same time a message to the Congress, requesting, or rather ordering, a change in the government. After a good deal of deliberation, the triumvirate was removed by the Congress. Another step was yet necessary, as a certain individual was pointed out as the only person capable of filling the vacant situation. There was no alternative in this more than in the other proposition, as a part of the troops kept their station, as before mentioned, whilst the rest or the greater part came into the great square in the centre of the city. Indeed the public opinion, not of the army only, but also of the great majority of the people, seemed clearly expressed in favour of the person proposed. The individual in question was accordingly appointed by the Congress as “President of the Republic of Peru.” This was done on the first current. The troops have retired, and there seems to be a general satisfaction with this appointment. Our President’s name is Don José de la Riva Aguera.

You will naturally wish to know how our new President is likely to act regarding the schools, and other such matters. Respecting what his conduct will be in these things, I have great confidence. I have known him, and visited him occasionally since my arrival in Lima, in consequence of a letter of introduction to him, with which I was favoured on my leaving Chile. I have uniformly found him very obliging, and much interested in our concerns. In short, he is the very individual I should have named, had I been asked what person I wished to have in this high station. I called on him this afternoon in company with my clerical friend, whom I formerly mentioned to you. We were well received, and encouraged to go forward in our work, with the assurance of his protection and support.

I forgot to mention to you in my last quarterly letter, that I had about that time got one added to the number of my friends. This person is a very respectable clergyman, and a member of the Congress. We have had several conversations together, in a very open and friendly manner. I have been much pleased with his candour and frankness. He told me that when he first heard of my having come to Lima, he resolved to oppose me, but that when he learned that I was not an opposer of religion, but a friend to it, he changed his mind, and resolved to befriend me as far as lay in his power. There is a kind of idea among several of those who are the most religious in this country, that many or most foreigners who arrive here are deists or atheists, or at least men no way friendly to religion. Grounds have, no doubt, been given for forming this opinion, although I think it is generalized among the class of people I mentioned, with some degree of illiberality, as is, indeed, commonly the case. The books which come here in favour of deism and atheism strengthen the opinion. Most of these are printed in France, but some of them, I am sorry to say it, are printed in England. From all I have seen here, both in the Congress, and out of it, I am strongly inclined to think that those who oppose toleration, or at least many of them, do so with a view to prevent the influx into the country of such as oppose or scoff at religion. As a proof of this, I refer to the member of Congress, of whom I have just been speaking. This man opposed toleration when it was discussed in the Congress, and spoke publicly against it; yet when conversing with him upon the subject, he told me that he was not opposed to the toleration of Protestants in the country. I have taken occasion at different times to point out to some of the members, in private conversation, that their law prohibiting the public religious exercises of those who differ from the Catholic church, does not hinder atheists and deists from settling in the country, as these have no form of religion they wish to practise; and that this law serves only to prevent the coming of those men who are sincerely religious and moral, and who, as they themselves admit, would be of great use in the country, by bringing into it many branches of the arts and manufactures. I think I have observed some good effects arising from these conversations, and I wish it may so appear when, the subject comes before Congress a second time.

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_Lima, 26th May, 1823._

A considerable time has now elapsed since I last wrote you. I confess I have acted wrong in delaying so long; but I know that yourself and the Committee of the British and Foreign School Society are ready to forgive. The truth is, I have had no heart to write you; I have had nothing encouraging to communicate; and I am never fond of being a messenger of evil tidings. I have been bandied about these many months past, without being able to make any progress in those highly important affairs in which you feel so deeply interested. I have been more than once on the eve of leaving this part of South America, but one little encouragement or another called me back just as I was going to embark, and flattered me into a belief that all would go on well. I shall not detain you with a long list of grievances, but shall pass at once to the more pleasing task of calling on you to join with me in thanksgiving unto Him who comforteth those that are cast down, and who hath turned my darkness into light. Blessed be his name, the prospects of something being done in this place brighten daily, and I hope yet to communicate to you something gladdening from the land of the Incas.

We have, at length, got our school fairly begun, and under very favourable auspices. I formerly mentioned to you that the government had given us for our schools, the College belonging to the Dominican Friars. The whole of the edifice is at our disposal for school objects. We have fitted up for our present school-room, a large apartment, formerly the college dining-room, which will contain 300 children. The number attending at present is upwards of a hundred; and we intend to increase it gradually rather than rapidly, as we might do were we inclined. The experience I have had has taught me the necessity of this. It is an easy matter to tell what the system is, and to say things are to be managed in such and such a way; but the great difficulty consists in reducing it to practice, in training the children to method.

