No. 470.
Mr. Thomas to Mr. Fish.

No. 136.]

Sir: It has been ascertained that another revolutionary movement against the government of Peru is in progress, and, from the talent of the men concerned as its leaders, bids fair to cause more trouble for its suppression than any one of the many movements of that character which have been suppressed since the administration of President Pardo.

An armed steamer, carrying twelve guns, with munitions of war on board, it is said, is seeking for a port in Peru, to the north of this place, to land. This vessel is under the command of an officer who formerly commanded one of the steamers of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. The principal leaders of this movement, who, it is said, are on board this ship, called the “Talisman,” are Pierola, Bogardus, and Escobar. The first and last named have heretofore held positions as members of the Peruvian cabinet, and the other, Bogardus, became notorious on account of his unsuccessful attempt, in 1872, to destroy President Pardo by a torpedo, to be placed under a railroad-car in which he was to travel. The government of Peru are on the alert, and have dispatched a steamship called the “Union,” and an iron-clad called the “Huascar,” in pursuit of the “Talisman.”

We have a rumor that arms and munitions of war have been landed north of this city, in the vicinity of Paita, and it is conjectured that the attempt will be made to land and organize a military force in that vicinity. As the population is not very dense in that section, it is an undertaking of much difficulty to organize there a military power, of sufficient force to overthrow the government. Other reports lead to the belief that the revolutionary leaders will land in the vicinity of Arequipa. Ten years ago Arequipa had a very considerable population. It is otherwise now. The lavish expenditures of public money by President Balta, in and near this city, caused the congregation very large portion of the people of Peru in this city, Callao and Chorillos, and the surrounding country; and it does not seem to me probable that any military force can be organized sufficient for the overthrow of Pardo’s administration as long as he has the confidence, as he now has, of that part of the regular army stationed in Lima, and of a large majority of the Peruvian population, living within a circle having a radius of ten miles, which could be drawn around this city.

I am, &c.,

FRANCIS THOMAS.