The War of Quito
by Pedro de Cieza de León · English · Gutenberg #49095 · 536,038 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: The War of Quito
Author: Pedro de Cieza de León
Translator: Sir Clements R. Markham
Release date: May 31, 2015 [eBook #49095]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WAR OF QUITO ***
WORKS ISSUED BY
The Hakluyt Society
THE WAR OF QUITO
SECOND SERIES
No. XXXI
ISSUED FOR 1913
COUNCIL
OF
THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY.
ALBERT GRAY, Esq., K.C., _President_.
THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BELHAVEN AND STENTON, _Vice-President_.
SIR CLEMENTS ROBERT MARKHAM, K.C.B., F.R.S., Ex-Pres. R.G.S.,
_Vice-President_.
THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD PECKOVER OF WISBECH, _Vice-President_.
ADMIRAL SIR LEWIS BEAUMONT, G.C.B., K.C.M.G.
SIR THOMAS B. BOWRING.
LIEUT.-COLONEL CHARLES FREDERICK CLOSE, C.M.G., R.E.
BOLTON GLANVILL CORNEY, Esq., I.S.O.
MAJOR LEONARD DARWIN, late R.E., late Pres. R.G.S.
WILLIAM FOSTER, Esq., C.I.E.
F. H. H. GUILLEMARD, M.D.
EDWARD HEAWOOD, Esq., _Treasurer_.
SIR EVERARD IM THURN, K.C.M.G., C.B.
JOHN SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D.
ADMIRAL SIR ALBERT HASTINGS MARKHAM, K.C.B.
ALFRED P. MAUDSLAY, Esq.
LIEUT.-COLONEL SIR MATTHEW NATHAN, G.C.M.G., R.E.
ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET THE RIGHT HON. SIR EDWARD HOBART SEYMOUR,
G.C.B., O.M., G.C.V.O., LL.D.
H. R. TEDDER, Esq.
LIEUT.-COLONEL SIR RICHARD CARNAC TEMPLE, BART., C.I.E.
BASIL HOME THOMSON, Esq.
J. A. J. DE VILLIERS, Esq., _Hon. Secretary_.
THE WAR OF QUITO
BY
PEDRO DE CIEZA DE LEON
AND
INCA DOCUMENTS
TRANSLATED AND EDITED
BY
SIR CLEMENTS R. MARKHAM, K.C.B.
VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY
MDCCCCXIII
Cambridge:
PRINTED BY JOHN CLAY, M.A.
AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTORY NOTE ix
The War of Quito by Pedro de Cieza de Leon
(LIII chapters), with notes 1
Letter from the Bishop of Cuzco to the King 132
Indictment of the Judges against the Viceroy 143
Sequel 152
Letter from Carbajal to Gonzalo Pizarro 160
Gasca’s voyage 162
Murder of the Inca Manco narrated by his son 164
Mission of Figueroa to the Inca 170
Note on Molina 200
INDEX 201
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Cieza de Leon, besides his two chronicles (translations of which already
form part of the first series of the Hakluyt Society’s volumes),
completed a history of the conquest and civil wars of Peru. The
manuscripts have not all been found, but Jimenes de la Espada edited and
published the first part of the “War of Quito” by Cieza de Leon in 1880.
It is valuable because Cieza was the most trustworthy of all the old
writers on Peru, and because he was on the spot and acquainted with many
of the actors in the scenes he describes. Cieza is always fair and
impartial.
The interest attaching to this recovered work of Cieza is that it
records the attempt of the Spanish Government, at the instance of Las
Casas, to befriend the Indians by enforcing laws for their protection.
It will be seen that the martinet who was sent as Viceroy to carry out
the policy of the Government was a hopelessly impossible person. The
hopes of the Inca Manco were raised on receiving the news of the
Viceroy’s arrival with the New Laws, and he died in the full
anticipation that there was a dawn of better things for his people.
The narrative of Cieza is well told and full of interest. But it comes
to an end just before the Viceroy’s murder of the Factor Illan Suarez de
Carbajal, which was the immediate cause of his overthrow. To the
narrative of Cieza is, therefore, added in the present volume a letter
from the Bishop of Cuzco to Charles V which describes the murder and
subsequent events. The letter is followed by the Indictment of the
Judges against the Viceroy, also giving their version of the murder and
of the events which followed.
To complete the story a Sequel has been written by the editor, narrating
the events from the assumption of the government by Gonzalo Pizarro to
his complete victory and the death of the Viceroy at Añaquito. From that
date, for too short a time, Gonzalo Pizarro was Governor of Peru, and in
possession of the only approach by Panama, with none to oppose him.
His Camp Master was Francisco de Carbajal, a veteran of the Italian
wars, now verging on his eightieth year, and very corpulent. His life
story, up to this time, will be found in the narrative of Cieza, in the
Sequel, and in notes. Carbajal is accused of great cruelty. It is true
that he showed no mercy to traitors and deserters, from policy not from
innate cruelty. The treachery of nearly every one in Peru is perfectly
astounding, as will be seen in Cieza’s narrative; and strong measures
were absolutely inevitable. But he was kind and indulgent to his own
men, and he had a wife who was attached to him, a Portuguese lady named
Leyton, of good family. Carbajal was a soldier with forty years of
experience in the wars of Italy and by far the ablest military man in
Peru. He was well educated, extraordinarily sagacious and far-seeing,
very witty and humorous, and possessed of almost incredible physical
endurance.
The wise old man saw that there could be no forgiveness for Gonzalo
Pizarro, and that it was quite futile to send envoys to Spain to explain
what had happened and to apply for the governorship for Gonzalo. He,
therefore, urged Gonzalo Pizarro to assume the kingship, to create
nobles, to grant _encomiendas_ in perpetuity, to marry an Inca princess,
and to enact judicious laws for the efficient protection of the Indians.
By these measures he would secure the support of all the Spaniards and
all the native population--there would be such unanimity that attacks
from without would be repulsed. The only safety was in a bold front. The
words of wisdom were only listened to with favour, but not adopted.
The Sequel is followed by an interesting letter from Carbajal to Pizarro
in which he refers to the kingship.
Pizarro hesitated and was lost. There was the basest treachery. Hinojosa
and Aldana delivered up Panama and the fleet to the cleric Pedro de la
Gasca, who had been sent out with full powers.
A translation of a curious document in the King’s library at Madrid
follows, giving an account of the storm encountered by Gasca on his
voyage to Peru.
Next there is a translation of Appendix No. 18 in Espada’s edition of
Cieza de Leon’s “Guerra de Quito.” It is only a fragment, but it
contains the account of the murder of the Inca Manco, given by his son
Titu Cusi Yupanqui, who was an eye-witness.
The last document is the exceedingly interesting Report by Diego
Rodriguez de Figueroa of his mission to Titu Cusi Yupanqui Inca, between
1565 and 1568.
[Illustration]
THE WAR OF QUITO[1]
BY
PEDRO DE CIEZA DE LEON
CHAPTER I
_How the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela sailed from San Lucar, and what
happened until his arrival at the city of Panama, which is in the
kingdom of Tierra Firme._
The Viceroy Blasco Nuñez had been ordered to fit out ships to sail from
Spain, and to continue his journey to the kingdoms of Peru. When
everything was ready, he sailed from that port, with the knights who
were to accompany him, on Saturday the 3rd day of the month of November
in the year of our redemption 1543[2]. Navigating swiftly over the great
ocean sea, he sailed on until he arrived at Gran Canaria. Here he took
in fresh provisions and was joined by the Licentiate Cepeda, who was
going out as a Judge. Leaving that island, the voyage was continued
until the ships arrived at Nombre de Dios three days after Epiphany in
1544. Here he remained for 15 or 16 days, at the end of which time he
proceeded to the city of Panama with those who had accompanied him.
I deeply lament that a knight so accomplished as was the Viceroy should
have fallen into the hands of such wicked and perverse men. For his want
of judgment and lack of prudence in public affairs did not merit a death
so cruel as he met with at Añaquito near the equator. The things that
must happen cannot be prevented, and all is in the will of the most high
God.
The Viceroy arrived at the city of Panama without waiting for the Judges
who, for some reason, did not leave Nombre de Dios with him, but
remained there. The Viceroy found the Licentiate Pedro Ramirez de
Quiñones, now Judge of the Confines, in Panama. He was taking the
_residencia_ of Dr Villalobos and the Licentiate Paez, who had been
Judges of the Court established in that kingdom. Presently the Viceroy
took the royal seal, and placed it in a box with the veneration which
was its due, with several chapters of the Ordinances[3], intending to
carry out the orders literally. They required that all the men and women
of Peru should be sent to their native homes at the cost of those who
possessed them, it being the will of the King that they should be free,
as his subjects and vassals[5]. Notwithstanding that the order was just
and righteous, some of the Indians evaded it because they were married,
others because they liked their masters and were tolerably instructed in
the matters of our Holy Catholic Faith. Even of those who were ordered
to depart many merely went to hide in secret places so as not to go
whither they were sent, and others went to the churches, whence they
were taken by order of the Viceroy, and put on board ships, where many
died. So that very few returned to their native places, and those that
did went back to the rites and idolatries they had formerly been
accustomed to. There was thus no benefit derived from compliance with
this ordinance. Some Spanish conquerors, who returned to Spain, had
lived with Indian women for many years, and had children by them. These
were to be sent to the native places of the mothers at the cost of their
masters. If they disputed or complained they had to pay double for
freight and passage. Some had small children and prayed that they might
not be sent to die owing to having no mothers. These were ordered to pay
a still larger sum.
The authorities, appointed to enforce the new laws in Peru, were the
Viceroy and four Judges of the Royal Court of Justice[6].
When the Judges arrived at Panama there were some entertainments, and it
was reported that the Viceroy and the Judges were not on very good
terms, and that, in secret, neither he treated them well, nor they him.
Considering the severity of the new laws, and the difficulty of
enforcing them in Peru, owing to the resistance of those in that
kingdom, the Judges suggested to the Viceroy that an intention to
enforce them should not be shown until they were in possession of Peru.
When the Court was established there, it would be easier to enforce the
orders of his Majesty. The Viceroy had received news of what was passing
in Peru, of the great number of people in that kingdom, of the
proceedings of the Governor Vaca de Castro, and that there were many
charges for artillery and arquebuses and much gunpowder in the cities of
Lima and Cuzco. He was strongly advised to enter Peru quietly and with
consideration, for if he came in another way there would be a rebellion
against him. For besides the arms and people actually in the country,
more came every day, and are now coming. But the Viceroy, unmoved by
these reports, replied that his single cloak and sword would suffice for
all Peru. Many, hearing these boastings, foresaw what they must be
prepared for. As the ordinances were so severe against men who had lived
so freely as those in Peru, and so heavy for them, it was evident that
they would take up arms, for it was their custom to contend in war for
very slight causes.
CHAPTER II
_Of what other things happened at Panama, and what the Governor
Rodrigo de Contreras and the Judges said to the Viceroy respecting
the ordinances._
There was no less commotion in Tierra Firme than in Peru on hearing that
the Viceroy intended to enforce the ordinances and to hold the kingdom
under a rule of such right and justice that no one should live in
licentiousness, as had hitherto been the case. Rodrigo de Contreras, who
had been Governor of Nicaragua, was at that time in Panama. He saw that
the Viceroy would not keep in his own bosom a single part of what he had
been ordered to do: but on the contrary declared publicly, so that all
might hear, affirming it with an oath, that he will not have landed at
Tumbez before the Indians had been informed that they were vassals of
the Emperor our Lord, and that the _Encomenderos_ had no authority over
them except for the collection of tribute which the Indians were bound
to pay: also that the ordinances would be enforced as the King had
ordered.
Contreras went to the Viceroy’s lodging, and said: “I cannot believe
that your Lordship is ignorant of the alarm caused by your arrival with
these new laws, among the Spaniards in this empire of the Indies, from
the islands to this part. Even if your ears are deaf to this, as the
tumult has not yet ended, you must have heard the clamour that is made
over it. Neither I nor those here complain that his Majesty has sent the
new laws for, like so very Christian a prince, he desires that affairs
here should be ordered with rectitude and moderation. For we hold for
certain that his ministers who come to execute laws, zealous for his
service, will see that the state of affairs renders it advisable not to
enforce them. I regret, therefore, that your Lordship has publicly
declared that you will not have landed in New Castille before the new
laws are published and enforced. The ordinances which I brought out, not
only did I not publish, but I was in the province a year and more and
had not promulgated them. Later, when it is clear that the provinces are
quieted and that there is no trouble, I shall decide what should be
done. For if the ordinances were hastily enforced it might cause great
evils. In this country the Spaniards are not of low degree, but all
consider themselves great lords of noble parentage, and would be ready
to die rather than submit to the new laws, nor would dissensions and
wars be wanting, the discontent being so great.”
When Contreras said this, the Viceroy replied: “If on all sides the evil
is preferred to the good, and tyranny comes before loyalty, and if the
King has no more part in these realms than those who are here like to
give him, I can believe that what you say is correct. But if you say
that his Majesty’s intention is not altered, how is it that they do not
wish to comply with the royal order? You know very well the poverty
under which our fathers came to discover this empire. It is not so many
years since Columbus sailed from Spain, and avarice has grown rapidly
among those who have settled here. To gain riches they have done many
evil things, almost totally ruining the provinces. If these laws had not
been enacted, in ten years there would be nothing left but ruins, and
the rivers and mountains. Let no one think that ministers of the King
will be guided by the appetites of those here, nor be surprised if I
behead them as traitors.” Saying this the Viceroy retired into his
chamber: and the Governor Rodrigo de Contreras departed.
Soon afterwards the Licentiate Zarate, regretting that the Viceroy
should have said that he would soon enforce the new laws, and not
wishing to speak of a thing which was so hateful to all, entered where
the Viceroy was. He then said that, hearing what was talked about
concerning the new laws, and understanding that they were to be
enforced, he thought it would be proper not to allude to the subject;
rather keep it at the bottom of a box until the land of Peru was
reached, and it was ascertained whether the laws could be conveniently
promulgated. To this, and to what the Judges Cepeda, Alvarez and Tejada
said, the Viceroy replied that he would do what he thought proper. As to
what the accountant Juan de Caceres affirmed, that, from the news he had
received from people in Peru, he gathered that if the ordinances were at
once enforced, the people would take up arms rather than obey, the
Viceroy told him harshly that if he was not a servant of the King he
would order him to be hanged.
These and some other things having happened, the Viceroy hurried his
preparations to go on to Peru, while the Judges continued to talk about
the ordinances, advising that before they were promulgated, time should
be given for the court of justice to be formed, so that then the orders
of his Majesty might be carried out, after mature deliberation. But the
Viceroy thought little of their advice; replying that his duty was to
obey his orders, and for doing so he alone sufficed. So the want of
confidence between him and the Judges was increased.
