themselves on the provisions they had been allowed to take, on the honey
they extracted from trees, and by the chase of wild boar, tapirs, and
deer. Though game seemed plentiful, the expedition was so numerous, and
the noise made on the march was so great, that the wild animals took
fright, and not much was killed. The Indians and Spaniards also partook
of the wild fruits, found in abundance. None of these did them any
harm, except that of a tree resembling the myrtle, with a fruit similar
to that of the Spanish myrtle, but a little larger, and with a fine
flavour. All those who ate of it vomited, or had diarrhœa. These
effects, however, did not last long, and did no further harm. They also
made use of the palm-tree, which is common in that country. The date of
this palm is not edible, but the nut inside is round, and like a sweet
almond. The Indians make flour of it, and find it nourishing; the young
shoots of the palm are likewise very good eating.
CHAPTER THE SIXTY-SECOND.
_How the governor arrived at the Rio Caliente._
WE had marched five days in the country, following our guide, always
obliged to cut our way with infinite labour, when we came to a rivulet,
which falls from a mountain; its water is very warm, clear, and sweet;
and the Spaniards caught some fish in it. Here the guide began to be
embarrassed, saying that as it was a long time since he passed that way
he did not recognise it, and was at a loss how to guide us, the old
track having entirely disappeared. The next day the governor left the
Rio Caliente (river of warm water); and we followed the guide with great
trouble, cutting our way through forest, brushwood, and a multitude of
obstacles.
That same day, at ten o'clock in the morning, two Indian Guaranís
presented themselves before him, and said they were some of those who
had remained in those deserts after the wars waged by their tribesmen
against the people in the interior, when they were defeated and
massacred. They and their wives and children had concealed themselves in
the most inaccessible parts of the forest for fear of the natives, and
only fourteen of them survived; that at two days' journey there was a
hamlet of Guaranís, numbering ten persons, one of whom was a relative
of theirs, and that there were other Guaranís in the country of the
Xarayes, who were at war with this people. As these Indians seemed
frightened of the Christians and their horses, the governor ordered the
interpreter to reassure them, and asked them where they dwelt; they
answered that their homes were close by, and soon their wives and
children arrived with others of their relatives, who may have numbered
fourteen in all. These confirmed what the first two had said. On being
asked how they supported themselves in that country, and how long they
had inhabited it, they answered that they cultivated maize, and lived by
the chase, on honey and wild fruits, and that when their fathers were
killed they were children. The oldest of them might have been about
thirty-five years of age. They were asked if they knew the way thence to
the settlements of the interior, and how long it would take to arrive at
the inhabited land. They answered that as they were very young when they
were brought there, and had never made the journey since, they were
unable to direct us how to go, nor could they say how long it would take
to arrive at that region. But they added, their relatives, who lived
in the hamlet, two days' journey from theirs, had passed several times
by that road, and knew it. Perceiving that these Indians did not know
the road, the governor told them to go home, and dismissed them with
presents, with which they returned to their homes well satisfied.
CHAPTER THE SIXTY-THIRD.
_How the governor sent to discover the house which was further on._
THE following day the governor sent an interpreter with two Spaniards
and two Indians to the house of which mention has been made, to
ascertain the road and the time it would take to reach the first
inhabited parts. He ordered that they should report as promptly as
possible to him any information they were able to obtain, in order that
he might take measures accordingly. The day after the departure of these
scouts he ordered his people to follow by short marches the route
they had taken. When they had thus been marching three days an Indian
arrived, bearing a letter for the governor from the interpreter, saying
that he had arrived at the house of the Indians, and had spoken with
the man who knew the road into the interior. This man had told him
that the first inhabited place was the summit of a rocky hill called
_Tapuaguazú_, that on reaching it a view might be obtained of a wide
extent of inhabited country, and that it might be sixteen days' journey
from his place to Tapuaguazú, and that the road thither was very
difficult because of the trees, thickets, and high grass, besides other
inconveniences. The interpreter added that since leaving the governor
they had found the country thickly forested and so difficult that they
had undergone great fatigues. For the greater part of the way they had
crawled on hands and feet, and, according to the Indian relative, the
road farther on was even worse. They intended bringing this Indian back
with them that the governor might obtain information direct from him.
Having read this letter, the governor followed the path by which the
messenger had come, but found it so thickly wooded and beset with
difficulties that it took a whole day to clear a passage the length of a
slinger's shot. Heavy rains having now set in, the governor ordered his
people to retire to the shelter huts they had left in the morning, for
fear of their suffering from wet and damping their ammunition.
