that lay along the River _Magdalena_, he travell’d upon the right side
of it with great trouble; for not onely the brambly Woods, Moors, and
deep Brooks, made the Way exceeding bad to be travell’d, but also the
Inhabitants, who fell upon him from their Ambuscades: yet at last he
reach’d _Tora_, which Name he chang’d into _Pueblo de los Bracos_,
because four Rivers unite their Waters there. Here ordering his
Brigantines which were come up the River to cast their Anchors, he
judg’d it convenient to stay all the Winter, because the swoln Rivers
had drown’d the adjacent Countrey. _Ximenes_ observing that the
_Indians_ fetch’d Salt from the Sea-side, judg’d that the Countrey was
inhabited, and therefore in fair Weather march’d up to the Mountain
_Opou_, behind which he found a Countrey full of Salt-pools, which
produc’d Cakes of Salt. And somewhat farther the Province Govern’d by
the Casique _Bogata_, who at first resisting the _Spaniards_, was soon
put to flight, when he heard the noise of the Guns. The _Panches_
divided from _Bogata_’s Countrey by a small Mountain, also maintaining
continual Wars with him, suffer’d the _Spaniards_ unmolested to travel
through their Countrey, and the Valley _La Trompetta_, to a high barren
Mountain, on the top of which _Ximenes_ found several Emeraulds; and
going from thence fell upon the Casique _Tunia_, and three days Journey
farther, upon the Governors _Sagamosa_ and _Diutama_; from which three
Countreys he carried above a hundred and ninety thousand pieces of fine
Gold, fifty five thousand pieces of indifferent Gold, and eighteen
hundred Emeraulds; all which the _Spaniards_ left behind with Guards
whilest they went back to _Bogata_ whom they found lying dead of his
Wounds on a high Hill: But _Sagipa_, _Bogata_’s Successor, receiv’d
_Ximenes_ with great Civility, to engage his Assistance against his
Neighbors the _Panches_; which he did not refuse him: but afterwards he
fell most perfidiously upon the said _Sagipa_, whom he caus’d to be
Executed, because he either could not, or would not discover where those
Riches were which _Bogata_ had left behind him. After he had pillag’d
the little Region _Neyba_, and brought into subjection the whole
Countrey, he gave it the Name of _New Granada_, from _Granada_ the place
of his Nativity, being the chief City of the Kingdom of _Granada_ in
_Spain_, and built the City _Santa Fe_; which done, he quitted the
Place, upon information that _Sebastian de Bevalcazar_ coming from
_Popayan_, was seeking a Way Northward; and not long after him _Nicholas
Federman_ follow’d, each claiming _New Granada_ as their Right, whereas
_Ximenes_ alledg’d, That the first Discovery thereof was to be ascribed
to him onely: at last Agreeing, they resolv’d that it should be at the
King of _Spain_’s disposal.
[Sidenote: The Nature and Custom of the _Moxas_.]
The antient Inhabitants, nam’d _Moxas_, divided their Countrey into two
chief Principalities, _viz._ _Bogota_ and _Tunica_, which before the
_Spaniards_ Arrival were each under their particular _Casique_ or
Prince. The Men were of a good proportion; the Women also handsomer, and
of a fairer Complexion than their Neighbors: Their Habit also consisted
of black, white, and divers colour’d Cotton Cloaks, and some also had
Bonnets of the same. The temperateness of the Climate makes little
difference between Winter and Summer. Their Houses were of Planks, and
cover’d with long Rushes. Their chiefest Food was _Maiz_ and _Cassave_,
which first grows on Stalks as large as Canes, containing very large and
weighty Spikes or Ears, each Ear generally yielding seven hundred
Grains, which are Planted in hot and moist Ground; one Bushel Sow’n,
generally produces three hundred. But the _Maiz_ is distinguish’d into a
courser or finer sort, which last is call’d _Moroche_, the Leaves and
Canes whereof afford a wholsom Provender for Horses, and the Corn, Bread
for the Inhabitants, who make it several ways; for sometimes they boyl
it in Water, and at other times parch it in Ashes, or grind it to Meal,
which kneading into Dough, they make into Cakes, Biskets, and the like:
Moreover, _Maiz_ steep’d in Water, and after being boyl’d and set a
working, makes a very strong Liquor. They also use _Cassada_, which they
make of the Root _Yuca_, which being large and thick, is cut in pieces,
grated, and all its Juice, which is deadly poyson, being press’d out, is
Bak’d in thin Cakes. There is likewise another sort of _Yuca_, which
hath not so poysonous a Juice, keeping good a long time, and is both
wholsom, and of a good taste. The Natives of old liv’d much upon the
Roots _Yomus_, and _Cubias_, all sorts of Venison, Fowls, and Fish,
which the Rivers and Lakes afford in great abundance. Those that are
left of the Natives, are a deceitful, crafty, and ingenious sort of
People, very apt to learn Art, and to Trade with Salt to _Rio Grande_,
and the Mountain _Opou_.
