First Discovery ofNew Granada.
The new Kingdom ofGranada, as ’tis commonly call’d, was for the most part both discover’d and conquer’d byGonsalvo Ximenes, about the Year 1536. and with so good success, that in less than a years space, the whole Countrey was quietly setled under theSpaniardsGovernment, and the Captain with his small Company had made shift to gather together such a Mass of Treasure as may seem almost incredible,viz.from theReguli, or petty Princes of those Countreys, whom he had either destroy’d or made Tributary. But a more particular Relation ofXimeneshis Journey take as followeth:
Gustavo Ximeneshis Expedition.
Being sent out byPeter Ferdinando de Lugo, to discover the Countreys that lay along the RiverMagdalena, he travell’d upon the right side of it with great trouble; for not onely the brambly Woods, Moors, and deep Brooks, made the Way exceeding bad to be travell’d, but also the Inhabitants, who fell upon him from their Ambuscades: yet at last he reach’dTora, which Name he chang’d intoPueblo de los Bracos, because four Rivers unite their Waters there. Here ordering his Brigantines which were come up the River to cast their Anchors, he judg’d it convenient to stay all the Winter, because the swoln Rivers had drown’d the adjacent Countrey.Ximenesobserving that theIndiansfetch’d Salt from the Sea-side, judg’d that the Countrey was inhabited, and therefore in fair Weather march’d up to the MountainOpou, behind which he found a Countrey full of Salt-pools, which produc’d Cakes of Salt. And somewhat farther the Province Govern’d by the CasiqueBogata, who at first resisting theSpaniards, was soon put to flight, when he heard the noise of the Guns. ThePanchesdivided fromBogata’s Countrey by a small Mountain, also maintaining continual Wars with him, suffer’d theSpaniardsunmolested to travel through their Countrey, and the ValleyLa Trompetta, to a high barren Mountain, on the top of whichXimenesfound several Emeraulds; and going from thence fell upon the CasiqueTunia, and three days Journey farther, upon the GovernorsSagamosaandDiutama; from which three Countreys he carried above a hundred and ninety thousand pieces of fine Gold, fifty five thousand pieces of indifferent Gold, and eighteen hundred Emeraulds; all which theSpaniardsleft behind with Guards whilest they went back toBogatawhom they found lying dead of his Wounds on a high Hill: ButSagipa,Bogata’s Successor, receiv’dXimeneswith great Civility, to engage his Assistance against his Neighbors thePanches; which he did not refuse him: but afterwards he fell most perfidiously upon the saidSagipa, whom he caus’d to be Executed, because he either could not, or would not discover where those Riches were whichBogatahad left behind him. After he had pillag’d the little RegionNeyba, and brought into subjection the whole Countrey, he gave it the Name ofNew Granada, fromGranadathe place of his Nativity, being the chief City of the Kingdom ofGranadainSpain, and built the CitySanta Fe; which done, he quitted the Place, upon information thatSebastian de Bevalcazarcoming fromPopayan, was seeking a Way Northward; and not long after himNicholas Federmanfollow’d, each claimingNew Granadaas their Right, whereasXimenesalledg’d, That the first Discovery thereof was to be ascribed to him onely: at last Agreeing, they resolv’d that it should be at the King ofSpain’s disposal.
The Nature and Custom of theMoxas.
The antient Inhabitants, nam’dMoxas, divided their Countrey into two chief Principalities,viz.BogotaandTunica, which before theSpaniardsArrival were each under their particularCasiqueor Prince. The Men were of a good proportion; the Women also handsomer, and of a fairer Complexion than their Neighbors: Their Habit also consisted of black, white, and divers colour’d Cotton Cloaks, and some also had Bonnets of the same. The temperateness of the Climate makes little difference between Winter and Summer. Their Houses were of Planks, and cover’d with long Rushes. Their chiefest Food wasMaizandCassave, which first grows on Stalks as large as Canes, containing very large and weighty Spikes or Ears, each Ear generally yielding seven hundred Grains, which are Planted in hot and moist Ground; one Bushel Sow’n, generally produces three hundred. But theMaizis distinguish’d into a courser or finer sort, which last is call’dMoroche, the Leaves and Canes whereof afford a wholsom Provender for Horses, and the Corn, Bread for the Inhabitants, who make it several ways; for sometimes they boyl it in Water, and at other times parch it in Ashes, or grind it to Meal, which kneading into Dough, they make into Cakes, Biskets, and the like: Moreover,Maizsteep’d in Water, and after being boyl’d and set a working, makes a very strong Liquor. They also useCassada, which they make of the RootYuca, which being large and thick, is cut in pieces, grated, and all its Juice, which is deadly poyson, being press’d out, is Bak’d in thin Cakes. There is likewise another sort ofYuca, which hath not so poysonous a Juice, keeping good a long time, and is both wholsom, and of a good taste. The Natives of old liv’d much upon the RootsYomus, andCubias, all sorts of Venison, Fowls, and Fish, which the Rivers and Lakes afford in great abundance. Those that are left of the Natives, are a deceitful, crafty, and ingenious sort of People, very apt to learn Art, and to Trade with Salt toRio Grande, and the MountainOpou.
