My opportunities for obtaining materials for the formation of this work were such as few individuals even among the natives or Spaniards could possess, and such as no _foreigner_ could possibly enjoy at the period of my residence. Dr. Robertson's celebrated history renders any account of the discovery and conquest of America unnecessary; but as the Spanish authors from whom his work was collected always kept in view the necessity of lulling the anxiety of general curiosity with respect to the subsequent state of the countries under the Spanish crown, that work cannot be supposed to be better than the materials from which it is formed would allow; to which I may add, that the different books published by the philosophic Humboldt are too scientific, and enter into too few details, to become fit for general perusal. I am induced to believe, that my descriptions of tribunals, corporate bodies, the laws, and administration, the taxes and duties, will not be considered unimportant, because the newly-formed governments will follow in great measure the establishments of Spain, modified by a few alterations, perhaps more nominal than real. Indeed, the present authorities have already determined, that so far as the Spanish codes do not interfere with the independence of the country, they are to be considered as the fundamental laws of the different tribunals. The Plates are from original Drawings taken by Don Jose Carrillo, a native of Quito, now in England. Should the following pages merit the approbation of the British public, the author will feel highly gratified by having fulfilled his duty in both hemispheres; nor will this reward in the old world be accounted less honourable than that which he has already obtained in the new. CONTENTS OF VOL. I. PAGE CHAP. I.--Arrival at Mocha....Some Account of Mayo, one of the Cape de Verd Islands touched at on our Passage.... Description of Mocha, its Productions, &c....Leave Mocha and land at Tucapel Viejo....Description of the Indians, their Dress, &c....Indians take me to their Home.... Description of the House, Family, Food, Diversions.... Appearance of the Country....What Trade might be introduced 1 CHAP. II.--Leave Tucapel Viejo, and arrive at Tubul....Description of our Breakfast on the road....Stay at the House of the Cacique of Tubul....Some Appearances of Civilization....Game of Peuca, Wrestling, &c....Anchorage, Trade, &c....Face of the Country....Arrival at Arauco....Taken to the Commandant Interview described....Town of Arauco....Indians who come to barter....Weaving of fine _ponchos_....Excursion to the Water-mills on the Carampangue River....Entertainments, _Mate_, &c....Visit Nacimiento, Santa Juana, and return to Arauco....Ordered to Conception 20