possibility of forming vast plantations of cacao and other valuable productions, insomuch that, by the subsequent reduction of the Pampa (plain) del Sacramento, the emporium of the greatest prodigies of Nature, the monarch would possess a new kingdom, and Peru the interests she had sought for the space of two centuries, but had not obtained, in consequence of the injudicious mode pursued in subjugating the savage tribes. He spake with the confidence of one who had been many years an eye witness of the facts, and with an energy which the sincerity, piety, and generous feelings of Bezares could not resist.
Although the latter was not possessed of sufficient testimonies respecting the accuracy of this information, he devoted two thousand piastres of his capital to an attempt which should enable him to come at the truth, and fix his determination. He was not backward in following the traces of his informer, carrying with him the implements and commodities best adapted to promote the views of the little colony named Chicoplaya. He was also provided with the necessary sacred ornaments and vessels, images, and two portable bells, with which to commence divine worship without any delay. He made his entry by Guamalies in the year 1785, and with much difficulty penetrated, by the banks of the river Monzon, to Chicoplaya, where he was not a little gratified to find the establishment his companion had announced, although in a very deplorable condition. Observing the distress under which the colony laboured for want of a priest, he appointed a friar of the Order of Mercy, by whom he was accompanied, to fill that function, to which he annexed a salary of six hundred piastres. This act of benevolence was followed by a general
