No. 64.
Mr. Martinez to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: The last steamer from A spin wall brought the following authentic news:

Señor Lizardo Montero issued a proclamation at Cajamarca, on the 15th of November, stating that he assumes the Presidency of Peru and enforcing the continuance of the state of active war against Chili. According to that proclamation, the capital of the republic was to be the inland town of Cajamarca.

Meanwhile Señor Andres A. Cáceres, the chieftain of the guerrilla bands stationed at Chosica, was proclaimed President by his troops. He also issued a proclamation, under the date of the 24th of November, in which he acknowledges the country to be in a state of anarchy; resigns, for the present, the Presidency, till the people may freely elect a President; and retains, meanwhile, the political and military government of the central provinces.

Señor Cáceres says also that the state of war is vigorously maintained, and that he hopes the Peruvians will at last vanquish their foe. Señor Cáceres does not declare whom he judges to be chief of the nation, but he confines himself to disowning the authority of Piérola.

As to the rest, the old personal political parties of the country are entirely disorganized, disrupted, and in a state of anarchy. I think it to be highly important for your excellency to be acquainted with these facts that may lead you to fully appreciate the condition of affairs in South America.

Please accept, sir, &c.,

M. MARTINEZ.