CHAPTER III
_How Francisco de Carbajal arrived at the city of the Kings with a
great desire to return to Spain, and how the Viceroy embarked at
Panama for Peru._
Francisco de Carbajal, desiring to leave the kingdom, had obtained the
consent of the Governor Vaca de Castro and of the municipality of Cuzco,
and, with the help they gave him, he set out from that city with all the
money he could collect, wishing to return to Spain and obtain some rest.
Antonio de Altamirano and Lope de Mendoza and many others would have
lost nothing by his departure[7]. But it was already decreed by God, for
our very great sins, that this man should become a cruel scourge, as the
narrative will presently give you to understand. Leaving the city of
Cuzco, Carbajal travelled until he reached the city of the Kings, and
dismounted at the house of the Treasurer Antonio Riquelme. The Treasurer
feared that he had come to kill him by order of Vaca de Castro, by
reason of the enmity between them; so next day, by all the cunning ways
he could think of, he sought how to get rid of such a guest. But
Francisco Carbajal was very tiresome and, seeing what the Treasurer
wanted, he continued to lodge in his house. At the end of some days
after his arrival at the city of the Kings, he gave the letters he
brought from Vaca de Castro to the members of the municipality, touching
his voyage to Spain. The letters represented the advantages the kingdom
would derive from his departure, because his Majesty, through him, would
be well informed of the affairs of Peru, and of the injury that would
be done to the conquerors, if the new laws were enforced in their
entirety. Vaca de Castro wrote in the same way, and requested that
Carbajal should be empowered to negotiate in Spain, in the interests of
Peru. The members of the municipality, having read the letter of Vaca de
Castro, and heard what Francis Carbajal had to say, gave an evasive
answer. As the Governor, by his letter, announced that he would shortly
arrive at the city of the Kings, they told Carbajal that he should wait
until Vaca de Castro came, as he would give orders as Governor for the
King. They gave this answer at an official meeting in the municipal
building. Carbajal thought that he was looked upon by them as an
unimportant person to whom they could give a frivolous answer. He came
out of the building with a feeling of having been insulted; while those
within were laughing, and making a joke of it. For they thought that
when Vaca de Castro did come to the city of the Kings the country would
already be under the new Viceroy, who would not molest them for not
having cared to send Carbajal to Spain[8].
At this time the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela was very anxious to leave
Tierra Firme and, embarking on the South Sea, to navigate in haste to
the coast of Peru. He desired to establish the court of justice in the
city of the Kings with as little delay as possible, considering that it
would be easy to enforce the ordinances. He was very angry, and was with
difficulty induced to listen, if any one expressed a different opinion.
Leaving the Judges at Panama, and taking with him the royal seal, he
embarked at the city of Panama on the 10th of February of the same year,
and arrived at the port of Tumbez in nine days. This was the quickest
voyage that had ever been made. From Tumbez he wrote his letters to the
city of San Francisco del Quito, to Puerto Viejo, and to Guayaquil, to
announce his arrival in the kingdom and the duty with which he was
charged by order of the Emperor our Lord. He added that his desire was
to do good to all, and to administer justice; that for this he had come,
and that when he arrived at the city of the Kings he would establish a
royal court of justice and chancellory where those would receive justice
who sought for it. He concluded with the announcement that, although he
sent to tell them this, he also came with certain ordinances for the new
government and respecting the treatment of the Indians which might
appear heavy and causes for anger. Hitherto justice had been
administered as between friends. They murmured at the announcement of
the Viceroy, and when the news of his arrival reached them, they were
not a little annoyed, so that the Viceroy’s name was abhorred by most,
while all, from fear of the new rules, thought of no other thing than to
extort as much gold as possible from the Indians and their chiefs.
CHAPTER IV
_How the Governor Vaca de Castro wrote from the city of Cuzco to
the Captain Gonzalo Pizarro, and touching his departure from
Cuzco._
The tumults and disturbances, caused by the news of the ordinances in
Cuzco, were continued. It is even said that Hernando Bachicao, Juan
Velez de Guevara, Gaspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo, Cermeño and others
spoke to Vaca de Castro saying that he was the Royal Governor, that he
should continue in his command, and that all would serve and obey him.
Vaca de Castro answered in a way which showed that he understood how
changeable were the wills of men in Peru, and how inconstant. To gain
their ends they are ready to put any one at the head, leaving him in the
lurch if he failed. In this Vaca de Castro was not deceived. For those
who move in seditions and in wars coloured by justifications, although
they were accomplices in the demands of their leader, when the time of
failure comes, they sally forth, swearing with great oaths that they
were forced to join the tyrant.
Understanding this Vaca de Castro answered that he had taken charge of
the province by order of the King, and that he would now do no other
thing than proceed to the city of the Kings to wait upon him whom the
King had appointed as his Viceroy. Saying this, he ordered the
Secretary, Pero Lopez[9], to prepare the letters and despatches, as he
desired to set out from Cuzco without delay.
Some wish to say, and even men who were present have assured me, that
the Governor Vaca de Castro wrote to Gonzalo Pizarro to come with all
speed and take up the appointment of Procurator and Defender of the
kingdom while he, Vaca de Castro, after marrying one of Pizarro’s
daughters, would go to Spain and negotiate for his appointment to the
government of New Toledo, and other things, and urging him to proceed in
the matter.
I, being in the city of the Kings, was told by Don Antonio de Ribera
that among the letters which Gonzalo Pizarro had there--and I remember
that they were so numerous that three secretaries, continually reading
to the President La Gasca, did not finish in four days--was one from
Vaca de Castro to him, to which he answered that many had written to
incite him to come and lead them, but that he would not do so. On the
contrary, he would remain in his house, for his Majesty had sent his
Viceroy who had entered the country, and that he would do what the
royal service required. He wrote other things which were not intended to
be so evil as some have wished to make out. It may well be that both
letters were written by him.
After a few days Vaca de Castro set out from Cuzco, accompanied by
Caspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo[10], Antonio de Quiñones, Diego
Maldonado[11], the Licentiate Carbajal[12], Antonio de Altamirano[13],
Gaspar Gil, Pedro de los Rios, Hernando Bachicao[14] and other principal
people and some soldiers. With these he began the journey to the city of
the Kings.
CHAPTER V
_How the Viceroy departed from Tumbez for the city of San Miguel,
beginning to enforce the ordinances, which aroused a strong feeling
in Peru._
The Viceroy Blasco Nuñez de Vela arrived at Tumbez accompanied by
Francisco Velasquez Vela Nuñez his brother, and the Captain Diego
Alvarez de Cueto his brother-in-law, with other knights, and his
servants. He was intent on enforcing the new laws. He sent out his
orders before he had been received as Viceroy, commanding all to receive
him as such, for in that way His Majesty would be best served. He
ordered that no extra tribute should be taken from the Indians, and that
no force or ill treatment should be used in dealing with them. These and
other orders were given which, although just, should have been carried
out with much order and prudence, and not with too much severity nor in
such haste. Nevertheless they did not give sufficient cause to justify
those in Peru in their revolt.
In Tumbez Diego Alvarez de Cueto and others who came with him, as well
as some residing in Peru, advised that the new laws should not then be
enforced, but that the Royal Court of Justice should first be
established, and the kingdom be in the Viceroy’s power. But the Viceroy
would never see things in that light. From this it seems to me that God,
by reason of the grave sins of those who lived in Peru, was served that
affairs should be guided in this way, that afterwards the sinners might
be chastised with His mighty justice. For certainly their pride and
their immorality in openly sinning, merited punishment from God’s hand.
The gravity of such great sins deserved the calamities and excessive
hardships which came upon them. The Viceroy answered, as he always did,
that he must obey the King’s orders even if it should cost him his
life.
He was fifteen days in Tumbez arranging these matters, at the end of
which time he determined to set out for the city of San Miguel[15]. He
accomplished the journey and was publicly well received, but really, at
the bottom of their hearts, every one was sorry to see him, because he
brought the new laws. Finally he was received as Viceroy, and at once
began to enforce the ordinances. He ordered a copy to be made of the
grants of Indians within the boundaries of San Miguel, asking the
Caciques how many they had given, and the Encomenderos how many they had
received, according to which he assessed the tribute which had to be
paid. He then gave the Indians to understand that his Majesty ordered
that they were to be free, and to be treated as his vassals.
The members of the municipality of that city, seeing how the Viceroy
enforced the ordinances, entreated him not to do so at once, but to give
time for the Emperor to be informed generally of the state of the
kingdom that, in consideration of the great service performed for his
Majesty, he might deign to show mercy and not to insist on the
ordinances being enforced in their entirety. Although they supplicated
in great sorrow, holding up their right hand in testimony that they
would always serve the King with loyalty, their prayers availed nothing,
nor the protests and representations they made. Further he presently
superseded Diego Palomino because he had been Lieutenant to the
Governor, and he gave complete liberty to the Indians, telling them not
to give anything to the Spaniards unless they paid for it first, and to
use weights and measures in their dealings.
News came to Truxillo and the city of the Kings of all these
proceedings, with much exaggeration. Besides the people who were coming
by land, a ship commanded by Juan Vazquez de Avila, who was her master,
arrived at Callao, the port of the city of the Kings. The master said
that he had landed the Viceroy at Tumbez. On the receipt of this news
there was a great tumult in the city, hearing what had passed where the
Viceroy was, and anticipating the enforcing of the ordinances. The
magistrates and officials assembled and consulted respecting the
approach of the Viceroy, and the trouble throughout the kingdom, to
decide what course to take. After the discussion they decided that some
learned persons of authority should go to meet the Viceroy and give him
a welcome, informing him of what was happening, and how all, with bosoms
on the ground, would do what their Lord and King commanded.
CHAPTER VI
_How some knights set out from the city of the Kings to meet the
Viceroy, and of his departure from San Miguel for Truxillo._
The members of the municipality of the city of the Kings having
determined to send persons to meet the Viceroy, they appointed the
Factor Yllan Suarez de Carbajal[16], the Captain Diego de Aguero[17],
both Magistrates, and Juan de Barbaran Procurator of the city. With
them there went Pablo de Meneses[18], Lorenzo de Estopiñam, Sebastian de
Coca, Hernando de Vargas, Rodrigo Nuñez de Prado and others. Among them
was the Friar Esidro of the order of Dominicans, who went by order of
the most reverend Don Jeronimo de Loaysa, Bishop of the city of the
Kings.
Leaving those I have mentioned to proceed on their journey, we will
return to Blasco Nuñez who, after he had done what has been related in
the city of San Miguel and its dependencies, determined to proceed to
Truxillo, and accordingly he set out accompanied by his followers.
The Factor, with those who went with him from the city of the Kings,
travelled on until they came to some buildings called “Las
Perdrices[19]” ten leagues from that city; intending to wait there until
they met the Viceroy. Presently a Spaniard arrived in great haste and
came to them. His name was Ochoa, and he said that he came with
despatches from the Viceroy to the municipality of the city of the Kings
and to Vaca de Castro. This was true, for the Viceroy had sent him in
advance. The Factor Yllan Suarez de Carbajal, the Captain Diego de
Aguero, as Magistrates, and Juan de Barbaran as Procurator opened the
parcel. They found in it a copy of the appointment which his Majesty
gave to Blasco Nuñez as Viceroy, and a letter for Vaca de Castro,
ordering him no longer to exercise the functions of Governor, and to
come to the city of the Kings. For the municipality of the city of the
Kings there was another letter, ordering the members to receive Blasco
Nuñez as Viceroy, by virtue of the order he sent, and no longer to look
upon Vaca de Castro as Governor. The report was that this Viceroy, from
the time he entered the kingdom, held the affairs of Vaca de Castro as
odious, and that he favoured those who had taken the side of Don Diego
de Almagro. These are vulgar rumours, and I do not know how much truth
there is in them[20].
These despatches having been seen by the Factor and the others, they
were delighted at the hostility shown in them to Vaca de Castro, and
they decided that Juan de Barbaran, as Procurator, should go back with
the news. He returned in all haste to the city of the Kings and, having
arrived, he rushed through the streets as if the land had rebelled
against the service of the King, shouting--“Liberty! the Lord Viceroy is
coming, see here are his despatches.” On hearing this there entered the
town hall the Treasurer Alonso Riquelme, the Overseer Garcia de Saucedo,
Juan de Leon, Francisco Ampuero, Nicolas de Ribera the lad, Alonso
Palomino, Nicolas de Ribera the elder, being Magistrates.
The royal provision of his Majesty ordered that, by its authority,
Blasco Nuñez should be received as Viceroy. But the document was merely
a copy, by which Blasco Nuñez could not then be received as Viceroy.
They met three times without being able to decide. At last, more on
account of the enmity to Vaca de Castro than for any other reason it was
resolved that the Viceroy should be received in the city in accordance
with the order. When they were in session they sent for the Licentiate
Esquivel, a native of the city of Badajos, who, wishing to further the
service of the Emperor, gave his vote that they should receive Blasco
Nuñez as their Viceroy. This being done the Licentiate proceeded to
Truxillo to join the Viceroy and offer his services. He sent a statement
of these proceedings to Vaca de Castro, with the letter of the Viceroy.
The Licentiate de la Gama[21], who was the lieutenant of Esquivel,
notwithstanding that the Viceroy had written to him in a friendly way,
left the city to meet Vaca de Castro, leaving the Magistrates in charge.
