S20 _ APPENDIX, 



neral, a correct and impartial sketch of the prominent trans- 

 actions and occurrences. 



In perusing this interesting document, I have to lament, that 

 its pages are marked with some cases of severity and cruelty, 

 which seem almost inseparable from great revolutions. It must, 

 however, be consoling to observe, that they appear to have passed 

 through that state which might possibly have rendered examples 

 necessary; and to have arrived, perhaps, at that stage when the 

 passions becoming less turbulent, and the people more enlight- 

 ened, a milder system may be expected to prevail. 



Their dissentions have produced most of their calamities. In 

 such seasons they were naturally to be expected. But their dis- 

 putes have been principally healed by the prudent and energetic 

 measures of the congress, which commenced its sittings in Tu- 

 cuman in the year 1815, and adjourned in the year following from 

 thence to Buenos Ayres, where it remained in session, occupied 

 with the task of forming a permanent constitution. This respect- 

 able body, besides acting as a convention or a constituent assem- 

 bly, exercises, temporarily, legislative powers. Their sittings are 

 public, with a gallery of audience for citizens and strangers. The 

 debates are frequently interesting, and are conducted with abi- 

 lity and decorum. They are published every month, for the in- 

 formation of the people. 



The dispute with Artigas, the chief of the Orientals, has not 

 been adjusted. This, with a certain jealousy of the superior in- 

 fluence of the city of Buenos Ayres, on the general affairs of 

 the provinces, the conduct of the government of Buenos Ayres 

 towards the Portuguese, and the high tariff of duties, which i un- 

 derstand have been since reduced, appeared to constitute the 

 principal causes of dissatisfaction at the time of my departure. 



The declaration, by congress, of that independence, which they 

 had for many years previously maintained in fact, was a measure of 

 the highest importance, and has been productive of a unanimity and 

 a decision before unknown. This summit of their wishes, was only 

 to be reached by slow and gradual progress. The public mind 

 had to be illumined on the subject by their pulpits, their presses, 

 and their public orations. The people were to be prepared for 

 the event. When the season arrived, they cut the knot which 

 could not be untied. The declaration of independence was adopt- 



