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.

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:—

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.

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.

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.