BATTLE OF MAYPO. 



59 



mander-in-chief of the united armies of Chili and 

 Buenos Ayres ; and who seems to have possess- 

 ed, in a remarkable degree, the confidence of 

 both countries, succeeded, in conjunction with 

 General CHiggins and Las Heras, in rallying 

 the troops, augmenting their numbers, and in- 

 spiring them with fresh resolution. These exer- 

 tions on the part of the generals were admirably 

 seconded by the inhabitants of Santiago, who, 

 seeing the necessity of making an extraordinary 

 effort, not only subscribed their money, but gave 

 up all their plate and jewels, for the good of 

 their country. This timely supply enabled San 

 Martin to re-equip the army with amazing cele- 

 rity, and to bring it again into the field better 

 appointed than before; so that, on the 5th of 

 April 1818, only seventeen days after his defeat, 

 he engaged, and after an obstinate and sangui- 

 nary conflict, completely routed the Spanish army 

 on the plains of Maypo. 



From that day Chili may date her complete in- 

 dependence ; for, although a small portion of the 

 Spanish troops endeavoured to make a stand at 

 Conception, they were soon driven out, and the 