They gave the rod of office to Juan de Barbaran, and made public the
appointment of the Viceroy, which is as follows:
“Don Carlos by divine clemency Emperor, always august, King of Germany;
Doña Juana his mother, and the same Don Carlos, by the same grace Kings
of Castille, of Aragon, of Leon, of the Sicilies, of Jerusalem, of
Navarre, of Granada, of Toledo, of Valencia, of Galicia, of Majorca, of
Seville, of Sardinia, of Cordova, of Corsica, of Murcia, of Jaen, of the
Algarves, of Algesiras, of Gibraltar, of the Canary Isles, and the
Indies and Tierra Firme of the Ocean Sea; Count of Barcelona, Lord of
Vizcaya and Molina, Duke of Athens and Neopatria, Count of Flanders and
of Tyrol. We, seeing that it will be for the furtherance of our service
and for the good of our province of New Castille called Peru, have seen
fit to nominate a person who in our name and as our Viceroy will govern
and provide for all things appertaining to God our Lord, and to the
increase of our Holy Catholic Faith, and to the instruction and
conversion of the natives of that land; and also provide for all things
conducive to the maintenance, peopling, and securing the welfare of the
said New Castille and its provinces; for this purpose, confiding in you
Blasco Nuñez Vela, and because we believe that our service will be
furthered and the good of the said province of New Castille, and that
you will discharge the said office of our Viceroy and Governor with that
prudence and fidelity we expect from you, we, by these presents,
nominate you our Viceroy and Governor of the said New Castille and its
dependencies during our good pleasure. As such Viceroy and Governor,
both in all that appertains to the instruction and conversion of the
said Indians to our Holy Catholic Faith, and in the increase of
population and prosperity of the said land, you are to act as may be
convenient. By this letter we order the Licentiate Vaca de Castro our
present Governor of the said province, our President and Judges of the
Royal Court we have ordered to be established in our city of the Kings,
our Captain Generals and Captains of the said land, all Councillors,
Justices, Magistrates, Knights, Esquires, Officers, and Citizens in all
our cities, towns, and villages in the said New Castille, who are now or
shall hereafter be settled there, and each one of them, without any
delay and without further waiting for any other letter or command, to
receive and hold as our Viceroy and Governor of the said New Castille,
called Peru and its dependencies, and to freely consent that you shall
occupy and use those appointments during our royal pleasure, in all
things, and each one of them, that shall be for the good of our service
and good government, and all, while they hold their offices, shall obey
and comply with your orders while you shall give all favour and help
that they may seek for, and that may be necessary, and in all things
they shall obey you, and cause no obstruction to your orders. We give
you power to use and exercise authority over them. It is also our good
pleasure that if you the said Blasco Nuñez Vela are hindered in the
furtherance of our service, or in the execution of our justice, you are
empowered to banish any person who is now or may be hereafter in the
said province of New Castille or its dependencies. We further order that
you shall receive each year, for your two offices of Viceroy and
Governor of the said land, 5000 ducats counted from the day you make
sail from the port of San Lucar de Barrameda to proceed on your voyage
to our said province of Peru, and we order our officers of the said
province that they give and pay your due in the manner in use in the
said land, receiving your acknowledgment. Given in the town of Madrid on
the 1st day of March 1543 I the King.”
CHAPTER VII
_How the Governor Vaca de Castro came from Cuzco, and what happened
to the Factor Illan Suarez and the others who went to meet the
Viceroy._
The Governor Vaca de Castro set out from the city of Cuzco to proceed to
the city of the Kings, with the intention of seeing the Viceroy,
notwithstanding that many of his friends advised him to go to the port
of Quilca, where he could embark in a ship without seeing the Viceroy,
and sail away to Tierra Firme. But he declined to take that course, and
started from Cuzco with some troops to guard his person, with arms and
artillery. There are some who say that he did this that he might
supplicate for the good estate of the kingdom with them. Others affirm,
and this is certain, that he took the artillery because he would not
leave it in Cuzco, foreseeing what might happen. For the clouds had
always originated in Cuzco to spread over all parts. He, therefore,
thought it prudent to take away the artillery and arms, as he did.
Leaving Cuzco he travelled onwards until he reached the city of
Guamanga, where some other persons had also arrived. Thence he went on
to the valley of Xauxa where he was met by the Licentiate de la Gama,
who told him all that had passed. After having discussed the ordinances
with some of his friends, and what was said of the Viceroy, he
determined to send his Secretary, Pero Lopez, to meet the Viceroy and
convey to him a welcome on his arrival, assuring him that he would serve
him in all things, seeing that he came in the name of the King our Lord.
Eventually he sent his servant Pero Lopez who started on his journey.
When the municipality of the city of the Kings knew that Vaca de Castro
was coming accompanied by a large number of people, they wrote to him to
leave his arms and his following, and to enter the city of the Kings
privately, without appearing as Governor of the kingdom, for he no
longer held that office, and that when he came they would guard his
honour as a Member of the Royal Council and as having been their
Governor and Captain General.
After Juan de Barbaran had returned to the city of the Kings, the Factor
Yllan Suarez de Carbajal, the Captain Diego de Aguero and the others
journeyed onwards towards the city of Truxillo. Travelling on Thursday
and Good Friday they arrived at a town of Indians called Huara, which is
18 leagues from the city of the Kings. Late on Friday they continued
their journey to another town called La Barranca, and on Saturday before
Easter of 1544 they came up with one Ruiloba[22] who was coming as a
messenger from the Governor Vaca de Castro. His coming caused no small
perturbation for, when asked whether he had seen the Viceroy, he
replied that he remained near Truxillo where he was liberating Indians;
and that at San Miguel he had left the Lieutenant Palomino and others
without any Indians, saying that he was going to do the same in all
parts, including the officials of the royal treasury. After giving this
news Pero Lopez went on to inform Vaca de Castro. The Factor Illan
Suarez, tired with the journey and enraged at the news, was leaning
against a pillar in his lodging when Captain Diego de Aguero said in a
loud voice: “I do not care to wait until we meet the Viceroy. If he
wants to take away my Indians let him do so at once, my son will not be
in want of food, for he has property on which he can live.” Saying this
he set out for Truxillo, accompanied by Rodrigo Nuñez a citizen of
Huanuco who was also at enmity with Vaca de Castro for having taken away
his Indians because he had been a follower of Diego de Almagro the lad.
Meanwhile the Viceroy had departed from the city of San Miguel
accompanied by settlers and soldiers, giving ear to anything evil that
was said to him against Vaca de Castro. For from the time of his arrival
in Peru he allied himself with the Almagro faction, and they spoke
without any restraint against Vaca de Castro.
The ancient name of San Miguel is Piura, of Truxillo Chimu, and of the
city of the Kings, Lima. The reader will remember this, for, forgetting
uniformity, I may sometimes put one name and sometimes the other.
The Viceroy travelled by the Royal Road of the Coast, gazing on the vast
deserts and the ruined edifices. He was told that they were once densely
peopled, and he felt regret, saying that the numbers of these people had
been so diminished through bad government. He admired the great and very
ancient edifices which were built along the road, with such lavish care.
In the valleys where some Indians remained, he made the lords and
caciques to understand that the people were vassals of the King of
Spain, that in future they were free, that their tribute would be
moderate, as well as the calls upon them for provisions and necessaries.
If more was wanted they must be paid for it. Arriving at Truxillo he had
a grand reception, though with mournful and pensive countenances. The
citizens received the ordinances as a sign of war bringing ruin and a
sad look-out, coming with words of peace but bringing war. Yet the
magistrates came out dressed in purple, and Blasco Nuñez Vela was
received as Viceroy in obedience to his Majesty’s command.
The Factor Illan Suarez de Carbajal and the other knights went back to
Lima, and they say that the Factor left a motto at La Barranca which
said--“_Each man knows what he has, and does not give up his property to
another. If he does he may be a laughing stock, but it will cost him who
takes it his life._” Others say that this motto was left there by
Francisco del Solar, a citizen of Lima, and this may be considered a
certainty[23].
CHAPTER VIII
_How the Governor Cristobal Vaca de Castro saw the letter of the
Viceroy, and how he was received at Lima having dismissed his
followers and sent the artillery to the city of Guamanga._
It will cause great astonishment to hear the events of this narrative as
they unfold themselves, for many were the troubles that arose in these
kingdoms. Not only the hills and chains of mountains but also the rivers
and streams are full of gold and silver, so that a country with such
riches could not remain at peace. Most of those who had settled in it
gilded their iniquities with great treasons, throwing the blame on the
Captain Gonzalo Pizarro. Numerous were the letters that he received from
all parts, persuading him to come forth from where he was, as all would
join him, and assist him with their persons and their properties. Some
have wanted to throw the blame on those of Cuzco but they were those who
were least culpable, as further on I will clearly show.
The news of the arrival of the Viceroy in the kingdom, and his letter
having been received, Vaca de Castro was much disturbed in his mind, as
well from the things that his servant Ruy Lopez had told him, as from
the way he had been received. He would wish, according to what they
said, to enter Lima at the time of the reception, and make a petition
respecting the ordinances. He desired that his Secretary Pero Lopez
should see the Viceroy shortly, that he might be informed of all that
had been done. But he was perplexed as to what he should do, being
surrounded on all sides by anxious cares which greatly fatigue generous
minds. It is needful at first to consider what steps to take with much
prudence. For afterwards, if a mistake has been made, it is said to be
the fault of those who have not looked in advance, whereas if all goes
well they are regarded as prudent. In great affairs determination is
more needed than counsel. For when murmurs and discontents are converted
into wars it is better to follow a daring soldier than a noted scholar,
for they say that to gild a mistake they make a hundred.
Vaca de Castro considered that if he entered Lima accompanied by
artillery, arms, and arquebuses it would look bad and give rise to a
doubt of his loyalty; while if he entered privately the Viceroy might
ill use him, without regarding what was due to his position, nor
considering his services to the King, for it was notorious that the
Viceroy was coming with a prejudice against him. Notwithstanding these
dangers Vaca de Castro dismissed his followers and ordered the artillery
to be taken to Guamanga. At Guadachevi, 18 leagues from Lima, where he
received the news, he left the pikes and other arms.
The Licentiate, Benito Suarez de Carbajal[24], was with Vaca de Castro,
and a letter came to him from his brother the Factor, to let him know
that the Viceroy would deprive him of his Indians, as he had treated all
others who had been lieutenants, or officials. He was advised, on
receipt of the letter, to return to where he held the grant of Indians,
collect all the money he could, and to go to Spain, leaving the Indians
in trust to Rodrigo de Carbajal, Jeronimo de Carbajal, and Juan Vazquez
de Tapia. The Licentiate Carbajal, having received this letter, read it
publicly, and arranged the transfer with Vaca de Castro, although he was
no longer Governor. He then departed to do what the Factor advised. This
was one reason why the Viceroy was offended with the Factor, for he was
informed of the letter he had written, by Antonio and Juan de Leon, when
they went out to receive him.
After he had dismissed his people, Vaca de Castro went on to Lima with
very few attendants without trying, by any intrigues, to form new
friendships.
CHAPTER IX
_How the Governor Vaca de Castro entered Lima, and what happened._
We cannot deny that Vaca de Castro was a distinguished statesman and,
barring his avarice, he truly governed the kingdom with prudence.
Although he had dismissed his forces, and only came accompanied by some
knights who were citizens of Cuzco, he consulted with them as to the way
in which he should enter the city. He knew that the municipality had
acknowledged the Viceroy only on the strength of the copy of a despatch,
and he desired they themselves should receive his resignation, so that
he might answer the Viceroy. He sent to the Licentiate de la Gama, who
had been his lieutenant, to precede him in entering Lima, to return his
rod of office, writing very friendly letters to numerous persons, full
of hopes, while, to some who had complaints against him, he sent
promises. Vaca de Castro never left off sending such missives until he
entered the city. Whether these despatches were written then or
afterwards he and his clerks alone know, for I cannot make out, though I
know what passed, nor will the reader fail to understand. We know that
Vaca de Castro parted with many Indians on this road, belonging to
himself or to the estate of the Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro.
The Licentiate de la Gama had to retain the staff of lieutenant, because
when Juan de Barbaran came with the despatches, he never liked to enter
the municipal building, nor did he find it at the reception of the
Viceroy.
O my God! how many deaths, robberies, insults, disgraces, destruction of
natives were caused by the jealousies of these men who sought to secure
commands. O that thy divine goodness had left Vaca de Castro among the
snows of Pariacaca never to appear again, that the Viceroy had fallen
so ill at Truxillo, where he then was, that it might have been his end,
instead of finding it with disgrace in Quito, and that another pit had
opened for Gonzalo Pizarro and Carbajal, like the one at Rome. Wanting
these leaders the miserable country might not have suffered such evils,
and the sorrowful fields of Salinas and Chupas might have sufficed. The
sins of these men were so enormous, and the charity among them so
minute, that it pleased God that they should meet with great calamities.
The Licentiate de la Gama set out for the city of Lima in advance of
Vaca de Castro, to know what was wrong with the Treasurer Alonso
Riquelme[25], and why he and the other magistrates had accepted the
Viceroy simply on the strength of a copy of the appointment. He
conversed with Lorenzo de Estopiñan, who had come out to give him
information, and to see if it could be arranged to give him some
Indians. For he was a friend of the Treasurer, and it might be
negotiated that he should have better Indians than those he had
dismissed. Estopiñan returned to Lima, but the reply of the Treasurer
was that he no longer had any friendship for Vaca de Castro who had
dismissed the Indians, and that if he came he would have his head cut
off. This Treasurer was very wise and cautious, keeping clear of being
committed to any side, and he knew afterwards how to remain outside.
The Licentiate de la Gama, when he arrived at Lima, went to the house of
the Treasurer Riquelme and persuaded him, as one of the principal
citizens, to call a meeting of the officials, adding that he would
return the rod of lieutenant, for when he had left the city he had not
surrendered it with the required customs and solemnities. Besides the
Viceroy had written to say that he would be in the city and that they
should receive him as his Majesty had ordered. Though this was true, and
the Viceroy had so written, the intention of the Licentiate de la Gama
was no other than that he should again take his place in the
municipality, and that when Vaca de Castro arrived he should again take
up the government and be governor. Having been lieutenant to former
governors his Indians would be taken from him, and he could not
negotiate anything.
Vaca de Castro continued his journey until he came to the city of Lima.
Although his arrival was known, there was no great reception, and no one
came out to meet him except a few of his friends and some servants. With
these he entered the city and went to the house of the Bishop Don
Jeronimo de Loaysa. There the citizens came to visit him, and talk over
the proceedings of the Viceroy and the rigour of the new laws.
CHAPTER X
_Of the great disturbances in the city of Arequipa when tidings
came respecting the new laws, and how Francisco de Carbajal
departed from Lima._
When Alonso Palomino and Antonio de Ribera came to the city of Cuzco
with the news of the ordinances, the Governor Vaca de Castro sent one
Tomas Vasquez, with all the haste he could make to the city of Arequipa
with a letter. It desired the citizens not to be disturbed, and to make
no trouble whatever when they should hear the news about the Viceroy
and the ordinances because, when his Majesty was informed that it would
not be for the good of his service if they were enforced, he would very
shortly amend them. It ended by telling them to send representatives to
Lima to state their grievance. Tomas Vasquez set out from Cuzco and
arrived at the end of seven days, finding the principal citizens in the
church. After they had read the letter Vasquez showed them a copy of the
ordinances. When their provisions were understood there was a great
disturbance, and the bells were rung as if it were a signal for war. A
citizen of Arequipa named Miguel Cornejo took the ordinances in his
hand, went up into the pulpit where the preachers deliver their sermons,
and when all the people had assembled at the sound of the bell, he began
to read the new laws before them all. When he came to the place where
the King ordered that, when the _Encomenderos_ died, all their grants
were to revert to the crown, there arose great shouts of dissent, all
declaring that they would die rather than allow it to be enforced, and
they said the same with regard to all the other laws. Among those who
were there the tumult was as great as it had been at Lima, the people
going about sullenly, and discussing it one with another, saying that
they were all disinherited and ruined after having, with so much labour
and fatigue, discovered the province, and that they were ill paid for
it. The Captain Alonso de Caceres procured that the tumult should cease,
as such words could do them no good. So leaving this we come to the
arrival of Carbajal.
