The Boyce of Texas

Show me a revolution and I'll find you an Irishman. - John Kenneth Boyce

The Paperback Cover

Able Seaman Patrick Colman

"He was young and fit, although a bit on the slender side. Since most of the inhabitants of this relatively new city were of European stock, he would have blended in well, except he had some striking differences.

For one thing, he had the red hair common to people of the Emerald Isle, not the bright orange variety, but the darker kind tending toward a deep reddish brown. It framed a face that, by most of the world’s standards of the day, had to be judged as handsome. Its features would allow him to remain so even as he aged into his later years. These characteristics alone would have set him apart from the rest of the people in the plaza, but as an English sailor, he also wore his uniform – the dress blues."

Tereza Ferrando

The actual role model for Paddy's sweetheart and future wife. She is Uruguayan and her physical appearance is perfect for the description in the book. But I used another woman for her spiritual role model.

"Her shoulder length hair was a deep black, so common to the Mediterranean nations – black like a raven’s and just as lustrous, but her face was as fair as any in England."

The Cathedral in Montevideo

Where Paddy and Tereza first met. A nineteenth century photograph,.

The Cathedral in Montevideo

As it appears today.

"He gazed upon the sculptured saints and icons around the cathedral and again he found comfort. Here an Irishman had more in common with the locals than with his mates. He was Catholic and so were they. The cathedral was not overly done by baroque European standards. The architecture could still be identified as Mediterranean, but its austerity was akin to the Irish and Colman liked that too."

The Royal Navy at South Africa

The fleet formed up as a deception off the Cape of Good Hope before its run to South America.

"“The Commodore kept the squadron lingering around the Cape for several weeks. Then suddenly, we sailed due west out into the South Atlantic. The quick departure from Africa was a total surprise and questions and rumors began to circulate. Am I boring you with all this?”

“No,” Tereza smiled."

Assault on Montevideo

An English artist's concept based on descriptions. The city is not very hilly at all.

"Tereza interrupted him, “When the English seized Montevideo many friends were killed.”

The abrupt change of subject took Paddy by surprise, but he recognized this immediately as a matter that had to be addressed.

“I am so sorry ma’am. Me and my mates, we only follow orders.” He thought for a moment. “Were any of those friends someone special?”

“All were special,” she said. “They were my friends. But there was one. I was very fond of him. And from that day I have hated the English.”"

Colonial Montevideo

"The city occupied a prominent peninsula on the east side of a deep and compact bay. The hill for which the city was named rose on the shore opposite the peninsula and was topped by a small fortress. Outwardly Montevideo may have appeared well protected, but aside from another small fort in the city located at the bay’s entrance, its only wall cut across the base of the peninsula, separating the city from the rest of the mainland.

The other exposures, the bay, the inlet, and the Rio de la Plata, were guarded only by water, and as the English proved, Montevideo was vulnerable from the sea."

Ana Merladett

My role model for Ana Monterroso, Tereza's best friend. She is also Uruguayan.

"“I honor my father,” Juan said, “and I love him, but he alone will not prevent me from marrying my Ana.”

“She is not your Ana yet,” Paddy said. “Not entirely. You need to marry her. And believe me; it would really help me with my lady.”

“From what the General says,” Juan responded, “things are likely to become very tense very quickly. But when this thing is over, if I am still around, I will marry her – and she is my Ana!”"

Juan Antonio Lavalleja

A stylized interpretation of Ana's sweetheart.

"He was a little shorter than average and his voice was a little high. But he was a leader because those that followed him knew he was deep in the things that really counted."

The Pericon

The national folkloric dance that Paddy tried to master.

"Had he only been dancing with Tereza, they could have stopped for him to think through all of it. But as with many dances with their roots in Western Europe, each participant was a part of a team, usually of eight, but sometimes comprising of all the dancers. Each relied on the other.

Soon many people were bumping into each other and losing their own steps. The musicians played another three or four measures before they realized the dancers were no longer in sync. Then as each gave up in turn out of frustration or laughter, the music dying a discordant death.

Tereza was laughing, as were all the others.

“See?” Paddy said. “There truly is no limit to my capacity to create an embarrassment out of any circumstance.”

