APPENDIX. 



a change, that they may profit by future events; others, calculate 

 with some confidence, on their ultimate union with Buenos Ayres, 

 with which, at present, they indulge a limited^ and reluctant inter- 

 course. Paraguay is under the immediate control of a person 

 named Francia, who styles himself dictator of Paraguay. 



From the domestic concerns of the provinces, we naturally turn 

 to their foreign relations. On this subject, the commissioners 

 were informed, that they had nothing more than a friendly under- 

 standing with any foreign nation. With the Portuguese govern- 

 ment, they concluded an arrangement in 1812, under the media- 

 tion, it is said, of the British, with respect to the Banda Oriental. 

 They have since had a correspondence with them, on the subject 

 of their entrance into that province, and the forcible occupation, 

 by a Portuguese army, of the city of Monte Video, of which a copy 

 is annexed. (Appendix J.) This will present the state of affairs 

 between Buenos Ayres and the brazils, which has been the theme 

 of much discussion. The superior naval force of the Portuguese, 

 stationed in the river La Plata, could have effectually blockaded 

 all the ports of Buenos Ayres. By this means, they would have 

 prevented supplies of arms and munitions of war, and entirely 

 destroyed the great source of revenue to the state, the duties on 

 imports and tonnage, at a season when money was much wanted. 

 For about this period, Buenos Ayres had a powerful army to con- 

 tend with on the side of Peru, and had taken the burden of the re- 

 newed contest of Chili with Spain. Under such circumstances, 

 they were, in some measure, obliged to adopt a cautious and mo- 

 derate policy. Their conduct, in this respect, seems to have been 

 coerced. Their unhappy state with the Orientals, had also an in- 

 fluence on their measures; they alleged that the restless conduct 

 of Artigas, had furnished the Portuguese with a pretext for the in- 

 vasion; but it is probable that they will ultimately break with the 

 government of Brazils. 



The British government have, through their official agents, en- 

 tered into commercial stipulations with general Artigas, as the 

 chief of the Orientals, on the subject of their trade with the eastern 

 shore. A copy of this instrument will be found in Appendix (K.) 



The government of Buenos Ayres have a confidential person in 

 Europe, soliciting from England, and other powers, it is said, as- 

 sistance of every kind, and a recognition of their independence. 

 England has a consul, who, with her naval commander on that 



