JOURNEY OVER THE MOUNTAINS--LOSE OUR WAY--WE FIND PADRE PACHECO ENJOYING
A BATH--INVITED TO HIS HOUSE--FRESH GUESTS ARRIVE--A PATRIOT GENERAL--A
LOVELY HEROINE--A SUPPER AT THE PADRE'S--I AM INVITED TO JOIN THE
PATRIOT CAUSE--ANECDOTES OF GENERALS BOLIVAR AND PAEZ--GENERAL
BERMUDEZ--THE GUESTS DEPART--CANDELA COMES AS OUR GUIDE--THE GENERAL'S
HISTORY--ATTACKED BY INDIANS--WE WOUND AND CAPTURE THEIR CHIEF--CARRY
HIM WITH US--OUR JOURNEY CONTINUED.
Our journey was performed on mule-back; but I had expected to be
provided with a good horse to ride.
"You would soon have wished yourself mounted on your present steady,
sure-footed animal," observed my uncle; "the roads we shall have to
traverse are such as no horse could pass over in safety with a rider on
its back."
I soon found that he was right. The country we travelled over was wild
and rugged in the extreme. Dark rocks of varied forms rose in lofty
perpendicular walls on one hand, while torrents dashed down the
mountain-sides on the other. Frequently we had to ascend by a
succession of rough steps cut in the rock, and then to descend by a
similar description of path with a precipice on each side of it, down
which, had a mule made a false step, its rider would have been thrown
many hundred feet into the abyss below.
I soon got accustomed to the sagacious animal I rode; and taking my
uncle's advice, I left the bridle loose on its neck, allowing it to pick
its own way--which it did in a sensible manner, following most patiently
the windings of the paths. Our mules had been well-trained to ascend
and descend these precipitous mountains, and as they proceeded they
fixed their small feet with caution and firmness in the holes made in
the ground by the constant passing and repassing of other travellers.
For some distance we proceeded almost parallel with the river Magdalena,
of which, through openings in the rocks, we got fine views as it rushed
onwards, foaming and eddying amid the huge boulders in its course.
Then, leaving it on the right, we continued along the bed of a small
stream for a league or so, till we reached a shallow lake which runs in
and out amid the precipitous cliffs rising to an immense height above
it; while over its whole extent were scattered huge masses of rock,
which had been hurled down by the convulsions of Nature from the summit
of the mountains. Not a canoe floated on its bosom; no human being,
bird, or animal was visible. It was one of the wildest and most
desolate scenes I had ever beheld, and contrasted strongly with the
fertile region through which we had passed, teeming with human and
animal life. I was very glad, then, when, crossing another rugged
height, we reached a small valley.
But I must not stop to describe the various incidents of our journey, or
attempt to portray the scenery of the country we traversed. It varied
greatly; sometimes being grand and beautiful, at others monotonous.
Sometimes we slept at the cottages of the natives, at others we
bivouacked in the woods, or under the shelter of lofty rocks. We each
carried a net-hammock at the cruppers of our mules, so that we had it
ready to hang up between a couple of trees, or in a hut, whenever we
stopped, either for our noonday rest or at night. On crossing a wide
elevated plain, we passed through several forests of date-trees; and had
a few Arabs with their camels been moving about among them, the whole
scene would have borne a truly African appearance.
The journey appeared a very long one, though we pushed on each day as
fast as our mules could travel; but we had to make frequent detours to
avoid places held by the Spaniards, who, though often defeated, still
had considerable forces in the field. My uncle and I, having been born
in the country, would have been looked upon as Spanish subjects; and as
all the members of our family were known to hold Liberal opinions, we
might be detained and compelled to serve in the Spanish ranks. At all
events, my uncle thought it prudent to keep out of the way of the
Royalists, as well as of those Indians who were known to side with them.
Whenever we passed through a village or came to a halt for the night, we
endeavoured to gain information of the movements of the troops; and in
the course of three days we came in sight of as many spots where
villages had once stood, which now only presented blackened walls and
devastated fields--the sad result of civil war. When able, we obtained
a guide to conduct us over the mountain-paths; but we were not always
successful, and sometimes had to make our way alone.
We were now approaching our home; but my uncle had been so long absent
from the country that he was unacquainted with the road, and even Tim
had to confess that he did not sufficiently recollect the appearance of
the scenery to guide us.
We had descended to a lower level, and after passing through a thick
tropical forest, were proceeding along the margin of a river, looking
for an open spot to encamp, when the sun disappeared behind the
mountains on our right. There is little or no twilight, it will be
remembered, in that latitude, and before we were aware of it darkness
came down upon us.
"Shure, we can camp aisy enough," observed Tim; "but about the
provender--I'm afraid our canteen is well-nigh empty."
Such proved to be the case, and we had every prospect of going without
our supper. We had two mulatto boys to look after our mules, but they
were of little use for any other purpose; and though we heard some
parrots and other birds uttering various notes in the trees, it was too
dark to see them. Still, as it could not be helped, we were about to
make our usual preparations for spending the night, when Tim exclaimed
that he saw a light some distance ahead; and as it probably proceeded
from a hut, or perhaps from a habitation of more importance, he proposed
that we should ride forward towards it. My uncle, with his usual
wariness, was unwilling to allow this, fearing that it might proceed
from the camp of a party of Spaniards or Indians. I offered, therefore,
to make my way to it, and ascertain whether we were likely to meet with
a friendly reception. To this he consented, provided I took care not to
be discovered.
