Meanwhile, however, the state of his affairs being urgent, Valdivia likewise despatched to _Peru_ two of his officers by land, who should take with them six companions, whose spurs, bits, and stirrups he directed to be made of gold, which he knew would speak more eloquently than any words with a view to gaining him recruits. These messengers, although escorted by thirty horsemen, were attacked by the archers of _Copiapo_, and of the whole band only two escaped with life. These were the two officers Monroy and Miranda, who were brought before the _Ulmen_, covered with wounds. That prince resolved to put them to death, but was dissuaded from doing so by his wife, who pitied their deplorable condition. Several of the horses had been taken alive, and the _Ulmena_ who had saved the Spaniards requested from them in return the slight favour of teaching her son to ride. This naturally suggested the idea of escape, which no one could blame the prisoners for attempting. But it would not have been in harmony with all Spanish conduct towards natives of the New World had they simply contented themselves with escaping. One day whilst the young prince was riding, escorted by his archers, and preceded by an officer armed with a lance, Monroy suddenly attacked him with a poniard, inflicting mortal wounds, whilst Miranda at the same time wrested the lance from the officer. The pair having thus rewarded the kindness of the _Ulmena_, put spurs to their horses and made their escape, in due time reaching _Cuzco_. Vaca de Castro, who on the death of Pizarro was now governor of _Peru_, on being informed of the critical situation of his countrymen in _Chili_, at once despatched to their aid a considerable detachment of troops under Monroy, who on his return had the good fortune to escape the notice of the _Copiapins_. At the same time De Castro despatched by sea a still greater reinforcement under Juan Pastene, a Genoese. Both reinforcements reached Valdivia about the same time, thus enabling him to carry his vast designs into execution. Taking advantage of Pastene’s nautical acquirements, he ordered him to make a complete survey of the sea-coast as far as to the Straits of _Magellan_. On his return from this service Pastene was despatched to _Peru_ for further recruits, which were more than ever wanted, for since the successful affair in _Copiapo_ the natives had become even more aggressive than before. [Sidenote: 1544.]