Ebook The Araucanians

In the year 1849 the United States government authorized an Expedition, under the command of Lieutenant James M. Gilliss of the Navy, for the purpose of making astronomical and other observations in Chili. Deeming the opportunity an unusually favorable one for visiting a country somewhat removed from the ordinary route of tourists, I made application to the Secretary of the Navy, and received an appointment as a member of the expedition.

On arriving in Chili a permanent observatory was established at Santiago, the capital. It is not my object to treat of the nature of our observations, to give a scientific description of the country, or even to introduce the reader to the refined and agreeable society which gave a charm to our long residence at the seat of government.