Front matter
S ANCLIFILIHOHANl S-CABOTI'VEM ETII ! j M ILITIS'AVKATI'PR I M V INVENT-!
After a picture by Holbein , in the King’s Collection , temp. Henry VI II., lately in possession of Charles Joseph Harford, Esq., and engraved in Beyer's ‘ Memoirs of Bristol 1825.
Master jbebasttan ffiabote,
Chapter I. The Discovery Of The Rio De La Plata
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De Solis, the first discoverer, killed by the Natives .... 3
Cabot disappointed in England ........ 4
Invited to Spain by Charles V. ........ 4
Appointed Piloto Mayor ......... 4
Sent on a Voyage to the Spice Islands ...... 4
His Officers mutiny off Brazil ........ 4
Proceeds up the Parand, ......... 5
Builds Fort San Espiritu 5
Explores the River Paraguay ........ 5
-Defeats the Indians near the Vermejo ...... 6
They bring him Silver, and accounts of Peru ..... 6
Blamed for naming the River “ La Plata” ...... 8
The Emperor approves his conduct ....... 8
Pizarro’s arrival in Spain from Peru ....... 9
Delays the sending aid to Cabot ....... 9
He returns in consequence to Europe . . . . . . .10
Resumes his old office of Piloto Mayor ...... 10
News received of the Conquest of Peru . . . . . .11
Spirit of Enterprise in consequence . . . . . . .11
Armaments for Peru and the Rio de la Plata . . . .11
Chapter II. The Conquest
Mendoza’s Armament for the Rio de la Plata . . . , .12
His agreement with Charles V. . .... 12
a 2
VI
CONTENTS.
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Joined by Persons of Rank . . . . . . . . .13
The Fleet sails for Brazil ......... 14
Osorio the General put to death 14
Disgust of the People in consequence . . . . . . .15
Reach Buenos Ayres and land there . . . . . . .15
Hostile attack upon the Natives 16
The Adelantado’s Brother slain by them 16
Dire Famine among the Spaniards 17
Besieged by the Indians . . . . . . . . .17
Ayolas obtains Food from the Timbus . . . . . . .18
Builds a Fort on the Carcarana . . . . . . . .18
Mendoza proceeds there 18
Terrible mortality amongst his Followers ...... 18
Ayolas, sent up the River, does not return . . . . . .18
The Adelantado sails for Spain and dies . . . . . .18
His secret Instructions to Ayolas . . . . . . .18
Ayolas killed by the Payagua Indians . . . . . .21
Yrala elected Governor . . . . . . . . .*22
The Spaniards established in Paraguay ...... 22
Chapter III. The Spaniards In Paraguay — They Reach Peru
Yrala : his character and first measures ....... 23
Commencement of the City of Assumption ...... 23
Improved position of the Spaniards in Paraguay ..... 24
Industry of the Guarani Tribes ........ 24
The Spaniards intermarry with them ....... 25
A Guarani Woman saves them from a Conspiracy .... 25
Cabeza de Vaca appointed Adelantado ...... 26
His march from St. Catherine’s ........ 28
Reaches Assumption in safety ........ 30
Chastises the warlike Guaycurus ....... 31
His Ships arrive by the Parana ........ 32
Earthquake on the passage up ........ 32
The Adelantado sets out for Peru ....... 33
Reaches the Xarayes during the Inundation ..... 33
The People attacked by Sickness, Mosquitoes, and Vampires . . 34
Oblige Cabeza de Vaca to return ....... 34
Conspiracy against him 35
He is imprisoned and sent to Spain ....... 35
Yrala again chosen Governor ........ 36
Puts down a Rebellion of the Indians 36
Projects a new Expedition to Peru ....... 36
Crosses the Country of the C’hiquitos ....... 37
Schmidel’s account of the March . . . . . .38
CONTENTS. vii
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Intelligence of Pizarro’s Rebellion ....... 39
Yrala sends Messengers to La Gasca 39
Who orders him back to Paraguay ....... 39
Dissatisfaction of his Followers ........ 40
They take with them the first Sheep and Goats ..... 40
Disturbances in Paraguay ......... 40
Yrala restores Peace . . . . . . . . . .41
CHAPTER IY.
