pair of Painted Shooes and Armlets, that he might put them on when he
appear’d before his Throne: Captain _Ferdinand Sotto_ march’d before
with twenty Horse, passing close on the Flank of _Attabaliba_’s Army:
The _Indians_ amaz’d at the prauncing of their Horses, retreated into
their Fortifications, but were for their cowardize immediately slain by
the King’s Order.
[Sidenote: His discourse with a _Spanish_ Bishop, and his apparel.]
_Sotto_ sent a Message to _Attabaliba_, That the _Spaniards_ desir’d
peaceably to Treat with him, to which he receiv’d answer, That no Peace
could be made, unless they restor’d the Gold and Silver to the Owners,
which they had Plunder’d from them, and forsook his Territories; which
so doing, they should have Audience the next day: Hereupon the Bishop
_Vincent de Villa Viridi_ was conducted into the Royal Palace, in the
City of _Caxamalca_, and brought before _Attabaliba_, who came thither
in great State, with a Guard of twenty five thousand Men; he was carry’d
on the Shoulders of his prime Nobles in a Sedan, about which hung
Garlands of Gold, and divers colour’d Feathers; himself was cloth’d in a
white loose Vest, without Sleeves; his Temples were bound with a red
Ribbon, with a long Tassel on his left Cheek; on his Fore-head stuck
three curious Feathers; before him March’d three hundred of his
Life-Guard, all in one Livery, who clear’d the way through which the
King was to pass. The before-mention’d Bishop carry’d in one Hand a
Cross, in the other a Book, discoursing with the King to this effect;
_That God is the Trinity_, Adam _the first Man_; _Christ Born of a
Virgin, dy’d on the Cross_; _the_ Pope _God’s Vice-Gerent, who according
to the Power he had from Heaven, had given_ Peru _to the Emperor_
Charles, _as also all other Countreys in_ America; _and if he should
prove obstinate, and resist, he must expect nothing less than utter
ruine_. _Attabaliba_ reply’d, _That he serv’d_ Pachamaca, _being the
Creator of all things; and next to him the Sun and Moon: How glorious do
they appear_ (said he) _in comparison of a Crucifi’d God? To make Peace
and Alliance with mighty Princes, was the true Foundation of wise
Government: But the_ Pope _must needs be senseless, devoy’d of all
reason, and withal highly unjust, to give away what was none of his
own_, viz. _other mens Kingdoms, in which he never had the least or
smallest concern. Moreover, he would not desert that Religion which he
and his Ancestors had maintain’d so many Ages, and the rather, because
there are no apparent or sufficient Testimony of the truth of
Christianity._ The latter clause was thus answer’d, saying, _This Book,
O King, which I hold in my hand, proves and declares all that you
question_. _Attabaliba_ looking upon it, turn’d it over Leaf by Leaf,
then look’d more intentively upon the Print, which done he clap’d it to
either Ear, and at last as altogether unsatisfi’d, in disdainful manner
threw it away.
But _Pizarro_ gaining time while the King and Bishop thus discours’d,
had drawn his Men in Battel-Array, his sixty Horse he divided into three
Wings, Commanded by his three Brothers, _Ferdinand_, _John_, and
_Gonzalvo Pizarro_, left the Captains _Sotto_ and _Bavalcazar_ in an
Ambuscade; _Peter de Canada_ march’d in the Van, and he himself in the
main Body, leaving _Sotto_ in the Rear.
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: _Pizarro_ fights with _Attabaliba_.]
[Sidenote: _Attabaliba_ taken prisoner.]
[Sidenote: Bids for his ransom an unvaluable treasure.]