Besides Copper and Steel-Mines, this Countrey hath also several of Gold;
and the Fields produce all manner of Plants.
[Sidenote: The Nature of the _Panchas_.]
The _Panchas_ which remain are yet a salvage People, but their Countrey
is an indifferent fertile Soil, though not in all places alike; for
those which border upon _Tunia_ fed much heretofore on Pismires, of
which some being long, have double Wings, others lesser and without
Wings; which last sort being roasted, are accounted a great Dainty, and
a speedy Remedy against the Distemper of the Gravel. There are also a
sort of venomous Pismires, which stinging a Man, cause a swelling and
great itching, and these are call’d _Tayoques_, whose Stings are cur’d
by a Plaister of bruis’d Pismires.
[Sidenote: The Bounds and Dimensions of _Nova Granada_.]
The Countrey is bounded on the North with _Castella Aurea_ aforesaid; on
the West, with _Mare del Zur_; on the East, with _Venezuela_; the
Southern parts of it being not well discover’d, by reason of certain
huge and unpassable Mountains, which block it up wholly on that side,
save onely where a Passage is kept open into the Province of _Peru_,
specially so call’d: It containeth in length about a hundred and thirty
Leagues, and not much less in breadth, being for the most part a very
healthful Countrey, and abounding in Mines of the best sort of Metal,
besides others of Brass and Iron. It is subdivided into these two
Provinces, _viz._ _Granada_ and _Popayana_.
SECT. II.
Granada.
[Sidenote: Description of _Granada_.]
_Granada_, specially so call’d, is a Countrey of a very temperate and
good Air, as hath been before observ’d, neither subject to over-much
Cold, nor to extremity of Heat; which is the more to be admir’d by
reason of its nearness to the _Line_, from which it is distant Northward
but a very few Degrees.
[Sidenote: Towns of chief note.]
The Towns and Places of chief importance are, 1. _St. Foy_, commonly
call’d _St. Foy de Bagota_, which was the old Name of this Province, and
to distinguish it from another _St. Foy_, in the Countrey of _New
Mexico_ above mention’d. It is the Metropolis and Capital City of this
Province, an Arch-bishop’s See, and the ordinary Residence of the
Governor, built by the above-mention’d _Gonsalvo Ximenes_ upon the Lake
call’d _Guatavita_, and hath been long since inhabited by above six
hundred Families of _Spaniards_.
2. _St. Michael_, twelve Leagues Northward of _St. Foy_, and a well
Traded Town. The _Indians_ that dwell about this Place being above five
thousand, pay great Tribute yearly. Not far from hence lies the Lake
_Guatavita_, where the Inhabitants in former times Offer’d much Gold to
their Idols.
[Sidenote: Commodities of the Countrey of _Tocaima_.]
