Military letter to Juan José Flores, reporting on the border situation with Peru

Dear Juan José Flores,


Sir. I call for your attention to an issue of utmost importance. Routine patrols around the roads leading up to the town of Jean, Azuay, over the previous few weeks. The reports from our patrolmen and scouts have been worrying. A group of Peruvian engineers were present in the border regions a few weeks ago, followed by the clearing of the jungle in the areas next to the roads. Just last week, infrastructure capable of sustaining a few hundred to a thousand infantry has been built, some makeshift, some that look more permanent. This includes field hospitals, barracks, army kitchens, wooden spikes, etc. As I am writing this, the Peruvians are still in the progress of building on the border, with no end in sight. As of writing this, there is no clear way to determine Peruvian intentions. Please do take into consideration that our intelligence may be inaccurate or delayed, as operating in that region has proven to be extremely difficult, even for the Peruvian side.

I reiterate that this issue is highly urgent and that we have to respond to this decisively. Measures should be taken to deescalate tensions and perhaps deter a Peruvian attack. Exercise high caution. Moreover, it is highly important that we restore the confidence of the people. All these rumours and anxiety will have a long term negative impact on the district. Let us not descend into war, as it happened in 1827. The Ecuadorian people have borne enough burden already.


Best regards,

Your faithful aide-de-camp

2nd May 1828