39 



himself to soothe these turbulent spirits, and to divert 

 their minds from such dangerous schemes, by paint- 

 ing to them in seducing colours the happy prospect 

 that awaited them. 



Valdivia had often heard in Peru that the valley 

 of Quillota abounded in mines of gold, and imagin- 

 ed that he might obtain from thence a sufficient 

 quantity to satisfy his soldiers. In consequence, 

 notwithstanding the difficulties with which he was 

 surrounded, he sent thither a detachment of troops, 

 with orders to superintend the digging of this pre- 

 cious metal. The mine that was opened was so rich 

 that its product surpassed their most sanguine hopes. 

 Their present and past sufferings were all buried in 

 oblivion, nor was there one among them who had the 

 remotest wish of quitting the country. The go- 

 vernor, who was naturally enterprising, encouraged 

 by this success, had a frigate built in the mouth of 

 the river Chile, which traverses the valley, in order 

 more readily to obtain succours from Peru, without 

 which, he was fully sensible, he could not succeçd in 

 accomplishing his vast undertakings. 