3. _Tocaima_, fourteen Leagues Westward from _St. Foy_, within a
Territory which antiently belong’d to the _Panches_, who yet possess the
worst part of it, lying still wild and unreduc’d: It is situate on the
Banks of the great River _Pati_, which falls into the Rivulet
_Magdalena_. This City, which enjoys the benefit of a wholsom Climate,
is surrounded with Mines of Gold, Copper, Silver, and Lead. And besides
the Fruits of the Countrey, all _Spanish_ Plants thrive exceedingly
after once Planted; and though Sheep will not breed here, yet Kine,
Hogs, and Goats increase daily, but are often devour’d by Tygers, Lyons,
and Bears. The Woods produce Nut-Trees, Cedars, _Guaiacum_, or
_Pock-Wood_, and the wonderful Tree _Zeyba_, whose Leaves fall off every
twelve hours, and grow again. The Fowls of this Countrey are many and
several. Near the City are sulphurous Fountains, whose Waters cure Scabs
and Leprosie. In the Valleys also flow Springs of salt Water, which
thrown on Herbs, turns to Rozen and Pitch, and is good to make Boats
tight. The tops of the Mountains are continually cover’d with Snow,
notwithstanding some of them vomit forth horrible Flames and Ashes,
which are blown several Leagues over the Countrey. The vicissitude of
the Weather occasions two Summers and two Winters; the first Summer
begins in _December_, and the second in _June_; the first Winter
accordingly begins in _March_, and the other in _October_. This
alteration of Seasons is not distinguish’d by any change of Heat or
Cold, but the continuance of fair Weather during the Summer, and in the
Winter, of such terrible Hurricanes, that blow from North to South, or
from South to North, with such Thundering and Lightning, as if the end
of the World were at hand. The chiefest Trees that grow here are Cedars,
and one that bears exceeding great Almonds. The _Quaque_ also bears a
pleasant Fruit about the bigness of a Goose-Egg; and the Fig-Tree, Figs
as large as Oranges. The _Agnapa_ which grows here is of such a nature,
that an _European_ sleeping under it, swells exceedingly, but an
_Indian_ bursts. The Bark and Sprigs of the _Hobo_, which grows high and
round, serve against Swellings and Ulcers, and occasion also Loosness.
Sugar-Canes grow also here in great abundance, amongst which feed
certain Beasts like Hogs, whose Navels grow on their Backs; and large
Stags. The Fountains in most places of this Countrey run with salt
Water; and sometimes Salt is found between fresh-Water Brooks. The
Natives, who are valiant, subtile, and well proportion’d, are since
their giving over eating of Mans-flesh much increas’d, and many of them
forsaking their Heathenish Idolatry, have embrac’d the _Roman-Catholick_
Religion.
[Illustration: TERRA FIRMA et NOVUM REGNUM GRANATENSE et POPAYAN]
4. _La Palma_, built _Anno 1572._ in a certain Territory, the People
whereof were antiently call’d _Musi_ and _Colymæ_.
5. _Trinidad_, which is indeed the antient _Tudela_ renew’d, or a City
sprung out of the Ruines thereof. This _Tudela_ stood on the Shore of
the River _Zarbi_, which running between high Mountains, makes the
Rivulet _Turatena_, and in the same Territory as _La Palma_ above
mention’d, _viz._ of the _Musi_ & _Colymæ_, by whom the _Spaniards_, who
had here a Colony, were so exceedingly molested, that they deserted the
same, together with their Governor _Peter de Orsua_: yet not long after
the forsaken Place was again re-built by the Name of _Trinidad_; but
that Place proving incommodious, was again abandon’d, and a new
_Trinidad_ built, where now it is to be seen on a convenient place
Eastward from the high and cold Mountain _Paramo_. From several rich
Gemmaries thereabouts are digg’d store of Emeraulds, Crystal like
Diamonds, white Marble, and the Beryl, especially on the Mountains
_Ytoco_ and _Abipi_.
6. _Tunia_, having a Territory about it, to which it gives Denomination;
It lies on a high Hill, from whence the Church and two Cloysters of the
_Dominican_ Fryers are seen at a great distance. Here also is kept the
greatest Market in _New Granada_.
7. _Pampelona_, sixty Leagues distant from _St. Foy_ to the North-East,
abounding with Cattel and Gold.
8. _Merida_, surrounded with Corn-Fields, the farthest Town of this
Province North-Eastward towards _Venezuela_.