Francisco de Carbajal wished to return to Spain knowing, from his
experience in war, that there must be disturbances in all the provinces
on the arrival of the Viceroy. He tried hard to induce the municipality
of Lima to let him go, but he could not attain his desire, because the
authorities did not wish any ship to leave the port until the Viceroy
should come. Seeing that there was little chance of attaining his end,
he determined to go to the city of Arequipa, believing that he might
find a ship in the port of Quilca, on board of which he might take a
passage. He therefore departed from Lima in haste, with all the money he
possessed, divining the great calamity that was threatening the country.
For it pleased God that Carbajal should not leave the country but that
he should be the scourge for the punishment of many, as he was, for so
many perished by his order that it causes grief to think of it.
CHAPTER XI
_Of the events in the city of Lima after the arrival of the
Licentiate Cristobal Vaca de Castro, and of what the Viceroy did in
Truxillo._
Now we should relate the departure of Gonzalo Pizarro from Charcas, but
it will be convenient first to relate what happened in Lima on the
arrival of the Licentiate Vaca de Castro. He was lodged in the house of
the Bishop Don Jeronimo de Loaysa[26]. News was always coming to Lima of
the proceedings of the Viceroy in the city of San Miguel and more
recently in Truxillo, with the object of enforcing the ordinances. The
members of the municipality now very much regretted that they had
accepted the Viceroy before he arrived at Lima and established the court
of justice, without agreement with the judges, and they said one to
another that a mistake had been made in acknowledging him before he had
entered the city in person; for his Majesty had not ordered that he
should be received simply on the strength of copies, without the
original documents. It was also said that they should have waited until
the arrival of Vaca de Castro, who was the actual governor of the
kingdom. They say that Vaca de Castro spoke to the magistrates of the
city, saying that no blame attached to those who brought arms from
Cuzco, for it was only done so as to know whether the ordinances would
come, so as to cause injury to all. Another object was that, in the
absence of arms, there might be no rising at Cuzco and in the provinces
beyond, for it is known that the people of Peru do not lightly suffer
wrong. His people, knowing his wishes, and without considering their
past dignities and offices, had, with patience and good will, laid down
their arms and dismissed the troops, and the governor had entered the
city with few attendants and privately, as every one had seen. In all
this he had done what seemed most convenient for the service of the King
our Lord.
When the citizens and magistrates heard these words they wanted Vaca de
Castro to resume the government of the province and, being governor,
that he would see to the common good, and that his Majesty might be
informed that it was not for the good of his service that the new laws
should be enforced. In order to conclude this measure, they met in their
assemblies, requesting Vaca de Castro that he would be present, and
agree to what they desired. They represented that he should resume the
government. Vaca de Castro, thinking more of his position than of his
desire, replied with grave words. He said that they should hold their
official meeting where he was, for it was not reasonable that he should
go to them in person. Then various messengers were sent between them
Vaca de Castro not wishing to go to them and they not wishing to go to
him, both being suspicious of each other, for in times past they had
always opposed him. The result of these negotiations was that the
municipality ordered certain propositions to be drawn up for Vaca de
Castro to sign, but as all this was done secretly the whole intention is
not known.
The Bishop Don Jeronimo de Loaysa intervened in this business and
induced Alonso Riquelme the Treasurer and Illan Suarez the Factor to
make friends with Vaca de Castro. When the documents were ready the
Treasurer gave them to Lorenzo de Estopiñan to take them to Vaca de
Castro for signature. After Vaca de Castro had read them, he said that
he would not sign any such thing, for that they needed both omissions
and additions. There passed negotiations between the municipality and
Vaca de Castro, but it ended in their not being able to agree to
anything. There is nothing more to be said about Vaca de Castro at
present, for they did not arrange anything they wanted with him. He
remained at Lima and they even say that he showed no anxiety about the
things that were said of the Viceroy.
Meanwhile the Viceroy was resting at Truxillo occupying himself with
such trifling things that, when the court of justice was established,
they could have been settled by a simple order to an alguazil. All those
whose duty it is to rule kingdoms, and govern provinces, and do so
without guidance are apt to think that they have achieved many things.
If the Viceroy had quickly left the suburbs, and had entered the cities
prudently, all the scandals and serious injuries he caused would not
have happened, and they were not few. All he did in Truxillo was to let
the Indians know what he had ordered and done at San Miguel. He took
away the Indians granted to the Captain Diego de Mora[27] because he was
lieutenant of the governor, and treated Alonso Holguin in the same way
because he had formerly held that office. In this city of Truxillo there
were the Viceroy’s brother Francisco Velasquez Vela Nuñez, a very noble
and virtuous knight, and his brother-in-law Diego Alvarez de Cueto, a
very prudent and steady adviser. Both these knights always gave good
advice to the Viceroy, as well as the others who had accompanied him
from Tumbez.
In the city of Lima Hernando Bachicao, Diego Maldonado, Gaspar
Rodriguez, Pedro de los Rios and others, when they understood what was
taking place in Truxillo, and how the Viceroy was enforcing the new
laws, discussed many things among themselves, and finally resolved to go
to Cuzco before the Viceroy arrived at Lima, to see what was going to be
done, touching these ordinances.
CHAPTER XII
_How letters were sent to Gonzalo Pizarro from many persons, being
in Charcas, brought by Bustillo, urging him to come as Procurator
of the kingdom._
The Captain Gonzalo Pizarro had departed from the city of Cuzco, and had
gone to the town of Plata which is in the region of Charcas, where he
possessed a very productive grant of Indians. He was at a place called
Chaqui, arranging to work the silver mines of Potosi which had lately
been discovered. There came to him a servant of the Comendador Hernando
Pizarro, named Bustillo, sent to him by Antonio de Ribera, Alonso
Palomino, Villacorta, and many others, with letters. Luis de Almao, a
servant of Gonzalo Pizarro, also told me that Vaca de Castro wrote to
his master advising him to remain quiet although things were looking bad
with regard to the ordinances, for his Majesty would be informed of the
truth, and would order what would be best for his service.
But the letters of Don Antonio, of Palomino, of Villacorta, of Alonso de
Toro and others urged him to come forward promptly and relieve them from
so great an evil as that which was impending. They also sent him the
ordinances. The messengers arrived when Pizarro was hunting eight
leagues away, at a place called Palcocon, his servants being quite
unprepared for such a thing. When Bustillo arrived at the town, he found
Luis de Almao and asked him to go to where Gonzalo Pizarro was. Almao
replied that he would go with all speed, for he surmised that they would
cut off his head. He reached the place at the second vigil, and Gonzalo
Pizarro called for a light, asking who came there in such haste? Almao
answered: “Arise, for Bustillo has come bringing news and letters for
you, for they want to cut off your head.” Thinking that he spoke of Vaca
de Castro, Gonzalo Pizarro replied: “I will cut off his first, I swear
by our Lady.” Then he got out of bed without asking any more questions
and, before the dawn appeared, he galloped off to the town of Chaqui,
where he found the messenger. Taking the despatches he was reading them
all that day, until midnight; and when he knew the provisions of the new
laws he was much agitated. Without finishing their perusal he went out,
saying to those who were with him that such bad news had arrived that
neither they would understand it, nor did he know how to tell them.
Saying this he brought out the letters and the ordinances that they
might read them. He then despatched Juan Ramirez to the city of
Arequipa, that certain money might be detained which he had previously
sent for transmission to Spain. I know not whether his tears were
feigned or not, for those who intend to rebel and become tyrants deceive
those who follow them in many ways. After a few days Gonzalo Pizarro
went to the mines of Porco, where he collected all the money he could.
CHAPTER XIII
_Of what happened in the town of Plata, and of the Procurators who
set out to go to Lima._
After the Governor Vaca de Castro had defeated Don Diego de Almagro at
Chupas, he appointed Luis de Ribera as his lieutenant-governor of the
town of Plata. He was an important knight, native of the city of
Seville. At a time when the town was quiet and peaceful, without any
sign of disturbance, the news of the ordinances sent by his Majesty the
King arrived, and of the arrival of Blasco Nuñez as Viceroy. Besides the
news, there came letters from the municipality of Cuzco, and from Vaca
de Castro corroborating it, and advising that Procurators should be sent
so that, with others from all parts of the kingdom, they might protest
against the enforcement of the new laws.
The news did not fail to cause much agitation in the minds of the
people, as it had done in other parts where it had been received. When
the first tumult was over there was a meeting consisting of Luis de
Ribera, Diego Centeno, Antonio Alvarez, all three Alcaldes, and Lope de
Mendieta, Francisco de Retamoso, and Francisco de Tapia, perpetual
magistrates. They consulted in what manner they should receive these
laws and ordinances. After having thought well over it they came to the
conclusion that, as the King had decreed the ordinances, it would not be
proper to resist to the point of rebellion, but to obey and, as humble
vassals, pray that either some or all the ordinances might be suspended.
With this object they would send persons from their town, who, with the
voice of the people, would entreat the Viceroy not to enforce the laws
until his Majesty had been informed of the truth, when he would order
what would be most conducive to his service. Having considered who
should be their procurators, they nominated Diego Centeno[28] the
Alcalde and Pedro Alonso de Hinojosa[29], a magistrate who was also in
the town. They gave them full powers to concert with the procurators
who might come from other cities and towns the course to be taken in
their petition, but all was to be done with great humility. Luis de
Ribera spoke graciously to all the townspeople, assuring them that they
need not trouble themselves about the ordinances, as his Majesty would
be served by their revocation. Diego Centeno and Pedro de Hinojosa set
out from the town to go to the city of Lima, Hinojosa having first seen
Gonzalo Pizarro at Chaqui.
CHAPTER XIV
_Of other things that were done by the Captain Gonzalo Pizarro, and
how many letters came to him from all parts._
The Captain Gonzalo Pizarro was much agitated by what the people said,
and, being a man of little forethought, he did not calculate on future
developments. At one time he thought he would remain in his house and
not show the head of the wolf to the people as the saying is.
Afterwards, mindful that his affairs were prospering, he would refuse to
put himself within the lasso. At other times he thought it would show a
want of valour to consider only his own position, when the eyes of all
were turned to him, and felt that they would not be so ungrateful as not
to think of his welfare, if he entered upon the business. He also
considered that he had undertaken the discovery of Canela, whence he
had come out unsuccessful and so seriously embarrassed that $50,000
would not pay his debts. It would have been just if his Majesty had
named him as Governor, for all his services, alleging his claim as based
on the testament of the Marquis and on a royal provision, he being still
absent in Quito. These reflections aroused in him a desire to go to
Cuzco, and assemble forces to oppose the Viceroy. Meanwhile letters
continued to arrive from all parts, inciting him to set out speedily,
striving to excite his anger, and urging him to undertake the enterprise
as his own, for it was to liberate the province and befriend the people,
as their patron and as he who, jointly with the Marquis, had discovered
the kingdom. They told him that he should feel the misery and ruin which
his Majesty’s orders would bring upon them. That he might have a
stronger inducement to interfere, it was hinted to him that he himself,
with all who had been concerned in the recent troubles, were to be
beheaded and all their property confiscated.
Having considered all these things, and being a man of little knowledge,
Gonzalo Pizarro was inclined to approach the city of Cuzco, without
thinking that it was madness to oppose the royal officers. At Cuzco he
had faithful friends who would do what seemed best for his service. So
he wrote cheerful letters to all parts, saying that he would come and
attend to their wishes, adventuring his life for their welfare. Having
collected all the silver, of which there were such quantities that 100
_marcs_ or more were extracted daily, he determined to set out for the
great city of Cuzco, leaving orders that what more of the precious metal
was extracted should be speedily sent after him. About fourteen men, all
being his own servants, accompanied him, and one who was his brother,
having the name of Blas de Soto. As he approached Cuzco there came many
letters from Lima and other parts and he, keeping in his breast what he
intended to do, held his tongue, showing by his silence that he would do
that which had been urged upon him in the letters.
CHAPTER XV
_How Gonzalo Pizarro sent a spy to Arequipa and further on to get
news about the Viceroy, and how some soldiers arrived._
The Captain Gonzalo Pizarro was very anxious to know whether the Viceroy
Blasco Nuñez Vela had entered the kingdom and in what part he then was.
To resolve these doubts he secretly sent for a soldier named Bazan, who
was very diligent and knew the country well. He asked him to set out at
once for Arequipa and there to ascertain what the Viceroy said of him,
taking great care that it should not be known who sent him. If the
Viceroy should be in any province in the kingdom, Bazan was to come back
with great speed, but secretly, with the news. If he should find that
the Viceroy had not yet entered the kingdom, he was to go on to Lima,
where he would be certain to obtain definite news. Bazan, with the
desire promptly to comply with Pizarro’s wishes, started with letters of
introduction to many prominent persons in Arequipa and Lima, and after a
few journeys he came back because he had ascertained for certain that
the Viceroy was near Truxillo.
Meanwhile Pizarro arrived at the lake of Titicaca which is in the
province of Callao, where he met the Captain Francisco de Almendras[30],
who, with two youths who were his nephews, named Diego de Almendras and
Martin de Almendras, came to join him, having heard what had happened
and of his march to Cuzco. When they met, Gonzalo Pizarro was much
pleased, for there had been great friendship between them since the time
when they came for the conquest of Peru.
They continued their journey, talking of many things and, as it was told
in all parts that Gonzalo Pizarro was on his way to Cuzco, more citizens
came to meet him. At the town of Ylave he was joined by Gomez de Leon,
Noguerol de Ulloa, and Hernando de Torres, citizens of Arequipa, and a
soldier named Francisco de Leon. As soon as they had greeted each other,
all their talk was concerning the rigour and harshness of the
ordinances, and the violence with which the Viceroy was enforcing them,
without listening to the prayers of those who petitioned that they
should be referred back to the King their natural lord. Besides these,
many soldiers joined Pizarro, who were scattered over the country. The
first was Martin Monje who followed the war for a long time, and is now
a citizen of the town of Plata. The soldiers joined Pizarro because they
delighted in war and hated peace; for in war time they could rob at
their wills, and use their neighbour’s property as their own. They all
knew from their own experience that in changes some lost and others
gained. In the absence of peace and tranquillity in the kingdom poor
soldiers might become prosperous citizens, and knights with great
estates might become poor, and even lose their lives which is worse. So
they offered their services to Pizarro with great pleasure, showing
hearty good will to perform all that he required. He, who wrongfully
intended to oppose the legal authorities, answered them graciously, and
was pleased with the good will they professed.
