LETTERS ON THE MORAL AND RELIGIOUS STATE OF SOUTH AMERICA.

Buenos Aires, 5th June, 1820.

I cannot be very particular as to all that has occurred to me since my arrival here, the outlines will be sufficient. I arrived on the 6th October, 1818, after a voyage from Liverpool of twelve weeks and three days, and except about a fortnight, was sick all the time. Soon after my arrival, I made proposals to the Government, regarding the introduction of the Lancasterian System of education. I received promises of meeting with every encouragement in this matter, but these promises, through neglect, were long in producing the desired effect. I was feeling the truth of Solomon’s remark, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sad.” Under these circumstances I was proposing to go into the interior, where I had more positive encouragement held out to me. Just at this time, by application at a better quarter than we had at first applied to, the arrangement was formed by which I was engaged by the magistrates to put their schools, in this city and neighbourhood, upon this plan. Since that time we have been doing more or less in this business, but things in general go on very slowly here, and besides, many political changes have retarded our operations. Notwithstanding, however, I trust the foundation of a good work has been laid, by pursuing of which, I hope to see many thousands reaping the benefits of education, and imbibing the soundest principles of religion and morality from lessons selected from the Holy Scriptures. You will be surprised and pleased when I tell you, these lessons are entirely of my own selection, and printed in this place. In no case, regarding them, has there been any interference or hindrance on the part of the clergy or others. We have now a school going on, with upwards of 100 boys in it, and soon we expect to have others set a going. These things, my dear friend, fill me (as they will do you) with gratitude and thanksgiving. They are small things, in themselves considered, but taking into consideration all the circumstances of this country, they are great, and more especially when considered as a foundation for future operations. In another respect also something has been done, I mean regarding the circulation of the Scriptures. I have got upwards of 400 Spanish New Testaments from the British and Foreign Bible Society, and these I have been able to land here without the smallest hindrance. Several of them have been already distributed, and have met with a ready reception. I have been able also to send some of them into various parts of the country here, and into Chile. Where the word of God circulates, we have every ground to look for good effects, though it may, like seed sown in the earth, appear for a while to be lost. By and by, however, the seed springs up, first the blade, then the ear, and lastly the full corn in the ear. So shall it be with the seed of the word of God, which shall not return void, but shall accomplish the will of God in turning men from darkness to light.

We are in the midst of political commotions here at present, and have been so for some time past. The Lord, however, is the security of his people, he is the Governor among the nations, and all these changes will, I trust, lead to the promoting of his kingdom. Let us join in the prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.” For the present, farewell.

Buenos Aires, 26th July, 1820.

I have got the information contained in your letters, and the printed sheet translated into Spanish, and have presented it to the Magistrates, who have ordered it to be printed in the Buenos Aires Gazette.

I am happy to say the same favourable disposition towards our objects, continues to prevail in this place; and that from Monte Video I have lately received encouraging accounts, which, I hope, will lead to a commencement in that place. I went there about three months ago, to see what could be done. It so happened that General Lecor, the Portuguese Governor, to whom I had letters of introduction, was absent at Maldonado, with the two principal Magistrates. I explained my objects to the chief clergyman, a liberal man, and a particular friend of the Governor’s. He promised to do all he could towards promoting our system of education on the Governor’s return; and I some weeks ago received from him a copy of a letter, which the Magistrates addressed to him upon the subject, and of which I subjoin a translation.

“Monte Video, 20th May, 1820.

“Sir,—We have read with peculiar pleasure and attention the memorial which you had the goodness to send us, relative to the system of instruction established in Europe by Lancaster. We have the honour of communicating, that it has met with our particular esteem; and that in consequence, we have resolved to adopt the said system in this city, as soon as Mr. Thomson can come here from Buenos Aires, to commence it. Please communicate this to him, and express our sincere thanks to him for his zeal towards the youth of this province. May God preserve you many years.”

Buenos Aires, 24th May, 1821.

I am now about to leave this city, and to proceed to Chile. I leave the two principal schools going on as I mentioned in my last, and the masters of the others instructed in the monitorian system. What principally enables me to leave the schools here in the confidence that they will go on well, is, that they are under the particular care of one who feels much interest in the new system of instruction, and of general education. This individual is very active, and well fitted to carry into execution what he conceives useful. The person I am speaking of is a priest. We have been associated together in the care of the schools for some time, and have had much intercourse with each other, and we have always been on the most friendly terms.

It was my intention to leave this, at the latest, in October next. Things, however, being favourably arranged, as above mentioned, I have thought it my duty to set out for Chile without loss of time. From my former letters you would learn that the Chilian government has requested me to go there to establish schools on the Lancasterian plan. I had promised to go as soon as the state of the schools here would permit. The Chilian government, through their minister here, continues to shew the same interest as before in regard to this matter, and has now made an agreement with me.

The season is now far advanced, and the Andes are covered with snow. Besides this inconvenience of the mountains, the roads, in some places, are nearly intercepted, so as to render travelling rather insecure. From these considerations, I have resolved, with the advice of my friends, to go by sea, and have taken my passage in the brig Dragon, Captain Green, for Valparaiso, in Chile. Sailing round Cape Horn is by no means so formidable a matter now as it was formerly considered to be. Vessels frequently go round now, and at all seasons. This is now the middle of our winter, and we expect the cold to be severe. I am accordingly preparing myself for it, as well as I can, by providing warm clothing. During the winter the winds are considered more favourable, and vessels make quicker passages. We expect to sail in a day or two, and, I trust, He who guided me over the ocean in coming to this place, will still be with me to preserve me, and to bring me safely to my desired haven.

I leave all my friends here on the best terms, and I leave the place, in many respects with regret. I shall never forget all the kindness I have met with in this city from the Magistrates, and from all classes with whom I have had intercourse. May God reward them. When I gave in my resignation, I said that it was my intention to return here next summer, to visit the schools, and to see how they were coming on. In the kindest manner I was requested not to forget my promise of returning. They were sorry, they said, that it was not in their power to reward me in a pecuniary way, from the lowness of their funds. They begged me to accept of their sincerest thanks for establishing this system of education in the country, from which they said they anticipated the happiest results, in making education general throughout all classes of the people; and they added that, as a mark of respect, they had requested the government to confer on me the honour of citizenship, and which was accordingly done.

Santiago de Chile, 6th Aug. 1821.

My letter to you of the 16th July, brought down my journal to the day before my leaving Valparaiso. On the 17th I left that place in the afternoon, and at two o’clock on the 19th I said, “Peace be to this city!” I was going to give you some account of the road, and what I met with upon it, but find I have got other things to write which will fill my letter. I shall leave this description till a further opportunity.

You know, already, that I was engaged to come here by this government, and that my passage round the Cape was paid by the same. I therefore looked for a fair and open reception. I have not been disappointed, or, perhaps, I should rather say I have, for I have met with a reception beyond my expectation, I might say to my wish. I have been introduced to the Director and to the Ministers of Government, all of whom express much desire for the speedy establishment of schools throughout Chile. We have got the largest apartment in the University for a school-room. The joiners are busy at work, fitting it up, and we only wait their finishing to begin our operations.

I shall occupy the rest of my letter in giving you a translation of two articles, which bear upon this subject.

On my arrival here, I received a copy of the following order, issued by the Government two days before I reached this city:—

“By supreme authority of this date, I communicate to Don Manuel Salas the following note.

“Mr. Thomson, who has been engaged to establish in this city the new system of mutual instruction, has already arrived in Valparaiso. His Excellency, the Director, has a decided wish that public education may be general, and is very anxious to give all possible aid to this establishment for elementary instruction, as preparatory to the higher branches. He has for this end appointed you with full powers to forward this object, in conjunction with Mr. Thomson, and the President of the Board of Public Education. You will, therefore, do all in your power to establish it as soon and as perfectly as possible.—A copy of this order to be sent to the President of Public Education, and to Mr. Thomson.”

“Office of the Minister of State in Santiago de Chile, 17th July, 1821.

“Joaquin de Echevarria.”

Upon enquiring who this Don Manuel Salas was, I found he was a man very highly respected by every one, and a modest but decided philanthropist. I have since been frequently with him, and find him, indeed, as described to me. I next give you an article from the Public Gazette of the 4th current; I think it is from the pen of Salas, but this is only conjecture. It is, however, either from him or from one of the Ministers of Government.