The Congress and the Government here are decidedly in favour of education. Their object is not merely the education of the few, but the education of the many, namely, of every individual in Peru. The attention of the Congress is, at present, engaged in drawing up a constitution for the nation. One of the articles already sanctioned is, that no one can vote for a member of Congress unless he can read and write. From the consideration, however, of the shameful neglect of the Spaniards in promoting education in the country, these literary qualifications are not to be exacted until the year 1840. Time is thus given for every individual to qualify himself in these matters; and the anxious desire of the Congress is, I am fully persuaded, to carry forward education with all possible rapidity.

You are aware, I suppose, that the inhabitants of Peru do not all speak the Spanish language. The descendants of the ancient Peruvians are very numerous, and most of them speak the language of their ancestors. In some parts of the country they have assumed the manners and the language of their conquerors and oppressors; but in other parts, and these by far the most populous, their ancient tongue is their only medium of communication. I have long had my eye on this interesting part of the population of this country. I have, at length, obtained a fair prospect of being able to plant schools among them, and also to hand to them the word of God in their native tongue. An officer belonging to a regiment, called the Peruvian Legion, and who thoroughly understands the _Quichua_, or Peruvian, language, has taken a great liking to our system, and is extremely desirous of benefiting his countrymen by communicating instruction to them. He is, at present, attending our school for this purpose, and I entertain a pleasing hope regarding the future results of his operations.

I beg you to express to your Committee my sincere respect and gratitude for the very obliging manner in which they have come forward in aid of the great work of education in South America.

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_Truxillo, 15th July, 1823._

When I wrote my last letter to Mr. S. I little thought my next letter would be written in this place. Such, however, is the case, and I proceed to mention the circumstances that have brought me here. It is probable that what has lately taken place in Lima will reach your ears some days before this comes into your hand. The Spanish army entered that city on the 18th ultimo, the Government, the Congress, and a great number of the inhabitants having left it on the preceding day. You will wonder at this, I dare say, after the favourable account of our affairs in my last letter. It has also been a subject of wonder unto us all, and of consternation to not a few. I mentioned in my last, that the Spaniards had collected a considerable force in Jauja. They had left Arequipa, and collected in Jauja with the intention of coming down upon Lima. They had made this movement when the independent army was sadly crippled, and when there was no efficient force to oppose their taking possession of the capital. When, however, reinforcements had arrived from Colombia, and an expedition had been sent off to Arequipa, we little thought they would persevere in their intention of attacking Lima. On the contrary, we thought they would immediately retrace their steps with all speed towards Arequipa or Cuzco, to secure to themselves the possession of these valuable provinces. The event, however, has turned out otherwise, and we now understand that they were badly informed as to the real state of their opponents. The Spaniards crossed the Andes, and came down towards Lima in a very rapid and unexpected manner, with a force of seven thousand well disciplined men. Upon their presenting themselves in the neighbourhood of the city, they were reconnoitred by the Independent Generals, and as soon as the number and discipline of the Spanish army were known, it was judged imprudent to risk a battle with them, as the patriot army is but about five thousand strong, and many of them recruits. The independent army considered it most advisable not only to avoid a general battle, but also to avoid defending Lima, and chose to retire to the forts in Callao. The Government and the Congress, together with a great number of the principal inhabitants, retired at the same time to Callao. A few days after, the President and Congress judged it most suitable to remove from the scene of military operations, and to take up a temporary residence in this city. They accordingly sailed for this place, and arrived about a fortnight ago.

