179 



preservation of their conquests. Before his death 

 he appointed as his successor, by a special commis- 

 sion from the court, his eldest son Pedro, whose 

 mental endowments were no way inferior to hi» 

 father's. 



The death of the governor appeared to Antigiienu 

 to present a favourable opportunity to undertake 

 some important enterprise. Having formed his ar- 

 my, which consisted of 4,000 men, into two divi- 

 sions, he ordered one, under the command of his 

 Vice Toqui Antunecuî, to lay siege to Conception, 

 in order to attract thither the attention of the Spa- 

 niards, while with the other he marched against the 

 fort of Arauco, which was defended by a strong 

 garrison, under the command of Lorenzo Bernai. 

 Antunecul passed the Bio-bio, and encamped in a 

 place called Leokethal, where he was twice attacked 

 by the governor, but he not only made a vigorous 

 defence, but repulsed him with loss, and followed 

 him to the city, which he closely invested by dispos- 

 ing his troops in six divisions around it. The siege 

 was continued for two months, every day of which 

 was distinguished by some gallant assault. But 

 finding all his attempts fruitless, as he could not pre- 

 vent the frequent succours that were sent by sea to 

 the besieged, he finally withdrew, resolving to re- 

 turn and prosecute the enterprise at a more favour- 

 able time. 



In the mean time the defence of Arauco was main- 

 tained with the greatest vigour. As Antiguenu had 

 observed that whenever he attacked the place, his 

 bravest officers were pointed out to tlie Spaniards 



