Part 16

_Peter Alvarado_ inform’d concerning the Riches of _Peru_, and well knowing how to insinuate with the Emperor in his fawning Letters, at last by his Friends so prevail’d, that he also got leave to go thither; in pursuance of which, _Anno 1534._ he Weigh’d Anchor with seven Ships from _Guatimala_, a City built by him between two Mountains. But Landing at _Puerto Viejo_, and Marching Easterly over Snowy Mountains, he was met by _Almagro_, between whom a bloody incounter was like to have happen’d, but after some time, a Treaty being set a Foot, they came to a Composition on these Articles: That _Alvarado_ upon the receipt of a hundred thousand Duckets, should leave his Men with _Almagro_, and depart from _Peru_; with which sum, being inrich’d, he soon after fitted out fourteen Sail to discover new Countreys to the West; but being busie in his preparations, was sent for to _Mexico_ by _Don Antonio Mendoza_ the Vice-Roy, to undertake a Voyage with him to the new-discover’d Countrey of _Sibolla_, abounding in Gold and Saffron, according to the report of four _Dominican_ Monks; and having already rais’d seven hundred Men, news came to _Mexico_, that _Peter Zunica_ had receiv’d an overthrow by the _Indians_ of _Salisco_; to whose assistance _Alvarado_ March’d with all speed, and found the _Indians_ incamp’d on a high Mountain, fortifi’d with conjoyn’d Trees, and great Stones ty’d together with Rushes, behind which they were secure from Shot. The _Spaniards_ climbing up the Mountain, approach’d their Works, when on a sudden the Defendants giving a great Shout, cut the Cords which held their Fortification together, whereupon the Stones and Trees tumbled down with such force, that they kill’d both Men and Horse, few escaping alive: In this conflict _Alvarado_ himself was lost. His Wife _Beatrix Cuova_ made a stately Funeral for her Husband, and caus’d her House to be Painted black, refusing either to Eat or Drink for a set time, yet notwithstanding, all her pretence of sorrow, she so minded her business, that she took the Government of _Guatimala_ into her own hands; but her Dominion lasted not long, for on the eighteenth of _September, Anno 1541._ happen’d a hideous Tempest of Wind and Rain, mixt with continual Lightning, and horrible claps of Thunder, and what was more terrible, was answer’d with roars and horrid bellowings from the caverns of the Mountain, at whose foot _Guatimala_ stood. About midnight the Mountain was deliver’d, whose Birth was the irruption of an Inundating River, a precipitate torrent tumbling down full of Rocks and Stones, which carry’d all before it, so that in few minutes _Guatimala_ was utterly swept away, not the least mark remaining, nor any left alive except _Alvarado_’s Bastard Daughter by an _Indian_; and in the adjacent Fields, some few, and they maim’d, with broken Arms or Legs; after this utter destruction, they re-built another _Guatimala_, three Leagues more Easterly. But though _Alvarado_ was lost in this Enterprize, yet the Voyage to _Sibolla_ was not laid aside, for _Francisco Velasques_ March’d thither with eight hundred Men, of which most were Horse, but found nought else but Snowy Mountains and barren Plains, insomuch, that his Men and Horses were starv’d for want of Provision; wherefore he return’d without success to _Mexico_, having onely burnt some Villages, and had several Rencounters with the Natives.

[Sidenote: _Attabaliba_’s message to _Pizarro_.]

But _Attabaliba_ a _Peruan_ Prince, inform’d of _Pizarro_ and _Almagro_’s coming, commanded them both to depart out of his Kingdom; but they not regarding it, march’d directly to _Caxamalca_, where _Attabaliba_ kept his Court, who again sent other Messengers to them with command to leave his Dominions. _Pizarro_ made answer, that he could not obey any Commands but those of his Master the Emperor, who had order’d him to speak with the King himself at his own Palace.

_Attabaliba_ hearing that _Pizarro_ resolv’d to come forward, sent him a pair of Painted Shooes and Armlets, that he might put them on when he appear’d before his Throne: Captain _Ferdinand Sotto_ march’d before with twenty Horse, passing close on the Flank of _Attabaliba_’s Army: The _Indians_ amaz’d at the prauncing of their Horses, retreated into their Fortifications, but were for their cowardize immediately slain by the King’s Order.

[Sidenote: His discourse with a _Spanish_ Bishop, and his apparel.]