YRALA AND DE GARAY — THE LATTER FOUNDS BUENOS AYRES.
Yrala’s conquest of La Guayrd .*...... 42
The encroachments of the Paulistas ....... 42
To make Slaves of the Indians ........ 42
The Emperor makes Yrala Captain-General ..... 43
The first Bishop reaches Paraguay 43
Telegraphic Signals used by the Natives ...... 43
Repartimiento of the Indians ........ 44
Regulations regarding their Vassalage ....... 45
Subsequent measures of the Jesuits ....... 47
Nuflo de Chaves sent up the Paraguay ...... 47
Succeeded by his Sons-in-law ........ 48
Chaves reaches Peru 48
Founds Santa Cruz de la Sierra 49
He returns to Paraguay . . . . . . . . .49
Persuades the Governor to go to Peru ....... 50
The Bishop and a large Retinue accompany him ..... 50
Is deprived of his Government by the Audiencia ..... 50
The Viceroy appoints Zarate in his place . . . . . .51
Caceres returns to Paraguay as his Lieutenant . . . . .51
The Bishop heads a Party against him . . . . . . .51
He is imprisoned and sent to Spain . . . . . . .51
De Garay founds Santa Fe 52
Receives news of Zarate ......... 52
Rescues him from the Charruas ........ 52
Zarate reaches Paraguay and dies ....... 52
De Garay appointed Lieutenant-Governor ...... 52
And made Guardian of his Daughter . . . . . . .52
He founds new Settlements in Paraguay ...... 53
Re-establishes that at Buenos Ayres ....... 54
Signally defeats the Querandis ........ 54
Is slain by the Indians three years after ...... 55
Yrala and De Garay the Heroes of the Conquest ..... 56
Government of the Rio de la Plata founded in 1620 .... 56
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER Y.
COMMERCIAL RESTRICTIONS OF SPAIN — BUENOS AYRES MADE THE SEAT OF A VICEROYALTY.
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Paraguay, Buenos Ayres, and Tucuman ...... 57
Divided into Three Governments ....... 57
Restrictive policy of the Mother Country ...... 58
The Treaty of Utrecht gives the English the Asiento .... 59
A pretext for Contraband Trade ........ 59
The Portuguese obtain Colonia ........ 60
Their Smuggling Trade ......... 60
Monte Video founded in 1726 . . . . . . .62
Treaty between Spain and Portugal of 1750 . . . . .62
Colonia exchanged for the Uruguay Missions ..... 62
VThe Indians resist their occupation ....... 62
The Yiceroyalty of Buenos Ayres established in 1776 . . . . 64
Cevallos sent out w ith 10,000 Men ....... 64
Takes St. Catherine’s and dismantles Colonia 64
Peace restored in 1777, by the Treaty of San Ildefonso ... 65
Which gives Colonia for ever to Spain ...... 65
Spain opens the Colonial Trade ........ 66
The Free Trade Regulations of 1778 66
Founded on Protection to Spanish Industry ...... 67
Consequent complaints of the South Americans ..... 67
Increase and prosperity of Buenos Ayres . . . . .69
CHAPTER YI.
INDEPENDENCE ESTABLISHED.
Effect of the British Invasions of 1806 and 1807 .... 70
Arrival of the Prince Regent in Brazil ...... 70
Offers to take the Buenos Ayreans under his protection . . .71
Their spirited Reply stops his Pretensions . . . . . .71
Joseph Bonaparte declared King of Spain . . . . . .71
Treatment of his Messenger by the Buenos Ayreans . . . .71
Loyal feeling in favour of Ferdinand VII. ...... 72
Effect of the French occupation of Spain ...... 72
Distrust of the Viceroy Liniers ........ 72
Elio sets up a Junta at Monte Video ....... 72
A similar attempt at Buenos Ayres put down in 1809 .... 73
Cisneros sent from Spain to replace Liniers ...... 73
Is obliged to open the Trade ........ 73
Alarmed by the French successes in Spain . . . . . .74
Convokes a Public Meeting ........ 74
Which establishes a Provisional Junta (1810) ..... 74
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Anger and violence of the Cortes of Cadiz . . . . . .74
Civil War in consequence . . . . . . . . .75
Subsequent Obstinacy of King Ferdinand . . . . . .75
The Buenos Ayreans appeal to Charles IV. . . . . .75
Propose to set up Don Francisco de Paula . . . . . .75
Finally proclaim their Independence in 1816 . . . . . 76
Part II
THE PROVINCES OF THE RIO DE LA PLATA AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THEIR PO- LITICAL INDEPENDENCE.
