_Of what happened in the town of Plata, and of the Procurators who
set out to go to Lima._
After the Governor Vaca de Castro had defeated Don Diego de Almagro at
Chupas, he appointed Luis de Ribera as his lieutenant-governor of the
town of Plata. He was an important knight, native of the city of
Seville. At a time when the town was quiet and peaceful, without any
sign of disturbance, the news of the ordinances sent by his Majesty the
King arrived, and of the arrival of Blasco Nuñez as Viceroy. Besides the
news, there came letters from the municipality of Cuzco, and from Vaca
de Castro corroborating it, and advising that Procurators should be sent
so that, with others from all parts of the kingdom, they might protest
against the enforcement of the new laws.
The news did not fail to cause much agitation in the minds of the
people, as it had done in other parts where it had been received. When
the first tumult was over there was a meeting consisting of Luis de
Ribera, Diego Centeno, Antonio Alvarez, all three Alcaldes, and Lope de
Mendieta, Francisco de Retamoso, and Francisco de Tapia, perpetual
magistrates. They consulted in what manner they should receive these
laws and ordinances. After having thought well over it they came to the
conclusion that, as the King had decreed the ordinances, it would not be
proper to resist to the point of rebellion, but to obey and, as humble
vassals, pray that either some or all the ordinances might be suspended.
With this object they would send persons from their town, who, with the
voice of the people, would entreat the Viceroy not to enforce the laws
until his Majesty had been informed of the truth, when he would order
what would be most conducive to his service. Having considered who
should be their procurators, they nominated Diego Centeno[28] the
Alcalde and Pedro Alonso de Hinojosa[29], a magistrate who was also in
the town. They gave them full powers to concert with the procurators
who might come from other cities and towns the course to be taken in
their petition, but all was to be done with great humility. Luis de
Ribera spoke graciously to all the townspeople, assuring them that they
need not trouble themselves about the ordinances, as his Majesty would
be served by their revocation. Diego Centeno and Pedro de Hinojosa set
out from the town to go to the city of Lima, Hinojosa having first seen
Gonzalo Pizarro at Chaqui.