9. _Belez_, which though it suffers great prejudice by a burning a
Mountain that vomits Fire and Stones, and also Thunder and Lightning, is
the greatest Residence of several Orders of Fryers.
10. _Marequita_, otherwise call’d _St. Sebastian del Oro_, which lies
under a hot Climate, and hath much Pasture.
11. _Ybague_, the Habitation chiefly of _Dominicans_.
12. _La Vittoria de los Remedios_; and 13. _Juan de los Lanos_, or _St.
John of the Plains_, seated in a rich Nook of the Countrey, where there
are good Silver and Gold-Mines.
The Merchandise that come to these Towns, are brought up the River
_Magdalena_ in _Canoos_ of sixty Foot long.
SECT. III.
Popayana.
[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Popayana_.]
_Popayana_, the other part of this new Kingdom, is border’d on the West
with part of _Granada_ last spoken of, from which the River _St. Martha_
divides it for the most part: On the North it hath _Nova Andaluzia_, or
_Carthagena_; on the West, _Mare del Zur_; and on the South, _Quito_, or
rather some unreduc’d Countreys lying betwixt them both; It extends in
length above a hundred Leagues from North to South, but in breadth,
betwixt the River and the South Sea, not much above forty or fifty. The
Countrey is said to be a little too much subject to Rain, yet not so,
but that the fertility of the Soil answers the industry of the
Inhabitants in most places very well.
_Sebastian de Bevalcazar_, Governor of _Quito_, marching _Anno 1536._
with a Company of _Spaniards_ to _Otabalo_, where the Countrey _Popayan_
begins, was often set upon by the Natives from their Ambuscades, and the
many Inconveniences which he suffer’d for want of Provisions, and
trouble of travelling over the high Mountains, had necessitated him to
return, had he not been resolutely bent to discover the Countrey; to
which purpose marching on leisurely, he came into the heart of
_Popayan_, where his wearied People sufficiently resting themselves
amidst a fruitful Countrey, where they found pleasant Fruit-Trees,
Houses full of Provisions, and fresh Rivers, which glided from the
Mountain _Andes_, and some of the Rivulets also affording Gold, were
encourag’d to build several Villages; in which nevertheless they made no
Settlement, either because they could not get Gold enough, or else being
driven from thence by the valiant Natives.
[Sidenote: Cities and Towns of chief note.]
The Places of chief note in it, are 1. _Popayan_, situate on the Banks
of a fair River, but not nam’d, and in the midst of a Plain in a place
of great Wealth, and enjoying a good Air. The original of the Name
_Popayan_ is from the _Casique_ who Govern’d there at the time of the
_Spaniards_ first Arrival. It is a Bishop’s See, and the ordinary
Residence of the Governor of the Province. The chief Buildings are the
Cathedral, and a Monastery of the Fryers _De la Merced_. The _Savanna_
Grounds towards the North feed many fat Cattel. The Fields produce the
best _American Maiz_. Some of the adjacent Mountains either vomit Smoak,
Flames, great Stones, or scalding Water, leaving a Salt behind it.
Beyond the City _Popayan_ the great River _Magdalena_ takes its original
in the Valley _Cali_, where several Brooks gliding from the Mountain
_Andes_, inhabited by the _Cocunocos_, unite their Waters.
2. _Antiochia_, otherwise call’d _St. Fides de Antiochia_, on the
Borders of _New Andaluzia_, and about a hundred Leagues from _Popayan_.
In the midst of a small Territory to which it gives Name, in the Valley
_Nore_, between the River _Magdalena_ and _Daria_, wash’d by Rivulets,
whose Sands are Golden, and whose Banks are shaded with all sorts of
Fruit-Trees. The Inhabitants white and very rational, sleep in the Night
under the open Skye: Their Houses are built a good distance from the
Highways; near which the Pastures feed abundance of Sheep. The Pools
breed plenty of Fish, and the Mines store of Gold, especially in the
Mountain _Buritica_.