We were going on with our schools in a prosperous way on the 16th (June) when the reports of the rapid approach of the enemy, and the general confusion throughout the city, induced us to suspend our operations on that day for a week, till we should see what would take place. It was on that day quite uncertain whether the city would be defended, (for it is surrounded by a good wall,) or whether the army would retire from the city to Callao. On the following day, however, all doubt on these points was removed, as it was agreed in a council of war to abandon the city, and the army accordingly left it on the same day. At three o’clock I left Lima and went down to Callao, being assured that the enemy would enter the city that night, or at all events on the following day. I slept that night (the 17th) on board of an English vessel, lying in the harbour. It was my intention to return to Lima in four or five days, in which time I supposed the Spaniards would be in quiet possession of the place, and that order would be again restored, so that as an Englishman I might pass to Lima with a passport from the English Commodore on the station. I accordingly remained some days, on board the vessel, but there was no possibility of passing from Callao to Lima with any safety during that time. On the 20th the vessel I was in cleared out for the port of Casma, about 200 miles to the north of Lima, and I conceived it most advisable to go along with her, as there was no prospect of re-entering Lima for some time. I therefore supplied myself with some dollars from a friend, as I had left Lima without money, and with scarcely any other clothes than those I had on. In two days we arrived safely in the port of Casma, and on the day after our arrival I went up to the village, which is about 8 miles distant. I was accompanied from Callao by an old friend, a priest, and a prebendary of the cathedral of Lima. We made ourselves acquainted with the Vicar, and were most hospitably lodged in his house. Here we staid a week. During this time the accounts from Lima continued as unfavourable as before, and numbers of people who had fled from it were arriving at Casma, and others coming on towards it. I resolved, therefore, to come on to this city, where I arrived safely after four days travel through roads of burning sand, which were very fatiguing to our horses and to ourselves. The roads all along the coast of Peru are of this description. Here and there, at distances of from twenty to forty miles, there is a river, and in the valley through which it runs, vegetation of every kind shoots out luxuriantly, and nothing is wanting but hands of industry to raise cotton, sugar, coffee, and all the tropical fruits. My friend, the prebendary, remained in Casma, but I was accompanied to this place by two other emigrants from Lima, and on our arrival here we found not less than a thousand people of all conditions under similar circumstances with ourselves. Numbers have since arrived, and reports say that nearly ten thousand have left Lima, some having gone to one place and some to another. Notwithstanding these unfavourable circumstances, we expect all to return to the capital before long; it may, however, be three or four months.

From what has been stated, you may perhaps think that the cause of independence here is losing ground fast, or that it is in a hopeless condition. This, however, is not the case. The Spaniards will, I believe, be under the necessity of leaving Lima in the course of a very few months; and in the mean time they have lost the valuable province of Arequipa, as there are accounts of the safe arrival of the expedition which sailed some time ago for that quarter, and of some advantages they have already gained, and also of the speedy prospect of taking possession of all that place, the Spanish force there being but small. The independent army will probably march on towards Cuzco, where the Viceroy is stationed with a force of about 3,000 men, and the ancient capital of the Incas may very soon become the scene of the contest for liberty—the contest of truth and freedom, with ignorance and oppression; and may the righteous cause prevail.

I have long had a great desire of visiting some of the interior parts of this country, and present circumstances offer a favourable opportunity. I intend, in a day or two, to leave this city for Caxamarca, and from thence I purpose to go to Jaen de Bracamoros. If the accounts I there obtain are favourable, I shall go down the great river Marañon or Amazon, as far as the mouth of the Huallága or the Ucayáli. I may then perhaps ascend some of the rivers which fall into the Marañon from the north, and go on in this way towards Quito. If I should be able to get on so far, I shall then descend from Quito to Guayaquil, and from thence by sea to Callao. I have got leave of absence for four months, and have obtained a letter of recommendation from the President to the governors of those places through which I intend to pass. I trust this journey is undertaken with the same views which induced me to leave my native country. I trust the Lord will protect me from every evil, will surround me with his almighty arm, and will guide and comfort me by his Spirit.

P.S.—_21st July, 1823._——On the day after writing the above, some accounts reached this place that the Spanish army was beginning to retreat from Lima. In consequence of this, I deferred my journey until certain accounts upon this subject should arrive. These accounts have now been fully confirmed. The Spaniards began their retreat on the 8th current, and the last division of their army was to leave Lima on the evening of the 16th, or on the day following.

As Lima is now open, from the retiring of the Spaniards, I have given up for the present my journey to the river Amazon, and to-morrow I set out for Lima overland.

The day before yesterday the Congress was dissolved here, and a Senate has been appointed in its stead.

