173 



chiefs and without troops, and appeared to be sub- 

 missive to the will of the conquerors. Under the 

 influence of these flattering ideas, he devoted his 

 whole attention to repair the losses occasioned by 

 the war ; he rebuilt the fortifications that had been 

 destroyed, particularly those of Araucoandof An- 

 gol ; he restored Villarica, and re-established its in- 

 habitants ; the mines that had been abandoned he 

 caused to be opened anew, and others to be explored ; 

 and obtained the establishment of a bishopric in the 

 capital, whither he went himself to receive the first 

 bishop, Fernando Barrionuevo, a monk of the Fran- 

 ciscan order. 



Finding himself prorided with a good number of 

 veteran troops, he sent a part of them, under the 

 command of Pedro Castillo, to complete the conquest 

 of Cujo, which had been commenced by Francis 

 De Aguirre. That prudent officer subjected the 

 Guarpes, the ancient inhabitants of that province, to 

 the Spanish government, and founded on the eastern 

 limits of the Andes two cities, one of which he call- 

 ed St. Juan, and the other Mendoza, from the family 

 name of the governor. This extensive and fertile 

 country remained for a considerable time under the 

 government of Chili, but has since been transferred 

 to the viccroyalty of Buenos Ayres, to which, from 

 its natural situation, it appertains. 



Whilst in this manner Don Garcia took advantage 

 of the apparent calm that prevailed in the country, 

 he heard of the arrival at Buenos Ayres of the per- 

 son appointed his succestior by the court of Spain. 



