hands of the royalists, and Bolivar was ordered to the relief of the
place. In this, however, he was not successful, General Morillo having
landed an overwhelming Spanish force. Hopeless of the attempt he
resigned his commission and embarked for Kingston, Jamaica, in May 1814.
While residing there an attempt was made upon his life by a hired
assassin, who, in mistake, murdered his secretary.

From Kingston Bolivar went to Aux Cayes in Haiti, where he was furnished
with a small force by President Petion. An expedition was organized, and
landed on the mainland in May 1816, but proved a failure. Nothing
daunted, however, he obtained reinforcements at Aux Cayes, and in
December landed first in Margarita, and then at Barcelona. Here a
provisional government was formed, and troops were assembled to resist
Morillo, who was then advancing at the head of a strong division. The
hostile forces encountered each other on the 16th of February 1817, when
a desperate conflict ensued, which lasted during that and the two
following days, and ended in the defeat of the royalists. Morillo
retired in disorder, and being met on his retreat by J.A. Paez with his
_llaneros_, suffered an additional and more complete overthrow. Being
now recognized as commander-in-chief, Bolivar proceeded in his career
of victory, and before the close of the year had fixed his headquarters
at Angostura on the Orinoco. At the opening of the congress which
assembled in that city on the 15th February 1819 he submitted an
elaborate exposition of his views on government, and concluded by
surrendering his authority into the hands of congress. Being, however,
required to resume his power, and retain it until the independence of
the country had been completely established, he reorganized his troops,
and set out from Angostura, in order to cross the Cordilleras, effect a
junction with General Santander, who commanded the republican force in
New Granada, and bring their united forces into action against the
common enemy. This bold and original design was crowned with complete
success. In July 1819 he entered Tunja, after a sharp action on the
adjoining heights; and on the 7th of August he gained the victory of
Boyaca, which gave him immediate possession of Bogota and all New
Granada.

His return to Angostura was a sort of national festival. He was hailed
as the deliverer and father of his country, and all manner of
distinctions and congratulations were heaped upon him.