Carrying my rifle in one hand, and a stick, with which to feel my way,
in the other, I directed my steps towards the light. As I approached
it, I crept forward slowly, concealing myself behind the shrubs which
grew thickly around. As I advanced I saw that there were several
lights, and I heard voices, with now and then the sound of laughter.
"If they are enemies, they are jolly ones," I said to myself; "there is
nothing very dreadful here, I suspect."
Creeping on a few paces and looking over the bushes, I saw, in an open
spot surrounded by trees, at a short distance from the river's brink,
four Indians clothed in jackets and trousers, each holding a torch in
his hand, and in their centre the head and shoulders of a jovial friar
(for that he was a friar I knew by his shorn crown) just rising above a
huge cask sunk in the ground. The friar was evidently enjoying a bath,
though he was taking it in a somewhat curious fashion--as I at once
guessed, to avoid any risk of being carried off by an alligator. Now he
sank himself up to his chin in the refreshing fluid, now up he popped
again like a Jack-in-the-box; now down he went, and then up he came
again, holding on by the edge of the cask,--his Indian attendants
meanwhile watching him, as grave as judges.
At first I doubted whether I ought to intrude on the bather; but as he
showed no inclination to get out, I thought that I might venture to pay
my respects to him, and at the same time ask him to afford us shelter in
his house, which I knew could not be far off! I accordingly advanced,
and taking off my hat, saluted him with a polite bow. The Indians, who
were crouching down in front of him, looking out towards the river,
apparently to watch that no hungry alligator or jaguar should pounce out
upon their master, upon this sprang to their feet, and looked very much
inclined to run away.
"Who are you; and whence do you come?" inquired the padre.
"I am travelling with my uncle, Senor Denis Concannan, and a servant,
towards our home, not far from hence, and having no guide we have lost
our way," I replied. "My father is Senor Barry Desmond--perhaps he is
known to your reverence?"
"Of course he is; and a dear friend," answered the padre. "And you are
his son! If I were not dripping wet, I would give you an embrace:
receive it in imagination. You, and your uncle, and attendants, if
there were fifty of them, are welcome to my abode. Go and bring them
hither; and as soon as my servant comes down with my dry clothes, I will
accompany you."
I must own, by-the-by, that I felt well pleased to accept the padre's
embrace in imagination rather than in reality; and heartily thanking him
for his kind reception, I begged to know his name, that I might tell my
uncle.
"The Padre Pedro Pacheco," he replied; "he will remember me, though he
has been absent so many years, and will require no further assurance
that he will meet with all the hospitality that I can afford him. Now
go, young caballero, and bring him here; and by the time he arrives I
shall be in a fit condition to set out."
On this, making another bow, I set off to return by the way I had come.
I had not gone far when I met Tim, who, ever careful about my safety,
had followed me.
"Hurrah! shure, it's all right if it's the Padre Pacheco," he exclaimed.
"I know his riverence well, and there isn't a praste like him in all
the country round; though, to tell you the truth, Misther Barry, he
isn't much in favour with the Spaniards or monks up in the towns, for
he's a mighty great Liberal, and is as ready to fight as to pray for the
cause of the Republicans."
Tim gave me this information as we were making our way back to where we
had left my uncle and the mules. We were not long in saddling the
animals and replacing their packs; and by the time we got back to the
padre's bathing-place we found him standing ready to receive us, clothed
in dry garments. He greeted my uncle as cordially as he had done me;
and taking our arms,--two of the Indians with torches leading the way,--
we proceeded by a path through the forest to his house, which stood on a
slight elevation above the river. It was a thatched one-storied
building, with a walled-in courtyard on one side, and surrounded by a
garden of considerable extent, as far as I could judge by the
torchlight.
He at once ushered us into a good-sized room, furnished with a large
table and benches, and a ponderous arm-chair at one end. The table was
covered with various substantial viands, as well as delicacies and
fruits of all sorts, showing that the padre was given to hospitality,
and that he was at all times prepared for the unexpected arrival of
guests.
"I sent up to order supper to be got ready for you, and I see that my
people have not been dilatory," he observed as we entered the room.
"Perhaps we shall have other guests, and I only hope they may be such as
we desire to see. Sometimes the Spaniards come this way, and I am
compelled, though much against the grain, to be civil to them. However,
before you sit down, you may desire to wash the dust off your hands and
faces; and if you will accompany me, I will show you where you can do
so.--Here, Candela, bring a torch, and towels for the caballeros."
As he spoke, an intelligent-looking black servant led the way into the
courtyard, where we saw a fountain falling into a stone basin, the water
afterwards serving to irrigate the garden. We quickly performed our
ablutions, especially refreshing after the heat of the day, and then
returned with the padre into the supper-room. We were on the point of
sitting down, when the sound of horses' hoofs coming along the path from
the southward reached our ears.
