merchandise, where before there had been only the overland traffic upon mules. Ships were built for external commerce, the principal part of which was controlled by the monopolies of Spain and Peru; about twelve or thirteen thousand tons capacity in shipping was now employed in the trade.
Don Ambrosio Higgins (or O' Higgins, as he afterward styled himself) was appointed captain-general of Chile on November 21st, 1787, and proved himself to be one of the best of the long line of Spanish governors. O' Higgins's career had been romantic enough. He was born near the castle of Dangan, Ireland, and for a time acted as errand boy for Lady Bective. He was sent to Cadiz to be educated by a priest, his uncle, and in time wandered away to South America, not being greatly pleased with scholastic study and the prospect of taking orders. For a time he lived in Peru, then went to Chile where he obtained engineering work in the army. He lived several years in Santiago and amassed a fortune. He was sent on an expedition against the Araucanians, and, having distinguished himself, was given the command of the cavalry and made a brigadier general. He soon gained the love and esteem of the Chileans, for he was brave, intelligent and good-natured. He was made quartermaster and given the intendencia of Concepcion. There O'Higgins entertained the celebrated La Perouse in such a highly gratifying manner that the latter warmly commended him to his sovereign, the king of France. The French court, impressed with young O'Higgins's abilities, asked the Spanish court for his promotion. Thereupon he was made captain-general of Chile and on September the 19th, 1789, was further honored by appointment as field-marshal of the royal armies. He discharged the duties of his office with vigilance, dispensed
