Trujillo was the first city of Peru that proclaimed and took the oath of Independence, on the 22d of December, 1820, the Cabildo being convened under the presidency of the Intendente, the Marquis of Torre-Tagle. General Bolivar, in his message to Congress in 1825, said that the provinces comprising the Intendencia of Trujillo had given liberty to Peru; and in recognition of this patriotic movement, he bestowed the name of La Libertad on the Department, which, under the republic, replaced the Intendencia of the colonial government. Later, the limits of La Libertad were encroached upon to form the Departments of Amazonas, Cajamarca, Piura, and Lambayeque, each of these divisions being entitled to share the honor of having led the way to national liberty. In 1824, Trujillo was declared the capital of the republic, during the time that Lima was occupied by the royalists. Its history as a republican city reflects honor on the people, who have shown their patriotism and courage upon every occasion when the needs of the country have called them to action. In the war with Chile, the Trujillo regiment was distinguished among all the troops of Peru for bravery on the field; from this city most liberal contributions have been made for purposes of national defence; and the public spirit of the citizens is constantly shown by their generous encouragement of enterprises for the public benefit, such as the installation of the water works system, the paving of sidewalks, and the maintenance of public parks and buildings, all of which have been effected through the coöperation of progressive townspeople. [Illustration: PICTURESQUE ROAD THROUGH A SUGAR ESTATE.]