Bounds ofNew Mexico.
New Mexico(as ’tis call’d for distinction’s sake) is bounded on the South-West withNew Biscay; more directly Westward, with some parts ofQuivira; the Countreys Northward of it not yet discover’d; Eastward it extends it self as far asFlorida.
This Province doubtless for largeness may compare withNew Gallicia, having been search’d and discover’d by theSpaniardsabove a hundred, some say two hundred Leagues directly Eastward, and to the North-East: and they report Wonders of it, if we may believe them, at least in respect of what was generally found in these Northern parts ofAmericaat their first Discovery; as namely, That they have Towns fairly and well built of Lime and Stone, Houses of four Stories high, and most of them provided with Stoves for the Winter Season, as well as any inEurope; the Streets fair and broad, and the People as curious and expert in divers Arts and Manufactures as any of theirs. More particularly they tell us of a Town call’dChia, of the Province ofCuames, so big, that it is said to contain eight several Market-places. Another call’dAcoma, a great Town, but seated on the top of an high Rock, without any ordinary way of access to it, but by a pair of Stairs hewn out of the hard Stone, or else by certain Ladders, which the Inhabitants let down and take up as they please. And likewise of a third, which they callConibas, containing, as they say, no less than seven Leagues in length, and about half so much in breadth,seated upon a Lake, but scatteringly built, and much of the space taken up with Mountains and many fair Gardens, in the midst of which the Town standeth; of all which more hereafter. This is certain, that the Countrey to which they give the Name ofNew Mexico, is of a vast extent, reaching from the Mines ofSt. BarbarainNew BiscayEastward, and to the North-East, above two hundred Leagues already discover’d, but doubtless taking up no small part of those Countreys which are sometimes assign’d toFlorida, if not of the Confines ofVirginiaalso.
Travels ofRuyz,Espejusand others.
This Countrey was first,Anno 1581.discover’d by aFranciscanMonk, nam’dAugustine Ruyz, who with two other Monks of his Order, got eight Soldiers ofConde de Coruna, Vice-Roy ofNew Spain, for his Companions; with whom he travell’d from the ValleySant Bartholomew, to the ProvinceDe los Tiguas, where one of the two Monks was kill’d by the Natives, which occasion’d such a fear amongst the Souldiers, who judg’d themselves too weak to make any resistance, that they resolv’d to return, notwithstanding all the arguments whichRuyzus’d to disswade them from it; yet nevertheless he and his BrotherFranciscus Lopezand fourIndians, went onward of their Journey; which news the Souldiers carried back to theFranciscansinSant Bartholomew; who fearing their Brethren would be destroy’d, sent several Souldiers and a Monk, call’dBernardyn Beltran, after them, who were also accompanied byAntony Espejus, who spent a great part of his Estate in raising of Men, providing Arms and Provisions, loading therewith a hundred and fifty Horses and Mules; with which he travell’d direct North from the fore-mention’d Valley, and after two days Journey found a People call’dConchi, who went naked, and liv’d in Huts built together like a Village: They were Govern’d byCasiques, fed on Hares, Deer, Rabbets,Maiz,Calabashes, and Melons. Several adjacent Rivers afford them plenty of Fish. They were amaz’d at the Crosses which theSpaniardsthere erected, till they were inform’d of a Crucifi’d Saviour.Espejusbeing every where kindly Entertain’d amongst them, and conducted twenty two Leagues farther, came amongst theIndianscall’dPassaguates, of the like Constitution with theConchi’s; who had skill in Minerals, and judg’d that there were many Silver Mines in that Countrey. From whence thePassaguatestravell’d with theSpaniardsto the Borders of theLos Tobosos, who no sooner saw them, but they fled, because a few years before they had been miserably dealt with by theSpaniards; but being inform’d by the Interpreters, that they needed not be afraid of any thing, they all appear’d, and conductedEspejusto the Borders of thePatarabueyes; which People possess a large Countrey, Stone Houses and Villages built in good order. Great Rivers which come out of the North, and others that disembogu’d into the North Sea, afforded them all sorts of Fish; as also the Woods plenty of Venison, Fowls, and wholsom Plants. In some Pools also the salt Water afforded Salt.
