149 



in their piragues to the continent. The governor 

 having takeiS some of the hindmost, sent two or 

 three to the Araucanians, with directions to inform 

 them of his arriva!, and tlic desire he had of settling 

 a lasting peace with them. 



The Uhnenes, being convened to consider of tliis 

 embassy, were generally of opinion that no proposi- 

 tions ought to be listened to from an enemy who had 

 returned in greater force, it being impossible that 

 they should be other than treacherous or unfair. But 

 the old Colocólo, who was the soul of the union, ob- 

 served that no injury could arise from their hearing 

 the proposals of the Spanish general ; that this was 

 a favourable opportunity for discovering his designs, 

 and of obtaining a knowledge of his forces ; that 

 for this purpose he thought it advisable to send a 

 discerning and intelligent man, who, under the pre- 

 tence of congratulating the new governor upon his 

 arrival, and to thank him for the wish that he ex- 

 pressed of coming to an amicable accommodation, 

 would gain information of whatever he should think 

 of importance to regulate their future conduct. 



Caupolican, with the greater part of the old offi- 

 cers, adopted this wise counsel, and confided this 

 important commission to Millalauco, who possessed 

 all the qualities requisite for such an envoy. This 

 ambassador passed the narrow strait that sepa- 

 rates the island of Quriquina from the continent, 

 and, with all the pride peculiar to his nation, present- 

 ed himself to the Spaniards. They in return, to give 

 him a great idea of their power, received him arrang- 

 ed in order of battle, and conducted him amidst the 



