Twenty four years in the Argentine Republic; embracing its civil and military history, and an account of its political condition before and during the administration of Governor Rosas ... By Col. J. A. K

Front matter

TWENTY-FOUR YEARS IN THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC ; EMBRACING ITS CIVIL AND MILITARY HISTORY, AND AN ACCOUNT OF ITS POLITICAL CONDITION, BEFORE AND DURING THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR ROSAS; HIS COURSE OF POLICY ; THE CAUSES AND CHARACTER OF HIS INTERFERENCE WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTEVIDEO, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH LED TO THE INTERPOSITION OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE. BY COL. J. ANTHONY KING, AN OFFICER IN Tim ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, AND TWENTY-FOUR YEARS A RESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY. NEW YORK: D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 200 BROADWAY. PHILADELPHIA. G. S. APPLETON, 148 CHESNUT-STREET CINCINNATI :— DERBY, BRADLEY, & COMPANY, 113 MAIN-STREET. M DCCC" XL VI. Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 184G, by JOHN A. KING and THOMAS R. WHITNEY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

NOTE TO THE PUBLISHERS. New York, March 14, 1846. Gentlemen — The material of this work has been prepared in its present form, from a verbal outline of facts, made to the writer by the narrator himself. The diretjt ex perience of Col. King, associated as he was with the leading men of the whole country, during its most troub lous times, has enabled him to impart a more thorough information of the condition of the people, their politics, habits, customs, religion, &c, &c, than has ever before been given to the world ; while at the same time his long connection with the army, his familiarity with every part of the country, and his extensive travel, afford a fund of deep and thrilling interest. In preparing the work, I have assumed the attitude of the first person, as the most forcible method of imparting the facts contained therein to the reader ; and this state ment is made, in order that the possible charge of ego tism may not lie at the door of the narrator.

He is NOTE TO THE PUBLISHERS. responsible only for the facts themselves ; and any imper fection in the manner of presenting them, as also any false philosophy, or unprofitable speculation that may appear, must rest with the writer, who has the honor to be, Gentlemen, Your very obedient servant, Thomas R. Whitney. Messrs. D. Appleton & Co.

Preface

. In presenting this work to the public I have been im pelled by a sense of duty, rather than a desire to place myself before the eyes of the world. There is a manifest necessity for information respecting the Argentine Republic at the present time, not merely for the satisfaction of the public mind, but also for the use of statesmen both in this country and Europe ; and as it is not probable that another person lives (save a native of the country) who has been so long and familiarly identified with the public affairs of that country as myself, I have deter mined to lay before the world, as nearly as possible, a true statement of occurrences which took place during my residence there. In accomplishing this, I have de pended, throughout the narrative, upon the literary aid of Thomas R.Whitney, Esq., author of " The Ambuscade," " Evening Hours," and other works of poetry and prose ; and I can frankly say, that without his able assistance the work would, probably, have never been presented to the public.

I have witnessed with pain the apparent want of in formation evinced by some of our statesmen on this sub ject, and the headlong course which they seem willing to pursue towards England and France in the matter of the intervention of those governments between Rosas and the l*

PREFACE.

. Banda Oriental ; and while I would, and do earnestly de precate European interference in the affairs of the republics of this continent, I should be equally unwilling to see the peace of our country endangered on behalf of a despot, under whatever name he may appear. The true position of those contending powers will be explained in the fol lowing pages ; and should that explanation have the effect to improve the political, and consequently the moral con dition of the people of the Argentine Republic, the object of this work will be accomplished. I. Departure from New York — First Commission in the Army of the Argentine Republic — Introduction to Gov. Lopez, of Santa Fe, and Gen. Ramarez — Battle with Gen. Artegas, near the Rio Negro — His defeat, flight, and imprisonment by Gov. Francia, Page 13

Chapter II

March to Buenos Ayres — Flight of the Supreme Director, Pursedon — Gen. Carrere's Expedition towards Chili — Battle between Carrere and Ramarez — Rout of the latter — Treachery of Gen. Echagua — Battle near the Villa de los Ranchos — Death of Gen. Ramarez, 25

