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strong fortification near the city^ expecting 

 shortly to be attacked again. In fact, no sooner 

 were the Araucanians informed of the death of 

 their general, than they sent against him ano- 

 ther army still more numerous, under the com- 

 mand of Lincoyan. This officer, from his gi- 

 gantic stature, and a certain show of courage, 

 had acquired high reputation among his com- 

 panions in arms, but he was naturally timid and 

 irresolute, and was much better suited for a su- 

 baltern station than for that of commander in 

 chief. 



The new Toqui, in the year 1551, formed his 

 troops into three divisions, and marched to attack 

 the Spaniards. Such was the terror inspired bv 

 the approach of the Araucanians, that the Spa- 

 niards, after confessing themselves, and partaking 

 of the sacrament, took shelter under the cannon 

 of their fortifications. But Lincoyan finding 

 the first attack unsuccessful, apprehensive of 

 losing the army committed to his charge, ordered 

 a precipitate retreat, to the great surprise of 

 Valdivia, who, apprehensive of some stratagem, 

 forbad his soldiers to pursue the fugitives. 

 When it was discovered that the enemy had re- 

 treated in good earnest, they began to consider 

 their flight as a special mark of the favour of 

 heaven, and, in the fervour of their enthusiasm, 

 there were not wanting some who declared that 

 they had seen the Apostle St. James upon a white 



