The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-09-21
:
GENERAL SAN MARTIN.


The following sketch of the life Of San
Martin, we copy from "Caldeleugh's Ira.
wells in South America From the early
and decisive steps he adopted to effect the
independence of Chill and Peru, he will form,
conspicuous figure in the History of South
American Liberty.
"By the interesting pamphlet Of Don Ri.
cardo Gual y Jaen it appears, that Don Jose
de San Martin was born at Vapeyn, towniu
the Entire Rios, while his father was COVER
nor Of San Domino Soriano, place of some
Importance on the Uruguay in the year 1770.
From this we may presume that his parent
was Spaniard sent out to take the command
1t is certain that Don Jose received his cdu.
cation in..Spain, whittier he returned with his
family at the age Of eigh. years. He chose
the military career, and received suitable
rid: distinction, says his biographer. seldom
recollected that he was born while bis father
held post under the government of Rio de
la Plata, fact which exempted him from
the stigma of being an American.
The war which broke out during the French
revolution, afforded every opportunity to
Young military man to distinguish himself
Salona, when that officer was murdered by
the populace of Cadiz, in May, lS08 He serv-
ed with great merit during the Spanish
struggle successfully under the orders Of
Castanos and Romani, and latterly under our
distinguished Chief. The cause Of his leav.
ing what was in fact more his own country
than South America, and that at a period
when she stood most in need of her valiant
sons, has never been satisfactorily explained
either by his friends or enemies; but in 1911
he came over to England, and took ship
ping for Rio de Ia Plata. Obtaining at first
trif1ing command at Buenos Ayres, he de-
feated at San Lorenza force of five hundred
men, sent by the Spanish Governor of Mon
teyideo, to make a landing on the shores OF
the Parana.
lie was then named commander in chief
OF the forces of Upper Peru, and re-animat-
ed, with his presence, the remains Of an ar
my already beaten in more than one pitched
battle His health becoming disordered by
the uphealthness of the seat of war, he retll-
ed for time to Cordova, to recruit his
strength, and afterwards assumed the COM
mand at Mendona, then point of consldera-
Die Importance. While remaining i'll this
town, San Martin completed several works
OF public utility; and his popularity was SUCH
tnat large body of the people joined ms
standard, and declared their intention OF
marching wherever he should lead.
AT the commencement of 1915, Genera
ban Martin began his march across the Cor
dilleras, with force of 3 1000 men. Although
TINS enterprise was undertaken at the most
favourable season of the year, it was attend
with considerable danger. He had pre-
pared tor the worst; and large stores OF sup
pines were placed in different stations in the
mountains i'll case a retreat should be touno
necessary. They remained untouched; onthe
iath. OF February he gained the battle OF
Clacabucto, one of the most sanguinary
winch have taken place during the revolt
ton OF these countries.
In the year following San Martin gaInea
the battle OF Maipo, and sealed it by the m
dependence of Chilli. After settling the affairs
OF TINS country and overcoming innnmefaoi.
diihculties, the expedition against Peru was
organized, and San Martin assuming the
chief command, sailed from Valparaiso o'
the 20th. of August, 1920. Various con'it,s
took place in Peru, during space OF nearly
two years; but success being generally o.,
the side of the republicans, he entcre"
Lima as conqueror on the 18th. OF 9u,y'
1921. In September of the following year ~
retired from the command of Peru, and ARR
wing at Valparaiso, shortly afterwards pro"
ceeded to Mendoza.
That San Martin is an extraordinary man
no one can deny, who is at all acquainted WV"
the animosities and jealousies existing pe
tween the various districts of this quartz. s.
the world, and which he either hushed cy h.a
presence, OF availed himself Of in his views,
His march across the Andes has been con-.
pared to that of Bonaparte over the n,ou'iN
tains of St. Bernard; but if the great aaya.e
tages possessed by the latter are taken n,.T
consideration, the discipline Of the army, ane
the abundance of supplies, it must be a.. /.
mitted that the enterprise of San Ma7ss'