"Grant Heaven that they are friends!" said the padre, looking grave.
"Should they be Royalists, you will guide your conversation accordingly,
Senor Concannan," he observed.--"Here, Candela, go out and welcome the
cavaliers, whoever they may be."
The black, relighting his torch, hurried out; and soon we heard his
voice calling to the other servants to hold the cavaliers' horses, and
in a loud voice welcoming the travellers. One of them spoke a few words
in return, whereupon the padre started up and rushed out to the front of
the house. I followed him, and saw him clasping the hand of a tall
cavalier, who had just dismounted from a powerful horse, which one of
the servants was holding. On another steed of more delicate proportions
sat a lady, who, as the light of the torch fell on her countenance,
appeared to be young and unusually beautiful. At the same moment
several other persons came up; and the tall cavalier having now assisted
the lady to dismount, advanced towards the house--the rest of the party,
throwing themselves from their horses, following.
On entering, the cavalier cast a suspicious glance at my uncle and me.
"Who are these?" he asked of Padre Pacheco in a low voice.
"They are English--friends to the cause; you can trust them," answered
the padre; and he mentioned our names. On this the new-comer advanced
towards my uncle, and taking his hand, shook it warmly; afterwards doing
me the same favour.
"The English are always my friends," he said,--"a noble nation, who love
liberty; and especially are you so, gentlemen, who belong to such an
esteemed family. Would that we had many more like them. But our cause
will triumph; everywhere the tyrant Gothos are yielding to our arms
whenever we can catch them in the open country; and as hornets are
burned out of their nests, we must expel them from the cities in which
they have taken refuge, and then not sheathe the sword till we have cut
them to pieces or driven them before us into the ocean.--Say I not well,
Donna Paola?" he added, turning to the young lady.
A rich colour mounted to her brow, as with kindling eye she
replied,--"Heaven will favour the righteous cause, and aid you, General
Bermudez, and your brave followers, in the glorious undertaking."
She spoke in a firm yet sweet and melodious voice, and I at once saw
that she was an enthusiast in the cause. My uncle regarded her with a
look of surprise and admiration, and bowing, said,--"I have often heard
of you, Donna Paola Salabriata, and rejoice to have the opportunity of
meeting you."
Donna Paola smiled and bowed gracefully; and the padre, who had been
giving directions to his servants, then appearing, requested her to take
possession of the only private room in his house which he could offer;
"Though," he added, "it is unworthy of one to whom is due all the honour
we can pay."
The young lady smiled. "I am accustomed to rough lodging," she
answered, "and will gratefully accept your kindness, Senor Padre."
I judged from the appearance and manners of the other persons who
entered that they were officers on the staff of General Bermudez. Two,
however, appeared to be of rank; and one I soon discovered to be an
Irishman, from the rich brogue in which he addressed me on hearing my
name. He had been long in the service, but had not forgotten his native
tongue, he assured me--an assertion not in the slightest degree
necessary. He at once launched forth in praise of General Bermudez,
whom he asserted to be, next to Bolivar, the best and bravest man and
truest patriot in the country; and from what I afterwards heard of the
general, I am convinced that he was right.
After a short time the whole party collected in the supper-room, but did
not take the seats which the padre requested them to occupy. Their
eyes, I saw, were frequently turned towards the door. At length it
opened, and Donna Paola entered the room with that grace which Spanish
women so generally possess. She looked even more beautiful than at
first; her raven hair, secured by a circlet of gold, contrasting with
the delicate colour of her complexion, which was fairer than that of
Spanish women generally. Her figure was slight, and she appeared
scarcely so tall as I had supposed when I had first seen her in her
riding habit. She was followed by a black damsel,--her constant
attendant, I found,--who stood behind the chair she occupied on the
right of the general. He desired my uncle and me to take the seats on
the other side.
I confess that, interested though I had been, I had become very hungry,
and was glad to fall to on the viands which the good padre had provided.
There were a variety of dishes: fish and fowl predominating, an
olla-podrida, omelets, and puddings. There was flesh too,--some small
animals, which I strongly suspected were monkeys.
The party were evidently too much interested in talking of affairs of
importance to pay much attention to the nature of the provisions set
before them. The young and handsome officer--a colonel, I judged, by
his uniform--sat next to Donna Paola; and from the tender way in which
he addressed her, and the looks she gave him in return, I suspected that
her patriotic enthusiasm had not steeled her heart against all softer
influences. Such I afterwards found to be the case. She had promised
to marry the colonel as soon as the patriots had triumphed, and the
liberties they had been struggling for had been established.
It was important to gain exact information as to the intended movements
of the Royalists; and Donna Paola, I found, had undertaken the hazardous
duty of visiting Bogota and other cities, and from thence transmitting
intelligence to the patriot leaders. The young colonel looked grave
when the subject was mentioned, and, from what he said, would willingly
have dissuaded her from the attempt.
"If we fear to run a risk for the purpose of obtaining an important end,
that end may never be gained," she answered; "and the time you look for,
Enrico, must be postponed," she added, playfully tapping him with her
fan on the arm; for, heroine as she was, she carried one. What woman,
indeed, with Spanish blood in her veins, would be without so useful an
implement?