CHAPTER THE SIXTY-FOURTH.
_How the interpreter returned from the Indian habitation._
THE interpreter returned at three o'clock of the afternoon of the
following day, bringing with him the Indian who said he knew the road.
The governor received him most kindly and gave him presents, with which
he was well pleased. He then ordered the interpreter to ask him in his
name to tell him all the truth about the road leading into the interior.
This Indian then said that he had not been that way for a long time,
though he knew it, and had gone by it several times to Tapuaguazú. From
the summit of that rocky hill, he affirmed, one might see the smoke of
all the villages. He used to go to Tapuaguazú to fetch arrows that are
to be had there, but for many days he had discontinued his visits to
that place, because on his way thither he observed the smoke of Indian
fires, by which he became aware that new settlements were being formed
in that deserted region.
Fearing for his life, he had not dared to go further along the path,
which is so obstructed that it can only be followed with much labour. He
thought that by cutting down trees and clearing a road they might reach
Tapuaguazú in sixteen days. He was asked if he would like to accompany
the Christians and show them the road; he answered that he would
willingly go, though he greatly feared the natives. Having heard the
information given by this Indian, and understood the difficulties of
the road, the governor convened a meeting of the officers, clergy,
and captains to consult with them what should be done to discover
the country. Having discussed the matter, they said that most of the
Spaniards were in want of provisions and had eaten nothing for three
days, and they dared not ask for it because of the disorder and
mismanagement that prevailed in its distribution. The first guide we had
taken had assured us that on the fifth day we should find provisions
and reach an inhabited country with plenty of commodities. Having put
faith in these promises, both Christians and Indians had improvidently
consumed all they brought with them, though every man had been supplied
with two arrobas of flour. The governor had, in their opinion, to
consider that there were barely six days' provisions left, and at the
end of that time there would be nothing for the people to eat. Under
these circumstances they thought it would be very dangerous to advance
further without means of subsistence, the more so because the Indians
are not as a rule precise in their indications, and it might happen
that, instead of sixteen days estimated by the guide, the time might
be greater, and that they might all die of starvation, as had happened
before to exploring expeditions in this country. They were, therefore,
of opinion that the security and lives of the Christians and Indians
depended upon their return to the port of Los Reyes, where they had left
their vessels. Once there, it would be easy to take fresh supplies and
recommence the discovery. Such was their advice, and, they added, if
necessary, they would require the governor in the name of His Majesty
to conform with it.
CHAPTER THE SIXTY-FIFTH.
_How the governor and his people returned to the Port of Los Reyes._
THE governor seeing the advice of the clergy, officers, and captains,
felt obliged to consider the necessities of his people, their difficult
position, and the desire all had to return. He nevertheless put before
them the inconvenience that would result from adopting such a course. He
said that it would be impossible to find sufficient provisions at Los
Reyes for so many people; that the maize was not yet ripe for harvest,
and that none could be obtained from the natives. He reminded them that
the natives had told them that the floods would soon begin, and these
would add seriously to their embarrassments. These and other reasons
pointed out by him, however, did not deter the Spaniards from persisting
in their determination to retire. Considering, therefore, their positive
wish, and being loath to give occasion to disturbances, which he would
have been obliged to punish, he conceded to their desires, and gave the
order to return to the Port of Los Reyes.
The following day he sent to Tapuá Captain Francisco de Ribera, who had
volunteered to go thither with six Christians and the guide who knew the
road. He furnished him with an escort of eleven Indian chiefs, whom he
charged not to leave the captain under threat of punishment. He at the
same time started with all his people for Los Reyes, where he arrived in
eight days, much dissatisfied at having gone no farther.
CHAPTER THE SIXTY-SIXTH.
_How the Indians would have killed those who remained at the Port
of Los Reyes._
WHEN the governor had returned to the Port of Los Reyes, Captain Juan
Romero, whom he had left there as his lieutenant, reported that a few
days after his departure the natives of the island, which is one league
from the port, conspired to massacre all the Christians who had been
left there, and to obtain possession of the brigantines. To carry this
into effect, they summoned all the natives of the country to their
assistance. They formed a league with the Guaxarapos and several other
tribes, and had arranged to attack the Spaniards by night. Under pretext
of bartering they tried to tempt him to come out and buy provisions,
they having discontinued their supplies. Whenever they brought any it
was for the purpose of spying, and they openly told him they would come
and kill the Christians.
