_Cruelty of the Spaniards in Peru_ (Vol. iv., p. 257.).--Probably the
melodramatic spectacle mentioned by MR. HASKINS was derived from a
Spanish book, of which I possess an English translation, bearing the
following title:--
"A Relation of the First Voyages and Discoveries made by the
Spaniards in America, with an Account of their unparalleled
Cruelties on the Indians, in the destruction of above Forty
Millions of People. Together with the Propositions offered to the
King of Spain, to prevent the further ruin of the West Indies. By
Don Bartholomew de las Casas, Bishop of Chiapa, who was an
Eye-witness of their Cruelties. Illustrated with Cuts. London,
printed for Daniel Brown at the Black Swan and Bible without
Temple Bar, and Andrew Bell at the Cross Keys and Bible in
Cornhill, near Stocks Market, 1699." 8vo. pp. 248.
The "cuts" are twenty-two in number, on two fly-sheets, and represent
torturing death in the most horrible variety.
A MS. note on a fly-leaf, in the handwriting of Mr. Bowdler of Bath,
says, "This book is taken out of the fourth part of Purchas's
_Pilgrims_, fol. 1569."