_Sotto_ sent a Message to _Attabaliba_, That the _Spaniards_ desir’d peaceably to Treat with him, to which he receiv’d answer, That no Peace could be made, unless they restor’d the Gold and Silver to the Owners, which they had Plunder’d from them, and forsook his Territories; which so doing, they should have Audience the next day: Hereupon the Bishop _Vincent de Villa Viridi_ was conducted into the Royal Palace, in the City of _Caxamalca_, and brought before _Attabaliba_, who came thither in great State, with a Guard of twenty five thousand Men; he was carry’d on the Shoulders of his prime Nobles in a Sedan, about which hung Garlands of Gold, and divers colour’d Feathers; himself was cloth’d in a white loose Vest, without Sleeves; his Temples were bound with a red Ribbon, with a long Tassel on his left Cheek; on his Fore-head stuck three curious Feathers; before him March’d three hundred of his Life-Guard, all in one Livery, who clear’d the way through which the King was to pass. The before-mention’d Bishop carry’d in one Hand a Cross, in the other a Book, discoursing with the King to this effect; _That God is the Trinity_, Adam _the first Man_; _Christ Born of a Virgin, dy’d on the Cross_; _the_ Pope _God’s Vice-Gerent, who according to the Power he had from Heaven, had given_ Peru _to the Emperor_ Charles, _as also all other Countreys in_ America; _and if he should prove obstinate, and resist, he must expect nothing less than utter ruine_. _Attabaliba_ reply’d, _That he serv’d_ Pachamaca, _being the Creator of all things; and next to him the Sun and Moon: How glorious do they appear_ (said he) _in comparison of a Crucifi’d God? To make Peace and Alliance with mighty Princes, was the true Foundation of wise Government: But the_ Pope _must needs be senseless, devoy’d of all reason, and withal highly unjust, to give away what was none of his own_, viz. _other mens Kingdoms, in which he never had the least or smallest concern. Moreover, he would not desert that Religion which he and his Ancestors had maintain’d so many Ages, and the rather, because there are no apparent or sufficient Testimony of the truth of Christianity._ The latter clause was thus answer’d, saying, _This Book, O King, which I hold in my hand, proves and declares all that you question_. _Attabaliba_ looking upon it, turn’d it over Leaf by Leaf, then look’d more intentively upon the Print, which done he clap’d it to either Ear, and at last as altogether unsatisfi’d, in disdainful manner threw it away.

But _Pizarro_ gaining time while the King and Bishop thus discours’d, had drawn his Men in Battel-Array, his sixty Horse he divided into three Wings, Commanded by his three Brothers, _Ferdinand_, _John_, and _Gonzalvo Pizarro_, left the Captains _Sotto_ and _Bavalcazar_ in an Ambuscade; _Peter de Canada_ march’d in the Van, and he himself in the main Body, leaving _Sotto_ in the Rear.

[Illustration]

[Sidenote: _Pizarro_ fights with _Attabaliba_.]

[Sidenote: _Attabaliba_ taken prisoner.]

[Sidenote: Bids for his ransom an unvaluable treasure.]

So soon as the Bishop could acquaint them in what scornful manner _Attabaliba_ had thrown his Holy Book, _The Word of God_, upon the ground; both Armies were Engaged, whilst their Trumpets sounded, their Drums beat, their Canons roar’d, the Horses neigh’d, and the Dogs bark’d, they made a speedy march up against the Walls of _Taxamalca_, which dreadful mixture of terrible noises struck such a Pannick fear into the hearts of the _Indians_, that they all presently broke, in their flight crowding one another to death at the Gates of the City, which being too narrow to receive them, they themselves made breaches in their own Walls to enter; which opportunity the _Spaniards_ no ways neglected, but entering with them, shot and kill’d all they could reach; their Dogs also having no little share in the slaughter; whole companies of Indians were trode under the Horses feet, yet near _Attabaliba_’s Chair was the greatest resistance, for no sooner fell one of the Bearers, but immediately another supply’d the place; so that the King was surrounded with heaps of his own slain Subjects, to whom _Pizarro_ himself Charg’d up so close, that having seiz’d him by his long Hair, he pull’d him out of his Throne, and having gotten him under him, secur’d immediately in Fetters; whereupon all his Life-Guard forsook him, and fled: But the loss of the Battel, which was _Attabaliba_’s utter ruine, was laid upon _Runninagui_, a Captain appointed to lie in Ambush, so to fall in the Rear of the _Spaniards_ with five thousand men; but was so far from performing his Orders, that terrifi’d at the uncouth noise of the Guns, and the rest, that he fled one hundred and fifty Leagues Southerly, before he stopt, or scarce ever look’d behind him in so long a flight. Mean while, _Attabaliba_ compounded with _Pizarro_ for his Ransom, _viz._ to pay him as much Gold as that Hall in his Court (where they made the Agreement) could hold to the top; they first measur’d the heighth, then the length, which was found to be fifty four Foot, and the breadth nine: In pursuance of this composition, Gold was brought thither from all places, according to _Attabaliba_’s order; yet he could not raise so much as would perform his bargain, which made the _Spaniards_ to grumble: But _Attabaliba_ desiring some longer time to perform it, telling _Pizarro_, that most of the Gold was brought on Slaves Shoulders, a long and troublesome way, of two hundred Leagues long, from the City _Cusco_, and if this would not satisfie, _Pizarro_ might send some of his own people thither, to inform him, that he need not fear the least danger, as long as he was Prisoner with his Wife and Children.

