Sect. XIa.The Expeditions ofPeter Alvarado, FranciscoandGonzalvo Pizarro,andDiego de Almagro.
Pizarro’s andAlmagro’s remarkable exploits.
In the City ofPanama, inNew Spain, liv’d three eminentSpaniards, call’dFrancisco Pizarro,Diego de Almagro, andFerdinand de Luquea Priest, which joyntly design’d to discover farther Southerly along the rich Gold and Pearl Coast, and inspect the Southern Ocean.De Luquewas to look to home-affairs, andPizarroset Sail first with a Ship Man’d with one hundred and fourteen Men, whichAlmagrofollow’d with seventy more, yet both were valiantly repuls’d by thePeruvians; but although they return’d the first time with bad success, yet they undertook their business once more, but with no better fortune; whereupon discouraged, the undertaking seem’d to be totally laid aside, and theAmericanVice-Roy,Peter de Riosforbad any to attempt a farther Discovery concerningPeru.
The former difficulties with this Edict easily wrought uponPizarro’s men, all but twelve, to leave him, for the rest went over with the Ship fitted out byRioswith succors to the IslandGallo, wherePizarroresided, having also fail’d in his second Expedition. But although he had made two bad Voyages, yet having an inclination to a third attempt, he went toSpain, desiring of the Emperor to be Governor ofPeru, which he had discover’d; for besides his Plea of Merits he had taken possession of the Country twice by Landing there, intended for the use of his Imperial Majesty; one of his Sea-men to that purpose flourishing his two-handed Sword over his Head, the glittering of which Sword so frighted the Natives, that none of them durst come near him.
Pizarro’s fight onPuna.
His request being consulted upon, was at last granted, the Government ofPerubeing conferred upon him; butAlmagrotook it very ill, thatPizarrowent to the Emperor on such a design for himself; yet by the mediation of his Friends the difference was reconciled, thenPizarrosetting Sail with one hundred and fifty Foot besides Horse, and Landing at the IslandPuna, at first was courteously entertain’d; but theSpaniardsby extravagant hunting and searching every where their Houses for Gold, and committing several other outrages, incensing, chang’d the humor of the Inhabitants so much, that they fell upon them. In stead of Ensigns, Standards, and Warlike Trophies, they used long Canes, at the end whereof were ty’d the Bones of their antient Hero’s, honor’d by them after their death: But these Reliques sav’d not theIndiansfrom slaughter, so well as the coverts of a neighboring Wood.
Comes toPeru.
PeruvianTemple.
From this Isle, lying three degrees Southward of theEquinoctial,Pizarropassed over to theMain Continent, where they were all in a great confusion, upon the report of theSpaniardscruelties committed inPuna; yet all the preparations of theIndiansto withstand, stop’d notPizarrofrom his intended course; for first, having the success to masterTampez, thence he made nothing to march his Forces over the RiverAmbato, there burning a Temple Dedicated to the Sun. ThePorticostood towards the East, the rising of their God, before which hung a Curtain of their fine Cotton Stuff, within stood the presentations of two Golden Rams, shaded with Black, and as many Dragons, before which the Fire never went out, continually supply’d with Offerings of burnt Incense;on the Pillars hung several Men flead, their Flesh kept firm, and free from all Putrifaction, with the infusion of a sharp Juyce.
HereAlmagrocoming toPizarrowith fresh Forces, they made no little penetration intoPeru, satisfying every where their thirst of Gold, and slaughtering the ToothlessTombezes, a people who having offended their King, had by his order the upper Teeth of the whole Nation beaten out.
Alvarado’s Exploits.
Notable Stratagem of thePeruvians.
Wickedness of a Woman.
Guatimaladestroy’d by a flood.
Velasques’Journey.