“PUBLIC EDUCATION.

“Ignorance is one of the greatest evils that man can suffer, and it is the principal cause of all his errors and miseries. It is also the grand support of tyranny, and ought, therefore, to be banished by every means from that country which desires a liberty regulated by laws, customs, and opinion. None can be happy unless he study religion, morality, and his own rights, unless he improve by the knowledge of those who have preceded him, and enter into social connexion, as it were, with those who in former times, and in other places, cultivated the sciences and the arts, and who have deposited in their writing, the fruit of their studies for the improvement of others. The only way by which we can form such an acquaintance with great men is by reading. The happy day is now arrived when the infinitely valuable art of reading is to be extended to every individual in Chile. We have now the pleasure of announcing this to all classes of the community. This will be considered as the most interesting news, by those who know its importance, and who consider it as the basis of solid prosperity. Deeply impressed with this truth, our benevolent government has brought to this place Mr. James Thomson, who has established in Buenos Aires elementary schools upon that admirable system of Lancaster, which has spread through the world. He is going to establish schools on the same plan in this city, from which, as a centre, this system will be propagated through all the towns of the state. The readiness with which this mode of education has been generally adopted, its economy, and the quickness and order with which children learn by it reading, writing, arithmetic, and the principles of grammar, strongly recommend it. It has been particularly useful in those places where rural or mechanical occupations allow but a short time for instruction. There is, therefore, now no obstacle in the way for every one in Chile to obtain education. Notice will be given, from time to time, of the progress of the central school, which is to serve as a model for others. In it masters will be instructed, and those masters who show the most attention in acquiring a knowledge of this system will be appointed in preference to the other schools.”

Santiago de Chile, 8th October, 1821.

I seize the opportunity of sending you a few lines by his Majesty’s ship Owen Glendower, which sails for England from Valparaiso immediately. I enclose you a copy of a letter of this date to Mr. Owen, which will inform you of my concerns here, touching the Bible Society, to this date. In addition to this, I shall now communicate to you some notices regarding our schools here, bringing down my accounts upon the subject from the 1st September (the date of my last letter to Mr. S.) to the present day.

I am happy to say, the favourable reception I met with here, and of which I wrote you on the 6th August, was not a momentary feeling. It has been kept up till now, and I might also say, it has rather increased than diminished. Soon after my arrival in this city, a large room in the University was pointed out to me as the place in which we were to begin our school operations. This hall is capable of containing 200 children, according to our plan, and this is a very good number for a model school. This hall was to have been the University Chapel. The building I here call the University, is not occupied at present in the way its name would indicate, though intended for a place of learning. There is, however, another building appropriated to the objects of a college, and of which I may write you afterwards. My present object is to speak of our schools. Through the delay of the joiners in fitting up this place, it was not completed till the 17th September. On that day our school was opened. From day to day our number increased, till, at the end of a fortnight, our number (200) was completed. Since that time, we have been daily importuned to admit others, which we are unable to do. We are, however, about to commence fitting up another large hall in the University buildings. At the present rate of applications, we shall certainly have more in readiness for that second school, by the time it is prepared, than it will contain. The fitting up of others is also talked of. From the short time our school has been going on, it promises to do well. The children are docile and agreeable. I am now so much familiarized with the appearance and manner of the children in these countries, that I feel myself quite at home among them. There is more resemblance to the English or European face among the children and others here, in Chile, than in Buenos Aires. I have been this moment interrupted by one of my scholars, who has called upon me, and brought me a ham, a present from his mother.

All classes seem to take an interest in our schools. We are daily visited. The First Minister of the Government pays us a visit regularly every afternoon. We have already four masters studying the system, and these will be ready in a month or two to open schools on our plan, either in this city or in the provincial towns. In Conception, Coquimbo, and another town of inferior population, they are preparing for establishing schools upon our system. The principal things we stand in need of for the rapid extension of our schools, are slates and printed lessons. I am expecting 2000 slates by the first vessel from England, and am at present getting some lessons printed in the government printing office. To defray the expense of these, we have opened a subscription, which I hope will do well. I have already got upwards of 270 dollars among my English friends here, and expect more.

Thus, you see, the Lord is with us, and blessed be his name. May he, in his own way and wisdom, make his great name glorious in the eyes of Chile, and of all South America.

Santiago de Chile, 8th October, 1821.

I wrote you a few lines on the 26th February, and then mentioned that it was my intention to visit Chile. Through the gracious providence of the God of the Bible Society, I have now effected my intention. I left Buenos Aires on the 30th May, and sailing round Cape Horn, arrived safely at Valparaiso, after a voyage of forty-four days. After a short stay in that place, to recruit my health, which always suffers at sea, I came to this city, the capital of Chile. Here, the moment of my arrival, I met with a very encouraging reception. You know, of course, that my most prominent object in South America is the promoting of education on the Lancasterian plan. On this footing it was that I experienced so hearty a reception in this place. Great and respected as your Society is, and ought to be, in the eyes of England and of Europe, it would yet be an imprudence to proclaim one’s self your agent here, with the sole or chief object of circulating the Bible. This is not speaking very favourably of the inhabitants of South America, you will say. I confess it, but at the same time, I have told you the truth.[1] Whilst, however, I hold myself forward in the eyes of South America, as a promoter of education and an instructor of youth, I consider myself in all respects as the servant of the British and Foreign Bible Society. I beg you to consider me in this light, and to call upon me with the utmost freedom in whatever way I can, directly or indirectly, promote your blessed work, in making the inhabitants of this vast continent acquainted with the words of eternal life. I have said, my prominent object here is the establishment of schools. I freely and openly profess this, and in consequence am every where hailed as a friend. The little influence I have thus acquired, and the confidence reposed in me, enable me more effectually to promote the circulation of the Scriptures, than if I acted ostensibly and exclusively as your agent. One proof of this I shall give you. I brought with me among my books from Buenos Aires, about sixty Spanish New Testaments. In getting my luggage through the custom-house, I was told, that the books must be inspected by the Bishop. I wished this might be dispensed with, but it was insisted on. I then told the officers, that I was engaged to come here by the Government to establish the Lancasterian schools. That alters the case, said they, and immediately the papers for despatching my books, &c. were signed, and not a single book was so much as looked at either by the Bishop, or by any of the custom-house officers. I was told, before coming here, that there was much less liberality in Chile, as to the circulation of the Scriptures, than in Buenos Aires. I was, therefore, anxious to avoid the inspection of the Bishop above noticed. I understand he has it in his power to prohibit what books he chooses, and that his prohibition holds, unless the Government give, in the individual case, an order to the contrary. I am in expectation of receiving from you very soon 300 of Scio’s translation of the New Testament. These I shall let pass all the forms required, to make proof whether or not the Scriptures are allowed to be introduced into Chile. This, you will perceive, is an object worth ascertaining, and the knowledge of it will be of considerable use in directing us in future. Should the Bishop demur as to their circulation, and wish to keep them, I can, I think, obtain an order of the Government to prevent it; so that we may consider there is no great danger of losing them, in making the trial referred to.

Notwithstanding what I have said above, no interruption to the circulation of the Spanish New Testament has yet been experienced. Soon after my arrival, I gave to an Englishman, who has a shop here, some copies to sell. This man is a Roman Catholic, and I am happy to say, he recommends the Scriptures to the natives of this country, who are of his own religion. He has already sold about twenty. He is very anxious for the arrival of the Spanish Bibles, which I told him I expected, as he thinks he could sell many of them.

In my letters to you, from time to time, when in Buenos Aires, I related to you the state of the circulation of the Scriptures in that place. I am happy to say, that at my leaving it, the prospects regarding this important matter were more favourable than at any former period. I do not mean to say by this, that there was any particular stir about the word of God, or great demand for it; but I mean to convey to you this encouraging truth, that the Scriptures are occasionally bought, and more so than formerly, and that they are increasingly read from year to year. I consider the word of God to have fairly got an entrance into Buenos Aires; and that its prohibition, or any material hindrance to its circulation, is not only unlikely, but, one might say, impossible. I give you this as my opinion, after a residence in that place of more than two years and a half, and an intercourse with various classes of society during that time.

