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.