Chapter III

Treatment as Prisoners — Gen. Bustes — Desperate Fight in a Farmer's Coral — Journey to San Luis — Fate of the Chilian Carrere, 37

Chapter IV

The Cordilleras — Arrest and Imprisonment at San Juan — Liberation — Army of co-operation for Alto Peru — Gov. Arouz — War between the Provinces of Salta and Tucuman — Great Battle of Tucuman, 49

Chapter V

Journey through Salta to Humaguaca — Detention by Gov. Ouemez — The great Cavrado de Humaguaca — The outpost on the border of Peru — Expedition into Alto Peru, under Col. Buteres — Oran — Gov. Civilia — March to the province of Tarija, ... 60

Chapter VI

Siege of Carriparee, in Tarija — Battle of Carriparee, ... Flight after the Battle of Carriparee — Arrival and Sojourn among the Chirivione Indians — Their Habits and Customs — Singular Escape, Page 85

Chapter VIII

Escape from the Chiriviones — Expulsion of Capt. Tinecares — Arrival at Oran— Promotion under Col. Garrere — Surprise and Capture of the Town of Pascaye in Tarija, ..... 95

Chapter IX

Insubordination of Capt. Bacca, and Loss of the Battalion — Suspension of Garrere — New Regiment at the Banda San Francisco — A Jealous Husband — Interview with Crasey — The Mattaca Indians — Visit to Jujuy — Supremacy of the Church — Persecution and Imprisonment, . . . .110

Chapter X

Fate of Godfrey Pananio — Return to Oran— Gov. Civilia deposed — Interview with the new Governor — Journey towards the Frontier — Salta — A Friend in need — Reconciliation between a Jealous Husband and his Pretty Wife — Earthquake — Ruins of La Suldad d'Estaca — The Nymph of the Woods — Modes of Pastime at the Celebration of Nuestra Seilora de los Dolores, .... 121

Chapter XI

Severe Illness at Canclio — Interview with Sir Edmund Temple- Don Pablo Latorie — Catholic Superstition — Tucuman — Fate of Gov. Arouz — Santiago — Don Miguel Sovage, .... 140

Chapter XII

Journey to Catamarca — Arrest and Detention — Gen. Quiroga — Oppression of the English Miners in Rioja — Thrilling Instance of Self-Sacrifice by a German, ....... 152

Chapter XIII

Cordova under Gov. Bustes — Independence of the Banda Oriental Gov. Dorago of Buenos Ayres deposed by Gen. Lavalia — Battle of the Punta Marcus and Execution of Dorago — Bustes deposed by CONTENTS. 9 Gen. Paz — Entrance of Paz into the city osCordova — Marriage of the Narrator — Journey to Buenos Ayres — Depredations and Cruelties of the Pampas Indians, Page 163

Chapter XIV

Buenos Ayres besieged by Rosas — Capitulation of Gen. Lavalia — Triumphant entrance of Rosas — Tenure of the Confederation — The Unitarians and Federals — -Despotic course of Rosas — Further account of the depredations of the Pampas — Return to Cordova — Indignation of Gov. Faz — Revolution of the Internal Provinces commenced 172

Chapter XV

Governor Paz beset with Flatterers — The Revolution continued — The Padre Aldao — Arrest and Imprisonment — The Cavildo — Modes of Execution, 183

Chapter XVI

Midnight Examination at the Cavildo — Release from Prison — Quiroga's attack on Cordova — Terrible battle on the Tablada, . .193

Chapter XVII

Crisis in the Affairs of the Country — Second Battle of the Tablada — Terrible Act of Retribution — Return of the Army to Cordova — Quiroga makes a second Campaign against Cordova — Enters the City by Stratagem, and is afterwards beaten by Gov. Paz, at the Lagona Lago — Flight of Quiroga to Buenos Ayres — Supine Neglect of Gov. Paz, ... 204

