The Jesuits took advantage of the interval between hostilities to endeavour to procure a revocation of the clause in the Treaty respecting the cession of the “Reductions.” But their hopes for a favourable change in the Spanish councils were doomed to disappointment. Their enemies were now numerous and powerful; and amongst the calumnies revived or invented against them was one to the effect that they desired to set up a _Guaraní_ kingdom, under a king of their own, named Nicolas, such being the name of a _Guaraní_ chief. Valdelirios was advised that his Government had ascertained that the Jesuits were the sole cause of the _Guaraní_ rebellion; and that if the Fathers should not deliver up the “Reductions” without further resistance, they should be held guilty of high treason. Seeing that the Jesuits’ Superior had resigned on their behalf their charge in the “Reductions,” and that the resignation had not been accepted by Valdelirios, the treatment of the Fathers was more high-handed than logical. [Sidenote: 1756.] The Spanish and Portuguese commissioners now prepared for a second campaign, and decided that they should form a junction at _S. Antonio ó Velho_, and enter the _Guaraní_ country at _Sta. Thecla_. Accordingly Gomes Freyre set out from _Rio Grande_ with fifteen hundred men, with artillery and baggage train; but before they arrived at the place of rendezvous with the Spaniards, the whole force had narrowly escaped being consumed by an accidental fire. The junction, however, was effected in the month of January, the Spaniards bringing with them a proportionate force. _S. Antonio_, where the two expeditions met, was in the territory of _S. Miguel_, and about ninety leagues from the “Reductions.” The forward march was under the most difficult circumstances, and occupied more than four months; as it was, they had to thank the remissness of their enemies for having accomplished it in that time. From the fact that no skill was shown by the _Guaranís_, it may safely be inferred that their defence was not directed by the Jesuits. The Indians appear to have relied entirely upon their numbers, and they were unfortunate enough to lose, at an early stage in the campaign, their only competent leader, Sepé. His death was followed by a great slaughter of his countrymen, who, however, were not thereby induced to submission. Indeed, this war, like most wars in South America, was of a protracted character, arising chiefly from the nature of the country. So long as the _Guaranís_ should keep the field, it was inevitable that the communications of the invaders should be exposed to much risk. It was therefore determined to fortify a position upon the _Jacuy_, by which stores might be received from the river _Pardo_. When the allied forces had continued their march to the plain of the _Vacacay_, they found themselves in face of a considerable number of Indians, who, however, continued to retreat so soon as the invaders prepared to attack.