PATRIOT OUT-POSTS. 



23 



they galloped to and fro^ appeared a brace of 

 pistols in front, and a large long knife stuck 

 behind ; added to all this, they carried a sabre 

 and blunderbuss : those that had not the latter, 

 had old muskets, fowling-pieces, &c. Upon the 

 whole, they had much more the appearance of an 

 armed banditti, than patriots fighting for the 

 liberties of their country. 



About a mile from this post came to a hut, 

 where we ascertained more fully the state of the 

 country. Many robberies had been committed by 

 the desertei's from both armies, (armed parties I 

 should call them.) The Banda Orientalists were in 

 arms against the treaty of Garcia* being acceded 

 to, which was, to give up the Banda Oriental 

 to the Brazilians. This they were determined to 

 oppose, and were highly incensed against the 

 English, whom they supposed were interested in 

 the treaty. The deserters were numerous, rob- 

 bing and murdering in every direction : such 



* The Brazilian minister who went up to Buenos Ayres in 

 order to effect such a treaty. 



