31 



The Spaniards, having recovered from their 

 fatigues through the hospitahle assistance of the 

 Copiapins, and reinforced by a number of re- 

 cruits vv^hom Rodrigo Organez had brought 

 from Peru, commenced their march for the 

 southern provinces, filled with the most flattering 

 hopes, increased hy the beautiful appearance of 

 the country,, and the numerous villages that 

 appeared upon all sides. The natives crowded 

 round them on their march, as well to examine 

 them nearer, as to present them with such things 

 as they thought would prove agreeable to a 

 people, who appeared to them of a character far 

 superior to that of other men. 



In the meantime, two soldiers having sepa- 

 rated from the army, proceeded to Guasco, 

 where they were at first well received, but were 

 afterwards put to death by the inhabitants, in 

 consequence, no- doubt, of some acts of violence, 

 which soldiers, freed from the control of their 

 oflE^cers, are very apt to commit. This was the 

 first European blood spilt in Chili, a country 

 afterwards so copiously watered with it. 



On beina: informed of this unfortunate acci- 

 dent, calculated to destroy the exalted opinion 

 which he wished to inspire of his soldiers, 

 Almagro, having proceeded to Coquimbo, or- 

 dered the U/mm of the district, called Marcando, 

 his brother, and twenty of the principal inhabit- 

 ants to be brought thither, all of whom, together 



