Part 15

Several Places in _America_ breed Tygers, that far exceed Lyons in fierceness; so that where any considerable number of them frequents, though the Soil be never so fruitful, yet it is left desolate and forsaken. But the Baboons that frequent the Woods are more pleasant, and less dangerous. _Peter Arias_ relates, That his whole Army incountred with these Beasts, which climb’d from one Tree to the other, shrieking, and making very strange Gesticulations to those that were gone before, and gathering their Mouths and Hands full of Stones, which they threw as exact and strongly as a Man. When one of these Baboons, shot by a Musquet, fell to the Ground, the rest gave such a horrible shriek, that the Woods resounding with the noise, strook a terror into the _Spaniards_. Amongst several things that hapned in this Counter-scuffle, take this one: A _Spaniard_ taking aim with his Musquet at an old Baboon, which sate pearch’d up in a Tree, and being now just ready to give Fire, the Baboon Soldier, at the very instant, to break the Shot, taking a Stone out of his Mouth, threw it exactly into the Mans Mouth, with such force as beat out some of his Teeth; with which sudden blow surpris’d, he lost his Mark; and the proud Foe, shewing signs of Triumph, went his way.

[Sidenote: Great destruction.]

[Sidenote: The unfortunate Expedition of _Garajus_.]

[Sidenote: _Spaniards_ rosted.]

[Sidenote: _Cortez_ his Ambition.]

But whilst _Cortez_ staid in the Countrey of _Tenustitan_ (now call’d _Mexico_) _Franciscus Garajus_ sail’d out of the Haven of _Jamaica_, with eleven Ships, to the River _Panucus_, there, according to the Command of the Emperor _Charles_, to plant a Colony: Whereupon he went ashore, ordering his Fleet to sail along in sight of Land: So wading through the River _Montaltus_, which glides between high Mountains, he came to a Morassy Ground, in which he and they often sunk almost up to the Middle, and lost his way in a Thicket of young Trees; yet at last being come to the River _Panucus_, he found several high Walls, being the Ruines of Fortresses, Temples, and Towers, destroy’d by _Cortez_; so that the City lay quite desolate. Twenty Leagues further, upon the Banks of the same River, _Cortez_ had in like manner sack’d and destroy’d _Chiglia_, a Town which before its burning reckon’d above twenty thousand Houses, besides many fair Palaces, Walls, Towers, and Temples: Which Cruelties and Spoil had bred so great an _Odium_ in the Inhabitants against the _Spaniards_, that they immediately sent an Army against _Garajus_, who had only a few half-starv’d Men with him; yet he receiv’d the Enemy twice in his Retreat to the new Colony _St. Steven_, rais’d out of _Chiglia_’s Ruines; but finding no Provisions where-ever he came, he judg’d it fittest to send his Horse into the Countrey to Forage; which _Cortez_ meeting, took Prisoners, under pretence that _Garajus_ came to take Possession, where he had neither Authority nor Right. _Cortez_ also made himself Master of _Garajus_ Ship and Fleet, commanding him withal to appear in _Tenustitan_, which not knowing how to avoid, he obey’d: His People mean time ranging up and down without a Head or Commander, either died by Famine, or were murther’d and eaten by the Natives; for at one time the _Americans_ made a general Feast with two hundred and fifty rosted _Spaniards_: But their days of Triumph lasted not long; for _Sandovalus_, one of _Cortez_ his Prime Officers, set with so much fury upon those _Cannibals_, that he kill’d several thousands of them, and burnt sixty Persons of Prime Quality, all Commanders, in the sight of their Friends and Relations. But _Garajus_, whose Son was married to _Cortez_ his Daughter, liv’d not long after the Wedding, which occasion’d a murmur as if _Cortez_ had poyson’d him, to rid himself of a Partner in his Government; for it had been generally observ’d, that his Ambition suffer’d no Equal. The _Americans_ fell all down before him; all were Servants alike: The Court which he kept swarm’d with Attendance, on which he spent vast Sums of Money; yet his Incomes were able to bear such excessive Disbursements. He kept in constant Pay five thousand Soldiers, and several Ships ready rigg’d and prepar’d on all occasions, to hold in awe the enslav’d People, or else for the Discovery of New Countreys: Yet after all these extraordinary Charges defray’d, to shew his Wealth and Greatness, he caus’d a Piece of Cannon to be cast all of massie Gold: for the Kings which formerly acknowledg’d _Montezuma_ for their Sovereign, gave him a yearly Revenue, most of which were valu’d to be worth twenty three Tun of Gold; for so much the King of _Tescuscus_, a stately City, paid, whose Houses Plaister’d with White-Lime, seem’d afar off to be rather a Chalky Hill or Mountain, cover’d with Snow: Full as much did the King pay which reigned in _Otumba_, notwithstanding he had receiv’d with his _Christianity_ the Name of _Ferdinand Cortez_; yet others gave less: The King _Guacinalgo_, with his Mother, and some Slaves, bringing Gold, came to present it to _Cortez_; and entring the Palace, through a Guard of five hundred Horse and four Hundred Foot, which were always ready Arm’d for fear of Insurrections, he fell down prostrate on the Ground. Thus all things even out-went whatever he could desire, hope for, or imagine. And _Alvaredo_, one of his Commanders, being sent Eastwardly, brought great Treasures back with him, which the conquer’d Kings were forc’d to raise.

