SOUTH AMERICA. S57 



united provinces, since the declaration of independence. 

 He protested against the Portuguese invasion, and in- 

 sisted that general Lecor should withdraw; but receiv- 

 ed in answer the letter of this general dated the 27th 

 November, 1816, in which he states that he has no 

 hostile intentions against the territories of Buenos 

 Ayres, that the country he had invaded had declared 

 itself independent. The director, at the same time, 

 opened a correspondence with Artigas, and proposed 

 a reconciliation. But, "to speak of reconciliation 

 with Artigas," says Funes, "was to speak to the de- 

 sert, his obduracy could neither be softened by com- 

 passion, nor his pride humbled by dangers. Although 

 he received the donations,* he heard the proposal 

 with displeasure, preferring that history should accuse 

 him of having sacrificed the occasion to his private 

 hatred, his duties to his caprice, and his country to 

 his interests.'' A struggle ensued between those in 

 favor of the union, and the partisans and followers of 

 Artigas; but the latter prevailed; "it was well known,'' 

 says Funes, "that Artigas would annihilate any one 

 who would oppose his authority." The Portuguese 

 took possession of Monte Video, and other principal 

 places, with scarce an opposition. Many of the most 

 respectable inhabitants, as well as the regiment of 

 Libertos, having agreed to a reconciliation with the 

 government of Buenos Ayres, contrary to the wishes 

 of the chief of the Orientals, now crossed the river 

 and joined the standard of the united provinces, leav- 

 ing Artigas to pursue his own inclinations. 



The Portuguese invasion, every thing considered, 



* A supjily of arms sent bj the director. 

 VOL. T. 33 



