CHAPTER II

HISTORY 37

The discovery of Uruguay--Reception by the Indians--Juan de Solis and his fate--Navigation of the River Plate-- Serrano and Magellanes--Rivalry between Spaniards and Portuguese--The first settlement in the Banda Oriental-- Aggressive tactics of the Indians--Forts destroyed by them--Colonisation under difficulties--The introduction of cattle--A prophetic move--Intervention of the missionaries--Jesuit settlements established--Uruguay's isolation comes to an end--Influence of the livestock-- Cattle-raiders--The first Portuguese invasion--Victory of the Spaniards, assisted by native auxiliaries--Treaties and their attendant troubles--The indecision of old Spain--Partial extermination of the Indians--The town of Colonia as a bone of contention--Introduction of the first negro slaves into the provinces of the River Plate--Unrest on the Spanish Main--Moreau, the buccaneer-- The fate of his expedition--Portuguese invaders expelled by the Spaniards--A fort is constructed on the present site of Montevideo.