[Sidenote: His Misfortunes.]

But Fortune, who seldom continues her Favors long, at last began to frown; for _Cortez_ having sent an unvaluable Treasure of Gold and Pearls to the Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth, _Floryn_ the _French_ Pyrate met with and took it, which went so much to his Heart, that for a considerable time he sent no Advice to the _Spanish_ Court, which made them grow jealous of him, doubting that he intended to make himself King over _New-Spain_; and this Suspicion was not a little augmented by his Enemies.

[Sidenote: A Plot of two _Spanish_ Officers.]

In the Neck of these, follow’d another Misfortune; for _Christopher Olitus_, sent out by _Cortez_ to discover new Countreys, rebelling, took up Arms against him, being then in the Haven _Figueras_, five hundred Leagues beyond. Notwithstanding the _Spaniards_, although amongst a new-conquer’d People, which without doubt long’d for Revenge, were not to take notice of their danger, but to go on with undaunted Resolution; whereupon _Cortez_ drawing out a strong Party, march’d a long and troublesom way to meet _Olitus_, making great Slaughters where-ever he came. _Francisco de las Casas_ was commanded to go upon the same Account by Sea, and arriving first, found him setling his new Colony, which he nam’d _Triumph de Sancta Crux_; and notwithstanding the Water with a Northerly Wind was very rough and boysterous in the Haven _Figueras_ (which the _Spaniards_ call’d so, because they found Trees there, which growing at the Foot of the Mountains, bore a Fruit not unlike a Fig) yet they came to a present Engagement, wherein _Casas_ worsting _Olitus_, having sunk one of his Ships, stood out again to Sea; but surpriz’d by a violent Storm, and driven on the Shore, fell into _Olitus_’s Hands, who had a little before also taken _Egidíus_ or _Giles Gonsales_. These two Prisoners consulted together how they might poyson or murder _Olitus_, which fell out according to their desires, because the Servants of the House where they lodg’d sided with them; so taking hold of the first opportunity, as they were at Supper together, they stabb’d him with their Knives in several places; yet the Wounds were not so great or mortal, but that he retain’d strength to escape in the dark to a neighboring Hut; but the Assassinates immediately sent out Messengers, publishing, That he who did not, knowing where _Olitus_ was immediately bring him to them, should receive condign punishment; which terrifying _Olitus_, he discover’d himself, and was immediately beheaded.

[Illustration]

[Sidenote: _Mexicans_ Apparel.]

