true populist offering agrarian reform to the _llaneros_ or absolute freedom for slaves. But the fact remains that he was able to recruit a following among blacks and _pardos_ because he promised them white property and because the creole oligarchy of the first republic had been responsible for further land concentration and cattle privatization in the _llanos_ to the detriment of the popular classes. This was the reason why the _llaneros_ joined Boves against the republic – to fight for their freedom and their cattle.

Boves recruited blacks and _pardos_ by preference; in his forces they became officers and were promised wealth at the expense of whites, and he often referred to the _llanos_ as belonging especially to _pardos_ , as their property and their fortress. According to Joséand his memory will be immortalized.'

A tale of heroism and setbacks, this was the sequel to the recruiting drive, with disease, drunkenness and desertion reducing the ranks of fighting men who actually reached Bolívar's army. They soon found that 'campaigns in the immense plains of South America were no joke', and no way to wealth. But the Liberator liked them, even if some of his officers looked askance. Wilson and Hippisley did not last long, but many of their forces persevered and the place of their commanders was taken by Colonel James Rooke and Thomas Ferriar who gave excellent service, as did Robert Pigott. Shiploads of troops landed at Angostura and were marched up country to join Colonel Rooke with Bolívar in the Apure, where he was planning