The Valour of the Inhabitants may sufficiently appear by the rough Entertainment which theSpaniardsmet withall the first Night; for thePatarabueyesfell so fiercely upon them, that had not the Watch given notice thereof in time, none had escap’d with Life; nevertheless five Horses were kill’d, and a considerable number of Men wounded: after which retreating, they went upon a neighboring Hill, whitherEspejussent his Interpreter, and anIndianthe same Countrey, to inform them, That theSpaniardscame not to molest them, and if they pleas’d to come to them, they should meet with none but Friends; which was the more easily credited, because theCasiquesreceiv’d some Presents; after which being reconciled, they conducted theSpaniardstwelve days Journey up a long River, whose Banks were inhabited in several places. From thence they reach’d to a Place, inhabited by a People richly Cloth’d, who also seem’d to have some knowledge of God; for intheir Discourse they pointed up to Heaven, call’d the Creator and Preserver of all thingsApalito, and signifi’d that they had receiv’d that Knowledge formerly from those that were left ofPamphilius Narvaez’s Army, who having rang’d throughFloridawere driven hither.
These People also PresentedEspejusmany tann’d Skins, with which he went to a great Village, the Inhabitants whereof were very courteous, and barter’d them for brave Plumes of Feathers and Cotton Cloaks, streak’d with blue and white: butEspejushaving no Interpreters whom they could understand, could not learn by what Name they were known; yet by signs they express’d what time of the year they had Precious Stones brought to them; and also what their Countrey produced; and also that abundance of those Riches was to be found in a Province about five days Journey Westward from thence, whither they freely offer’d to conduct theSpaniards, which accordingly they did, bearing them company one and twenty Leagues to the next Province, inhabited by a People whose Name also they could not be inform’d of, yet staying three days amongst them, they were Entertain’d with Presents and Dances both Night and Day. The Countrey afforded them also store of Venison and Fruits: Those that understood Minerals, judg’d that there were likewise several Gold Mines.
Leaving this Province, they entred into a great Wilderness of Pine-Trees, in which they travell’d twelve Leagues in fifteen days, without seeing either Man or House; but at the end of the Wood they spy’d a Village of Straw Huts, where there were great quantities of white Salt, and Deer Skins neatly dress’d. The People of the Place courteously Entertain’d theSpaniards, and conducted them along the RiverDel Norte, toNew Mexico: The Banks of the River on each side was planted with Nut-Trees and Vines, which spread themselves out above three Leagues; through which they had scarce pass’d three days together, when they saw ten populous Villages pleasantly seated on the said River, from whence came many thousands of the Natives to meetEspejus, who was not so much amaz’d at the great number of People, as at their extraordinary Civility and decent Habits; for they Entertain’d him with well dress’d Meat, roasted Poultrey, and pleasant Fruits: Their Garments were Cotton Cloaks, Deer-skin Breeches, Shoes and Boots of good Leather. The Women wore their Hair neatly Comb’d and Pleited. Their Houses were almost four Stories high, handsomely built, and divided into fair Chambers, had Stoves or Cells under Ground against the Cold in the Winter. Every Village was Govern’d by aCasique, whose Commands were publish’d by theAlguaziles. Each House had a peculiar place in which their Idol stood, before whom they set Meat twice a day. Near the High-ways stood Temples very curiously painted, wherein their Deity, as they say, diverted himself in his Progress from one Village to another. At certain Distances near their Plough’d Lands, stoodPortico’s, supported on four Columns, under which the Husband-man us’d to eat, and take his Noon-sleep. Besides their Swords, which were strong enough to cut a Man through the Middle, they us’d Bowes and Arrows: Their Shields were made of Deer Skins.
Espejushaving stay’d here four days, went to the ProvinceDe las Tiguas, which had sixteen Villages; in the chiefest whereof, call’dPoala,Augustine Ruyzand his Brother MonkFranciscus de Lopezhad been slain, besides four others; wherefore the People being conscious of this Crime, and fearing that Revenge would follow, fled to the Mountains, from whence they could not be enticed, whilst theSpaniardsfound their Houses full of Provisions and some Minerals.
