Prince call’d _Panguinaco_, who having been taken Prisoner, inform’d
_Vasquez Nunnez_ of the abundance or Gold and Silver which was to be had
there, who resolv’d to venture through a thousand Dangers into the South
Sea. After which _Francisco Pizarro_, _Ferdinand de Lugue_, and _Diego
de Almagro_, consulted upon this great Design, _Anno 1525._ _Pizarrus_
being order’d to Sail before with a Ship carrying a hundred and fourteen
Men, and _Almagro_ to follow with a Vessel carrying seventy Men, whilest
_De Lugue_ staid to manage the Affairs at home. Fifty Leagues Southward
from _Panama_, _Pizarrus_ found a small Neck of Land nam’d _Peru_, from
which it is most probable that great Kingdom afterwards receiv’d its
Denomination, though many deduce it from the River _Beru_, as before
mention’d: Thence Sailing to the main Continent of _Peru_, and Landing,
he lost several of his Men, and being himself desperately wounded,
return’d with ill success, whilest _Almagro_ missing of him, Landed
afterwards in the same place, and also lost several of his Men, and one
of his own Eyes: yet not long after they renew’d their Design, carrying
with them in two Ships and three Boats, three hundred stout Men, which
all suffer’d extream Hunger, and had they not happily gotten some
Sea-Crabs, they had without doubt all of them perish’d: at last Landing
on the Coast of _Catamez_, they were Encountred by a People whose Faces
were hung full of Golden Nails, and daily lost more and more of their
Men; upon which ill Successes the new _American_ Vice-Roy forbad the
farther discovery of _Peru_, and call’d home the remaining part from the
Island _Gallo_, so that _Pizarro_ kept with him but twelve Men, with
whom he went to the desolate Isle _Gorgona_, where he liv’d on
Sea-Snails, till he receiv’d Provisions from _Panama_; after which they
spent two years in making farther Discoveries upon the Coasts of _Peru_:
During which time he visited the Queen _Capullana_, and discover’d a
mighty Palace, where three of the twelve Men were kill’d, whose Memory
deserves to live for ever, because the World owes to their unheard-of
Valor the Discovery of the mighty Kingdom of _Peru_; but there are onely
left Recorded the Names of those nine Worthies who surviv’d that
Exploit, which were these following, _Nicholas de Rivera_, _Peter de
Candia_, _Juan Torre_, _Alonzo Briseni_, _Christophero Peralca_, _Alonzo
de Truxillo_, _Francisco Cuellar_, _Alonzo Molina_, and the Pilot
_Bartholomeo Ruyz_: With these nine _Pizarro_ Landed on the Isle _Puna_,
inhabited by a valiant People, who us’d Bowes, Darts, Silver Knives, and
Pikes tipt with Gold: From thence he steer’d his Course unto the Haven
_Tumbez_, where _Peter de Candia_ Landing, was met by forty thousand of
the Inhabitants, who conducted him to the Temple of the Sun, built by
the _Inga Guaynacava_, and adorn’d in the in-side with Golden Plates.
Not long after which _Pizarro_ was by an Order from the _Spanish_ Court
made Governor of _Peru_, to the great discontent of _Almagro_; which
Difference being decided, _Pizarro_ set out again with two hundred and
fifty Foot, besides Horse, with which he Landed a hundred Leagues lower
than before, where he got a great Mass of Gold and some Emeraulds of the
_Casique_, all which he sent to _Panama_, thereby to stir up the People
to come to _Peru_ to his assistance; where those that were at present on
the Place, besides other great Hardships which they suffer’d, were
miserably plagued with Ulcers in their Faces; yet they prosecuted their
Conquest as well as they could with what small Power was left them, and
had newly taken _Puerto Viejo_ when Captain _Bevalcazar_ and _Juan
Florez_ brought fresh Supplies of Men and Horse; with which Recruit
_Pizarro_ conquer’d the Valley of _Tumbez_; from whence they Sail’d over
to the Island _Punas_, where the friendly Entertainment they met with at
first, turn’d soon after into a bloody Battel: for the _Spaniards_ not
forbearing to prie into every House, and committing many Outrages, were
set upon by the Natives, whom having at last subdu’d, and being again
supply’d with new Forces by _Ferdinando Sotto_ from _Nicaragua_, they
return’d to _Tumbez_, where the Countrey was all in Arms upon the Report
of the _Spaniards_ Cruelties committed on the Island _Puna_, insomuch
that they Offer’d all those whom they took alive to their Gods, and slew
as many as they could conveniently meet with. _Pizarro_ having stay’d