I shall now mention some things not formerly noticed, regarding the circulation of the Scriptures in Buenos Aires, and in the surrounding country.—A military officer, commanding on a station a short distance from the city, has been greatly delighted with the New Testament, and in consequence, very anxious to make others acquainted with it. He recommended the reading of it to several poor people who were unable to purchase it, and requested to have copies to give them, which he obtained. In this way he has distributed a number of copies. Besides those given to the poor, some have been sold by him to those able to pay for them. He used to take me very cordially by the hand when we met, and to speak with pleasure on the beneficence of the Bible Society, and of the great advantages that would arise to his countrymen by a general reading of the Holy Scriptures. I told him I hoped soon to have the whole Bible in Spanish, and in consequence he is all expectation for it. On my leaving Buenos Aires, I gave twenty-four New Testaments to this gentleman, in the confidence of their being distributed in the most judicious manner.

There is a military station and a small town on the east coast of Patagonia, called Rio Negro, in about 42° south latitude. To this place some copies of the New Testament have been sent. One individual, a native of that place, was so pleased with the copy he got, that he requested the person who brought it, to bring several copies on his return for his family and friends. I am personally acquainted with the officer at present commanding at that place, and am pretty certain he will not throw any obstacle in the way of the circulation of the Scriptures. This gentleman attended our school in Buenos Aires, and took with him lessons, &c. to establish schools on his arrival in that place, for which he sailed in May last. The lessons I have referred to I got printed in Buenos Aires for our schools. They are selections from the Scriptures. These lessons, now used in most of the schools, will greatly contribute, I hope, to create a desire to possess the sacred volume, a book which has hitherto been little known in this country.

A Patagonian chief, called Cualli Piachepolon, in the very centre of Patagonia, is in possession of one of your Testaments. This man has been in the habit of visiting Buenos Aires for some years, in order to exchange the few commodities which his country at present produces, for those of Europe. He has hence acquired some knowledge of the Spanish language. Upon hearing some passages of the New Testament read to him, he requested to have the book, that he might, on his return, explain it to his people.

Some copies have been sent to Tucuman, to Salta, &c.; so that your bounty is known, more or less throughout the provinces of the Rio de la Plata; and I have no doubt but, some hundred years hence, the then populous banks of that king of rivers, and the circumjacent country, will gratefully remember the present Committee and Members of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

I close my account of Buenos Aires, for the present, by noticing, that some individuals, upon obtaining the New Testament, and hearing of your great and extended efforts in distributing the Holy Scriptures, wondered how they had been taught that the English were not Christians. When speaking on religion, it is common to use the word Christian and Protestant in contradistinction to each other, meaning, by the former, themselves or Roman Catholics in general, and by the latter, the English or Protestants in general.

A short time before I left the Rio de la Plata, I sent ten of the Portuguese Bibles, and twenty New Testaments, to Bahia, in charge of a person who, I think, would take care to see them safely lodged in that place. I sent them to the care of the English Chaplain there.

During the few days I stopped at Valparaiso, I met with a gentleman to whom I had formerly intrusted twelve of the Spanish New Testaments. Upon my enquiring about them, he told me they had been stolen out of his room. Though this was to be regretted, yet one good effect would arise from it, in as much as the person who stole them would no doubt take effectual care to put them in circulation.

In my letter of 26th February, I requested the Society to send me 200 of Scio’s translation to Buenos Aires, and 300 to Valparaiso. I hope these will respectively arrive in due time. I then noticed to you the advantage that would arise from lettering them on the back, and varying them in the binding. I particularly request your attention to this, as I am sure it will contribute greatly to their sale. Let the binding be in many cases elegant. They would thus be more expensive to the Society at first, but they would be considerably less in the end. It is my intention to sell them in future, except when a favourable opportunity occurs of giving the word of God to a person in real poverty. This I know to be the uniform recommendation of the Society. I would beg leave to suggest to you, that no Bibles or New Testaments be sent out in future to Buenos Aires by the captains of ships. The captains, however well intentioned they may be, cannot stay to distribute them. The Testaments, in consequence, have not unfrequently come into hands who wish to get rid of them in any way. By this means they become, as it were, of too little consideration, and their sale is thus also prevented, which no doubt is the most effectual way of distributing them. In Buenos Aires several persons objected to buying them, because they had formerly been got for nothing. I shall, as I have said above, most readily act as your agent in distributing the Scriptures in Buenos Aires, and in Chile. The most judicious and effectual way of doing this is through the booksellers in these places. Before leaving Buenos Aires I arranged for the continued circulation of the New Testament, and here I shall make arrangements to the same effect before I go. It is my intention to visit Peru before long; and I shall there also, and indeed wherever I may be, zealously endeavour to promote the good work in which you are engaged.

In a few years South America will have large claims on your Society, but she will pay you from her mines for all your kindness. Should the Lord spare me ten or twenty years, I have no doubt I shall see wonderful and blessed changes on this continent. It is my intention, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to spend my life (long or short as it may be) in South America; probably not in any fixed place, but residing from time to time wherever I may most effectually promote the work of the Lord, in establishing schools, in circulating the Scriptures, and in the use of such other means as circumstances may direct.

Santiago de Chile, 1st Dec. 1821.

Before this reaches you, the taking of Lima by San Martin, will be known in England. I need not expatiate upon this subject to you. You must see at once how much our field is thereby extended. I may truly say, the fall of Lima is as great a blow to the kingdom of Satan here, as it is to the cause of Spain in South America. From what I have learned of San Martin, I am sure he will prove a great forwarder of our cause there, and indeed wherever he may be. The rejoicings here on account of the fall of Lima have been very great, and they still continue. The fall of that strong hold of the Spaniards, is at once the liberty of Peru, and the stability of Chile; and I may add too, the independence of South America.

We are about to form a School Society in this city, which I hope will be attended with happy results. The Director condescends to be the Patron of the Society, and his first minister is to be President. We are looking around us for the most patriotic and liberal men of the city to form a Committee. Our Society may not be able to do what a similar Society would do in England; but it may, however, do something, and may considerably forward our objects here on behalf of the inhabitants of Chile. Besides the establishing and superintending of schools throughout the state, there is another object to which the Society will greatly contribute, I mean, the printing of some elementary works for the schools, and for the children to read in their own houses. This is a part of our work, which I consider of great importance, and to which I intend to turn a considerable part of my time and attention, so soon as other matters will allow.

I believe I wrote you, before leaving Buenos Aires, that I had sent a Master to Monte Video, or that I was about to send one. He had not left Buenos Aires when I came away, as he was occupied in printing a grammar, which he had written for the use of our schools. I have lately received a letter from him, of which I shall give you an extract.—“On the 4th of this month (July) I arrived in this city with the slates and lessons you gave me for the schools here. On the following day, I presented myself to Larañaga, (the chief ecclesiastic in Monte Video,) and he introduced me to General Lecor, the Governor, to whom I gave your letter. I met with a very hearty reception from the general, as also from Larañaga, and the magistrates. On the 9th, we had assigned to us for a school-room, a large hall in the Fort. This hall will hold 200 children. The general sent the joiners and masons of the Government to prepare this school, and I am in hopes we shall be able to open it in three weeks. I am making endeavours to form a School Society here, which may take under its management the schools of this city and province. I am in great expectation of succeeding in this object, as the members of the Government are very well disposed to it.”

In the end of this month, I am thinking of crossing the Andes, to verify my long intended visit to Mendoza. The printing of our lessons is nearly finished, and I shall thus be enabled to take some with me for the supply of that place. You will see by the extracts of letters I gave from Mendoza, in my last letter to Mr. H. (Nov. 1st), that things there are very promising. I hope my expectations regarding their improvements will be more than realized. The snow still continues on the mountains, as I am informed by a gentleman just come over them. I hope it will be nearly all gone by the time I set out. It has continued, I understand, for an unusual length of time this season.

I shall leave the schools in my absence, under the care of an Englishman lately come here from London. This gentleman was engaged by the agent there of this Government, for the purpose of establishing Lancasterian schools here. Upon his arrival, it was the intention of the Government to send him to Conception. I thought, however, it would be better that he should stay here to instruct the school-masters in grammar, geography, &c., whilst they were studying the system in our school. To this proposal the Government cheerfully agreed. We have in consequence a separate class in the school, in which Mr. Eaton instructs the masters, and two or three more who choose to attend. This arrangement will prove, I hope, highly advantageous to the education of the country at large, as those, who in future take charge of schools, will be better qualified for this important office.