The two Captains, _Sotto_, and _Peter del Baro_ being sent away to that purpose, met after some days Journey with one of _Attabaliba_’s Leaders, who was bringing the King’s Brother _Guascar_ with a Party, Prisoner to _Caxamalca_.

[Sidenote: Burns his Brother _Guascar_ alive.]

_Guascar_ had now a fair opportunity to crave assistance of the _Spaniards_, telling them, that he and _Attabaliba_ were the Sons of _Guaynacava_, so that the Kingdom was to be divided betwixt both. But _Attabaliba_ had by force made himself Master of all, whereas he being the youngest, ought to be satisfi’d with that share which _Guascar_, being the eldest, would assign him; for the right of Inheritance belong’d justly to him, and yet he was carry’d away bound to slaughter: But if _Pizarro_ would do justice in delivering him out of his Brothers bloody Hands, he would raise him thrice as much Gold as _Attabaliba_ had promis’d: To which purpose he desir’d _Sotto_ and _Baro_ to put off their Journey to _Cusco_; which they not daring to do, went on their way, and _Guascar_ descending the Valley _Sucsuhuana_, was burnt alive by _Attabaliba_’s Soldiers.

Mean while, _Almagro_ came with fresh Forces to _Taxamalca_, which occasion’d no small trouble in _Pizarro_, who was onely thirsty after Gold: On the other side, _Almagro_ as greedy, grew jealous that _Pizarro_ should keep the promis’d Hall full of Gold for himself, and he should have no share, because _Attabaliba_ was his Prisoner; therefore he earnestly desir’d that _Attabaliba_ might privately be made away, and that the Booty might be divided to one as well as the other.

[Sidenote: An incredible sum of Money given to the Soldiers.]

[Sidenote: _Attabaliba_ strangled.]

_Pizarro_ to prevent all inconveniencies that might happen from his dissenting, gave in the presence of the King to every private Soldier a thousand Duckets in Gold, and six thousand five hundred twenty five Silver Crowns; the inferior Officers receiv’d four and thirty thousand Crowns, and the others sixty thousand; the fifth part of the Booty he reserv’d for the Emperor: And notwithstanding _Attabaliba_ perform’d his promise in filling the Hall full of Gold, yet he had the sentence of Death pronounc’d against him; neither would his excuse of Innocency serve, or his Requests to be sent to _Spain_, there to clear himself before the Emperor; but sighing, and lamenting his misfortunes, was ty’d to a Post, and Strangled in the presence of _Pizarro_. For whose Death, though a _Heathen_, Divine Vengeance pursu’d these cruel and unjust Arbitrators that thus made their Will a Law, none of them dying a natural Death.

Moreover it was observ’d, that a few days before this Execution a blazing Star appear’d, which _Attabaliba_ seeing, presaging sadly of himself said, _That a great Prince would die in a short time_; but _Pizarro_’s chief pretences for the Kings just suffering was, that he had cruelly murder’d his Brother _Guascar_: But this was a meer blind, for that that incens’d them against _Attabaliba_, was, that he knowing where the unvaluable treasure lay, which _Guascar_ had bury’d, would not discover it to them.

[Sidenote: Cruelty of _Ruminagui_.]

[Sidenote: _Pizarro_ puts _Quizquiz_ to flight.]

[Sidenote: And takes _Cusco_.]

[Sidenote: Unvaluable Treasures taken.]

[Sidenote: Remarkable passage of a Dog.]

