_Mexico_) _Franciscus Garajus_ sail’d out of the Haven of _Jamaica_,
with eleven Ships, to the River _Panucus_, there, according to the
Command of the Emperor _Charles_, to plant a Colony: Whereupon he went
ashore, ordering his Fleet to sail along in sight of Land: So wading
through the River _Montaltus_, which glides between high Mountains, he
came to a Morassy Ground, in which he and they often sunk almost up to
the Middle, and lost his way in a Thicket of young Trees; yet at last
being come to the River _Panucus_, he found several high Walls, being
the Ruines of Fortresses, Temples, and Towers, destroy’d by _Cortez_; so
that the City lay quite desolate. Twenty Leagues further, upon the Banks
of the same River, _Cortez_ had in like manner sack’d and destroy’d
_Chiglia_, a Town which before its burning reckon’d above twenty
thousand Houses, besides many fair Palaces, Walls, Towers, and Temples:
Which Cruelties and Spoil had bred so great an _Odium_ in the
Inhabitants against the _Spaniards_, that they immediately sent an Army
against _Garajus_, who had only a few half-starv’d Men with him; yet he
receiv’d the Enemy twice in his Retreat to the new Colony _St. Steven_,
rais’d out of _Chiglia_’s Ruines; but finding no Provisions where-ever
he came, he judg’d it fittest to send his Horse into the Countrey to
Forage; which _Cortez_ meeting, took Prisoners, under pretence that
_Garajus_ came to take Possession, where he had neither Authority nor
Right. _Cortez_ also made himself Master of _Garajus_ Ship and Fleet,
commanding him withal to appear in _Tenustitan_, which not knowing how
to avoid, he obey’d: His People mean time ranging up and down without a
Head or Commander, either died by Famine, or were murther’d and eaten by
the Natives; for at one time the _Americans_ made a general Feast with
two hundred and fifty rosted _Spaniards_: But their days of Triumph
lasted not long; for _Sandovalus_, one of _Cortez_ his Prime Officers,
set with so much fury upon those _Cannibals_, that he kill’d several
thousands of them, and burnt sixty Persons of Prime Quality, all
Commanders, in the sight of their Friends and Relations. But _Garajus_,
whose Son was married to _Cortez_ his Daughter, liv’d not long after the
Wedding, which occasion’d a murmur as if _Cortez_ had poyson’d him, to
rid himself of a Partner in his Government; for it had been generally
observ’d, that his Ambition suffer’d no Equal. The _Americans_ fell all
down before him; all were Servants alike: The Court which he kept
swarm’d with Attendance, on which he spent vast Sums of Money; yet his
Incomes were able to bear such excessive Disbursements. He kept in
constant Pay five thousand Soldiers, and several Ships ready rigg’d and
prepar’d on all occasions, to hold in awe the enslav’d People, or else
for the Discovery of New Countreys: Yet after all these extraordinary
Charges defray’d, to shew his Wealth and Greatness, he caus’d a Piece of
Cannon to be cast all of massie Gold: for the Kings which formerly
acknowledg’d _Montezuma_ for their Sovereign, gave him a yearly Revenue,
most of which were valu’d to be worth twenty three Tun of Gold; for so
much the King of _Tescuscus_, a stately City, paid, whose Houses
Plaister’d with White-Lime, seem’d afar off to be rather a Chalky Hill
or Mountain, cover’d with Snow: Full as much did the King pay which
reigned in _Otumba_, notwithstanding he had receiv’d with his
_Christianity_ the Name of _Ferdinand Cortez_; yet others gave less: The
King _Guacinalgo_, with his Mother, and some Slaves, bringing Gold, came
to present it to _Cortez_; and entring the Palace, through a Guard of
five hundred Horse and four Hundred Foot, which were always ready Arm’d
for fear of Insurrections, he fell down prostrate on the Ground. Thus
all things even out-went whatever he could desire, hope for, or imagine.