Maybe we will save the Pericón for another time,” she smiled."

British capitulation at Buenos Aires

General Whitelock surrenders his colors and sword to Santiago de Linaers. The British effort to conquer South America is finished.

“What are you going to do, Paddy?” Tereza asked anxiously.

“I have to go to Maldonado. Perhaps I can intercept the fleet there.”

“I believe it is too late, my friend,” Juan advised.

“Maybe not. The fleet must stop to pick up the garrison. It is my only chance,” Paddy said.

“And if you find the fleet there?” asked Tereza.

“I will have to leave with it,” Paddy replied.

“But what about us?” Tereza cried.

“You do not know the English Navy, love,” Paddy explained. “If I am not back aboard the Vigilance, I will be labeled a deserter, and sooner or later, I will be hunted down.”

“Then it is as I always feared!” she screamed. “I was a fool to let you convince me it could be otherwise!”

Maldonado

Paddy was with Tereza in Minas when word came of the British surrender. He hurried to Maldonado to catch the fleet there, but when he arrived he saw the sails disappearing on the horizon. The mount called the Pan de Azucar rises in the background.

"Another hour passed and Paddy was on now the east side of the Pan de Azucar. Mercifully its size shaded him and his horse from the afternoon sun. But the lowness of the sun in the sky worried him further. He could see the day was becoming quite late.

Soon he would see another large hill rising up as a landmark alongside the Rio de la Plata. The road would lead him toward it, where he would turn to the left at its base and ride on into the town of Maldonado."

The Chapel in Minas

Where Paddy and Tereza were married.

"Four years had passed since he had come to South America, and now Paddy had become accustomed even to the reversed seasons. His life had changed beyond what he could have possibly imagined. Married to a woman who completed him more than he thought possible, he was the father of two very fine children. His life was full."

Katy Ruiz-Diaz de Almeida

The woman whose name I used for Paddy and Tereza's oldest child (also Uruguayan).

"Katy was the oldest. She not only resembled her mother in her outward beauty but she also had Tereza’s inner spiritual beauty as well. They had named their second child Luis, after both his grandfather and his uncle, but almost all who saw him declared he was the image of his father."

Young Captain Jose Artigas

Artigas commanded the Blandengues Corps at Colonia del Sacramento. He resigned his commission in the Spanish Army to offer his services to the revolutionary government in Buenos Aires.

“This afternoon Lieutenant Otiguerra and I will cross the Rio de la Plata and offer our services to the government of Buenos Aires. In the days to come, I can assure you that, whether you like it or not, each of you must also decide which path to follow. Whatever is your choice, I wish you and your families well.”

Colonia del Sacramento

Relatively unchanged through two centuries, it is a World Historic Site.

The First Campaign

Had they known how long the road would be, One wonders if they would have taken on the struggle.

Surrender at Las Piedras

Artigas' first major victory against a professional Spanish Army. He would now move on to Montevideo.

"“Take note of the sun. It is at your backs and the Spanish will be looking into it. Remember too the difficulty you had in moving here from the road. We will let the Spanish close on us now through this same mud - and then we will strike them.”

“When we do, our cavalry will ride to face them on horses of the estancia - horses that know what it is to be driven hard through mud like this. The Spanish ride on groomed military horses better suited for the parade ground.”

Artigas could see some whispering and nods of agreement among his men. In spite of what would otherwise be a lack of discipline, he ignored it."

The Fortress on the Cerro

“A thousand Pardons, Governor,” the courier said short of breath, “but Artigas is on the cerro.”

“Can the news become any worse than it already is?” Elío cried.

“It will be difficult for him to take the cerro without artillery, Governor,” Mena reminded Elío.

“No, captain,” the courier said. “Artigas already has taken the fortress. He surprised the garrison completely and simply walked in.

“I am surrounded by fools!” Elío shouted. “With the guns from the fortress, it now appears Artigas has secured his artillery.”

Undertaking the Siege

General Rondeau brings Argentine reinforcements to aid Artigas in the siege of Montevideo.

