delineation, this province embraces an extent of territory many times greater than all the rest 

 of the republic. 



Its departments are Ancud, Carelmapu, Chacao, Calhuco, Dalcahue, Quinchao, Quenac, 

 Castro, Lemui, and Conchi, which comprise 24 sub-delegations and 110 districts. We have 

 reliable accounts of the island from Hon. John Byron, Padre P. G. de Agiieros, Poeppig, 

 Capts. King and Fitzroy, K. N., and Dr. Darwin, with others of a less definite nature, from 

 whose volumes most of the information which follows has been obtained. 



San Carlos, the provincial capital or Ancud, as it has been called since the Spanish troops 

 were defeated, in 1826, by the Chileans, under Gen. Freire is built on two rising grounds and 

 an intermediate valley near the bottom of a bay of the same name, at the north end of the 

 island. A rivulet runs through the little ravine, and at its mouth there is a mole, under 

 which boats and piraguas frequenting the port find protection. The houses generally are of 

 wood, small, and have been built with little knowledge of comfort. Its plaza is on a flat piece 

 of ground at the summit of the southern hill, and commands an extensive view. On the north 

 side there is a strong and well built storehouse of stone ; opposite to it is the cathedral, also 

 of stone ; on the side next the sea is the residence of the Intendente and offices ; and the fourth 

 side is taken up by inferior-looking dwellings. Some in better taste and of more substantial 

 character have been erected within a few years, equally creditable for strength and convenience; 

 though, as good wood is so abundant and cheap, it is still the principal material used. Damp 

 as is the climate, and unpainted as is most of the weather-boarding, the habit of charring the 

 ends of timbers before they are inserted into the ground, renders them quite durable ; and such 

 is the nature of most of the outside wood, that there are many houses in good repair, which are 

 nearly a hundred years old. The bishop of Chiloe, whose residence is here, has spiritual juris- 

 diction over the province of Valdivia also. There is a school, at the expense of govern- 

 ment, for instruction in nautical science, a normal school for teachers, one for instruction in 

 drawing, cosmography, &c., and fourteen primary schools in different parts of the province, all 

 paid from the public treasury. In 1848 the population of Ancud amounted to 3,865. 



On a steep hill near the bottom of the island-locked bay, and eastern side of the "ysla 

 grande," is Castro, next in size to Ancud. It is styled a city, but consists only of about 250 

 ordinary wooden houses, on two or three short streets, and two churches. One of the latter, 

 built by the Jesuits more than a hundred years ago, is fast decaying, though supported on 

 all sides by props. The principal church stands in the middle of the plaza, and has a pic- 

 turesque and venerable appearance ; but the former, as well as the streets, are coated with grass, 

 and their aspect is most forlorn and desolate. Government supports a model and two primary 

 schools here. Byron speaks most gratefully of the considerate hospitality extended to himself 

 and the two half-starved companions who reached Castro with him from the desolate shores 

 of Patagonia. Its intercourse with the world, as late as 1835, may be judged of by the fact 

 that a boat-party, from H. B. M.'s ship Beagle, were unable to purchase a pound of sugar or 

 an ordinary knife, nor was there any one in the town possessed of a clock or watch. An old 

 man, who was supposed to have a good idea of time, was employed to strike the church-bell 

 by guess. Yet, among the islands of the vicinity, money was scarcely of any value, and to- 

 bacco, indigo, capsicum, old clothes, and powder, were greatly more cared for, the last being 

 for church celebrations. A stick of tobacco, of the value of three cents, purchased two fowls ; 

 and cotton handkerchiefs which had cost a dollar and a half, were exchanged for three sheep 

 and a large bunch of onions. This is still the most populous department of the province. 



Chacao, near the northeast extremity of the island, and where the Intendente resided at the 



this territory, then, is indisputable ; and rest assured, Senor Anjelis! that Chile, if on this question the voice of cannon is to 

 be heard rather than that of justice, by force, will know how to cause to be respected a property which is guarantied to her 

 by law) This would be very well, but the IST ARTICLE of the Constitution proclaims to the world : " The. territory of Chile 

 extends from the desert of Atacama to Cape Horn, and from the Cordilleras of the Andes to the Pacific ocean, comprising the archi- 

 pelago of Chil6e, all the adjacent islands, and those of Juan Fernandez." 



