nam’d _Augustine Ruyz_, who with two other Monks of his Order, got eight
Soldiers of _Conde de Coruna_, Vice-Roy of _New Spain_, for his
Companions; with whom he travell’d from the Valley _Sant Bartholomew_,
to the Province _De los Tiguas_, where one of the two Monks was kill’d
by the Natives, which occasion’d such a fear amongst the Souldiers, who
judg’d themselves too weak to make any resistance, that they resolv’d to
return, notwithstanding all the arguments which _Ruyz_ us’d to disswade
them from it; yet nevertheless he and his Brother _Franciscus Lopez_ and
four _Indians_, went onward of their Journey; which news the Souldiers
carried back to the _Franciscans_ in _Sant Bartholomew_; who fearing
their Brethren would be destroy’d, sent several Souldiers and a Monk,
call’d _Bernardyn Beltran_, after them, who were also accompanied by
_Antony Espejus_, who spent a great part of his Estate in raising of
Men, providing Arms and Provisions, loading therewith a hundred and
fifty Horses and Mules; with which he travell’d direct North from the
fore-mention’d Valley, and after two days Journey found a People call’d
_Conchi_, who went naked, and liv’d in Huts built together like a
Village: They were Govern’d by _Casiques_, fed on Hares, Deer, Rabbets,
_Maiz_, _Calabashes_, and Melons. Several adjacent Rivers afford them
plenty of Fish. They were amaz’d at the Crosses which the _Spaniards_
there erected, till they were inform’d of a Crucifi’d Saviour. _Espejus_
being every where kindly Entertain’d amongst them, and conducted twenty
two Leagues farther, came amongst the _Indians_ call’d _Passaguates_, of
the like Constitution with the _Conchi_’s; who had skill in Minerals,
and judg’d that there were many Silver Mines in that Countrey. From
whence the _Passaguates_ travell’d with the _Spaniards_ to the Borders
of the _Los Tobosos_, who no sooner saw them, but they fled, because a
few years before they had been miserably dealt with by the _Spaniards_;
but being inform’d by the Interpreters, that they needed not be afraid
of any thing, they all appear’d, and conducted _Espejus_ to the Borders
of the _Patarabueyes_; which People possess a large Countrey, Stone
Houses and Villages built in good order. Great Rivers which come out of
the North, and others that disembogu’d into the North Sea, afforded them
all sorts of Fish; as also the Woods plenty of Venison, Fowls, and
wholsom Plants. In some Pools also the salt Water afforded Salt.
The Valour of the Inhabitants may sufficiently appear by the rough
Entertainment which the _Spaniards_ met withall the first Night; for the
_Patarabueyes_ fell so fiercely upon them, that had not the Watch given
notice thereof in time, none had escap’d with Life; nevertheless five
Horses were kill’d, and a considerable number of Men wounded: after
which retreating, they went upon a neighboring Hill, whither _Espejus_
sent his Interpreter, and an _Indian_ the same Countrey, to inform them,
That the _Spaniards_ came not to molest them, and if they pleas’d to
come to them, they should meet with none but Friends; which was the more
easily credited, because the _Casiques_ receiv’d some Presents; after
which being reconciled, they conducted the _Spaniards_ twelve days
Journey up a long River, whose Banks were inhabited in several places.
From thence they reach’d to a Place, inhabited by a People richly
Cloth’d, who also seem’d to have some knowledge of God; for in their
Discourse they pointed up to Heaven, call’d the Creator and Preserver of
all things _Apalito_, and signifi’d that they had receiv’d that
Knowledge formerly from those that were left of _Pamphilius Narvaez_’s
Army, who having rang’d through _Florida_ were driven hither.
These People also Presented _Espejus_ many tann’d Skins, with which he
went to a great Village, the Inhabitants whereof were very courteous,
and barter’d them for brave Plumes of Feathers and Cotton Cloaks,
streak’d with blue and white: but _Espejus_ having no Interpreters whom
they could understand, could not learn by what Name they were known; yet
by signs they express’d what time of the year they had Precious Stones
brought to them; and also what their Countrey produced; and also that
abundance of those Riches was to be found in a Province about five days
Journey Westward from thence, whither they freely offer’d to conduct the
_Spaniards_, which accordingly they did, bearing them company one and
twenty Leagues to the next Province, inhabited by a People whose Name
also they could not be inform’d of, yet staying three days amongst them,
they were Entertain’d with Presents and Dances both Night and Day. The
Countrey afforded them also store of Venison and Fruits: Those that
understood Minerals, judg’d that there were likewise several Gold Mines.