CHAPTER VII.
EXTENT AND GOVERNMENT OF THE NEW REPUBLIC.
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Extent of the New Republic . ....... 79
Population and Political Divisions ....... 80
Government established at Buenos Ayres ...... 80
Geographical Divisions ......... 80
The Riverine Provinces ......... 80
The Upper Provinces 80
The Provinces of Cuyo ......... 80
Greater extent of the old Viceroyalties 81
Necessity of subdividing them . . . . . . . .81
Separation of Paraguay, the Banda Oriental, and Bolivia ... 82
Cry raised for a Federal Government ....... 83
Supremacy of Buenos Ayres from 1810 to 1820 ..... 84
Victories achieved by San Martin 85
Rejection of the Constitution ........ 86
The Congress and National Executive dissolved ..... 86
French Plan for a Monarchy for the Duke of Lucca .... 86
Every Province sets up for itself (1820) ...... 87
The Buenos Ayreans establish a Provincial Administration ... 87
Failure of another Constitution (1827) ...... 87
Decline of the Provinces in a state of isolation ..... 88
Buenos Ayres charged with their Foreign Relations .... 89
Extensive Powers provisionally vested in General Rosas ... 89
Want of a definite League between the Provinces ..... 89
The South Americans under Spain . . . . . . .91
Ignorant of, and unfitted for Self-government . . . . .91
Their first measures and difficulties ....... 92
Slow growth of Constitutional Freedom in all Countries ... 93
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Policy of the Ministers of Great Britain . . . .. .94
Their Warnings unheeded by Spain ....... 94
Mr. Canning’s Treaties with the new States ..... 95
And justification of their necessity ....... 95
France and other Countries follow ....... 96
CHAPTER VIII.
THE RIO HE LA PLATA AND BUENOS AYRES.
Arrival at Rio de Janeiro ......... 97
Reach the Rio de la Plata 98
Pampero off Monte Video .... ..... 98
Enormous extent of the River ........ 98
Anchorage off Buenos Ayres . . . . . . . . . 99
Passengers carted on Shore . . . . . . . .100
Great want of a Landing-place ........ 100
First impressions of the City ........ 101
Public Buildings and private Dwellings ...... 102
Primitive arrangements of the latter . . . . . . .103
Improvements since introduced , . . . . . . .104
Windows protected by iron gratings . . . . . , .105
Water scarce and dear ......... 105
State of the Streets and Pavement . . . . . .106
Country-houses and Gardens . . . . . . , .107
English and Scotch gardeners . . . . . . . .107
Indigenous and other Plants, Maize, &c. ...... 108
The Aloe, its flowers and juice, Pulque ...... 108
v/ Humming Birds capable of being tamed — instances of .... 109
CHAPTER IX.
STATISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
Estimated Population in 1778, 1800, and 1822-25 . . . .111
Diminution of the Coloured Castes . . . . . . .114
Prohibition of the Slave Trade since 1813 ...... 114
Kind treatment of their Slaves by the Spaniards 115
They fight for their Masters . . . . . . . .115
System for their gradual Emancipation . . . . . .116
Has made the Free Blacks industrious . . . . . . .116
Increase of the White Population . . . . . . .117
Great influx of French and English . . . . . . .117
Rights of the latter secured by Treaty . . . . . .117
Rosas gives them ground for a Church . . . .117
Their Marriages with the Natives . , .118
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The Buenos Ayrean Ladies — their taste for Music
. 118
The Men — their education and habits
. 119
Decline of the Priests and Lawyers ....
. 119
Rise of the Military, and its baneful results .
. 120
Employments of the lower Classes ....
