In response to escalating tensions in the southern regions of Chile, a militia was mobilized from Valdivia, an important Spanish fortification and urban center established during the late colonial period. The Huilliche people, indigenous to the area, were increasingly resisting Spanish colonial encroachment on their lands, driven by grievances over exploitation and cultural impositions. This conflict arose as the Spanish established settlements that disrupted traditional Huilliche life, fostering bitterness and a desire for autonomy among the native population.

The militia, comprised of Spanish troops and local forces, was tasked with quelling the unrest and restoring order in the region. Preparations for the deployment included gathering provisions, arms, and additional manpower necessary to undertake military actions against the Huilliche insurgents. The significance of this military expedition lay not only in its immediate objectives—to suppress the uprising—but also in its broader implications for Spanish colonial policies in the area. By projecting military strength, the Spanish sought to assert their authority and dissuade further resistance to their rule.

As the militia made its way towards the conflict zone, they traversed through rugged terrains, indicative of the challenges posed by the geography of southern Chile. These confrontations with the Huilliche were reflective of the larger colonial struggles throughout the Americas, where indigenous populations frequently resisted European colonialism. The participation of mixed local forces in this military venture also signified the complexity of alliances and enmities shaped by colonial policies.