Santiago de Chile, 30th Jan. 1822.

As I know you and your good friends of the British and Foreign School Society take a deep interest in all things here relative to education, I send you an extract from the Chile Gazette of the 19th current, by which you will see that our endeavours to form a School Society here have not been in vain.

“The surest method of promoting the happiness of any country is to make all the people in it well informed and industrious. An end has at length been put to the obstacles which prevented the natives of Chile from enjoying those blessings which are enjoyed by other nations less favoured by nature, but who have preceded us in the cultivation of literature and the arts. It is hence necessary now to strain every nerve to regain that time which in idleness and darkness has been thrown away. We begin, then, by offering an opportunity of acquiring knowledge to all classes of the community, without respect of rank or fortune, of sex or age.

“The Lancasterian system of mutual instruction, now introduced in most parts of the civilized world, and to which many places already owe an improvement in their habits, has been established amongst us, and in such a manner as prognosticates its beneficial effects. The propagation of this system holds out the surest means of extirpating those principles formed amongst us during the time of darkness. The government has resolved zealously to protect this establishment, and, as the best way of fulfilling its intention, has resolved to unite with it in this object those persons who have the same sentiments on the subject, and who, at the same time, possess that activity, zeal, and energy, which this important matter demands. In all places this system of instruction prospers and extends itself under the fostering care of societies. This circumstance at once determines me to follow the example thus set before us, and immediately to establish a Society for this object. Of this Society I shall be the protector and a member. My first minister of state will be President. The Solicitor General of the City, the Protector of the City Schools, and the Rector of the National Institute, shall be ex-officio members of the Committee of Management. The other members of the Committee will in future be chosen by the Society; but, for the present, I nominate to this charge:— * * * *

“The Committee will hold its meetings in the room belonging to the Central School, on such days as shall be agreed on at the first meeting, with no other formality than what is dictated by good order. The Committee shall form rules for the Society, and present them to the Government for approbation, and shall name a Secretary, Accountant, and Treasurer, either from their own number or otherwise. The object of this Institution is to extend, in every direction throughout Chile, the benefits of education; to promote the instruction of all classes, but especially of the poor; to seize all the advantages which this new system of education offers; and to point out those means by which it may be best adapted to the circumstances and necessities of the country. In short, this Institution will be considered a good of the greatest magnitude, and whose efficacies will, we trust, in some measure correspond to that great extension of which it is susceptible.

(Signed)

“O’Higgins.”

I trust this Society, which has thus been formed, will be extremely useful in forwarding the great concerns of general education in this rising nation. There are many circumstances here very encouraging in regard to the future prospects and prosperity of Chile. It is probable our Society will communicate with you before long, by way of claiming alliance with you in the grand work of universal instruction.

Santiago de Chile, 9th May, 1822.

You have heard, I dare say, that I left Buenos Aires some time ago, and came to Chile. I have now been here ten months, and am much pleased with this country. In as far as respects the climate, I believe no country can be more desirable to live in than this. It rains a good deal in the winter season, that is, from June to September inclusive. Frost and snow are seldom or never seen in the plains; notwithstanding, a fire is very desirable in the winter. The highest ridge of the Andes is full in sight from this city. This is covered with snow all the year round. When it rains here below, it uniformly snows on the mountains. In the summer season, we have no rain at all, and very few cloudy days. The common course of the seasons is four months of occasional rains, and eight months of fair weather. In the summer it is pretty hot during the day; but it is always very comfortable at night. In Buenos Aires, on the contrary, the nights, during the summer, are generally very warm. In another respect also, Buenos Aires differs very remarkably from this country. There, not a mountain, nor a hill, nor a rock is to be seen; here, all those abound. The natives of Buenos Aires, who have never been from home, have no idea of what a mountain is like;[2] and of snow they are equally ignorant, having never seen the one or the other. They would also be ignorant of what a stone is, were it not that some have been brought from the other side of the river, for paving the streets. After what I have said of the scarcity of stones, you may judge of the correctness of a very modern work on South America, in which it is said, “All the houses in Buenos Aires are built of a fine white stone, found in quarries in the neighbourhood.” There is not, in Buenos Aires, a single house built of stone, nor is there any quarry on that side of the river within 100 miles of Buenos Aires. The houses there are all built of brick. The mentioning of this last, brings me back again to Chile. All the houses here, or nearly all, are built of unburnt brick, such bricks as the Israelites made in Egypt; they are made of earth mixed with straw. It is said, this material for building suits the country best, on account of earthquakes, which are not unfrequent. Last night, just about this hour, (eight o’clock) we had a smart shock. I was sitting writing, when my attention was called by a rumbling noise, and a clattering of the window shutters. In a few seconds, the whole house shook, and the creaking of the beams and joists was very distinct. The noise continued for a few seconds after the shock, when all ceased. This is now the fourth earthquake we have had in less than a week. They prevail most, I am told, in this month.

We have now got our schools set on foot in this place, and I am thinking of going to Lima in the course of a month or less, in order to prosecute my objects there. According to the best information, the new state of things in that country goes on wonderfully. Many reforms are taking place of a very salutary nature. Gaming, which is carried on to a very hurtful extent in all South America, has just been prohibited in Lima, by the Government. Acts have passed for the gradual abolition of slavery. Since the taking of Lima, all the children of slaves are born free. The importation of slaves is entirely prohibited, and no infringement of the Act takes place. The same state of things subsists here and in Buenos Aires, regarding this shameful business. There is in South America generally, I believe, a great desire for the increase of knowledge. I can bear witness, that this is the case, in those parts I have been in; and I doubt not of finding it so in Lima also. I am told, that learning has prevailed there more than in places to the south of it, on this continent. There are several men there, I am informed, who stand tolerably high in literature. About three months ago, a literary society was formed in Lima. I have sent a translation of the Act incorporating the Society to Professor Jameson, of Edinburgh, and it may perhaps appear in the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal.

The fall of Lima decided, I think, the contest between Spain and her colonies, fairly establishing the independence of the latter. If any thing, however, was wanting to complete this state of things, it has now been accomplished by the late occurrences in Mexico. The immediate and solid advantages occurring from this independence, to the cause of our fellow-men in this continent, are very great. Knowledge is now tolerated in the country, and also patronized. A war of extermination has been declared against ignorance, and is actually waged. Soon after San Martin entered Lima, a provisional law was issued, until a new code should be formed for the country. In this provisional law, religious toleration is publicly acknowledged, for the first time, in South America.

A most wonderful change has taken place in Buenos Aires since I left it. War, anarchy, and confusion, have given place to a steady, firm, and enlightened government. The principal cause of this happy change is the present minister of state, Rivadavia. He arrived in Buenos Aires a short time before I left it. For some years past he has resided in London and in Paris; and the time he has spent in these places has been well employed. He has there studied and is now practising the soundest principles of political economy. If Buenos Aires goes on for a few years as it has done for some months past, it will afford excellent lessons in this interesting science to the nations of Europe, perhaps to the country of Adam Smith. A fine emulation will be carried on, and is already begun, between Buenos Aires and Lima. If an improvement is proposed in one of these places, it is deemed sufficient to silence popular and low prejudice, to publish that such a thing has already been done in the other. As to the Chilians, they are, generally speaking, less enlightened and more indifferent in respect to these subjects. Our Director is a good man, truly desirous of the progress of Chile in every thing useful. He has, however, but little activity or zeal. It is pleasing to see, under these circumstances, the good effects produced on us here, by the newspapers of Lima on the one hand, and of Buenos Aires on the other. From these many articles are copied into our public journals; and some things are already begun among us, in imitation of our friends in the north and on the east. I lately crossed and recrossed the Andes on a visit to Mendoza and San Juan. The cause of knowledge and of truth goes on there also. In each of these places there is a printing-press, and from these are likely to issue soon, many things which will contribute to the general good.

Lima, 11th July, 1822.