The party were to continue for some days together, and then to separate
in various directions,--General Bermudez to return to the plains and
take command of his guerilla forces, which had already proved so
terrible a scourge to the Spaniards. Had they known how close he was to
them, with only a small band of followers, they would eagerly have
despatched a force to effect his capture.
The conversation at the supper-table was animated in the extreme, Padre
Pacheco taking an active part in it. After some time the general turned
to me. "You have heard, young gentleman, of the glorious cause in which
we are engaged," he said. "Many of the patriot leaders drew their
swords when younger than you are. We want every one with honesty and
courage to join us, and we claim you as a compatriot. Judging by your
looks, you will soon become expert in all the exercises required for a
leader; and I shall be glad to offer you a command in one of the brave
bands serving under me when you have gained sufficient experience."
I felt highly flattered at this address, though I scarcely knew what to
answer.
"I shall be ready, whenever called upon, to do my duty towards the
country of my birth," I answered at length; "but I am under my father's
orders, to whom my first duty is due, and I dare not pledge myself till
I have consulted him."
"Well spoken, young senor," remarked the general. "Knowing his
sentiments, I feel assured that he will not deny your request, and that
I may count upon you ere long as a follower."
"Surely the young Englishman will feel it the highest privilege he can
possess to fight in so glorious a cause," observed Donna Paola, looking
across the table at me with her beautiful eyes. "Say at once, my dear
young friend, that, with your father's permission, you will devote
yourself to the liberation of your native land. For what nobler task
can a human being live--or die, if needs be? For my part, I am ready to
sacrifice all I hold dear in life, and life itself, so that I may but
afford the feeble aid a woman can give in forwarding the great object."
I had found some difficulty in answering the general; I found it still
more trying to reply to the beautiful Donna Paola. I remembered too
well the advice given me by my sensible schoolmaster; yet, as I listened
to the enthusiastic conversation of those into whose company I was so
unexpectedly thrown, and heard of the atrocities of the Spaniards and
the gallant exploits of the patriot leaders, I was naturally carried
away, and soon forgot all my prudent resolutions, in spite of the
remarks made by my uncle to prevent me from committing myself.
"Whenever summoned, you will find me ready, general," I exclaimed; "and
I call my friends here to witness my promise."
"Well spoken, my young patriot," cried the general, stretching across
the table to take my hand; while Donna Paola smiled her approval.
"Remember, Barry, that your promise is but conditional," whispered my
uncle; "your father may have other work for you."
During the time we sat at table, I heard anecdotes of most of the chief
leaders of the patriot as also of the Royalist forces. Of the former
the two principal men were,--Don Simon Bolivar, a man of good birth and
education; and Jose Paez, who, belonging to the humblest rank of life,
had been brought up among the hardy llaneros of the Apure. Bolivar was
born in the city of Caraccas, in the neighbourhood of which his father,
Don Juan Vicente Bolivar, had large possessions, and was of noble rank.
At an early age he was sent to Madrid for his education, on completing
which he made the tour of Europe, visiting England among other
countries. When only nineteen he married a beautiful girl, the daughter
of a nobleman, and for a short time lived in the enjoyment of domestic
life, until he was deprived of his wife by death. To alleviate his
grief, he again visited Europe and the United States, where he imbibed,
those Liberal principles which induced him to take a prominent part in
fighting for the freedom of his native country. In 1811, when General
Miranda, the commander of the patriot army, cut down and destroyed the
Spanish standard, and hoisted the tricolour in its stead, Simon Bolivar
joined him, and was immediately appointed to a command in the
independent army. After a long and desperate struggle, Venezuela again
fell into the hands of the Royalists, who retaliated on those who had
opposed them, and the whole country was reduced to a frightful state of
misery. The Spanish troops treated the people with the most revolting
ferocity, plundering and murdering in all directions, on the most
trifling pretexts. Old men, women, and children even, were arrested,
and often cruelly maimed and massacred as rebels. These barbarous
proceedings aroused the indignation of Bolivar, who had escaped from the
country; and uniting with a relative, Ribas, he proceeded from the
island of Curacoa to Venezuela, where he speedily raised a small force.
Attacking the Spanish garrison of the town of Teneriffe on the river
Magdalena, he drove them out, proceeding southward to Bogota, then in
the hands of the patriots. The Spanish generals at this time were
Boves, Rosette, and Morales. They were joined by Morillo, who was sent
in 1815 with a powerful army from Spain. Bolivar had again to fly; but
once more returning in 1817, he defeated Morillo in several battles; and
in 1819 he had become President of the Venezuelan Republic, the Congress
of which had been installed at Angostura on the Orinoco. From his
finished education, his knowledge of the world, and his military
talents, he was well fitted, as he showed, for the important position he
held.
Very different was the career of General Paez, who was born at Araure.
