_How Gaspar Rodriguez and his companions arrived at the city of
Cuzco, and how Gonzalo Pizarro was received as Captain against the
Inca._
Now it is time, O city of Cuzco, that we relate the movements which
occurred in thee, causing no small amount of clamour and mourning. But
boast not of that, seeing that the deeds of the citizens were the causes
of much bloodshed. The war which was commenced by thee spread beyond thy
confines, as the sad conflict of Huarina bears testimony.
The Spaniards in Cuzco were aroused to great anger by what they heard of
the Viceroy from Gaspar Rodriguez, Hernando Bachicao and the others.
They rejoiced to find Gonzalo Pizarro there, giving him an account of
all that had taken place at Lima, and how the Viceroy had taken the
Indians from Diego de Mora, Alonso Holguin, Diego Palomino and others;
and had declared that he would do the same in all parts, enforcing the
new laws with rigour. All then understood the great injury that would be
done to them. When this had been heard, all agreed to take Gonzalo
Pizarro, and to go with him to pray that the new laws might not be
enforced in all their rigour. Gaspar Rodriguez and Hernando Bachicao
declared that the people of Lima intended to seize the Viceroy if he
persisted in enforcing the new laws. Owing to these statements there was
much anxiety in Cuzco, and the people expected to receive very heavy
punishment. Yet there was a variety of opinions among them, the majority
being disposed to take any course rather than obey the new laws.
The tumult having subsided, which arose on the arrival of the news about
the Viceroy, it was decided to seek the best way in which Gonzalo
Pizarro, in the name of all, might represent the people. Yet it did not
appear certain that power could be given to him, seeing that Blasco
Nuñez had arrived at Lima, and had been received as Viceroy. On the
other hand to withhold the power would be madness and would cause
serious injury. Letters did not cease to arrive not only from Lima, but
also from the province of Andahuaylas. Pedro de los Rios and Diego
Maldonado had interviews with Francisco Maldonado, Hernando Bachicao,
and Juan Velez de Guevara with others. They concerted with the citizens
and the municipal officers that Gonzalo Pizarro should be appointed
captain against the Inca who was, according to rumour, arranging to
march against the city. As much reliance was placed on Pizarro, he
easily induced the citizens, jointly with their municipal officers, to
nominate and elect him as their captain against Manco Inca if he should
come with warlike intent; and powers were given to their captain to
collect arms and raise men.
But the desires of Pizarro did not stop there. He wanted to be
acknowledged as Chief Justice and Procurator-General, with which
authority he would be able to attain his ends. He wrote to the province
of Andahuaylas, asking Diego Maldonado, the perpetual magistrate there,
to come at once to the city. He also wrote to Pedro de los Rios to come
to Cuzco. And notwithstanding that they preferred to remain in that
province, and not to be present with those who were rebelling, they
could not abide by their wishes, for so many letters came, that they had
to go to Cuzco. When the news came that Gonzalo Pizarro was nominated
captain against the Inca, soldiers arrived from all parts well armed
with arquebuses and powder, eager that rumours should be converted into
war, that they might emerge from the poverty caused by peace.