about twenty days, went with his Brothers _Juan_ and _Gonsalves_, the
Captains _Sotto_ and _Bevalcazar_, and fifty Horse over the River
_Ambato_ about Mid-night, through a thorny Way betwixt Mountains, and
about Break-of-day fell upon the _Tumbezan_ Army, and having setled
things pretty well in those Parts, he built the City _St. Michael_ in
the Countrey _Tangazara_, along the River _De la Chira_, where he was
Complemented by two Agents from _Cusco_, who desiring Aid in _Huascar_’s
Name against his Brother _Attabaliba_, receiv’d for Answer, That he was
going to _Caxamalca_, as indeed he was, to find _Attabaliba_ there;
whose Commands that he should not approach prov’d all in vain: for
_Pizarro_, under pretence of Complementing him in his Catholick
Majesty’s Name, was no sooner admitted to his Presence, but he took him
Prisoner, and set for a Ransom upon him as much Gold as a Room of fifty
four Foot long and nine Foot broad was able to contain, as high as he
could just reach with his Hand held up: But the Gold coming slower than
was expected, _Pizarro_ was much incens’d thereat, whom _Attabaliba_
endeavoring to pacifie, alledg’d, That it could not possibly come
sooner, because the Way between _Caxamalca_ and _Cusco_, from whence the
Gold was to be fetch’d, was at a great distance: The truth whereof
_Pizarro_ resolving to try, sent _Sotto_ and _Peter del Baro_ to _Cusco_
in Chairs, carried by _Peruvians_ exceeding swift of Foot, and who if
they tir’d were successively reliev’d by others that attended, without
so much as setting down the Chair; being got about half way, they met
with _Attabaliba_’s Captain _Cilucuchuma_, he having taken _Huascar_
Prisoner, who requested _Sotto_ and _Baro_ that they would be pleas’d to
deliver him out of the Hands of his blood-thirsty Brother, for which
kindness he would pay three times as much Gold as _Attabaliba_ had
promis’d, who was not able to give any thing else but the Golden Plates
which were in the Temple of the Sun in _Cusco_; whereas _Huascar_ had
all the Treasure that was left by _Guaynacava_; which indeed was true,
for _Huascar_ had caus’d it privately to be buried, and put to death
those that did it, that so he might keep the place conceal’d where it
lay; insomuch that none could ever find it out to this day, though the
_Spaniards_ have tortur’d the _Indians_ with all imaginable cruelty, to
make them discover the place. But _Attabaliba_ inform’d by _Pizarro_ of
_Huascar_’s Imprisonment, seem’d to be exceeding sorry, and said, _I am
much troubled at the News of my Captain’s laying violent Hands on my
Brother_ Huascar, _whom I acknowledge my eldest Brother, and both of the
same Father and Mother; but I suppose he has no design to kill him, but
onely keeps him Prisoner, to bring him to grant me peaceably to enjoy
the Kingdom of_ Quito, _of late brought under subjection of the_
Peruvian _Crown_. _Pizarro_ not observing _Attabaliba_’s subtilty (who
design’d nothing but _Huascar_’s Death, out of fear that the _Spaniards_
upon his liberal promises to them, might promote him to the Throne)
comforted him as well as he could: whereupon _Attabaliba_ supposing that
_Pizarro_ would be little concern’d at the killing of his Brother
_Huascar_, gave speedy Order that he should be burnt alive, which
accordingly was put into execution; but before he was brought to the
Fire, he foretold his Brother _Attabaliba_’s cruel death. During which
time _Almagro_ came with fresh Supplies from _Panama_, eager to have a
share of the fore-mention’d Ransom, which at last was paid with
overplus; for by daily bringing in of Baskets of Gold, the Chamber was
fill’d up to the very top; but though _Attabaliba_ had more than
perform’d his Promise, yet Sentence of Death was pronounc’d against him
presently after he had been Baptiz’d: the Reasons of which wicked and
rash Condemnation were two; first the false Accusation of a _Peruvian_
Interpreter call’d _Philippillo_, who desir’d his Death, that then he
might with the more freedom enjoy one of his Wives; for _Attabaliba_
mistrusting the same, had complain’d thereof to _Pizarro_, saying, _That
his Imprisonment was not so grievous to him, as the thoughts of the
Adultery, acted against the strict Laws of his Countrey_; the Defiler of
an _Inga_’s Bed being not onely to be burnt with the Adulterers, but
also the whole Families of them, to the least Infant, their Houses to be
rac’d to the Ground, and their Land sow’n with Salt, as for ever curs’d.
