In place of protecting the Peruvians in the interior, a number of highly inflated proclamations were issued, in which it was left to be inferred that the city had been taken by hard fighting, though not a blow had been struck, except by the detachment of Colonel Arenales and the squadron, whose vigilance of blockade and previous actions had so dispirited the enemy and reduced them to such straits, that abandonment of the capital was inevitable. Nor was the large force present even required to maintain Lima, the inhabitants having for a long period been subjected to miseries which they had no disposition to re-encounter.
But General San Martin had other views in retaining the army than protecting those who had confided in his promises; the military force being required for very different purposes to that which had been set forth in his proclamations and in those entrusted to him by the Chilian government.
On the 24th I ordered Captain Crosbie to proceed to Callao in the boats, and cut out as many of the enemy's vessels as he could bring away. The service was gallantly performed, for on the following day he brought out two large merchantmen, the _San Fernando_ and _Milagro_, and the sloop of war _Resolucion_, together with several launches; burning moreover two vessels within musket shot of the batteries.
On the 27th, the _Cabildo_ sent me an invitation to be present at the public proclamation of the independence of Peru. As their letter fully recognises the obligations of the Limeños to the services of the squadron,--I shall transcribe it:--
"Lima is about to solemnize the most august act which has been performed for three centuries, or since her foundation; this is the proclamation of her independence, and absolute exclusion from the Spanish government, as well as from that of any other foreign potentate, and this _Cabildo_--wishing the ceremony to be conducted with all possible decorum and solemnity, _considers it necessary that your Excellency, who has so gloriously co-operated in bringing about this highly desired object_, will deign to assist at the act with your illustrious officers, on Saturday, the 28th instant."
Imagining that myself and officers had been mainly instrumental in establishing the independence of Peru--for I had in vain urged the Captain-General to action, as far as the army was concerned, the invitation was accepted, but judge of my surprise at the ceremony, when medals were distributed, ascribing to General San Martin and the army the whole credit of having accomplished that which the squadron had achieved! The inscription on the medals was as follows.--"Lima secured its independence on the 28th of July, 1821, under the protection of _General San Martin and the liberating army_." The declaration of independence was however complete, according to the promises and intentions of the Chilian government. On hoisting the national flag, General San Martin pronounced the following words:--"Peru is from this moment free and independent, by the general vote of the people, and by the justice of her cause, which God defend."