Novelas
Register
Advertisement

Return to the Table of Contents for Chile

November 20, 1801

Dear Diary,

One month back home in Chillán, and the ideas of Rozas are still sitting in my head. needs that reform, the liberation from . Look what freedom did for the Americans, and France.I spoke to my father for the first time in years earlier this week. First time I’ve seen him since I don’t know when, and I get to see him on his death bed. Ambrosio never looked at me like I was actually his child until today, and then, miraculously; he gave me his whole estate. I can work with this, it can help my people. I need to get to know my peoples, reconnect with the common man. There is a local government meeting later this week, I might have to sit in and take notes. If they need a position filled, I will jump on that spot as soon as possible.

Signed,

Bernardo O’Higgins

September 18, 1810

Dear Diary,

I joined the revolt against the government. it just isn't for me. i don't like how are government is being dominated by the french. also the Criollo leaders met and they decided on limited self government until the Spanish throne is restored. this is good we will no longer have to be governed by the Spaniards who cant even take care of themselves. We need this while they are dealing with the French Napoleon we are just sitting here rotting. We need some control on our people. This will greatly help with that.

Signed,

Bernardo O'Higgins

June 21, 1812

Dear Diary,

I am moving up the ladder. Even though it is minor, I have been assigned a minor military position from our leader, Juan Martinez de Rozas. It was very generous of him and i plan on not letting him down. I have a feeling that this will be the start of a great thing and a long military career for me.

Signed,

Bernardo O'Higgins

July 1814

Dear Diary,

I have been assigned command of the army. The junta took the job from Jose Miguel Carrera and gave it to me. It was taken from him because he retreated in battle and then he was captured and imprisoned by royalist forces. I had to support the treaty of Lircay which promised a halt to the fighting. once Carrera was released though he was not very happy. He apposed me violently and overthrew the Junta. I dont know what is going to happen but it is not going to be too good.

Signed,

Bernardo O'Higgins

September 1814

Dear Diary,

After me and Luis Carrera fought we found it stupid and pointless. He did kill many of my men but, i must join up with him if I want to win this war against the Royalists. The Royalists also lost alot of respect from me lately, they went against our treaty of Licracy. This was the turning point of me an Luis' relationship, this is when we knew we had to fight together to beat these guys. Carrera and I have been thinking up plans and we are going to take on the Royalists at  an easily defendable gorge. We really need this one and I hope to God that we win.

Signed,

Bernardo O'Higgins October 4, 1814

Dear Diary,

We lost today. I cant believe it. We were prepared. But the other forces were far superior to us it was tough. The men listened, were ready for whatever those Royalists threw at us. Now we must flee, like scared mice, back to the Andes, into . They will help us. Their hatred for this oppression is just as strong as ours is. De San Martin will be eager to help, he loves battle, loves showing off. .  The Argintines are a very valiant group, they hate Spain as much as we do. I hope this works. Chacaobuco is a vital area to control in this war, and we should try and get that in due time. I hope de San Martin helps us in many ways, and allows us to end this war as soon as possible.

Signed,

Bernardo O’Higgins

February 14, 1817

Dear Diary,

            Today, de San Martin and I led 6,000 troops into battle against the bastard Spainiards. In a great tactical move, he sent half the men one way, and half the men the other. This allowed our men to converge on the Spanish, whos royalist troops were few, only having a little more 1,000 men. We caught 6000 prisoners, and killed about 500. We lost very few men ourselves, and left with plenty of men on our way to Santiago. This victory was a great moral boost for the men, and helped solidify out claims to be a free country from Spain.

Signed,

Bernardo O’Higgins

 

February 17, 1817

Dear diary,

            Today, the country gave me the highest honor. They named me the leader. I now know what I have to do. Declare independence. I cant believe that San Marin refused. He is so much more experienced than I am. He knows what he is doing out there. He gave me his full suppoert, but I don’t know if I can get it done. This idea of me leading a country is just so enchanting. I don’t know how to deal with this. I  hope the people made the right choice. I know exactly what I will do, I’ll make schools, and hospitals, and try to make fair laws and help the needy.

Signed,

Bernardo O’Higgins

February 12, 1818

Dear Diary,

Yes it is finally official, the declaration for our independence has finally been signed and we are a free country.It is the greatest feeling ever, we no longer have to obey the Spainish. Being the leader of Chile while this happened only makes it that much more exciting. I hope to go down in history as the man to lead Chile to freedom. Now I need to focus on steadying my people and troops it is not over yet. We still need to set up a stable government that is not governed by Spain. I think it is very possible and i will oversee that it gets done.

Signed,

Bernardo O'Higgins

 

December 4, 1822

Dear Diary,

            I know its been a while, but I just have to say it to someone. My people are constantly criticizing my reforms; I don’t know what to change. I mean, I didn’t want the country to turn into a land just like Spain, with dukes, and lords, and nobility. Abolishing that worked in the America, and look how they turned out. I’ve done some stuff right, the church has little to no power over my people. Americans did the same, and its becoming very successful here . I hope that the rest of Chile embraces the national Library, school systems, and new teachers from England. The children are our future, and if they are educated, they will lead correctly.

            Signed,

            Bernardo O’Higgins

Febuary 27, 1823

            Dear Diary,

            Its all over. Resignation was the only option. I will go to Peru, I heard the coast is nice. They will try to arrest me for the “wrongdoings”, I have done to my homeland, but they will not find me guilty of any of the charges. The days that will come will be bittersweet, for I must leave the country I love in order to see its people happy.

            Signed,

            Bernardo O’Higgins

 

References[]

Ambrosio O'Higgins http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrosio_O%27Higgins

Juan Martinez de Rozas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Martinez_de_Rozas

Jose Miguel Carrera http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_Miguel_Carrera

Jose de San Martin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_de_San_Martin


Return to the Main Table of Contents

Advertisement