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_Lima, 8th August, 1823._

My last letter to you was dated 9th November last, and which I hope came safely into your hands. Though the interval between my letters to you be considerable, yet I always suppose you acquainted with what occurs to me here during these intervals, through my letters to our mutual friends in Edinburgh. I therefore consider it unnecessary to go over all that has happened here since I last wrote to you, and shall confine myself to what is going forward at the present time. I am sorry that I have so much to say that may be called of an unfavourable nature. In my letter to Mr. H. from Truxillo, I stated the cause of my removal to that city, and also the favourable change which had induced me to return. I arrived safely in this place on the 2d instant, after an absence of nearly seven weeks. I found, on my return, all that I had left behind safe, nothing had been touched. The Spanish army continued in possession of Lima just twenty-eight days, during which they did considerable injury to the place, by levying contributions, confiscating property, &c. The amount of the loss sustained, in one shape and another, is reckoned at two millions of dollars. All the property belonging to the English merchants, which was in their own warehouses, was respected, and no loss was sustained thereon. What goods they had in the Custom-house they were allowed to withdraw, upon paying a duty of forty per-cent. The other goods in the Custom-house, belonging to the natives of the country, were confiscated and sold on the spot. The favour thus experienced by the English, was owing to the intervention of the British Naval Commander in this place. The Spanish General, however, intimated to the English merchants that although he had respected their property at this time, yet in future he would not do so, but would confiscate all that belonged to them, should he return again to Lima, and that thus they might consider themselves as warned beforehand, of what they might expect. I had heard in Truxillo that the Spaniards had destroyed the palace, the mint, and some other public buildings. This, however, I am happy to find, was incorrect: they have destroyed no buildings. The machinery of the mint was destroyed; and they have carried off or destroyed all the printing-presses and types they could lay their hands on. The government printing-presses and types have escaped, as they had been removed to Callao in good time. One or two presses also, belonging to private individuals, have likewise been saved, having been hid at the time the rest were carried off. I suppose you have read (and correctly too,) in the descriptions of this city, that the churches are immensely rich in silver. This, however, is not the case at present, I assure you. They are now completely stripped of all their former grandeur in that respect. The independent government at different times ordered considerable quantities of the silver in the churches to be taken to the mint, which was accordingly done. Upon their retreat from the city on the approach of the enemy, a few weeks ago, nearly every thing of silver that could be well spared from the churches, was carried to the castle in Callao, to prevent its falling into the hands of the Spaniards. This proved a proper foresight, for the enemy took almost every thing that had been left in the churches, and thus thoroughly stripped them. A priest observed to me the other day, that it should seem the time is now come when God chooses to be served with less splendour, and with more humility. The observation was good; and I wish the time were indeed come when the supporters of this system would lay aside their own riches and righteousness in every respect, and would clothe themselves with the righteousness of Christ, and with true humility. That period is, I trust, advancing, although perhaps not so fast as we could wish. The Lord, however, will bring it about in due time. The way we generally wish to do things, in our impatience, is to jump to our object; or in other words, to gain our benevolent ends all at once. This, however, is not the way the Almighty has established matters in the depth of his wisdom. The end, he tells us, may be gained, yea, and shall be gained, but it can be gained only by the use of the appointed means, and by patient continuance in well doing.

The Spanish army has marched towards Arequipa along the coast. The first division under General Valdes is already at some distance, but the second division, under Canterác the Commander in chief, is only about 100 miles to the south of us. There is, however, I believe, little danger at present of his returning to Lima, as the main object of the Spaniards is to attack as early as possible the patriot army in Arequipa. That army is now of considerable strength, and much better equipped every way than the former one in that place, which was so completely defeated by the Spaniards at Moquegua. I wish the result may be favourable to the independent cause, as much certainly depends on the result.

I mentioned in my letter to Mr. H. that the Congress had been dissolved in Truxillo, and that a Senate had been appointed in its place. This was the single act of the President, and it was certainly a very bold and imprudent step, not to say any thing of its injustice. The President has not yet returned to Lima, and in the mean time a strong opposition has been stirred up against him here for having dissolved the Congress. The representatives now in Lima have solemnly protested against this measure, have re-installed themselves as the supreme council and government of the nation, and have elected the Marquis of Truxillo to exercise the executive power. What will be the result of these operations I know not. It is probable, I think, that Riva Aguera, the President, will give in, and be banished from the country for some time, it is certainly a very unfavourable time for internal disputes. A short time, I hope, will make all things wear a more smiling aspect, and may the Lord who reigneth in the earth, grant that this may indeed be our case. All things are in his hand. He ever reigneth, although his benignant hand may at times be invisible to us.

