CHAPTER V

HISTORY (_continued_) 69

Conclusion of Spanish rule--Situation of the victors-- Rival claims--Alvear defeats a Uruguayan force-- Montevideo remains in possession of Buenos Aires--Rural Uruguay supports Artigas--Alliance of the Argentine littoral provinces with the Orientales--Some intrigues and battles--Success of the Uruguayans--Departure from Montevideo of the Buenos Aires garrison--The Uruguayans enter into possession of their capital--Some crude methods of government--Trials of the inhabitants--Growth of Artigas's power--The Buenos Aires directors undertake a propitiatory measure--A grim human offering--Attitude of the Uruguayan Protector--Negotiations and their failure--The civil progress of Uruguay--Formation of departments--The Portuguese invade the country once again--Condition of the inhabitants--Fierce resistance to the invaders--A campaign against heavy odds--The Portuguese army enters Montevideo--War continued by the provinces--Invasion of Brazil by the Oriental forces-- Crushing defeats suffered by the army of invasion--Final struggles--The flight of Artigas--Uruguay passes under Portuguese rule.