So soon as the Bishop could acquaint them in what scornful manner
_Attabaliba_ had thrown his Holy Book, _The Word of God_, upon the
ground; both Armies were Engaged, whilst their Trumpets sounded, their
Drums beat, their Canons roar’d, the Horses neigh’d, and the Dogs
bark’d, they made a speedy march up against the Walls of _Taxamalca_,
which dreadful mixture of terrible noises struck such a Pannick fear
into the hearts of the _Indians_, that they all presently broke, in
their flight crowding one another to death at the Gates of the City,
which being too narrow to receive them, they themselves made breaches in
their own Walls to enter; which opportunity the _Spaniards_ no ways
neglected, but entering with them, shot and kill’d all they could reach;
their Dogs also having no little share in the slaughter; whole companies
of Indians were trode under the Horses feet, yet near _Attabaliba_’s
Chair was the greatest resistance, for no sooner fell one of the
Bearers, but immediately another supply’d the place; so that the King
was surrounded with heaps of his own slain Subjects, to whom _Pizarro_
himself Charg’d up so close, that having seiz’d him by his long Hair, he
pull’d him out of his Throne, and having gotten him under him, secur’d
immediately in Fetters; whereupon all his Life-Guard forsook him, and
fled: But the loss of the Battel, which was _Attabaliba_’s utter ruine,
was laid upon _Runninagui_, a Captain appointed to lie in Ambush, so to
fall in the Rear of the _Spaniards_ with five thousand men; but was so
far from performing his Orders, that terrifi’d at the uncouth noise of
the Guns, and the rest, that he fled one hundred and fifty Leagues
Southerly, before he stopt, or scarce ever look’d behind him in so long
a flight. Mean while, _Attabaliba_ compounded with _Pizarro_ for his
Ransom, _viz._ to pay him as much Gold as that Hall in his Court (where
they made the Agreement) could hold to the top; they first measur’d the
heighth, then the length, which was found to be fifty four Foot, and the
breadth nine: In pursuance of this composition, Gold was brought thither
from all places, according to _Attabaliba_’s order; yet he could not
raise so much as would perform his bargain, which made the _Spaniards_
to grumble: But _Attabaliba_ desiring some longer time to perform it,
telling _Pizarro_, that most of the Gold was brought on Slaves
Shoulders, a long and troublesome way, of two hundred Leagues long, from
the City _Cusco_, and if this would not satisfie, _Pizarro_ might send
some of his own people thither, to inform him, that he need not fear the
least danger, as long as he was Prisoner with his Wife and Children.
The two Captains, _Sotto_, and _Peter del Baro_ being sent away to that
purpose, met after some days Journey with one of _Attabaliba_’s Leaders,
who was bringing the King’s Brother _Guascar_ with a Party, Prisoner to
_Caxamalca_.
[Sidenote: Burns his Brother _Guascar_ alive.]
_Guascar_ had now a fair opportunity to crave assistance of the
_Spaniards_, telling them, that he and _Attabaliba_ were the Sons of
_Guaynacava_, so that the Kingdom was to be divided betwixt both. But
_Attabaliba_ had by force made himself Master of all, whereas he being
the youngest, ought to be satisfi’d with that share which _Guascar_,
being the eldest, would assign him; for the right of Inheritance
belong’d justly to him, and yet he was carry’d away bound to slaughter:
But if _Pizarro_ would do justice in delivering him out of his Brothers
bloody Hands, he would raise him thrice as much Gold as _Attabaliba_ had
promis’d: To which purpose he desir’d _Sotto_ and _Baro_ to put off
their Journey to _Cusco_; which they not daring to do, went on their
way, and _Guascar_ descending the Valley _Sucsuhuana_, was burnt alive
by _Attabaliba_’s Soldiers.
Mean while, _Almagro_ came with fresh Forces to _Taxamalca_, which
occasion’d no small trouble in _Pizarro_, who was onely thirsty after
Gold: On the other side, _Almagro_ as greedy, grew jealous that
_Pizarro_ should keep the promis’d Hall full of Gold for himself, and he
should have no share, because _Attabaliba_ was his Prisoner; therefore
he earnestly desir’d that _Attabaliba_ might privately be made away, and
that the Booty might be divided to one as well as the other.
[Sidenote: An incredible sum of Money given to the Soldiers.]
[Sidenote: _Attabaliba_ strangled.]
