CHAPTER XIII.

THE PASSAGE OF THE ANDES.

1817.

The Southern Andes--Passes of the Andes--Stratagems of San Martin--The Pehuenche Indians--Preparations of Marcó--Preparations at Mendoza--Pueyrredón--Detachments flanking the Main Army--Instructions from Government--The Sierra of Chacabuco--Occupation of Coquimbo by Cabot--Capture of Copiapó--Capture of Talca--March of the Main Army--The Affair at Pichueta--Capture of Achupallas--Juan Lavalle--Capture of the Guardia Vieja--Putaendo--Defeat of Atero--Concentration of the Army at the Foot of Chacabuco--The Judgment of Posterity.....132