And _Alvaredo_, one of his Commanders, being sent Eastwardly, brought
great Treasures back with him, which the conquer’d Kings were forc’d to
raise.
[Sidenote: His Misfortunes.]
But Fortune, who seldom continues her Favors long, at last began to
frown; for _Cortez_ having sent an unvaluable Treasure of Gold and
Pearls to the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth, _Floryn_ the _French_ Pyrate
met with and took it, which went so much to his Heart, that for a
considerable time he sent no Advice to the _Spanish_ Court, which made
them grow jealous of him, doubting that he intended to make himself King
over _New-Spain_; and this Suspicion was not a little augmented by his
Enemies.
[Sidenote: A Plot of two _Spanish_ Officers.]
In the Neck of these, follow’d another Misfortune; for _Christopher
Olitus_, sent out by _Cortez_ to discover new Countreys, rebelling, took
up Arms against him, being then in the Haven _Figueras_, five hundred
Leagues beyond. Notwithstanding the _Spaniards_, although amongst a
new-conquer’d People, which without doubt long’d for Revenge, were not
to take notice of their danger, but to go on with undaunted Resolution;
whereupon _Cortez_ drawing out a strong Party, march’d a long and
troublesom way to meet _Olitus_, making great Slaughters where-ever he
came. _Francisco de las Casas_ was commanded to go upon the same Account
by Sea, and arriving first, found him setling his new Colony, which he
nam’d _Triumph de Sancta Crux_; and notwithstanding the Water with a
Northerly Wind was very rough and boysterous in the Haven _Figueras_
(which the _Spaniards_ call’d so, because they found Trees there, which
growing at the Foot of the Mountains, bore a Fruit not unlike a Fig) yet
they came to a present Engagement, wherein _Casas_ worsting _Olitus_,
having sunk one of his Ships, stood out again to Sea; but surpriz’d by a
violent Storm, and driven on the Shore, fell into _Olitus_’s Hands, who
had a little before also taken _Egidíus_ or _Giles Gonsales_. These two
Prisoners consulted together how they might poyson or murder _Olitus_,
which fell out according to their desires, because the Servants of the
House where they lodg’d sided with them; so taking hold of the first
opportunity, as they were at Supper together, they stabb’d him with
their Knives in several places; yet the Wounds were not so great or
mortal, but that he retain’d strength to escape in the dark to a
neighboring Hut; but the Assassinates immediately sent out Messengers,
publishing, That he who did not, knowing where _Olitus_ was immediately
bring him to them, should receive condign punishment; which terrifying
_Olitus_, he discover’d himself, and was immediately beheaded.
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: _Mexicans_ Apparel.]
During the time that the _Spanish_ Officers had these Civil Broyls one
against another, _Lodowick Pontæus_, a Man well experienc’d in the Law,
came from _Spain_ to _America_, there in the Emperors Name to settle all
things in good order; having also particular Instructions, to shew great
kindness to _Cortez_, and to make him a Knight of the Order of _St.
James_, that by that means the Emperor might be the more esteem’d for
his Noble Subjects and Servants, amongst the _Mexicans_, who are
themselves of a proud and ambitious spirit, and chiefly the Nobility,
which doth manifestly appear by their Apparel, more gorgeous than the
meaner sort of _Americans_; and though the Slaves go stark naked (having
onely a Cloth tied about their Privities) and with a Bowe and Arrows
walk before their Lords, yet the Better Sort go very costly Habited; for
about their Necks they wear Strings of Pearl; on their Heads, a Cap,
from whence hang down two Scarfs, one longer than the other; then a
party-colour’d Cotton Coat covers their whole Bodies to their Knees,
under which they wear a Vest girt about their Middle.
But at last, after all these Services, _Cortez_ disagreeing with the
Vice-Roy _Don Antonio Mendoza_, being about that time sent over, went
male-contented into _Spain_.
SECT. XI.
Diego Gottierez _his Expedition_.
[Sidenote: _Gottierez_ contests with _Contreras_.]
[Sidenote: Is forsaken of all.]