_Pizarro_ to prevent all inconveniencies that might happen from his
dissenting, gave in the presence of the King to every private Soldier a
thousand Duckets in Gold, and six thousand five hundred twenty five
Silver Crowns; the inferior Officers receiv’d four and thirty thousand
Crowns, and the others sixty thousand; the fifth part of the Booty he
reserv’d for the Emperor: And notwithstanding _Attabaliba_ perform’d his
promise in filling the Hall full of Gold, yet he had the sentence of
Death pronounc’d against him; neither would his excuse of Innocency
serve, or his Requests to be sent to _Spain_, there to clear himself
before the Emperor; but sighing, and lamenting his misfortunes, was ty’d
to a Post, and Strangled in the presence of _Pizarro_. For whose Death,
though a _Heathen_, Divine Vengeance pursu’d these cruel and unjust
Arbitrators that thus made their Will a Law, none of them dying a
natural Death.
Moreover it was observ’d, that a few days before this Execution a
blazing Star appear’d, which _Attabaliba_ seeing, presaging sadly of
himself said, _That a great Prince would die in a short time_; but
_Pizarro_’s chief pretences for the Kings just suffering was, that he
had cruelly murder’d his Brother _Guascar_: But this was a meer blind,
for that that incens’d them against _Attabaliba_, was, that he knowing
where the unvaluable treasure lay, which _Guascar_ had bury’d, would not
discover it to them.
[Sidenote: Cruelty of _Ruminagui_.]
[Sidenote: _Pizarro_ puts _Quizquiz_ to flight.]
[Sidenote: And takes _Cusco_.]
[Sidenote: Unvaluable Treasures taken.]
[Sidenote: Remarkable passage of a Dog.]
_Attabaliba_, before his death, desir’d that he might be bury’d in the
Territory _Quito_, by his Father _Guaynacava_, whom the _Peruvians_ for
his great Justice and Prudence in Government, believed that he would
arise, and settle the World so troubled and full of disorder in peace
and quiet: The Corps was accordingly carry’d thither in great State
after their manner, attended by his Brother, whom _Illescas Ruminagui_
which ran from _Attabaliba_ in the Battel, where he lay in ambush when
he might have done them good service; in the way to his entertainment,
receiv’d with all shews of sorrow; but when they were feasted to excess,
bury’d in sleep and Wine, he Massacred and flea’d _Illescas_ the Kings
Brother alive, and made a Taber of his Skin. Whilst _Attabaliba_’s
Funeral was thus bloodily solemniz’d, his General _Quizquiz_ rais’d a
great Army, which _Pizarro_ encountring after a valiant resistance,
totally routed; then marching victoriously to _Cusco_, he saw great
Fires in the City, and the Citizens fighting with the _Spaniards_, sent
before; but the Horse breaking in upon them, most of them fled the next
morning to the Mountains: Thus the _Spaniards_ became Masters of the
City, where they inflicted the most cruel tortures on all Sexes, by that
means to force them to discover, if they knew of any hidden Treasures,
being not satisfi’d with what they found there, although they had gotten
a greater Treasure in _Cusco_ than that that they had extorted from
_Attabaliba_ before: Nay, they gave those that were murther’d for Food
to their Dogs: Among the rest, _Didacus Salazar_ having a very fierce
Dog call’d _Bezerril_, had also an old _Indian_ Woman his Prisoner, to
whom he gave a Letter to deliver to the General _Pizarro_; the Woman had
not gone many Paces before she was set upon by _Bezerril_, whom
_Salazar_ let loose, that he might delight himself in seeing the Dog
tear the poor old Woman; but she observing him come running at her with
so great fierceness, fell down upon her Knees, and holding forth the
Letter, cry’d, _Good my Lord, good my Lord Dog, I must carry this Letter
to General_ Pizarro, whereupon the furious Curr having more compassion
than the _Spaniard_, stood still a little, and at last lifted up his Leg
in a scornful manner, Urin’d upon her, and return’d satisfi’d; at which
sportive behavior of the Cur and the Chrone, _Salazar_ laughing, was so
well pleas’d, that he gave the Woman her life.
[Sidenote: _Almagro_’s unhappy Journey.]
[Sidenote: King’s Town.]
