Francisco Morillo
Diario del viaje al rio Bermejo
"Diario del viaje al río Bermejo" by Francisco Morillo is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The work chronicles Morillo's expedition as a chaplain in 1780, where he undertook the ambitious task of exploring the previously uncharted waters of the Bermejo River. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the colonial era, highlighting Morillo's encounters with indigenous tribes and the challenges of navigation. The opening of this account details the initiation of Morillo’s journey, emphasizing the arduous conditions and limited resources faced by him and his small crew as they set out from the Rio de Ledesma. It illustrates their navigation through various rivers, including their initial difficulties in moving upstream and the interactions with local indigenous communities along the way. As Morillo makes observations regarding the geography, flora, fauna, and the potential for colonization of the rich lands surrounding the river, the narrative serves both as a travelogue and as a significant commentary on the colonial aspirations of the era. The insights provided lay a foundation for understanding the larger implications of this exploration in the context of Spanish colonial endeavors.