Our Brothers, Ye Shall Be Free!
“The Peruvians are our brothers,” proclaimed San Martin to his soldiers.
“Remember that you are come not to conquer but to liberate a People!” he proclaimed as soon as the Liberating Army was landed in Peru. For Lord Cochrane had brought them safely thither aboard the Chilean fleet.
Then to the Peruvians, San Martin sent broadcast a proclamation:—
You shall be free and independent. You shall form your government and your laws according to the spontaneous wish of your own representatives. The soldiers of the Army of Liberation, your brothers, will exert no influences, military or civil, direct or indirect, in your social system. Whenever it suits you, dismiss the Army which marches to protect you. A military force should never occupy the territory of a Free People, unless invited by its legitimate magistrates.
This proclamation aroused the patriotism of many Peruvians, who brought quantities of food and supplies to the Army. While numbers of them joined the Army, including six hundred slaves, to whom San Martin promised their freedom.
Then San Martin prepared to invest Lima, with the help of Lord Cochrane’s fleet.