The governor having been informed of all this, summoned all the chiefs,
and warned them in the name of His Majesty to keep the peace, since he
and the Christians had treated them as friends, and were doing them no
injury. He reminded them of the presents he had given them, and of his
promise to defend and protect them from their enemies; but if they
behaved otherwise he would treat them as enemies, and make war upon
them. These threats were made in the presence of the clergy and
officers; he then distributed coloured caps among them, besides other
things. They promised once more to keep friends with the Christians,
and drive away the Guaxarapos and other tribes who came up against the
Christians.
Two days after his arrival at Los Reyes, the governor finding that with
so many Spaniards and Indians collected together he might run short of
provisions, and having no other store except what was contained in the
brigantines moored in the river, and this would only last ten or twelve
days, for the Spaniards and Indians together numbered about three
thousand, seeing their necessities and the danger of their all being
starved, sent all the interpreters to the neighbouring villages to
buy provisions in exchange for merchandise, which he gave them in
considerable quantities. They went, but found no provisions. Having
seen this, the governor sent for the chief Indians of that land,
and asked them where he could buy provisions in exchange for his
merchandise. They answered that at nine leagues distance, on the
shores of certain large lagoons, there lived a people called
Arianicosies, who possessed an abundance of provisions, and would
supply what was necessary.
CHAPTER THE SIXTY-SEVENTH.
_How the governor sent Captain Mendoza in search of provisions._
AS soon as the governor had received this information he convoked
a meeting of officers, clergy, and captains, and other experienced
persons, to concert measures with them, for all the people were crying
for food, and he had none to give them. They were about to disband,
and go into the interior in search of provisions. The officers and the
clergy being assembled, Cabeza de Vaca told them that the danger of
famine was so urgent that all might die if a remedy were not found. He
added that he had been informed that the Arianicosies had provisions,
and he asked them to advise him what should be done. They all answered
that he should send the greater part of the people to the villages of
those Indians, both to sustain themselves and obtain provisions to send
to the people that remained in the port with him. Should they decline to
supply food for payment, force should be resorted to, and, in case of
resistance, they should make war till they obtained what they required,
seeing that the necessities were so urgent that the people were dying
with hunger, and any measures would be excusable. This was their advice,
and they signed their names to it. It was accordingly resolved to
send this captain in search of provisions, charged with the following
instructions:
"Captain Gonzalo de Mendoza, this is what you have to do in the villages
where you have to search for provisions, in order that our people may
not die from starvation. You shall pay for these provisions to the full
satisfaction of Socorinos and Socosies, as well as all those settled in
the province, and you shall say in my name that I am surprised they have
not been to see me, as the other tribes of the province have done; that
I am informed they are good people, and for this reason I wish to
see and receive them into my friendship. You shall give them of my
merchandise, and tell them to come and acknowledge the supremacy of the
king, as all the other Indians have done. If they obey these orders,
I will always favour and protect them against those who would do them
wrong. You shall use the utmost diligence and care that, in all places
you may pass through inhabited by friendly Indians, none of your men
should use violence, or maltreat the natives. All that you take, and all
that they give you, must be paid for to their satisfaction, and leave no
cause of complaint. When you arrive at the villages you shall ask for
the commodities you require for the sustenance of your men, offering
payment, and entreating the Indians with kind words. Should they decline
to provide you with what you want, you shall repeat your request twice,
thrice, or as often as you think right, offering payment beforehand.
Should they then refuse to give it, you shall take it by force, and, if
resistance be offered you, shall make war upon them, for the hunger we
suffer from justifies us in resorting to these extreme measures. In all
that may happen afterwards you shall use such moderation as becomes the
service of God and His Majesty."
CHAPTER THE SIXTY-EIGHTH.
