_Don_ Garcia was now in a position to assume the offensive. When his army had rested, he crossed the _Bio-bio_ in boats, within sight of Caupolican, who was unable to obstruct his passage. That general awaited him in a position flanked by woods, which might be of advantage to him in case of defeat. The first skirmish was favourable to the Araucanians; but when the two armies met, they were not able to advance in the face of the fire of the Spanish musketry, and after many ineffectual attempts, they were forced to fall back in confusion and to take refuge in the woods. The Spanish general adopted cruel measures towards his prisoners, even permitting his native allies to mutilate them in his own presence. Amongst those taken on this occasion was one named Galverino, whose hands _Don_ Garcia ordered to be cut off. On his return to his countrymen in this condition, they were so inflamed against the Spaniards that they swore to put to death any one who should propose peace. The Spanish army now penetrated into the province of _Arauco_, but never being left in peace by the enemy. The general put to torture several natives in order to get information of Caupolican, but failed to obtain knowledge of his place of retreat. He had not long, however, to wait before seeing him, for he very soon afterwards appeared with his army in three lines. When the Spanish cavalry charged the first, it was received by Caupolican, who gave orders to his pikemen to meet with levelled spears the attack of the horse, whilst the mace-bearers should strike at their heads. Whilst the cavalry were thus thrown into confusion, the Araucanian general broke into the centre of the infantry, being ably supported by Tucapel at the head of another division. Victory seemed to await the Araucanians, when _Don_ Garcia gave orders to his reserve to attack the remaining division of the enemy, who were thus in turn thrown into such confusion that Caupolican was forced to sound a retreat. The Spanish general celebrated his victory by causing twelve _Ulmenes_, who were amongst his prisoners, to be hanged, after which he proceeded into the province of _Tucapel_, where, in the locality where Valdivia had been defeated, he founded a city, which, after the titular designation of his family, he called _Canete_. He then returned to _Imperial_, where he was received in triumph. From _Imperial_ he sent to _Canete_ a plentiful supply of provisions; but the convoy was routed by a body of Araucanians in the pass of _Caucupil_. Many of the convoy, however, escaped to _Canete_, which place was shortly afterwards assaulted by Caupolican. After an attack of five hours, he had, however, to desist from the enterprise, when he resolved to fall back upon stratagem.