The second cause of _Attabaliba_’s Death is laid on _Almagro_, who came
to _Peru_ with new Forces, and who fearing that none of the Gold which
_Attabaliba_ had the delivery of, would fall to his share, as not having
been in the Battel where _Attabaliba_ was taken, therefore order’d him
to be suddenly Strangled, that so the Booty might be equally divided.
Not long after _Pizarro_ conquering _Cusco_, got no less Treasure than
at _Caxamalca_. Here the Reign of the _Peruvian Inga_’s ceased, with
which before no Kings that ever Govern’d in the World were able to
compare in Riches and Glory. Their Palaces were round about adorn’d with
Golden Images; and they never ate but out of Golden Vessels, spitting in
the Hands of beautiful young Women of Noble Extract, were worshipp’d
like Gods both whilest living and when dead, all their Subjects being
their Slaves, and they the sole Lords of the whole Realm. In the interim
_Bevalcazar_ march’d from the new City _St. Michael_, with a hundred and
twenty Foot and eighty Horse, to assist the _Cannares_ against one of
_Attabaliba_’s Generals, who having spoil’d the Ways by digging Pits,
and covering them over with Bushes, resisted them in several places:
then marching to _Quito_ he burnt the City, after having kill’d a
hundred of the Natives, because they laughed at the _Spaniards_ Arrival.
Afterwards joyning with _Almagro_, he went back to _Cusco_, whither on
the Way he had News of _Quisquis_, _Attabaliba_’s General, and of his
Brother _Guaypalcon_, who making use of a Rock, threw down great Stones,
by the _Peruvians_ call’d _Galgas_, which in their Fall hitting others,
brought down a great number with them, by which means he not onely
defended the Place for the present, but kill’d fourteen _Spaniards_;
nevertheless distrusting his ability to keep it, he retreated to a steep
Mountain about Midnight, at the Foot whereof a Passage led over a deep
River, where he burnt all his Luggage that he could not carry with him;
also above fifteen thousand Sheep and four thousand Prisoners, became
wholly at the Discretion of _Almagro_, who leaving there Captain _Martin
Astete_, order’d him to build the Town _Truxillo_: In the mean time
_Quisquis_ was put to flight by _Pizarro_, and went to _Quito_, where he
lost many People, that were kill’d by _Bevalcazar_’s Guard; yet those
that were remaining chose rather to Fight to the last, than flye through
Wildernesses, and there be starv’d to death; which _Quisquis_
contradicting, was Stabb’d by his Captain _Guappalau_, and immediately
after cut to pieces. As soon as these Stirs were quieted, _Pizarro_
began to build the City _Los Reyos_, near a convenient Haven of the
Southern Ocean, whilest _Almagro_ marching to _Chili_ with two Troops of
Horse, and five hundred Foot, return’d without doing any thing
remarkable, except his taking the Interpreter _Philippillo_, (whom he
caus’d to be cut into four pieces) and his maintaining several Battels
against the _Chileses_, clad in Sea-Wolves Skins. In this Journey he
lost several of his Men on the Snowy Mountains. About this time a Ship
fitted out by _Gabriel Carvajal_, Bishop of _Placentia_, Sailing through
the _Straights_ of _Magellan_, ran into the Haven _Los Reyos_, out of
which the first Rats swam ashore that ever were in _Peru_, by which the
Countrey since suffering much damage, the Inhabitants call’d them
_Ococha_, that is, _Sinful Creatures_. Now all things on the _Spaniards_
side were tending to a quiet possession, when a new Accident arose,
which had like to have spoil’d all, for _Mango Inga_, _Attabaliba_’s
Brother, being releas’d out of Prison by _Juan Pizarro_, obtain’d leave
to go to _Yucaya_, to fetch the famous Golden Image _Machys_,
representing his Father _Guaynacava_: but he having now gotten his
Liberty slew all the _Spaniards_ which work’d in the Gold-Mines, took
the Castle of _Cusco_ by Storm, as also the City, after a Siege of eight
Moneths; which nevertheless was by _Francisco Pizarro_ soon re-taken,
and _Mango_ forc’d to flye into the Mountains _Andes_, after he had
kill’d several of _Almagro_’s Men; soon after _Almagro_ about Midnight
getting over the Walls, and taking _Ferdinando_ and _Gonsalvo Pizarro_,