"It had been two weeks since Governor Javier Elío sent his reply to Captain Artigas that Montevideo would not be surrendered. Now visible results of the siege were becoming evident within the city and they were sobering. The first noticeable change was the sudden lack of new perishable food being brought in from the outside. Fresh fruit disappeared from the markets altogether as they did not keep well. Ignoring the ominous future it portended, this one thing appeared to be, at most, an inconvenience. Still, it was impossible to look out over the walls at the abundant strawberry fields in the distance and to the peach and citrus orchards alongside and not long for them. No one yet understood the relationship between the lack of vitamin C and scurvy, or how a craving for a particular food might be the consequence of a deficiency of some nutrient that food contained."

Punta Carretas

Paddy swam to this peninsula from the besieged city to be with his Tereza and to report the conditions inside Montevideo to the army of the revolution.

"It took everything he had within him to reach Punta Carretas. From her position hidden in the greenness away from the beach, Tereza suddenly appeared, running over the sand toward him. Lying on the ground, Paddy weakly raised a hand.

“What has happened to her arms?” Paddy wondered in his confused state. “I can’t see her arms.”

When she came close, Paddy saw that her arms were shielded by the several thick and warm blankets she carried.

“Oh my wonderful wife,” Paddy said softly. He was hardly understandable because of his shuddering. Tereza covered him and embraced him, kissing his face as he slowly warmed."

Governor Javier Elio

Governor Elio of the Viceroyalty of La Plata was not allowed to take his seat in Buenos Aires by the revolutionary government there. He went to Montevideo instead. Now trapped in a starving city, he appealed to Portugal to help lift the siege.

"“So the populace is rising up in rebellion,” Elío commented as he read it.

“I would not go so far as say the populace,” Paddy responded, “a few revolutionaries, maybe.”

“You are probably right.” Elío said. “How can I soon forget the warm response from the people when I first came to Montevideo, and how they came to my defense when Buenos Aires wanted my head?”

“But times can change quickly,” he continued. “The world is crazy now. The sooner Napoleon is stopped and the monarchs are restored to their proper thrones, the sooner we can return to normal and put all this foolishness behind us.”

“Yes, your Excellency,” Paddy responded.

“Concerning this pronouncement,” Elío continued, “I want you to print it. It is going to be printed anyway, whether or not you are the one to do it, and I certainly do not want to endanger your family further. The man who brought it will not be prosecuted and it is prudent that the rebels not know you came to see me, so be cautious when you leave. Now thank you for coming.”

“Thank you, Excellency,” Paddy said gratefully."

King Joao of Portugal

The king and his family fled to Brazil when the French invaded Iberia. In response to Elio's appeal, he sends a numerically superior army to Montevideo.

""We have women on the docket today!”

“Yes. They come from the Cisplatine,” Pedro replied.

“Ana Lavalleja,” the king commented. “Would this be the wife of our prisoner?”

Pedro nodded. “They have come a long way. I would rather they not be made to wait.”

“Then we will speak to them first,” Joao said. “I am interested in what they have to say.”

Pedro motioned to an attendant. “We will see Senora Lavalleja now.”

Ana and Tereza entered and curtsied. They waited for the King to speak.

“Welcome to the court ladies,” Joao said. “I hope your trip has not been too difficult.”

“Everyone has been most helpful, Your Majesty,” Ana said. “I am Ana Monterroso de Lavalleja, the wife of one of your prisoners, Juan Antonio Lavalleja, and this is my good friend, Tereza Ferrando de Colman.”

“May I present my son, the Crown Prince,” Joao responded. Pedro nodded courteously.

“Ladies.”

“I regret to say your husband’s reputation precedes him, Senora Lavalleja,” King Joao began. “You may not be aware of it, but while his name might not be familiar to the common people, my military officers know him quite well.”

The first formal words from the King were not consoling ones. A look of worry mixed with fear crossed Ana’s face.

“Juan is a very good man, Your Majesty”, Tereza blurted out.

“He is responsible for the deaths of many of my soldiers,” The King said coldly. “Most of them were also good men - many, fathers or sons of good families. Neither side can claim only theirs is defended by good men.”

“Or bad ones!” Tereza replied rebelliously.