Chapter XVIII

Provincial Congress holden at Cordova — Declaration against Rosas, and Notice to Foreign Ministers at Buenos Ayres — Expedition from Buenos Ayres aud Santa Fe", against the Provinces of the Interior — Capture of Gov. Paz — Flight of La Madri — Surrender of Cordova — Downfall of the Unitarians — Don Pablo Latorie — Gov. Ranafe —Success of Quiroga in the West — His Battle with La Madri, and Cruelty at Tucuman, Supremacy of Rosas — Murder of Quiroga and Ortis — Policy of Rosas — Death of Gov. Lopez — Disaffection of the People of Rioja — Ranafe deposed by the Cordovese — Governor Rodriguez — Arrest of Ranafe and his Brothers — Their Execution at Buenos Ayres — Execution of Rodriguez — Gov. Don Manuel Lopez, . . Page 226

Chapter XX

Rosas' Interference with the Banda Oriental — Tyrannical Demonstration of Oribe — Resistance of the People, and arming of the Militia under Generals Lavalia and Rivera — French Protest — Rosas' Oppression of the Unitarians — Reign of Terror at Buenos Ayres — The Massorca Club — Rebellion in the Southern part of the Province — Crasey returned after five years Imprisonment in Paraguay — Gov. Francia — Rosas issues Government Scrip— His Breach of Faith with the Merchants — French Blockade 237

Chapter XXI

Lavalia marches towards Buenos Ayres, and encamps at Lujan — Insurrection in the Interior — Rosas leaves the City, and encamps with his Army four leagues out — Barbarous Treatment of two Prisoners — Flight of Lavalia — His Death — Death of Gov. Aradia of Tucuman — Resignation of Oribe — Gen. Rivera elected President of the Banda Oriental — Don Manuel de Masa and his son Francisco — Rosas takes refuge on board the English ship Calliope — Portrait of Rosas drawn through the Streets by Women — Sacrilegious Obeisance of the Priesthood — -Buenos Ayres deserted by the People Don Manuel de Masa unites with the Citizens in an effort to restrict the Executive Power, ....... 251

Chapter XXIII

Oribe sent into the Interior— The Dona Manuela, daughter of Rosas — Running the Blockade in Rowboats from Montevideo Interview between Masa and Rosas — Masa continues his efforts against the Executive Power— Brutal Policy of the Dictator— Treacherous Arrest of Don Francisco Masa, aud Murder of young Juan, Assassination of the President of the Representatives, Don Manuel de Masa — Affecting Interview in the Prison of Francisco Masa — His Murder in the Coral — Scenes of Blood — Murder of Col. French, and five others — Noble Sacrifice by a British Officer, . Page 294

Chapter XXV

Treaty with France — Removal of the Blockade — Invasion of the Banda Oriental — Rivera's Resistance — Commodore Coe called into the Service, and supplanted by Garribaldi, au Italian — Intervention of England and France — Importance of the Banda Oriental — Rosas and his Representatives — Summary of Victims — Remarks on the Political Condition of the Country — Return to the United States 307

Chapter XXVI

Healthy Atmosphere of Buenos Ayres — The Pampas — The Provinces, and their Products — Habits of the People — Mode of Brewing Chichi, in Tarija— The Host— Markets, &c THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.

Chapter I

Departure from New York — First Commission in the Army of the Argentine Republic — Introduction to Gov. Lopez, of Santa Fe", and Gen. Ramarez — Battle with Gen. Artegas, near the Rio Negro — His defeat, flight, and imprisonment by Gov. Francia. The object of this work is to present an array of historical facts connected with the establishment of the Argentine Re public, Bolivia, and Uruguay, with an exposition of the horrors of civil contention, and the train of bloody events that have kept those countries, and especially the Argentine, in a state of confusion and terror ever since the establishment of their independence of the Spanish and Brazilian powers. The events that I shall relate are drawn from personal experience, and form a part of my own history, and in that shape I shall present them ; yet as the material which I possess would, if minutely recorded, require volumes to relate, I shall, at all times, avoid such matter as is not directly important to the object in view, — treating the subject, not merely as belonging to my own history, but as the his tory of the countries in which twenty-four years of my life have been spent, much of which time was devoted to the cause of civil liberty.

