Alexandria Gazette & Advertiser

FROM VALPARAISO.
We have been favored with the perusal of a letter from an officer on board the Franklin 74, dated at Valparaiso, the 11th February. And in the following paragraphs have endeavored to give the writer's ideas on several subjects--
In speaking of the Franklin, he says that he is crowded with visitors from morning to night, and excites uncommon admiration. The ship was in fine order, and after noticing the compliments paid by some visitors he observes "I returned thanks for the compliments of friends for whom we felt a deep interest, and you cannot imagine the enthusiasm which animated their countenances when I closed by observing that the North and South Americans were politically and geographically brothers and sisters; and that it gave us great pleasure that their visits afforded an opportunity of more closely uniting the bonds of friendship."
The writer next speaks of having dined together with the other officers of the Franklin on board the British sloop of war Blossom. The compliment was reciprocated by the American officers. "They seem much disposed" says he, "to cultivate good fellowship and good feeling, and they meet a corresponding disposition on our part. They speak without reserve on the propriety of avoiding every thing calculated to excite national feelings and prejudices; and I trust this good beginning may have a good end. In truth I never saw so much unrestrained cordiality between Englishmen and Americans and I must do them the justice to add that they are gentlemen in the full sense of the word."
The season of the year was unfavorable to seeing Chili to advantage, as the luxuriance of the vegetable kingdom prevailed during the rainy season of winter; in a few months they expected to see the parched and apparently barren hills arrayed in all the pomp and glory of Flora's gayest colours."
The wheat crops had been cut short by insects.
Of the political state of the country the writer says little but observes that the Chilians appear to be united in their detestation of the Spanish despotism, and ready to sacrifice their lives in resisting their old masters.
"Indeed" says he, "in this they are romantically patriotic, and brave to indiscretion; but their rulers, it is to be feared are destitute of disinterested patriotism, and the populace too ignorant to perceive that a change from foreign despotism to domestic tyranny is not calculated to improve their condition."
Some difficulty, it appears, existed between Lord Cochrane and Gen. San Martin. Reports unfavorable to the latter, were in circulation, and such epithets as "selfish," "cruel," "detestable," "villain," and "plunderer," were applied to him. The Chilians rejoiced that Cochrane was appropriating to his own purpose 500,000 dollars of the sum which San Martin entrusted to his safe keeping, and which constituted one half of the amount of which he had defrauded the Chilian government.