During the time I was at Truxillo, I formed the plan of visiting some of the aboriginal inhabitants of America, on the banks of the river Amazon. I had calculated that the Spaniards would keep possession of this city for about three months, and I supposed, that time would about suffice me for my intended tour. I had bought a number of glittering buttons, needles, scissors, knives, fish-hooks, ribbons, &c., for presents to the natives. I had also taken out my passport, and was arranging for setting out, when accounts reached Truxillo, that a part of the Spanish army had evacuated this city. In consequence of this, I put off my intended journey, though with regret, in order to return to my duties in this place. I have long had a desire to visit those parts, and though I have not been able to effect my object at this time, my purpose is not laid aside, but only postponed until a more favourable opportunity occur; and in the mean time I will go on collecting all the information I can, regarding those quarters. I have a considerable desire to spend the greater part of my remaining days on the banks of that great river, or on the borders of some of its tributary streams. In the Mercurio Peruano, a work of which I dare say you have heard, there are some very interesting accounts of the entrance of the Jesuits and of the Franciscan Friars into that part of the country. Their success was various. Numbers of the missionaries lost their lives in prosecution of their object, through the cruel hands of those whom they went to instruct. At length the missions in those parts made some progress, but they never were very flourishing; and even in their best state, missions under such a system were open to many objections. One single Moravian village in the midst of some wilderness would be a more gratifying sight than all the Jesuit missions put together. Though we may thus condemn their system, because truth requires it, yet the Missionaries themselves, generally speaking, in point of zeal and devotion to their object, are worthy of great commendation, and in many instances their conduct forcibly attracts our admiration. The accounts they have published are extremely interesting. In another point of view, also, the Missionaries have done a great service, by their study of the original languages, and by the grammars and dictionaries of these which they published. The whole of these works are by the Jesuits, and not a volume has been published since their fall. These grammars and dictionaries are now extremely scarce in this place. It has cost me a great deal of labour to obtain some of them, and others I have not yet been able to procure, but hope in time to get a copy of all their writings on those subjects, as well as of the geographical works they have published.

I believe it is not generally known in Europe that a great part, the majority of the inhabitants of Peru, are of the descendants of the ancient Peruvians under the Incas. An idea is, I believe, pretty general with you, that the Spaniards nearly exterminated this race, as they did the inhabitants of St. Domingo and Cuba. That they destroyed vast numbers of the indigenous inhabitants of this part of the world is, alas! too true; still, however, the majority here are Peruvians, and not Spaniards. There are, of course, a good many of a mixed race, and on the coast there are not a few of the sons and daughters of unhappy Africa, and their descendants. The Peruvians who live in the towns on the coast, all speak the Spanish language, and know nothing of the ancient language of Peru, called the Quichua. Between the coast and the ridge of the Andes, called the Cordillera, there are many towns, the inhabitants of which generally speak the Quichua and the Spanish, with, however, a predilection for their own native tongue. On the east of the Cordillera of the Andes, the Spanish language is but little spoken, and both Peruvians and Spaniards speak the Quichua. It is spoken, of course, with more or less purity, in these different places, a circumstance to be fully expected of an unwritten language, and among an uneducated people. I have had my attention turned to those parts of this country where the Quichua language is spoken ever since I came to Peru. I have had a great desire to communicate, in one way or another, to this ancient people, the blessings of education and the light of the Sacred Word. The Spaniards have kept them in the lowest state of mental existence, and it may be truly said, that under the Incas, the Peruvians were less ignorant, and more virtuous, than they are at this day. At the time the Spaniards (these enemies of knowledge) drove us from our post here, on their entrance into Lima, we had in our school two descendants of the ancient Peruvians studying our system, with a view to carry instruction among their countrymen; whilst another of the same people was actually engaged in translating one of the Gospels into the Quichua language. I hope we shall be able to muster our forces again, and to go on in this good work. Pray for us that the blessing of the Almighty may be upon us, to crown us with speedy and certain success.

