i64 



Rio-claro, with the view, most probahly, of 

 gaining more correct information of the state of 

 the city he intended to attack, or to await there 

 the coming of his enemies^ and to cut them off 

 from time to time. This ill-timed delay was 

 very important to the inhabitants of Santiago, 

 who, when they were first informed of his ap- 

 proach, could not believe it possible that he 

 should have the boldness to make a journey of 

 three hundred miles in order to attack them. 

 But undeceived by the refugees of Conception, 

 whom fatal experience had too well taught the 

 enterprising character of this mortal enemy of 

 Spain, they thought proper to make some pre- 

 parations for defence. With this view they first 

 dispatched Juan Godinez, with twenty-five horse- 

 men, to the country of theJPromaucians, in order 

 to learn if the information they had received 

 was true, to watch the motions and discover the 

 designs of the enemy, and to send back im- 

 mediate intelligence. He was, however, able to 

 execute but a part of his commission ; for, being 

 unexpectedly attacked by a detachment of the 

 Araucanians, he returned precipitately, with Lis 

 men diminished in number and filled with con- 

 sternation, to bring the news. The victora 

 took upon this occasion tea horses and some 

 arms, which they made use of in the succeeding 

 actions. The Corregidor, who was at that time 

 sick, gave orders to his eldest son^ Pedro, to^ 