During the time that the _Spanish_ Officers had these Civil Broyls one against another, _Lodowick Pontæus_, a Man well experienc’d in the Law, came from _Spain_ to _America_, there in the Emperors Name to settle all things in good order; having also particular Instructions, to shew great kindness to _Cortez_, and to make him a Knight of the Order of _St. James_, that by that means the Emperor might be the more esteem’d for his Noble Subjects and Servants, amongst the _Mexicans_, who are themselves of a proud and ambitious spirit, and chiefly the Nobility, which doth manifestly appear by their Apparel, more gorgeous than the meaner sort of _Americans_; and though the Slaves go stark naked (having onely a Cloth tied about their Privities) and with a Bowe and Arrows walk before their Lords, yet the Better Sort go very costly Habited; for about their Necks they wear Strings of Pearl; on their Heads, a Cap, from whence hang down two Scarfs, one longer than the other; then a party-colour’d Cotton Coat covers their whole Bodies to their Knees, under which they wear a Vest girt about their Middle.

But at last, after all these Services, _Cortez_ disagreeing with the Vice-Roy _Don Antonio Mendoza_, being about that time sent over, went male-contented into _Spain_.

SECT. XI. Diego Gottierez _his Expedition_.

[Sidenote: _Gottierez_ contests with _Contreras_.]

[Sidenote: Is forsaken of all.]

[Sidenote: Great Tempest.]

[Sidenote: Village _Francisco_.]

[Sidenote: Strange manner of eating.]

[Sidenote: Unsatisfied Covetousness of _Gottierez_.]

_Anno 1540._ _Gottierez_ being chosen Governor of _New Carthage_, weigh’d Anchor from _Cadiz_, and sailing to _Nombre de Dios_, upon his Landing clash’d with _Roderick Contreras_, in whose Place he was sent to succeed. Two Years he spent without effecting any thing; but at last coming to Agreement with _Contreras_, he took the Governorship upon him, having first forewarn’d him not to depend too much upon his Authority; for the Countrey being full of Woods and Mountains, might hide many of his Enemies: But he not regarding the Advice, went a Journey from _New Granada_, and having march’d fifty Leagues Easterly, he cross’d into the River _Suere_, with sixty _Spaniards_, and was presented by the Princes of the Countrey with as much Gold as amounted to seven thousand Duckets. Here he spent some Weeks, effecting little; but now all things growing scarce, though he was very earnest with the Natives for Provisions, yet he could get little; which kind of Life the Soldiers disliking, and growing weary of, went away in the Night to _Nicaragua_. _Gottierez_ thus left alone, got into a Boat, with intent to follow them; and being just put off from the Shore, was met by Captain _Barjanto_, who brought new Forces and fresh Provisions with him: This wrought upon him to stay there. Not long after _Alphonso de Pisa_ went with twenty seven Men from _Nombre de Dios_ to the same River _Suere_; but it being then very rough at the Entrance, he was necessitated to pass on to a small uninhabited Isle, where whilst he lay at an Anchor, the Weather began to grow worse and worse; the Gusts of Wind, mix’d with Showres of Rain, Thunder, and Lightning, seem’d to threaten a general Destruction; for in the Ship two _Spaniards_ and one _Moor_ were kill’d by the Lightning: In seventy two Days, the Sun did not shine four Hours: At last weighing Anchor, he sail’d over to the Main Land, where he saw nothing but vast Mountains and Wildernesses. Here for a time they liv’d upon Cockles found on the Shore, and wild Fruits in the Woods: At length coming to _Gottierez_, he sent him with his People in five Boats to fetch new Forces from _Nombre de Dios_. In his way thither he saw a House built of Canes, cover’d with Palm-leaves, forty five Paces long, and built after an Oval fashion: Round about it stood several lesser Hovels, all which making up a Village, the _Spaniards_ nam’d _Francisco_, because they came thither on _St. Francis_ Day. About half way they met with the Lords of _Suere_ and _Chiuppa_, going to attend _Gottierez_, to whom being admitted, and sitting with him at Table, he gave them, as a Dainty, rosted Chickens and fresh Pork; but they gave it to their Servants, not delighting in the taste of such Victuals. _Gottierez_, by means of an Interpreter, told them concerning the _Christian Religion_, at which they bow’d their Heads, without making any Answer: But how little mind they had to embrace it, quickly appear’d; for not long after, they set their Villages on fire, and all the Provisions which they could not carry with them, they spoil’d, and so retiring, hid themselves upon inaccessible Mountains. Another Incentive leading them to this Fight, was, because the Governor _Camachiren_, and his Deputy (notwithstanding he had given _Gottierez_ as much Gold, when he came first into the Countrey, as amounted to seven thousand Duckets, as we mention’d before) yet was put in Prison by his Order, contrary to all Promises: Nay, _Gottierez_ threatned to burn him not regarding, that he had besides receiv’d of him several Pieces of Gold, resembling all manner of Beasts, as Tygers, and others; and also Fishes and Fowls curiously wrought, which were valu’d at two Tun of Gold; yet this Present seemed too little for him, whereupon bringing the Prisoner to a Chest, he swore that he would rost him by degrees, if in four days time he did not furnish him with four times as much more Gold as that Chest would hold: Whereupon _Chamachiren_’s Servants went away to get the requir’d Gold; but he, through carelesness of the Watch, made his escape in the Night, so that _Gottierez_ lost his Booty. But the other Prisoners, though threatned to be torn asunder with Dogs, remain’d firm, disowning that they had any Gold; and among the rest, one speaking boldly to the _Spanish_ Officer said, _That he stood amaz’d at his treacherous dealings, why did he keep him Chain’d against Law and Promise, and often threaten’d him with death, but yet would not kill him, for he, said he, had rather choose to die, than live so miserable a life_.

