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 I70 A HISTORY OF CHILE ond, nobody signed. Having consulted public opinion in this novel manner, O'Higgins solemnly aiBrmed the act as declaratory of the complete independence of Chile. The royalist army advanced slowly toward the capi- tal, crossing the Maule in the direction of Talca. San Martin moved forward from San Fernando on the 13th of March with his whole army, which was superior to that of the Spaniards in point of numbers and in cav- alry, but inferior in discipline. Near the city of Talca, Osorio's van was furioush' attacked and driven back, the action being confined principally to the cavalry. This was on the i8th; on the igth there was a sharp skirmish at Cancha Rayada. Seeing the strength of the enemy, Osorio drew up his forces before the city and determined to attack San Martin in camp that night. About nine o'clock in the evening, while changes of position were being made in the patriot encampment at Cancha Rayada, the Spaniards, salh'ing forth from Talca under the intrepid Ordonez, made a sudden on- slaught, which was so furious and the discharges of cannon and muskets so lively and unexpected, that San Martin's army became panic-stricken, fired at each other as well as the enemy, and before fifteen minutes had elapsed was in total rout. O'Higgins bravely sought to rally the troops, though himself suffering with a wounded arm, but was unable to stop the flight of the demoralized arm}'', and was, therefore, obliged to follow the fugitives toward the capital. Monteagudo, San iMartin's advocate general of the army, was the first to reach the capital, on his way to Mendoza, and tell of the defeat. Great was the con- sternation. Patriots at once began to get together their effects for flight to Mendoza. The contents of the pub- lic treasury was packed ready to load upon mules; the