Ana gently brushed Tereza back. “Your Majesty,” she said, “I have with me a letter from General Lecor regarding my husband.”

“Leave the letter,” Joao ordered. “I believe I already know what it must say.”

“I cannot pardon your husband, Senora Lavalleja,” the King continued. “It would be an insult and injustice to all the Portuguese and Brazilian soldiers who have sacrificed so much for the empire. But I will do this.”

“Your husband is scheduled for hard labor in our most severe of prisons. I will transfer him to Isla das Cabras. In time he might even be paroled - and he can thank you for it.”

Artigas at the Gate

Faced with insurmountable odds, the revolutionaries sign a treaty with the Portuguese that allows the Spanish to remain in the Banda Oriental (Uruguay). To Artigas it is capitulation and he threatens to take the inhabitants across the Rio Uruguay. This is the Juan Manuel Blanes painting. I used it to portray the captain watching the families leave.

"Late in the afternoon, before he made his way to the city wall, Captain Artigas passed one last time along the streets of Montevideo. Along the way he contemplated all he and done and what the final consequences had become in spite of it. Here and there he saw piles of the possessions that people, at the last minute, had decided they could not take. Some Portuguese soldiers were already rummaging through many of the items. Some looked at him in disdain and a few times he heard snickering as he passed.

Eventually he reached the city gate – the famous Ciudadela. He dismounted and stood for a moment, looking at the road ahead."

The Exodus

Thousands of citizens leave their homes to cross over into Argentina to escape Spanish rule.

"The Orientales now moved in a great exodus toward Salto on the Rio Uruguay. The caravan was not one single unit, but rather it flowed sporadically in individual groups of wagons and animals. The sheer mass, however, left very few places along the route where it did not appear to extend as far as the eye could see.

There were more cattle and sheep making the trip than there were people. Also included in the number were untold quantities of hogs, goats, and poultry. Tending these animals only added to the hardship of what had already become a very difficult journey.

Happily one early fear was unfounded. Artigas and his officers had anticipated that riding herd on so many pigs and chickens might be an unending nightmare for the Orientales. But the animals seemed to sense that they belonged on this expedition; either that or they had a strong herd mentality. The result was a surprisingly organized procession of living things.

But it was not altogether a happy procession. The trail was strewn with broken carts and wagons, the carcasses of dead animals, and cast-off possessions that families had finally considered not worth carrying any longer. Frequently there would be a fresh grave. Mothers seated in wagons nursed their newborn in the heat."

Routes of the Exodus and Rondeau's withdrawal

The Rio Uruguay at Salto

Ayui lies just beyond.

"Presently, when she had become concerned for her mother, Katy came out to where Tereza stood.

“Hello, my daughter,” She said.

“Mother, what are you doing out here?” Katy asked.

“I am just enjoying the view,” Tereza replied. “It is so peaceful here – so inviting.”

“I would think you might hate this place,” Katy said, “since it was here where Uncle Luis lost his life.”

“Maybe earlier,” Tereza said. “But as time has passed, I have come to understand that was only a part of life. We all must pass on someday and none of us knows where or when. All I want now is a place where we all can just live together in peace and enjoy one another while we may.

“And you think this might be the place?” Katy asked.

“It could be,” Tereza replied. “It is so peaceful here.”

“But Ma, there is nothing here.”"

Ruins at Ayui

Now it is not much more than a small community on the outskirts of Concordia, Argentina. Could this building be the cabildo described in the book?

"In spite of Artigas’ best efforts, military procedure at Ayuí had become very unmilitary. His soldiers now spent most of their time simply trying to provide for their families on the harsh plain, and that included most of his staff. He kept his permanent staff intentionally small now, and it became more expedient to give a directive to only one or two and have them relay it on to the others.

To counter the lack of discipline this was sure to cause, Artigas still held his regularly scheduled meetings at the cabildo. The little building was never intended to be the seat of local government. But in spite of its diminutive size, it still was one of the larger buildings in the area. So the Captain chose it as his headquarters and it became known as the cabildo simply by default."

Director Cornelio Saavedra

The president of La Plata (Argentina).

"“By then the Brazilians might well be entrenched just across the river,” said Rondeau.