Now those being dead whom they sought for, some thought it convenient to return; butEspejusandBeltranperswaded the contrary, alledging, That farther up,according to theIndiansinformation, lay several Provinces which were worth the discovery, and advis’d that the chiefest part of their Forces might stay there, whilst they and some few resolute Men went farther upon the Discovery, which accordingly was perform’d.Espejushaving travell’d two days, came into a fruitful Province, jutting againstCibola, in which he found eleven Villages, inhabited by above fourteen thousand People, who were clad in Skins and Cotton, worshipp’d many Idols, and receiv’d theSpaniardswith great Civility.
The like Entertainment they met withall in the CountreyLos Quires, wash’d by the RiverDel Norte; near which stood five Villages, inhabited by about fifteen thousand People.
Thirteen Leagues farther they foundDe los Cunames, having also five Villages, the chiefest of which beingCia, boasted (as above mention’d) eight Market-places: The Houses, made of Lime, were neatly Painted, and compris’d in all above twenty thousand Persons, all civil People, who presentedEspejusand his Company with handsom Cloaks, set good boyl’d Meat before them, and shew’d them rich Minerals, and the Mountains out of which they got the same.
Of the like Constitution were the InhabitantsDe los Amires, which being thirty thousand in number, resided in seven well built Villages, lying North-West fromCunames.
After this they march’d Westward, and found the eminent VillageAcoma, mention’d before, built on an exceeding high Rock, to which led onely a narrow Path up a pair of Stairs cut in the Rock; as also many Wells to receive Rain, besides what they have out of a River, led by Moats round about their Plough’d Lands. TheSpaniardsstaying here three days, were Entertain’d with all sorts of good Meat, Dances and Drolls.
From hence travelling twenty four Leagues more Westerly, they entred the Province ofZuny; where the erected Crosses which had remain’d there till that time, were sufficient testimonies ofCornaro’s having been there, after he was deserted byAndreas de Cuyocan.Casper de Mexico, andAntonius de Guadalajara, being setled onZuny, (otherwise call’dCibola) and speaking theIndianTongue better than their Native Language, inform’dEspejus, that sixty days Journey farther lay a great Lake, whose Shores were crown’d with many brave Villages, inhabited by a People which wore Golden Armlets and Ear-rings; whitherFranciscus Vasquezhad gone a second time, had not Death prevented him. This Information so encourag’dEspejus, that notwithstanding it was so great a Journey, yet he resolv’d to venture thither, though the MonkBeltranand most of his Company perswaded him to the contrary; whereuponBeltranreturn’d: After whichEspejuswent on to the said Lake; whither he was accompanied with a hundred and fiftyIndians. Having gone twenty six Leagues, he found a populous Province, whose Borders he no sooner approach’d, but he was told,That if he was willing to lose his Life, he and his Party might enter into a forbidden Dominion; yet notwithstanding this threatning Message, he wrought so much upon theCasiqueby the Presents which he sent him, that he was permitted to come in freely; nay, the Inhabitants ofZaguatostrow’d Meal on the Earth for theSpaniardsto go over, and presentedEspejusat his departure with forty thousand Cotton Cloaks, and a considerable quantity of Plate, which he sent with five of his Soldiers, and all theCibolan Indians, back toCibola, keeping onely four Companions and one Guide, with whom he travell’d forty one Leagues Westward; where he found a Mountain, to the top whereof led a broad Path; which ascending, he took up Silver Oar with his own Hand. The several sorts of People that inhabited here were all civil and courteous, living in good fashion, in pretty largeHouses, built on the Banks of a pleasant River, shaded with Vines and Nut-Trees, and thick planted with Flax: They inform’dEspejus, that near a River which runs eight Miles towards the North Sea, were such stately Palaces, as could not be beheld without great admiration. ButEspejusgoing back a plain Road toCibola, found not onely those whom he had sent fromZaguato, but alsoBeltran, with the other Soldiers, who having been detained there by the Civilities and kind Entertainments of theIndians, were now upon returning home; so thatEspejuswas left alone with eight Soldiers, who resolv’d to venture their Lives and Fortunes with him. They travell’d along the RiverDel Norte, through the ProvincesDe los GuiresandHabutas, whose Mountains, over-spread with Pine-Trees and Cedars, have many rich Mines. The Natives wore painted Cotton Cloaks, and dwelt in stately Houses five Stories high. At the Borders of the RealmLos Tamosthey were stopt, and not permitted to come on farther; wherefore being but few in number, and several of them sick, they judg’d it convenient to cross the RiverDe las Vaccas(so call’d from the abundance of Cows that were thereabouts) to the RiverConchosand the VillageBartholomew, whereEspejuswas inform’d, thatBeltranwas long before his arrival gone toGuadiana.
