At the second meeting, Isidoro Francisco de Aguirre, a cousin of Portilla, became alarmed at the preparations, and went to the authorities to denounce the conspiracy (November 10, 1799). Viceroy Miguel José de Azanza gave orders that they be arrested, but without revealing the motives of their conspiracy in order to avoid excitement among the populace.
At a subsequent conference, Isidoro Francisco de Aguirre, a family member of Portilla, grew apprehensive about the preparations underway, and informed the authorities about the alleged plot (November 10, 1799). Viceroy Miguel José de Azanza issued directives for their detention, but kept the reasons behind the conspiracy hidden in order to prevent widespread panic among the populace.