As Gonzalo Pizarro continued his journey more letters reached him, sent
by Alonso de Toro[31], Francisco de Villacastin[32] and other citizens
of Cuzco, in which they told him the latest news. All the other settlers
in Cuzco and other parts of Peru, although they expressed their
sentiments freely respecting the new laws, did not forget to rob the
Indians and to take as much as they could from them, ignoring the rules
which were intended to put a rein on their avarice. Pizarro reached the
town of Ayavire, which is the end of the province of Callao in that
direction, and there he found waiting for him the _Encomendero_ of that
district, who was Francisco de Villacastin. He, as we said, had written
a letter, also Tomas Vasquez[33], a citizen of Cuzco, who was on his way
to certain mines of his, in Caravaya. He rejoiced at the meeting with
Pizarro and, abandoning his Caravaya journey, returned to the city of
Cuzco.
Gonzalo Pizarro, finding that the wishes and acts of all agreed with
what they had written in their letters, was very much pleased, and was
eager to reach Cuzco. In order to do this as quickly as possible, he
left his luggage in a town called Quiquijana, whence he went on to Cuzco
by forced marches, having first said to a soldier, named Espinosa, that
he was as certain that the Viceroy was now in Lima, as that Jesus Christ
was in heaven. They say that, many times on that road they heard Gonzalo
Pizarro say that if Blasco Nuñez did not provide a remedy for the
ordinances, he would have to play a game on which he must count, for no
one else in Spain wished to go out to enforce these laws. He added that
his Majesty the Emperor, our Lord, had made a mistake in not sending him
the title of Governor of the kingdom which he and his brothers had
discovered. Then he swore that either the ordinances should be revoked
or he would lose his life.
Further on he met Francisco Sanchez, a citizen of Cuzco, who with hearty
welcome and in a loud voice said that Pizarro had done well to come, and
that he should hasten to encounter Blasco Nuñez to pay him well for
having brought the ordinances. Further than this they say that he spoke
words against the powerful Emperor our Lord. Gonzalo Pizarro had met
Juan Ortiz de Zarate[34] in the province of Callao, and had tried to
persuade him to come with him to Cuzco. Juan Ortiz gave a prudent
answer, without wanting to follow him, for he gathered from his loose
and disgraceful words that he had no loyal intentions.
CHAPTER XVI
_How the Captain Gonzalo Pizarro entered the city of Cuzco, where
he found coldness and ill-will among most of the citizens; and what
the Viceroy did in Truxillo._
At the time when these events were taking place Garcia de Montalvo was
Lieutenant-Governor of Cuzco for Vaca de Castro. He and the Alcaldes and
magistrates of that city knew of the coming of Gonzalo Pizarro and that
he was close at hand. After they had held a meeting to decide what they
should do, they decided that they would go out to meet him with some
show of pleasure, thinking that he would not boast or pretend to being
more than Procurator-General of the kingdom. So all went out to meet him
and gave him a joyful welcome. He went to lodge in his houses or
palaces. Many of the citizens visited him but little, and showed that
those who contemplated violence were not to answer for all. Others, on
the other hand, made him great offers, urging him, without minding
difficulties, to go on with what he had begun.
Before this I should have narrated the entrance of the Viceroy into the
city of Lima, for he did so before Gonzalo Pizarro arrived at Cuzco; and
we should have told what the Viceroy did while he was at Truxillo with
regard to the treatment of the Indians. But first I must mention the
flight of some of the citizens from Cuzco.
CHAPTER XVII
_How some citizens of Cuzco fled from Lima without waiting for the
Viceroy, and how he was advised of their going._
The tumult in Lima was very great when news came that the Viceroy was
coming and that he was enforcing the ordinances with extreme rigour.
Vaca de Castro deplored what the people said of the Viceroy, and how ill
they took his approach. He tried to appease them in public, saying some
good things that, as time went on, he might not have occasion to say
more evil: showing how all the provinces were tranquil and seeking the
service of God our Lord and of his Majesty, before the Viceroy arrived,
and that he was ill advised to come with so severe and rigorous a
policy. The citizens of Cuzco, Hernando Bachicao, Gaspar Rodriguez and
the rest also spoke in the same manner, showing a desire to leave Lima
before the arrival of the Viceroy. As they sent their plans to many
places, Santillana, the mayor-domo of the Viceroy, got news of it. He
hurriedly sent a messenger, urging how important it was to come to Lima
without delay, and not remain at Truxillo attending to trifling matters.
This was not suitable to his dignity and to the authority existing in
his person. Finally he gave an account of the tumults in the city and in
other parts.
One Mendieta, also a servant of the Viceroy, set out from Lima with the
letter, and, going with great speed, reached the city of Truxillo where
the Viceroy had already been informed of what was going on by Diego de
Aguero. After the arrival of the messenger, named Mendieta, the Viceroy
was rather disturbed, but he did not believe that the kingdom would
openly rise against him. He said that if he had fifty men of Aviles with
him, it would be sufficient to pacify the whole of Peru, never mind how
many kicks they aimed against the ordinances. Presently he gave orders
for the march to Lima, though his brother Vela Nuñez was ill. The
Viceroy was accompanied by Diego Alvarez de Cueto, his brother-in-law,
his brother, and the same knights and others who came with him from
Piura.
The events already mentioned having taken place in Lima, the citizens of
Cuzco, who had arrived, found that the negotiation between Vaca de
Castro and the municipality had fallen through, and that the Viceroy had
already set out from Truxillo. They reflected that here would be great
difficulty in enforcing the new laws, while it would be easy to oppose
the Viceroy and oblige him to leave the country. The Licentiate Vaca de
Castro might be restored to the government, for whom all felt great
friendship, especially Gaspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo. They declared
as the truth that the Licentiate Vaca de Castro consulted in secret with
Camporedondo whether he should return to Cuzco, and, if the Captain
Gonzalo Pizarro had arrived there, should act with him. If not he might
be received as lieutenant of the Governor, the Viceroy not being
received. Afterwards it would be an easy thing to induce Gonzalo Pizarro
to return to his estate and to desist from what he had begun. All the
cities would then restore Vaca de Castro as Governor.
These and many other things passed between one and another. Gaspar
Rodriguez de Camporedondo came out into the square and, looking at those
who were there he recognized Santillana, a servant of the Viceroy. He
then said, in a loud voice, that he should go back to Cuzco to defend
his property, and that others would do the same, as the Viceroy so
cruelly intended to seize it. He then took leave of Vaca de Castro and
set out on his return to Cuzco, accompanied by Hernando de Bachicao and
Beltran del Conde. Diego Maldonado and Pedro de los Rios did the same,
taking the coast road with the intention of reaching the province of
Andahuaylas. They would not then be in the movements which they believed
would be sure to take place. At that time the clouds were so congealed
that, in no way could great calamities and troubles be diverted from the
kingdom.
When Gaspar Rodriguez and Bachicao, with the others, arrived in the
province of Huarochiri, they burnt the pikes left there by Vaca de
Castro and took the small field pieces and arquebuses to Cuzco. Father
Loaysa was following them with all speed. After they left Lima the
Licentiate de la Gama also departed, attended by a soldier named Olea.
CHAPTER XVIII
_How Gonzalo Pizarro sent Mezcua as a spy to Lima, and how, not
finding the equipment he expected in the city, he did not wish to
leave it._
When the Captain Gonzalo Pizarro was established in the houses at Cuzco,
some of the citizens came to visit him, but they were not all disposed
to follow him in his policy of resistance. In order to gain them over,
he said that he would dispose all his forces for the public good, as for
his own brothers and companions; without saying a word that would give
them any suspicions of his evil intentions and tyrannical thoughts,
which were to seize the kingdom. The citizens had received news that the
Viceroy was coming from Truxillo to Lima (where he had been
acknowledged, as well as in all the other cities and towns of the
kingdom), in order to see that no harm arose in the future from the
proceeding of Gonzalo Pizarro. Those in Cuzco who believed this, agreed
not only to show him no favour, but seldom to visit him. He, seeing how
cold those had become who had invited him to come, became sad, saying
that he wished to return to Charcas. He sent for one of his servants
named Mezcua, and told him to go to Lima with all speed, to find out
what was happening there, and whether the Viceroy would soon enter the
city. Mezcua set out, and Gonzalo Pizarro waited for the result, and to
see whether the citizens of Cuzco would then receive him as their
defender and Procurator-General.
At this time there arrived in Cuzco the Licentiate Benito Suarez de
Carbajal, with a bad report of the Viceroy’s conduct and of the rigour
with which he was enforcing the new laws. Gonzalo Pizarro rejoiced at
his arrival. The Licentiate de la Gama travelled along the route of
Cuzco, very glad that he had been able to get away from Lima before the
arrival of the Viceroy, but enraged at that official’s proceedings,
telling every one he met that they should return to Cuzco and not go on
to Lima, because the cruelty of the Viceroy was great. The Licentiate
Leon, being apprised that the Viceroy was near Lima, left that city by
the coast road to Arequipa. He left a letter to the Viceroy saying that
he did not go to create any disturbance, nor against the service of the
King our Lord nor of his lordship; but merely to his own property. He
concluded with the assurance that he would never join any one who was
not a servant of the King. But he only kept this promise for the time it
took him to write the letter. As soon as he arrived at Cuzco he
expressed joy at Gonzalo Pizarro’s position in the city. He not only
joined him, but declared that it was lawful for him to petition against
the new laws, even in arms, with the title of Procurator-General, if the
Viceroy should insist on doing harm. The opinions of the lawyer and
others who did not fail to endorse what he said, induced many people to
join Pizarro, which did not cost them more than their lives and
estates, and being branded as traitors.
One thing I wish to affirm, that the citizens of Cuzco, as well as those
of Lima, merely desired nor had they any other wish than that his
Majesty the King our Lord should suspend the new laws because much evil
would arise from their enforcement. When they chose Pizarro as
Procurator, they nominated three or four conquerors to accompany him
with his petition but these, being sheep, had chosen a wolf for their
guard.
Those who have made kings out of tyrants have always done harm to
republics. Those of the isle of Cadiz who, in war with the Andaluces,
were constrained to send to Carthage for help, remained with all their
republics as vassals to their supposed friends. Ceasing to speak of very
ancient times in which there were many such examples as well among the
tyrants of Sicily as in Greece, all the cities of Italy were free and
exempt, but now are held by Lords and have lost their liberty, by what
means those who are curious well know and can clearly see. In the name
of liberty Pompey fought. Cæsar did the same, and Octavius and Mark
Antony. These remained Lords, and of those who opposed them, some were
killed and the others became vassals. As the Carthaginians did not give
Asdrubal and his brother-in-law Hannibal rule and power over their city,
their affairs went forward.
The citizens of Cuzco and Lima desired that their Procurator should be
Pizarro, who was to venture his life and honour for their liberties. It
was not remembered that he was the brother of Hernando Pizarro, the
other raiser of former wars, and that it was publicly known that, after
he came from Canela, many had heard him say that the King our Lord had
treated him badly in not having made him governor of the province after
the death of the Marquis, and, on many other occasions, that he would
govern though it was against all the world. From the time that Gonzalo
Pizarro knew that the Viceroy had arrived, and that he had received
letters urging him to undertake the enterprise, he had resolved to be
Governor, though he carefully dissimulated, saying that he only sought
the public good and his own rest, and that he only wished for the means
to live.
CHAPTER XIX
_How the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela was coming near to the city of
Lima, and how Don Alonso de Montemayor went out to meet him with
the Secretary, Pero Lopez, and some others._
Having left Truxillo the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela continued to approach
Lima with a strong desire to find himself in it, feeling certain that
the disturbed state of all parts of the country would be softened down
by his presence there. Two men set out from Lima very cautiously, when
his approach was known, who had grievances against Vaca de Castro, named
Anton de Leon and Juan de Leon. They went on the road to tell the
Viceroy what was passing, and to gain his favour. Continuing his journey
the Viceroy came to a town called La Barranca. Here he met the Secretary
Pero Lopez who had come in advance from the province of Xauxa and told
the Viceroy what Vaca de Castro had told him to say. The Viceroy did not
look favourably on the affairs of Vaca de Castro, thinking he was a very
avaricious man.
Don Alonso de Montemayor had come from Cuzco with the Licentiate Vaca de
Castro. When he knew that the Viceroy was coming near Lima, he went out
to meet him. As Don Alonso was a principal person, the Viceroy was very
glad that he had come and received him very well. Don Alonso told him
of the citizens of Cuzco having departed from Lima, and even what Gaspar
Rodriguez de Camporedondo had said publicly. The Viceroy deplored this,
and lamented that men should so easily be moved to oppose what his
Majesty ordered. He feared that it would cause scandals and disturbances
and increase his difficulties. For he also had news of the letters which
Gonzalo Pizarro had sent to all parts. As he came nearer to Lima other
knights came out to meet him. Some urged him not to enforce the new
laws, as they would cause serious detriment to the service of his
Majesty. He said that he could not delay what his King had ordered. From
the time that he arrived, he had seen the provinces disturbed at the
Indians being taken from widows. He would not submit the protest to the
Emperor as Don Antonio de Mendoza and the other governors did, which
would have saved this kingdom from passing through such great miseries
and calamities. But still worse! What do I say! That the coming of the
Viceroy, as I have already said many times, was a scourge of God, sent
to chastise this kingdom for its sins. They say how great was the
prosperity of the citizens of Quito in those times. In their feasts and
banquets some of them put on their tables salt cellars full of gold dust
instead of salt, and all had $30,000 or 40,000 some more some less,
which they had got out of the mines in a short time. They themselves
were for the Viceroy and took him to their city where, on the field of
Añaquito, he was killed with many of them. The cause of what happened in
Peru on the coming of the Viceroy was the great sins committed by the
settlers in that land. I myself knew some citizens who by their
concubines had fifteen sons. Many leave their wives in Spain for fifteen
and twenty years, living with an Indian girl: and so, as both Christians
and Indians sinned greatly, the punishment was general.