and _Alphonso Alvarado_ Prisoners, condemn’d them all three to die,
caus’d himself to be proclaim’d Governor, and gave the Royal Tassel to
_Paulo Inga_, whilest _Gonsalvo_ and _Alvarado_ breaking Prison,
inform’d _Francisco Pizarro_ thereof (who then had obtain’d the Title of
_Marquess_, and for an Inheritance, the Province _Attabillos_;) he was
exceedingly troubled for his Brother _Ferdinand_, whose Enlargement he
thought would be best procur’d by making Peace with _Almagro_ and the
sooner, because the _Peruvians_ began to rebel against the _Spaniards_
in most places, slew divers Companies of them; amongst whom _Diego
Pizarro_ was set upon in a narrow Path call’d _Laucesta Parcos_, and
amongst the Mountains lost seventy Horsemen; and _Gonsalvo de Tapico_
sav’d not one of eighty Horse. Also the _Peruvians_ set upon three
hundred Troopers, Commanded by the Generals of the Horse, _Morgoveio_
and _Gaeti_, in a narrow Path, and rowl’d down great Stones from the
tops of the Mountains both before and behind them, so killing both Horse
and Man before they could put themselves into a posture of Defence,
insomuch that none escap’d with Life but two Troopers. _Francisco de
Godoy_, sent out of _Los Reyos_ with forty five Horse, upon Discoveries,
return’d also with great loss, being pursu’d twenty Leagues by the
_Peruvians_; against whom _Peter de Lerma_ being sent out with sixty
Horse, fought a whole day with them, and though few of his Men were
kill’d, yet many were wounded, and several taken: The victorious
_Peruvians_ retreating to the top of a sandy Mountain in the Night,
Offer’d the _Spaniards_ they had taken Prisoners, as a testimony of
thanks, to _Viracocha_, and afterwards stood drawn up near the City _Los
Reyos_ by the General _Tyzopangui_. The Marquess thus beset round, sent
for Aid from _New Spain_ and _Truxillo_, and also for _Alphonso
Alvarado_ to come back, who had been sent to discover the Countrey
_Chachepoyos_, and being gotten into a Desart, would without doubt have
perish’d for want of Water, had not some Horsemen riding somewhat out of
the Way, found Pits with fresh Water: notwithstanding which, five
hundred _Inacona_’s (for so the _Spaniards_ call’d the _Peruvian_
Slaves) died for Thirst. He was afterwards supply’d by _Gomez Tordoya_
with two hundred Men, by the help of whom, though encompass’d by the
Inhabitants near the Bridge _Lamucacha_, where began a fierce Battel,
_Alvarado_ was in the end Conqueror.
[Sidenote: Civil War between _Pizarro_ and _Almagro_.]
[Sidenote: The Marquess _Francisco Pizarro_ murdered.]
[Sidenote: His Original and the manner of his Rising.]
Whilest the _Spaniards_ found so much to do with the _Peruvians_, yet
they could not forbear more and more Clashing amongst themselves, the
Marquess commanding that _Almagro_ should surrender and leave the City
_Cusco_; but he refusing to obey, fortifi’d himself on the top of the
Mountain _Gaytara_, stopt the Ways by cutting down the Trees: but
_Ferdinando Pizarro_ getting up to the top along a private Way, made
such a confusion amongst them with Bolt-shot, that _Almagro_, who was
sick at that time, was forc’d to flye; which being told _Pizarro_, he
pursu’d him, and had doubtless utterly defeated him at that bout, had
not his Men, benumm’d with marching in the deep Snow, been taken with a
Distemper which made them as if they had been all Sea-sick, (for such is
the property of the Mountain _Guaytara_) insomuch that they could scarce
carry their Arms: Whereupon _Almagro_ was advis’d to oppose his
Pursuers, and that he need not doubt of the Victory; but he either
following his own Dictates, or being counter-advis’d, fortifi’d himself
in _Cusco_, whither _Ferdinand_ and _Gonsalvo Pizarro_ march’d against
him. _Rodrigo de Orgonnes_ Commanded _Almagro_’s Army, who being sick,
lay on the Walls of the City to see the Battel fought. The _Peruvians_,
who on each side were in the _Spanish_ Service, march’d in the Front: on
the twenty sixth of _April, Anno 1538._ the Fight began, in which the
_Almagrians_ did much mischief with Cross-bar shot amongst the
_Pizarrians_; yet _Almagro_’s Horse retreated first, being under the
Command of _Peter Valdivia_; soon after which the rest of his Army,
