“MONSTROUS AND ILLEGAL PROCEEDINGS”: LAW ...

in the Estado Oriental. At the heart of these ties was his commercial partnership with
Agustín Sañudo. Sañudo was close to a number colorados in the local government. They
could assist him in his efforts to enforce the partnership’s commercial contracts, collect
debts and protect its dealings. Through these ties, Sañudo and Joaquim developed a cross-
border business supplying commercial wares to their ranching allies. 40 With Joaquim
drawing closer to the Ribeiro faction, José likely turned to Canabarro in order to secure a
powerful ally in his criminal trial in Alegrete. Likewise, he could advance his own claim to
Fermin and with it his ability to repay his brother.
Facing little choice, Fermin once again found himself in the army. The following
year, José then granted a power of attorney to Lucio. He authorized him to submit a formal
request to Canabarro for the return of Fermin. Canabarro agreed to José’s request. Lucio
then seized Fermin and prepared to bring him back to Brazil. 41 In response, Fermin quickly
moved to counter José’s efforts by seeking out his factional and familial rivals. While
traveling with Lucio to Brazil, Fermin fled and took refuge with Joaquim at his estancia along
the Brazilian border. Within weeks he was back in the Estado Oriental under Joaquim’s
protection and out of José’s reach. He remained so until his arrest in Salto in 1856. Once
again, however, Fermin drew upon his network of factional connections to blunt José’s
efforts to return him to Brazil. Not only did Joaquim appear on his behalf in the proceeding
to testify as to his free status, but Sañudo represented him in the matter. Facing conflicting
evidence from two Brazilians and a former slave with legal representation, local officials
likely opted for the status quo ante and released Fermin. His free status in Uruguay was again
secure.
40 Ibid.
41 Ibid.
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