Peter Alvaradoinform’d concerning the Riches ofPeru, and well knowing how to insinuate with the Emperor in his fawning Letters, at last by his Friends so prevail’d, that he also got leave to go thither; in pursuance of which,Anno 1534.he Weigh’d Anchor with seven Ships fromGuatimala, a City built by him between two Mountains. But Landing atPuerto Viejo, and Marching Easterly over Snowy Mountains, he was met byAlmagro, between whom a bloody incounter was like to have happen’d, but after some time, a Treaty being set a Foot, they came to a Composition on these Articles: ThatAlvaradoupon the receipt of a hundred thousand Duckets, should leave his Men withAlmagro, and depart fromPeru; with which sum, being inrich’d, he soon after fitted out fourteen Sail to discover new Countreys to the West; but being busie in his preparations, was sent for toMexicobyDon Antonio Mendozathe Vice-Roy, to undertake a Voyage with him to the new-discover’d Countrey ofSibolla, abounding in Gold and Saffron, according to the report of fourDominicanMonks; and having already rais’d seven hundred Men, news came toMexico, thatPeter Zunicahad receiv’d an overthrow by theIndiansofSalisco; to whose assistanceAlvaradoMarch’d with all speed, and found theIndiansincamp’d on a high Mountain, fortifi’d with conjoyn’d Trees, and great Stones ty’d together with Rushes, behind which they were secure from Shot. TheSpaniardsclimbing up the Mountain, approach’d their Works, when on a sudden the Defendants giving a great Shout, cut the Cords which held their Fortification together, whereupon the Stones and Trees tumbled down with such force, that they kill’d both Men and Horse, few escaping alive: In this conflictAlvaradohimself was lost. His WifeBeatrix Cuovamade a stately Funeral for her Husband, and caus’d her House to be Painted black, refusing either to Eat or Drink for a set time, yet notwithstanding, all her pretence of sorrow, she so minded her business, that she took the Government ofGuatimalainto her own hands; but her Dominion lasted not long, for on the eighteenth ofSeptember, Anno 1541.happen’d a hideous Tempest of Wind and Rain, mixt with continual Lightning, and horrible claps of Thunder, and what was more terrible, was answer’d with roars and horrid bellowings from the caverns of the Mountain, at whose footGuatimalastood. About midnight the Mountain was deliver’d, whose Birth was the irruption of an Inundating River, a precipitate torrent tumbling down full of Rocks and Stones, which carry’d all before it, so that in few minutesGuatimalawas utterly swept away, not the least mark remaining, nor any left alive exceptAlvarado’s Bastard Daughter by anIndian; and in the adjacent Fields, some few, and they maim’d, with broken Arms or Legs; after this utter destruction, they re-built anotherGuatimala, three Leagues more Easterly. But thoughAlvaradowas lost in this Enterprize, yet the Voyage toSibollawas not laid aside, forFrancisco VelasquesMarch’d thither with eight hundred Men, of which most were Horse, but found nought else but Snowy Mountains and barren Plains, insomuch, that his Men and Horses were starv’d for want of Provision; wherefore he return’d without success toMexico, having onely burnt some Villages, and had several Rencounters with the Natives.
Attabaliba’s message toPizarro.
ButAttabalibaaPeruanPrince, inform’d ofPizarroandAlmagro’s coming, commanded them both to depart out of his Kingdom; but they not regarding it, march’d directly toCaxamalca, whereAttabalibakept his Court, who again sent other Messengers to them with command to leave his Dominions.Pizarromade answer, that he could not obey any Commands but those of his Master the Emperor, who had order’d him to speak with the King himself at his own Palace.
Attabalibahearing thatPizarroresolv’d to come forward, sent him a pair of Painted Shooes and Armlets, that he might put them on when he appear’d before his Throne: CaptainFerdinand Sottomarch’d before with twenty Horse, passing close on the Flank ofAttabaliba’s Army: TheIndiansamaz’d at the prauncing of their Horses, retreated into their Fortifications, but were for their cowardize immediately slain by the King’s Order.
His discourse with aSpanishBishop, and his apparel.
Sottosent a Message toAttabaliba, That theSpaniardsdesir’d peaceably to Treat with him, to which he receiv’d answer, That no Peace could be made, unless they restor’d the Gold and Silver to the Owners, which they had Plunder’d from them, and forsook his Territories; which so doing, they should have Audience the next day: Hereupon the BishopVincent de Villa Viridiwas conducted into the Royal Palace, in the City ofCaxamalca, and brought beforeAttabaliba, who came thither in great State, with a Guard of twenty five thousand Men; he was carry’d on the Shoulders of his prime Nobles in a Sedan, about which hung Garlands of Gold, and divers colour’d Feathers; himself was cloth’d in a white loose Vest, without Sleeves; his Temples were bound with a red Ribbon, with a long Tassel on his left Cheek; on his Fore-head stuck three curious Feathers; before him March’d three hundred of his Life-Guard, all in one Livery, who clear’d the way through which the King was to pass. The before-mention’d Bishop carry’d in one Hand a Cross, in the other a Book, discoursing with the King to this effect;That God is the Trinity, Adamthe first Man;Christ Born of a Virgin, dy’d on the Cross;thePopeGod’s Vice-Gerent, who according to the Power he had from Heaven, had givenPeruto the EmperorCharles,as also all other Countreys inAmerica;and if he should prove obstinate, and resist, he must expect nothing less than utter ruine.Attabalibareply’d,That he serv’dPachamaca,being the Creator of all things; and next to him the Sun and Moon: How glorious do they appear(said he)in comparison of a Crucifi’d God? To make Peace and Alliance with mighty Princes, was the true Foundation of wise Government: But thePopemust needs be senseless, devoy’d of all reason, and withal highly unjust, to give away what was none of his own, viz.other mens Kingdoms, in which he never had the least or smallest concern. Moreover, he would not desert that Religion which he and his Ancestors had maintain’d so many Ages, and the rather, because there are no apparent or sufficient Testimony of the truth of Christianity.The latter clause was thus answer’d, saying,This Book, O King, which I hold in my hand, proves and declares all that you question.Attabalibalooking upon it, turn’d it over Leaf by Leaf, then look’d more intentively upon the Print, which done he clap’d it to either Ear, and at last as altogether unsatisfi’d, in disdainful manner threw it away.