_How he sent a brigantine to discover the river of the Xarayes with
Captain de Ribera._
THE governor having sent Captain Gonzalo de Mendoza in conformity with
the advice of the clergy, officers, and captains, this officer departed
on the 15th December, the same year, with 120 Spaniards and 600 Indian
archers, a number more than sufficient for the purpose. The natives of
the port of Los Reyes informed the governor that owing to the rising of
the waters the river Yguatú might be ascended in brigantines as far as
the land of the Xarayes; they told him that these Xarayes, and other
tribes inhabiting the banks of that river, had a quantity of provisions,
and that there were other navigable rivers flowing from the interior,
and discharging into the Yguatú, where there were large settlements of
Indians, who had abundance of food. Desirous of exploring the unknown
parts of this river, the governor sent Captain Hernando de Ribera in a
brigantine with fifty-two men. They had orders to ascend the river to
the villages of the Xarayes, to speak with the chief of this tribe,
and obtain information about the more distant villages, passing on and
seeing them with their own eyes. Neither the commander nor any of his
men were to land, but the interpreter with two men might endeavour to
see and barter with the Indians along the course of the river, giving
presents, and making them proposals of peace. For this purpose the
governor furnished the commander with instructions, and informed him by
word of mouth of everything that he should do for the service of His
Majesty and the good of the country. Hernando de Ribera set sail on the
20th December of the said year.
A few days after his departure Captain Gonzalo de Mendoza wrote to say
that on his arrival at the villages of the Arianicosies he had sent
an interpreter to inform them that he had come to ask them to sell
provisions, which he would pay for with merchandise, such as beads,
knives, iron wedges, which they esteem highly, and that he would give
them a large number of fish-hooks. The interpreter took these articles
with him in order that they might see and understand that they had not
come to do them wrong, or take anything away by force; but that the
interpreter had fled back, for that the natives had tried to kill him,
and shot several arrows at him, saying that they would not allow any
Christians in their land, and would not give them anything, but would
rather kill them all, and that the Guaxarapos, who were brave warriors,
had come to help them. These last-named Indians, they added, have killed
Christians, and found their heads soft, and that they are not a strong
people. The letter went on to say that Gonzalo de Mendoza had sent
a second time the same interpreter to beg them to supply him with
provisions. He had sent with him some Spaniards to see what passed. All
these returned, being pursued by Indians, who had come out with arms to
kill them, and had shot a number of arrows at them, shouting to them to
leave the country, as they would not give them provisions. The captain
having seen all this, had gone with all his troop to bring about their
submission; on arriving at their village all the Indians had come out
against him, and shot arrows at them, intending to kill the Spaniards,
declining to listen to him or let him speak. They had consequently, in
their own defence, killed two of the natives with their arquebuses.
As soon as the enemy saw them dead, they fled into the forest. The
Spaniards then went into their houses, and found an abundance of
provisions, such as maize, mandubies and other plants, roots, and
other comestibles.
Without loss of time, Gonzalo de Mendoza sent an Indian to tell the
natives to return to their homes, promising to be friendly with them,
and to pay for the provisions he had taken. They had refused, however,
to accept his peaceful overtures, had recommenced hostilities,
established their camp, fortified their houses, and had even burned a
great number of these. They had appealed to many other tribes to come
and help them to kill the Christians, and did not desist from doing them
all the harm they could. The governor sent orders to the captain to do
everything in his power to induce the Indians to return; he enjoined him
not to let any of his men do the least harm to the natives, to pay for
all the provisions he had taken, to pacify them, and go elsewhere in
search of provisions. The captain soon afterwards reported that he had
persuaded the Indians to return, had offered them his friendship, and,
far from injuring them, would treat them kindly; they had, however,
declined his advances, and were continuing hostilities in conjunction
with the Guaxarapos, Guatos, and other of our enemies who were in league
with them.
CHAPTER THE SIXTY-NINTH.
_How Captain Francisco de Ribera returned from his exploration._
ON the 20th January 1544, Captain Francisco de Ribera returned,
accompanied by the six Spaniards whom the governor had sent with him,
with the guide and three Guaranís, being all that were left of the
eleven Guaranís who had formed part of his expedition. He had been sent,
as I have already said, to discover and observe with his own eyes the
villages situated in that part where the governor was obliged to turn
back. They had advanced towards Tapuaguazú, where the guide had stated
the Indian settlements began. On the arrival of the six Spaniards, all
of whom were wounded, the people rejoiced greatly and gave thanks to God
for their escape from such a perilous journey, for, indeed, the governor
thought they were lost, because eight of the eleven Indians that started
with them had abandoned them. He was very angry with these men and
wished to punish them, and the chiefs, their relatives, begged that they
might be hanged for having deserted the Christians, though they had been
ordered not to leave them, and to escort them till they returned. These
chiefs said that since they had failed to do this they deserved hanging,
but as it was the first time they had disobeyed he pardoned them,
fearing to excite their tribesmen.
CHAPTER THE SEVENTIETH.
_How Captain Francisco de Ribera reported of his discovery._