And now that we may have the better Account ofNew Mexico(whichRuyz,Espejus, andBeltranendeavor’d to discover) it will be necessary to begin with the first original thereof, according as several ancient Histories make mention.
First original of theNew Mexicans.
The most ancient Possessors of that part ofNorthern Americacall’dNew Spain, were for their fierce and salvage Nature call’dChichimecæ, who dwelling in Caves, fed on Moles, Rabbets, Hedghogs, Serpents, Roots and Herbs. Whilst the Women accompanied their Husbands in their Travels, the Children were put into Baskets, and hang’d in a Tree. No manner of Government was to be found amongst them. They never Till’d their Ground till theNavatlacanscame fromNew Mexico(which was anciently divided into two Countreys,AztlanandTeuculhuacan) toNew Spain; after which they Sow’d their Lands.
TheNavatlacans(who us’d to dwell in Houses, worship Images, plough their Lands, and obey their Governors) were divided into six Tribes, each Tribe possessing their limited Bounds: and there goes a Tradition, That out of six Pits that are to be seen inNew Mexico, theNavatlacanshad their original. The time when they desertedNew Mexico, as their most authentick Histories or Records declare, was (according to our computation)Anno 940.and they farther affirm, that they spent forty years in a Journey, which might have been travell’d in a Moneth: The reason of which tediousness was, because they rested in all places where they found a fruitful Countrey; but as they had advice from their diabolical Spirits, which (as they say) appear’d visibly to them, they still went on farther and farther, yet left behind those that were aged, sick, and decrepid, building convenient Houses for them, and appointing Overseers to look after them. The Ruins of the Houses are yet to be seen on the Way along which they pass’d.
The six Tribes divided themselves after this manner: Four of them setled round about the great Lake ofMexico. TheSichumilanstaking the South part, built, besides two other Towns, a Metropolis of their own Name, as theChalcanson the North. TheTapunecansbuiltAzcapuzalcoin the West, which signifiesA Pismires Hole, because of the abundance of Inhabitants. The Eastern part was taken up by theChalhuans. And all these Names have a peculiar signification; the first signifiesPeople of Flowry Fields; the second,People of Mouthes; the third,People of Bridges; and the fourth,Crooked People. Not long after, theTatluicans, a strong People, went over the Mountains on the other side of theMexicanLake, where they built several Townson a hot, yet fruitful Soil, the chiefest whereof they call’dQuahunachua, that is,A Place where an Eagles Voice is heard. TheTlascaltecanswent near the Snowy Mountains, one of which, being betweenMexicoandDe los Angelos, vomits horrid Flames and Smoke up into the Skie. Here scattering up and down, they built several Villages, besides the CityTlascalla; the Inhabitants whereof assisted theSpaniards, as hath been related in the taking ofMexico, for which good Service they live free, without paying any Tribute.
When these six Tribes came first fromMexicothither, theChichimecansmade little or no resistance against them, but hid themselves amongst the Rocks: yet some of them not long after taking courage, flew to Arms, and had without doubt destroy’d theTlascallans, had not a subtile Plot sav’d them: for under a shew of Friendship they falling on the unarm’dChichimecans, kill’d every Man of them.
Joseph de Acostatells us, thatAnno 1586.he saw a Grave inMexico, wherein aChichimecanof a Gygantick size lay buried.
After this Conquest gotten by theTlascallans, the fore-mention’d six Tribes liv’d in Peace and Quiet, and strengthned themselves the more by Marrying into one anothers Families.
