268 



tains there a sufficient force of regular troops for the 

 defence of the country,* but as this establishment 

 has been augmented of late, I cannot determine the 

 number. In Conception, which is upon the Arau- 

 canian frontier, there are two regiments, one of ca- 

 valry and one of infantr3\ The cavalry is com- 

 manded by the brigadier- general, Don Ambrosio 

 Higgins, a native of Ireland, who by his enlightened 

 mind and excellent disposition, has gained the love 

 and esteem of all the inhabitants. He is likewise 

 quarter-master and intendant of the department of 

 Conception.! The infantry, as well as the artillery, 

 is under the command of two lieutenant-colonels. 

 The city of St. Jago also keeps in pay some com- 

 panies of dragoons for its protection. The revenues 

 and expenses of the government I am imable to as- 

 certain, as they have been considerably increased 

 within a few years. 



* All the veteran troops throughout Chili amount to one thou- 

 sand nine hundred and seventy-six men, and consist of two com- 

 panies of artillery, nine of horse, including the Queen's dragoons 

 at Santiago, and the remainder infantry SjiuJi. 'I'raJis. 



t On the 21st of November, 1787, this gentleman was appointed 

 by the king, president, governor and captain general of Chili, and 

 on the 19th of September, l?i>9, field-marshal of the royal armies. 

 At the present time, 1792, he discharges the duties of those offices 

 with all that vigilance and attention which characterizes him, and 

 which so important a trust requires. On his first accession to 

 the governjnent, he visited in person the northern provinces, 

 for the purpose of dispensing justice and enc(jui-agii;g agricultui-e, 

 opening of the mines, commerce and fishery. He also establish-r 

 çij public schools, repaired the roads and built several cities Ibid, 