ButPizarrogaining time while the King and Bishop thus discours’d, had drawn his Men in Battel-Array, his sixty Horse he divided into three Wings, Commanded by his three Brothers,Ferdinand,John, andGonzalvo Pizarro, left the CaptainsSottoandBavalcazarin an Ambuscade;Peter de Canadamarch’d in the Van, and he himself in the main Body, leavingSottoin the Rear.
Pizarrofights withAttabaliba.
Attabalibataken prisoner.
Bids for his ransom an unvaluable treasure.
So soon as the Bishop could acquaint them in what scornful mannerAttabalibahad thrown his Holy Book,The Word of God, upon the ground; both Armies were Engaged, whilst their Trumpets sounded, their Drums beat, their Canons roar’d, the Horses neigh’d, and the Dogs bark’d, they made a speedy march up against the Walls ofTaxamalca, which dreadful mixture of terrible noises struck such a Pannick fear into the hearts of theIndians, that they all presently broke, in their flight crowding one another to death at the Gates of the City, which being too narrow to receive them, they themselves made breaches in their own Walls to enter; which opportunity theSpaniardsno ways neglected, but entering with them, shot and kill’d all they could reach; their Dogs also having no little share in the slaughter; whole companies of Indians were trode under the Horses feet, yet nearAttabaliba’s Chair was the greatest resistance, for no sooner fell one of the Bearers, but immediately another supply’d the place; so that the King was surrounded with heaps of his own slain Subjects, to whomPizarrohimself Charg’d up so close, that having seiz’d him by his long Hair, he pull’d him out of his Throne, and having gotten him under him, secur’d immediately in Fetters; whereupon all his Life-Guard forsook him, and fled: But the loss of the Battel, which wasAttabaliba’s utter ruine, was laid uponRunninagui, a Captain appointed to lie in Ambush, so to fall in the Rear of theSpaniardswith five thousand men; but was so far from performing his Orders, that terrifi’d at the uncouth noise of the Guns, and the rest, that he fled one hundred and fifty Leagues Southerly, before he stopt, or scarce ever look’d behind him in so long a flight. Mean while,Attabalibacompounded withPizarrofor his Ransom,viz.to pay him as much Gold as that Hall in his Court (where they made the Agreement) could hold to the top; they first measur’d the heighth, then the length, which was found to be fifty four Foot, and the breadth nine: In pursuance of this composition, Gold was brought thither from all places, according toAttabaliba’s order; yet he could not raise so much as would perform his bargain, which made theSpaniardsto grumble: ButAttabalibadesiring some longer time to perform it, tellingPizarro,that most of the Gold was brought on Slaves Shoulders, a long and troublesome way, of two hundred Leagues long, from the CityCusco, and if this would not satisfie,Pizarromight send some of his own people thither, to inform him, that he need not fear the least danger, as long as he was Prisoner with his Wife and Children.
The two Captains,Sotto, andPeter del Barobeing sent away to that purpose, met after some days Journey with one ofAttabaliba’s Leaders, who was bringing the King’s BrotherGuascarwith a Party, Prisoner toCaxamalca.
Burns his BrotherGuascaralive.
Guascarhad now a fair opportunity to crave assistance of theSpaniards, telling them, that he andAttabalibawere the Sons ofGuaynacava, so that the Kingdom was to be divided betwixt both. ButAttabalibahad by force made himself Master of all, whereas he being the youngest, ought to be satisfi’d with that share whichGuascar, being the eldest, would assign him; for the right of Inheritance belong’d justly to him, and yet he was carry’d away bound to slaughter: But ifPizarrowould do justice in delivering him out of his Brothers bloody Hands, he would raise him thrice as much Gold asAttabalibahad promis’d: To which purpose he desir’dSottoandBaroto put off their Journey toCusco; which they not daring to do, went on their way, andGuascardescending the ValleySucsuhuana, was burnt alive byAttabaliba’s Soldiers.
Mean while,Almagrocame with fresh Forces toTaxamalca, which occasion’d no small trouble inPizarro, who was onely thirsty after Gold: On the other side,Almagroas greedy, grew jealous thatPizarroshould keep the promis’d Hall full of Gold for himself, and he should have no share, becauseAttabalibawas his Prisoner; therefore he earnestly desir’d thatAttabalibamight privately be made away, and that the Booty might be divided to one as well as the other.
An incredible sum of Money given to the Soldiers.
Attabalibastrangled.
