or VALDIVIA, a sea-port town of Chili, in America, belonging to the Spaniards. It is situated between the rivers Callacules and Portero, where they fall into the South sea. W. Long. 80. 5. S. Lat. 40. 5. It was built in 1551 by the Spanish general Baldivia, from whom it takes its name. We may judge of its importance from the sum granted annually by the king for maintaining the garrison and keeping the fortifications in repair, being no less than 300,000 pieces of eight. It is defended by four strong castles, mounting 100 pieces of fine brass cannon. Notwithstanding which, however, as the garrison is composed mostly of transported criminals, on whom no dependence can be placed, and generally ill supplied with ammunition, &c. it could make but a poor defence. In 1643 it was easily taken by the Dutch, who would probably have maintained their conquest against all the power of the Spanish viceroy, had they not been obliged to relinquish it through sickness and famine. The inhabitants of Baldivia amount to about 2000. The trade is less considerable than formerly, because the gold mines in the neighbourhood are shut up: yet several large ships are employed in the trade between this port and that of Lima, which consists of gold, corn, hides, and salt provisions, which are exchanged for slaves, sugar, chocolate, and European commodities and manufactures.