Leaving this Province, they entred into a great Wilderness of
Pine-Trees, in which they travell’d twelve Leagues in fifteen days,
without seeing either Man or House; but at the end of the Wood they
spy’d a Village of Straw Huts, where there were great quantities of
white Salt, and Deer Skins neatly dress’d. The People of the Place
courteously Entertain’d the _Spaniards_, and conducted them along the
River _Del Norte_, to _New Mexico_: The Banks of the River on each side
was planted with Nut-Trees and Vines, which spread themselves out above
three Leagues; through which they had scarce pass’d three days together,
when they saw ten populous Villages pleasantly seated on the said River,
from whence came many thousands of the Natives to meet _Espejus_, who
was not so much amaz’d at the great number of People, as at their
extraordinary Civility and decent Habits; for they Entertain’d him with
well dress’d Meat, roasted Poultrey, and pleasant Fruits: Their Garments
were Cotton Cloaks, Deer-skin Breeches, Shoes and Boots of good Leather.
The Women wore their Hair neatly Comb’d and Pleited. Their Houses were
almost four Stories high, handsomely built, and divided into fair
Chambers, had Stoves or Cells under Ground against the Cold in the
Winter. Every Village was Govern’d by a _Casique_, whose Commands were
publish’d by the _Alguaziles_. Each House had a peculiar place in which
their Idol stood, before whom they set Meat twice a day. Near the
High-ways stood Temples very curiously painted, wherein their Deity, as
they say, diverted himself in his Progress from one Village to another.
At certain Distances near their Plough’d Lands, stood _Portico_’s,
supported on four Columns, under which the Husband-man us’d to eat, and
take his Noon-sleep. Besides their Swords, which were strong enough to
cut a Man through the Middle, they us’d Bowes and Arrows: Their Shields
were made of Deer Skins.
_Espejus_ having stay’d here four days, went to the Province _De las
Tiguas_, which had sixteen Villages; in the chiefest whereof, call’d
_Poala_, _Augustine Ruyz_ and his Brother Monk _Franciscus de Lopez_ had
been slain, besides four others; wherefore the People being conscious of
this Crime, and fearing that Revenge would follow, fled to the
Mountains, from whence they could not be enticed, whilst the _Spaniards_
found their Houses full of Provisions and some Minerals.
Now those being dead whom they sought for, some thought it convenient to
return; but _Espejus_ and _Beltran_ perswaded the contrary, alledging,
That farther up, according to the _Indians_ information, lay several
Provinces which were worth the discovery, and advis’d that the chiefest
part of their Forces might stay there, whilst they and some few resolute
Men went farther upon the Discovery, which accordingly was perform’d.
_Espejus_ having travell’d two days, came into a fruitful Province,
jutting against _Cibola_, in which he found eleven Villages, inhabited
by above fourteen thousand People, who were clad in Skins and Cotton,
worshipp’d many Idols, and receiv’d the _Spaniards_ with great Civility.
The like Entertainment they met withall in the Countrey _Los Quires_,
wash’d by the River _Del Norte_; near which stood five Villages,
inhabited by about fifteen thousand People.
Thirteen Leagues farther they found _De los Cunames_, having also five
Villages, the chiefest of which being _Cia_, boasted (as above
mention’d) eight Market-places: The Houses, made of Lime, were neatly
Painted, and compris’d in all above twenty thousand Persons, all civil
People, who presented _Espejus_ and his Company with handsom Cloaks, set
good boyl’d Meat before them, and shew’d them rich Minerals, and the
Mountains out of which they got the same.
Of the like Constitution were the Inhabitants _De los Amires_, which
being thirty thousand in number, resided in seven well built Villages,
lying North-West from _Cunames_.