CHAPTER XX
_How it was known at Lima that the Viceroy was near, and how the
Bishop Don Jeronimo de Loaysa and the Governor Vaca de Castro, with
other knights and citizens, went out to meet him._
When it was known that the Viceroy was near there were great
disturbances and tumults in Lima, and all the people wanted to take up
arms. There was a meeting of the municipal officers to decide what
should be done, and they exhorted the people not to make a disturbance
when the Viceroy arrived and entered the city, and until it was seen
whether he still intended to enforce the laws. For in the meeting they
held, they spoke of not obeying the detested ordinances even if the
Viceroy insisted upon compliance. The Archbishop of Lima[35] told me
that the Alcalde Alonso Palomino, the Treasurer Alonso Riquelme, and the
Overseer Garcia de Salcedo came to induce him to come out to receive the
Viceroy and require him not to enforce the ordinances. The Archbishop
said that if he went out to receive the Viceroy he would require nothing
from him, and that they, in like case, could do what seemed most
advisable. It is also said that they spoke to the Archbishop on what
they wanted to be done, calling him to hear their desires by ringing a
bell. This enraged the Archbishop who said it was more like a village
bell than anything else. It is even said that those who wished to
resist, actually proposed to seize the Viceroy in the municipal
building, and others relate that, in the lodgings of the Archbishop it
was proposed that the Viceroy should be poisoned. The Father Baltasar de
Loaysa told this to me, adding, that he knew it for certain. Talking of
this not many days ago, to the Reverend Friar Domingo de Santo
Tomas[36] of the Order of St Dominic, a person of great learning and
sanctity, he swore to me that nothing of the kind ever happened as
regards the Archbishop. The Archbishop has said the same to me himself,
explaining that those who contemplated such things may well have been in
his house, but that he knew nothing about it. It is certain that they
plotted amongst themselves, and that they detested the very name of the
Viceroy, but it cannot be supposed that either the Bishop or Vaca de
Castro were concerned in the matter.
These tumults and rages having been appeased, the Licentiate Rodrigo
Niño[37] was elected and appointed as Procurator to petition for three
things, first the suspension of the new laws until his Majesty should
take some other order, and receive information of the grave injury to
the kingdom if they were enforced. The first petition should be
presented with great humility. The second should be accompanied by a
representation of the serious evils which would be caused by enforcing
the new laws, for all the kingdom was disturbed, and the citizens of
Cuzco who were in Lima had left it. For it was certain that Gonzalo
Pizarro had received many letters from all parts urging him to allow
himself to be named as the procurator and defender of all. The third
object was to protest against the troubles and deaths that would be
caused. The Captain Diego de Aguero had returned by order of the Viceroy
and came to where the municipality was assembled. He told the
magistrates that they should receive the Viceroy willingly, and that
there was no occasion for any demands. Owing to this speech of Diego de
Aguero they consented and gave orders for the reception.
At this time Don Jeronimo de Loaysa, Bishop of Lima, who had also been
Bishop of Cartagena, and the Licentiate Vaca de Castro, with the Factor
Illan Suarez, the Captain Juan de Saavedra, Pablo de Meneses, and the
Factor Juan de Salas, with other citizens, knowing that the Viceroy was
near the city, went out to meet him. They proceeded on the road until
they met, and they were well received. The Viceroy was pleased to see
the Bishop, and some discourse passed between them, respecting Vaca de
Castro, to whom the Viceroy showed much cordiality. After some
courtesies, the Bishop said he was glad that the Viceroy had arrived,
because his presence would check the departure of citizens to Cuzco. He
submitted that it would be profitable and show a Christian spirit to
suspend the laws and advise his Majesty of the trouble they were
causing. The Viceroy would know that anything which advanced the service
of the King would be desirable. The Viceroy replied that his Majesty
felt confidence in his lordship, and himself no less, and that he would
comply with what the King had ordered. As for the ordinances he would
see what was best, and that he would do. At this point the Factor Illan
Suarez de Carbajal joined in the conversation. He said: “Give me,
Viceroy, your hands.” The Viceroy was pleased and embraced him, for he
had known him in the court of Spain, and he said: “I only regret that I
can do you no good whatever.” The Factor was dismayed at hearing such
words. He turned back with the Viceroy and they reached a place called
Xaguey. Here the Bishop, Vaca de Castro, the Factor and the others
prayed the Viceroy to sleep there that night for though it was early it
would be convenient, and next morning they would enter the city. The
Viceroy cheerfully consented.
Many citizens and knights presently arrived to see the Viceroy and to
kiss his hand, and he received them all very well. He took the
Archbishop aside, so that no one else could hear, and told him that,
being in Spain, without a thought of coming to these parts, nor knowing
anything of Peru, nor having had any intercourse with the people settled
there, his Majesty had ordered him to go out as Viceroy and enforce the
new laws. He said that it was much against his will to come out and take
away what others had given. Though he was assured that his Majesty would
be well served if the new laws were revoked and more favour was shown to
the conquerors, yet he prayed the Archbishop to apprise him of what had
passed, for he had been told that certain citizens of Cuzco went about
to cause disturbances in the land. The Archbishop said, in reply, that
many days had passed since news had come respecting the ordinances, and
that they had given rise to troubles throughout the country. It,
therefore, behoved the Viceroy to act cautiously. These discourses took
place between the Viceroy and the Archbishop. The Viceroy had also
conversed with Vaca de Castro and the other knights who were present.
Lorenzo Estopiñan had come out to meet the Viceroy, and seeing in him a
disposition not to enforce the ordinances until the arrival of the
Judges, went forward to take the news, and so did others. But though
they announced this, they did not fail to feel much sadness, and the
same was in the minds of all. They saw that the entrance of the Viceroy
into Peru would give rise to a new war which would be worse and would
last longer than former wars because it would be brought about from a
more important and weighty cause.
CHAPTER XXI
_How the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez de Vela entered the city of Lima._
The members of the municipality of Lima did not rejoice at the arrival
of the Viceroy nor did what he brought with him give them any
satisfaction. So that they had made no preparation to receive him in the
way that was required with one coming with so important a charge from
his Majesty. Then Estopiñan arrived and told them that the Viceroy did
not come to enforce the new laws before the arrival of the Judges. Then
they took from the church the canopy which was used to hold over the
most holy sacrament, the body of our God, when it was taken to the sick:
and there assembled the Alcaldes Nicolas de Ribera, Alonso Palomino, the
Captain Diego de Aguero, Francisco de Ampuero, the Overseer Garcia de
Salcedo, the Factor Suarez de Carbajal, Nicolas de Ribera (Junior), Juan
de Leon, and the Procurator Rodrigo Niño. The Treasurer was laid up
with the gout. All the city was sad and tearful with the knowledge that
the new laws would so soon be enforced. The magistrates were dressed in
robes, and a crimson cloth was placed on the canopy. For as the arrival
was disliked, no orders had been given for the reception, except the
presentation of the three demands adopted by the advice of Diego de
Aguero. The Alcaldes held the poles of the canopy and were accompanied
by a crowd of people. They came as far as the river, making a show of
public rejoicing at the arrival.
In the morning the Viceroy set out from the place where he had passed
the night and soon came to where they were waiting for him. He spoke to
the members of the municipality with much love, and they answered in the
same way and put him under the canopy. He was on a black horse covered
with black velvet adorned with gilded nail heads. Then the Factor Illan
Suarez de Carbajal said, in a loud voice: “Your Lordship, as Viceroy, on
entering this city, we supplicate in all humility that you will confirm
our liberties and privileges as is just.” The Viceroy looked at his
breast, and not seeing the cross he replied: “By the habit of Santiago I
promise to guard and maintain those privileges which are in conformity
with his Majesty’s service.” They conducted him to the church, where
there were two balconies which the Bishop had ordered to be put up, one
for the Viceroy, the other for the Bishop and Vaca de Castro. Mass was
said, and the Viceroy was then conducted to the house of the Marquis Don
Francisco Pizarro. When the Indians saw the Viceroy entering under a
canopy, an honour which they had never seen to be shown to any other
Spaniard, but only when the most holy sacrament was taken from the
church: they spoke one to another, and asked some of the Spaniards
whether it was the son of God to whom such honour was done. They were
told who he was, and evinced much pleasure at his arrival.
In Pizarro’s house, over the door of the Viceroy’s bed chamber, they had
painted an inscription--SPIRITUS SANCTISSIMUS SUPERVENIAT IN TE, and
over the door of the hall or saloon, another--VELOCITER EXAUDI ME DOMINE
QUIA DEFECIT SPIRITUS MEUS. Leaving the Viceroy in his lodging, the
Alcaldes and Magistrates went to hold a meeting where they could consult
as to what they should do.
The Viceroy, finding that the Secretary Pero Lopez was well liked in the
kingdom, had sent him on the road to Cuzco with the royal ordinances, to
notify them to the municipality and citizens.
CHAPTER XXII
_How the members of the municipality of the city of Lima arranged
to send messengers to the city of Cuzco advising that there should
be no disturbance; and how when Pedro de Hinojosa, Diego Centeno
and Lope Martin were coming to Lima Hinojosa turned back; and what
happened between the Viceroy and the Treasurer Alonso Riquelme._
The Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela remained in his house, while the Alcaldes
and Magistrates met to consider the best course to take. The Treasurer
Alonso Riquelme was so learned that he now asked to speak to the Viceroy
for them all, with a view to sending a messenger to Cuzco. As he could
not walk by reason of the gout, he was carried in a chair, heard their
intention, and willingly undertook to get it carried into effect. The
Viceroy, when the Treasurer came to him, rejoiced to see him and
embraced him. The Treasurer said: “Your Lordship is welcome as one who
comes by order of the King our natural Lord. Would to God that you had
come with more despatch, for the municipality, with its letter, informed
you of the evil that would result from delay and of the advantage from
arriving with speed. No one who goes to do business in any province
should linger in the suburbs, but should come at once to the principal
city, seeing that the small streams and brooks eventually lose
themselves in the great rivers. Your Lordship must be very tired. Enjoy
yourself and rest for a few days. There will be time afterwards to do
what is needful, and we will serve you loyally, which I promise in the
name of the municipality and the citizens.”
The Viceroy cheerfully replied that he could not doubt the loyalty to
their King of the numerous knights who were in the city. He would take
some repose, while he waited for the Judges, when a court of justice
would be formed, which would establish order in matters relating to the
King’s service and the peace of the kingdom. The Treasurer departed in
great joy at this good answer. He gave an account of his interview to
the municipality who were well pleased and considered that it would be
well to send a message to Cuzco advising that there should be no
disturbance, and sending the good news of the desire of the Viceroy to
give satisfaction to all.
The Alcalde Diego Centeno and Pedro de Hinojosa, Magistrates of the town
of Plata[38] which is in a corner of Charcas, were coming near to Lima,
to arrange about doing what had been ordered with regard to their town.
With them came Lope Martin, a citizen of Cuzco. Gaspar Rodriguez de
Camporedondo and Bachicao, with others, had left the city of Lima, and
told things concerning the Viceroy which certainly were not just, saying
that he was enforcing the ordinances and taking away the Indians to let
them go where they liked, from those who had been lieutenants. When
Centeno and Hinojosa heard this, they agreed that Hinojosa should go
back to Cuzco to report everything, while Centeno continued his journey
to Lima with Lope Martin. When Centeno arrived at Lima he was very well
received by the Viceroy.
The members of the municipality of Lima being assembled, it was resolved
that messengers should be sent to Cuzco to counteract what might have
been said by Rodriguez and the others, and to advise the people to make
no disturbance, pointing out what great difficulties it would cause.
Alonso Riquelme and the Overseer Garcia de Saucedo were requested, on
the part of the others, to persuade Lorenzo de Estopiñan to go, with a
letter of credence to this effect. Estopiñan consented to undertake the
mission; and there was another meeting when it was agreed that the
business might be better settled if Diego Centeno returned to his town.
On his way he might give the citizens of Cuzco to understand what the
Viceroy desired to do for the good of the kingdom. Some went to Diego
Centeno, who had already asked leave of the Viceroy to return to
Charcas. He said that he had come to Lima as Procurator from Plata, and
that he rejoiced at what he had heard, for he understood that all would
receive favour in the King’s name. The municipality of Lima having
requested him to take certain despatches to Cuzco, he asked the Viceroy
whether he would be served by his accepting the mission. The Viceroy
replied that he had every confidence in Centeno, and that he would be
glad if he took the despatches that would be delivered to him by the
municipality; besides which he would give him a copy of the royal
provisions of his Majesty, by virtue of which he should be received as
Viceroy in the cities of Guamanga and Cuzco. The Viceroy further asked
Centeno to tell the Spaniards in those cities to make no trouble for his
proceedings were in obedience to the King’s orders. Diego Centeno
promised to carry out these instructions and, after some further
business with the Viceroy he took leave of him, receiving the despatches
and provisions.
Diego Centeno was a native of Ciudad Rodrigo. His father’s name was
Hernando Carveo, and his mother’s Maria de Vera. He was a gentleman, not
very tall. He had a fair skin and pleasant countenance, with a red
beard. Of noble condition he was not very liberal as regards his own
estate, but expended that of the King largely. He had the usual vices
common among men in the Indies. He left Spain for the Indies at twenty
years of age, and had close affinity with the Captain Peranzules and
other captains in that kingdom. Having received the despatches and
provisions he left Lima accompanied by Lope Martin. On arriving at
Guamanga the provisions of the Viceroy were obeyed as his Majesty had
ordered.
CHAPTER XXIII
_How, when Gonzalo Pizarro was feeling very sad because the
citizens of Cuzco did not agree with him as he expected, there
arrived Mezcua who had gone to spy with letters from several
people, and what else happened._
The Captain Gonzalo Pizarro, on his arrival at the city of Cuzco,
notwithstanding that Alonso de Toro, Villacastin, and Tomas Vasquez
showed great willingness and declared themselves to be his faithful
friends, had found a strong disinclination to comply with his wishes
among the others. The reason was that they knew of the arrival of the
Viceroy in Lima, and they felt that it would not be right to oppose
themselves to the royal orders. Seeing this, Pizarro was discouraged and
somewhat enraged. He had been wrong and wanting in knowledge to be moved
by private letters and conversations. He ordered his Indians to depart
from Cuzco which they had done, and he was about to do the same when
Gomez de Mezcua arrived. He had set out from Cuzco, by Pizarro’s order,
to find out what was happening at Lima. He met Gaspar Rodriguez de
Camporedondo and Bachicao, with others, at Guamanga. These used very
ugly words against the Viceroy and the ordinances. When they heard from
Mezcua that Gonzalo Pizarro was in Cuzco, they rejoiced exceedingly,
telling him to return and report that they were coming. They gave him
letters from some of the citizens of Lima who spoke of their hatred of
the Viceroy. Pizarro was urged to drive him out of the country if he
would not suspend the ordinances until his Majesty the King was informed
of the grave injury they would do. Mezcua with great speed returned to
Cuzco to bring such joyful news, just at the time when Gonzalo Pizarro
was preparing to leave it.
When the coming of the citizens and the things they said of the Viceroy
were known, opinions in Cuzco altered a good deal. Men declared that
they would not suffer such injuries. Pizarro, sending for Alonso de
Toro, Villacastin and his other friends, showed them letters he had
received from Lima, and told Mezcua to state what he had been told by
Gaspar Rodriguez and his companions. The news made Gonzalo Pizarro
change his mind about returning to Charcas, and gave the citizens of
Cuzco a reason for electing him as Procurator-General to prevent the new
laws from being enforced until his Majesty had received and considered
the petitions of the conquerors of Peru.
