Wenceeslao Robles Paraguayan military leader Date of Birth: . Country: Paraguay

1. Vizente Antonio Robles
2. Early Life and Military Career
3. Command in the War
4. Disfavor and Downfall
5. Court Martial and Execution

Vizente Antonio Robles

Vizente Antonio Robles was a Paraguayan military leader who served as Brigadier General during the War of the Triple Alliance.

Early Life and Military Career

Born in Santísima Trinidad, Robles rose through the ranks of the Paraguayan army. In 1864, the beginning of the conflict with the Empire of Brazil, he received the rank of Brigadier General.

Command in the War

Robles commanded the garrison of the Humaitá fortress in southern Paraguay. Soon after, President Francisco Solano López appointed him to lead a significant force tasked with invading the neighboring Argentine province of Corrientes.

On April 13, 1865, Robles and his 3,000 troops captured the port of Corrientes. Reinforcements of 22,000 men joined him, allowing him to advance to Goya. He quickly established an occupational administration in Corrientes.

Disfavor and Downfall

Despite being awarded the Paraguayan Order of Merit, Robles publicly refused the honor. He demanded accountability for the lack of supplies and ammunition that had resulted in losses among his troops.

As Argentine advances and a naval defeat at Riachuelo weakened his position, Robles's fortunes waned. By the end of the year, the Paraguayans had abandoned the devastated Corrientes. On July 3, 1865, Robles was relieved of command, arrested, and transported to Humaitá.

Court Martial and Execution

Imprisoned, Robles faced a court-martial six months later. Found guilty of treason and disobedience, he was sentenced to execution by firing squad. On January 6, 1866, the sentence was carried out.