Valdivia, which he had left with them at his de- 

 parture. In these he had named as his successors 

 in the government, in the event of his deaths, Al- 

 derete, Aguirre, and Francis Viilagran. But 

 the first being absent in Europe^ and the second 

 in Cujo, the supreme command devolved upon 

 yillagran. This general, who possessed more 

 prudence than Valdivia, after making the neces- 

 sary preparations, began his march for Arauco, 

 with a considerable number of Spanish and auxi- 

 liary forces. 



He crossed the Bio-bio without opposition, 

 but at a little distance from thence, in a narrow 

 pass, he encountered a body of Araucanians, by 

 whom he was vigorously opposed. But after a 

 severe action of three hours they were defeated 

 and withdrew, constantly fighting towards the 

 summits where Lautaro, defended by a strong 

 palisade, awaited their approach with the residue 

 of his army. Three companies of the Spanish 

 horse were ordered to force the difficult passage 

 of the mountain, and having, after great labour 

 and fatigue, arrived within a short distance of 

 the summit, they were received with a shower of 

 stones, arrows, and other missive weapons^ which 

 were incessantly poured upon their heads. Vilr 

 lagraii, in the meantime, perceiving that several 

 parties were detached from the camp of the 

 enemy, with an intention of surrounding him. 