“We will act to counter Brazil,” declared Saavedra.

“When you decide the time has come,” said Rondeau, “I recommend that Artigas be a major component of the operations.”

“We are all aware of Artigas’ abilities,” replied Moreno, “and apparently so are the Spanish. Vigodet has actually requested that he be declared outlaw. General Da Sousa goes further. He wants us to declare him a traitor.”

Rondeau broke out in laughter. “For what?”

“What does it matter for what? There are no grounds for the charge,” Moreno smiled, “but treason is a capital offense.”

“Then they want us to kill him!” Rondeau yelled.

Saavedra nodded."

The Return

The second campaign will throw the Spanish out of the Rio de la Plata area for good.

General Carlos Alvear

One of Argentina's ablest generals. He will replace General Rondeau in this successful campaign.

"As autumn approaches I have argued with Alvear over our army’s present inactivity after our recent and decisive victories. Alvear feels he must rest his troops at winter quarters in Cerro Largo near the Brazilian border.

To maintain a presence near Montevideo, I have intentionally distanced myself from him and to his credit he has tolerated this. I have installed my base of operations at Durazno. My men remain with me and this has also caused friction between Alvear and me.

To minimize suspicions, we maintain a steady flowing dialog and discussions between us, most on how to wage war against the empire. I cannot reveal to you what is about to happen, but I assure you that plan is sound.

In spite of my differences with the General, he is a capable leader and I am comfortable with that. His regard for me appears to be the same and I know that it is this respect we have for one another that allows us to move on during these difficult days."

Juan Lavalleja to his wife, Ana

The Conference at Tres Cruces

""Well, I have not come this far only to change one ruler for another,” Rivera grumbled.

“None of us have, José,” Artigas assured him. “At Tres Cruces, I want a meeting arranged with representatives from every major town council. When this thing is over, me must stand united as a nation.”

The General took time to look at each man individually, as if updating his assessment of them all.

“The importance of these representatives’ presence cannot be overstated,” Artigas affirmed. “They must be the most esteemed of men in their communities!”

The men sat in stunned silence. Juan was especially surprised. He never had any thought that an idea such as this was even being considered by the General. Yet it had to be in Ayuí that Artigas had begun anticipating the coming problems and thinking of ways to counter them.

The solution now seemed so simple and obvious there could be no other. The officers would not resolve the issue, bickering among themselves, nor would the armies that might oppose each other. Artigas had decided to enlist the people themselves through their locally elected leaders. They would add the necessary validity to the effort. At the same time, it would also become much more difficult for the civilian sector to remain comfortably seated on the fence.

Was he the only one who could see though this thing all the way? Lavalleja looked around the room. No, they all saw it. Every man was looking at the General both in astonishment and admiration."

El Protectorado

This confederation of provinces would become the basis for Artigas' scheme for the "United Provinces of America", the South American equivalent of the United States of America. It is a bright (and final) moment for him. He almost pulls it off and the Argentines are thrown out of the Banda Oriental (Uruguay).

The Chapel in Florida

The Interior of the Chapel in Florida

Where Juan Lavalleja and Ana Monterroso were married.

"A month passed with no activity along either the Brazilian or Argentine borders. It began to appear that perhaps the Banda Oriental might be allowed to govern itself after all. Juan Lavalleja used the occasion to gather with his fellow officers at Florida. He had come to do the one thing that he had put off for far too long. All the rest had come to celebrate finally his wedding to Ana Monterroso.

The Colmans were there too, and many had come a long way to be a part of this event. There was only one glaring absence. The elder Lavalleja was not at the wedding. Juan’s father had not been invited.

And he did not even know the wedding was taking place."

The Argentine Alternative

At Tucuman, Buenos Aires offers a larger alternative to Artigas' plan (with Buenos Aires as the capital, of course). Artigas' influence with the Northern Provinces is quickly curtailed.

"“We have established contact with each of the provinces to propose a new plan,” Thomas said.

“Does it include a republic?” Alvear asked.

Thomas nodded. “This is where Artigas has forced our hand. But if the republic should fail, a monarchy, or perhaps an oligarchy, could quickly follow.”

“After much internal strife and suffering, I fear,” Alvear remarked.

