In which it is told how the Yncas ordered that the storehouses should be
well provided, and how these were kept in readiness for the troops.
The royal road of the Yncas goes from this province of Huamachuco to the
province of the Conchucos, a distance of two short days’ journey, and
half-way there were buildings and store-houses prepared for the
reception of the Kings when they travelled this way; for it was their
custom, when they visited any part of this kingdom, to travel in great
state, and to be served with all things appertaining to their rank; and
it is said that, except on occasions when their service required it, the
Yncas did not travel more than four leagues each day. In order that
there might be sufficient food to support their retinue, there were
buildings and store-houses at every four leagues, with great abundance
of all the provisions that the surrounding districts could supply. The
lieutenants and overseers who resided at the chief stations in the
provinces took special care that the natives kept these _tampus_ well
provisioned. And that one might not have to contribute more of this
tribute than another, accounts were kept by a kind of knots, called
_quipu_, which were understood, and thus there was no fraud. Certainly,
although to us it may appear confusing and obscure, this is a good way
of keeping accounts, as I will more fully show in the second part.[410]
Between Huamachuco and the Conchucos, although it was two days’ journey,
there were store-houses and _tampus_ in two places on the road, which is
always kept very clean. If some of the mountains were rocky, the road
was made in steps, having great resting places and paved ways, which are
so strong that they will endure for many ages.
In the Conchucos there were buildings and other things, as in the
provinces we have passed, and the natives are of middle height. They and
their wives go dressed, and they wear distinguishing cords or fringes on
their heads. It is said that the Indians of this province were warlike,
and that the Yncas would have had some trouble in subjugating them if
they had not always managed to conciliate their enemies by kind deeds
and friendly speeches. Some of these Indians, on various occasions, have
killed Spaniards, insomuch that the Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro sent
the captain Francisco de Chaves[411] against them with some Christians,
who waged a terrible and awful war. Some say that he burnt and impaled
a great number of Indians. At about this time, or a little earlier, the
general insurrection of all the other provinces took place, when more
than seven hundred Christian Spaniards were put to cruel deaths by the
Indians between Cuzco and Quito. God delivered us from the fury of the
Indians, which is truly fearful when they can effect their desires.
Howbeit, the Indians said that they fought for their liberty, and to
escape from the cruel treatment they received from the Spaniards, who
had become lords of their land and of themselves.[412]
In this province of the Conchucos there have always been rich mines of
gold and silver. Sixteen leagues further on is the province of
Piscobamba, in which there was a stone building for the lords, which was
rather broad and very long. The people go clothed, as do all the Indians
who are natives of Piscobamba, and they wear certain small pieces of red
wool on their heads. Their customs are the same as those of their
neighbours, and they are now intelligent, docile, and well-disposed
towards the Christians. The land, where they have their villages, is
very fertile and prolific, and there are abundant supplies of
provisions.
Further on is the province of Huaraz, which is eight leagues from
Piscobamba, over very rugged mountains. Here it is an admirable thing to
see how the royal road is made to pass over these mountains, always
broad and level, and in some parts the live rock is cut away to form
steps and resting-places. The Indians of this province also are of
middling height, and they are excellent workmen. They worked the silver
mines, and in former times paid their tribute to the Kings Yncas in
silver. Among the ancient buildings there is a great fortress in the
form of a square, with sides measuring one hundred and forty paces, the
breadth being rather more. On many parts of it faces and human figures
are carved with most skilful workmanship. Some of the Indians say that,
in token of triumph, the Yncas ordered this memorial to be raised in
memory of a victory. Others relate that, long before the time of the
Yncas, there were giants as large as the figures that are carved on the
stones, but time, and the wars which they carried on with those who are
now lords of these districts, caused them to disappear without leaving
any other memorial than these stones.
Beyond this province is that of Pincos, near which a river flows, and
over it there is a bridge to pass from one side to the other. The
natives of this province are well made, and, considering that they are
Indians, of noble bearing. Further on is the great and splendid palace
of Huanuco, the chief station between this point and Caxamarca, as I
stated in the chapter where I described the founding of the city of Leon
de Huanuco.