Pizarroto prevent all inconveniencies that might happen from his dissenting, gave in the presence of the King to every private Soldier a thousand Duckets in Gold, and six thousand five hundred twenty five Silver Crowns; the inferior Officers receiv’d four and thirty thousand Crowns, and the others sixty thousand; the fifth part of the Booty he reserv’d for the Emperor: And notwithstandingAttabalibaperform’d his promise in filling the Hall full of Gold, yet he had the sentence of Death pronounc’d against him; neither would his excuse of Innocency serve, or his Requests to be sent toSpain, there to clear himself before the Emperor; but sighing, and lamenting his misfortunes, was ty’d to a Post, and Strangled in the presence ofPizarro. For whose Death, though aHeathen, Divine Vengeance pursu’d these cruel and unjust Arbitrators that thus made their Will a Law, none of them dying a natural Death.
Moreover it was observ’d, that a few days before this Execution a blazing Star appear’d, whichAttabalibaseeing, presaging sadly of himself said,That a great Prince would die in a short time; butPizarro’s chief pretences for the Kings just suffering was, that he had cruelly murder’d his BrotherGuascar: But this was a meer blind, for that that incens’d them againstAttabaliba, was, that he knowing where the unvaluable treasure lay, whichGuascarhad bury’d, would not discover it to them.
Cruelty ofRuminagui.
PizarroputsQuizquizto flight.
And takesCusco.
Unvaluable Treasures taken.
Remarkable passage of a Dog.
Attabaliba, before his death, desir’d that he might be bury’d in the TerritoryQuito, by his FatherGuaynacava, whom thePeruviansfor his great Justice and Prudence in Government, believed that he would arise, and settle the World so troubled and full of disorder in peace and quiet: The Corps was accordinglycarry’d thither in great State after their manner, attended by his Brother, whomIllescas Ruminaguiwhich ran fromAttabalibain the Battel, where he lay in ambush when he might have done them good service; in the way to his entertainment, receiv’d with all shews of sorrow; but when they were feasted to excess, bury’d in sleep and Wine, he Massacred and flea’dIllescasthe Kings Brother alive, and made a Taber of his Skin. WhilstAttabaliba’s Funeral was thus bloodily solemniz’d, his GeneralQuizquizrais’d a great Army, whichPizarroencountring after a valiant resistance, totally routed; then marching victoriously toCusco, he saw great Fires in the City, and the Citizens fighting with theSpaniards, sent before; but the Horse breaking in upon them, most of them fled the next morning to the Mountains: Thus theSpaniardsbecame Masters of the City, where they inflicted the most cruel tortures on all Sexes, by that means to force them to discover, if they knew of any hidden Treasures, being not satisfi’d with what they found there, although they had gotten a greater Treasure inCuscothan that that they had extorted fromAttabalibabefore: Nay, they gave those that were murther’d for Food to their Dogs: Among the rest,Didacus Salazarhaving a very fierce Dog call’dBezerril, had also an oldIndianWoman his Prisoner, to whom he gave a Letter to deliver to the GeneralPizarro; the Woman had not gone many Paces before she was set upon byBezerril, whomSalazarlet loose, that he might delight himself in seeing the Dog tear the poor old Woman; but she observing him come running at her with so great fierceness, fell down upon her Knees, and holding forth the Letter, cry’d,Good my Lord, good my Lord Dog, I must carry this Letter to GeneralPizarro, whereupon the furious Curr having more compassion than theSpaniard, stood still a little, and at last lifted up his Leg in a scornful manner, Urin’d upon her, and return’d satisfi’d; at which sportive behavior of the Cur and the Chrone,Salazarlaughing, was so well pleas’d, that he gave the Woman her life.
Almagro’s unhappy Journey.
King’s Town.
AfterCuscohad been sufficiently Plunder’d,PizarromadeAlmagroGovernor thereof, with the Territories belonging to it, and built near the RiverLimaa Town, which they call’dLos Reyes. Mean while,Almagroreceiv’d Letters Patent from the Emperor, in which he was nominatedMarshalofPeru; encourag’d by that honor, he took a great design in hand, for thePeruvianshad reported, that the GoldenChililay to the South; andAlmagrobeing encourag’d, and assisted byPizarro, March’d inquest thereof with two Troops of Horse, and five hundred Foot: But mean while there happen’d so great Rains, and such foul Weather, that the Ways were almost unpassable, so that the Expedition grew very troublesome; yet however he went on, in which hard March he lost both Horse and Men.
Mango IngatakesCusco.
Contest betweenAlmagroandPizarro.
Almagrostrangled.