“It is only through strife and suffering that a monarchy could be realized,” Thomas declared. “Otherwise the people would see no need for one.”

Alvear thought for a moment on what Alvarez Thomas had said. “It is important that you present your plan quickly.”

“We have already begun,” Thomas responded, “and we have learned from Artigas’ example. Rather than hold his conference in Montevideo, he held it in Paysandú. That eased the traveling for the delegates of the Northern Provinces.

“And when you present your plan, where will you hold your conference,” Alvear asked, “Rosario?”

“In Tucumán,” Thomas replied.

“Tucumán?” Alvear cried. “Good Lord! Why not just hold it in China?”

Thomas smiled. “What better way to show the other delegates we have no real aspirations over them. The farther from Buenos Aires this conference is, the less it will appear it is being run by Buenos Aires."”

The Fall of La Banda Oriental (Uruguay)

With assurances from Argentina that it will not intervene, Brazil invades over a broad front. Juan Lavalleja is taken prisoner at Paysandu and is carried to Brazil in chains. Artigas' last battle is at Tacuarembo. He flees to Paraguay to raise a new army but is taken into custody there and spends the remainder of his life in exile.

Brazilian General Lecor enters Montevideo.

General Lecor's triumphal entry. La Banda Oriental (Uruguay) becomes the Cisplatine Province, the southernmost province of Brazil.

"It was a somber morning the day Lecor entered Montevideo. In the plaza the banner of the United Provinces was replaced by the new green flag of the Banda Oriental under Portuguese rule. Artigas was no longer a viable threat. Rivera was bottled up somewhere north of Canelones and Lavalleja now languished near the Rio Uruguay.

Although it probably should have been otherwise, perhaps the most surprised inhabitant of Montevideo was Paddy Colman. The sight of the Brazilian soldiers startled him and he was seized by the sudden fearful realization that he was cut off from his family up on the Salto Grande."

The banner of the New Cisplatine Province of Brazil

(Uruguay)

Dom Pedro I, Emperor of Brazil

When his father returned to Lisbon, Pedro stayed in Rio de Janeiro. After a short while he declared the land as the new Empire of Brazil, free and independent of Portugal.

"For Emperor Dom Pedro and the brand new Empire of Brazil, the end of colonialism had created a new era of good feelings. As part of the celebration, many political prisoners were designated to be paroled.

In Montevideo, an aide to José Rivera entered the Captain’s office at the Regimental Headquarters. He grinned but said nothing.

Rivera waited patiently for him to speak, but soon the waiting became uncomfortable.

“Yes lieutenant?” Rivera said questioningly.

“You have a visitor,” came his reply.

“Very well,” Rivera sighed, “Show him in!”

The aide’s broad smile never waned. He walked back to the door, opened it, and motioned to the person waiting on the other side.

“You may enter,” he said. And with that, Captain Juan Lavalleja walked into the room.

Rivera could not contain his joy and surprise. He jumped up from his chair. “Juan!” he shouted, and ran to embrace his friend."

The flag of the Empire of Brazil

The Thirty-three at La Agraciada

(or La Graseada)

Juan Lavalleja's hand picked band of men swear the oath of allegiance to take the Banda Oriental (Uruguay) from Brazil or die trying. On the right is Manuel Oribe, who had been with him since the beginning.

"As the men worked, Lavalleja returned to the launches and retrieved a furled banner in a leather sheath. He uncovered and unfurled the flag, and planted it in the sand, holding the pole with one hand.

Juan was determined that the banner they fought under this time make a statement. As sentimentally attached as the men were to Artigas’ flag of the United Provinces, Juan knew it was time to leave the provinces behind. The provinces had already sworn allegiance to the fledgling Argentine Republic, all but one.

The new flag had three horizontal bands, red, white, and blue from top to bottom. On the center white band the words “LIBERTAD O MUERTE” were written. Soon the men filtered in from their various tasks. As they did so the crews in the launches prepared to leave. It was a scene already planned by Lavalleja. As the launches pushed off, Juan pointed toward them.

“The launches are leaving, señores,” he said. “If you have second thoughts, you should swim for them now.”

