CHAPTER VII

HISTORY (_continued_) 97

The Spanish colonies as nations--The first-fruits of freedom--Uruguay beneath the heel of Portugal--The advent of a second liberator--Juan Antonio Lavalleja-- The forming of the league of the "thirty-three"--Opening of the campaign--The patriot force--Rank and its distribution--The crossing of the River Plate--Commencement of operations in Uruguay--A first success--Spread of the movement--Rivera embraces the patriot cause--The march upon Montevideo--A daring siege--How the army of occupation was deceived--Timely reinforcements--Lavalleja establishes an independent Government--Incident at the opening of the Senate--Argentina comes to the assistance of Uruguay-- Beginning of the rivalry between Rivera and Lavalleja-- Dissension in the Uruguayan army--Temporary disgrace of Rivera--His acquittal--Lavalleja declares himself dictator--Uruguay's independence acknowledged by Argentina and Brazil--The national authorities enter Montevideo.