After _Cusco_ had been sufficiently Plunder’d, _Pizarro_ made _Almagro_
Governor thereof, with the Territories belonging to it, and built near
the River _Lima_ a Town, which they call’d _Los Reyes_. Mean while,
_Almagro_ receiv’d Letters Patent from the Emperor, in which he was
nominated _Marshal_ of _Peru_; encourag’d by that honor, he took a great
design in hand, for the _Peruvians_ had reported, that the Golden
_Chili_ lay to the South; and _Almagro_ being encourag’d, and assisted
by _Pizarro_, March’d inquest thereof with two Troops of Horse, and five
hundred Foot: But mean while there happen’d so great Rains, and such
foul Weather, that the Ways were almost unpassable, so that the
Expedition grew very troublesome; yet however he went on, in which hard
March he lost both Horse and Men.
[Sidenote: _Mango Inga_ takes _Cusco_.]
[Sidenote: Contest between _Almagro_ and _Pizarro_.]
[Sidenote: _Almagro_ strangled.]
Whilst _Almagro_ was upon this undertaking, _Francisco Pizarro_ receiv’d
Letters Patent from the Emperor, in which he was Intitul’d _Duke of
Peru_, but with a _Salvo_ for the honor before given to _Almagro_; yet
these balanc’d honors bred great dissention between the Duke and
Marshal, which _Mango Inga_ another of _Attabaliba_’s Brothers
observing, laid hold of the opportunity, and setting upon the _Spanish_
Garrison in _Cusco_, took the City. Whereupon _Pizarro_ immediately sent
his Horse thither, under the Command of _Alphonso Alvarado_, and _Gomes
de Todoya_, against whom the _Indians_ fought very valiantly, insomuch,
that the Battel was a long time doubtful; yet at last the _Spaniards_
got a bloody Victory, and regain’d _Cusco_; hither after some time,
_Almagro_ returning with ill success, having effected nothing, was kept
out by _Ferdinand Pizarro_, under pretence that he could not open the
Gate without Order from his Brother the Duke. _Almagro_ much offended
thereat, yet saying little, was so privately let into the City, that he
surpriz’d the Governor _Ferdinand Pizarro_, and his Brother _Gonsalvo_,
with _Alphonso Alvarado_ Prisoners; swearing that he would not rest
before he had rooted all the _Pizarro_’s out of Peru. But whilst he was
passing the intended Sentence of Death upon them, _Gonsalvo_ and
_Alvarado_ broke Prison; and got away to the Duke, who troubled for his
Brother _Ferdinand_ there in custody, and in danger of his life, came to
Composition; whereupon _Ferdinand_ was also releas’d: But this was no
sooner done, and he had got his Brother safe there, but the Duke
regarding nothing less than the keeping of the new-made Peace, sent to
_Almagro_, that the Emperor having given him the prime Command over
_Peru_, he requir’d him to leave _Cusco_, or else he would force him.
_Almagro_ sent answer, That if he could see the Emperor’s Hand, he would
immediately obey, otherwise not; whereupon both Parties prepar’d for
War, wherein they had many sharp bickerings in a short time: But
_Almagro_ being too weak fell into the Dukes hands, who order’d him to
be strangled in the Gaol, and his body afterwards to be drawn to the
Market-place, and there publickly Beheaded.
_Ferdinand Pizarro_ being not long after sent to _Spain_, with the
fifths of the gotten Treasure for the Emperor, was Imprison’d in the
Castle _Motto_, for _Almagro_’s Death: But what further happen’d to him
there, or became of him, hath never been Recorded by any Pen.
[Sidenote: _Ferdinand Pizarro_ never obtains his liberty.]
[Sidenote: Young _Almagro_ stabs the Duke.]