WhilstAlmagrowas upon this undertaking,Francisco Pizarroreceiv’d Letters Patent from the Emperor, in which he was Intitul’dDuke of Peru, but with aSalvofor the honor before given toAlmagro; yet these balanc’d honors bred great dissention between the Duke and Marshal, whichMango Ingaanother ofAttabaliba’s Brothers observing, laid hold of the opportunity, and setting upon theSpanishGarrison inCusco, took the City. WhereuponPizarroimmediately sent his Horse thither, under the Command ofAlphonso Alvarado, andGomes de Todoya, against whom theIndiansfought very valiantly, insomuch, that the Battel was a long time doubtful; yet at last theSpaniardsgot a bloody Victory, and regain’dCusco; hither after some time,Almagroreturning with ill success, having effected nothing, was kept out byFerdinand Pizarro, under pretencethat he could not open the Gate without Order from his Brother the Duke.Almagromuch offended thereat, yet saying little, was so privately let into the City, that he surpriz’d the GovernorFerdinand Pizarro, and his BrotherGonsalvo, withAlphonso AlvaradoPrisoners; swearing that he would not rest before he had rooted all thePizarro’s out of Peru. But whilst he was passing the intended Sentence of Death upon them,GonsalvoandAlvaradobroke Prison; and got away to the Duke, who troubled for his BrotherFerdinandthere in custody, and in danger of his life, came to Composition; whereuponFerdinandwas also releas’d: But this was no sooner done, and he had got his Brother safe there, but the Duke regarding nothing less than the keeping of the new-made Peace, sent toAlmagro, that the Emperor having given him the prime Command overPeru, he requir’d him to leaveCusco, or else he would force him.Almagrosent answer, That if he could see the Emperor’s Hand, he would immediately obey, otherwise not; whereupon both Parties prepar’d for War, wherein they had many sharp bickerings in a short time: ButAlmagrobeing too weak fell into the Dukes hands, who order’d him to be strangled in the Gaol, and his body afterwards to be drawn to the Market-place, and there publickly Beheaded.
Ferdinand Pizarrobeing not long after sent toSpain, with the fifths of the gotten Treasure for the Emperor, was Imprison’d in the CastleMotto, forAlmagro’s Death: But what further happen’d to him there, or became of him, hath never been Recorded by any Pen.
Ferdinand Pizarronever obtains his liberty.
YoungAlmagrostabs the Duke.
But youngAlmagro, instigated by his GuardianJohn Rada, resolving, to be reveng’d for his Fathers Death; to that purpose he went toLos Reyes, where by the help of some hir’d Male-contents, he design’d to Murder the Duke upon St.John’s day, in the Church at high Service: But this business was not so closely carry’d, but the Duke had some inkling thereof, who therefore stay’d at home, and went not to Mass that day. The Conspirators doubting the event, hearing that their Plot was discover’d, though defeated in their purpose, yet not fail’d in their Courage, ran at noon day to the Palace, crying,Kill the Tyrant, kill the Traytor. ButPizarrobeing so much forewarn’d, had lock’d up the Gates, and arm’d himself, which when they could not enter, yet they went back through the City, and waving a bloody Sword, cry’d,Pizarro is slain; this being believ’d, above two hundred private Friends toAlmagroappear’d, who all ran to the Palace, crouding about the Gates: AndFrancisco de Charescoming out at a private Door, hoping to pacifie the Mutineers, was immediately Stab’d; but they rushing in the way he came, found some stout opposition, for seven Halberdiers of his Guard fought till they were all kill’d in the Dukes presence; butPizarrowas taken alive, and being brought beforeAlmagro, he Savagely Butcher’d him with his own hands; which done, they ran crying along the Streets,Long live the Emperor, andDidacus Almagro.
Great slaughter inLos Reye.
But after all this,Pizarro’s Party joyning together, valiantly withstood the Conspirators, so that a considerable number were slain on both sides, yetAlmagroat last getting the better, confiscated the Goods of all those that were against him; and now every one shew’d him the respect of Chief Governor, till the Emperor should either settle him, or send another.
From hence Marching toCusco, he had like to have paid for all, but prevented by private intelligence thereof; which happen’d thus,
Strange Transactions betweenAlvarado,Sotello, andAlmagro.
Fight betweenCastroandAlmagro.
Castro’s Cruelty.
Garcias AlvaradoandChristopher Sotellowere Joynt-Governors ofCusco; but quarrelling, and coming to Blows in like manner,Sotellowas slain: ThisAlmagrotook very hainously, as being his intimate Friend, giving forth threatning Speeches of Revenge; whichAlvaradoinform’d of, and intending some way or other to prevent all Dangers, and save himself, he invitedAlmagroto a Feast, but privately resolving to make it a Bloody Banquet, by his Death at the Table. Of this he being inform’d, as we mention’d before, staid at home, and privately sent for some Soldiers that had belong’d toSotello, sending word that he was indispos’d:Alvarado, under a shew of Kindness, goes toAlmagro, hoping to perswade him to come to his prepar’d Treat; but so soon as he was enter’d the Hall, they clapp’d to the Gate, and the Soldiers falling uponAlvarado, slew him: But soon afterAlmagrowas call’d in question, and not long enjoy’d this his usurp’d Authority; for the EmperorCharlessending the LearnedVacca de Castrowith full Authority toPeru, to settle that disturb’d Kingdom,Almagronow us’d to Govern, had no Ears to become a Subject; therefore he march’d with an Army to meetCastro, by whom, after a bloody Fight, being beaten and put to flight, having four thousand Men, he fell into the Victors Hands nearCusco, where he was treated very severely; for shortly after he was condemn’d to be Beheaded; others were strangled, and some torn in pieces with Horses.
