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.