When but seventeen years old, the priest of that place--who was his
uncle--sent him with a considerable sum of money, to be delivered to
another padre residing at a distance. That he might perform the journey
in safety, he was provided with a mule, an old pistol, and a rusty
sword. It was fortunate that he was thus armed, for on the road he was
attacked by three men, who demanded his treasure. Young Paez, instead
of giving it up, threw himself from his mule with his pistol cocked; and
his weapon for a wonder going off, killed one of his opponents, and at
the same time bursting, struck another in the face; then drawing his
sword, which providentially also came out of its sheath, the youthful
hero charged the third robber, who, with his wounded companion, then
took to flight.
Not knowing what might be the consequence of having killed a man, young
Jose,--after delivering the money to the padre,--afraid of returning
home, fled to the province of Barenas, where he obtained employment on a
large cattle-farm. The overseer was a black man, who, conceiving a
dislike for the youth, compelled him to perform all sorts of laborious
duties, and among others to break in the most vicious horses. He thus
became a first-rate horseman, and learned also the use of the lance, the
weapon of the llaneros. The brutal black, in order to exhibit his
dislike to young Paez, compelled him more than once, on returning home
after a hard day's labour, to bring a pail of water and wash his muddy
feet--an act which Paez did not forget.
On the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he enlisted as a common
soldier in the militia of Barenas; but soon proving his superiority over
his companions, he was able to raise and organise an independent body of
cavalry, with which ere long he rendered important service to the cause.
His troops ever had the utmost confidence in him; when charging, he was
sure to be the first among the ranks of the enemy, his lance making
terrible havoc. Ever hating the Spaniards with a deadly hatred on
account of their cruelties, he never spared them. Unfortunately, he was
at length taken prisoner, and an order was issued by the Spanish general
for his execution. It was the custom of the Spaniards to lead their
prisoners out at night to some lonely spot, where they were quietly
despatched with a lance or sword. Paez and some of his fellow-prisoners
were being led out for this purpose, when, believing that he was merely
to be taken before the general, he borrowed a hat of one of his
companions. The officer in charge of the party, not recognising him,
ordered him back to be exchanged for the unfortunate owner, who was
supposed to be the notorious rebel captain. He thus unexpectedly
obtained a respite of a day. The next night he was aroused by a loud
noise in the streets, and fully expected that he was about to be led out
to execution; instead of which, it proved that the Spaniards had been
alarmed by the report that a large body of patriots were about to attack
the town, and were hurriedly preparing to evacuate it. Paez took the
opportunity of freeing himself from his fetters; and having helped to
release some of his fellow-prisoners, they overpowered the sentinels,
and made their escape.
He was quickly at the head of a fresh body of insurgents; and after
going through numerous adventures, he found himself holding the
independent command of a large body of llaneros. On frequent occasions,
though with inferior numbers, he attacked and defeated the Royalists.
The Spaniards, having regained their power in other parts of the
country, compelled, by the fearful cruelties they practised, vast
numbers of men, women, and children to fly into the wilderness and take
refuge in the camp of Paez. Among them were many persons of
distinction; and a regular system of government being established, Paez
was chosen supreme chief with the rank of general of brigade. To supply
his starving followers, he, at the head of his troops, during the rainy
season made a long march across the flooded savannahs to attack the city
of Barenas, which abounded with all the commodities of which he stood
most in need. When approaching Barenas, he sent a detachment to attack
the small town of Pedroza, for the purpose of drawing the Spanish forces
away from the city to its relief. His ruse was successful; and
galloping forward, he and his ragged followers were quickly in
possession of the city. Each man loading himself with as large an
amount of provisions and stores as he could carry, the troops quickly
again retreated, and succeeded in conveying their booty to their
starving friends.
On the arrival in the country of a large army under General Morillo,
Paez gave him battle on the plains of Apure, and by a stratagem--
pretending to fly--induced the Spanish cavalry to follow. His active
horsemen then wheeling round, attacked them so furiously with their
lances that nearly the whole were destroyed.
I heard many anecdotes related of him. On one occasion he overtook in a
skirmish a Spanish major of cavalry, who defended himself bravely; but
when Paez was in the act of running his lance through him, he exclaimed,
"O general! had you not been better mounted than I am, I should have
overmatched you."
"If you think so," exclaimed the gallant Paez, "we will exchange horses,
and renew the fight."
To this the major agreed; but no sooner did he find himself on the back
of the general's horse than he galloped off at full speed, followed by
Paez, who, finding that he was losing ground, threw his lasso over the
major's neck and brought him to the ground. As the major, however, had
defended himself bravely, Paez gave him quarter, a favour neither he nor
his llaneros were in the habit of granting to their foes.
On another occasion, one of his men brought in as prisoner a Spanish
hussar of the regiment of Fernando the Seventh,--who, in order to appear
more terrific, wore long beards.
"Why did you grant him quarter?" inquired Paez.
"Because," answered the llanero, "my conscience forbade me to despatch a
Capuchin friar."
"He is no friar, but a regular soldier. Bring me no more Capuchin
friars," said the general.
On this occasion, too, he spared the prisoner's life, and the man
entering his service, became much attached to him.
Paez ever proved himself a most indefatigable enemy to the Spaniards.
For weeks and months he followed the steps of Morillo, unceasingly
clinging to him, and on every opportunity dashing into his camp at
night, frequently with not more than a hundred and fifty or two hundred
men, slaughtering all he encountered, and never failing to cut his way
back with trifling loss. He would also, when the Royalists were
fatigued by a harassing day's march, drive off all their cattle and
baggage-mules, leaving them frequently without provisions.