3. _Caramanta_, seated likewise on the Banks of the River _St. Martha_,
within a little Province also of the same Name; the Inhabitants whereof
being valiant and strong go naked, and dwell in little Huts, make white
Salt out of a Fountain and a little Lake: they generally go to
_Antiochia_ in six hours, which is forty five Leagues, so swift runs the
Stream.
4. _St. Anne_, in the _Cantred_ or Hundred of _Anzerma_, a Town neatly
situate upon the side of an Hill betwixt two Rivers, and in the midst of
Plain no less pleasant than fertile: It was so call’d by _Bevalcazar_,
because the _Indians_ of this Place name the Salt _Anzer_; it is
surrounded with Villages and Woods on a high Plain between two Rivers.
The Air being exceeding hot, lightens generally every day.
5. The Village _Pueblo Llana_, which is inhabited by little People, who
Trade in Salt, and have also Golden Rivulets. Near this Place is the
Valley _Aburra_, consisting of many fruitful Plains, moistned by several
Rivers; the Inhabitants whereof at the _Spaniards_ first coming thither,
hang’d themselves, with their Wives and Children.
6. _St. Jago de Arma_, built in a Wood of Palm-Trees, so nam’d from the
Territory in which it standeth, rich and famous for its Mines of Gold,
which it is said to have many and very good: The Ground round about
being Mountainous, hath several Rivers, the chiefest whereof call’d _Di
Arma_, is dangerous to cross, especially in Winter. The unwholsom Air
hereabouts occasions many Sicknesses. Amongst other Fruits that grow in
this County, is the _Pytahaya_, which whoe’re eats, voids Urine as red
as Blood. Adjacent to it are the little Provinces _Paucuran_, _Pozo_,
and _Picara_, which possess Golden Mines: also the Territory _Carrapa_
which hath high and rugged Land, and many Rivulets: likewise the County
_Quimbaya_, which abounds with thick and long Canes, wherewith the
Natives build their Houses; in the hollow Bodies of these Canes the wild
Bees gather store of Honey; and amongst them breed also exceeding great
Lyons, the four-footed Beast _Chuca_ which carries its Young in a Bag,
Stags, Rabbets and _Guadaquinajes_, which being bigger than Hares, are
exceeding good Meat. The Mountain _Nevada_, wonderful high, and smoaking
continually, produces the golden Rivers _Tacurumbi_ & _De la Cequo_.
Twenty Leagues or more distant from _St. Jago_ is, 7. _Carthago_, the
chief City of _Quimbayaes_, and by which the aforesaid Rivers run. The
temperate Climate here gives Health and long Life to the Inhabitants,
who have several Fountains of salt Water, and the Fruit _Caymito_, not
unlike a Peach, black within, having little Kernels, and a Juice which
Dyes so deep, that it can scarce be wash’d off. Horses and Cows they
have likewise very plentiful. _Carthago_ it self stands in a pleasant
Plain between two Rivulets; the Ways that lead to the same are very
dirty, because of the continual Rain which falls there, with Lightning
and Thunder. A League beyond the City flows the Stream _Consota_; near
which lies a Lake, out of which Salt is made.
8. The City _Cali_, the Residence for the Governor and Collector, lying
under a hot Climate in a plain Valley at a River, which falling from the
Mountain, glides to the Stream _Magdalena_. Round about the same dwelt
antiently several People, _viz._ the _Gorrones_, so call’d, because they
nam’d a Fish _Gorron_, the _Chancos_, Giants, with long Faces and broad
Foreheads, the _Aarbacoas_, _Agnales_, and _Los Timbas_, inhabiting
among barren Mountains; but most of them were slain by the _Spaniards_,
or destroy’d by one another, few onely escaping to the tops of the
Mountains. The Countrey also swarms with wild Beasts, which have also
devour’d many of the Inhabitants, both _Indians_ and _Spaniards_.
9. The Haven _Bonaventure_, situate in a deep Inlet, about which live
some Families which send the Commodities that come from _New Spain_ to
_Popayan_, _Cali_, and other Places; and though there be a Way along by
the River _Dagua_, convenient for Mules and Horses to travel, yet it is
seldom us’d, because the Cattel are so wearied out with the long
Journey, that they cannot go through with their Loads; wherefore they
employ the _Indians_ to carry their heavy Burthens over the Mountains,
which they do for a small Reward.