Besides Copper and Steel-Mines, this Countrey hath also several of Gold; and the Fields produce all manner of Plants.
The Nature of thePanchas.
ThePanchaswhich remain are yet a salvage People, but their Countrey is an indifferent fertile Soil, though not in all places alike; for those which border uponTuniafed much heretofore on Pismires, of which some being long, have double Wings, others lesser and without Wings; which last sort being roasted, are accounted a great Dainty, and a speedy Remedy against the Distemper of the Gravel. There are also a sort of venomous Pismires, which stinging a Man, cause a swelling and great itching, and these are call’dTayoques, whose Stings are cur’d by a Plaister of bruis’d Pismires.
The Bounds and Dimensions ofNova Granada.
The Countrey is bounded on the North withCastella Aureaaforesaid; on the West, withMare del Zur; on the East, withVenezuela; the Southern parts of it being not well discover’d, by reason of certain huge and unpassable Mountains, which block it up wholly on that side, save onely where a Passage is kept open into the Province ofPeru, specially so call’d: It containeth in length about a hundred and thirty Leagues, and not much less in breadth, being for the most part a very healthful Countrey, and abounding in Mines of the best sort of Metal, besides others of Brass and Iron. It is subdivided into these two Provinces,viz.GranadaandPopayana.
Sect. II.Granada.
Description ofGranada.
Granada, specially so call’d, is a Countrey of a very temperate and good Air, as hath been before observ’d, neither subject to over-much Cold, nor to extremity of Heat; which is the more to be admir’d by reason of its nearness to theLine, from which it is distant Northward but a very few Degrees.
Towns of chief note.
The Towns and Places of chief importance are, 1.St. Foy, commonly call’dSt. Foy de Bagota, which was the old Name of this Province, and to distinguish it from anotherSt. Foy, in the Countrey ofNew Mexicoabove mention’d. It is the Metropolis and Capital City of this Province, an Arch-bishop’s See, and the ordinary Residence of the Governor, built by the above-mention’dGonsalvo Ximenesupon the Lake call’dGuatavita, and hath been long since inhabited by above six hundred Families ofSpaniards.
2.St. Michael, twelve Leagues Northward ofSt. Foy, and a well Traded Town. TheIndiansthat dwell about this Place being above five thousand, pay great Tribute yearly. Not far from hence lies the LakeGuatavita, where the Inhabitants in former times Offer’d much Gold to their Idols.
Commodities of the Countrey ofTocaima.
