CHAPTER XVII.

CANCHA-RAYADA.

1817--1818. PAGE

The Political State of Chile--Pezuela appointed Viceroy of Peru--His Policy--Osorio lands at Talcahuano with Reinforcements--The Patriot Forces--Retreat of O’Higgins--March of Osorio on Santiago--Proclamation of Independence--Concentration of the Patriot Army--Affair on the Lontué--Retreat of Osorio--The Halt at Talca--The Night Attack at Cancha-rayada--Dispersion of the Patriot Army--O’Higgins wounded--Masterly Retreat of Las Heras--Panic in the Capital--Return of O’Higgins and San Martin--Reorganization of the Army--The Camp on the Plain of Maipó.....165