But young _Almagro_, instigated by his Guardian _John Rada_, resolving,
to be reveng’d for his Fathers Death; to that purpose he went to _Los
Reyes_, where by the help of some hir’d Male-contents, he design’d to
Murder the Duke upon St. _John_’s day, in the Church at high Service:
But this business was not so closely carry’d, but the Duke had some
inkling thereof, who therefore stay’d at home, and went not to Mass that
day. The Conspirators doubting the event, hearing that their Plot was
discover’d, though defeated in their purpose, yet not fail’d in their
Courage, ran at noon day to the Palace, crying, _Kill the Tyrant, kill
the Traytor_. But _Pizarro_ being so much forewarn’d, had lock’d up the
Gates, and arm’d himself, which when they could not enter, yet they went
back through the City, and waving a bloody Sword, cry’d, _Pizarro is
slain_; this being believ’d, above two hundred private Friends to
_Almagro_ appear’d, who all ran to the Palace, crouding about the Gates:
And _Francisco de Chares_ coming out at a private Door, hoping to
pacifie the Mutineers, was immediately Stab’d; but they rushing in the
way he came, found some stout opposition, for seven Halberdiers of his
Guard fought till they were all kill’d in the Dukes presence; but
_Pizarro_ was taken alive, and being brought before _Almagro_, he
Savagely Butcher’d him with his own hands; which done, they ran crying
along the Streets, _Long live the Emperor, and_ Didacus Almagro.
[Sidenote: Great slaughter in _Los Reye_.]
But after all this, _Pizarro_’s Party joyning together, valiantly
withstood the Conspirators, so that a considerable number were slain on
both sides, yet _Almagro_ at last getting the better, confiscated the
Goods of all those that were against him; and now every one shew’d him
the respect of Chief Governor, till the Emperor should either settle
him, or send another.
From hence Marching to _Cusco_, he had like to have paid for all, but
prevented by private intelligence thereof; which happen’d thus,
[Sidenote: Strange Transactions between _Alvarado_, _Sotello_, and
_Almagro_.]
[Sidenote: Fight between _Castro_ and _Almagro_.]
[Sidenote: _Castro_’s Cruelty.]
_Garcias Alvarado_ and _Christopher Sotello_ were Joynt-Governors of
_Cusco_; but quarrelling, and coming to Blows in like manner, _Sotello_
was slain: This _Almagro_ took very hainously, as being his intimate
Friend, giving forth threatning Speeches of Revenge; which _Alvarado_
inform’d of, and intending some way or other to prevent all Dangers, and
save himself, he invited _Almagro_ to a Feast, but privately resolving
to make it a Bloody Banquet, by his Death at the Table. Of this he being
inform’d, as we mention’d before, staid at home, and privately sent for
some Soldiers that had belong’d to _Sotello_, sending word that he was
indispos’d: _Alvarado_, under a shew of Kindness, goes to _Almagro_,
hoping to perswade him to come to his prepar’d Treat; but so soon as he
was enter’d the Hall, they clapp’d to the Gate, and the Soldiers falling
upon _Alvarado_, slew him: But soon after _Almagro_ was call’d in
question, and not long enjoy’d this his usurp’d Authority; for the
Emperor _Charles_ sending the Learned _Vacca de Castro_ with full
Authority to _Peru_, to settle that disturb’d Kingdom, _Almagro_ now
us’d to Govern, had no Ears to become a Subject; therefore he march’d
with an Army to meet _Castro_, by whom, after a bloody Fight, being
beaten and put to flight, having four thousand Men, he fell into the
Victors Hands near _Cusco_, where he was treated very severely; for
shortly after he was condemn’d to be Beheaded; others were strangled,
and some torn in pieces with Horses.
[Sidenote: _Vela_ Vice-Roy of _Peru_.]
[Sidenote: Murders _Xuarez_.]
[Sidenote: Is taken and put in Prison.]