Here the reader may see how fragile and slippery are the affairs of
this world, and that there are many changes in every hour that we live
in it. At one moment we find Gonzalo Pizarro about to retire into
private life, and the people of Cuzco in no mind to make him their
Procurator, nor to give him any other charge. In another, no sooner was
it known that citizens of Lima were coming to arouse those of Cuzco,
than Pizarro was accepted to take command over all others, march to
Lima, and drive out the Viceroy. Afterwards, by virtue of a clause in
the will of the Marquis his brother, Gonzalo Pizarro was to be received
as Governor. Pompey the Great, when Julius Cæsar passed the Rubicon, was
received as Captain-General against him and, being in Greece, at the
proposal of the Consul Lentulus he was given a commission to raise
troops, appoint captains, and fit out fleets against him who was looked
upon as an enemy. The simple people of all nations, when they saw the
mandate of the Roman Senate, and that Pompey was appointed as
Captain-General to defend the republic, easily came to the conclusion
that Pompey was fighting solely for the public good, which, God knows,
would be that he who conquered might do as he pleased.
Thus, in the kingdom of Peru the news spread that those of the
municipality and the other citizens had nominated Gonzalo Pizarro as
Procurator. Believing that his only object was their good, they rejoiced
and gave assistance. He had more time than Pompey had to mature the
tyrannical objects which he fostered in his bosom. Happy those who were
in the kingdom, and were able to desist from following the banners of
this tyrant. But what can I say, being far away in the dense cane brakes
of Quimbaya[39], yet this fury extended even to that distance, letting
us know how cruel are these civil wars.
CHAPTER XXIV
_How Gaspar Rodriguez and his companions arrived at the city of
Cuzco, and how Gonzalo Pizarro was received as Captain against the
Inca._
Now it is time, O city of Cuzco, that we relate the movements which
occurred in thee, causing no small amount of clamour and mourning. But
boast not of that, seeing that the deeds of the citizens were the causes
of much bloodshed. The war which was commenced by thee spread beyond thy
confines, as the sad conflict of Huarina bears testimony.
The Spaniards in Cuzco were aroused to great anger by what they heard of
the Viceroy from Gaspar Rodriguez, Hernando Bachicao and the others.
They rejoiced to find Gonzalo Pizarro there, giving him an account of
all that had taken place at Lima, and how the Viceroy had taken the
Indians from Diego de Mora, Alonso Holguin, Diego Palomino and others;
and had declared that he would do the same in all parts, enforcing the
new laws with rigour. All then understood the great injury that would be
done to them. When this had been heard, all agreed to take Gonzalo
Pizarro, and to go with him to pray that the new laws might not be
enforced in all their rigour. Gaspar Rodriguez and Hernando Bachicao
declared that the people of Lima intended to seize the Viceroy if he
persisted in enforcing the new laws. Owing to these statements there was
much anxiety in Cuzco, and the people expected to receive very heavy
punishment. Yet there was a variety of opinions among them, the majority
being disposed to take any course rather than obey the new laws.
The tumult having subsided, which arose on the arrival of the news about
the Viceroy, it was decided to seek the best way in which Gonzalo
Pizarro, in the name of all, might represent the people. Yet it did not
appear certain that power could be given to him, seeing that Blasco
Nuñez had arrived at Lima, and had been received as Viceroy. On the
other hand to withhold the power would be madness and would cause
serious injury. Letters did not cease to arrive not only from Lima, but
also from the province of Andahuaylas. Pedro de los Rios and Diego
Maldonado had interviews with Francisco Maldonado, Hernando Bachicao,
and Juan Velez de Guevara with others. They concerted with the citizens
and the municipal officers that Gonzalo Pizarro should be appointed
captain against the Inca who was, according to rumour, arranging to
march against the city. As much reliance was placed on Pizarro, he
easily induced the citizens, jointly with their municipal officers, to
nominate and elect him as their captain against Manco Inca if he should
come with warlike intent; and powers were given to their captain to
collect arms and raise men.
But the desires of Pizarro did not stop there. He wanted to be
acknowledged as Chief Justice and Procurator-General, with which
authority he would be able to attain his ends. He wrote to the province
of Andahuaylas, asking Diego Maldonado, the perpetual magistrate there,
to come at once to the city. He also wrote to Pedro de los Rios to come
to Cuzco. And notwithstanding that they preferred to remain in that
province, and not to be present with those who were rebelling, they
could not abide by their wishes, for so many letters came, that they had
to go to Cuzco. When the news came that Gonzalo Pizarro was nominated
captain against the Inca, soldiers arrived from all parts well armed
with arquebuses and powder, eager that rumours should be converted into
war, that they might emerge from the poverty caused by peace.
CHAPTER XXV
_How Gonzalo Pizarro and his friends induced the municipality of
Cuzco to nominate him Chief Justice, which was done against the
wishes of many._
Gonzalo Pizarro rejoiced at being appointed captain against the Inca,
because it was a step in the direction he wanted to go. Talking with the
principal people of Cuzco, they discussed together the intention of the
Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela to enforce the ordinances, Pizarro pointing
out that he had been induced to come from Charcas to help them, and that
they should unite to name him Procurator, that he might have power to go
and to supplicate in their favour. Letters kept arriving from Lima and
from other parts urging him to lose no time in marching from Cuzco. The
members of the municipality had a meeting where many speeches were made
touching this business. At length it was agreed that Gonzalo Pizarro
should be given authority, in the name of the city, to march to Lima and
see that the ordinances were suspended until they had been again
submitted to his Majesty the King. The people of Cuzco would risk their
lives, goods and estates to secure this.
Gonzalo Pizarro, after this resolution, went about with armed men, and
showed by his words and bearing that he expected something more than the
title of Procurator. The Licentiate Leon had now arrived at Cuzco and
rejoiced very much when he heard what had taken place. The Licentiate de
la Gama had written letters in which he said many bad things against the
Viceroy.
As soon as Gonzalo Pizarro was nominated Procurator, he began to talk
with Gaspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo, Cermeño, Alonso de Toro, Tomas
Vasquez, and his other friends, to concert measures for turning the
minds of the citizens to receive him as Chief Justice, for if this was
done he would have complete control of everything. The members of the
municipality were much opposed, for it seemed to them that Gonzalo
Pizarro, against their wishes, wanted to raise the country in opposition
to the Viceroy. They would not give their consent, and some of them
murmured, saying--“Perhaps you do not see the consequence of such an
advance to contend against the Viceroy.” They cursed those who had
written from Lima, and that Gonzalo Pizarro, believing them too easily,
should have come to the city, leaving the town where he resided.
When Pizarro understood this attitude of some of the citizens, he said
that he did not wish to be Procurator of such an ungrateful city, and he
did not desist from going about accompanied by arquebusiers and
musketeers. There was then another meeting of the municipal officers,
who made the following proposal, copied exactly from the original, which
I saw in possession of a notary.
“In the city of Cuzco, 26th of June 1544, in presence of Gomez de
Chaves, public notary. The Captain Gonzalo Pizarro was there and said ‘I
will resign the offices of Captain-General and Procurator of this
kingdom because the magistrates and other officials of it do not wish to
include the office of Chief Justice. If they should wish to entrust me
with that duty I should not shrink from it, but would use and exercise
it as I am instructed by them. Because it will conduce to the
pacification of the soldiers, I desire to be chosen for that office,
that being my desire, and I sign this with my name.’ Witnesses--the
Captain Francisco de Almendras and the Captain Cermeño.”
When Gonzalo Pizarro said this, some of those who were at the meeting,
were very much disturbed. For while, on one side, Gonzalo Pizarro said
that he would resign the appointments of Captain and Procurator, on the
other the armed men who were with him seemed ready to elect and nominate
him as Chief Justice. So they were afraid to come to a decision. The
arquebusiers outside fired some shots to give those inside to understand
what would happen to them if they did not obey.
In conclusion, after some further discussion, the votes were given in
the following manner.
Juan Velez de Guevara, Magistrate for his Majesty, said that he would
vote, and give as his opinion that the Captain Gonzalo Pizarro should be
Captain-General and Chief Justice, and to this he signed his name.
Then Antonio de Altamirano, Alcalde, gave his vote that Gonzalo Pizarro
should be Chief Justice, and signed his name.
Next the Captain Diego Maldonado the rich said that as his desire was to
do what was best for his Majesty’s service, he requested his colleagues
to let him consult some one with more learning, after which he would be
prepared to answer.
Hernando Bachicao, a Magistrate, said that his vote and opinion was that
the Captain Gonzalo Pizarro should be Chief Justice until his Majesty
should otherwise provide, and he signed his name.
Francisco Maldonado said that his vote and opinion was that as the
ordinary Alcaldes were occupied in civil and criminal lawsuits, and as
there were many soldiers in the city, the number daily increasing, the
Captain Gonzalo Pizarro should be Chief Justice, and he signed his name.
Diego Maldonado de Alamos said that his vote and opinion was to seek
what was best for the service of God our Lord, and for that of his
Majesty, and for the good and service of the city and its people. He had
not learning to be able to certify that the request of Captain Gonzalo
Pizarro was right, nor whether he had the power to make him Chief
Justice as a Magistrate of that city, and to this he put his name.
Juan Julio de Hojeda said that his opinion was the same as that of Diego
Maldonado de Alamos, and to this he signed his name. Then followed a
document as follows:
“And presently, the votes of the Alcaldes and Magistrates having been
seen, they said that the Captain Gonzalo Pizarro was chosen and
nominated Chief Justice, and powers were given to him which appertain to
that Office. They received the oath in due form, and he promised to use
and exercise the Office according to law, and these names were signed”:
Gonzalo Pizarro
Juan Velez de Guevara
Francisco Maldonado
Diego Maldonado de Alamos
Hernando Bachicao
Juan Julio de Hojeda.
They say that, at this time, the Licentiates de la Gama, Carbajal, Leon,
and Barba and the bachelor Guevara, gave votes and opinions that Gonzalo
Pizarro should go with an armed force to supplicate respecting the
ordinances, and that they would show that this was legal and right. Even
worse things than these were said, and votes were given which caused no
little harm, many simple people, believing what was told them, following
the tyrant in his rebellion.
CHAPTER XXVI
_How the Alcaldes Antonio Altamirano and Diego Maldonado the rich
left the meeting, but finally had to sign, and how the Procurator
Alonso Carrasco declined to provide a petition on the arrangement
in the name of the city._
At the time when the members of the municipality give their opinions and
votes at their place of meeting, the Alcalde Antonio Altamirano, seeing
that the intentions of Gonzalo Pizarro were tyrannical and evil, left
the building to avoid voting. Diego Maldonado the rich did the same.
Gonzalo Pizarro came out with the wand of office, and all obeyed him as
Chief Justice. Diego Maldonado being in his house, Captain Cermeño with
a company of arquebusiers came to take him to the house of Gonzalo
Pizarro who was very angry because Maldonado would not sign. Pizarro,
with a haughty countenance, ordered him, having the first vote in the
municipality, to sign before he left the room, that all might see it. He
was told that his life would be taken if he did not sign, so he signed,
but in a false hand, and different from his usual signature. Antonio de
Altamirano also signed. Diego Maldonado asked all to witness, he and
Pedro de los Rios making a secret protest that they did not join with
Gonzalo Pizarro, nor would they be found acting against the service of
his Majesty.
Notwithstanding what had taken place, those who were committed to
Gonzalo Pizarro, in order that his reception as Chief Justice might be
more pronounced, advised that he should speak to Pero Alonso Carrasco,
the Procurator of the city, and induce him to present a petition to the
municipality stating that the people rejoiced at the election, which was
for the public good. Pero Alonso, acting prudently, and seeing that such
a proceeding was not right, would neither make such a petition, nor
present it to the municipality. Gonzalo Pizarro, indignant at his
opposition, gave orders that his property should be confiscated. Pero
Alonso Carrasco, fearing that they would kill him, took refuge in the
church and, thinking that he was not safe there, he went to the house of
Alonso de Mesa[40], a citizen of Cuzco, where he was concealed for two
days and two nights.
Gonzalo Pizarro was so enraged because Pero Alonso Carrasco would not
send the petition in the name of the city that, as some say[41], he
ordered some of his servants to kill the Procurator. One night Pero
Alonso ventured out to go to his house, and was badly wounded in three
places by those who were waiting for him. They left him, thinking he was
dead. This is the reason that Pero Alonso Carrasco did not go with
Garcilasso and Graviel de Rojas when they left the city to join the
Viceroy.
CHAPTER XXVII
_How a letter came from Lima, written by the Factor Illan Suarez de
Carbajal, in cypher, and how the Captain Garcilasso de la Vega was
asked for his vote for the nomination of Pizarro._
The blessed Gregory says[42] that a great reward cannot be obtained
without great labour, great knowledge and understanding, and long
vigils, passing many nights and days in them. Solomon says that great
riches cannot be got or held without great watchfulness and much working
of the spirit. This narrative is a notable example for me, for in
putting my hands to write a work so difficult as this upon which I am
now engaged, in no way can I avoid passing long vigils, to make sure
that the stories agree one with another, and that I do not in any way
depart from the truth. But I know that the work I have undertaken, with
the divine help, is worthy of the expenditure of such labour, yet in no
part have I found myself so perplexed as at this point. I have felt that
my weak judgment is insufficient to decide such great questions,
insomuch that I have thought I must bring my narrative to an end,
leaving the field open to an abler pen. However, the hold I have taken
of it gives me courage to proceed onwards.
The city of the Kings having received the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela, and
the conversation I have mentioned having taken place between him and the
Treasurer, the Factor Illan Suarez de Carbajal, a direct servant of the
King, wrote a letter in cypher, which I have had in my possession, to
his brother Benito Suarez de Carbajal, in which he said that he should
loyally serve the King, and if there were rebellions in the provinces,
he should not consent to them, but come at once to Lima, where he would
find the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela, with other advice to the same
effect. The licentiate received the letter, and replied in cypher to the
Factor declaring that he would act in conformity with his brother’s
advice in all things, and he wrote to the Viceroy, telling him what was
taking place in Cuzco.
Gonzalo Pizarro, finding that the Captain Garcilasso de la Vega[43] had
not approved of his election, being a Magistrate of the city, he sent to
notify to him that he must give his vote. He replied that he was
unlearned, and did not know whether he could certify to the nomination
of Chief Justice. He did this to avoid either voting or signing a
document which was clearly opposed to the King’s service. Gonzalo
Pizarro then sent for the Licentiate Carbajal to require him to say
whether Garcilasso could, with justice, give his vote in this matter.
