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.
The inhabitants of the valley of _Quillota_ had, by means of a stratagem, massacred all the Spanish soldiers employed at the mines. One of the neighbouring natives had brought to the commander a vessel filled with gold, telling him that he had found a large quantity of the precious metal in a neighbouring district. On this, all were impatient to proceed thither to secure their share of the treasure, and falling into an ambuscade were all cut off, with the exception of the commander and a negro, who owed their safety to their horses. At the same time the frigate, which had now been completed, was destroyed. On receiving news of this disaster, Valdivia hastened to _Quillota_ with his troops, and there built a fort for the protection of the miners. Being reinforced with three hundred men, he thought fit to establish a settlement in the north of _Chili_ to serve as a depôt and a protection for convoys. For this purpose he selected _Coquimbo_, which was founded by him in 1544.
Two years later, Valdivia, having passed the _Maule_, proceeded to the river _Itata_. Whilst there encamped at night, at a place called _Quilacura_, he was attacked by the natives, who inflicted on him such a loss that he thought it prudent to renounce his intended expedition and to return to _Santiago_. Being disappointed by the non-arrival of the succours which he expected from _Peru_, he now resolved to proceed thither in person. As he was on the point of starting [1547], Pastene returned, but alone, and bringing news of the civil war. This did not deter Valdivia from his purpose, and the two set sail together for _Peru_. The part which was played in the final struggle in that country by the conqueror of _Chili_ is detailed elsewhere. As a reward, he was confirmed by the President Gasca in the office of governor of _Chili_, and was furnished with an abundance of military stores. The president further put at his disposal two ships, in which he might take away with him many of the turbulent spirits who could be well spared from _Peru_.