_Gottierez_’s Conscience troubling him, he would willingly have releas’d the _Indian_, and the rather, because he promis’d to procure a great ransome of Gold; but the inferior Commanders would not consent to it. After this they march’d six days through great Wildernesses, and over high Mountains, finding no Footsteps of any People. Lastly, They came down a very dangerous and steep Mountain, where had not the Shrubs and jutting Stones serv’d them to hold by, they had all broken their Necks.

[Sidenote: Dangerous Mountains.]

[Sidenote: Strange Huts.]

Fifteen Leagues, the hanging of this Mountain spread it self along a sweet River, on whose opposite Shore stood strange Huts full of dead Tygers, Deers Heads, and Legs; here they staid two days to rest themselves, where the Trees _Mamei_ and the _Cazabi_ Plants yielded them good Food.

[Sidenote: Valiant fight.]

Travelling forward, _Gottierez_ ask’d an _Indian_ which was the nearest way to a Village, but he pretending not to know any near hand, had his Head immediately cut off. In like manner, and for the same reason the _Indian_ Prince should also have been Executed, had not _Gottierez_ given order to the contrary; seeing his resolution, that with no less Patience than undaunted Courage, stretch’d forth his Neck to the Executioners. Mean while, their Provisions decreasing, they suffer’d extreme hunger; insomuch, that some fainted quite away. The Souldiers also rebelling against _Gottierez_ for Food, he commanded them to kill their Dogs, and stamp the Barks of Trees; two days they travelled much discontented in this manner, and at last came to the entrance of a Wood, where they espy’d an _Indian_ standing behind a Tree, which on a sudden ran away with incredible swiftness: early the next morning, above four thousand _Indians_ came Marching against the faint _Spaniards_, making a terrible noise with Horns and Drums; they were all except their Princes Painted black and red; some wore Plumes of Feathers on their Heads, and Collars of the same about their Necks; the fight began very fiercely, by casting abundance of Stones, and shooting of Arrows, wherein, though _Gottierez_ was at first Wounded, yet after half an hour the Assailants fled, but recruited with fresh Forces renew’d the fight, breaking into their Ranks, and making so great slaughter amongst them with Woodden Swords, and Palm-Tree Clubs, knocking down, and dealing such deadly Wounds, that of the _Spaniards_, three onely escap’d, saving themselves by flight, who two hours after, much amaz’d and terrify’d, came to their reserve, consisting onely of twenty four Men, which _Alphonso de Risa_ Commanded; the insulting Enemy at their Heels, waving over their Heads the Swords, Shields, and Cross-Bows which they had gotten from the slain _Spaniards_; and some withal crying in the _Spanish_ Tongue, _Come Christians, come, and take Gold_. But _de Risa_, for all their pride, set them going with some Volleys of Shot; after this, escaping innumerable other dangers, he came to _Nombre de Dios_, without having effected any thing of Note.