_Attabaliba_, before his death, desir’d that he might be bury’d in the Territory _Quito_, by his Father _Guaynacava_, whom the _Peruvians_ for his great Justice and Prudence in Government, believed that he would arise, and settle the World so troubled and full of disorder in peace and quiet: The Corps was accordingly carry’d thither in great State after their manner, attended by his Brother, whom _Illescas Ruminagui_ which ran from _Attabaliba_ in the Battel, where he lay in ambush when he might have done them good service; in the way to his entertainment, receiv’d with all shews of sorrow; but when they were feasted to excess, bury’d in sleep and Wine, he Massacred and flea’d _Illescas_ the Kings Brother alive, and made a Taber of his Skin. Whilst _Attabaliba_’s Funeral was thus bloodily solemniz’d, his General _Quizquiz_ rais’d a great Army, which _Pizarro_ encountring after a valiant resistance, totally routed; then marching victoriously to _Cusco_, he saw great Fires in the City, and the Citizens fighting with the _Spaniards_, sent before; but the Horse breaking in upon them, most of them fled the next morning to the Mountains: Thus the _Spaniards_ became Masters of the City, where they inflicted the most cruel tortures on all Sexes, by that means to force them to discover, if they knew of any hidden Treasures, being not satisfi’d with what they found there, although they had gotten a greater Treasure in _Cusco_ than that that they had extorted from _Attabaliba_ before: Nay, they gave those that were murther’d for Food to their Dogs: Among the rest, _Didacus Salazar_ having a very fierce Dog call’d _Bezerril_, had also an old _Indian_ Woman his Prisoner, to whom he gave a Letter to deliver to the General _Pizarro_; the Woman had not gone many Paces before she was set upon by _Bezerril_, whom _Salazar_ let loose, that he might delight himself in seeing the Dog tear the poor old Woman; but she observing him come running at her with so great fierceness, fell down upon her Knees, and holding forth the Letter, cry’d, _Good my Lord, good my Lord Dog, I must carry this Letter to General_ Pizarro, whereupon the furious Curr having more compassion than the _Spaniard_, stood still a little, and at last lifted up his Leg in a scornful manner, Urin’d upon her, and return’d satisfi’d; at which sportive behavior of the Cur and the Chrone, _Salazar_ laughing, was so well pleas’d, that he gave the Woman her life.

[Sidenote: _Almagro_’s unhappy Journey.]

[Sidenote: King’s Town.]

After _Cusco_ had been sufficiently Plunder’d, _Pizarro_ made _Almagro_ Governor thereof, with the Territories belonging to it, and built near the River _Lima_ a Town, which they call’d _Los Reyes_. Mean while, _Almagro_ receiv’d Letters Patent from the Emperor, in which he was nominated _Marshal_ of _Peru_; encourag’d by that honor, he took a great design in hand, for the _Peruvians_ had reported, that the Golden _Chili_ lay to the South; and _Almagro_ being encourag’d, and assisted by _Pizarro_, March’d inquest thereof with two Troops of Horse, and five hundred Foot: But mean while there happen’d so great Rains, and such foul Weather, that the Ways were almost unpassable, so that the Expedition grew very troublesome; yet however he went on, in which hard March he lost both Horse and Men.

[Sidenote: _Mango Inga_ takes _Cusco_.]

[Sidenote: Contest between _Almagro_ and _Pizarro_.]

[Sidenote: _Almagro_ strangled.]

Whilst _Almagro_ was upon this undertaking, _Francisco Pizarro_ receiv’d Letters Patent from the Emperor, in which he was Intitul’d _Duke of Peru_, but with a _Salvo_ for the honor before given to _Almagro_; yet these balanc’d honors bred great dissention between the Duke and Marshal, which _Mango Inga_ another of _Attabaliba_’s Brothers observing, laid hold of the opportunity, and setting upon the _Spanish_ Garrison in _Cusco_, took the City. Whereupon _Pizarro_ immediately sent his Horse thither, under the Command of _Alphonso Alvarado_, and _Gomes de Todoya_, against whom the _Indians_ fought very valiantly, insomuch, that the Battel was a long time doubtful; yet at last the _Spaniards_ got a bloody Victory, and regain’d _Cusco_; hither after some time, _Almagro_ returning with ill success, having effected nothing, was kept out by _Ferdinand Pizarro_, under pretence that he could not open the Gate without Order from his Brother the Duke. _Almagro_ much offended thereat, yet saying little, was so privately let into the City, that he surpriz’d the Governor _Ferdinand Pizarro_, and his Brother _Gonsalvo_, with _Alphonso Alvarado_ Prisoners; swearing that he would not rest before he had rooted all the _Pizarro_’s out of Peru. But whilst he was passing the intended Sentence of Death upon them, _Gonsalvo_ and _Alvarado_ broke Prison; and got away to the Duke, who troubled for his Brother _Ferdinand_ there in custody, and in danger of his life, came to Composition; whereupon _Ferdinand_ was also releas’d: But this was no sooner done, and he had got his Brother safe there, but the Duke regarding nothing less than the keeping of the new-made Peace, sent to _Almagro_, that the Emperor having given him the prime Command over _Peru_, he requir’d him to leave _Cusco_, or else he would force him. _Almagro_ sent answer, That if he could see the Emperor’s Hand, he would immediately obey, otherwise not; whereupon both Parties prepar’d for War, wherein they had many sharp bickerings in a short time: But _Almagro_ being too weak fell into the Dukes hands, who order’d him to be strangled in the Gaol, and his body afterwards to be drawn to the Market-place, and there publickly Beheaded.

