In the year 1591 Quintuguenu succeeded to the office of _Toqui_ on the death of Guanoalca. Having assaulted the fort of _Mariguenu_, he encamped with two thousand men upon the top of that famous height, whence the governor, putting himself at the head of a thousand Spaniards and a number of auxiliaries, resolved to dislodge him. The latter began at daybreak the difficult ascent of the mountain, leading the advanced guard in person. Half-way in the ascent he was attacked with fury by Quintuguenu; but, animating his men by his words and deeds, he sustained for an hour the terrible encounter, and forced the enemy, step by step, back into their entrenchments. The Araucanians defended themselves with the utmost bravery until mid-day, when their camp was forced on the left and right. Still Quintuguenu for a long time rendered the event doubtful. Recalling to his men the glorious memories of Lautaro, he exhorted them not to dishonour that holy spot by defeat. Rushing from rank to rank he fell, pierced by three mortal wounds at the hands of the governor, his dying word being “Liberty.” His death decided the day. Sotomayor, the first Spanish conqueror on _Mariguenu_, conducted his army to the sea-shore, where he was saluted by the Peruvian fleet, which had witnessed his glorious victory. He next built a fort to replace that of Arauco in a locality which would be more readily succoured. He then set out for the province of _Tucapel_, marking his way by fire and sword. The next _Toqui_ was Piallaeco, who soon lost his life in battle, when his countrymen were so overwhelmed that their remaining warriors had to take refuge in the marshes. These victories, however, on the part of the Spaniards were ineffectual to decide the war. The governor, who was an experienced soldier, seeing that a large force was needed for this purpose, resolved to proceed in person to _Peru_ in order to obtain it. On his arrival there he was met by _Don_ Martin Loyola (nephew of St. Ignatius), who had been appointed his successor. This officer had distinguished himself by capturing, in the fastnesses of the _Andes_, Tupac Amaru, the last of the _Incas_ of _Peru_, a service which not only obtained for him the government of _Chili_, but likewise the hand of the Princess _Clara Beatrix Coya_, the daughter and heiress of the _Inca_ Sayri Tupac. Loyola reached _Valparaiso_, the port of St. Iago, in 1593. [Sidenote: 1593.]