. 1 20
Work for all, and cheap Food .....
. 121
Fish and Birds caught on Horseback ....
. 121
Everybody rides — even Beggars .....
. 122
CHAPTER X.
CLIMATE, AND ITS INFLUENCES.
Climate of Buenos Ayres influenced by the Winds . . . 123
Effects of a North Wind ......... 124
Case of Garcia, a Murderer . . . . . . . .125
Consequences of a Pampero . . . . . . . .126
Dust-Storms and Showers of Mud ....... 127
Violent Thunder and Lightning ........ 128
Lockjaw and Mai de Siete Dias .129
Mortality amongst Children ........ 129
Ravages of the Small-pox ......... 130
Introduction of Vaccination . . . . . . . .130
Extended to Indians by General Rosas . . . . . .131
Cases of Longevity . . . . . . . . . .132
CHAPTER XI.
SETTLEMENTS OF THE SPANIARDS ON THE COAST OF PATAGONIA.
Falkner’s account of Patagonia . . . . . . . .133
Stimulates the Spaniards to Survey the Coast 133
Piedra’s Expedition in 1778 ........ 134
Settlement formed at San Joseph’s . . . . . . .135
The River Chupat, a better site, unknown to him .... 135
Don Francisco Viedma’s, at the Rio Negro . . . . . .137
Don Antonio’s, at San Julian’s . . . . . . . .137
The Santa Cruz River and its Source examined . . . . .139
Friendly Character of the Indians . . . . . . .141
San Julian’s abandoned ......... 142
Desolate aspect of Patagonia generally ...... 143
Want of Enterprise of the Spaniards ....... 144
They neglect the Fisheries ........ 145
Villarino’s exploration of the Rio Negro .... 146
The Neuquen, erroneously called the Diamante ..... 151
Sufferings of the People . 152
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They reach the Cordillera . . . . . . . . .153
Disputes amongst the Indians . . . . . . . .155
Villarino obliged to return . . . . . . . . .156
Is aided by the Rising of the River . . . . . . .156
Results of the Voyage kept secret . . . . . .157
Piedra replaced in command at the Rio Negro . . . . .157
Is killed by the Indians 157
Don Leon Rosas made Prisoner . . . . . . . .157
Obtains an influence over them, and restores Peace . . . .157
The Settlement neglected by Spain ....... 158
Export of Salt from Carmen ........ 158
The Population increased of late years . . . . . .159
CHAPTER XII.
EXPLORATIONS OF THE INTERIOR BY THE OLD SPANIARDS.
Malaspina’s Scientific Expedition and Surveys 160
Suppression of his Reports . . . . . . . . .161
Plis Manuscripts in the British Museum . . . . . .161
Bauza’s journey from Chile . . . . . . . . .161
Maps the Country across the Pampas . . . . . . .161
Positions of Towns in the Interior fixed . . . . . .162
Cruz crosses the Pampas from Antuco . . . . . . .163
His track to Buenos Ayres . . . . . . . .164
Account of the Diamante and other Rivers ...... 165
His Geological observations . . . . . . . .169
Account of the Customs of the Indians . . . . . .170
Bowlegged from riding, and hardly able to walk . . . . .173
Taken up a Staircase, and on board Ship 174
Their names of persons and places significant . . . . .175
CHAPTER XIII.
PROGRESS OF INLAND DISCOVERY SINCE THE INDEPENDENCE OF BUENOS AYRES.
