CHAP. VI.

The Spaniards return to Chili, under the command of Pedro de Valdivia; St. Jago the capital founded; Various encounters with the natives; Conspiracy of the soldiers against the general.

FRANCIS PIZARRO having, by the death of his rival, obtained the absolute command of the Spanish possessions in South America, lost not sight of the conquest of Chili, which he conceived might, in any event, prove an important acquisition to him. Among the adventurers who had come to Peru were two officers, commissioned by the court of Spain, under the titles of governor, to attempt this expedition. To the first, called Pedro Sanchez de Hoz, was committed the conquest of the country as far as the river Maúle; and to the other, Carmargo, the remainder to the Archipelago of Chiloé. Pizarro, jealous of these men, under frivolous pretexts refused to confirm the royal nomination, and appointed to this expedition his quartermaster, Pedro de Valdivia, a prudent and active

officer, who had gained experience in the Italian war, and, what was a still greater recommendation, was attached to his party, directing him to take de Hoz with him, who was probably more to be feared than his colleague, and to allow him every advantage in the partition of the lands.

This officer having determined to establish a permanent settlement in the country, set out on his march in the year 1540, with 200 Spaniards, and a numerous body of Peruvian auxiliaries, accompanied by some monks, several women, and a great number of European quadrupeds, with every thing requisite for a new colony. He pursued the same route as Almagro, but instructed by the misfortunes of his predecessor, he did not attempt to pass the Andes until midsummer. He entered Chili without incurring any loss, but very different was the reception he experienced from the inhabitants of the northern provinces from that which Almagro had me with. Those people, informed of the fate of Peru, and freed from the submission they professed to owe the Inca, did not consider themselves obliged to respect their invaders.

They, of course, began to attack them upon all sides, with more valour than conduct. Like barbarians in general, incapable of making a common cause with each other, and for a long time accustomed to the yoke of servitude, they attacked them by hordes, or tribes, as they ad

vanced, without that steady firmness that characterizes the valour of a free people. The Spaniards, however, notwithstanding the illcombined opposition of the natives, traversed the provinces of Copiapo, Coquimbo, Quillota, and Melipilla, and arrived much harassed, but with little loss, at that of Mapocho, now called St. Jago. This province, which is more than six hundred miles distant from the confines of Peru, is one of the most fertile and pleasant in the kingdom. Its name signifies "the land of many people," and from the accounts of the first writers upon Chili, its population corresponded therewith, being extremely numerous. It lies upon the confines of the principal mountain of the Andes, and is 140 miles in circumference. It is watered by the rivers Maypo, Colina, Lampa, and Mapocho, which last divides it into two nearly equal parts, and after pursuing a subterraneous course for the space of five miles, again shows itself with increased copiousness, and discharges its waters into the Maypo. The mountains of Caren, which terminate it on the north, abound with veins of gold, and in that part of the Andes, which bounds it at the east, are found several rich mines of silver.

Valdivia, who had endeavoured to penetrate as far as possible into the country, in order to render it difficult for his soldiers to return to

Peru, determined to make a settlement in this province; which, from its natural advantages, and its remoteness, appeared to him more suitable than any other for the centre of his conquests. With this view, having selected a convenient situation on the left shore of the Mapocho, on the 24th of February 1541, he laid the foundations of the capital of the kingdom, to which, in honour of that apostle, he gave the name of St. Jago. In laying out the city he divided the ground into plats or squares, each containing 4096 toises, a fourth of which he allowed to every citizen, a plan that has been pursued in the foundation of all the other cities. One of these plats, lying upon the great square, he destined for the cathedral and the bishop's palace, which he intended to build there, and the one opposite for that of the government. He likewise appointed a magistracy, according to the forms of Spain, from such of his army as were the best qualified; and to protect the settlement in case of an attack, he constructed a fort upon a hill in the centre of the city, which has since received the name of St. Lucia.

Many have applauded the discernment of Valdivia, in having made choice of this situation for the seat of the capital of the colony. But considering the wants of a great city, it would have been better placed fifteen miles farther to the south, upon the Maypo, a large river which D4

has a direct communication with the sea, and might easily be rendered navigable for ships of the largest size.

This city, however, contains at present (1787) more than forty thousand inhabitants, and is rapidly increasing in population, from its being the seat of government, and from its great commerce supported by the luxury of the wealthy inhabitants.

Meanwhile, the natives saw with a jealous eye this new establishment, and concerted measures, although late, for freeing themselves of these unwelcome intruders. Valdivia, having discovered their intentions in season, confined the chiefs of the conspiracy in the fortress, and suspecting some secret intelligence between them and the neighbouring Promaucians, repaired with sixty horse to the river Cachapoal to watch their movements. But this measure was unnecessary; that fearless people had not the policy to think of uniting with their neighbours in order to secure themselves from the impending danger.

The Mapochinians, taking advantage of the departure of the general, fell upon the colony with inconceivable fury, burned the half-built houses, and assailed the citadel, wherein the inhabitants had taken refuge, upon all sides. While they defended themselves valiantly, a woman, named Inez Suarez, animated with a spirit more cruel than courageous, seized an axe,