ALMAGRO, the Younger, by his courage, generosity, and other accomplishments, was placed at the head of the party after the death of his father. The father, conscious of his own inferiority from the total want of education, used every possible means to improve the mind and embellish the manners of his son; so that he soon acquired those accomplishments which rendered him respected by illustrious adventurers, who cheerfully ranged round his standard, and by his dexterity and skill sought deliverance from the oppressions of Pizarro. Juan de Herrada, an officer of great abilities, continued still to direct his councils, and to regulate his enterprises; and, while Pizarro confided in his own security, a conspiracy was formed against him, which terminated in his death. The assassins, exulting in their success, and waving their bloody swords, hastened to the street, proclaimed the death of the tyrant, and compelled the magistrates and principal citizens of Lima to acknowledge Almagro as lawful successor of his father. But his reign was of short duration; for, in 1541, Vaca de Castro, arriving at Quito, produced the royal commission, appointing him governor of Peru, together with all the privileges and authority of Pizarro. The talents and influence of the new governor soon overpowered the interest of Almagro, who, perceiving the rapid decline of his influence, hastened with his troops to Cuzco, where his opponents had erected the royal standard under the command of Pedro Alvarez Holguin. Herrada, the guide of his counsels, died during his march; and from that time his measures were conspicuous for their violence, concerted with little ingenuity, and executed with little address. At length, on September 16, 1542, the forces of Almagro and Vaca de Castro met, and victory long remained doubtful, till at last it declared for the new governor. Almagro conducted the military operations of that fatal day with a gallant spirit, worthy of a better cause, and deserving of a better fate; and his followers displayed uncommon valour. In proportion to the number of combatants the carnage was very great. Of 1500 men, 500 fell in the field, and many more were wounded. Almagro escaped, but being betrayed by some of his own officers, he was publicly beheaded at Cuzco, and in him the name and spirit of the party of Almagro became extinct.