Not long after this great Execution, _Blasco Nunnez Vela_ came to
_Peru_, and being appointed Vice-Roy, had four Councellors assign’d him,
with whom he was to consult in all Affairs; and especially to set the
_Indians_ at liberty, which till then had suffer’d much misery under the
_Spanish_ Tyranny: To perform which, the Emperor had given an Order
under his Great Seal, which was to be publish’d and proclaim’d in all
Places. _Vela_ at his arrival faithfully perform’d all his Commands,
seiz’d upon _Vacca de Castro_, because he had Executed _Almagro_ without
any Examination or Tryal; yet by this means he got the hatred of all, so
that most of the _Spaniards_ chose _Gonsalvo Pizarro_ for their Chief,
whereby Affairs grew daily more and more out of Order. _Nunnez Vela_
laid all the blame thereof upon _William Xuarez_, Governor of _Lima_,
whom he sent for in the Night, and correcting over-severely, gave him
also two mortal Wounds, of which he presently died: The Body was in the
Morning drawn along the Streets, which caus’d so great a murmuring
amongst the Inhabitants, that soon after they seem’d to make a general
Insurrection: Wherefore _Nunnez Vela_ fearing the worst, resolv’d to
convey himself from thence _incognito_, and pass to _Truxillo_: But his
four Councellors advis’d him to the contrary; yet he took his own way,
causing all his Treasure to be sent aboard; and having made ready his
Horses to depart, the Common People in a tumultuous manner set upon the
Palace, catching, snatching up, and carrying away all the Silver they
could find, and meeting the Vice-Roy, seiz’d, and thrust him into a
Dungeon; which done, they fell at variance amongst themselves; for some
would have him executed, but others insisted to have him sent Prisoner
to _Spain_; which last being the more moderate, getting the upper Hand,
_Vela_ was put aboard, and committed to the custody of _Didacus
Alvarez_, who Anchoring in the Mouth of the River _Tombez_ (kindness
growing betwixt them) releas’d the Vice-Roy his Prisoner, and set him
ashore, who not long after got some Forces together.
[Sidenote: Is Beheaded.]
Mean while _Pizarro_ was every where acknowledg’d for Supreme Governor,
who having Intelligence of the Vice-Roys Design, sent _Francisco
Carvayales_ thither, between whom and _Vela_ was a sharp Encounter; but
at last being worsted, and retaken by _Carvayales_, he was soon after
executed, and his Head plac’d on a Pole near the Gallows.
The Emperor _Charles_ turmoil’d with Wars at home, saw no likelyhood to
settle the confus’d Affairs of _Peru_; yet at last he thought it
convenient to send one _Peter Gasca_ thither, an Ecclesiastick, of a
subtile and ingenious Wit, who landing _Anno 1546._ in _Lima_, with no
other Title than _Chief Councellor to the Emperor_, took quite another
course than _Vela_, perswading them all, that Affairs should be setled
in order, according to their own desires, and former Miscarriages never
be remembred, being utterly deleted by an Act of Oblivion.
[Sidenote: _Gasca_’s murderous Exploits.]
[Sidenote: _Gonsalves Pizarro_ strangled.]
[Sidenote: Cruelty us’d on _Carvayales_.]
The News of this General Pardon spreading it self far and near, wrought
a great change; for _Pizarro_’s Intimates, and those nearest of Concern,
shrunk daily from him; which _Gasca_ observing, march’d against him; and
that they might make the more haste, they loaded several _Peruvians_,
chain’d, with their Arms, whom when they lagg’d, they switch’d and
whipp’d before them. And now both Armies being met, and discharging
their Cannons at one another, with considerable loss to each side, whole
Regiments came running over to _Gasca_; so that _Pizarro_ being quite
forsaken, yielded himself to the mercy of the Conqueror, who accus’d him
of High Treason, and caus’d him to be strangled in a Dungeon, and fix’d
his Head on a Marble Pillar in _Lima_, environ’d with Iron Rails, and
inscrib’d with a brief Account of all his Offences. But _Gasca_ not thus
satisfied, hang’d up several Commanders, and whipping and stigmatizing
others, condemn’d them after to the Gallies: But his greatest spight was
against the Field-Marshal _Carvayales_, a Person of the Age of fourscore
years, whom tying to a Horses Tail, he caus’d a whole Hour to be drawn
up and down the Market-place, scorn’d and derided of all People; which
done, he was quarter’d alive.
Not long after _Gasca_ surrendred the Command of _Peru_ to the Learned
_Cianca_, and carried an unvaluable Treasure to _Germany_, for the
Emperor _Charles_, who gave him in requital for his faithful Service,
the Bishoprick of _Valentia_.
SECT. XII.
_The Expeditions of_ John Stade, _and_ Nicholas Durando Villegagnon.