Through the unceasing goodness of God towards me, I have now arrived safely in this city. On the 18th of last month I sailed from Valparaiso, and after a pleasant passage of ten days we cast anchor in Callao Bay. Callao is an excellent harbour, the best I have yet seen. It will hold almost any number of ships riding in great safety. It is well defended from all winds except the north, but it scarcely ever blows from that quarter. In consequence of an order from the Government that no passengers should be allowed to land until they receive a licence or passport from Lima, I had to defer my coming here till the day after our arrival; I got permission, however, from the captain of the port to go on shore. After viewing Callao, I went to take a view of the place where the former Callao stood, which was destroyed by the earthquake, of which of course you have read. Its site is about half a mile from where the present town stands. The destruction seems to have been complete. Not a house is now standing; but walls of houses of considerable thickness are to be seen scattered all over the place. Some of these are lying flat, and others are half turned over. How weak is man, and all his works, when God arises to shake the earth!

On the day on which I arrived in this city, I called on San Martin, and delivered him the letters of introduction which I had brought from Chile. He opened one of the letters, and observing its purport, said “Mr. Thomson! I am extremely glad to see you;” and he rose up, and gave me a very hearty embrace. He would not, he said, be lavish in compliments, but would assure me of his great satisfaction at my arrival; and said, that nothing should be wanting on his part to further the object which had brought me to Peru. Next day as I was sitting in my room, a carriage stopped at the door, and my little boy came running in crying, San Martin! San Martin! In a moment he entered the room, accompanied by one of his ministers. I would have had him step into another apartment of the house more suited to his reception; but he said the room was very well, and sat down on the first chair he reached. We conversed about our schools, and other similar objects for some time; and in going away he desired me to call on him next morning, and said he would introduce me to the Marquis of Truxillo, who is at present what is called the Supreme Deputy or Regent. I called on him accordingly next morning, and he took me with him and introduced me to the Marquis, and to each of the ministers.

From all the members of the government I have received great encouragement. On the 6th current an order was issued relative to our schools, and published in the Lima Gazette of the same date. I am going to write Mr. Millar to-morrow, and shall give him a translation of this order or decree, a copy of which will of course be sent you. By this order one of the convents is appropriated to the schools, and is now in our possession. I believe the convents here will decrease in number as the schools multiply. There is no contest or balancing of powers between the civil and ecclesiastical powers in this place. The former has the latter entirely at their nod. The case in regard to this convent is a proof of what I have said. The order for the friars to remove was given on Saturday, on Monday they began to remove, and on Tuesday the keys were delivered up.

From all I have seen during the short time I have been here, I cannot doubt of the great benefits which this country will derive from the new state of things. San Martin and his first minister, (and also the others) seem truly anxious to characterize the times by improvements—by solid improvements. They wish to encourage foreigners, and to improve the state of the country in every point of view. I have already mentioned to you my representation made to the Chilian government just before leaving that place, regarding the bringing out of tradesmen and farmers. I showed a copy of this representation to San Martin; he read it very carefully over, and concluded by saying, “Excellent!” He then told me what was his opinion on the subject, and proposed a plan for carrying it into effect, much more likely to succeed than the one I had stated. I am to draw up this plan in order, and to present it to him, that it may be sanctioned and carried into effect. I therefore consider this matter, so far as regards Peru, as fairly begun. The particulars of the plan I may send you afterwards. In the mean time, that you may see that in these matters I am not losing sight of my chief object, I shall mention to you one sentence of the representation referred to. It is this, “The men who will be most useful to South America, are men truly religious and of sound morality.” The minister of Chile, upon reading this sentence, said, “That is very true;” and San Martin expressed himself in a similar manner upon my stating the same thing to him.

What an immeasurable field is South America; and how white it is to the harvest! I have told you this repeatedly, but I have a pleasure in telling it to you again. I do think that, since the world began, there never was so fine a field for the exercise of benevolence in all its parts. The man of science, the moralist, the christian, have all fine scope here for their talents. God, who has opened such a door, will surely provide labourers.

My present intention is to continue here about six months, and then to move on northwards. I may, however, be kept longer here than I intend, but I am anxious to get to England as soon as possible. My stay here will depend much on the facility or difficulty of obtaining good masters for the school. This I find, from experience, a matter of so great importance, that I intend to pay every attention to it; and I have it now in my power more than ever to do so, having represented to the government the necessity of encouragement, by offering employment and a good salary to those who thoroughly study the system, and are able to put it in practice; and this encouragement I am authorised to give.

Lima, 12th July, 1822.

My last letter to you was written a few days before my leaving Chile. I then apprized you of the state of things there at that time, and of my intention of setting out for this place. Through the blessing of God, I arrived safely in this country on the 28th of last month, and have now to state to you how things look here, in reference to that truly important object—education.

I believe I told you, some time ago, that from various circumstances I expected every encouragement would be given to our object here by San Martin. I have not been disappointed in this. My expectations have all been fulfilled, and more than fulfilled. San Martin is most decidedly a friend to general, to universal education. I hope none of the members of the Committee of the British and Foreign School Society will be offended, but rather gratified, when I say, that they are not more friendly to this object than San Martin. Because I have come to Peru to promote this object, I have received from him every mark of respect and personal attention, as well as every encouragement to proceed in this work. The Marquis of Truxillo, and each of the ministers of government, feel deeply interested in the same object. Blessed be God for this encouragement. In his hand are the hearts of all, and he inclineth them to whatsoever he will. Surely the days draw nigh, when ignorance shall be ashamed to walk about any where in open day. May the glorious war now waged against her be a war of extermination. It will I trust be so, and when this enemy of mankind shall be slain, the British and Foreign School Society shall be clothed with her spoils, and be crowned with never fading laurel. Is it wrong to indulge pleasing prospects of the future amelioration of mankind? Is it sinful to cherish the hope of better times for this poor unfortunate world? I think it is not. If it is right to pray “Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven,” it cannot be wrong to expect that this prayer, daily reiterated from the mouth of thousands, will one day be heard, and be answered in all its extent; and when the will of God is done in this world, as it is done above, then shall the felicity on earth resemble the felicity of heaven.

The following is a translation of a decree of this government relative to the Schools, and which was published in the Lima Gazette of the 6th current.

“Preamble.—Without education there is properly speaking no society. Men may indeed live together without it, but they cannot know the extent of the duties, and the rights which bind them one to another, and it is in the right knowledge of these duties and rights that the well being of society consists. The bringing of education to any degree of perfection, is, from the nature of the thing, slow. To accomplish it, time is required, and some degree of stability in the government, as well as some other circumstances, both natural and moral. All these must combine, in order that the education of the people may become general, and that thus a foundation may be laid for the continuance of those Institutions which may be established among them. Of the various improvements which the government has been desirous of making, none has been more earnestly and constantly kept in view since the moment of its commencement, than the reformation of public education. In those intervals of tranquillity which have been enjoyed from the clamour of arms, this object has occupied their attention; and though the sun has not stood still, they have found in activity the secret of doubling the length of the day.

“It has already been announced, in various decrees of the government, that the introduction of the Lancasterian system in the public schools, was one of the plans in meditation. It is not yet possible to calculate the revolution which will be produced in the world by this system of mutual instruction, on its becoming general throughout the civilized world. When this shall take place, ignorance shall come to an end, or at least shall be reduced to certain limits, beyond which it shall never be allowed to pass. The time is now arrived for setting this system agoing in this place, and the commencing of it is worthy of the month of July—a month in which posterity will record many events of importance; and we trust they will do us the justice to declare, that we have desired to make this time memorable by deeds which philosophy applauds, and which spring from the noblest principles of all human actions, namely, the love of glory, founded on promoting the prosperity and happiness of mankind. The above are the reasons on which the following decree is founded.

“The Supreme Deputy, with the advice of the Privy Council, decrees—

“1. There shall be established a central or principal school, according to the Lancasterian system, under the direction of Mr. Thomson.

“2. The convent or college of St. Thomas shall be appropriated to this purpose. The friars at present residing in it shall remove to the large convent of St. Dominic, leaving only so many as are necessary for the service of the church attached to it.

“3. In this establishment the elementary parts of education shall be taught, together with the modern languages. The teachers necessary for this purpose shall be appointed agreeably to the arrangements which will be pointed out in the plan for the National Institute of Peru.

“4. At the expiration of six months all the public schools shall be shut, which are not conducted according to the system of mutual instruction.

“5. All the masters of the public schools shall attend the central school with two of their most advanced pupils, in order to be instructed in the new system; and in studying it they shall attend to the method prescribed by the director of the establishment.