After this they march’d Westward, and found the eminent Village _Acoma_,
mention’d before, built on an exceeding high Rock, to which led onely a
narrow Path up a pair of Stairs cut in the Rock; as also many Wells to
receive Rain, besides what they have out of a River, led by Moats round
about their Plough’d Lands. The _Spaniards_ staying here three days,
were Entertain’d with all sorts of good Meat, Dances and Drolls.
From hence travelling twenty four Leagues more Westerly, they entred the
Province of _Zuny_; where the erected Crosses which had remain’d there
till that time, were sufficient testimonies of _Cornaro_’s having been
there, after he was deserted by _Andreas de Cuyocan_. _Casper de
Mexico_, and _Antonius de Guadalajara_, being setled on _Zuny_,
(otherwise call’d _Cibola_) and speaking the _Indian_ Tongue better than
their Native Language, inform’d _Espejus_, that sixty days Journey
farther lay a great Lake, whose Shores were crown’d with many brave
Villages, inhabited by a People which wore Golden Armlets and Ear-rings;
whither _Franciscus Vasquez_ had gone a second time, had not Death
prevented him. This Information so encourag’d _Espejus_, that
notwithstanding it was so great a Journey, yet he resolv’d to venture
thither, though the Monk _Beltran_ and most of his Company perswaded him
to the contrary; whereupon _Beltran_ return’d: After which _Espejus_
went on to the said Lake; whither he was accompanied with a hundred and
fifty _Indians_. Having gone twenty six Leagues, he found a populous
Province, whose Borders he no sooner approach’d, but he was told, _That
if he was willing to lose his Life, he and his Party might enter into a
forbidden Dominion_; yet notwithstanding this threatning Message, he
wrought so much upon the _Casique_ by the Presents which he sent him,
that he was permitted to come in freely; nay, the Inhabitants of
_Zaguato_ strow’d Meal on the Earth for the _Spaniards_ to go over, and
presented _Espejus_ at his departure with forty thousand Cotton Cloaks,
and a considerable quantity of Plate, which he sent with five of his
Soldiers, and all the _Cibolan Indians_, back to _Cibola_, keeping onely
four Companions and one Guide, with whom he travell’d forty one Leagues
Westward; where he found a Mountain, to the top whereof led a broad
Path; which ascending, he took up Silver Oar with his own Hand. The
several sorts of People that inhabited here were all civil and
courteous, living in good fashion, in pretty large Houses, built on the
Banks of a pleasant River, shaded with Vines and Nut-Trees, and thick
planted with Flax: They inform’d _Espejus_, that near a River which runs
eight Miles towards the North Sea, were such stately Palaces, as could
not be beheld without great admiration. But _Espejus_ going back a plain
Road to _Cibola_, found not onely those whom he had sent from _Zaguato_,
but also _Beltran_, with the other Soldiers, who having been detained
there by the Civilities and kind Entertainments of the _Indians_, were
now upon returning home; so that _Espejus_ was left alone with eight
Soldiers, who resolv’d to venture their Lives and Fortunes with him.
They travell’d along the River _Del Norte_, through the Provinces _De
los Guires_ and _Habutas_, whose Mountains, over-spread with Pine-Trees
and Cedars, have many rich Mines. The Natives wore painted Cotton
Cloaks, and dwelt in stately Houses five Stories high. At the Borders of
the Realm _Los Tamos_ they were stopt, and not permitted to come on
farther; wherefore being but few in number, and several of them sick,
they judg’d it convenient to cross the River _De las Vaccas_ (so call’d
from the abundance of Cows that were thereabouts) to the River _Conchos_
and the Village _Bartholomew_, where _Espejus_ was inform’d, that
_Beltran_ was long before his arrival gone to _Guadiana_.
And now that we may have the better Account of _New Mexico_ (which
_Ruyz_, _Espejus_, and _Beltran_ endeavor’d to discover) it will be
necessary to begin with the first original thereof, according as several
ancient Histories make mention.
[Sidenote: First original of the _New Mexicans_.]