In order that my statements may be simple and comprehensive, I shall pass briefly over the events that occurred from the time of leaving my native land to the moment at which I entered the army of the Argentine Republic, and thence detail, successively, the circumstances of a public nature, as they occurred under my own observance or know ledge ; and if it shall appear that I have at any time com mitted errors of date, or in the misplacing of an event, it must be attributed to the treachery of memory, — as I was repeat edly despoiled of my papers, and hence compelled to endite from memory alone. In the year 1817, at the age of 14 years, I left my native city (New York) in company with a man by the name of Barker, and, without a dollar in my purse, took passage for Norfolk, Va. Arrived there, both of our trunks were left as hostage for our passage, and we together strolled into the town.

By the sale of a pocket-knife, we obtained food, and parted for the day, each seeking some means of employ ment. On the following day we met, and Barker informed me that he had engaged himself as a school teacher in the country. He had obtained money sufficient to redeem his trunk, which having obtained, we parted ; and I stood alone, a stranger, without employment, or the means even to pur chase a meal of food. I at length took quarters at the Bell Tavern, where I remained a short time, when, strolling one day along the wharves, I found a vessel about to sail, bound for Baltimore ; and, without ceremony, took passage to that city. On my arrival at Baltimore, I took up my quarters at the house of a Mr. Pitcher, hoping speedily to obtain employment, or at least to make myself sufficiently useful to render an equivalent for my board, but at the end of two weeks I was no better off ; and my host, with my consent, obtained shipping papers, and placed me on board the brig Wycoona : the landlord received my advance money, and gave me as an outfit for the voyage, two shirts, in addition to the wardrobe then on my back.

Where the vessel was bound, I neither knew nor inquired ; it was all one to me. I had foolishly left my home, and was too proud to return. In a day or two we set sail, and having arrived at sea, I found myself on board an armed vessel, but of what charac ter I knew not ; and a thrill of terror ran through my mind as I reflected that I had possibly been cast among pirates. At each demonstration my fears increased. Every man was armed, and had a post assigned him : pistols, cutlasses, and boarding-pikes, were supplied, in profusion, from chests which I had supposed contained the clothing of sailors, and from beneath bales and bundles of supposed merchandise were drawn twelve or fourteen 9-pounders, with carriages and equipments complete. The vessel was placed under rigid naval discipline, with a full complement of officers : drills, guard-mounting, and sea-target practice, occupied the time ; and, apart from such light duties as were appropriate to my years and inexperience, I found myself intrusted with the muster-roll of the vessel.

After a tedious voyage of sixty days, during which time nothing of importance occurred, our vessel was brought to anchor before the city of Buenos Ayres ; and on the follow ing day, myself and three others were ordered on shore as unfit for service. No allowance was made for my services during the voyage, and, with my wardrobe tied in a little bundle, I once more found myself homeless and friendless, in a strange land, among a people with whose language and customs I was unacquainted, and the prospect of starvation staring me in the face ; yet even in this extremity I drew consolation from the fact that I had escaped the fate that my fears had pictured on board the vessel ; though,_ when I had learned her true character, she being about to engage as a privateer in the service of the Buenos Ayrean government, I would gladly have remained on board, for there I should at least have had a shelter for my head.

Having been put on shore, I approached the guard at the end of the mole, expecting to be detained, but my miserable appearance rendered me insignificant in his eyes, and I was allowed to enter the town without question. I traversed the streets as one bewildered, gazing upon all I saw with the avidity and eagerness of one who hopes against hope, in the desire to meet with some familiar object, until at length a sign-board, bearing the name of P. Flusk, met my eye. I knew nothing of the Spanish language, and thus far in my ramble I had seen nothing else upon the various signs that were placed above the stores and ware houses ; but here was something, which, if not English, seemed at least more like what I had been accustomed to than any thing that I had yet met with, and accordingly I determined to enter the house, which, as I had supposed, was one of public entertainment.