3.Tocaima, fourteen Leagues Westward fromSt. Foy, within a Territory which antiently belong’d to thePanches, who yet possess the worst part of it, lying still wild and unreduc’d: It is situate on the Banks of the great RiverPati, which falls into the RivuletMagdalena. This City, which enjoys the benefit of a wholsom Climate, is surrounded with Mines of Gold, Copper, Silver, and Lead. And besides the Fruits of the Countrey, allSpanishPlants thrive exceedingly after once Planted; and though Sheep will not breed here, yet Kine, Hogs, and Goats increase daily, but are often devour’d by Tygers, Lyons, and Bears. The Woods produce Nut-Trees, Cedars,Guaiacum, orPock-Wood, and the wonderful TreeZeyba, whose Leaves fall off every twelve hours, and grow again. The Fowls of this Countrey are many and several. Near the City are sulphurous Fountains, whose Waters cure Scabs and Leprosie. In the Valleys also flow Springs of salt Water, which thrown on Herbs, turns to Rozen and Pitch, and is good to make Boats tight. The tops of the Mountains are continually cover’d with Snow, notwithstanding some of them vomit forth horrible Flames and Ashes, which are blown several Leagues over the Countrey. The vicissitude of the Weather occasions two Summers and two Winters; the first Summer begins inDecember, and the second inJune; the first Winter accordingly begins inMarch, and the other inOctober. This alteration of Seasons is not distinguish’d by any change of Heat or Cold, but the continuance of fair Weather during the Summer, and in the Winter, of such terrible Hurricanes, that blow from North to South, or from South to North, with such Thundering and Lightning, as if the end of the World were at hand. The chiefest Trees that grow here are Cedars, and one that bears exceeding great Almonds. TheQuaquealso bears a pleasant Fruit about the bigness of a Goose-Egg; and the Fig-Tree, Figs as large as Oranges. TheAgnapawhich grows here is of such a nature, that anEuropeansleeping under it, swells exceedingly, but anIndianbursts. The Bark and Sprigs of theHobo, which grows high and round, serve against Swellings and Ulcers, and occasion also Loosness. Sugar-Canes grow also here in great abundance, amongst which feed certain Beasts like Hogs, whose Navels grow on their Backs; and large Stags. The Fountains in most places of this Countrey run with salt Water; and sometimes Salt is found between fresh-Water Brooks. The Natives, who are valiant, subtile, and well proportion’d, are since their giving over eating of Mans-flesh much increas’d, and many of them forsaking their Heathenish Idolatry, have embrac’d theRoman-CatholickReligion.
TERRA FIRMA et NOVUM REGNUM GRANATENSE et POPAYAN
4.La Palma, builtAnno 1572.in a certain Territory, the People whereof were antiently call’dMusiandColymæ.
5.Trinidad, which is indeed the antientTudelarenew’d, or a City sprung out of the Ruines thereof. ThisTudelastood on the Shore of the RiverZarbi, which running between high Mountains, makes the RivuletTuratena, and in the same Territory asLa Palmaabove mention’d,viz.of theMusi&Colymæ, by whom theSpaniards, who had here a Colony, were so exceedingly molested, that they deserted the same, together with their GovernorPeter de Orsua: yet not long after the forsaken Place was again re-built by the Name ofTrinidad; but that Place proving incommodious, was again abandon’d, and a newTrinidadbuilt, where now it is to be seen on a convenient place Eastward from the high and cold MountainParamo. From several rich Gemmaries thereabouts are digg’d store of Emeraulds, Crystal like Diamonds, white Marble, and the Beryl, especially on the MountainsYtocoandAbipi.
6.Tunia, having a Territory about it, to which it gives Denomination; It lies on a high Hill, from whence the Church and two Cloysters of theDominicanFryers are seen at a great distance. Here also is kept the greatest Market inNew Granada.
7.Pampelona, sixty Leagues distant fromSt. Foyto the North-East, abounding with Cattel and Gold.
8.Merida, surrounded with Corn-Fields, the farthest Town of this Province North-Eastward towardsVenezuela.
9.Belez, which though it suffers great prejudice by a burning a Mountain that vomits Fire and Stones, and also Thunder and Lightning, is the greatest Residence of several Orders of Fryers.
10.Marequita, otherwise call’dSt. Sebastian del Oro, which lies under a hot Climate, and hath much Pasture.
11.Ybague, the Habitation chiefly ofDominicans.
12.La Vittoria de los Remedios; and 13.Juan de los Lanos, orSt. John of the Plains, seated in a rich Nook of the Countrey, where there are good Silver and Gold-Mines.
The Merchandise that come to these Towns, are brought up the RiverMagdalenainCanoosof sixty Foot long.
Situation and Description ofPopayana.
Popayana, the other part of this new Kingdom, is border’d on the West with part ofGranadalast spoken of, from which the RiverSt. Marthadivides it for the most part: On the North it hathNova Andaluzia, orCarthagena; on the West,Mare del Zur; and on the South,Quito, or rather some unreduc’d Countreys lying betwixt them both; It extends in length above a hundred Leagues from North to South, but in breadth, betwixt the River and the South Sea, not much above forty or fifty. The Countrey is said to be a little too much subject to Rain, yet not so, but that the fertility of the Soil answers the industry of the Inhabitants in most places very well.
