72 ' MEMOIR OF 



the archives under his keeping, and thus for a time 

 arrested his investigations. Another viceroy ere 

 long succeeded, who was not only ignorant, but 

 also hypocritical and jealous. The civic rulers of 

 Assumption having requested Azara to favour them 

 with an epitome of his researches upon the country, 

 he readily complied. To mark their gratitude, they 

 conferred on him the title of " The most distin- 

 guished citizen of Assumption." Upon this the 

 governor was so irritated, that he caused Azara's 

 history, description, and map to be secretly con- 

 veyed from the city, along with the register in 

 which he was enrolled as a citizen. In spite of all 

 precautions, this disgraceful act became known, and 

 this greatly increased the governor's jealousy and 

 rage. He now wrote to the Spanish government, 

 that Azara had prepared these documents and maps 

 only that he might supply them to their enemies, 

 the Portuguese. In the year 1790, six great boxes, 

 filled with valuables, were sent to the governor, by 

 the Portuguese authorities who were tampering with 

 him, and endeavouring to bring him over to their 

 views. Of this occurrence the high functionary was 

 not slow to avail himself, by representing that the 

 boxes were intended really for Azara. He sent this 

 information to the viceroy of Buenos Ayres, who 

 immediately seized all Azara's papers and charts, 

 which were never afterwards returned to him. 



These few statements abundantly prove that the 

 viceroys and governors, far from being anxious to 

 advance Azara's interest, or to promote his wishes, 



