_How the Governor Vaca de Castro came from Cuzco, and what happened
to the Factor Illan Suarez and the others who went to meet the
Viceroy._
The Governor Vaca de Castro set out from the city of Cuzco to proceed to
the city of the Kings, with the intention of seeing the Viceroy,
notwithstanding that many of his friends advised him to go to the port
of Quilca, where he could embark in a ship without seeing the Viceroy,
and sail away to Tierra Firme. But he declined to take that course, and
started from Cuzco with some troops to guard his person, with arms and
artillery. There are some who say that he did this that he might
supplicate for the good estate of the kingdom with them. Others affirm,
and this is certain, that he took the artillery because he would not
leave it in Cuzco, foreseeing what might happen. For the clouds had
always originated in Cuzco to spread over all parts. He, therefore,
thought it prudent to take away the artillery and arms, as he did.
Leaving Cuzco he travelled onwards until he reached the city of
Guamanga, where some other persons had also arrived. Thence he went on
to the valley of Xauxa where he was met by the Licentiate de la Gama,
who told him all that had passed. After having discussed the ordinances
with some of his friends, and what was said of the Viceroy, he
determined to send his Secretary, Pero Lopez, to meet the Viceroy and
convey to him a welcome on his arrival, assuring him that he would serve
him in all things, seeing that he came in the name of the King our Lord.
Eventually he sent his servant Pero Lopez who started on his journey.
When the municipality of the city of the Kings knew that Vaca de Castro
was coming accompanied by a large number of people, they wrote to him to
leave his arms and his following, and to enter the city of the Kings
privately, without appearing as Governor of the kingdom, for he no
longer held that office, and that when he came they would guard his
honour as a Member of the Royal Council and as having been their
Governor and Captain General.
After Juan de Barbaran had returned to the city of the Kings, the Factor
Yllan Suarez de Carbajal, the Captain Diego de Aguero and the others
journeyed onwards towards the city of Truxillo. Travelling on Thursday
and Good Friday they arrived at a town of Indians called Huara, which is
18 leagues from the city of the Kings. Late on Friday they continued
their journey to another town called La Barranca, and on Saturday before
Easter of 1544 they came up with one Ruiloba[22] who was coming as a
messenger from the Governor Vaca de Castro. His coming caused no small
perturbation for, when asked whether he had seen the Viceroy, he
replied that he remained near Truxillo where he was liberating Indians;
and that at San Miguel he had left the Lieutenant Palomino and others
without any Indians, saying that he was going to do the same in all
parts, including the officials of the royal treasury. After giving this
news Pero Lopez went on to inform Vaca de Castro. The Factor Illan
Suarez, tired with the journey and enraged at the news, was leaning
against a pillar in his lodging when Captain Diego de Aguero said in a
loud voice: “I do not care to wait until we meet the Viceroy. If he
wants to take away my Indians let him do so at once, my son will not be
in want of food, for he has property on which he can live.” Saying this
he set out for Truxillo, accompanied by Rodrigo Nuñez a citizen of
Huanuco who was also at enmity with Vaca de Castro for having taken away
his Indians because he had been a follower of Diego de Almagro the lad.
Meanwhile the Viceroy had departed from the city of San Miguel
accompanied by settlers and soldiers, giving ear to anything evil that
was said to him against Vaca de Castro. For from the time of his arrival
in Peru he allied himself with the Almagro faction, and they spoke
without any restraint against Vaca de Castro.
The ancient name of San Miguel is Piura, of Truxillo Chimu, and of the
city of the Kings, Lima. The reader will remember this, for, forgetting
uniformity, I may sometimes put one name and sometimes the other.
The Viceroy travelled by the Royal Road of the Coast, gazing on the vast
deserts and the ruined edifices. He was told that they were once densely
peopled, and he felt regret, saying that the numbers of these people had
been so diminished through bad government. He admired the great and very
ancient edifices which were built along the road, with such lavish care.
In the valleys where some Indians remained, he made the lords and
caciques to understand that the people were vassals of the King of
Spain, that in future they were free, that their tribute would be
moderate, as well as the calls upon them for provisions and necessaries.
If more was wanted they must be paid for it. Arriving at Truxillo he had
a grand reception, though with mournful and pensive countenances. The
citizens received the ordinances as a sign of war bringing ruin and a
sad look-out, coming with words of peace but bringing war. Yet the
magistrates came out dressed in purple, and Blasco Nuñez Vela was
received as Viceroy in obedience to his Majesty’s command.
The Factor Illan Suarez de Carbajal and the other knights went back to
Lima, and they say that the Factor left a motto at La Barranca which
said--“_Each man knows what he has, and does not give up his property to
another. If he does he may be a laughing stock, but it will cost him who
takes it his life._” Others say that this motto was left there by
Francisco del Solar, a citizen of Lima, and this may be considered a
certainty[23].