I inquired of a person be hind the bar for the master of the house, and was overjoyed at receiving an answer in the English language, notwithstanding in that answer I found nothing else to encourage rne. The bar-tender told me that the master was not at home, and, supposing me a beggar, added that he had nothing for me ; whereupon I said I would wait till the master came home, and took a seat for that purpose. Finding at length that I was determined to .emain, the barkeeper called the proprietor from another part of the house, where he had been from the time of my entrance. I found him to be an Irish man, and at once made known to him my situation and wants. He said — " You may stay here for awhile, but you must pay your board. What can you do ?" " Oh, I can do any thing ; give me a shelter, and you shall see that I will soon find employment, and be able to pay you."

" Very well ; I will board you. Let us see what you will do." With an anxious heart I set about seeking employment ; but I soon found that my promise to my landlord had been made under a too sanguine expectation. I went from door to door, from street to street, asking for a situation as sales man, clerk, or any thing, but nobody understood me, and the universal reply was, " No le entiendo austed !" (I don't under stand you.) From day to day the same weary and unsuc cessful round ; and at each succeeding night, the inquiry of my host, as to my success, fell heavier upon my heart, when I knew that I must give him the same and oft-repeated an swer — " I have found nothing to do." Two or three weeks had thus passed, and I had paid nothing for my board. I felt sick at heart, for the idea of having contracted an obligation that I could not repay, pressed more heavily upon my mind than all the other evils that attended me.

My host had been kind and indulgent, and seemed to take an interest in me, as well on my account as his own ; and one evening, after the usual fruitless efforts of the day, he again said to me — " Young man, what can you do ?" I said, " I will do any thing that will give me an honest living." " Well," said he, l: I will see if / can get you a master." He was as good as his word, and on the following day I was introduced to a Frenchman by the name of Coquelet, who kept a fancy and perfumery store, which it was to be my duty to assist him in attending. I soon found myself in good quarters. My master was kind to me, and by assiduity, I soon won his confidence and esteem ; with his wife, too, who was an amiable lady, I soon became a great favorite ; and it is to this family that I am indebted for all that afterwards befell me, whether for good or for ill, during a long series of terrible and bloody years.

At this house I first saw a certain officer, of high rank in the service of the republic, who occasionally visited the family o* of my employer, and from whom I received many little to kens of kindness. I remained with Coquelet several months ; the necessities of my destitution had all been supplied, my obligations to my friend Flusk were satisfied, and with this relief from anxiety, and ease of circumstances, came a restless desire for change. I suffered with ennui from the confinement of my shop, which seemed to me more as a prison-house than an asylum ; and although sincerely gratified for the many manifestations of kindness which I had received from the family, I spake often and freely to Madame of my desire for more active employment. This was at length communicated by the lady to the officer above-mentioned, with a request that he would, if possible, assist me in the attainment of my wish.

This of ficer had already shown me evidences of a " liking ;" anil immediately after this announcement had been made to him, he sent for me, and said — " My young friend, would you like to enter the army of the republic V Almost choking with joy, I replied— " Sefior, nothing would delight me more." " Very well," said he, " I will see if I can obtain a flag for you." A flag ! thought I, as the officer left the house. Is it pos sible that I am to have a commission ! and with the rank of a Bandero at the first step ! I made no attempt to conceal my delight, or to check the visions of glory that flitted across my imagination. The officer was true to his promise, and two or three days after this interview the Supreme Director, Purse don, placed in my hands my commission, with the words, " Go now, young man, and make your own way up the ladder of fortune."

I will do it, thought I, for, although the rank of Bandero or flag-bearer is the lowest in commission in the service, I felt as though I had even then been placed at the head of a comi mand. I had already, under the tutelage of my employer and his lady, made rapid advances in the study of the Spanish language, and was even now able to hold ordinary conversations in that language ; the thirst for distinction was in my breast ; the thought of danger never entered my mind, and I considered myself qualified in every respect for the duties as signed me. I was a mere boy, and knew but little of the in trinsic merits or claims of my situation upon my love of liberty. I only knew that I was a soldier in the army of a country that had, like my own, driven from its shores the political interference of foreign power, and would willingly, at that moment, have defended with my life the flag which had been so suddenly and unexpectedly placed in my keeping.