VelaVice-Roy ofPeru.
MurdersXuarez.
Is taken and put in Prison.
Not long after this great Execution,Blasco Nunnez Velacame toPeru, and being appointed Vice-Roy, had four Councellors assign’d him, with whom he was to consult in all Affairs; and especially to set theIndiansat liberty, which till then had suffer’d much misery under theSpanishTyranny: To perform which, the Emperor had given an Order under his Great Seal, which was to be publish’d and proclaim’d in all Places.Velaat his arrival faithfully perform’d all his Commands, seiz’d uponVacca de Castro, because he had ExecutedAlmagrowithout any Examination or Tryal; yet by this means he got the hatred of all, so that most of theSpaniardschoseGonsalvo Pizarrofor their Chief, whereby Affairs grew daily more and more out of Order.Nunnez Velalaid all the blame thereof uponWilliam Xuarez, Governor ofLima, whom he sent for in the Night, and correcting over-severely, gave him also two mortal Wounds, of which he presently died: The Body was in the Morning drawn along the Streets, which caus’d so great a murmuring amongst the Inhabitants, that soon after they seem’d to make a general Insurrection: WhereforeNunnez Velafearing the worst, resolv’d to convey himself from thenceincognito, and pass toTruxillo: But his four Councellors advis’d him to the contrary; yet he took his own way, causing all his Treasure to be sent aboard; and having made ready his Horses to depart, the Common People in a tumultuous manner set upon the Palace, catching, snatching up, and carrying away all the Silver they could find, and meeting the Vice-Roy, seiz’d, and thrust him into a Dungeon; which done, they fell at variance amongst themselves; for some would have him executed, but others insisted to have him sent Prisoner toSpain; which last being the more moderate, getting the upper Hand,Velawas put aboard, and committed to the custody ofDidacus Alvarez, who Anchoring in the Mouth of the RiverTombez(kindness growing betwixt them) releas’d the Vice-Roy his Prisoner, and set him ashore, who not long after got some Forces together.
Is Beheaded.
Mean whilePizarrowas every where acknowledg’d for Supreme Governor, who having Intelligence of the Vice-Roys Design, sentFrancisco Carvayalesthither, between whom andVelawas a sharp Encounter; but at last being worsted, and retaken byCarvayales, he was soon after executed, and his Head plac’d on a Pole near the Gallows.
The EmperorCharlesturmoil’d with Wars at home, saw no likelyhood to settle the confus’d Affairs ofPeru; yet at last he thought it convenient to send onePeter Gascathither, an Ecclesiastick, of a subtile and ingenious Wit, who landingAnno 1546.inLima, with no other Title thanChief Councellor to the Emperor, took quite another course thanVela, perswading them all, that Affairs should be setled in order, according to their own desires, and former Miscarriages never be remembred, being utterly deleted by an Act of Oblivion.
Gasca’s murderous Exploits.
Gonsalves Pizarrostrangled.
Cruelty us’d onCarvayales.
The News of this General Pardon spreading it self far and near, wrought a great change; forPizarro’s Intimates, and those nearest of Concern, shrunk daily from him; whichGascaobserving, march’d against him; and that they might make the more haste, they loaded severalPeruvians, chain’d, with their Arms, whom when they lagg’d, they switch’d and whipp’d before them. And now both Armies being met, and discharging their Cannons at one another, with considerable loss to each side, whole Regiments came running over toGasca; so thatPizarrobeing quite forsaken, yielded himself to the mercy of the Conqueror, who accus’d him of High Treason, and caus’d him to be strangled in a Dungeon, and fix’d his Head on a Marble Pillar inLima, environ’d with Iron Rails, and inscrib’d with a brief Account of all his Offences. ButGascanot thus satisfied, hang’d up several Commanders, and whipping and stigmatizing others, condemn’d them after to the Gallies: But his greatest spight was against the Field-MarshalCarvayales, a Person of the Age of fourscore years, whom tying to a Horses Tail, he caus’d a whole Hour to be drawn up and down the Market-place, scorn’d and derided of all People; which done, he was quarter’d alive.
Not long afterGascasurrendred the Command ofPeruto the LearnedCianca, and carried an unvaluable Treasure toGermany, for the EmperorCharles, who gave him in requital for his faithful Service, the Bishoprick ofValentia.
Stadetaken by theCannibals.