The men laughed.

“No. I did not think so,” Lavalleja said confidently. “Not you men. We are of one mind - and one heart.”"

The Lavalleja Flag

The colors are reversed from the Blanes painting. I believe this one is correct.

"“Behold our ensign!” Lavalleja extended his free hand toward the banner. “Its words are not new, and certainly not original. They have been repeated many times in many places. But here, these words will mean exactly what they say. If victory and liberty are not won, then let no man standing here today live to give report on how it was lost.”"

The Final Campaign

A three year ordeal, with larger armies and bigger battles.

Captain Jose Fructuoso Rivera

"I have kept the worst news for last.

José Rivera has been strongly opposed to the growing power of the Argentines and he became so outspoken that Buenos Aires finally declared him outlaw. He has been forced to flee.

We did what we could to protect José, but his volatile nature made it impossible. I have replaced him with Manuel Oribe – we all know him as a most capable man, but he is not Rivera.

My deepest love to you all.

Tell Tereza I pray for her and hers.

Juan”"

Admiral Guillermo (William) Brown

Commander of the Argentine navy who successfully kept Brazil out of the Rio de la Plata (and another Irishman).

"“Rather than risk a large army away from the capital,” Lecor began, “I have waited for the rebels to lay siege, because this is what they have always done. Not this time, however! What could be the reasons?”

“What they are doing now is almost as effective as a siege, without running the risks of actually executing one,” Da Silva replied. “Admiral Brown has successfully blockaded the port and Lavalleja controls the countryside. Neither is so near they can be noticed, but they are close enough to make it very difficult to resupply the city.”

Captain Manuel had a different opinion. “General, I do not believe they have the strength to maintain a siege. If they did they would already be here. The hope they had for aid from Argentina, other than the naval support, has as yet not materialized.”"

Uruguay Declares its Independence from Brazil

Signed in Florida, Uruguay.

"Lavalleja waited for his words to sink in. The men looked at him in silence. It was clear they all understood and it appeared that they had no misgivings, or if they did, they had no firm argument to counter what he had just said. So he continued.

“Padre Juan Francisco Larrobla, I surrender the floor to you and I take my leave. Padre, do not underestimate the stewardship that has been placed on your shoulders. Despite whatever the successes we may realize in the field, señores, our nation, as a nation, is now in your hands.”

Larrobla, a distinguished Catholic priest, rose from his seat and walked to the front of the room where he took the gavel from Lavalleja’s hand.

“I wish President Suarez were here,” the priest told the general in a muted voice.

“You’ll be fine,” Juan reassured him. He formally saluted the priest, bowed to the rest of the delegates, and departed, fully confident now that that small body of men in the little room would do their duty"

President Joaquin Suarez of Uruguay

"“I apologize for not acknowledging your greeting this afternoon, Paddy,” Bobby said, “but the navy has charged you with desertion. I did not want to let anyone in our company know that you were the man they were looking for.”

Paddy was stunned.

“Then this is very serious, Bobby” he commented solemnly. “But I never did desert. The navy deserted me when it sailed off and that was almost twenty years ago.”

“Well, you know how the navy is,” Bobby said, “discipline above all. Admiral Willoughby is trying to secure extradition from a man here named Suarez. He is supposed to be running the show.”

“Yes, Joaquin Suarez is our president,”

“President!” Bobby laughed. “You still don’t have a country.”

This was Bobby for sure. His joking, that almost always bordered on insolence, never bothered Paddy before. In fact he almost always laughed with him.

Now it bothered Paddy a great deal. It was another revealing moment that he had been transformed and was now a part of this adopted land."

Aftermath at the Rio Sarandi

The one sided Uruguayan victory between two equally matched forces convinced Argentina it should come in on the side of the Uruguayans.

"On the Uruguayan side Lavalleja was shouting across his advancing line of horsemen toward Rivera’s position. “Forget the muskets, men. Keep them on your backs. We will cross the field quickly and fall upon them with boleadores and machetes.”

“How shall we handle their musket fire?” Rivera shouted back.

“We must be swift enough that there will only be one volley - and that we will have to absorb,” Lavalleja replied. “Stay low to the ground and be ready to spring once it is fired.”