TheChichimecækeeping on the Mountains left the new People in quiet possession of their Lands, nay, learnt some of their Customs, insomuch that they began to build Huts, chuse Governors, and live according to their Laws.
The first March of theMexicansintoNew Spain.
TheTlascallanshaving possess’dNew Spainthree hundred and two years, a seventh Tribe (a valiant and civiliz’d People) came thither, upon their DæmonViztlipuztli’s promise of having the supream Government: wherefore he was carried in an Ark by four chief Priests, whom he inform’d whither and when they should travel or rest, for where ever they stopt, they built a Tent in the middle of their Army for their Idol, whom they set on an Altar; which done, they Sow’d the Ground about them: yet if theirDæmoncommanded them to march before Harvest, then they left the Product to the ancient and sick People. But at lastMexi, from whence the Name ofMexicois deriv’d, conducted the Army intoMechaocan, where the pleasant Soil among the Lakes entic’d many to take up their Habitation. ButMexiproceeded on his Journey, yet not without great Crosses, in regardViztlipuztli’s Sister (some Inchantress probably so call’d) did much hurt to the whole Army by her Sorceries, because they would not honor her as a Goddess, tillViztlipuztliinform’d one of them that carried the Ark, that the Army should march on, and banish the Witch from them: whereupon she accordingly being driven away, built the VillageMalinalco, as a Habitation for Conjurers. Mean while, the Army grew weaker and weaker by their leaving so many People behind them in most places; therefore they judg’d it convenient to rest a while inTula, where a great River water’d the Countrey; which, according toViztlipuztli’s Commands, being dry’d up, made a large Lake about the MountainCoatepeck, whose Banks being planted with Willow and Poplar-Trees, were exceeding pleasant, and the more, because of the variety of Birds that made their Nests in the same; which so delighted many of the People, that being tir’d with travelling, they resolv’d to settle there; which Resolution was so ill resented byViztlipuztli, that he commanded the Bank to be broken, that the Water might have liberty to flow its former Course, and threatned them with heavy punishments: after which in the Night a terrible Cry of Murder was heard in one part of the Army; which being inquir’d after the next Morning, they found divers People lying on the Ground with their Breasts cut open, and their Hearts pull’d out: whereupon those that remain’d went ontoChapultepec, where they fortifi’d themselves in the Mountains against the adjacent People, whichCopil, Son to theMalinalconWitch, had rais’d up against them; and soon after theTapunecansandChalcanswent against their new Neighbors, with whom they began a bloody Fight, whenVitzilovitli, at that time General of theMexicanArmy, pressing in amongst them, broke their Ranks, and made way for all his Army (though with his own Death) to march Conquerors toCulhuacan: The Prince of which Province gave them a Place to settle on, near the white WaterTicaapan, whose Shores swarm’d with Adders and Serpents, upon Design that the Strangers might be destroy’d by them; but it prov’d quite otherwise: for they without regret eat the poysonous Animals; and Dunging the unfruitful Soil, receiv’d a plentiful Harvest: They would willingly have setled here, after their so long ranging up and down, ifViztlipuztliwould have approv’d thereof; but he told them, that they must possess themselves by Arms, and make aCulhuacanMaid their Goddess: whereupon they desir’d theCasique’s Daughter ofCulhuacan, who was sent them in rich Ornaments, and with a stately Retinue: But she was no sooner entred on theTicaapanShore, but they flay’d her alive, and her Skin being stuff’d, and nam’dTocci, was religiously worshipp’d. But not satisfi’d with this cruelty, they sent for her Father to visit his Daughter in her Dignity; who accordingly coming with great Attendance, was led into a dark Chappel, where by the burning Tapers he knew the Goddess to be no other than his Daughters Skin stuff’d full of Cotton; whereat burning with rage, he afterwards fell upon these Murderers with all his Forces, and drove them to the Place where they afterwards builtMexico.
Viztlipuztli idolum Mexicanorum.
Viztlipuztli idolum Mexicanorum.
Viztlipuztli idolum Mexicanorum.
