Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/86

62 The discovery of these mines was accidental, and occurred, as appears by documents preserved in the archives of Lima, somewhere about the year 1630.

An Indian, named Huari-Capcha, led his flock to pasture on the heights, and being obliged to pass the night in that situation, sought shelter behind one of them. He kindled a large fire, and was greatly surprized, at break of day, when he perceived, among the ashes, several grains of melted silver. Contrary to the received usage of the Indians, he communicated this intelligence to Don Juan De Ugarte, a rich proprietor residing in the vale of Huariaca, who proceeded immediately to explore the heights. On and near the spot where the fire had melted the metallic substance, he found passages leading to several mines, which were afterwards wrought with the greatest success.

The fame of the mines of Ugarte drew thither a considerable number of persons, whose enthusiasm inspired them with the courageous resolution to establish themselves on those wild and dreary heaths, which seemed to be solely destined for the abode of wild beasts. In a little time, a Spanish settlement was formed, where before not a hut was to be seen to afford shelter to a solitary Indian.

At that time there were in the province of Conchucos, a royal chest and establishment, not only for the collection of the tributes, but likewise for the management and direction of a rich mine of silver, which was worked on the account of his Catholic Majesty. About the year 1600, the above mine became useless; on which account the royal chest was transferred to Huanuco; and, subsequently, in 1669, to the city of Pasco,