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352 or oppressing the subject. It may be true, that these points are not easily reconcileable with each other; but our intendant, in the distribution of the new lands, was able, not only to recompense the assiduous labours of the settlers, but likewise to ensure their future prosperity. That being his sole object, to the end that he might proceed with every security, he addressed himself to the viceroy, Don Teodoro de Croix, accompanying his solicitations by an energetic representation on the same subje6t, drawn up by the senate of the city of Tarma. His application having been favourably received, he augmented his efforts for the re-establishment of Vitoc, supplying the necessary implements and provisions, and surveying in person the mountains which, through time and neglect, had become impenetrable.

The first object that engaged his attention, was the construction of an advanced fort, which, by covering the valley, should secure it from the attacks of the barbarians in the vicinity. Vitoc being naturally defended by the steep hills, of a considerable height, which surround it to the east, west, and south, is only assailable by the deep and rugged ground that fronts the north, and terminates in the river Chanchamayo, distant nine leagues from the small town of Chibatizo, built by the civilized Indians on the ruins of Quimiri. The forest having been cleared in that part, the fort was in a little time erected on a commodious eminence, and provided with four bastions. The extent, disposition, and solidity of the walls, fully manifest the talent, zeal, and activity of Don Juan de Galves, to whose praise it ought to be recorded, that the whole was finished without the smallest expence to the state, notwithstanding eleven thousand piastres had, independently of the