We have often made mention heretofore of the Governor of this Journey,Viztlipuztli, it will therefore be necessary to give an exacter Description of him, as followeth:
Description of the ImageViztlipuztli.
He was a woodden Image like a Man, sitting on a blue Seat in a triumphant Chair; at each end of which was plac’d a Staff with a Serpents Head upon it, from whose Forehead, which was Painted blue, ran a Streak of the same colour, cross his Nose to both his Ears; upon his Head stood a Plume of Feathers, the ends whereof were tipp’d with a golden Varnish; his left Hand held a white Shield, on which stuck five Feathers, and on the top a Laurel Bough; next the Shield lay four Arrows, pretended to be sent from Heaven; in his right Hand a Truncheon, full of blue crooked Streaks like Serpents; behind on his Shoulders appear’d Wings, not unlike those of a Bat, his Eyes large and round, and his Mouth reaching from Ear to Ear, made him terrible to behold, also gaping, and full of Teeth, which stuck out of his Belly; in his Breast also were two fiery Eyes, and under them a shrivell’d Nose; his Feet ended in Claws, hung round about with Precious Jems, golden Boxes and Shields set out with divers colour’d Feathers. The Curtain behind which this Idol sat, was not drawn open except on a Feast-Day.
NextViztlipuztlistood generally a lesser Image, call’dTlaboc, and also the GoddessTocci, Daughter to the Prince ofCulhuacan, who (as before mention’d) was flay’d by theirDæmon’s Command. Since which time they suppos’d, that they were never more acceptable to their Gods, than when they appear’d Cloth’d in another Man’s Skin; and accounted no Offering better, than a Heart taken out of their Enemies Breast, since their Spirit destroy’d so many after that manner in the Army atTula.
Tocci’s Festival.
ButTocci, they say, had also a Son much inclin’d to Hunting, whose Image they carry, attended by a thousand People, with the sound of Horns and Trumpets, to an Arbor on a high Mountain; which being made of green Leaves pleited, had in the middle an Altar, on which they set the Idol, whilst the Multitude surroundedthe Foot of the Mountain, and set all the Bushes about the same on Fire; which done, they shouted and hollow’d, and play’d on several Instruments; which frighting the wild Beasts that lay shelter’d in the Woods, made them run to the top of the Mountain, where they were more and more inclos’d by the People, insomuch that many of them were slain for an Offering beforeTocci’s Son’s Altar; which done, they carried the Idol back to his Temple, and the People made Merry with the slain Venison.
Description ofTezcatlipuca’s Image.
As great Reverence they shew’d toTezcatlipuca, because (as they said) he pardon’d their Sins. This Idol was made of a black shining Stone, richly Apparell’d, having Golden Ear-rings; in his undermost Lip a Silver Sheath, in which stuck sometimes a green, and sometimes a blue Plume of Feathers; his Hair was ty’d with an embroider’d String, at the end of which hung a Golden Ear, whereon Smoak was Painted, signifying the Prayers of oppress’d Sinners; moreover, the String hung full of Pearls, and about the Neck in a String hung a Jewel; on his Breast, as also on his Navel, a green Stone; in his left Hand he held a Fan made of a Gold Plate, in which stuck many colour’d Feathers: this Plate glittering like Glass, was in stead of a Mirrour forTezcatlipuca, to observe all worldly Transactions in the same: and to punish Criminals, he held four Darts in his right Hand. His Feast they kept once in four years.
This Idol also had the Command of Hunger, Drought, Famine, and pestilential Distempers; wherefore he had quite another shape, sat on a Stool behind a red Curtain embroider’d with dead Mens Bones and Sculls; his Body Coal black, his Head stuck full of Quails Feathers, a Quiver with four Arrows in his left, and a Rod in his right Hand, which made the Image seem very terrible.
The IdolQuetzalcoalt, being their Guardian over the Merchants, was plac’d in a high Temple, being shap’d like a Man, his Face onely excepted; for that resembled a Bird’s Head, with a red Bill full of Teeth, a Comb, and a long Tongue; on the hind-part of his Head stood a Mitre, and about his Legs Silk Garters beset with Pearls.