Sebastian de Bevalcazar, Governor ofQuito, marchingAnno 1536.with a Company ofSpaniardstoOtabalo, where the CountreyPopayanbegins, was often set upon by the Natives from their Ambuscades, and the many Inconveniences which he suffer’d for want of Provisions, and trouble of travelling over the high Mountains, had necessitated him to return, had he not been resolutely bent to discover the Countrey; to which purpose marching on leisurely, he came into the heart ofPopayan, where his wearied People sufficiently resting themselves amidst a fruitful Countrey, where they found pleasant Fruit-Trees, Houses full of Provisions, and fresh Rivers, which glided from the MountainAndes, and some of the Rivulets also affording Gold, were encourag’d to build several Villages; in which nevertheless they made no Settlement, either because they could not get Gold enough, or else being driven from thence by the valiant Natives.
Cities and Towns of chief note.
The Places of chief note in it, are 1.Popayan, situate on the Banks of a fair River, but not nam’d, and in the midst of a Plain in a place of great Wealth, and enjoying a good Air. The original of the NamePopayanis from theCasiquewho Govern’d there at the time of theSpaniardsfirst Arrival. It is a Bishop’s See, and the ordinary Residence of the Governor of the Province. The chief Buildings are the Cathedral, and a Monastery of the FryersDe la Merced. TheSavannaGrounds towards the North feed many fat Cattel. The Fields produce the bestAmerican Maiz. Some of the adjacent Mountains either vomit Smoak, Flames, great Stones, or scalding Water, leaving a Salt behind it. Beyond the CityPopayanthe great RiverMagdalenatakes its original in the ValleyCali, where several Brooks gliding from the MountainAndes, inhabited by theCocunocos, unite their Waters.
2.Antiochia, otherwise call’dSt. Fides de Antiochia, on the Borders ofNew Andaluzia, and about a hundred Leagues fromPopayan. In the midst of a small Territory to which it gives Name, in the ValleyNore, between the RiverMagdalenaandDaria, wash’d by Rivulets, whose Sands are Golden, and whose Banks are shaded with all sorts of Fruit-Trees. The Inhabitants white and very rational, sleep in the Night under the open Skye: Their Houses are built a good distance from the Highways; near which the Pastures feed abundance of Sheep. The Pools breed plenty of Fish, and the Mines store of Gold, especially in the MountainBuritica.
3.Caramanta, seated likewise on the Banks of the RiverSt. Martha, within a little Province also of the same Name; the Inhabitants whereof being valiant and strong go naked, and dwell in little Huts, make white Salt out of a Fountain and a little Lake: they generally go toAntiochiain six hours, which is forty five Leagues, so swift runs the Stream.
4.St. Anne, in theCantredor Hundred ofAnzerma, a Town neatly situate upon the side of an Hill betwixt two Rivers, and in the midst of Plain no less pleasant than fertile: It was so call’d byBevalcazar, because theIndiansof this Place name the SaltAnzer; it is surrounded with Villages and Woods on a high Plain between two Rivers. The Air being exceeding hot, lightens generally every day.
5. The VillagePueblo Llana, which is inhabited by little People, who Trade in Salt, and have also Golden Rivulets. Near this Place is the ValleyAburra, consisting of many fruitful Plains, moistned by several Rivers; the Inhabitants whereof at theSpaniardsfirst coming thither, hang’d themselves, with their Wives and Children.
6.St. Jago de Arma, built in a Wood of Palm-Trees, so nam’d from the Territory in which it standeth, rich and famous for its Mines of Gold, which it is said to have many and very good: The Ground round about being Mountainous, hath several Rivers, the chiefest whereof call’dDi Arma, is dangerous to cross, especiallyin Winter. The unwholsom Air hereabouts occasions many Sicknesses. Amongst other Fruits that grow in this County, is thePytahaya, which whoe’re eats, voids Urine as red as Blood. Adjacent to it are the little ProvincesPaucuran,Pozo, andPicara, which possess Golden Mines: also the TerritoryCarrapawhich hath high and rugged Land, and many Rivulets: likewise the CountyQuimbaya, which abounds with thick and long Canes, wherewith the Natives build their Houses; in the hollow Bodies of these Canes the wild Bees gather store of Honey; and amongst them breed also exceeding great Lyons, the four-footed BeastChucawhich carries its Young in a Bag, Stags, Rabbets andGuadaquinajes, which being bigger than Hares, are exceeding good Meat. The MountainNevada, wonderful high, and smoaking continually, produces the golden RiversTacurumbi&De la Cequo. Twenty Leagues or more distant fromSt. Jagois, 7.Carthago, the chief City ofQuimbayaes, and by which the aforesaid Rivers run. The temperate Climate here gives Health and long Life to the Inhabitants, who have several Fountains of salt Water, and the FruitCaymito, not unlike a Peach, black within, having little Kernels, and a Juice which Dyes so deep, that it can scarce be wash’d off. Horses and Cows they have likewise very plentiful.Carthagoit self stands in a pleasant Plain between two Rivulets; the Ways that lead to the same are very dirty, because of the continual Rain which falls there, with Lightning and Thunder. A League beyond the City flows the StreamConsota; near which lies a Lake, out of which Salt is made.