SECT. XIA. _The Expeditions of_ Peter Alvarado, Francisco _and_ Gonzalvo Pizarro, _and_ Diego de Almagro.

[Sidenote: _Pizarro_’s and _Almagro_’s remarkable exploits.]

In the City of _Panama_, in _New Spain_, liv’d three eminent _Spaniards_, call’d _Francisco Pizarro_, _Diego de Almagro_, and _Ferdinand de Luque_ a Priest, which joyntly design’d to discover farther Southerly along the rich Gold and Pearl Coast, and inspect the Southern Ocean. _De Luque_ was to look to home-affairs, and _Pizarro_ set Sail first with a Ship Man’d with one hundred and fourteen Men, which _Almagro_ follow’d with seventy more, yet both were valiantly repuls’d by the _Peruvians_; but although they return’d the first time with bad success, yet they undertook their business once more, but with no better fortune; whereupon discouraged, the undertaking seem’d to be totally laid aside, and the _American_ Vice-Roy, _Peter de Rios_ forbad any to attempt a farther Discovery concerning _Peru_.

The former difficulties with this Edict easily wrought upon _Pizarro_’s men, all but twelve, to leave him, for the rest went over with the Ship fitted out by _Rios_ with succors to the Island _Gallo_, where _Pizarro_ resided, having also fail’d in his second Expedition. But although he had made two bad Voyages, yet having an inclination to a third attempt, he went to _Spain_, desiring of the Emperor to be Governor of _Peru_, which he had discover’d; for besides his Plea of Merits he had taken possession of the Country twice by Landing there, intended for the use of his Imperial Majesty; one of his Sea-men to that purpose flourishing his two-handed Sword over his Head, the glittering of which Sword so frighted the Natives, that none of them durst come near him.

[Sidenote: _Pizarro_’s fight on _Puna_.]

His request being consulted upon, was at last granted, the Government of _Peru_ being conferred upon him; but _Almagro_ took it very ill, that _Pizarro_ went to the Emperor on such a design for himself; yet by the mediation of his Friends the difference was reconciled, then _Pizarro_ setting Sail with one hundred and fifty Foot besides Horse, and Landing at the Island _Puna_, at first was courteously entertain’d; but the _Spaniards_ by extravagant hunting and searching every where their Houses for Gold, and committing several other outrages, incensing, chang’d the humor of the Inhabitants so much, that they fell upon them. In stead of Ensigns, Standards, and Warlike Trophies, they used long Canes, at the end whereof were ty’d the Bones of their antient Hero’s, honor’d by them after their death: But these Reliques sav’d not the _Indians_ from slaughter, so well as the coverts of a neighboring Wood.

[Sidenote: Comes to _Peru_.]

[Sidenote: _Peruvian_ Temple.]

From this Isle, lying three degrees Southward of the _Equinoctial_, _Pizarro_ passed over to the _Main Continent_, where they were all in a great confusion, upon the report of the _Spaniards_ cruelties committed in _Puna_; yet all the preparations of the _Indians_ to withstand, stop’d not _Pizarro_ from his intended course; for first, having the success to master _Tampez_, thence he made nothing to march his Forces over the River _Ambato_, there burning a Temple Dedicated to the Sun. The _Portico_ stood towards the East, the rising of their God, before which hung a Curtain of their fine Cotton Stuff, within stood the presentations of two Golden Rams, shaded with Black, and as many Dragons, before which the Fire never went out, continually supply’d with Offerings of burnt Incense; on the Pillars hung several Men flead, their Flesh kept firm, and free from all Putrifaction, with the infusion of a sharp Juyce.

Here _Almagro_ coming to _Pizarro_ with fresh Forces, they made no little penetration into _Peru_, satisfying every where their thirst of Gold, and slaughtering the Toothless _Tombezes_, a people who having offended their King, had by his order the upper Teeth of the whole Nation beaten out.

[Sidenote: _Alvarado_’s Exploits.]

[Sidenote: Notable Stratagem of the _Peruvians_.]

[Sidenote: Wickedness of a Woman.]

[Sidenote: _Guatimala_ destroy’d by a flood.]

[Sidenote: _Velasques’_ Journey.]