[Sidenote: Great Tempest.]
[Sidenote: Village _Francisco_.]
[Sidenote: Strange manner of eating.]
[Sidenote: Unsatisfied Covetousness of _Gottierez_.]
_Anno 1540._ _Gottierez_ being chosen Governor of _New Carthage_,
weigh’d Anchor from _Cadiz_, and sailing to _Nombre de Dios_, upon his
Landing clash’d with _Roderick Contreras_, in whose Place he was sent to
succeed. Two Years he spent without effecting any thing; but at last
coming to Agreement with _Contreras_, he took the Governorship upon him,
having first forewarn’d him not to depend too much upon his Authority;
for the Countrey being full of Woods and Mountains, might hide many of
his Enemies: But he not regarding the Advice, went a Journey from _New
Granada_, and having march’d fifty Leagues Easterly, he cross’d into the
River _Suere_, with sixty _Spaniards_, and was presented by the Princes
of the Countrey with as much Gold as amounted to seven thousand Duckets.
Here he spent some Weeks, effecting little; but now all things growing
scarce, though he was very earnest with the Natives for Provisions, yet
he could get little; which kind of Life the Soldiers disliking, and
growing weary of, went away in the Night to _Nicaragua_. _Gottierez_
thus left alone, got into a Boat, with intent to follow them; and being
just put off from the Shore, was met by Captain _Barjanto_, who brought
new Forces and fresh Provisions with him: This wrought upon him to stay
there. Not long after _Alphonso de Pisa_ went with twenty seven Men from
_Nombre de Dios_ to the same River _Suere_; but it being then very rough
at the Entrance, he was necessitated to pass on to a small uninhabited
Isle, where whilst he lay at an Anchor, the Weather began to grow worse
and worse; the Gusts of Wind, mix’d with Showres of Rain, Thunder, and
Lightning, seem’d to threaten a general Destruction; for in the Ship two
_Spaniards_ and one _Moor_ were kill’d by the Lightning: In seventy two
Days, the Sun did not shine four Hours: At last weighing Anchor, he
sail’d over to the Main Land, where he saw nothing but vast Mountains
and Wildernesses. Here for a time they liv’d upon Cockles found on the
Shore, and wild Fruits in the Woods: At length coming to _Gottierez_, he
sent him with his People in five Boats to fetch new Forces from _Nombre
de Dios_. In his way thither he saw a House built of Canes, cover’d with
Palm-leaves, forty five Paces long, and built after an Oval fashion:
Round about it stood several lesser Hovels, all which making up a
Village, the _Spaniards_ nam’d _Francisco_, because they came thither on
_St. Francis_ Day. About half way they met with the Lords of _Suere_ and
_Chiuppa_, going to attend _Gottierez_, to whom being admitted, and
sitting with him at Table, he gave them, as a Dainty, rosted Chickens
and fresh Pork; but they gave it to their Servants, not delighting in
the taste of such Victuals. _Gottierez_, by means of an Interpreter,
told them concerning the _Christian Religion_, at which they bow’d their
Heads, without making any Answer: But how little mind they had to
embrace it, quickly appear’d; for not long after, they set their
Villages on fire, and all the Provisions which they could not carry with
them, they spoil’d, and so retiring, hid themselves upon inaccessible
Mountains. Another Incentive leading them to this Fight, was, because
the Governor _Camachiren_, and his Deputy (notwithstanding he had given
_Gottierez_ as much Gold, when he came first into the Countrey, as
amounted to seven thousand Duckets, as we mention’d before) yet was put
in Prison by his Order, contrary to all Promises: Nay, _Gottierez_
threatned to burn him not regarding, that he had besides receiv’d of him
several Pieces of Gold, resembling all manner of Beasts, as Tygers, and
others; and also Fishes and Fowls curiously wrought, which were valu’d
at two Tun of Gold; yet this Present seemed too little for him,
whereupon bringing the Prisoner to a Chest, he swore that he would rost
him by degrees, if in four days time he did not furnish him with four
times as much more Gold as that Chest would hold: Whereupon
_Chamachiren_’s Servants went away to get the requir’d Gold; but he,
through carelesness of the Watch, made his escape in the Night, so that
_Gottierez_ lost his Booty. But the other Prisoners, though threatned to
be torn asunder with Dogs, remain’d firm, disowning that they had any
Gold; and among the rest, one speaking boldly to the _Spanish_ Officer
said, _That he stood amaz’d at his treacherous dealings, why did he keep
him Chain’d against Law and Promise, and often threaten’d him with
death, but yet would not kill him, for he, said he, had rather choose to
die, than live so miserable a life_.
