36 



and the bishop's palace, which he intended to build 

 there,, and the one opposite for that of the govern- 

 ment. He likewise appointed a magistracy, accord- 

 ing to the forms of Spain, from such of his army as 

 were the best qualified, and to protect the settlement 

 in case of an attack, he constructed a. fort upon a 

 hill in the centre of the city, which has since re- 

 ceived the name of St. Lucia. 



Many have applauded the discernment of Valdi- 

 via, in having made choice of this situation for the 

 seat of the capital of the colony. But considering 

 the wants of a great city, it would have been better 

 placed fifteen miles forther to the south, upon the 

 Ma}>po, a large river which has a direct communi- 

 cation with the sea, and might easily be rendered 

 navigable for ships of the largest size. 



This city,*"' however, contains at present (1787) 

 more than forty thousand inhabitants, and is rapidly 

 increasing in population, from its being the seat of 

 government, and from its great commerce support- 

 ed by the luxury of the wealthy inhabitants. 



Meanwhile, the natives saw with a jealous eye 

 this nev/ establishment, and concerted measures, al- 

 though late, for freeing themselves of these unw^el- 

 come intruders. Valdivia, having discovered their 

 intentions in season, confined the chiefs of the con- 

 spiracy in the fortress, and suspecting some secret 

 intelligence between them and the neighbouring 

 Promaucians, repaired with sixty horse to the river 

 Cachapoal to watch their movements. But this 

 measure w^as unnecessary ; that fearless people had 

 not the policy to think of uniting with their neigh- 