Ignorance of the Buenos Ayreans of the Lands to the South . .176
Expeditions to the Salt Lakes . . . . . . . .177
Garcia placed in command of one . . . . . . .177
Fixes the Latitude of points on the Road , . . . . .178
The Laguna del Monte ......... 179
The Sierra de la Ventana . . . . . . . . .179
The Ranqueles and Puelches Indians 180
The Great Salt Lake . . . . . . . . .180
Ruins of old Buildings .181
Garcia’s plan for a Frontier 181
The Buenos Ayreans extend their Estancias 182
Are attacked by the Indians . . . . . . . .183
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Want of protection on the part of the Government .... 183
Garcia again employed . . . . . . . . .183
Sent on a Mission to the Indians . . . . . . . .184
Fixes Latitudes of several points . . . . . . .185
Reception by the Natives . . . . . . . . .186
Their warlike display . . . . . . . . .187
Parlamento with the Caciques . . . . . . . .187
Scene of confusion . . . . . . . . . .188
Distribution of Presents . . . . . . . . .188
Martial air of the Huilliches . . . . . . . .189
The Yentana Mountains . . . . . . . . .190
Filthy habits of the Indians . . . . . . . .191
Influence of their Machis, or Wizards . . . . . . .192
Christian Women in captivity . . . . . . . .192
Attempt to release them fails . . . . . . . .193
Excitement in consequence . . . . . . . . .194
Height of the Yentana and adjoining Hills . . . . . .194
Further Negotiations end unsatisfactorily . . . . . .195
Garcia returns to Buenos Ayres . . . . . . . .195
CHAPTER XIY.
EXTENSION OF THE FRONTIERS TO THE SOUTH.
Extension of the Frontier resolved upon . . . . . .196
March of the Army assembled for the purpose . . . . .196
Misled by the Guides ......... 197
Swamps and Fire-storm . . . . . . . . .198
The Troops escape from destruction in a Lake ..... 198
Risks of Warfare in the Pampas . . . . . . . .198
Guanacoes — Deer — Armadillos . . . . . . .198
Fort built on the Tandil ......... 199
Treachery of the Indians ......... 200
Hostages carried off by them . . . . . . . .201
The Yuulcan Mountains — Cape Corrientes ..... 202
Old Jesuit Establishment on the Coast ...... 202
Frontier extended to Bahia Blanca ....... 203
Don Manuel Rosas employed ........ 204
His influence with the Indians and its Results ..... 204
Is called off by Lavalle’s Mutiny ....... 204
Assassination of the Governor Dorrego ...... 205
Rosas takes the Field against the Rebels ...... 205
Re-establishes the legal Government ....... 205
Is himself raised to power and elected Governor ..... 205
Makes War on the hostile Indians ....... 206
Prohibition of Sale of Arms to the Indians ...... 206
Contrasted with the Policy of England ...... 206
Results of the War with the Indians ....... 207
Extension of the Buenos Ayrean Territory ...... 208
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XV.
GEOLOGY AND FOSSIL MONSTEES OF THE PAMPAS.
The Pampas an alluvial formation .......
The River Plata silting up ........
Red of ancient Ocean beneath ........
Evidences in fossil Marine Remains
Beds of Sea Shells — Potamo-Mya
Extensive Saline deposits .........
Speculations as to their origin ........
Fossil Monsters of the Pampas ........
The Megatherium — how discovered .......
The Glyptodon a gigantic Armadillo .......
Their Bones — how preserved ........
Now in College of Surgeons ........
Skeleton of the Mylodon .........
Strange Structure of these Monsters .......
Speculations as to their habits and food ......
CHAPTER XVI.
THE EIVEES PARAGUAY AND PARANA, AND THEIR AFFLUENTS
The River Paraguay rises in Cuyaba
Lagunas of Xarayes ..........
The Pilcomayo not navigable ........
The Vermejo navigated from Oran .......
Voyages down it by Cornejo and Soria ......
The Parana and its Falls .........
The Paraguay navigable throughout .......
Periodically flooded, like the Nile .......
Rivers lost in the Pampas .........
The Western Affluents saline ........
The Eastern fresh . .........
The Uruguay and its Tributaries .......
Spanish Surveys of the Parana ........
Capt. Sulivan’s Charts .........
The ‘ Alecto ’ passes up it to Corrientes ......
Proves its fitness for Steamers ........
Unsuitableness of Sailing Vessels .......
Impolicy of their attempting it .......
Buenos Ayres should promote Steam Navigation ....
Its great importance to the whole Republic .....
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You’ve reached the end of Buenos Ayres and the provinces of the Rio de la Plata: from their discovery and conquest by the Spaniards to the establishment of their political independence. With some account of their present state, trade, debt, etc.; an appendix of historical and statistical documents; and a description of the geology and fossil monsters of the pampas.