ETIENE MOREAU’S FLEET.
In 1720 corsair Etienne Moreau penetrated into the Uruguayan east coast, where today are the cities of Maldonado and Castillos.
With the help of some Guenoas Indians and provided with artillery pieces, he entrenched him self in thirty sheds with the purpose of stocking hides.
Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, Governor of Buenos Aires, forced Etienne Moreau to leave the territory and both his artillery and hides passed to Captain Martin J. Echaurri,
Two months later, two of Moreau’s vessels were seen near Montevideo, heading for Castillos.
Hundred men landed there and the dealings in between them and the Indians restarted.
Lest Moreau could settle in that area, Governor Zabala sent troops to prevent them from doing so, on 24 May 1720, after a long route through marshy land, the troops attacked Etienne Moreau, who was killed by deputy José P Garycochea.
Fifty-five men were captured and eight thousand hides recovered.
Uruguay 1996 3p20 sg 2278, scott1617c
Source: Uruguay Post leaflet.