“Yes, General,” Rivera replied.

The command quickly spread through the line. An uneasy feeling came across Paddy as he realized Juan was intending to sacrifice a portion of his army in order to save the greater part. He was not unfamiliar with the concept of expendable men. In the English navy all the drills and training were based on exactly that – absorb what the enemy had to give and win the day by giving it back harder and faster. "

The Battle of Ituzaingo

Yorktown for Uruguay. I like this painting because it shows the arroyo that played such an important part in this engagement.

"By the afternoon the flies were already on the battlefield, doing their part in nature’s plan to return dust to dust. The sound of their buzzing created a melancholy air despite the victory.

“Many good men died today,” Luisito commented solemnly.

“They always do, on both sides,” Paddy reminded his son.

Luisito looked at his father but made no comment. Still it was clear he was not in full agreement.

“They are just like us,” Paddy explained. “They all wanted to survive this thing and get home to their families.”

“But they were trying to deprive us of our freedom,” Luisito countered.

“They believed they were protecting their country of the threat we posed,” Paddy said."

Lord Strangford

In the end, British ambassadors Strangford and Canby convinced both Argentina and Brazil that Uruguay would continue to be a festering sore draining both of their treasuries. The solution would be to make it an independent buffer state that would benefit everyone's economies (including England's).

“Thank you for seeing me, Excellency, Canby said. “I presume the purpose of my visit is already known.”

“To a point,” Rivadavia admitted, “but until we have a better understanding of exactly what the proposal is, we may have a number of objections to it.

“The proposal is exactly what you may have perceived it to be,” Canby said candidly, “complete autonomy and independence for the Banda Oriental.”

A frown crossed Rivadavia’s brow. “The entire purpose of our operations in the Banda Oriental was to bring it into the Argentine Republic as a full province,” he said. “The Orientales themselves declared it when they rose up against the Brazilians.”

“So they did,” Canby countered, “but you know they do not desire it. They relented on this one point to obtain your help to defeat the Brazilians.”

“Perhaps so,” Rivadavia said defiantly, “but then that is the price they must pay. It was the condition under which we went into the Banda Oriental.”

“My opinion is that if you continue on this path, you could have problems with the Banda Oriental for generations to come”, Canby argued, “and Brazil will not abide this state of affairs for long.”....

.......Ambassador Canby stopped and waited for the Director’s response but none was forthcoming. It was just as well, Canby would also wait and give Rivadavia time to contemplate what he had just said.

Finally the director did speak. “What does Great Britain want from this magnificent concession?” he asked.

“What has Great Britain always wanted? Trade. The American markets are very promising. So many new nations are ready to have the things of the world. What is more, the resources here are enormous, and England wants to be part of this....""

Independence Day

The Republic East of the Uruguay is created by common accord between Great Britain, Argentina, Brazil, and the citizens of Uruguay.

"Ambassador Canby was there too, conspicuous by the finery in which he was adorned. The English surely knew how to play up importance by the way a man was dressed. Paddy stood with his family looking up at the group of men, enveloped in a sweet warm feeling as he watched Juan Lavalleja, José Rivera, Manuel Oribe, and Joaquin Suarez take their places on the front row of the stand. He was so proud of these men. There was no denying this was a hallmark moment in the events of the Rio de la Plata.

At three corners of the stand the banners of Argentina, Brazil, and Great Britain were mounted. From the fourth corner flew a new banner with alternating white and azure stripes. A square white field in the upper left corner bore the Inca sun – the same symbol Argentina had chosen for its flag to represent the new world. So there it was - the new symbol of their land. It had never been carried into battle and Paddy wondered how long it would take before people would set aside the beloved ensigns of Artigas and Lavalleja and hold to this new standard."

Jose Artigas in the Plaza Independencia

"The wise old General Artigas remained in Paraguay, believing his return would only bring harm to the new nation. He chose not to side with any political faction, and in spite of invitations offered him, he never again set foot in the land he loved so dearly.

But after his death, a grateful nation immediately took steps to secure his remains and carry them back to Montevideo. Today he lies within the great tomb that is also his monument in the Plaza Independencia."