their Courage also failing, fled to the City; into which, as soon as
_Orgones_ being shot in the Head and slain, the Conqueror rush’d after
them, and took _Almagro_ Prisoner: yet notwithstanding this prosperous
beginning, he soon found himself in a great strait, since those which
remain’d alive of _Almagro_’s Party refus’d to serve _Pizarro_, and
murmur’d against him in all places, resolving to take _Almagro_ from him
by force, besides that _Pizarro_’s Soldiers grumbled that they were not
paid sufficiently for the many hazards which they had run: wherefore to
compose these Troubles as well as possibly he could, he banish’d all
whom he thought to be of the opposite Party, sent away the chief of his
own mutinous Soldiers with Captain _Peter de Candia_, to discover new
Countreys, put _Almagro_ to death, and march’d to _Callao_; where being
straitned for want of Provision, he made no stay, but got his Army with
much ado to _Cusco_. _Gonsalves Pizarro_ was likewise so set upon by the
Natives, that he lost a considerable number of Men: In short, the
_Pizarrans_ were defeated in all places, and at length the Marquess,
though forewarn’d by his Secretary _Antonio Picado_, was murder’d in his
own House in the City of _Lima_, otherwise call’d _De los Reyos_, by a
Bastard-Son of _Almagro_, nam’d _Diego_, in the Year 1541; his Body
dragg’d to the Church-yard, lay there to every ones view and derision,
till _John de Barbara_ buried the same. His Father _Gonsalvo Pizarro_,
sir-nam’d _The tall Citizen of Truxillo_, Commanding a Company of Foot
in _Navarre_, had two lawful Sons, _viz._ _Ferdinand_, who was murder’d
in the _Spanish_ Castle _Motta_, and _John_ that was slain in _Cusco_,
when _Mango Inga_ conquer’d the City, the other two, _Gonsalvo_ and
_Francisco_, being both Bastards; the last of which is said to have been
expos’d by his Mother in the Church Porch, and kept alive for several
days by sucking of a Sow, till his Father afore-mention’d finding him,
and acknowledging him for his Son, put him out to Nurse, and when he was
grown up set him to keep Swine; which course of Life he soon left, and
following _Alphonsus de Ojeda_, _Balboa_, and _Pedro de Avita_ in their
Expeditions, he quickly grew rich, and at last came to that heighth of
Honor and Command we have heard. _Francisco Martino de Alcantara_ was
also his Brother by the Mothers side onely. He was a Man who despis’d
all Dangers and Hardships, was so well experienc’d in Martial Affairs,
that he might well stand in competition with many of the antient Heroes.
In _Los Reyos_ he built two very artificial Water-Mills, a _Dominican_
Cloyster, and another for the Monks _De la Merced_, and likewise a
stately Palace for himself: He was both meek and affable; and though he
bore the greatest Command in the Emperor’s Name over the mighty Kingdom
of _Peru_, and got more Riches than ever any of the _Roman_, _Persian_,
_Grecian_, or _Assyrian_ Monarchs possess’d, yet he went in the same
plain kind of Apparel in the heighth of his Grandeur, as when he was but
in a low Condition; about his Neck he commonly ty’d a Linnen
Hankerchiff, with which he us’d to wipe the Sweat from his Face: in
peaceable Intervals he spent whole days in playing at Bowls, without any
distinction of Persons, chusing often to play rather with a Sea-man or
common Soldier, than a phantastick Gallant: He visited the meanest
Citizens, and many times us’d to eat with poor People, to whom he was
upon all occasions very noble and liberal; All his Designs he carried on
by the strength of meer natural Parts: for he was so very illiterate,
that he could neither Write nor Read; his Edicts were Sign’d with his
two Marks, betwixt which his Secretary writ _Francisco Pizarro_; he is
said to have had a Son which died young by _Attabaliba_’s Sister, who
came afterwards to be call’d _Donna Angelina_; he died in a very
unfortunate time, for upon his good success the _Spanish_ Power had
grounded their whole Designs, thinking with the _Peruvian_ Treasures, as
the Sinews of War, to have erected a fifth Monarchy to succeed the
fourth of the _Romans_.
[Sidenote: _Almagro_ utterly defeated by _Vacca de Castro_.]
[Sidenote: Deliver’d up Prisoner by _Salazar_, and Beheaded.]
