141 



fo their protectors the Ariiucanians. Caupolican, 

 who during this interval, either through ignorance 

 of the proceedings of the Spaniards, or for some 

 other reason of which we arc not informed, had not 

 left his encampment, st^nt to their assistance two 

 thousand men under the command of Lautaro, who 

 was well experienced in such expeditions. The 

 young general, exasperated against what he termed 

 obstinacy, passed the Bio-bio without delay, and at- 

 tacked the Spaniards, who imprudently conñding in 

 their valour awaited him in the open plain. The first 

 encounter decided the fate of the battle. The citi- 

 zens, struck with terror, returned to the fort with 

 such precipitation as not even to have an opportuni- 

 ty of closing the gate. The Araucanians entered 

 with them, and killed a great number. The remain- 

 der were dispersed, part of them embarking in a 

 ship which was in the port, and part taking refuge 

 in the woods, whence by bye -paths they returned to 

 Santiago. Lautaro, having plundered and burned 

 the city as before, returned laden with spoils to his 

 wonted station. 



The success of this enterprise excited Caupolican 

 to undertake once more the sieges of Imperial and 

 Valdivia. The glorious exploits of his Lieutenant 

 Stimulated him to undertakings of greater import- 

 ance, and such as were worthy of the supreme com- 

 mand. Lautaro undertook to make a diversion of 

 the Spanish forces, by marching against Santiago, 

 as the capture of this city appeared to him an en- 

 terprise of not much difficulty, notwithstanding its 

 great distance. His continued victories had so 