The most ancient Possessors of that part of _Northern America_ call’d
_New Spain_, were for their fierce and salvage Nature call’d
_Chichimecæ_, who dwelling in Caves, fed on Moles, Rabbets, Hedghogs,
Serpents, Roots and Herbs. Whilst the Women accompanied their Husbands
in their Travels, the Children were put into Baskets, and hang’d in a
Tree. No manner of Government was to be found amongst them. They never
Till’d their Ground till the _Navatlacans_ came from _New Mexico_ (which
was anciently divided into two Countreys, _Aztlan_ and _Teuculhuacan_)
to _New Spain_; after which they Sow’d their Lands.
The _Navatlacans_ (who us’d to dwell in Houses, worship Images, plough
their Lands, and obey their Governors) were divided into six Tribes,
each Tribe possessing their limited Bounds: and there goes a Tradition,
That out of six Pits that are to be seen in _New Mexico_, the
_Navatlacans_ had their original. The time when they deserted _New
Mexico_, as their most authentick Histories or Records declare, was
(according to our computation) _Anno 940._ and they farther affirm, that
they spent forty years in a Journey, which might have been travell’d in
a Moneth: The reason of which tediousness was, because they rested in
all places where they found a fruitful Countrey; but as they had advice
from their diabolical Spirits, which (as they say) appear’d visibly to
them, they still went on farther and farther, yet left behind those that
were aged, sick, and decrepid, building convenient Houses for them, and
appointing Overseers to look after them. The Ruins of the Houses are yet
to be seen on the Way along which they pass’d.
The six Tribes divided themselves after this manner: Four of them setled
round about the great Lake of _Mexico_. The _Sichumilans_ taking the
South part, built, besides two other Towns, a Metropolis of their own
Name, as the _Chalcans_ on the North. The _Tapunecans_ built
_Azcapuzalco_ in the West, which signifies _A Pismires Hole_, because of
the abundance of Inhabitants. The Eastern part was taken up by the
_Chalhuans_. And all these Names have a peculiar signification; the
first signifies _People of Flowry Fields_; the second, _People of
Mouthes_; the third, _People of Bridges_; and the fourth, _Crooked
People_. Not long after, the _Tatluicans_, a strong People, went over
the Mountains on the other side of the _Mexican_ Lake, where they built
several Towns on a hot, yet fruitful Soil, the chiefest whereof they
call’d _Quahunachua_, that is, _A Place where an Eagles Voice is heard_.
The _Tlascaltecans_ went near the Snowy Mountains, one of which, being
between _Mexico_ and _De los Angelos_, vomits horrid Flames and Smoke up
into the Skie. Here scattering up and down, they built several Villages,
besides the City _Tlascalla_; the Inhabitants whereof assisted the
_Spaniards_, as hath been related in the taking of _Mexico_, for which
good Service they live free, without paying any Tribute.
When these six Tribes came first from _Mexico_ thither, the
_Chichimecans_ made little or no resistance against them, but hid
themselves amongst the Rocks: yet some of them not long after taking
courage, flew to Arms, and had without doubt destroy’d the
_Tlascallans_, had not a subtile Plot sav’d them: for under a shew of
Friendship they falling on the unarm’d _Chichimecans_, kill’d every Man
of them.
_Joseph de Acosta_ tells us, that _Anno 1586._ he saw a Grave in
_Mexico_, wherein a _Chichimecan_ of a Gygantick size lay buried.
After this Conquest gotten by the _Tlascallans_, the fore-mention’d six
Tribes liv’d in Peace and Quiet, and strengthned themselves the more by
Marrying into one anothers Families.
The _Chichimecæ_ keeping on the Mountains left the new People in quiet
possession of their Lands, nay, learnt some of their Customs, insomuch
that they began to build Huts, chuse Governors, and live according to
their Laws.
[Sidenote: The first March of the _Mexicans_ into _New Spain_.]
