SOUTH AMERICA. 215 



time restored. But when this viceroy was deposed by 

 the people of Buenos Ayres, in 1810, the Spanish in. 

 terest was once more successful in Monte Video, after 

 an unavailing effort of the Creoles, to follow the ex- 

 ample of the capital. Open hostilities now ensued. 

 The government of Buenos Ayres having excited the 

 people of the Banda Oriental to revolt, laid siege to 

 this city, but which they were compelled to abandon 

 and again resume, accordingly as they were successful 

 or otherwise, in the struggle with the Spaniards in the 

 upper provinces, until the close of the year 1814, 

 when Buenos Ayres finally succeeded in capturing the 

 city.* During all this time, the intercourse between it 

 and the country was almost entirely suspended, and 

 its trade of course declined. The effects of a protract- 

 ed siege, on its prosperity, may be easily imagined. 

 The matter was still worse, when Buenos Ayres came 

 to get possession of the city, as Artigas with his fol- 

 lowers had previously deserted the cause, and was in 

 arms against his countrymen. A few months after- 

 wards, the inhabitants of Monte Video having esta- 



*«The garrisonof Monte Video had received supplies and rein> 

 forcements from Spain; and although they had been defeated in a 

 sortie against the besieging army, it was apprehended that a junc- 

 tion might be effected at Santa Fee, of the victorious army of Lima 

 with the disposable force at Montevideo. The royal squadron 

 having the command of the river La Plata, rendered this move- 

 ment very probable."— Mr. Poinsett's report, p. 86. An attempt 

 was actually made in the fall of 1813, to take possession of a 

 point on the Parana, by a body of Spanish troops; they were at- 

 tacked near San Lorenzo, by San Martin, and entirely defeated. 

 This was considered a brilliant affair in the then sinking fortunes 

 of the republic, though in itself of but little moment, compared fo 

 the subsequent achievements of this celebrated general. 



