He sent a proclamation to its inhabitants and
directed one of his generals to invade it. He said:
"The day of America has arrived, and no human power can stop the course
of nature, guided by the hand of Providence. Join your efforts to those
of your brethren. Venezuela goes with me to free you, as you in the
past with me gave freedom to Venezuela.... The sun will not end the
course of its present period without seeing altars dedicated to liberty
throughout your territory."
This promise came true.
Before undertaking this great task, he convoked a national assembly for
January 1, 1819. In his long proclamation summoning the representatives of
the people he again made a summary of the work already done, and asked the
people to select the best citizens for the places, without regard to the
fact that they might or might not have been in the army of freedom.
"For my part," he stated, "I renounce forever the authority you have
conferred upon me, and, while the fearful Venezuelan war lasts, I shall
accept none save that of a simple soldier. The first day of peace will
be the last of my command."
Venezuela had lost the best of her blood; she was nothing better than a
heap of ruins, and yet, she was preparing for new and greater undertakings.
After publishing the proclamation, he started for Cumana. Learning that
Marino had been defeated, he sent him to Barcelona, and returned to
Angostura to organize new armies.
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