The _Tlascallans_ having possess’d _New Spain_ three hundred and two
years, a seventh Tribe (a valiant and civiliz’d People) came thither,
upon their Dæmon _Viztlipuztli_’s promise of having the supream
Government: wherefore he was carried in an Ark by four chief Priests,
whom he inform’d whither and when they should travel or rest, for where
ever they stopt, they built a Tent in the middle of their Army for their
Idol, whom they set on an Altar; which done, they Sow’d the Ground about
them: yet if their _Dæmon_ commanded them to march before Harvest, then
they left the Product to the ancient and sick People. But at last
_Mexi_, from whence the Name of _Mexico_ is deriv’d, conducted the Army
into _Mechaocan_, where the pleasant Soil among the Lakes entic’d many
to take up their Habitation. But _Mexi_ proceeded on his Journey, yet
not without great Crosses, in regard _Viztlipuztli_’s Sister (some
Inchantress probably so call’d) did much hurt to the whole Army by her
Sorceries, because they would not honor her as a Goddess, till
_Viztlipuztli_ inform’d one of them that carried the Ark, that the Army
should march on, and banish the Witch from them: whereupon she
accordingly being driven away, built the Village _Malinalco_, as a
Habitation for Conjurers. Mean while, the Army grew weaker and weaker by
their leaving so many People behind them in most places; therefore they
judg’d it convenient to rest a while in _Tula_, where a great River
water’d the Countrey; which, according to _Viztlipuztli_’s Commands,
being dry’d up, made a large Lake about the Mountain _Coatepeck_, whose
Banks being planted with Willow and Poplar-Trees, were exceeding
pleasant, and the more, because of the variety of Birds that made their
Nests in the same; which so delighted many of the People, that being
tir’d with travelling, they resolv’d to settle there; which Resolution
was so ill resented by _Viztlipuztli_, that he commanded the Bank to be
broken, that the Water might have liberty to flow its former Course, and
threatned them with heavy punishments: after which in the Night a
terrible Cry of Murder was heard in one part of the Army; which being
inquir’d after the next Morning, they found divers People lying on the
Ground with their Breasts cut open, and their Hearts pull’d out:
whereupon those that remain’d went onto _Chapultepec_, where they
fortifi’d themselves in the Mountains against the adjacent People, which
_Copil_, Son to the _Malinalcon_ Witch, had rais’d up against them; and
soon after the _Tapunecans_ and _Chalcans_ went against their new
Neighbors, with whom they began a bloody Fight, when _Vitzilovitli_, at
that time General of the _Mexican_ Army, pressing in amongst them, broke
their Ranks, and made way for all his Army (though with his own Death)
to march Conquerors to _Culhuacan_: The Prince of which Province gave
them a Place to settle on, near the white Water _Ticaapan_, whose Shores
swarm’d with Adders and Serpents, upon Design that the Strangers might
be destroy’d by them; but it prov’d quite otherwise: for they without
regret eat the poysonous Animals; and Dunging the unfruitful Soil,
receiv’d a plentiful Harvest: They would willingly have setled here,
after their so long ranging up and down, if _Viztlipuztli_ would have
approv’d thereof; but he told them, that they must possess themselves by
Arms, and make a _Culhuacan_ Maid their Goddess: whereupon they desir’d
the _Casique_’s Daughter of _Culhuacan_, who was sent them in rich
Ornaments, and with a stately Retinue: But she was no sooner entred on
the _Ticaapan_ Shore, but they flay’d her alive, and her Skin being
stuff’d, and nam’d _Tocci_, was religiously worshipp’d. But not
satisfi’d with this cruelty, they sent for her Father to visit his
Daughter in her Dignity; who accordingly coming with great Attendance,
was led into a dark Chappel, where by the burning Tapers he knew the
Goddess to be no other than his Daughters Skin stuff’d full of Cotton;
whereat burning with rage, he afterwards fell upon these Murderers with
all his Forces, and drove them to the Place where they afterwards built
_Mexico_.
[Illustration: _Viztlipuztli idolum Mexicanorum._]
We have often made mention heretofore of the Governor of this Journey,
_Viztlipuztli_, it will therefore be necessary to give an exacter
Description of him, as followeth:
[Sidenote: Description of the Image _Viztlipuztli_.]