Ah ! little did I dream of the horrors to which its possession was but the incipient step. I was immediately dispatched with letters to Gov. Lopez, then at Santa Fe, and embarked on board a vessel on the Rio Parana. Our voyage, which lasted several days, was to me one of almost unalloyed happiness, checked only by the delay which held me from my regiment. A delay rendered more tedious from the singularly circuitous and serpentine windings of the river itself ; often leading us in its course a distance of twelve and fifteen leagues to accomplish a single league of travel ; but the richness of the country, and the splendor of the scenery through which we passed, the river itself being studded with islands, inhabited only by tigers and beasts of prey, or occasionally employed as hiding-places by bands of ladrones and desperadoes, would have supplied myr mind with a ready and never-failing antidote for the tedious ness of my journey, had it not been already filled with burning aspirations to martial glory.

Arrived at the place of destination, I presented myself to Gov. Lopez, who received me graciously, and having read his dispatches, ordered me to cross the river to the town of Ra jada, capital of the province of Entre Rios, and report to Gen. Ramarez. I did as directed, and soon after received from Gen. Ramarez a commission as ensign in his own corps. On presenting me with the commission, the general said tome — " Anglo-American, the recommendations that you bring, have given us great confidence in you. I hope you are a true patriot." " General," I replied, " let my actions show to my country men that I am always ready to fight for liberty." " It is very well," said he ; " you are now going to fight against the Gen. Artegas." " Artegas ?" said I. " Yes, the monster who gives no quarter to the officers of an enemy when made prisoners."

" Then we must fight our way, and not become prison ers," I replied. " True ; but do you know his mode of disposing of those who fall into his hands V " I have been told that he sews them in raw hide, and leaves them in the sun to perish." " You have been told rightly, and now know what will be your fate if taken by him in battle." This Artegas, famous alike for his cruelty and his bravery,. was the first man who raised the brand of discord in the new republic. He was a resident of Entre Rios ; and instigated by the Spaniards, set on foot a rebellion against the consti tuted authorities of his country. His influence and disaffection after a short time extended over his own province, also Corrientes, Missiones, and a part of the Banda Oriental ; the latter of which, though not a province of the Argentine, received the sympathies of that country, and was almost con si' red as a part of their own territory.

Having raised an army and taken a position on the western border of the Banda Oriental, he bade defiance to the Supreme Director of the Argentine ; and it was to suppress this revolt that Ramarez was ordered to move. I was now in command of a " flank," and on the following morning that portion of Ramarez's command to which I was attached was put on march. The precise position of Artegas was not known, but he was supposed to be in the vicinity of the Rio Negro ; and in that direction we moved, crossing the province of Entre Rios. On this day I met with an English man by the name of Chapman, who held a commission in our corps ; and at the hour of oracion* having camped for the night, this man approached and hailed me as his countryman. " At least," said he, " if you are not an Englishman, we both speak the mother tongue."

He complained bitterly of the service in which we were engaged, and advised me urgently to leave it. " I have had three brothers in the service of this people," said he, " and all have perished ; perished like brutes, without thanks, gratitude, or blessing ; and gladly would I leave it, were it in my power. You are young," he added, " and can yet do as you wish ; take, then, a friend's advice, and leave this ungrateful service." I replied, " I have given my word that I will see this country free from Spanish dominion, or perish in the attempt. I come from a free country, of which you know not. I was born upon the soil of the United States, and reared under the protection of her flag ; civil liberty is my heritage, and for that I am ready to fight in any quarter of the world. My friend, what better service could I engage in, than that which is devoted to such a cause ?"

" The cause is good," said he, " but you will get neither recompense nor thanks for the danger and suffering that you will encounter. Good-by, we shall never meet again." We parted, and his declaration proved true : I never saw him from that time forward. On the following day we received intelligence of the ene - my's position, and encamped about forty leagues from him, * Evening prayer. where we remained three days, waiting the arrival of Gen. Ramarez. On the arrival of the General, he sent for me ; I went immediately to his quarters, when he informed me that he had appointed me his adjutant, and introduced me at once to the officers of the staff. On the following morning we received orders to march, and by the next evening had reached the Paso del Augua, on the borders of which we encamped for the night.