About the same time thatGascaarriv’d inSpain,John Stadehad the CommandHis strange Entertainment amongst them.over a small Fort rais’d of Stone and Earth, on the IslandMaro, adjacent toBrasile, because the Salvage People ofTupin Imbasail’d twice a year from the Countrey of Brikioka, toMaro, at the time when the Plant Abbati was ripe, of which they made the Liquor that they generally drink at their Humane Banquets: They also landed on Maro about theBratti-Fishing. ThisBrattiis a Fish of a very delicious taste, either caught in Nets, or shot by theTupin Imba, and carried to their several Habitations. Against these PeopleStadekept a continual Guard, whenHeliodorus Hesse, Son toEobanus Hesse, the famousLatinPoet inGermany, came to visit him.Stadeto entertain his Guest the better, went into the Woods to hunt for Venison, where he was taken by theTupin Imba, of which the King march’d in the Rear with a great Palm-Tree Club, and carried him towards the Sea side, that he, with others that waited on the Shore, might make up aKawewipepicke(that is,A Feast of Rosted Men) But becauseStadebeing aGermanof a large Body, well-skinn’d, young, plump and fat, they all concluded to spare this Dainty, and carry him alive toBrikioka, that with such a Banquet they might highly caress their Wives: But the Journey being long, and a just melancholy possessing him with fear, and the terrorof certain death, and to be Food for such ravenousCannibals, so macerated and consum’d him, that he was almost dwindled away to Skin and Bone; whereupon thinking him thus lean to make but few savory Morsels, they chang’d their resolutions, and growing better acquainted, he having learn’d their Tongue, and being able to discourse with them, they lik’d his company so well, that they let him live amongst them. Nine yearsStadehad been a Slave amongst these Man-eaters, when theFrenchcoming thither, bought him for a few Trifles, and carried him toNormandy, where landingAnno 1555.he went from thence toHamburgh, being his Native Countrey.
Durande’s Expedition.
Dissention in the new Colony.
Wickedness ofCointakagainst the Ministers.
Durandedrowns three Religious Men.
Nicholas DurandeaFrenchmanset Sail fromHavre de Grace, at the same time whenStadecame thither. ThisDurandehaving lost a Castle inBrittain, to the great prejudice of theFrench, out of a pretence of advancing their Affairs, and to fill up their almost exhausted Treasury, reported, That theSpanishandPortugueseForces were driven out ofIndia, where they had gather’d so much Wealth; and it would certainly redound to the Honor and Profit ofFrance, if they could become Masters of the Gold and Silver Mines. KingHenrythe Second approving of the Proposal, and the more because the AdmiralGasper Coligniwas also very earnest, looking upon it as a safe Retreat for the Protestants, at that time cruelly persecuted: andDurande, sensible of the Admirals thoughts, privately inform’d him, That in hisAmericanDesign he chiefly aim’d to plant a True Church of God inAmerica, where the Professors might enjoy themselves peaceably. This Report being spread amongst those that call’d themselvesProtestants, (fled fromSwitzerlandin great numbers toFrance) made many of them venture upon the Design; who having fitted themselves, and setting sail with three Ships, after some time arriv’d on the Coast ofBrasile, and landed on theRock-Island, in the HavenJanuario: HereDurandebuilt several Watch-houses, and the FortColigni, which he fortified with a considerable number of Guns: Not long after he writ toJohn Calvin, That he would please to furnish this new Plantation inBrasilewith good and able Teachers of the Gospel; which Request being immediately taken into serious consideration by the Classes, onePhilip Corguileray, a Gentleman nearGeneva, set Sail out of the HavenHonfleurs, with three Ships, freighted with some Provisions, several Persons of divers Trades, and two Ministers,Peter Richer, andWilliam Chartier: But he had scarce madeAfrica, when they began to have a scarcity of Victuals; wherefore they turn’d their Design of setling the Gospel inAmerica, to Pyracy, where they made small scruple or difference, whether Friends or Foes, but made Prize of all they could light upon, though indeed their Ministers both preach’d and perswaded the contrary, amongst whom a Controversie happening, put other Business into their Heads; for oneJohn Cointak, formerly aParisian Sorbonist, was also amongst those that remov’d fromGeneva, who pretended thatColignihad promis’d him a Ministers place, so soon as he landed atBrasile; butRicherandChartier, not satisfied that there was any such Promise, and consequently thinking themselves not obliged by his bare Assertion, told him, That themselves being able, under God, to perform the Work, they needed no such Coadjutor: This bred so great a Rancor between them, thatCointakaccus’d them for teaching false Doctrine, and chiefly that they did not mix the Wine at their Sacraments with Water, which FatherClemenshad strictly commanded.Durande, being prevail’d on by the Cardinal ofLorein, joyn’d withCointak, and thereupon so sharply persecuted theProtestants, that he starv’d several of them, which others to escape fled to theBrasilians: Nay, he tookJohnDu Bordell,Matthias Vermeil, andPeter Bourdon, out of their Sick-Beds, and tying their Hands and Feet, threw them headlong from a Rock into the Sea: Soon after which, the bloody Persecutor return’d with ill success toFrance, where he wrote a Book against the Reform’d Religion; but all the Honor which he gain’d was, that all Parties on both sides accounted him a distracted Person.
Floridaunhappily discover’d.