He was a woodden Image like a Man, sitting on a blue Seat in a
triumphant Chair; at each end of which was plac’d a Staff with a
Serpents Head upon it, from whose Forehead, which was Painted blue, ran
a Streak of the same colour, cross his Nose to both his Ears; upon his
Head stood a Plume of Feathers, the ends whereof were tipp’d with a
golden Varnish; his left Hand held a white Shield, on which stuck five
Feathers, and on the top a Laurel Bough; next the Shield lay four
Arrows, pretended to be sent from Heaven; in his right Hand a Truncheon,
full of blue crooked Streaks like Serpents; behind on his Shoulders
appear’d Wings, not unlike those of a Bat, his Eyes large and round, and
his Mouth reaching from Ear to Ear, made him terrible to behold, also
gaping, and full of Teeth, which stuck out of his Belly; in his Breast
also were two fiery Eyes, and under them a shrivell’d Nose; his Feet
ended in Claws, hung round about with Precious Jems, golden Boxes and
Shields set out with divers colour’d Feathers. The Curtain behind which
this Idol sat, was not drawn open except on a Feast-Day.
Next _Viztlipuztli_ stood generally a lesser Image, call’d _Tlaboc_, and
also the Goddess _Tocci_, Daughter to the Prince of _Culhuacan_, who (as
before mention’d) was flay’d by their _Dæmon_’s Command. Since which
time they suppos’d, that they were never more acceptable to their Gods,
than when they appear’d Cloth’d in another Man’s Skin; and accounted no
Offering better, than a Heart taken out of their Enemies Breast, since
their Spirit destroy’d so many after that manner in the Army at _Tula_.
[Sidenote: _Tocci_’s Festival.]
But _Tocci_, they say, had also a Son much inclin’d to Hunting, whose
Image they carry, attended by a thousand People, with the sound of Horns
and Trumpets, to an Arbor on a high Mountain; which being made of green
Leaves pleited, had in the middle an Altar, on which they set the Idol,
whilst the Multitude surrounded the Foot of the Mountain, and set all
the Bushes about the same on Fire; which done, they shouted and
hollow’d, and play’d on several Instruments; which frighting the wild
Beasts that lay shelter’d in the Woods, made them run to the top of the
Mountain, where they were more and more inclos’d by the People, insomuch
that many of them were slain for an Offering before _Tocci_’s Son’s
Altar; which done, they carried the Idol back to his Temple, and the
People made Merry with the slain Venison.
[Sidenote: Description of _Tezcatlipuca_’s Image.]
As great Reverence they shew’d to _Tezcatlipuca_, because (as they said)
he pardon’d their Sins. This Idol was made of a black shining Stone,
richly Apparell’d, having Golden Ear-rings; in his undermost Lip a
Silver Sheath, in which stuck sometimes a green, and sometimes a blue
Plume of Feathers; his Hair was ty’d with an embroider’d String, at the
end of which hung a Golden Ear, whereon Smoak was Painted, signifying
the Prayers of oppress’d Sinners; moreover, the String hung full of
Pearls, and about the Neck in a String hung a Jewel; on his Breast, as
also on his Navel, a green Stone; in his left Hand he held a Fan made of
a Gold Plate, in which stuck many colour’d Feathers: this Plate
glittering like Glass, was in stead of a Mirrour for _Tezcatlipuca_, to
observe all worldly Transactions in the same: and to punish Criminals,
he held four Darts in his right Hand. His Feast they kept once in four
years.
This Idol also had the Command of Hunger, Drought, Famine, and
pestilential Distempers; wherefore he had quite another shape, sat on a
Stool behind a red Curtain embroider’d with dead Mens Bones and Sculls;
his Body Coal black, his Head stuck full of Quails Feathers, a Quiver
with four Arrows in his left, and a Rod in his right Hand, which made
the Image seem very terrible.
The Idol _Quetzalcoalt_, being their Guardian over the Merchants, was
plac’d in a high Temple, being shap’d like a Man, his Face onely
excepted; for that resembled a Bird’s Head, with a red Bill full of
Teeth, a Comb, and a long Tongue; on the hind-part of his Head stood a
Mitre, and about his Legs Silk Garters beset with Pearls.
[Illustration]
CHAP. IX.
Cibola, Tontonteac, and Nova Granada.