CHAPTER VI

ARTIGAS 78

The human product of a turbulent era--Historical verdicts disagree--Opinions of Uruguayan and foreign historians-- High-flown tribute--The cleansing of Artigas's fame-- Prejudices of some local accounts--Uruguay at the time of Artigas's birth--Surroundings of his youth--Smuggling as a profession--Growth of his influence--His name becomes a household word--Artigas enters the Spanish service--The corps of Blandengues--Efficiency and promotion--Quarrel with the Spanish General--Artigas throws in his lot with the patriot forces--His success as a leader of men--Rank accorded him--Jealousy between Artigas and the Buenos Aires generals--Conflicting ambitions--The Portuguese invasion--Artigas leads the Oriental nation to the Argentine shore--The encampment at Ayui--Scarcity of arms and provisions--Battles with the Portuguese--The subalterns of Artigas--Otorgues and Andresito--Crude governmental procedure--Arbitrary decrees--The sentiments of Artigas--His love of honesty--Progress of the war-- Complications of the campaign--Artigas as Protector--The encampment of Hervidero--Revolting tales--The exaggeration of history--Artigas refuses honours--His proclamation-- Simple life of the Commander--Some contemporary accounts--The national treasury--Final desperate struggles against the Portuguese--Rebellion of Ramirez-- Fierce battles--Extraordinary recuperative power of the Protector--Final defeat of Artigas--Flight to Paraguay-- The Protector in retirement.