The most renowned of his exploits occurred when he had formed a junction
with Bolivar on the plains of Apure. Their troops were in an almost
starving condition, and unless they could cross the river they would
have to make a circuitous march of many leagues to obtain provisions;
while on the opposite bank were seen vast numbers of cattle, which could
not be reached for want of boats. About midway across the stream there
was also a fleet of sixty flecheras, or gun-boats, well-armed and
manned, belonging to the enemy. Bolivar stood on the shore gazing
disconsolately at the enemy's fleet, when Paez rode up to him and
inquired the cause of his disquietude.
"I would give the world to have possession of the Spanish flotilla, for
without it I can never cross the river," answered Bolivar.
"It shall be yours in an hour," replied Paez.
"It is impossible," said Bolivar.
"Leave that to me," rejoined Paez, and galloped off.
In a few minutes he returned at the head of a body of three hundred
lancers, selected for their proved bravery and strength from his
llaneros, and leading them to the bank, he thus addressed them,--"We
must have those flecheras or die. Let those who please follow Tio," (or
uncle, for so his favourite troopers were accustomed to call him).
Saying this, he dashed into the river and swam towards the flotilla.
His guard followed him with their lances in their mouths, now
encouraging their horses to bear up against the current, now swimming by
their sides and patting their necks, and shouting to scare away the
alligators, of which there were hundreds in the river. Thus they
proceeded till they reached the flotilla; then mounting their horses,
headed by their leader, they sprang from their backs on board the boats.
A desperate struggle ensued; but the llaneros were victorious, and
driving the unfortunate crews overboard, they carried the flecheras to
the bank of the river, where the patriot forces were drawn up.
Equal to him in most respects, and superior in some, was the
noble-looking cavalier, General Bermudez, in whose company I now so
unexpectedly found myself. I could learn less about him at the time,
but I afterwards heard much of his interesting history.
Notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers with which they were
surrounded, the whole party seemed in high spirits, and did not separate
till a late hour. Donna Paola was the first to rise, and bowing
gracefully to the military officers and wishing them good-night, she
left the room, accompanied by her sable attendant. The table being then
cleared, our supper-room was turned into a dormitory--every corner of
the house being likewise occupied. The padre requested my uncle and me
to take possession of a small chamber near his own cell, which afforded
just space enough for us to stretch our legs. Here, with our saddles
for pillows, and horse-cloths and cloaks for bedding, we were quickly
asleep.
At an early hour the next morning we were astir, and found an ample
breakfast spread. General Bermudez hurried over the meal, and left the
table; and on going out to the front of the house soon afterwards, I
found him standing by his horse's head, ready to mount. He presented a
perfect picture of a commander of irregular troops. He was remarkably
tall,--being considerably above six feet in height,--his figure well
proportioned, and evidently possessing great muscular power; his
handsome countenance showed intelligence, and beamed with good-nature
and sincerity; while the evening before I had been struck by his frank
and genial manners, so unlike those of the ordinary run of Spaniards,--
though he was, as might be expected, wanting in that polish which a
constant intercourse with refined society seldom fails to give. Though
dexterous in the use of the lance, as are all the warriors of the plain,
he was armed with a remarkably long gun, which only a man of great
strength could have used with any effect. A powder-horn hung over his
shoulders, and a long dagger was secured by the folds of the ample scarf
he wore round his waist.
At a short distance off were the troopers who had formed his escort,
standing by their horses, ready for the signal to mount. They were
picked men, mostly tall and stalwart, and armed with lances and
carbines; evidently from their costume irregular cavalry, and looking as
if they could render as efficient service in that climate and region as
any body of troops, albeit clothed in more uniform fashion.
"Ah, my young friend, I am glad to have the opportunity of saying
farewell," he exclaimed, putting out his hand; "you will not forget your
promise of last night. And let me advise you to prepare yourself for
the service you may render our beloved country. Take every opportunity
of perfecting yourself in horsemanship, and practise the use of the
lance and carbine I hope ere long to return this way, and to enrol you
among my troops, when you will, I doubt not, with the practice we will
be able to give you, become thoroughly expert in the use of your
weapons. Should Heaven preserve your life, you must look forward to
becoming a leader; and consider well how you will have to act in all the
circumstances in which you may be placed,--whether meeting the foes of
our country on the plains or amid the mountains; either pursuing, or
retreating before superior numbers; endeavouring to effect a surprise,
or guarding against one. He proves the most successful leader who has
reflected well--during the quiet hours of the bivouac under the starry
vault of heaven, or in his silent chamber--how he will conduct himself
in the varied chances of warfare. Brute courage is useful in the heady
fight, but the possessor of that only can never be a fitting leader."
I was thanking the general for his advice, when Donna Paola appeared,
led forth by Colonel Acosta, the young officer I have before mentioned,
who had been seated next to her at supper. He pressed her hand as he
assisted her to mount, and by the look she gave him I saw that their
affection was mutual. I trusted, for both their sakes, that she would
be protected in the dangerous undertaking in which she was engaged. The
general springing into his saddle, the rest of the party followed his
example. Waving his adieux, he led the way along the side of the
mountain; while Padre Pacheco, stretching out his hands, blessed him and
his followers, and commended them to the care of Heaven.
