CHAPTER XXXVIII.

THE RECONQUEST OF VENEZUELA.

1813.

“Pacification” by Monteverde--The Signal for Revolt--Triste--The Expedition to the Mainland--Cruelties of Zuazola--Defeat of the Royalists at Maturin--The Island of Margarita--Arismendi--Siege of Cumaná--Cajigal retreats to Guayana--Mariño named Dictator of the Eastern Provinces--The Expedition of Briceño--Defeat of Correa by Castillo--Bolívar’s Commission from the Congress of Granada--Capture of Mérida and Trujillo--Bolívar fulminates a Decree of Extermination against all Royalists--Marti Defeated by Rivas--Rout of Izquierdo--Valencia and Caracas evacuated by Royalists--The Genius of Bolívar--His Triumphant Entry into Caracas--He proclaims Himself Dictator--Lays Siege to Puerto Cabello--The Reaction--Second Decree of Bolívar--Arrival of Reinforcements at Puerto Cabello--Death of Girardot--Victory of Las Trincheras--Honours to Bolívar at Caracas--The Order of the “Liberators”--Boves, Morales, and Yañez--They rouse the Llaneros--Campo-Elias--Defeat of Boves at Mosquitero--Massacre of Royalists at Calabozo--Repulse of Patriots at Barquisimeto--Battle of Araure--Effects of the Dual Dictatorship--Reappearance of Boves on the Scene--The Patriots are driven from the Plains--General Revulsion of Feeling.....324