[AP. ^1 



146 A REVOLUTION. [chap. 



that the city was in a state of close blockade, and that all 

 he could do was to give me a passport to the commander- 

 in-chief of the rebels at Quilmes. We had therefore to 

 take a great sweep round the city, and It was with much 

 difficulty that we procured horses. My reception at the 

 encampment was quite civil, but I was told it was quite 

 impossible that I could be allowed to enter the city. I was 

 very anxious about this, as I anticipated the Beagle's de- 

 parture from the Rio Plata earlier than it took place. 

 Having mentioned, however, General Rosas's obliging 

 kindness to me when at the Colorado, magic itself could 

 not have altered circumstances quicker than did this con- 

 versation. I was instantly told that though they could 

 not give me a passport, if I chose to leave my guide and 

 horses, I might pass their sentinels. I was too glad to 

 accept of this, and an officer was sent with me to give 

 directions that I should not be stopped at the bridge. The 

 road for the space of a league was quite deserted. I met 

 one party of soldiers, who were satisfied by gravely looking 

 at an old passport ; and at length I was not a little pleased 

 to find myself within the city. 



This revolution was supported by scarcely any pretext ot 

 grievances ; but In a state which, in the course of nine 

 months (from February to October, 1820), underwent fifteen 

 changes in Its government — each governor, according to 

 the constitution, being elected for three years — it would be 

 very unreasonable to ask for pretexts. In this case, a party 

 of men — who, being attached to Rosas, were disgusted with 

 the governor Balcarce — to the number of seventy left the 

 city, and with the cry of Rosas the whole country took 

 arms. The city was then blockaded, no provisions, cattle, 

 or horses were allowed to enter ; besides this, there was 

 only a little skirmishing, and a few men daily killed. The 

 outside party well knew that by stopping the supply of meat 

 they would certainly be victorious. General Rosas could 

 not have known of this rising ; but it appears to be quite 

 consonant with the plans of his party. A year ago he was 

 elected governor, but he refused It, unless the Sala would 

 also confer on him extraordinary powers. This was refused, 

 and since then his party have shown that no other governor 

 can keep his place. The warfare on both sides was 

 avowedly protracted till It was possible to hear from Rosas. 

 A note arrived a few days after I left Buenos Ayres, which 

 stated that the General disapproved of peace having been 



