CHAPTER XLVIII.

THE FIRST NATIONAL GOVERNMENT OF PERU.

1822--1823.

The State of Peru--Appointment of a Junta--Bolívar offers Assistance, which is declined--The Plan of Campaign--The Army of the South--Dilatory Movements of Alvarado--The Advance of the Royalists--Battle of Torata--The Rout of Moquegua--Activity of Miller--Withdrawal of the Columbian Contingent--Arenales leaves Peru--Riva-Agüero named President--Preparations for a Fresh Campaign--English Loan--Despatch of a Peruvian Army to the South under Santa Cruz--Capture of Lima by Canterac--Sucre brings another Columbian Contingent to Peru--Bolívar is named Generalissimo--Canterac returns to the Highlands--Plans of Sucre--Manœuvres of Santa Cruz--He captures La Paz--Gamarra occupies Oruro--Retreat of Santa Cruz--Indecisive Action at Zepita--Dispersion of the Patriot Army--Orderly Retreat of Sucre--Appeals to San Martin for Help--Reconstruction of Congress--Arrival of Bolívar--His Reception--His Appearance--He is Master of Peru.....431