_Pizarro_’s Murderer, though aiming at the Supream Power, he had a
considerable Party to countenance and aid him, yet he found resistance
in many places, not without the loss of many Men on both sides. In which
Juncture the Learned _Vacca de Castro_ Landed in _Peru_, with a
Commission from the Emperor to settle the divided Kingdom of _Peru_ in
Peace and Quiet; but the young _Almagro_ mad to see his Ambition thus
cross’d, gave Battel to _Castro_ in the Plain of _Chupas_; the Dispute
was long and resolute on both sides, and the Night coming on made the
Fight the more terrible, in which the Victory inclin’d to _Castro_;
however the _Almagrians_ stood to it stoutly for a great while, and that
chiefly through the valor of the Captains _Balboa_ and _Christopher
Losa_, who breaking in amongst the _Castreans_, hack’d and hew’d down
all they came near, till at last they were forc’d to betake themselves
to flight, and had not many of them exchang’d their white Scarfs with
the red of the slain _Castreans_, scarce any of them had escap’d from
being kill’d in the pursuit, and most of them that did escape were slain
the next Morning by the _Peruvians. Rodrigo Salazar, Almagro_’s Deputy,
deliver’d up his Lord to _Castro_, who condemn’d him to death, whereupon
he was immediately Beheaded with a Sword. This Battel hapned on the
twenty sixth of _September Anno 1542_. when it Froze so hard the
following Night, that most of those that were left wounded upon the
place, were frozen to death. Thus _Castro_ began his Government with
Blood, and made it his first Business to make a Discovery by several of
his Captains, whom he sent for that purpose, of the Countreys lying
Eastward from _Peru_, lying upon the great River _De la Plata_, and the
River _Marannon_, where in most places they met onely with salvage
People, and for the most part Man-eaters; and in one place where they
Landed, a great Fish resembling a Dog came ashore and kill’d several
Arm’d Soldiers. A year and a half _Castro_ had liv’d in _Cusco_, when at
the arrival of the Vice-Roy _Blascus Nunnez Vela_, all things were
turn’d topsie-turvy, he being sent thither by the Emperor _Charles_ the
Fifth, accompanied by four Councellors, _Diego Sepada_, _Lison Tejada_,
_Juan Alvarez_, and _Peter Ortiz_, to curb the _Spaniards_ Villanies and
Outrages committed against the _Peruvians_, entred _Tumbez, Anno 1544_.
where he immediately publish’d the Emperor’s Edicts, which were to this
effect:
[Sidenote: The Emperor’s Proclamation in behalf of the _Indians_.]
_All_ Peruvians _are to be releas’d from Slavery; no_ Spaniard _shall
the least oppress them, nor make use of their Service without rewarding
them for the same, nor take any Provisions of them without paying for
it_.
[Sidenote: Ill resented by the _Spaniards_.]
[Sidenote: _Pizarro_ marches against the Vice-Roy _Vela_.]
[Sidenote: _Vela_ clashing with the Commissioners, is seiz’d upon.]
[Sidenote: Being Shipt for _Spain_, is brought back by _Alvaradez_.]
[Sidenote: Is put to flight and pursu’d by _Pizarro_.]
[Sidenote: The Vice-Roy slain by _Carvayales_.]
[Sidenote: _Pizarro_’s Luxury, and Tyranny.]
[Sidenote: _Vela Nunnez_ and _La Torre_ Plotting against _Pizarro_, are
taken and Executed.]
This Proclamation was like to put the _Spaniards_ into an uproar: for at
that time a _Peruvian_ Lord was forc’d to allow every Foot-Soldier three
Slaves, and a Horseman five, besides Hens, Rabbets, Eggs, the Wine
_Azun_, and other Provisions, for nothing. The general Complaints were,
_Is this the Reward for our Service which we have shewn to the Emperor?
