158 



A VOYAGE TO 



in the same manner as in other parts of America, on 

 the gradual approximation of the settlements of diflPer- 

 ent nations, commenced in the first instance at suffi- 

 cient distances from each other. The Portuguese 

 from the earliest period claimed the whole left bank of 

 the Parana and La Plata, while their progress in this 

 direction was considered by the Spaniards as en- 

 croachments. There was no rational principle for the 

 termination of disputes of this nature, but that of the 

 more complete occupancy, or express stipulation. In 

 both of these particulars the cause of Spain was de- 

 cidedly the best. The quarrels which arose from 

 time to time, were settled by the treaties of 1680, 1750, 

 and 1760, which however produced but temporary sus- 

 pensions, until finally settled by the treaty of Ilde- 

 fonso, of the first of October, 1777? confirmed by the 

 treaty of Pardo of the year following. By this treaty 

 the boundaries were settled as far as they could be by 

 mere description, and they were perhaps the most ex- 

 tensive ever agreed upon between two sovereigns. Ex- 

 cept the boundary of the United States settled by 

 the treaty of '83, I know of none that can be compar- 

 ed with it. The articles of treaty, from the third to 

 the tenth inclusive, trace this wonderful boundary 

 along the ridges and mountains, and along the courses 

 of rivers, leaving the connecting links where these na- 

 tural boundaries fail, to be settled by commissioners 

 whom the parties agree to appoint for this purpose. 

 One of these on the part of Spain, (Azara) was ac- 

 tually sent out, but in the preface of his valuable work 

 on South America, he complains of a want of good 

 faith on the part of the Portuguese government, in the 

 fulfilment of its engagements. After remaining nin^^ 