_Gottierez_’s Conscience troubling him, he would willingly have releas’d
the _Indian_, and the rather, because he promis’d to procure a great
ransome of Gold; but the inferior Commanders would not consent to it.
After this they march’d six days through great Wildernesses, and over
high Mountains, finding no Footsteps of any People. Lastly, They came
down a very dangerous and steep Mountain, where had not the Shrubs and
jutting Stones serv’d them to hold by, they had all broken their Necks.
[Sidenote: Dangerous Mountains.]
[Sidenote: Strange Huts.]
Fifteen Leagues, the hanging of this Mountain spread it self along a
sweet River, on whose opposite Shore stood strange Huts full of dead
Tygers, Deers Heads, and Legs; here they staid two days to rest
themselves, where the Trees _Mamei_ and the _Cazabi_ Plants yielded them
good Food.
[Sidenote: Valiant fight.]
Travelling forward, _Gottierez_ ask’d an _Indian_ which was the nearest
way to a Village, but he pretending not to know any near hand, had his
Head immediately cut off. In like manner, and for the same reason the
_Indian_ Prince should also have been Executed, had not _Gottierez_
given order to the contrary; seeing his resolution, that with no less
Patience than undaunted Courage, stretch’d forth his Neck to the
Executioners. Mean while, their Provisions decreasing, they suffer’d
extreme hunger; insomuch, that some fainted quite away. The Souldiers
also rebelling against _Gottierez_ for Food, he commanded them to kill
their Dogs, and stamp the Barks of Trees; two days they travelled much
discontented in this manner, and at last came to the entrance of a Wood,
where they espy’d an _Indian_ standing behind a Tree, which on a sudden
ran away with incredible swiftness: early the next morning, above four
thousand _Indians_ came Marching against the faint _Spaniards_, making a
terrible noise with Horns and Drums; they were all except their Princes
Painted black and red; some wore Plumes of Feathers on their Heads, and
Collars of the same about their Necks; the fight began very fiercely, by
casting abundance of Stones, and shooting of Arrows, wherein, though
_Gottierez_ was at first Wounded, yet after half an hour the Assailants
fled, but recruited with fresh Forces renew’d the fight, breaking into
their Ranks, and making so great slaughter amongst them with Woodden
Swords, and Palm-Tree Clubs, knocking down, and dealing such deadly
Wounds, that of the _Spaniards_, three onely escap’d, saving themselves
by flight, who two hours after, much amaz’d and terrify’d, came to their
reserve, consisting onely of twenty four Men, which _Alphonso de Risa_
Commanded; the insulting Enemy at their Heels, waving over their Heads
the Swords, Shields, and Cross-Bows which they had gotten from the slain
_Spaniards_; and some withal crying in the _Spanish_ Tongue, _Come
Christians, come, and take Gold_. But _de Risa_, for all their pride,
set them going with some Volleys of Shot; after this, escaping
innumerable other dangers, he came to _Nombre de Dios_, without having
effected any thing of Note.
SECT. XIA.
_The Expeditions of_ Peter Alvarado, Francisco _and_ Gonzalvo Pizarro,
_and_ Diego de Almagro.
[Sidenote: _Pizarro_’s and _Almagro_’s remarkable exploits.]