My uncle and Tim had also come out prepared for a start. The hospitable
padre urged us to remain longer, but we were naturally anxious to reach
home. On my uncle making inquiries as to the best road to take, "I will
send Candela with you," said the padre; "he knows it well, and may be of
use to you should any roving bands of Indians (and I have noticed that
there are several out), seeing a small party, attack you. They mostly
know and respect me--for though they are but poor Christians, they look
upon me as possessing supernatural powers; and when Candela explains
that you are friends of mine, they will allow you to pass without
molestation."
Without hesitation my uncle gladly accepted the kind padre's offer, and
Candela was forthwith ordered to get ready. He did not require many
minutes, his preparations consisting in bolting a mess of porridge, to
enable him the better to undergo the fatigue of the journey. He was to
proceed on foot with the natives who conducted our baggage-mules.
"You must come soon and see me again," said the padre, as he wished me
good-bye. "You are sure to find me, for I never move far from home,
seeing I have my little flock to look after, and matters of importance
to attend to. But before you go, let me caution you, Senor Denis, not
to speak to any one about those persons you saw here. It might lead to
unpleasant consequences should the tyrannical Spaniards hear that my
quiet abode is frequented by patriots; and we never know what evil birds
may carry information."
"You may trust Barry and me, and my brother's servant; though we are not
likely to meet any but friends to the cause where we are going," replied
my uncle.
The padre looked satisfied; and again wishing him good-bye, we mounted
and rode forward, led by Candela, who, with a long stick in his hand,
kept well ahead of us.
We soon lost sight of the padre's abode. The road we took was wild and
rugged, across the spurs of the mountains; sometimes we had to cross
rocky heights, again to descend into narrow valleys, with streams--
through which we waded not without difficulty--running down them.
Occasionally we had to pass amid thickly-growing trees, which concealed
from view the mountain-tops, which might otherwise have assisted to
guide us; and we agreed that it was fortunate Candela had come with us
to show us the way.
We had to encamp another night in the forest, as it would have been
dangerous to proceed over that kind of country in the dark; but Candela
assured us that we might reach my father's house early the following
day. We pushed forward till the gloom of evening came on, when we
looked about for a convenient spot for encamping. We selected one on
some rocky ground just outside a wood, with a deep ravine in front of
us; while on our left was a precipice of a hundred feet or so in height,
at the bottom of which flowed a rapid stream.
Securing the legs of our mules with their halters in the usual fashion,
so that they could not stray, we turned them loose, while we lighted our
fire, and placed our saddles and horse-cloths ready for sleeping. A
basket of provisions, which the padre had secured to one of the
baggage-mules, afforded us an ample supper; so that we had only to boil
our chocolate, and to heat some water with which to mix the aguadiente
the padre had sent, prescribing a cupful as a preventive against the ill
effects of the damp night air or any noxious exhalations rising from the
valleys--though there was not much chance of our suffering from these in
the lofty position we occupied.
While we were seated at supper, I asked my uncle what he knew of the
guerilla chief whose acquaintance we had just made.
"I learned something of his history from Padre Pacheco this morning," he
answered; "and his career has been very similar to that of General Paez.
He is the son of humble parents, who resided near Caraccas, their
occupation being to convey provisions to the garrison and inhabitants,
in which work he assisted them. Illiterate as was the old Bermudez, he
was a devoted patriot, and, notwithstanding the danger he ran in doing
so, endeavoured to induce all the young men of his acquaintance to join
the troops then being secretly levied for the independent cause by
General Miranda. Having incautiously uttered some Liberal expressions,
he was seized by the governor of the city, Monteverde. In vain young
Bermudez pleaded that mercy might be shown his aged parent;
notwithstanding his advanced age, he was cruelly gibbeted, his son being
barbarously compelled to witness his execution. This was the fate of
many others who dared to utter a word against Spanish tyranny.
"Young Bermudez managed to effect his escape; and carrying with him his
unhappy mother, he set off over the plains of Maturin, where he intended
to provide a shelter for her few remaining years while he entered the
service of his country to revenge the murder of his father. Her death
from grief on the way set him free, and he immediately joined as a
private a body of the irregular cavalry of the plains, commanded by the
brave Hirogas. The band, from its inferiority of numbers, seldom came
to an open engagement, but harassed the foraging-parties of the
Spaniards, never failing to come off victorious. Bermudez, by his
determined bravery and great personal prowess in these skirmishes,
gained the admiration of his comrades, and was speedily raised to the
rank of lieutenant of a small troop, at whose head he performed
numberless acts of valour. From his great strength and skill in all the
games in which the horsemen of the plains take delight, he still further
rose in the estimation of his companions; while, from his unassuming
manners and excellent conduct, he was beloved by all who served with
him.