8. The CityCali, the Residence for the Governor and Collector, lying under a hot Climate in a plain Valley at a River, which falling from the Mountain, glides to the StreamMagdalena. Round about the same dwelt antiently several People,viz.theGorrones, so call’d, because they nam’d a FishGorron, theChancos, Giants, with long Faces and broad Foreheads, theAarbacoas,Agnales, andLos Timbas, inhabiting among barren Mountains; but most of them were slain by theSpaniards, or destroy’d by one another, few onely escaping to the tops of the Mountains. The Countrey also swarms with wild Beasts, which have also devour’d many of the Inhabitants, bothIndiansandSpaniards.
9. The HavenBonaventure, situate in a deep Inlet, about which live some Families which send the Commodities that come fromNew SpaintoPopayan,Cali, and other Places; and though there be a Way along by the RiverDagua, convenient for Mules and Horses to travel, yet it is seldom us’d, because the Cattel are so wearied out with the long Journey, that they cannot go through with their Loads; wherefore they employ theIndiansto carry their heavy Burthens over the Mountains, which they do for a small Reward.
10.St. Juan de Pasto, giving Denomination to the Countrey about it, and being built on the pleasant Plains of the ValleyAtris, is situate in a wholsom Climate, and is moistned by several Fountains and the RiverAngasmayo, the Boundary ofPeru. TheSpaniardshave several Houses here, and breed store of Cattel, and especially Hogs. They have likewise Sugar-Mills, with which they make abundance of Sugar. The antient Inhabitants were salvage, deform’d, and of little Reason.
11.Timana, giving Denomination to the Countrey about, is plac’d under a hot Climate, yet the Inhabitants live long; they drive a great Trade with Thred spun out of the HerbPita; and also with Sweet-meats, Fruits Preserv’d with Honey and Sugar, and especially a Kernel not unlike an Almond. In their Gardens they Plant the HerbCocoa, which they chew constantly for the strengthning of their Hearts. NearPitais a Mountain with Load-stones; and somewhat farther the Habitations of the valiantYalconesin the ValleyAquirya, thePaezes,Pixaos, andManipos, which so molested theSpaniards, that they forc’d them to forsake the TownsNeyra,St. Vincent, andVille de los Angelos.
12.Guadalajara de Buga; and 13.Sebastian de la Plata, built on a Plain near the RiverGuali; the Countrey about which is exceedingly troubled with Earthquakes, and the Inhabitants with their Neighbors theNineres, who bring the Flesh of their Prisoners to Sale in the publick Shambles.
14.Almague, built on a high Mountain, and lying under a cool Climate, is surrounded with fruitful Fields, which feed store of Cattel, and enrich’d with several Gold-Mines.
15.Juan de Truxillo, which theIndianscallYscance.
16.Madrigall; 17.Chapanchipa; 18.Malaga; and 19.Agreda; the Mountains about which inclose store of Gold.
Between the PromontoryDe Corrientesand the IslandPalmas, are the RiversSalinasandBalsas, which fall into the Southern Ocean;St. Juan, whose Banks are inhabited by a salvage People which dwell in the tops of the Trees, because the River oftentimes overflows the Countrey. They sowe Pease and Beans, and catch Fish, but buy other Provisions, with Gold.
The IsleGorgona.
Against the Mouth of this RiverSt. Juanlies the IsleGorgona, three Leagues in circumference, which is compar’d to Hell, because of the dismal Woods which are upon it, barren Mountains, Millions ofMusticho’s, whose Stings are intolerable, and never-ceasing Rain, insomuch that the Sun never shines upon it.
The IsleDel Gallo.
West-South-West fromGorgonalies the round IslandDel Gallo, about a League in circumference; it is divided by several Rivers, and round about Planted with Trees, on which theIndiansdwell as at the RiverSt. Juan.