Why me? Peruvian merchants and supplying the Valdivia garrison (1645–1657)

Abstract

The port of Valdivia was key to the Spanish military strategy for the defense of its Pacific Ocean colonies against potential European invasions. However, its destruction during an indigenous uprising in 1598 made its continuation impossible for more than forty years. It was not until 1645, after a failed attempt of Dutch colonization, that the Viceroy of Peru and the Chilean authorities ordered its reconstruction. Because of its location, within the indigenous territory South of the Araucanía, it was necessary to supply it with supplies and ammunition by sea, the land route being reserved for major emergencies. This research analyzes the challenges associated with the maritime supply of the new fortifications of Valdivia in the first years after its reconstruction. It examines the maritime supply system that was created as a result of the Real Situado de Valdivia and how the captains of the merchant ships did their best to free themselves from the task of carrying supplies from Valparaíso to Valdivia.