158 



APPENDIX. 



ruined walls, — a consequence of the earthquake of the 

 20th of February last. To divide that small force for a 

 long period to so isolated a spot, were to expose that 

 force, and perhaps the whole subdelegation under my 

 charge ; and even supposing it were allowable to detach 

 the whole force in defence and for security of the 

 vessel, that force would always be very much exposed 

 to a sudden misfortune from the enemies referred to 

 (who are only distant a day and a half's march from 

 this place), without our obtaining the object we pro- 

 posed. Add to which, that at this time of winter, the 

 river swells to the greatest degree, and the roads become 

 impassable between Arauco and this place, as you your- 

 self will understand, since you have travelled over them 

 in my company upon the present occasion, when they 

 are still somewhat practicable. 



With regard to the second, I have summoned the 

 persons most proper for the object, and no one has 

 been found daring enough to remain longer here, be- 

 cause they are aware of the severity of the season and 

 the danger '^:om the barbarians : and consequently, on 

 no conditions will any one take an interest in the salv- 

 age of the remaining property of the vessel. 



But with regard to the third, upon my return to the 

 fort, I will take care to cause the public notice asked for 

 to be circulated throughout the whole subdelegation. 



With reference to your recommendation in favour of 

 the officers and crew who have removed to the mouth of 

 Leubu, I can assure you, that the most active steps will 

 be taken for the benefit of the whole in the best manner 

 possible, and, as you can testify, has been done up to 

 the present moment ; but for the reasons already stated, 



