CHAPTER XXIX.

THE ARMISTICE OF PUNCHAUCA.

1821.

Prospects of the Royalists--Spanish Councils of War--Deposition of Pezuela--Proposals of Peace--The Conference at Retes--State of the Two Armies--The Royal Commissioner--The Patriot Army moves to Ancon--Proclamation from King Ferdinand--Effect in Columbia--Effect in Mexico--Course of the Revolution in Mexico--Iturbide--The “Plan de Iguala”--Success of the Plan--Fate of Iturbide--The Conference of Punchauca--Armistice of Punchauca--Interview between San Martin and La Serna--Mistaken Policy of San Martin--The Conference renewed at Miraflores--Prolongation of the Armistice--Captain Basil Hall--Canterac moves to the Highlands--Return of the Patriot Army to Huacho--La Serna evacuates Lima--Occupation of Lima by the Patriots--Proclamation and Inactivity of San Martin.....249