The troops had now to attempt the passage of _Monte Grande_, a range of hills which forms the watershed in this direction. It was now the month of March (corresponding to October in the northern hemisphere), and the troops began to suffer from the cold, being badly provided with clothing; they also found the labour of surmounting the pass excessive. At this juncture their commander received the welcome news from the Rector of _S. Luiz_ that he had at length succeeded in persuading the people of his “Reduction” to obey; they lamented their error, and besought pardon for their offence, entreating that their countrymen who had been taken prisoners might be released. The Spanish officer replied that the Father and the magistrates of the settlement should set the example of absolute submission. At length, after three weeks of exertion, the troops succeeded in effecting the passage of _Monte Grande_; but they were still about two hundred miles’ distance from the “Reductions.” On the 3rd of May a considerable _Guaraní_ force made its appearance; but a few cannon-shots put them to flight. On reaching the river _Chiriaby_ they found the _Guaranís_ skilfully entrenched, whilst they had taken measures to obstruct the passage of the stream. But the _Guaranís_, who were in an excellent position for defence, found their courage fail them at the last moment, and ran away, abandoning everything. Two days later the army came in sight of _S. Miguel_, which place contained seven thousand inhabitants, and which struck them much by the regularity and neatness of its buildings, and the imposing appearance of its church. A considerable number of _Guaranís_ appeared in front and on the flanks; but, as usual, they kept at a respectful distance. In attempting to overtake them, the general left his baggage behind him; which the enemy perceiving, they detached a large body of horsemen to cut it off. A guard, however, had been left, and they were easily beaten off. The troops then halted for two days, when they learned from a prisoner that the Jesuits, with the women and children, and many of the men, had forsaken the town, leaving orders to set it on fire. On the following day the troops reached the plantations of _S. Miguel_, and two days later they took possession of the place. With the exception of the church, however, the place was now a ruin, every man, on sending away his family, having set fire to his own house. They had also burned the public stores and buildings, and the Jesuits’ houses. Notwithstanding the heavy rains which had fallen, the place had been burning for several days. Had the dilatory Spanish general pushed forward a few horsemen on learning that it was intended to fire _S. Miguel_, he might have easily saved that settlement.