Is not this mighty Kingdom of_ Peru _by our Blood and Labor joyn’d to
the Imperial Crown? Our Shoulders are grown sore under our Arms, our
Bodies made useless with Wounds, and our Limbs lame’d with Bruises. Who
shall maintain our Wives and Children, if the_ Peruvians, _who according
to the Law of Arms are become our Slaves, should not be forc’d to fish
for Pearls in the Sea, and dig us Silver out of the Mines, and do us
other Service for to maintain us?_ But _Vela_ being deaf to these
Complaints, resolv’d that the Emperor’s Commands should be fulfill’d,
and that those that spake against them should lose their Lives: and that
he might terrifie the generality with the punishment of a few, he caus’d
Fryer _Peter_ of the Order of the Virgin _Mary_ to be Executed in
_Truxillo, Castro_ to be committed to Prison at _Lima_, because he had
put _Almagro_ to death without Examination, and shut the Gates of
_Cusco_ when his Agent came before the same. But do what he could, the
_Spaniards_ generally making Head, utterly refus’d to obey the Emperor’s
Edicts, and chose _Gonsalvo Pizarro_ for their General, who rais’d five
hundred Men in compleat Arms in _Cusco_, from whence he march’d directly
with them to _Los Reyos_, under pretence to deliver a Petition there to
the Vice-Roy’s Council, about deferring to put the new Edicts in force
till the Emperor was better inform’d of the present Condition of the
_Peruvian_ State; twenty great Field-pieces being also order’d to follow
_Pizarro_’s Army, were carried by the _Peruvians_ over craggy Mountains;
to each Gun without the Carriage were order’d three hundred Men, of whom
twelve at a time carried it in their turns a hundred Paces a piece;
though several eminent Persons considering the weightiness of the
Affair, forsook _Pizarro_’s Party, and went privately to the Vice-Roy,
as on the other side, many deserting the Vice-Roy joyn’d with _Pizarro_,
who being not a little supply’d by _Peter Puelles_ Governor of
_Guanaca_, took several of those that had deserted him Prisoners, and
put them all to death, whilest the Vice-Roy made what Preparations
possibly he could, Hanging many innocent Persons onely on suspicion of
holding Correspondency with _Pizarro_, insomuch that there was no end of
Murdering on both sides. But _Vela_ clashing with his Councellors,
because they would not consent that he should ruine _Los Reyos_,
resolv’d to do it without them; and to that end to remove the Emperor’s
Seal, Staple of Trade, and Courts Judicature to _Truxillo_, and to spoil
the Countrey all about; which as he was about to put in Execution, they
privately got Captain _Martin Robles_, and _Vela_’s Lifeguard,
consisting of a hundred Men, on their side, whilest the common People
mutinying broke into the Palace, took _Vela_ and carried him to the
chief Church in _Los Reyos_, where the four Councellors were assembled,
who order’d that the Prisoner should be Shipt and sent away to _Spain_,
when _Alvares Cueto_ lying in the Harbor with ten Sail, threatned to
fall upon the Inhabitants if they would not release the Vice-Roy:
whereupon the Councellors well provided with Guns, rais’d several
Batteries against his Ships, so that _Cueto_ finding himself too weak,
set four of his Vessels on fire, and Sail’d with the rest to the Haven
_Guavara_; where being set upon by _Diego Garzias_, he was forc’d to
deliver the remaining part of his Fleet up to the Councellors, who sent
_Vela_ away with the same, under the Command of _Didaco Alvaradez_. But
_Pizarro_, who till this time had pretended that he sought nothing else
but _Vela_’s Departure, march’d close to the Walls of _Los Reyos_ with
twelve hundred Men, Hang’d three Citizens upon a Tree, requir’d the
Councellors to grant him Letters Patents, by which he might be
acknowledg’d for the Supream Governor of _Peru_, which if they refus’d,
he threatned to put all that were in the City to the Sword; and upon
Consultation it was judg’d convenient to grant his Demands, the rather,
because they had not above fifty fighting Men in the City. Mean while
_Didaco Alvaradez_ making an Agreement with the Vice-Roy, they return’d
back with their Ships, and Landed in the Haven Mouth of the River
_Tumbez_, rais’d what Forces they could possibly thereabouts, but were
forc’d to retire from thence to _Quito_, (at the same time that the
Councellor _Tejada_, being sent by _Pizarro_ to the Emperor, came to an
Anchor there) where they were courteously Entertain’d; as also in _St.
Michael_, where they got daily more and more Assistants; of which
_Pizarro_ being inform’d, went thither with five hundred Men, and
forcing the Vice-Roy to flye from thence, pursu’d him above thirty
Leagues, Hanging up all those whom he could take of his Party. After
many Rencounters and Hardships suffer’d by both Parties, _Pizarro_
exceedingly wearied, return’d to _Quito_, where he minded nothing but
all manner of Debaucheries, not in the least regarding the Vice-Roy’s
Designs, which it concern’d him to have narrowly look’d into, for he
having got five hundred Men on his side, resolv’d to venture a Battel.