In the City of _Panama_, in _New Spain_, liv’d three eminent
_Spaniards_, call’d _Francisco Pizarro_, _Diego de Almagro_, and
_Ferdinand de Luque_ a Priest, which joyntly design’d to discover
farther Southerly along the rich Gold and Pearl Coast, and inspect the
Southern Ocean. _De Luque_ was to look to home-affairs, and _Pizarro_
set Sail first with a Ship Man’d with one hundred and fourteen Men,
which _Almagro_ follow’d with seventy more, yet both were valiantly
repuls’d by the _Peruvians_; but although they return’d the first time
with bad success, yet they undertook their business once more, but with
no better fortune; whereupon discouraged, the undertaking seem’d to be
totally laid aside, and the _American_ Vice-Roy, _Peter de Rios_ forbad
any to attempt a farther Discovery concerning _Peru_.
The former difficulties with this Edict easily wrought upon _Pizarro_’s
men, all but twelve, to leave him, for the rest went over with the Ship
fitted out by _Rios_ with succors to the Island _Gallo_, where _Pizarro_
resided, having also fail’d in his second Expedition. But although he
had made two bad Voyages, yet having an inclination to a third attempt,
he went to _Spain_, desiring of the Emperor to be Governor of _Peru_,
which he had discover’d; for besides his Plea of Merits he had taken
possession of the Country twice by Landing there, intended for the use
of his Imperial Majesty; one of his Sea-men to that purpose flourishing
his two-handed Sword over his Head, the glittering of which Sword so
frighted the Natives, that none of them durst come near him.
[Sidenote: _Pizarro_’s fight on _Puna_.]
His request being consulted upon, was at last granted, the Government of
_Peru_ being conferred upon him; but _Almagro_ took it very ill, that
_Pizarro_ went to the Emperor on such a design for himself; yet by the
mediation of his Friends the difference was reconciled, then _Pizarro_
setting Sail with one hundred and fifty Foot besides Horse, and Landing
at the Island _Puna_, at first was courteously entertain’d; but the
_Spaniards_ by extravagant hunting and searching every where their
Houses for Gold, and committing several other outrages, incensing,
chang’d the humor of the Inhabitants so much, that they fell upon them.
In stead of Ensigns, Standards, and Warlike Trophies, they used long
Canes, at the end whereof were ty’d the Bones of their antient Hero’s,
honor’d by them after their death: But these Reliques sav’d not the
_Indians_ from slaughter, so well as the coverts of a neighboring Wood.
[Sidenote: Comes to _Peru_.]
[Sidenote: _Peruvian_ Temple.]
From this Isle, lying three degrees Southward of the _Equinoctial_,
_Pizarro_ passed over to the _Main Continent_, where they were all in a
great confusion, upon the report of the _Spaniards_ cruelties committed
in _Puna_; yet all the preparations of the _Indians_ to withstand,
stop’d not _Pizarro_ from his intended course; for first, having the
success to master _Tampez_, thence he made nothing to march his Forces
over the River _Ambato_, there burning a Temple Dedicated to the Sun.
The _Portico_ stood towards the East, the rising of their God, before
which hung a Curtain of their fine Cotton Stuff, within stood the
presentations of two Golden Rams, shaded with Black, and as many
Dragons, before which the Fire never went out, continually supply’d with
Offerings of burnt Incense; on the Pillars hung several Men flead, their
Flesh kept firm, and free from all Putrifaction, with the infusion of a
sharp Juyce.
Here _Almagro_ coming to _Pizarro_ with fresh Forces, they made no
little penetration into _Peru_, satisfying every where their thirst of
Gold, and slaughtering the Toothless _Tombezes_, a people who having
offended their King, had by his order the upper Teeth of the whole
Nation beaten out.
[Sidenote: _Alvarado_’s Exploits.]
[Sidenote: Notable Stratagem of the _Peruvians_.]
[Sidenote: Wickedness of a Woman.]
[Sidenote: _Guatimala_ destroy’d by a flood.]
[Sidenote: _Velasques’_ Journey.]