“6. As soon as the director of the central school shall have instructed a sufficient number of teachers, these shall be employed, with competent salaries, in establishing public schools on the same principles in the capital city of each province of the state.

“7. At the first public examination which shall take place in the central school, those masters who have been most attentive in learning the system, and shall have made such progress as to be able to conduct schools according to it, shall receive the reward of a gold medal, to be ordered for that purpose by the Minister of State.

“8. For the preservation and extension of the new system the Patriotic Society of Lima is particularly requested and commissioned to take such measures as may be considered necessary for these purposes; and they are desired to make known to the government those things in which its co-operation may be required, in order effectually to carry forward this important object.

“9. In order that the advantages of this system of education may be extended to the female sex, which the Spanish government has always treated with culpable neglect, it is particularly recommended to the Patriotic Society to take into consideration the most likely means for establishing a central school for the instruction of girls.

“10. The salary of the director, and the other expenses necessary for this establishment, shall be defrayed by the government. The Minister of State is authorized to issue all the orders necessary for the punctual fulfilment of this decree.

“Given in the government palace in Lima, 6th July, 1822.

(Signed)

“Truxillo.

“By order of his Excellency, countersigned,

“B. Monteagudo.”

As we go on in our operations, I shall communicate to you the result.

Lima, 4th September, 1822.

The first of September has returned, and has gone by. I have not, however, failed in seizing an opportunity of writing you according to our agreement. You know, I dare say, that we have not a post that leaves Lima every morning for England. A vessel goes now and then from Callao to Valparaiso, and through these two places, and across the Andes, and through Buenos Aires, my letters to you are now obliged to travel. No vessel has sailed for Chile since the 1st current; but in a few days the French frigate lying here is to sail for Valparaiso.

I have now been upwards of two months in this city, and have all the while enjoyed my health very well. I am inclined to think this climate is better than I was led to expect from the accounts I had heard of it. The tertian ague, however, is a disease very common, especially during summer. Of the Englishmen I know here, three have had it since my arrival. The general opinion, I think, is, that with great regularity of living, this place is not unhealthy; but that the effects of irregularity in the general mode of living, is more hurtful here than in most other places. A good police would certainly contribute greatly to the healthiness of this city. This will be enjoyed, I believe, in due time; but the Government has so many things at present to do, that some time may elapse before that improvement takes place. This is the largest city I have yet seen in South America, and I believe there is none larger in it. I do not, of course, include Mexico, which is in North America. The houses here, and the general appearance of the city, have a more commanding and richer aspect than what is met with in Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile. The general appearance of the population, however, I think, is considerably inferior to what is seen in these two places, particularly in the latter. One thing which contributes to this difference, is the considerable proportion of slaves here. In Buenos Aires, there are a good many of this class of our fellow-men, but fewer than in Lima and Santiago; and in Chile, in general, there are very few; and this is one thing which inclines me to prefer the general appearance of Santiago to the other two cities I have mentioned.

About three weeks after my arrival here, San Martin set out for Quito, to have an interview with Bolivar. They met in Guayaquil, as the President of Colombia had left Quito, and reached that place before San Martin landed. The interview was, I dare say, interesting, and I trust it will be productive of good effects for the two countries of which they are the Governors, and also for South America in general. A good understanding, I trust, will be kept up between the nations of this continent, and war in it I hope will be a thing as rare, and rarer than peace has been in Europe. San Martin returned a few days ago, and has since re-assumed the reins of Government, as “Protector of the liberty of Peru.” Every exertion is making here for the formation of a congress. The greater part of the representatives are already elected. All the liberated provinces elect their own members for congress freely; the right of voting is, I believe, much the same as in the United States. Representatives are chosen for those provinces still under the dominion of the Spanish army, from among the inhabitants of those places at present residing in Lima. A fair representation seems to be desired and sought for, and I hope will be attained in a considerable degree. All acts emanating from such a body will, of course, give more general satisfaction, than if the representation were partial. I do not trouble you with my views of governments, whether monarchical or republican. Certainly, on this subject, “much may be said on both sides.” Without fixing my mind for or against this or that form of government, I am strongly in the opinion of Pope, where he says, “Whate’er is best administered is best.” I do not think, however, that all are fools, (as he insinuates) who, “for forms of government contest.” The sum of the matter and the truth is, that honesty and uprightness are more required, and have been less found in all governments than any thing else. Wisdom, therefore, requires, that such measures should be taken in arranging the form of government, as may secure good conduct in governors, in the greatest possible degree.

There were some suspicions, some time ago, and some flying words, which, if true, would have led one to suppose that San Martin wished to form Peru into a monarchy. Who was to be king according to these reports, I need not inform you, as I suppose you will find no difficulty in guessing it at the first trial. The prime minister was of course in the secret, if there was any such thing in hand. With this individual, on other grounds, there was a good deal of dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction openly broke out a few weeks ago, on account of his interfering in the election of representatives for this city. The consequence was, that a petition was presented to the Marquis of Truxillo, requesting that the minister might be immediately dismissed. This petition was signed by so many of the respectable and powerful inhabitants of the place, and presented with such firmness, that it had the desired effect. The minister resigned before the petitioners left the palace, and in a few days after, he was sent off by sea to Panama. All this took place in San Martin’s absence, and the leaders in it were the republican party. San Martin has very wisely fallen in with these measures since his return, and has confirmed the new minister in his situation. A republic, I think, is the general wish of the people, and as the form of government is to be determined by the Congress, I have little doubt of what the result will be.

You know, I dare say, that Colombia is free. The longest and severest struggle of South America has been in that quarter. The first news I heard on casting anchor in Callao, was that Quito had fallen into the hands of the patriots. I think Bolivar, who has been the chief instrument in the Colombian contest, is a great man. I was not at the interview between him and San Martin, that I might take their comparative dimensions at one view; but I may observe, that the general opinion, from a view of the operations of both, is in favour of the Northern Chief. As far as my own information and knowledge of each extends, I fall in with this opinion. I do so, not from any dissatisfaction with San Martin. He is to me, and has been uniformly, more than I could have expected, and I may say, all I could wish. I believe both of these men are most sincerely desirous of the real welfare of the countries which they respectively govern, and of South America. There is no unholy alliance yet formed in this country, and I think there never will. On all hands, light and information are encouraged, sought after, and promoted. Knowledge, rich with the spoils of time, has just unrolled her ample page in this city, in a public library. This public institution is very respectably got up, and already possesses a number of the best works in the various branches of literature. It is inferior to the similar institution in Buenos Aires; but superior, if we consider the short reign of civil, literary, and religious freedom in Peru. Every individual is free to attend this library every week-day, from 8 to 1, and from 4 to 6, without expense; and every book in it is at his command during that time. This one view of the present state of things here, shows at once the immense advantages gained here by the revolution, and the blessings that tread in the steps of liberty. I shall add one thing more to confirm what I have just said. The Bible is now publicly sold at a short distance from the place where used to sit the dreadful Inquisition. Perish all unrighteousness from the earth! May the knowledge and love of God every where abound!

Lima, 9th Nov. 1822.

