It would be a difficult task to make an exact calculation, or to form even a probable estimate, but all seemed to concede the superior merit claimed on account of their exertions, when compared with their wealth and population: and it is not unlikely that Buenos Ayres has in consequence assumed a higher tone, and acquired a controling influence, which she has sometimes abused.

Another source of discontent is, the unfortunate dispute beteen the Banda Oriental, and Buenos Ayres, which had also an influence on the proceedings of the latter towards the Portuguese.

The original cause of division, may be traced to a jealousy, long subsisting between the rival cities of Monte Video and Buenos Ayres. This has become habitual and has extended to the country. Private interests, and personal views have also increased their dissentions.

General Artigas (who bears the character of chief of the Orientals, as has been already stated, and has also assumed that of the protector of the Entre Rios and Santa Fee,) was originally in the royal service, a captain in a provincial corps. In this, he continued for some time after the revolution had commenced at Buenos Ayres. But in the year 1811, taking offence, as it is said, at some conduct of the Spanish commandant of Colonia, he abandoned the royal cause, and entered into the service of the patriots. So early as the year 1813, when acting against Monte Video, he became dissatisfied with Sarratea, the commander in chief from Buenos Ayres. On his removal from the head of the army, he quarrelled with general Ronadeau; who it was supposed would have been acceptable to him, and finally withdrew, before the seige of Monte Video was finished under general Alvear. For this conduct, Posadas, when he succeeded to the government, treated him as a deserter from their service. By a proclamation he offered a reward for his apprehension, and set a price upon his head: an act, which general Artigas never forgot or forgave.

During the subsequent directorship of Alvear, he induced the cabildo of Buenos Ayres, to issue a similar proclamation against general Artigas. When Alvear was dismissed, the people of Buenos Ayres endeavored to atone for their conduct, by burning, with every mark of ignominy, the degrading proclamation. They also addressed a conciliatory letter to the general, and received from him a corresponding answer. These were preliminary to a fruitless attempt at reconciliation, made by the director ad interim,

colonel Alvares, who succeeded Alvear. The correspondence on this occasion is annexed. (Appendix H.) Other endeavors to reconcile him have failed, notwithstanding the changes in the of fice of director at Buenos Ayres. On one occasion, the proposition was made, that the Banda Oriental, should remain independent of Buenos Ayres, and merely send deputies to the general congress, to concert measures against the common enemy. On another, when the Portuguese army was approaching the frontiers of the Banda Oriental, an effort was made by Pueyrredon to reconcile hin, and to unite him in the common defence. Ample supplies of arms, and munitions of war, were offered, and some furnished; but this attempt also failed.

In order that a fuller view of this subject may be had, I have subjoined a translated copy of an animated letter from general Artigas, to Mr. Pueyrredon. (Appendix I.) It is but justice to add, that general Artigas, is thought by persons entitled to credit, to be a firm friend to the independence of the country. To express a decided opinion on this delicate question, would scarcely be expected of me, as my position did not command a view of the whole ground. I had not the satisfaction to be derived from a personal interview with general Artigas, who is, unquestionably, a man of rare and singular talents. But if I were to hazard a conjecture, I think it not improbable, that in this, as in most family. disputes, there have been faults on both sides. It is to be lamented, that they are in open hostility. The war has been prosecuted with great animosity, and in two late engagements, the troops of Buenos Ayres have been defeated with great loss. By some it was said, that the inhabitants of the eastern shore were anxious that a reconciliation would take place, whilst the people in the country, preferred their present state.

I must not omit to take a glance at the situation of Paraguay. This province presents a singular spectacle. It stands aloof from the rest. The people with the aid of the few remaining royal troops, repulsed an army, sent to compel them to join the common standard. Very soon afterwards, they expelled the royalists, and set up for themselves. Since this period, they appear to have adopted a partial non-intercourse system. But Buenos Ayres, on one occasion, succeeded in obtaining an understanding with them. Some, suspect that they are secretly inimical to the existing order of things, and wish to keep themselves within their shell in case of

a change, that they may profit by future events; others, calculate with some confidence, on their ultimate union with Buenos Ayres, with which, at present, they indulge a limited, and reluctant intercourse. Paraguay is under the immediate control of a person named Francia, who styles himself dictator of Paraguay.