_Peter Alvarado_ inform’d concerning the Riches of _Peru_, and well
knowing how to insinuate with the Emperor in his fawning Letters, at
last by his Friends so prevail’d, that he also got leave to go thither;
in pursuance of which, _Anno 1534._ he Weigh’d Anchor with seven Ships
from _Guatimala_, a City built by him between two Mountains. But Landing
at _Puerto Viejo_, and Marching Easterly over Snowy Mountains, he was
met by _Almagro_, between whom a bloody incounter was like to have
happen’d, but after some time, a Treaty being set a Foot, they came to a
Composition on these Articles: That _Alvarado_ upon the receipt of a
hundred thousand Duckets, should leave his Men with _Almagro_, and
depart from _Peru_; with which sum, being inrich’d, he soon after fitted
out fourteen Sail to discover new Countreys to the West; but being busie
in his preparations, was sent for to _Mexico_ by _Don Antonio Mendoza_
the Vice-Roy, to undertake a Voyage with him to the new-discover’d
Countrey of _Sibolla_, abounding in Gold and Saffron, according to the
report of four _Dominican_ Monks; and having already rais’d seven
hundred Men, news came to _Mexico_, that _Peter Zunica_ had receiv’d an
overthrow by the _Indians_ of _Salisco_; to whose assistance _Alvarado_
March’d with all speed, and found the _Indians_ incamp’d on a high
Mountain, fortifi’d with conjoyn’d Trees, and great Stones ty’d together
with Rushes, behind which they were secure from Shot. The _Spaniards_
climbing up the Mountain, approach’d their Works, when on a sudden the
Defendants giving a great Shout, cut the Cords which held their
Fortification together, whereupon the Stones and Trees tumbled down with
such force, that they kill’d both Men and Horse, few escaping alive: In
this conflict _Alvarado_ himself was lost. His Wife _Beatrix Cuova_ made
a stately Funeral for her Husband, and caus’d her House to be Painted
black, refusing either to Eat or Drink for a set time, yet
notwithstanding, all her pretence of sorrow, she so minded her business,
that she took the Government of _Guatimala_ into her own hands; but her
Dominion lasted not long, for on the eighteenth of _September, Anno
1541._ happen’d a hideous Tempest of Wind and Rain, mixt with continual
Lightning, and horrible claps of Thunder, and what was more terrible,
was answer’d with roars and horrid bellowings from the caverns of the
Mountain, at whose foot _Guatimala_ stood. About midnight the Mountain
was deliver’d, whose Birth was the irruption of an Inundating River, a
precipitate torrent tumbling down full of Rocks and Stones, which
carry’d all before it, so that in few minutes _Guatimala_ was utterly
swept away, not the least mark remaining, nor any left alive except
_Alvarado_’s Bastard Daughter by an _Indian_; and in the adjacent
Fields, some few, and they maim’d, with broken Arms or Legs; after this
utter destruction, they re-built another _Guatimala_, three Leagues more
Easterly. But though _Alvarado_ was lost in this Enterprize, yet the
Voyage to _Sibolla_ was not laid aside, for _Francisco Velasques_
March’d thither with eight hundred Men, of which most were Horse, but
found nought else but Snowy Mountains and barren Plains, insomuch, that
his Men and Horses were starv’d for want of Provision; wherefore he
return’d without success to _Mexico_, having onely burnt some Villages,
and had several Rencounters with the Natives.
[Sidenote: _Attabaliba_’s message to _Pizarro_.]
But _Attabaliba_ a _Peruan_ Prince, inform’d of _Pizarro_ and
_Almagro_’s coming, commanded them both to depart out of his Kingdom;
but they not regarding it, march’d directly to _Caxamalca_, where
_Attabaliba_ kept his Court, who again sent other Messengers to them
with command to leave his Dominions. _Pizarro_ made answer, that he
could not obey any Commands but those of his Master the Emperor, who had
order’d him to speak with the King himself at his own Palace.