A considerable time has now elapsed since I last wrote you, and a much longer time has intervened since I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you. Although I have not communicated with you directly during this time, yet I suppose you are well acquainted with my various circumstances in this part of the world, through means of my letters sent from time to time to my friends in Edinburgh. Since my leaving my native country, I have experienced much of the gracious goodness of our heavenly Father, in directing my steps, in making darkness light before me, and crooked things straight. The encouragements I have met with in my endeavours to forward the Lord’s cause in South America, have been much greater than could have been expected before the trial was made. I think a door has been opened here which will never be shut, but which will, I trust, from one year to another, open wider and wider, until it become, in the Apostle’s language, “great and effectual.” Should I say, there are no adversaries, and that all goes on prosperously, without any difficulty or discouragement from any quarter,—should I say this, it would be nearly the same as telling you, that a great miracle had taken place here, and had changed the nature of man. You, of course, expect no such wonderful accounts. At the same time, it is a gratifying thing to be able to state, that far less opposition has been met with than was expected. Difficulties, I believe, of whatever kind, will grow fewer and weaker as Time runs on, bearing in his hand the torch of heavenly light; whilst, on the other hand, means and opportunities of doing good will greatly increase. It is surely a gratifying sight to see darkness fleeing away, and the light of heaven breaking forth. You know there is no fellowship, in any sense, between light and darkness, the one must give place to the other. Wherever, then, darkness prevails, let the people of God look to him who said, “Let there be light, and there was light;” and let them use those means which he has appointed, under the full assurance, that midnight shall give place to the dawning light, and that again to noon day. That a great and happy change is about to take place in our hitherto unfortunate, unhappy world, the Scriptures predict; and the days in which we live say, “Lift up your heads, for this happy period draweth nigh.” You who live in the land of Israel, whence the word of the Lord is sounding out on all sides, see these things better than I can do in this far distant country. From every corner of the earth messengers are daily landing on your happy shores with tidings of joy. One says, Babylon is fallen; another cries, the gods of the heathen are famished; whilst a third shouts aloud, Satan falls like lightning to the ground. I almost envy this felicity of yours; yet I would not exchange conditions with you. Solitary and alone as I am here, I would not wish myself elsewhere, because I believe I am placed where God would have me to be; and, I trust, his work, in one shape or another, is all my concern. I do, however, wish myself otherwise circumstanced. I should be glad to have with me one or more with whom I could always communicate in the ways and work of the Lord, and whose counsels and labours might prove a blessing to me and to many. You, my dear brother, who dwell in Mount Zion, have never experienced the disadvantage of being thus alone. Should I come into your thoughts when you bow your knees unto the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to pray that grace, and mercy, and peace may be multiplied unto me, and that the Lord’s work may prosper in South America.

In my letters to Edinburgh since my arrival in this city, I have stated the favourable reception I met with here from San Martin, and from others in the government. Since that time, the state of affairs here, in regard to politics, has considerably changed. San Martin has resigned his authority in all its parts in this country, and is gone to Chile. The Congress was installed on the 20th September, into whose hands he delivered all the concerns of the government, and next morning, at four o’clock, he set off for Chile. When he took the reins of government into his own hands, under the title of “Protector of the Liberty of Peru,” he promised to resign his authority as soon as a general Congress could be assembled; and by his resignation at the time proposed, he justified his sincerity in the eyes of the world. During the time he was in power, reports were current that he was desirous to make himself king of Peru. His conduct, however, has shown, that these reports were without foundation. As far as my own affairs here are concerned, I should have been glad that he had remained longer in the country, and, if I am not mistaken, Peru would have been benefited by his stay. San Martin is an intelligent and liberal-minded man. He is very desirous of promoting the progress of South America in knowledge, and he is free from those prejudices which hinder its advancement. The Congress has now been assembled for several weeks, and has been occupied with various concerns relative to the government of the country. From their own number they have chosen three to discharge the duties of the executive government. This triumvirate is to continue until a constitution be drawn up, and a new Congress assembled, composed of representatives chosen in every province of Peru. This complete representation of the country cannot be obtained whilst the Spaniards are in possession of a considerable part of it, as they actually are at this moment. At present there is great distress felt here by the government, for want of money to carry forward the operations of the war. This appears to be the chief obstacle in preventing the general independence of Peru. Troops are not wanting, as, in addition to those brought by San Martin, and those who have since been raised in the country, General Bolivar has sent about 2,000 well-experienced troops from Quito, as affairs in that part have now been brought to a favourable conclusion. The English merchants here have just given the government a loan of 70,000 dollars, by way of helping them out of their difficulties. An expedition sailed some weeks ago for Arica, and we anxiously look for the result. All that part of the country is in possession of the Spaniards, as well as nearly all the best provinces of the kingdom. Notwithstanding the possessions which Spain still holds in Peru, the independence of the country is not at all doubtful. It may, indeed, by the mismanagement of the Congress, or by some other misfortune, be retarded, but it must ere long completely prevail. I believe there are no remains of the Spanish arms now existing in America, except those in our neighbourhood, and about 1500 men in the isles of Chiloe. What a change, in this respect, has taken place within these few years past! And let not this revolution be considered as a small matter by the man of benevolence and the Christian. The interests of religion and of humanity are very closely connected with it. That once dreadful, now innoxious house, the Inquisition, reminds me, as I daily pass it, of the happy change which has taken place. True it is, that the Spaniards have now put down the Inquisition throughout their dominions; still, however, there are many inquisitorial things yet subsisting in Spain that do not exist in the independent states of South America. Every effort has been used by Spain to retard the progress of knowledge in America. These days, however, have now gone by, and light of every kind begins to dawn on these countries. My own opinion is, that the nations of South America in a few years will far outstrip many of the nations of Europe. The people here, to a certain extent, are conscious of their ignorance, and are desirous of wiping out that stain which Spain has left upon them.

I have hitherto been speaking of the progress of knowledge in general in South America, and its probable results. I shall now say something of the progress making in the knowledge of religion. You know, of course, that the Roman Catholic religion is the only religion professed in this Continent—as it once was the only one in Great Britain. Many are beginning to see through this system, and to find out its inconsistencies. I wish I could also say, that all who see thus far, have attained to the knowledge of the true religion, as laid down in the New Testament. This, however, is not the case. On the contrary, I am sorry to say, that deistical principles are espoused by the greater part of those who get out of the trammels of popery. A good many in the higher ranks, particularly in the army, are of this way of thinking. This state of things need not surprise us. It is perhaps the natural result, or transition, in those places where no other religion is known than the one professed in this country. A man begins to see the absurdity of the Catholic system, and from his infancy all that is religion with him has been connected with it. In giving up this system, he gives up with religion itself, as considering popery and it the same thing. From these circumstances, I conceive this to be the most favourable time for introducing, as far as can be done, the holy religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The present is the time for labouring in this field, by introducing the Scriptures, and by every other means which prudence may dictate. Prejudice is growing less every day, and this is the result of the revolution. There is even a perceptible difference between the different parts of this Continent in regard to the decrease of prejudice. In Chile there is less than in Lima, because it has been longer independent. Again, there is still less in Buenos Aires than in Chile, for the same reason. Having mentioned Buenos Aires, I cannot leave it without eulogizing it, in almost the highest degree, in regard to the progress it is making. One reform succeeds another in rapid succession. They are just about to put a stop to monachism, and to take the church property into their own hands, paying the clergy out of the public treasury. It is said also, that they are about to pass a law for religious toleration. In every respect Buenos Aires now holds the first rank among the cities and countries of South America. To have one place thus stepping forward by way of pattern to the rest is of immense advantage. There are several periodical works of a superior kind issuing from the presses in that city. In these every subject is freely discussed, prejudices attacked, and reforms proposed. The liberty of the press is enjoyed and acted upon there in the same manner as it is in England. The articles published in the Buenos Aires papers and magazines find their way gradually into the papers of Chile and Peru, and thus prepare the way in these places also for following up, ere long, the same reforms and arrangements that are now going forward in the pattern city I have mentioned. In this city, also, the liberty of the press is enjoyed to a considerable extent. This, however, only commenced about two or three months ago, upon the dethronement of the principal Secretary of State. This individual, though a great friend to reform himself, and from whom I met with every encouragement, wished to keep these things in his own hand, at least for some time, and to grant the freedom of the press by degrees. The plan of ecclesiastical reform published in Buenos Aires was also published in the public paper of this city. Various other things of a similar nature are thus indirectly brought under the consideration of the people of Peru; and coming from Buenos Aires, they are better received than they would be, coming from any part of Europe, especially from a Protestant country. We had also an attack upon the friars of Lima the other day, in one of the publications of this city, whose editor is one of the Secretaries of Congress. These things you will consider as the fruits of the revolution in South America; and the time fast approaches, when we shall see still more abundant fruits, and those too of the best kind. The Lord reigneth, let the earth be glad!