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_Lima, 1st September, 1823._

I mentioned in a former letter, that the members of the Congress who were in Lima had united and re-installed this assembly. Their number daily increased, by the arrival of those who had fled to various quarters upon the arrival of the Spaniards. Riva Aguera was left in Truxillo with a very few only of those he had chosen for his senate. The public opinion in favour of the Congress, is very strong, and all seem to rejoice in its restoration.

Several accounts have reached us of advantages gained by the patriot troops in the south, but the good effects of these upon us are greatly lessened by the continual dread we are in of the operations of Riva Aguera, who has got collected together about 3,000 men. Fulminations by the Congress have been issued against him, calling him tyrant, &c. &c. and exhorting every good patriot to use his endeavours to bring him to this city, dead or alive.

This commencement of internal war is looked upon by all who feel an interest in the independence of the country, as a very unfortunate circumstance. A powerful enemy is at hand, and ready to seize every opportunity which such divisions may occasion, in order to subject the country to its former state. In fact we were, about a fortnight ago, in great alarm for some days, from a rumour of the return of the Spanish army. A happy circumstance, however, has this day taken place, which will, I trust, unite all parties in one. This fortunate circumstance is the safe arrival of Bolivar. He landed this morning in Callao, and entered Lima this afternoon, to the very great satisfaction of all. He has brought with him upwards of 2,000 men, and more it is said are to follow. The general aspect of the war is now greatly in our favour, and I think the Spanish army is rather critically placed. Some letters have been intercepted from one of the Spanish Generals to La Serna, giving rather a sad account of his situation, and mentioning some of his officers of whose loyalty he had not great confidence. From all these circumstances, I trust the time is not far distant when this unhappy and destructive war will give way to peace and to liberty.

When in Truxillo, I made some arrangements for the circulation of the Scriptures in that quarter. There is a medical gentleman there, a native of Ireland, of the name of O’Donovan. He is of the Roman Catholic religion, but he has none of those prejudices against the Bible which many of the Catholics have. So far is he from being prejudiced upon this point, that he takes a very great interest in its circulation, and recommends it strongly to all his friends. This is a very happy circumstance, and I hope the results will be truly beneficial. Being a Roman Catholic himself, what he says upon this subject has more weight than the same things would have from a Protestant. Since my return to Lima, I have sent him 50 Spanish New Testaments, and a number of Spanish tracts, which I got some time ago. He mentioned to me the effects produced by some tracts which he formerly had. He said he gave a few of them to his neighbours, and some time after inquired how they liked them. Some of them told him plainly that they did not like them at all, and that these tracts were not _the Gospel_, because there was nothing said about _the Sacraments_ in them. You would not, he replied, have the Sacraments spoken of _every where_, and nothing but the Sacraments? Let me read, continued he, a chapter of one of the Gospels to you. He then took his New Testament, and read to them accordingly a chapter from one of the Gospels. Now, said he, is there any thing about the Sacraments in what I have just read to you? They said there was not. And is not _this_ the Gospel, said he? They agreed that it was. Well then, he continued, may not these tracts be Gospel too, although there is nothing of the Sacraments in them. I trust the Lord will bless the exertions of this worthy individual to circulate the knowledge of God around him.

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_Lima, 25th November, 1823._

What a cheering thought it is, to contemplate the glorious exertions of the present day, to put the Sacred Scriptures into the hands of _all_. The names of barbarian, Scythian, bond and free, have disappeared in the distribution of this noble charity; and the only distinction known is, those who have this volume, and those who have it not. The present mighty efforts bid fair to make this only distinction among mankind disappear also; and may it be soon fulfilled; thus leaving every soul in possession of that treasure which can alone make his soul valuable.

I am happy to say that something has already been done here, and that the prospects for the future are encouraging. Perhaps there have been circulated, during these few years past, about one thousand copies of the whole Bible, in the Spanish language, and considerably upwards of that number of New Testaments, in the same tongue. It is true, this is but a small number among so many; yet it is a good beginning; and you know we ought not to despise small things, but receive them with thanksgiving, and as encouragements to perseverance.

Immediately after the rapid sale of the 500 Spanish Bibles, and 500 New Testaments in this city, as mentioned in my letter of October 18th, I wrote to London for a large supply, although I was then in daily expectation of some arriving. The supplies sent by the British and Foreign Bible Society, and which I was then expecting, arrived, as I afterward learned, in Buenos Aires and in Chile, but none of them reached this place. I remained for a long time in great anxiety about the arrival of a supply for this city, and country adjacent. After waiting for several months, I received a letter from the Society, informing me that the whole edition of the Bible had been disposed of, but that 5000 New Testaments would be sent me as soon as they could be bound. These have not yet arrived, but I am in hourly expectation of them.