From the domestic concerns of the provinces, we naturally turn to their foreign relations. On this subject, the commissioners were informed, that they had nothing more than a friendly understanding with any foreign nation. With the Portuguese government, they concluded an arrangement in 1812, under the mediation, it is said, of the British, with respect to the Banda Oriental. They have since had a correspondence with them, on the subject of their entrance into that province, and the forcible occupation, by a Portuguese army, of the city of Monte Video, of which a copy is annexed. (Appendix J.) This will present the state of affairs between Buenos Ayres and the Brazils, which has been the theme of much discussion. The superior naval force of the Portuguese, stationed in the river La Plata, could have effectually blockaded all the ports of Buenos Ayres. By this means, they would have prevented supplies of arms and munitions of war, and entirely destroyed the great source of revenue to the state, the duties on imports and tonnage, at a season when money was much wanted. For about this period, Buenos Ayres had a powerful army to contend with on the side of Peru, and had taken the burden of the renewed contest of Chili with Spain. Under such circumstances, they were, in some measure, obliged to adopt a cautious and moderate policy. Their conduct, in this respect, seems to have been coerced. Their unhappy state with the Orientals, had also an influence on their measures; they alleged that the restless conduct of Artigas, had furnished the Portuguese with a pretext for the invasion; but it is probable that they will ultimately break with the government of Brazils.

The British government have, through their official agents, entered into commercial stipulations with general Artigas, as the chief of the Orientals, on the subject of their trade with the eastern shore. A copy of this instrument will be found in Appendix (K.)

The government of Buenos Ayres have a confidential person in Europe, soliciting from England, and other powers, it is said, assistance of every kind, and a recognition of their independence. England has a consul, who, with her naval commander on that

station, appeared to conduct the confidential affairs of the British cabinet, with the government of Buenos Ayres.

What effects the victory of Maipu will produce abroad, it would be hazardous in me to conjecture. Whether like the capture of Burgoyne, it will procure for the United Provinces foreign alliances, I cannot pretend to say.

From a source which is entitled to credit, I was informed that the raising and embarkation of Osorio's army in Peru, was not accomplished without serious difficulties. Alternate force and persuasion were used to collect them, and nothing but the name, character, and promises of their general, could have induced them to. go on board of the vessels, prepared for the purpose, at the port of Callao: Some of them were actually in a state of mutiny, notwithstanding they were told they would be received with open arms by their brethren in Chili.

The forces finally embarked, agreeably to an account furnished by a gentleman of undoubted veracity, on the spot, consisted of the following troops:

This army was composed of all the regular soldiers they could spare from Lima, who were united at Talcaguna, to the royal forces left in Chili. By the battle of Maipu, it has ceased to exist. The probable effects in Peru, and other parts of South America, may be conjectured, but cannot be affirmed. The same gentleman who has been mentioned, and who is conversant in Peruvian affairs, apprehended that important changes would result.

I cannot conclude this paper without drawing your attention to a rapid survey of the reforms and improvements in the province of Buenos Ayres, produced by the revolution and its influence on knowledge, society and manners.

The effects of the revolution are visible in the changes produced

in the state of society. The difference in the freedom of acting and thinking, from that which preceded the revolution, must necessarily be great. The freedom of commerce must have given a spring to exertions of native enterprise and intelligence, while the active scenes of war and politics, for the last ten years, have awakened the genius of the country, which had so long slumbered. The generation now on the stage, may almost be said to have been reared under a new order of things. The common stock of ideas among the people, has been greatly augmented, the natural consequence of the important political events which daily transpire, and in which every man, like the citizen of Athens, feels an interest. The newspapers are every where circulated, together with the manifestoes of the government, which is obliged to court the approbation of public opinion, on all measures of moment. It is not very unusual for the same countryman, who a few years ago, never troubled himself about any thing beyond the narrow circle of his domestic concerns, to purchase a newspaper on coming to town, as a matter of course, and if unable to read, to request the first one he meets to do him that favor. The country curates are moreover enjoined to read the newspapers and manifestoes, regularly to their flocks. The spirit of improvement may be seen in every thing. Even some of those who are under the influence of strong prejudices against the revolution, frequently remark the changes, for better, which have taken place. Their habits, manners, dress, and mode of living, have been improved by intercourse with strangers, and the free introduction of foreign customs, particularly English, American, and French. Great prejudices prevail against whatever is Spanish. It is even offensive to them, to be called by this name; they prefer to be identified with the aborigines of the country. The appellation which they have assumed, and in which they take a pride, is that of South Americans.

A powerful stimulus must necessarily have been given to their industry, by two important circumstances: the diminution in prices of foreign merchandise, and the great increase in value of the products of the country, with the consequent rise of property. Though the grounds in the neighborhood of cities are highly improved, as I have already stated, agriculture, comparatively speaking, is in a low condition. In general, the lands are badly tilled. The plough is rarely used, and the substitute, is a very indifferent

But notwithstanding the disadvantages of the present me