APPENDIX. 385 



invincible, and wished to await reinforcements in his present position before 

 he would venture an attack : his soldiers became impatient, and desertion 

 began to threaten his army with total annihilation, whilst the deserters passed 

 over to the Federalists, and strengthened their lines. 



The publications of Carrera were privately distributed and read in Bel- 

 grano's army ; protection was offered to all officers, soldiers, provinces, &c. 

 who should wish to throw off the oppressive yoke of the metropolis, Buenos 

 Ayres. Many persons of rank and distinction in the country who were per- 

 secuted for their political tenets, flocked to the Federal standard, and found 

 an asylum beneath its influence. Thus the Federal army became more for- 

 midable every day, and the knowledge of a revolution in Belgrano's army 

 was what saved him from an attack in his intrenchments. 



Such were the prospects of the campaign, when the second in command, 

 Don Juan Bautista, Coronel Mayor of the national forces, and General of 

 the auxiliary army of Peru, fired with ambition, and anticipating the mu- 

 tinous spirit of the soldiery, headed the revolution, and declared for the 

 Federal army, requesting of Carrera and Ramirez to have him nominated to 

 the government of Cordova, professing the highest veneration and attach- 

 ment to his new allies, and his readiness to assist in forwarding their views, 

 and the good of the country in general. 



Ramirez was of opinion that Bustos should be sent to Entre-Rios, and the 

 army taken by himself and Carrera, and some other person, more worthy their 

 confidence, appointed to the government of Cordova. But the idea was too 

 ungenerous for Carrera : he believed the professions of Bustos, and had him 

 appointed to the government. This army consisted of about four thousand 

 veteran soldiers, seven hundred of which were Chilenos, and to be delivered 

 by Bustos to Carrera, clothed, armed, &c. whenever he should demand 

 them. 



The officers who had honour enough to detest the proceedings of Bustos, 

 and did not wish to remain in that army, were permitted to retire whither 

 they thought best : they were but few who retired. Belgrano was imprisoned 

 by the PorteMos for an event which he could not foresee or prevent. He 

 was in his youth a lawyer, and became a soldier in the revolution. Belgrano 

 was the most able, honourable, and meritorious officer the Porteilos ever 

 boasted ; and it was certainly a pity that his exertions were not employed in 

 a better cause than the extension and support of a tyrant's authority. 



Before we proceed, it may not be amiss to notice slightly the birth of His 



3 d 



