Page:Tupper family records - 1835.djvu/102

 80 MEMOIR OF COLONEL TUPPER.

Conception, for which port he sailed with his battalion on the 28th of January.

"Valparaiso, January 26, 1830. — I have not the slightest idea when I addressed you last, or indeed what chapter in my history I then concluded ; it is nevertheless certain that the eventful period, which has since intervened, has been so chequered with inci- dent, so replete with tumult and strife, that had I the pen of Caesar I could almost imitate his commentaries, if indeed any string of occurrences in this wretched country could merit such a book with such a name.

" I am afraid that poor Chile has forfeited for ever the reputation of comparative tranquillity and orga- nized government, which hitherto had been the boast of those interested in her welfare. The scenes we have lately witnessed, and the illiberal and even furious hatred evinced throughout the country against all foreigners, have perfectly astonished even those who were least friendly to the character of these people, and least sanguine in their prognostics of future prosperity.

' ' I really sit down in absolute despair of being able to make you understand the cause and course of late events, or to write such a narrative as will not confuse you, and of which the tediousness will not disgust you ; it is indeed a hard task, and I would rather make bricks for the Egyptians, but I know that you will expect some account from me, — let me therefore cross the Rubicon at once. I would give you Ceesar's language in his own words if I recollected them, but much riding has long jostled classic lore out of me.

"You know that the elections closed about six months ago ; they were gained by a party called the

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