Carrera and Rodríguez renewed their friendship in 1814. The government "junta" presided over by Carrera was replaced by a new one led by Colonel Francisco de la Lastra, criticized profusely by Rodríguez in the "Monitor Araucano" newspaper. When the Carrera brothers were removed from command, José Miguel was concealed by Rodríguez. After recovering control of the government, Carrera formed a new "junta" in which Rodríguez was appointed Secretary. However, Spanish forces led by General Mariano Osorio advanced from the south towards Santiago. After the Disaster of Rancagua, the Spanish took back control of Chile and Rodríguez, along with many other patriots, fled to Mendoza, Argentina.