330 



APPENDIX. 



It would be a difficult task to make an exact calculation, or to 

 form even a probable estimate, but all seemed to concede the 

 superior merit claimed on account of their exertions, when com- 

 pared with their wealth and population: and it is not unlikely that 

 Buenos Ajres has in consequence assumed a higher tone, and ac- 

 quired a control} ng influence, which she has sometimes abused. 



Another source of discontent is, the unfortunate dispute be- 

 teen the Banda Oriental, and Buenos Ayres, which had also an 

 influence on the proceedings of the latter towards the Portuguese. 



The original cause of division, may be traced to a jealousy, long 

 subsisting between the rival cities of Monte Video and Buenos 

 Ayres. This has become habitual and has extended to the coun- 

 try. Private interests, and personal views have also increased 

 their dissentions. 



General Artigas (who bears the character of chief of the Orien- 

 tals, as has been already stated, and has also assumed that of the 

 protector of the Entre Rios and Santa Fee,) was originally in the 

 royal service, a captain in a provincial corps. In this, he contin- 

 ued for some time after the revolution had commenced at Buenos 

 Ayres. But in the year 1811, taking offence, as it is said, at some 

 conduct of the Spanish commandant of Colonia, he abandoned the 

 royal cause, and entered into the service of the patriots. So ear- 

 ly as the year 1813, when acting against Monte Video, he became 

 dissatisfied with Sarratea, the commander in chief from Buenos 

 Ayres. On his removal from the head of the army, he quarrelled 

 with general Ronadeau; who it was supposed would have been ac- 

 ceptable to him, and finally withdrew, before the seige of Monte 

 Video was finished under general Alvear. For this conduct, Po- 

 sadas, when he succeeded to the government, treated him as a de- 

 serter from their service. By a proclamation he offered a reward 

 for his apprehension, and set a price upon his head: an act, which 

 general Artigas never forgot or forgave. 



During the subsequent directorship of Alvear, he induced the 

 cabildo of Buenos Ayres, to issue a similar proclamation against 

 general Artigas. W hen Alvear was dismissed, the people of 

 Buenos Ayres endeavored to atone for their conduct, by burning, 

 with ever}' mark of ignominy, the degrading proclamation. They 

 also addressed a conciliatory letter to the general, and received 

 from him a corresponding answer. These were preliminary to a 

 fruitless attempt at reconciliation, made by the director ad interim* 



