In order to join Santander he was obliged to cross an
enormous plain which at that season of the year was covered with water,
and to swim some deep rivers, his war materials needing to be transported
over these streams. But this was child's play compared with what lay
before him. To reach his goal the Andes had to be crossed at some of their
most forbidding points, a region over which it seemed next to impossible
for men to go, even without military supplies.
When the invading army left the plains for the mountains the soldiers
quickly found themselves amid discouraging scenes. In the distance rose
the snowy peaks of the eastern range of the Cordillera, and the waters of
the plain through which they had waded were here replaced by the rapids
and cataracts of mountain streams. The roads in many places followed the
edge of steep precipices, and were bordered by gigantic trees, while the
clouds above them poured down incessant rains.
Four days of this march used up most of the horses, which were foundered
by the difficulties of the way. As a consequence, an entire squadron of
Llaneros, men who lived in the saddle, and were at home only on the plain,
deserted on finding themselves on foot.
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