_Ferdinand Pizarro_ being not long after sent to _Spain_, with the fifths of the gotten Treasure for the Emperor, was Imprison’d in the Castle _Motto_, for _Almagro_’s Death: But what further happen’d to him there, or became of him, hath never been Recorded by any Pen.

[Sidenote: _Ferdinand Pizarro_ never obtains his liberty.]

[Sidenote: Young _Almagro_ stabs the Duke.]

But young _Almagro_, instigated by his Guardian _John Rada_, resolving, to be reveng’d for his Fathers Death; to that purpose he went to _Los Reyes_, where by the help of some hir’d Male-contents, he design’d to Murder the Duke upon St. _John_’s day, in the Church at high Service: But this business was not so closely carry’d, but the Duke had some inkling thereof, who therefore stay’d at home, and went not to Mass that day. The Conspirators doubting the event, hearing that their Plot was discover’d, though defeated in their purpose, yet not fail’d in their Courage, ran at noon day to the Palace, crying, _Kill the Tyrant, kill the Traytor_. But _Pizarro_ being so much forewarn’d, had lock’d up the Gates, and arm’d himself, which when they could not enter, yet they went back through the City, and waving a bloody Sword, cry’d, _Pizarro is slain_; this being believ’d, above two hundred private Friends to _Almagro_ appear’d, who all ran to the Palace, crouding about the Gates: And _Francisco de Chares_ coming out at a private Door, hoping to pacifie the Mutineers, was immediately Stab’d; but they rushing in the way he came, found some stout opposition, for seven Halberdiers of his Guard fought till they were all kill’d in the Dukes presence; but _Pizarro_ was taken alive, and being brought before _Almagro_, he Savagely Butcher’d him with his own hands; which done, they ran crying along the Streets, _Long live the Emperor, and_ Didacus Almagro.

[Sidenote: Great slaughter in _Los Reye_.]

But after all this, _Pizarro_’s Party joyning together, valiantly withstood the Conspirators, so that a considerable number were slain on both sides, yet _Almagro_ at last getting the better, confiscated the Goods of all those that were against him; and now every one shew’d him the respect of Chief Governor, till the Emperor should either settle him, or send another.

From hence Marching to _Cusco_, he had like to have paid for all, but prevented by private intelligence thereof; which happen’d thus,

[Sidenote: Strange Transactions between _Alvarado_, _Sotello_, and _Almagro_.]

[Sidenote: Fight between _Castro_ and _Almagro_.]

[Sidenote: _Castro_’s Cruelty.]

_Garcias Alvarado_ and _Christopher Sotello_ were Joynt-Governors of _Cusco_; but quarrelling, and coming to Blows in like manner, _Sotello_ was slain: This _Almagro_ took very hainously, as being his intimate Friend, giving forth threatning Speeches of Revenge; which _Alvarado_ inform’d of, and intending some way or other to prevent all Dangers, and save himself, he invited _Almagro_ to a Feast, but privately resolving to make it a Bloody Banquet, by his Death at the Table. Of this he being inform’d, as we mention’d before, staid at home, and privately sent for some Soldiers that had belong’d to _Sotello_, sending word that he was indispos’d: _Alvarado_, under a shew of Kindness, goes to _Almagro_, hoping to perswade him to come to his prepar’d Treat; but so soon as he was enter’d the Hall, they clapp’d to the Gate, and the Soldiers falling upon _Alvarado_, slew him: But soon after _Almagro_ was call’d in question, and not long enjoy’d this his usurp’d Authority; for the Emperor _Charles_ sending the Learned _Vacca de Castro_ with full Authority to _Peru_, to settle that disturb’d Kingdom, _Almagro_ now us’d to Govern, had no Ears to become a Subject; therefore he march’d with an Army to meet _Castro_, by whom, after a bloody Fight, being beaten and put to flight, having four thousand Men, he fell into the Victors Hands near _Cusco_, where he was treated very severely; for shortly after he was condemn’d to be Beheaded; others were strangled, and some torn in pieces with Horses.

[Sidenote: _Vela_ Vice-Roy of _Peru_.]

[Sidenote: Murders _Xuarez_.]

[Sidenote: Is taken and put in Prison.]