The group spend a sleepless night in Barranca Nueva before they arrive in Turbaco . Their original plan was to continue to Cartagena the following day , but the General is informed that there is no available ship bound for Europe from the port and that his passport still have not arrived . While staying in the town , he receive a visit from General Mariano Montilla and a few other friends . The deterioration of his health become increasingly evident — one of his visitors describe his face as that of a dead man . In Turbaco , the General is joined by General Daniel Florencio O 'Leary and receive news of ongoing political machinations : Joaquín Mosquera , appointed successor as President of Gran Colombia , have assumed power but his legitimacy is still contested by General Rafael Urdaneta . The General recall that his " dream began to fall apart on the very day it was realized " .