10. _St. Juan de Pasto_, giving Denomination to the Countrey about it,
and being built on the pleasant Plains of the Valley _Atris_, is situate
in a wholsom Climate, and is moistned by several Fountains and the River
_Angasmayo_, the Boundary of _Peru_. The _Spaniards_ have several Houses
here, and breed store of Cattel, and especially Hogs. They have likewise
Sugar-Mills, with which they make abundance of Sugar. The antient
Inhabitants were salvage, deform’d, and of little Reason.
11. _Timana_, giving Denomination to the Countrey about, is plac’d under
a hot Climate, yet the Inhabitants live long; they drive a great Trade
with Thred spun out of the Herb _Pita_; and also with Sweet-meats,
Fruits Preserv’d with Honey and Sugar, and especially a Kernel not
unlike an Almond. In their Gardens they Plant the Herb _Cocoa_, which
they chew constantly for the strengthning of their Hearts. Near _Pita_
is a Mountain with Load-stones; and somewhat farther the Habitations of
the valiant _Yalcones_ in the Valley _Aquirya_, the _Paezes_, _Pixaos_,
and _Manipos_, which so molested the _Spaniards_, that they forc’d them
to forsake the Towns _Neyra_, _St. Vincent_, and _Ville de los Angelos_.
12. _Guadalajara de Buga_; and 13. _Sebastian de la Plata_, built on a
Plain near the River _Guali_; the Countrey about which is exceedingly
troubled with Earthquakes, and the Inhabitants with their Neighbors the
_Nineres_, who bring the Flesh of their Prisoners to Sale in the publick
Shambles.
14. _Almague_, built on a high Mountain, and lying under a cool Climate,
is surrounded with fruitful Fields, which feed store of Cattel, and
enrich’d with several Gold-Mines.
15. _Juan de Truxillo_, which the _Indians_ call _Yscance_.
16. _Madrigall_; 17. _Chapanchipa_; 18. _Malaga_; and 19. _Agreda_; the
Mountains about which inclose store of Gold.
Between the Promontory _De Corrientes_ and the Island _Palmas_, are the
Rivers _Salinas_ and _Balsas_, which fall into the Southern Ocean; _St.
Juan_, whose Banks are inhabited by a salvage People which dwell in the
tops of the Trees, because the River oftentimes overflows the Countrey.
They sowe Pease and Beans, and catch Fish, but buy other Provisions,
with Gold.
[Sidenote: The Isle _Gorgona_.]
Against the Mouth of this River _St. Juan_ lies the Isle _Gorgona_,
three Leagues in circumference, which is compar’d to Hell, because of
the dismal Woods which are upon it, barren Mountains, Millions of
_Musticho_’s, whose Stings are intolerable, and never-ceasing Rain,
insomuch that the Sun never shines upon it.
[Sidenote: The Isle _Del Gallo_.]
West-South-West from _Gorgona_ lies the round Island _Del Gallo_, about
a League in circumference; it is divided by several Rivers, and round
about Planted with Trees, on which the _Indians_ dwell as at the River
_St. Juan_.
[Illustration]
CHAP. IV.
Peru.
[Sidenote: The Description and Division of _Peru_.]
_Peru_, so call’d, as some think, from the River _Beru_ afore mention’d,
in the Southern part of _America_, was antiently a great and mighty
Kingdom, as _Mexico_ in the Northern, and fell under the Power of the
_Spaniards_ much after the same manner that the Kingdom of _Mexico_ did,
_viz._ through the Dissentions and Differences amongst the People
themselves, as in the History of this considerable part of the _New
World_ will be related at large hereafter.
[Illustration: PERV]
[Sidenote: Commodities of the Countrey.]
[Sidenote: The Fountain _Puchio_.]
[Sidenote: Another strange Fountain.]
[Sidenote: A most wonderful Rock.]