very reluctantly resumed the command of his batta- lion, and proceeded with it to Conception, which province was in favor of the liberal party. The three battalions of infantry, which had fought against Prieto on the 14th of December, followed the fortunes of Freire ; each, previously to their departure from Val- paraiso, issued a manifesto to the citizens, and we translate that of Pudeto, or No. 8, which was by far the most poignant and uncompromising ; and although written in an inflated tone of defiance, the language was well suited to the Spanish character of those to whom it was addressed.
" The battalion of Pudeto, ever faithful to its oaths, swears to maintain the constitution. Fellow citizens, confide in its honor which has never been violated. Enemies of order, tremble : you well know Pudeto.
" His Excellency Captain- General Freire leads us to victory. His name electrifies the hearts of the brave, and guarantees the pacific citizen in his employments.
" The infamous Prieto will be for ever intimidated ; this soldier without honor, who, deriding in repeated instances the most sacred engagements, aspires to despotism by the most unjust means.
"Valparaiso, 27th January, 1830."*
Prieto doubtless never forgave this fearless, but perhaps imprudent, mention of his treachery, and probably the commandant of the battalion was from that moment marked out as the object of his san- guinary vengeance.
Colonel Tupper described the voyage to Conception as the most comfortless and painful he had ever made, and after landing at the island of Juan Fernandez for
- Vide Appendix C, No. 4.
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