With respect to the climate of this place, you know, we are here fairly within the torrid zone, the latitude of this city being 12° 2′ 51″ S. A few days ago we had the sun vertical here, as he passed us on his way to the southward. Notwithstanding our proximity to the equator, we enjoy a very agreeable temperature. In the winter the sun but seldom makes his appearance; in spring he shows himself more frequently; and in summer he throws off reserve, and from his vertical throne looks down in all his magnificence. From ten o’clock till two, it is pretty hot, but about this hour a refreshing breeze springs up from the south, which is very agreeable. It is generally said, that it never rains in Lima. This, however, is not quite correct. It does rain a very little in the winter season; but the drops, when they can be recognised as such, seem to have passed through the finest rain sieve. It is, in short, rather a kind of mist than rain, although at times it may be called by the latter name; and when it is so, the people of Lima call it a heavy shower. Before I came here I frequently heard this climate denominated unhealthy. The tertian ague prevails a good deal, but on the whole I do not consider this an unhealthy place. For my own part, I never enjoyed better health than I have done since my coming to this city. Blessed be God for this precious blessing!—There is one thing of a rather terrifying nature to which this place is subject, I mean earthquakes. There is no place, I suppose, more subject to them than this city. We have had several shocks since I came to it; the greatest was on the 14th September. I was awaked at a quarter past three o’clock in the morning by a most dreadful noise. I was at no loss to know what this noise was, considering the part of the world I was in. This noise continued for a few seconds, and increased. The shock then followed, and made all the house shake, as if the whole were coming to the ground. A loud hollow noise followed this for a few seconds, and on its ceasing all was tranquil as before it commenced, and those who had fled out of their houses quietly returned. These phenomena are of frequent occurrence. There are, I believe, about thirty earthquakes here in the course of a year. Those, however, which throw down houses and produce other ravages are rare. Once in fifty years seems to be about the period of those terrible visitations, and with considerable regularity Lima has suffered severely at the return of this fatal period. The city of Quito to the north, and of Arequipa to the south, have also their periodical visitations.

Lima, 2d December, 1822.

Some weeks ago a Committee of the Congress was entrusted to draw up the outlines of a political constitution for the country. This has been accomplished, has been presented to Congress, and ordered to be printed. The Congress is just now engaged in discussing it, article by article. A good deal of interest is thus excited and kept up regarding the subject, and, in consequence, the Congress-hall is daily well attended by all classes. The discussion of the article on the form of government, and that on religion, have excited the most attention. The form of government has been unanimously declared to be republican, agreeably to what I hinted to you in one of my late letters.—In “the outlines,” the article on religion runs thus: “The religion of the state is the Catholic Apostolic Church of Rome.” One of the members of the committee wished to add the word only or exclusive, but the rest not agreeing to it, he entered his protest. On this account, as well as from the general interest of the subject, the matter was keenly discussed. I went, as you may well suppose, to hear what should be said on both sides, and to see the result. The first who ascended the tribune to speak was a clergyman, carrying in his hand a book about the size of a New Testament. He began by stating, that it was his sincere desire that all men might be of the Roman Catholic church. He then stated that the only proper way, in his opinion, of bringing men into the church was, not by force, nor by persecution in any shape, but solely by persuasion, by the force of reason. After speaking a few minutes to this effect, he went on to treat of the article as stated in the “outlines.” He regretted the divisions among Christians, and the distinctive names one body and another had taken. He then opened the book he had in his hand, which I now found to be one of the Bible Society’s New Testaments, in Spanish. He read the 12th and 13th verses of the first chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians, and proceeded to make some remarks upon the passage, and to apply it to the article in question. It appeared to him, he said, very like the divisions censured by the Apostle Paul, to see the article stated in the words, Roman, Catholic, Apostolic. Having done this, he proposed that the article should be stated in this manner:—“The religion of Jesus Christ, is the religion of the state.” He then made some observations upon the propriety of stating it in this way, in preference to the way in which it stands in the outlines, and so concluded. As might have been expected, this alteration or amendment was opposed. My memory is not so faithful as to give you the various speeches upon the subject, but a great deal was said on both sides of the question. In particular, the member of the Committee who had protested, defended what he had done in a long speech, in which he paid but little respect and fewer compliments to us foreigners. He concluded his long story by saying, that he was so full of matter upon this subject, and felt so much interest in it, that he could still speak four whole days upon it. Another speaker got up with a volume of the Bible in his hand. He turned to two passages in the law of Moses, where the children of Israel were admonished to deal kindly towards strangers and foreigners, and concluded by a short comment upon the passages in reference to the subject in hand. In a country like this, where all the natives are of the Roman Catholic Church, every thing that is said upon toleration has a direct reference to foreigners, for it is never for a moment supposed that any of the natives will leave the Roman Catholic Church to become Protestants. The introduction of foreigners into the country, and the consequent advantages and disadvantages of it, entered deeply into the debate. I shall refer only to one speech more upon the subject. An aged member, and a clergyman, rose up and said, “Gentlemen, this is the first time I have risen to speak in this house, and it is not my intention to detain you long. I understand,” said he, “that the grand and principal features of our religion are these two:—To love the Lord with all our heart and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. We must then take care,” continued he, “that our zeal for the first of these two commandments does not make us overlook the second. Now I ask, whether foreigners residing among us are to be considered our neighbours or not. If they are, then we ought to love them. Gentlemen, I have nothing further to add.” After being fully discussed, the votes were taken. First, whether the article should stand as stated in the outlines, or be altered. It was carried that it should remain as stated. The next question was, if the word exclusive should be added, and it was unfortunately carried in the affirmative. The article now stands thus:—“The Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion is the religion of the state, and the exercise of every other is excluded.”

We are not to be surprised that the matter has ended in this manner; perhaps we should rather wonder that there was any one of the members of the Congress disposed to speak, or even to think on the side of toleration. The members who are friendly to religious liberty, may amount to one third of the whole, or, perhaps, somewhat more than one third, and they are men of influence and respect in the country. These made a less vigorous stand for toleration at the present time, from the consideration that what is done now in regard to the sanctioning of the basis of the constitution, is only provisional. The Spaniards, at present, possess many of the best provinces of Peru, and these provinces have, strictly speaking, no representatives in the Congress. The manner of proceeding, in reference to these provinces, was this:—The natives of each province, residing in Lima, met and chose members from among themselves to represent the province, until such time as the enemy be dislodged, and they have freedom to choose their own representatives. As soon then as the country is free, the present Congress will dissolve itself, and a general Congress will be immediately elected, and the outlines now under consideration will be presented to the new Congress to be examined, and, if judged necessary, altered. There is, therefore, still some hope, that toleration may have a place in the Peruvian constitution. During the interval, the press may forward the good cause, as there is perfect freedom for speaking and printing any thing upon the subject, on both sides of the question. We may, indeed, call this freedom of speaking and writing upon the subject, a kind of toleration; at all events, it is a prelude to it.

Pamphlets of every shape, size, and name, are issued from the press. In these every subject is handled, and abuses and prejudices are attacked with freedom and courage. The poor friars are not overlooked in these; almost every body is against them, and none seems to rise up in their defence. One of the members of Congress has made a motion for the reformation of the Convents. The bill he is about to bring in, contains four articles. The first is to allow all those to leave the Convents who wish to do so. The second is to allow no one in future to become a friar. The third is, that the government should take possession of all their property, and allow them out of it what is necessary for their support. The fourth article is, to make them all live in one convent, instead of occupying fourteen, as they now do. This you see is a bold proposition, and, if carried into effect, will be a great step in reformation.

At the time the article on religion was under consideration, a certain individual went about with a paper containing a petition to Congress, praying that the Roman Catholic religion might be the religion of the state, and the only one tolerated in the country. The last part of the petition was the object he had in view. He obtained a number of signatures to the petition, and without loss of time laid it before the Congress. It was, however, not allowed to be read, and several were for calling this individual to account for his officiousness. This medical gentleman (for he is of that profession) has been sadly handled in the pamphlets of the day for this conduct; so much so, I think, as to keep him from being forward to engage a second time in such an undertaking. I have already mentioned how freely all matters are discussed in these pamphlets. One of them has just begun to give a history of the Popes. From the specimens already published, this history promises not to be very honourable to the personal character of the Popes, neither does it appear intended to strengthen their pontifical authority and influence, but quite the contrary. There was a monthly magazine published in London, during the despotic reign of the present Ferdinand. In this work there was given a history of the Popes, and I believe what is publishing here just now is copied from the work I have mentioned. This magazine was called El Español Constitucional. It was written by one of those who had fled from Ferdinand’s despotic hands. He was a liberal man, and writing in London he felt himself under no restraint in speaking of the abuse of the Church of Rome. There was another periodical work in the Spanish language, published some years before it, called El Español. This was also printed in London, and was written with the same liberality and spirit. Both these works have reached South America, and have been a good deal read; and, as you may suppose, they have served considerably to enlighten the people of these countries.