1830.] The Eve of Saint Simon, in Colombia. 161 



fiercest of these animals : it was likewise in contemplation to represent 

 a drama, in which several of the officers were to enact parts ; and the 

 light company of the " legion" (being the first for fatigue-duty) were 

 sent to the woods to collect materials for the erection of a temporary 

 theatre in the " Grande Plaza :" parades were to be dispensed with 

 throughout the garrison during the day, and all wore the face of seem- 

 ing hilarity. It might have been remarked, however, that the soldiers 

 of the " legion" more particularly confined themselves to the precincts 

 of their barracks, which occupied an angle of the square, and from 

 whence they appeared to be unconcerned spectators of all that passed 

 without. Things remained in this tranquil state till the return of the light 

 company. These poor fellows had been exposed for several hours to the 

 heat of the sun : ardent spirits had been twice or thrice administered 

 to them, and under the influence of the excitement it produced they 

 became noisy and riotous. Upon this result Trayner had calculated. He 

 had himself fired the train, and with all the feelings of gratified malice 

 he anxiously expected the issue of the general explosion. He was to be 

 seen in different parts of the town driving the inebriated and unarmed 

 men before him with his naked sabre : he at last encountered Risdale, 

 and reproached him in most unqualified terms with the state of the com- 

 pany, who with truth replied, that he did not hold himself responsible 

 for their conduct, since they had not been under his orders during the 

 period of their fatigue-services, and advised soothing measures to be em- 

 ployed to recall the men to their senses. This counsel Trayner imperi- 

 ously rejected, adding, " You, sir, are as drunk as those whose cause 

 you espouse !" Indignant at a charge so void of foundation, and under 

 the impulse of the moment, Risdale gave his accuser the lie. Major 

 Carter of the legion coming up at that instant, the expression was by 

 Trayner represented as an act of insubordination, and Risdale ordered 

 under an arrest, a mandate he immediately obeyed by retiring to his 

 quarters. 



Meantime the barracks presented a scene of confusion. The whole of 

 the men were assembled, and appeared to be discussing the best mode 

 of action. Some proposed to address a respectful remonstrance to Paez, 

 stating their request, that Blosset might be removed from the command, 

 and offering to serve under a Creole colonel of their own selection (and 

 here the name of Gomez was loudly vociferated); others expressed their 

 doubts of the efficacy of an appeal, and their determination to seek 

 justice at the point of the bayonet: all were unanimous in declaring 

 they would no longer submit to the neglect and tyranny of a superior 

 who seemed to forget that he was himself an Englishman. They had 

 scarcely arrived at this unity of decision, when one or two men who 

 had witnessed the altercation between Trayner and Risdale burst in 

 upon the meeting, and related the occurrence. The men's minds, already 

 in a state of ferment, wanted but this additional stimulus to render 

 them desperate. One of the regimental bugles sounded the shrill call 

 to " arms ;" and the next instant the whole, with fixed bayonets, rushed 

 into the " Grande Plaza," and formed in line of battle ! 



The noise now became astounding; and, at intervals, cries of 

 " Down with Blosset !" " Death to Trayner !" " A Creole commander !" 

 " Gomez for ever !" could be distinguished amid the almost deafening 

 din that prevailed. The greater part of the officers, roused from the 

 " siesta" they had been indulging in, were seen hurrying half-equipped 



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