"The band to which Bermudez belonged in a short time amounted to four
hundred men; and so much injury did they inflict on the Spaniards, that
Monteverde resolved, if possible, to crush them. He accordingly sent
out a strong detachment--six hundred cavalry, and an equal number of
infantry--in pursuit of Hirogas. The forces of the guerilla chief were
strongly posted on the top of a hill, about fifteen leagues from the
Spanish headquarters. They were not men to be taken by surprise, and as
they saw the Spaniards advancing they charged furiously down upon them.
The odds were fearfully against the patriots; and the brave Hirogas,
carried by his impetuosity too far in advance, fell into the hands of
the enemy, desperately wounded. Bermudez, on seeing this, charged with
his troop upon the Spanish infantry, and not only succeeded in rescuing
his chief, but put the enemy to flight. The Spaniards left about
one-third of their number dead on the field, and many of their horses
and arms in the hands of the victorious guerillas.
"Hirogas dying of his wounds, Bermudez was unanimously chosen chief of
the band; and his fame spreading, volunteers flocked to his standard.
He had no difficulty in mounting them, from the many herds of horses
which roamed at large on the mountains and plains of Venezuela, which
were easily caught with the lasso, and quickly broken-in at the
experienced hands of his followers.
"Having organised his band, he attacked the Spanish forces; laying siege
to the town of Maturin, and in three successive encounters supplying
himself with arms, ammunition, and every military essential. His force
was then regularly enrolled by the Congress as a portion of its troops,
and in appearance and discipline became far superior to the generality
of the guerillas.
"Being now recognised as one of the leading patriot chiefs, he united
himself to General Roxas; and in conjunction they attacked the army
under the Spanish General Boves. In this action Roxas slew Boves and
nine others with his own hand; and Bermudez was said to have killed
thirty men in the action, during which he broke three lances. The
patriot government, in recognition of his services, now created him a
general of division, and offered him pay; but he nobly declined any
remuneration, observing that his object was to fight for his country's
liberty without the intention of receiving reward. By his frequent
forays into the plains, where he collected large herds of cattle, he
contributed greatly to the support of the patriot army."
Such was the man under whom, should my father give me permission, I had
undertaken to serve. I felt flattered that he should have thought me
capable of being of any use among his hardy and experienced horsemen,
and I could scarcely account for the reason of his so distinguishing me.
I asked my uncle what he thought about the matter.
"He saw that you were a likely lad, and took it for granted that your
father's son was brave and intelligent. He admires the English, and
wishes to have a few with him to assist in civilising and disciplining
his followers," he answered.
We talked on for some time, till my uncle proposed that we should lie
down and go to sleep, leaving Tim and Candela to keep watch alternately
and maintain the fire, as even at that elevation we were liable to be
attacked by a prowling jaguar or puma.
I never slept more soundly in my life; and when I was awakened by Tim
pulling at my arm, I found that the day had already broke.
"Hist, Masther Barry," he whispered. "The praste's black fellow
Candela, says there are Injyuns lurking about, who maybe want to steal
our mules, or cut our throats if they have the chance; and we've sent
the boys to bring in the animals; and Misther Denis and Candela have
gone forward to get a look down the gorge, where we think they have
hidden, intending to take us by surprise."
I should have said that on the other side of the gorge was a ridge,
beyond which the ground again sloped, thus enabling a party to approach
within gun-shot of where we were encamped.
On jumping to my feet I saw my uncle and Candela creeping along towards
a fallen trunk, which lay close above the brink of a precipice. At that
instant an Indian sprang up, bow in hand, from the other side of the
trunk, and shot an arrow, which quivered in the ground close by my
uncle's side. He rushed forward, on seeing this, and before the Indian
could fix another arrow had felled him to the earth with his sword. The
next moment a large party of Indians appeared on the top of the ridge,
and a shower of arrows fell close to us: happily, none took effect, and
I saw my uncle drop so as to conceal himself behind a log, while he
levelled his rifle over it at the Indians. As he saw the Indians about
to shoot, Tim pulled me behind the nearest tree, and probably saved me
and himself from being wounded by the arrows,--which, as it was,
whistled close to our ears. Before the Indians could move forward, my
uncle fired, and a tall warrior, who seemed to be their chief, fell
wounded to the ground. This evidently disconcerted them.
"Now is our time," cried my uncle. "Barry--Tim--call the mule-boys and
follow me;" and leaping over the log, he dashed down the ravine, sword
in hand, and rapidly climbed the opposite side.
We obeyed his orders, and the Indians, seized with a sudden panic on
seeing us coming, and probably believing others were to follow, took to
their heels, leaving their chief bleeding on the ground. We fired,--as
did my uncle, who had reloaded his gun,--to expedite their movements,
and two more fell dead, the rest continuing their flight.
"Though he is an enemy, we must not let this fellow bleed to death,"
said my uncle, stooping down. "Come, Barry, we'll bind up his wound and
carry him along with us; perhaps he may be able to give us some
important information, and at all events we shall learn why he attacked
us."
My uncle soon stopped the flow of blood from the Indian's side; and the
muleteers having brought the animals round by crossing the valley a
little way above where we stood, we placed our captive on one of them.
We then, guided by Candela, hurried forward on our journey, keeping a
sharp look-out lest the fugitive Indians should return.