Chapter 9: Marquez de Olinda Summary

Franco has decided that the time is right to attack Brazil. He wants the notoriety that a victory would bring to him, comparing himself to Napoleon. He has his troops seize a Brazilian steamer near Asuncion and jail the crew, including a Brazilian provincial governor. He informs the Brazilian minister that he has severed diplomatic relations and closed river access. He then sends his brother-in-law, General Vincente Barrios, upriver with troops to invade Brazil. Even though ill prepared, since Barrios is too drunk to give orders, they find little resistance and make their way to the provincial capital of Corumba. The troops rape and pillage as they advance. General Barrios commandeers the house of a powerful landowner. He then sends some of his plunder home to his wife, Inocencia, Franco's sister. She takes time going through the...