86 



RIO COLORADO. 



Aug. 1833. 



Such actions as these dehghted the Gauchos^ who all possess 

 high notions of their own equahty and dignity. 



General Rosas is also a perfect horseman — an acomplish- 

 ment of no small consequence in a country where an assem- 

 bled army elected its general by the following trial: A 

 troop of unbroken horses being driven into a corral^ were 

 let out through a gateway, above which was a cross-bar : it 

 was agreed, whoever should drop from the bar on one of 

 these wild animals, as it rushed out, and should be able 

 without saddle or bridle, not only to ride it, but also to 

 bring it back to the door of the corral, should be their 

 general. The person who succeeded was accordingly elected; 

 and doubtless made a fit general for such an army. This 

 extraordinary feat has also been performed by Rosas. 



By these means, and by conforming to the dress and 

 habits of the Gauchos, he has obtained an unbounded popu- 

 larity in the country, and in consequence a despotic power. 

 I was assured by an English merchant, that a man who had 

 murdered another, when arrested and questioned concerning 

 his motive, answered, He spoke disrespectfully of General 

 Rosas, so I kiDed him.^^ At the end of a week the mur- 

 derer was at liberty. This doubtless was the act of the 

 generaFs party, and not of the general himself. 



In conversation he is enthusiastic, sensible, and very grave. 

 His gravity is carried to a high pitch : I heard one of his mad 

 buffoons (for he keeps two, like the barons of old) relate the 

 following anecdote : I wanted very much to hear a cer- 

 tain piece of music, so I went to the general two or three 

 times to ask him ; he said to me, ^ Go about your business, 

 for I am engaged.' I went a second time ; he said, ^ If you 

 come again I will punish you.' A third time I asked, and 

 he laughed. I rushed out of the tent, but it was too late ; 

 he ordered two soldiers to catch and stake me. I begged 

 by all the Saints in heaven, he would let me off; but it 

 would not do ; — when the general laughs he spares neither 

 mad man or sound.'' The poor flighty gentleman looked 

 quite dolorous, at the very recollection of the staking. This 