I come now to speak of a new translation of the New Testament, which I am endeavouring to procure in this place. I suppose you are aware that the greater part of the inhabitants of Peru are the descendants of the ancient Peruvians. The language spoken by the Peruvian nation in the time of the Incas is called the Quichua; and this language, with some variation, continues to be spoken to the present day by two-thirds of the inhabitants of this country. Since my arrival in Peru, I have been desirous of procuring a translation of a part or the whole of the New Testament into this language. I have, at length, got it begun, and under favourable circumstances. Two of the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the two Epistles of Peter, are already translated into this ancient tongue. The translation of the rest of the New Testament is going forward, while the parts I have mentioned are a revising by four gentlemen, who have cheerfully offered to take this labour upon them. I am much pleased to see the interest these individuals take in this matter; and it will, as it were, authorize this translation, when it is considered that they have revised it. All the four are members of Congress, and one of them is a clergyman. The gentleman who is engaged in the translation is a descendant of one of the Incas, or kings of Peru, and a native of the city of Cuzco. As soon as the parts I have mentioned are thoroughly revised, I intend to print them at the expense of the British and Foreign Bible Society. In the mean time, the translation of the whole New Testament will go forward until it is completed. I am also desirous of beginning with the Old Testament as soon as the New is translated. This translation of the whole Bible, and the printing of an edition of two or three thousand copies, will cost a considerable sum, especially as printing is expensive in this country. I have written to the British and Foreign Bible Society, requesting their instructions regarding the extent to which they might wish me to go in this matter at their expense. I trust they will authorize me to go forward in this work, and to carry it into completion. As this, however, is an _American_ work, I believe the American Bible Society would gladly come forward with their aid to carry it into effect. This language is spoken by about a million of people; and no other inducement should be necessary to interest Bible Societies in regard to it. There are also two other languages spoken in this country, namely, the Aimará and the Moxa.[3] About four hundred thousand people speak these two languages. I am desirous of getting, at least, one of the Gospels translated into each of these, but have not yet got any thing done. It is my intention to take a journey through the interior of Peru; and, when passing through the places where these two languages are spoken, I shall endeavour to procure the translations when on the spot.

Thus, you see, the Lord’s work goes forward, even in this remote corner. South America has hitherto been a neglected and benighted country; but thanks be to God, this long night of darkness is now far spent, and the day is at hand. From the time I set my foot on board on my voyage to South America, I have considered myself as an American. Ever since that day the interests of America are the uppermost in my heart. You too, my dear Sir, and the members of your Society, are Americans. I would, therefore, call upon you, as my fellow-citizens, and would rouse you up to the mighty importance of that sacred work in which you are engaged. America, North and South, is the field for your operations. Lo! the poor Indian, begging from you the “bread of life.” Can you shut up your bowels of compassion?—“Come over and help us,” breaks upon our ears from every quarter. Surely this is not the time to sit down with folded hands, to rejoice in what has been accomplished. No. It is the time to blush, and to be ashamed for our past supineness: it is the time for calling forth all our energy, for plying every nerve, in order to make the Light of Life shine from one end of the earth to the other.

[3] Although I resided upwards of two years in Peru, yet during that time I did not meet with any person qualified to translate the Scriptures into either of these two languages. But after leaving that country, I met with a person fitted for translating into the Aimará, in a place where I little expected to find one. In London, last year, when in one of the Paddington coaches, I perceived that one of my fellow passengers was a foreigner, from his countenance and manner of speaking. After we had conversed a little with each other, I took the liberty to ask him from what part of the world he came. He told me he was from South America; and upon inquiring more particularly, I found he was a native of La Paz, in Peru, the very spot where the Aimará language is spoken. This individual I found to be perfectly acquainted with this language, having spoken it from his infancy; and from his education and other circumstances, I conceived him to be a suitable person for translating the Scriptures into that language. Our acquaintance increased, and led to his being engaged by the British and Foreign Bible Society to translate the New Testament into his native tongue; and he has now nearly completed this work.