It was towards Evening when the two Parties had sight of one another:
_Pizarro_ having not onely more Men, but also better Exercis’d in Arms
than the Vice-Roy, who being sensible thereof, went silently about
Midnight from his Station along a narrow by Path, so to fall behind upon
the Rere of the Enemy, who mistrusted nothing, by reason the Vice-Roy’s
Dogs kept a continual Barking in his old Station, and the _Peruvian_
Sentinels were heard calling to one another, and making great Fires all
the Night long; but because the Way was over-grown, and farther about
than it was suppos’d, the Vice-Roy finding the Night too far spent, went
back to _Quito_, out of which he Sallied as soon as he had sight of
_Pizarro_’s Forces; against whom, being clad in a white Riding Coat,
through the Slits of which appear’d a Cloth of Tissue Doublet, he came
Riding on a Bay Gelding in the Head of his Party; with which breaking in
amongst the Enemies Ranks, he made a considerable slaughter amongst
them, till _Hernand Tores_ coming near him, gave him a Blow on the Head
with a Battel-Ax, that fell’d him to the Ground, which the Lawyer
_Carvayales_ seeing, ran immediately, out of desire to revenge his
Brother’s Death, whom the Vice-Roy had murder’d, and chopp’d off his
Head. Thus _Pizarro_ being absolute Master of the Field, began to shew
his tyranny upon the Prisoners, some he took away by Poyson, others he
Executed with the Sword and Halter, others he banish’d to the remote
Countrey _Chili_, and spent his time in all manner of Vice in _Quito_;
where, amongst other leud Actions, making Love to another Man’s Wife, he
hir’d one _Vincent Paul_ to murder her Husband, which said _Vincent_ was
afterwards Hang’d at _Valladolid_ in _Spain_. The Adulteress also was
afterwards Got with Child by her own Father, and both of them put to
death for Incest and murdering of their Child. _Pizarro_ being receiv’d
as King in _Los Reyos_, grew every day more proud than other, insomuch
that his Friends themselves began to hate and envy him, and wanted onely
a convenient opportunity to rid themselves of this high-minded Tyrant. A
strange Accident, among others, had done him great hurt, had it not been
timely discover’d, _viz._ _Joan de la Torre_, a Soldier formerly
belonging to the Vice-Roy, found accidentally a Grave in the Valley
_Hica_ (which by the _Peruvians_ had been worshipp’d above two Ages
before) and in it so much Offer’d Gold and Silver as amounted to above
eighty thousand Crowns in Gold, besides many Emeraulds and _Turcoises_,
all which Treasure he was puzled how to carry away and possess securely,
partly fearing the Emperor’s Displeasure, if he should arrive thus rich
in _Spain_, the rather because he had sided with _Pizarro_, and also
knowing it was impossible to convey it on Ship-board without one or
others knowledge; at last, after many Contrivances, he judg’d it
convenient to put the Money in a small Vessel, and Sail with the same to
_Nicaragua_, there to raise Men to oppose _Pizarro_ in those Parts, that
so he might re-gain the Emperor’s Favor. This Undertaking seem’d to be
threatned by many Dangers, he not having a sufficient Spirit to Command,
or at least Experience to officiate the Place of a Captain. In the mean
time _Vela Nunnez_, Brother to the slain Vice-Roy, taken in the Battel
at _Quito_, had so much priviledge allow’d him from _Pizarro_, that he
went a Hunting, and other such Exercises, distant from the Camp, who
meeting with _La Torre_, took him in his arms, and embrac’d him with
great joy, which so wrought upon _La Torre_, that he discover’d the
Secret of his discover’d Treasure, took an Oath of him that he would be
faithful to him, and take Revenge of _Pizarro_ for all the Injuries
receiv’d from him; but before, according to their Agreement, they could
set Sail from thence, their Plot being discover’d, both _Nunnez_ and
_Torre_ were Executed, and their Riches fell into the Hands of
_Pizarro_.
[Sidenote: _Peter Gasca_ sent to settle Affairs in _Peru_.]
Whilest the _Peruvian_ Affairs were in this confusion and disorder,
_Peter Gasca_, impower’d by the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth, arriving
there, endeavor’d to settle all things in Peace and Quiet, and sent by
_Peter Hernandes_, besides the Emperor’s Letter, another which he writ
himself to _Pizarro_, the Contents of which were to this purpose:
[Sidenote: _Gasca_’s Letter to _Pizarro_.]
_The_ Peruvian _Soyl hath drunk up the_ Spanish _Blood long enough,
and the ruin’d Realm gapes for Rest: The Emperor proffers Pardon for
all past Crimes, Repeals the new Laws which the Vice-Roy_ Vela,
_during his Government, enjoyn’d the_ Spaniards _to observe. If_
Pizarro _aims at the general Welfare, he may easily see that Arms
must first be laid aside, which he now depends on in vain, all his
Associates being ready to forsake him, because no Soldier can take
up Arms against the Emperor, without being guilty of high Treason_.
[Sidenote: _Pizarro_’s Designs against him.]
[Sidenote: His Party generally fall off to _Gasca_.]
[Sidenote: _Cusco_ taken by _Centeno_.]