The interval of tranquillity was occupied by a succes sion of governors, in forming new establishments, and peopling them with great numbers of their countrymen, at that time scattered over the provinces. An attempt to extend the same policy, with very different views, to Araucania, produced a rupture with that vigilant people, who, regarding cities as the emblems of servitude, and with extreme aversion, could not be persuaded to adopt a measure which might one day prove instrumental in subverting their liberties. The subsequent war, how ever, of which we have no particular account, compelled the Spaniards to forbear even such indirect methods of reducing a warlike nation, resolved to remain independ ent, or to perish with its freedom. The peace which fol lowed in 1773, was a confirmation of the treaties of Quit lin and Negrete. During the negotiations which, at the desire of the Toqui Curignancu, were held in St Jago, a demand, rather unexpected, was made from the same authority. It was required, that henceforth the Arau canians should be permitted to keep a minister resident in that city. This also, notwithstanding the opposition
of his officers, the governor thought proper to concede, and every obstacle being removed, the terms were adjust ed and ratified on the bases of the preceding treaties.
Since their last expulsion from Araucania the Spa niards have prudently abstained from any further attempts to regain their possessions in that warlike province ; the preservation of which had already been attended with so much hazard and bloodshed. In 1792 the colony was in a flourishing state under Don Ambrosio Higgins, a native of Ireland, who increased the number of its cities, extended its commerce and fisheries, encouraged its agri culture, and by the whole of his able and useful admini stration became the object of universal regard. Since that period no intelligence of interest or importance has been received from Chili, except the general fact, that with the other Spanish colonies in America, it has with drawn its allegiance from the present government at Cadiz, while it acknowledges Ferdinand VII.