Floridabeing upon the Continent ofAmerica, and so call’d byJohn Pontæus,Ribald’s Voyage.who landed there uponPalm-Sunday, thoughSebastian GabotoaVenetian, imploy’dThe Garrison inFloridain great want.byHenrythe Seventh King ofEngland, landed there before, may well beUnheard-of Hunger.term’dtheEuropeansBloody Stage,Pontæusbeing slain here: ButFerdinand Sottoexercis’d against the Inhabitants inhumane Cruelty five years together; yet at last died of a deep discontent, because he could not reach his Aims, having condemn’d so manyFloridansfruitlesly to dig for Gold in the Mines. However, since that,Julian SumanusandPeter Ahumadaundertook the Work anew, but with the like bad Success.Anno 1545.oneLodowick Cancello, aDominican, thought to effect great things with four of his Associates; but landing onFlorida, was destroy’d by the Natives. ButGasper Colignithe Marshal, neither discourag’d by these miserable Proceedings, nor the former Treachery ofDurande, prepar’d for a new Expedition thither; and accordinglyJohn Ribaldwas fitted with two Ships fromDiep, at the Charge ofCharlesthe Ninth King ofFrance, wherewith having sail’d thirty Degrees Northern Latitude, he came before the Promontory ofFrancisco, where he ran up into the Mouth of a wide River, to which he gave the denomination ofDolphin, upon whose Banks were whole Mulberry-Woods, which nourish’d Silk-Worms in strange abundance. From hence he sail’d by theWolves Head(a Point so call’d, because great numbers of Wolves breed there) and leaving theCedar-Island, landed onFlorida, where he built a Triangular Fort, and having furnish’d it with Men, Guns, and Provisions, sail’d back for more Supplies toFrance; but coming thither, found all things in disorder, occasion’d by a War amongst themselves; so that theFrenchwhich guarded and dwelt in the Fort, waited in vain for Relief, and their Provisions growing scant, thought it fittest and their best way to build a Vessel, and sail from thence; which having effected, and being gone about the third part of their Voyage there hapned such a Calm for twenty Days, that they made not the least way, which drove them to so great extremity, their Provisions being spent, that they drank their own Urine, and fed upon their old Shoes, which also in a short time failing, they agreed amongst themselves to kill and eat one of their Sea-men, call’dHenry Lacher, on whose Flesh they liv’d some days; but being again driven to the greatest want imaginable, in this extremity of Desparation, their Condition being altogether hopeless, anEnglishFrigat discovering them, and observing by their manner of Sailing that they were in some great want, drawing near, sent their Long-boat aboard, and found them so weak, that they were not able to handle their Tack; whereupon generously taking pity of them, they reliev’d them, and conducted them to the Coast of England, and then brought them to QueenElizabeth, who had formerly design’d to rig a Fleet forFlorida.
Laudonier’s Voyage.
Remarkable difference in theFrenchFleet.
Mean while, no News having been heard of the foremention’dFrenchPlantationinBrasile, andColigni’s Difference with the King being decided, he prevail’d so much, thatRenatus Laudoniershould with three Ships sail to relieve the Garrison in the late deserted Fort.Laudonierlanding inNova Francia, found a Stone with aFrenchInscription, plac’d on the Shore byRibald, and hung full of Laurel Garlands: Then he visited the KingSaturiona, whose SonAtorcushad several Children by his own Mother, according to a Salvage Custom observ’d in that Countrey. Whilst they stay’d here, a Fiery Meteor appear’d in the Sky, with such fervor, that some Rivers boyl’d with the heat of it, and the Fish parboyl’d, died; nay more, it scorch’d all the Plants far and near: The Natives ascrib’d this Plague to theFrenchCannons, by which means they stood in great fear of theFrench, who might have done great things had not they differ’d amongst themselves; For a Sea-man nam’dRubel Patracon, pretending to have skill inNecromancy, would undertake to shew the Places where the Gold and Silver Mines were, which the rest of the Sea-men believing, rebell’d againstLaudonier, and though sick, imprison’d him, forcing him to sign a Writing to this effect, That the two Ships, of which the Rebels madeVassarandTrincantCommanders, should with his leave and permittance sail toNew Spainfor Provisions. Whilst they were preparing for their Voyage,Rupiferrirhaving been sent to the KingUtina, came back with many rich Presents, and withal brought Information of the Gold and Silver MynesApalatica; butVassarandTrincanttaking no notice thereof, set forth, and took aSpanishCarvel, richly laden beforeHavana, whose Commander they agreed to release on the payment of a great Ransom; but the Masters Son being sent ashore to fetch the Money which they had agreed for, in stead thereof, made his Fathers Mischance known; whereupon two great Frigats and a Galley were the next Morning very early sent to attaque theFrench, between whom was a sharp Encounter; but in a short time the two Pyrats were sunk, and the Prisoners sold for Slaves, excepting a few that escap’d in their Long-boat.