Death spared him on the
field of battle, but his glorious career ended a few days after the victory
of Boyaca, following a short illness. He was thirty years old. A member of
a very distinguished family, his culture was brilliant, his character was
pure, his loyalty and patriotism were unsurpassed. His loss was equivalent
to a great defeat. Barreiro, the commander of the royalists, fell prisoner
to Bolivar's troops. This battle occurred on August 7, 1819, and was not
only a complete victory for the forces of independence, but also meant
practically the end of the Spanish regime in Nueva Granada.
Regarding the crossing of the Andes and the victory of Boyaca, J.E. Rodo
(Uruguayan), one of the greatest thinkers of recent years, says:
"Other crossings of mountains may have been more adroit and
more exemplary strategy; none so audacious, so heroic and legendary.
Twenty-five hundred men climb the eastern slope of the range, and a
smaller number of specters descends the other side; these specters are
those of the men who were strong in body and soul, for the weak ones
remained in the snow, in the torrents, on the heights where the air is
not sufficient for human breasts. And with those specters of survivors,
the victory of Boyaca was obtained."[1]
One of the elements required for the upbuilding of Colombia--the
independence of Nueva Granada, was created by the victory of Boyaca. This
was by its effects the greatest triumph of Bolivar up to that moment.
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