274 



SPANISH AMERICA. 



The third attempt was an insurrection 

 which took place in 1781, in the province 

 of Socorro, one of the most populous of 

 the Viceroyalty of New Grenada, in con- 

 sequence of some additional taxes imposed 

 by the Regente Pineres. The inhabitants 

 of this province, having assembled nearly 

 seventeen thousand men, marched against 

 Santa F6 de Bogota, shouting Long live 

 the King, but death to our bad government !" 

 They proceeded in triumph till they reach- 

 ed the plain called Mortino, about twelve 

 leagues from Bogota, where they met the 

 archbishop Gongora, dressed in his full 

 robes, and holding in his hands the Host. 

 This unexpected encounter induced the So- 

 correnos to halt, and the archbishop, avail- 

 ing himself of the impression thus made, 

 proposed to their leader, Don Salvador Pla- 

 ta, to hold a conference. This stratagem 

 had the effect that was intended : terms of 

 accommodation were agreed upon, and the 



