A man of many moods, jovial, talkative, taciturn, gloomy, he changed swiftly from sunshine to storm.
William Spence Robertson (Condensed)
II
“Simon de Bolivar has been characterized as the Napoleon of the South American Revolution, ...” writes William Spence Robertson, who has been decorated with Bolivar’s Order of the Liberators. “‘Defeat left Bolivar undismayed,’ said O’Leary, who served for a time as an aide-de-camp of the Liberator. ‘Always great, he was greatest in adversity. His enemies had a saying that “when vanquished Bolivar is more terrible than when he conquers.”’”
“There is one point on which all are agreed,” writes F. Loraine Petre, “the generosity of Bolivar, his carelessness of money and his financial uprightness. Few men ever had greater opportunities of enriching themselves; still fewer more honestly refused to take advantage of their opportunities. He commenced life as a rich man, he died almost a pauper....
“The figure of the worn-out Liberator, suffering in mind and body, deserted by all but a few, reviled by the majority of those who owed everything to him, is one of the most pathetic in history.”
AUGUST 20
BERNARDO O’HIGGINS
FIRST SOLDIER, FIRST CITIZEN OF CHILE
Since my childhood I have loved Chile; and I have shed my blood on the battle-fields which secured her liberties. If it has not been my privilege to perfect her institutions, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am leaving her free and independent, respected abroad, and glorious in her victories.
I thank God for the favours He has granted my Government, and pray that He may protect and guide those who will follow me.