Carbajal replied in the affirmative. Garcilasso had given his answer
with circumspection. In order to evade the necessity, he went to the
place of municipal meetings and stated, in presence of the other
magistrates who were assembled there, that he was not a magistrate by
vote of the municipality, but by reason of the absence of a citizen,
whose duties he had undertaken, which he now resigned, and that he
protested he would do so no more. Saying this he left the room.
Gonzalo Pizarro, and those of the municipality, then sent Pedro de
Hinojosa to the city of Arequipa to summon Francisco de Carbajal, the
same who was the Serjeant Major in the battle of Chupas, to bring what
arms and troops he could collect, and to come to Cuzco. Pedro de
Hinojosa set out for Arequipa, where Francisco de Carbajal was residing,
very anxious to return to Spain but unable to obtain a passage. When he
understood the position of Gonzalo Pizarro and that he called for him,
it is said that he was sad, wishing to keep clear of these
complications. But he was a man experienced in war, and brought up in
the profession of arms. He said: “I was very unwilling to put my hands
into the warp of this cloth, but now that things are as they are, I
promise to be the principal weaver.” He then got ready to go to Cuzco,
using ugly words against the ordinances, and saying that he had been
like the cat that was so teased and ill treated that at length it turned
to scratch its own master. If his Majesty sent such laws, he added, it
was a decent thing to oppose them. Pedro de Hinojosa returned to Cuzco
after delivering his message. The Lieutenant or Corregidor of Arequipa
absented himself, and Hinojosa met with no hindrance or ill treatment.
He occupied himself solely in collecting as many men and weapons as he
could.
CHAPTER XXVIII
_How the Captain Lorenzo de Aldana wrote and told the Viceroy what
the people at Cuzco were saying, and how it was rumoured in Lima
that Gonzalo Pizarro was nominated Governor of Cuzco._
The Captain Lorenzo de Aldana[44] was in the province of Xauxa where he
had a grant of Indians, and he heard what was being said, and how easily
people had been moved to treat of affairs, from the citizens of Cuzco
coming from Lima. He also had news how Gonzalo Pizarro had come from
Charcas and marched to Cuzco, where he had claimed to be received as
Procurator in opposition to the Viceroy. Aldana was anxious that there
should be no disturbance nor war in his province, and that the Viceroy
should act prudently. The business he took in hand was difficult and
needed wise counsel. He wrote to the Viceroy giving him welcome on his
arrival: and said that it should be known how Gaspar Rodriguez de
Camporedondo, Bachicao, and the other citizens from Cuzco had related
with what severity he had acted on entering the kingdom, and how little
sympathy he had shown, rejoicing that he should have come to enforce the
ordinances, taking their Indians away from those of San Miguel and
Truxillo, and how great disturbances were the consequence. In order
that it might go no further, and that those who were fostering the
discontent might not be entirely believed, the orders of his Majesty
should be carried out with much prudence. He said that he had been long
in the land, and that he knew by experience the levity of those who
settled there, and their willingness to see war break out, that they
might profit by the disorders. Besides this, Lorenzo de Aldana wrote
other things to the Viceroy, telling him that Gonzalo Pizarro was in
Cuzco with the intention of being nominated Procurator. A few days after
he had written this letter, Aldana left the province of Xauxa, and set
out for Lima to join the Viceroy who rejoiced at his arrival. At this
time the Captain Juan de Saavedra asked permission to go to Huanuco,
which the Viceroy granted.
Many days had not passed in Lima before it was understood and known for
certain that Gonzalo Pizarro had been received in Cuzco as Procurator to
come and appeal against the ordinances. It is easy to understand this,
for letters had always passed between Lima and Cuzco, the messengers
going and coming. The news was now certain. They said joyfully among
themselves, as it is reported, “Have you by chance not heard the good
news?” “Well, Gonzalo Pizarro is nominated Procurator to come against
this audacious man, the Viceroy!” Others, when they heard it, shrugged
their shoulders and pressed their hands, unable to repress the laugh
that came from their mouths. In short, great was the rejoicing among all
the people.
The news came that Gonzalo Pizarro was at Cuzco assembling an armed
force, and when the Viceroy heard it he was much disturbed in his mind.
He could only say that Gonzalo Pizarro was a knight and a servant of the
King, brother of the Marquis who discovered those provinces, and that
he would not wish to merit the name of traitor. He desired that the
Judges would arrive, that the court of justice might be established.
Many times he came to the resolution of going at once to Cuzco
accompanied only by his brother and his brother-in-law Diego Alvarez de
Cueto, with a few citizens. There were so many inconveniences that the
Cuzco expedition did not take place though, if he had been there, the
disturbances would have ceased, and the war would not have commenced.
But to speak of these things is to attempt divination: for God had
determined to punish that kingdom, it even seems to me that the unusual
lightning was a sign of it, and that it had to pass through more
calamities and miseries. According to what Plutarch says in his life of
Lucullus, referring to certain questions which the Cyreneans put to the
divine Plato, there is nothing more arduous than to bring under special
laws the men who possess great wealth, for they are like men intoxicated
and beyond their ordinary senses, transported by the favours of
prosperous fortune. The same Plutarch, on the other hand, says that
there is nothing easier than to dominate the minds of similar men who
are depressed by many reverses of fortune, because their reverses had
crushed down all their pride and lofty thoughts. In truth it is a
notable sentence. For at the time when the unfortunate Viceroy entered
Peru, he found the minds of men, owing to their wealth, not only ready
to protest against the laws, but to oppose them. Yet when the same
tyrant’s proceedings had led them to disaster and misfortune, Gasca was
able not only to enforce the laws but to enact others more heavy, and to
carry out the will of the Emperor our lord who is now so powerful and so
feared in these parts that his authority is not equalled in any other
province in the world. I have said this, because it should be understood
that his Majesty was able, as sovereign lord, to pardon when his
commands had been obeyed, although there is, from Spain to Peru, more
than four thousand leagues of land and sea.
CHAPTER XXIX
_How his Majesty sent a royal order to the Adelantado Sebastian de
Belalcazar commanding him to execute the new laws and how the
Procurators met in the city of Popayan and agreed to a
supplication._
After the death of the Captain Francisco Garcia de Tobar and the arrival
of the warlike Juan Cabrera at the town of Timana, the chain of
mountains was crossed which separates one region from the other, and the
Adelantado Belalcazar came to the town of Popayan where he remained for
some days. At that time, being in the city of Cali, the news arrived of
the royal ordinances and of the coming of the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela
to enforce them. There was a great disturbance, but the people all
believed that their neighbours would refuse to obey the ordinances. They
said that please God, they would agree to what their neighbours did, for
the injury was so great. Then came the news that the Viceroy had been
received in Lima which was displeasing to them, and made them think that
those in Peru had little resolution. Then a ship arrived at the port of
Buenaventura which brought the new laws in a letter from the very high
and illustrious Prince our lord Don Felipe, ordering the Adelantado
Belalcazar to execute and enforce the new laws and ordinances issued for
the government of the Indies, in doing which he would perform a great
service. When this royal order arrived, all the people were disturbed,
saying that they could not submit to such a serious injury being done to
them; and that their services did not merit such treatment.
Belalcazar acted with prudence, telling the people not to be disturbed,
for his Majesty would certainly show favour to them. He sent orders to
all the towns and cities in the province to send Procurators, that they
might consider what it would be best to do, in the matter of the
ordinances. Having arrived at the city of Popayan, the Adelantado wanted
to execute the new laws, having first put a great number of Indians
under the head of his sons, because, at the time of compliance, it would
not then be for him to give them up. The Procurators, when they saw that
he wanted to comply, besought him, in the name of all the province, to
support their protest. This was agreed to, the execution of the laws was
postponed, and they named one Francisco de Rodas to go as their
Procurator to Spain. His Majesty had already named the Licentiate Diaz
Amendariz as Commissary General and examining Judge. In this way that
province was kept quiet and there was no serious disturbance.
CHAPTER XXX
_How, after Gonzalo Pizarro had been received in Cuzco as
Procurator and Chief Justice, he named captains; and how Diego
Centeno arrived at Cuzco and delivered despatches to Pizarro._
Gonzalo Pizarro, being received as Chief Justice in the city of Cuzco,
made haste to collect men, manufacture powder, and prepare arquebuses,
while letters continually came, generally in cypher, speaking ill of the
Viceroy, and urging Pizarro to come down to Lima without delay. Now that
he had got the command which he desired, he considered that it would be
well to nominate captains and officers for the war. He thought of giving
the appointment of Ensign General to Diego Maldonado the rich, but he
declined it with ingenious excuses, showing that it would be more
advisable to leave him in the city. The members of the municipality also
spoke to Pizarro, advising that Maldonado should be left as Alcalde and
captain in Cuzco. Consenting to this, Gonzalo Pizarro appointed Alonso
de Toro to be Master of the Camp. He was a native of Truxillo. For
Ensign General Antonio de Altamirano, a native of Hontivéros was named.
The captains of infantry were Diego Gumiel, a native of Villadiego, Juan
Velez de Guevara of Malaga, Cermeño, who came from San Lucar de
Barrameda, was captain of arquebusiers, Hernando Bachicao had charge of
the artillery, and Pedro de Puertocarrero commanded the cavalry.
A few days after Gonzalo Pizarro had made these appointments, these
rebels left Cuzco and those who wished to wage this wicked and atrocious
war formed their camp. Thus the drums and fifes proclaimed its
commencement. How rejoiced must have been the tyrant Gonzalo Pizarro to
find that now he had the power to oppose the Viceroy, thinking that it
would be easy afterwards to seize the government of the kingdom.
Lope Martin arrived at the city, publishing all the news of the Viceroy.
Diego Centeno also arrived with the despatches and provisions which the
Viceroy had brought. Some say that he delivered them into the hands of
Gonzalo Pizarro of his own accord, without making any conditions. They
say that Pizarro, when he saw the despatches, rejoiced at having got
them into his power, and ordered Centeno, on pain of death, not to tell
any citizen or any other person what he had brought. There was haste in
getting the arms ready, and providing everything for the march; and it
was resolved to send to the city of Guamanga for the artillery,
Francisco de Almendras, a strong adherent of Pizarro, undertaking the
duty.
CHAPTER XXXI
_How Gonzalo Pizarro ordered the Captain Francisco de Almendras to
go to the city of San Juan de Victoria which is in Guamanga to
seize the artillery that had been sent there by the Licentiate Vaca
de Castro._
When Gonzalo Pizarro conceived his evil design, he remembered that the
artillery with which the younger Almagro gave battle to Vaca de Castro
at Chupas, was in Guamanga. Having confidence in Francisco de Almendras,
who was a citizen of Plata, Pizarro sent him, with thirty arquebusiers,
to get possession of the artillery without doing any harm to that city.
On the contrary he was to talk to the citizens and municipality, telling
them that Pizarro had charged himself with the duty of answering in the
name of all touching the question of the ordinances, and as they had
written so many times and incited him to action, they should now be
prepared to help.
Francisco de Almendras set out from Cuzco with his men, and arrived at
Guamanga where, at that time, Vasco Suarez was Alcalde for the King our
lord. When the object of Almendras was known there was a meeting of the
Alcalde and magistrates to decide what steps should be taken to prevent
the artillery from being taken away. Vasco Suarez said that he desired
to defend the artillery, and to oppose Almendras and his men. Juan de
Berrio, a magistrate, declared that with his person, arms, horses, and
servants he would support the loyal intention of the Alcalde. Diego
Gavilan said the same. The Captain Vasco de Guevara feigned to have a
bad indisposition which increased so much at that time that he was
unable to leave his bed. Almendras, in a loud voice, asked how long they
would delay to give up the artillery? Those of Guamanga equivocated, not
wishing to tell where the artillery was deposited. Almendras waited,
for the soldiers said that he had little occasion to pass compliments,
for Gonzalo Pizarro had left home and estate to answer the calls of
these men, and now they pretended not to know where the artillery was.
Some say that Vasco de Guevara told Almendras where it was, but that is
false. The truth is that, with the most persuasive words he could use,
he deceived Francisco de Almendras and, when night came, he mounted his
horse and rode off to the country of Soras, where his grant of Indians
was, with the wish of helping and serving the Viceroy.
When the Captain Almendras knew of the escape of Vasco de Guevara, he
had a mind to destroy the town. In a great rage he went to the house of
Guevara, and tortured his servants until they confessed where the
artillery was. He took possession of it with great joy, saying to the
citizens of Guamanga that he had little to thank them for, that he would
return to Cuzco, and they would see what orders would come from there.
This done he loaded the artillery on the shoulders of Indians, and took
the road back to the city of Cuzco.
CHAPTER XXXII
_How it became clearly known at Lima that there was a rebellion in
Cuzco and that the artillery had been taken, which gave the Viceroy
much anxiety._
At this time inconstancy began to show itself in Lima. The Devil walked
out freely, putting evil thoughts into those who were well disposed.
They talked secretly one to another, saying that the Viceroy would
enforce the new laws. Others said: “Wait a bit, Pizarro is in Cuzco, and
we have certain news that he will come with an armed force, and will
answer for all.” The whole city knew this, and the Viceroy no longer
ignored what he knew to be certain. Striking his forehead with his hand,
he exclaimed: “Is it possible that the great Emperor our Lord, who is
feared in all the provinces of Europe, and to whom the Turk, Master of
all the East, dare not show himself hostile, should be disobeyed here by
a bastard who refuses to comply with his laws?” The Viceroy was anxious
that the Judges should arrive to found the court of justice, and the
mind of this loyal man was torn with anguish at being unable to cause
the royal wishes to be obeyed. He felt a great hatred against Vaca do
Castro, and he found reasons for entertaining this feeling. For he knew
that Gaspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo, Bachicao, and the others who left
the city were friends of Vaca de Castro, and he believed that they went
to Cuzco by his advice. He, therefore, intended to have his conduct
examined in order that he might be judicially punished, as soon as the
Judges arrived.
Many days did not pass before the news arrived that the artillery had
been seized at Guamanga, and it was said that Guevara had delivered it
to Francisco de Almendras. No previous news had caused such grief to the
Viceroy, and from his breast he hurled very angry words against Vasco de
Guevara, saying that he ought to be severely punished for such a serious
failure of duty. He was very suspicious of the people at Lima, not
believing a word they said. Consequently they felt great fear that he
would do them some injury.
CHAPTER XXXIII
_How the Viceroy, seeing that the Judges were not coming, ordered
the new laws to be publicly proclaimed, and of the imprisonment of
Vaca de Castro._
From what has gone before the reader will remember that Blasco Nuñez
Vela arrived at Lima joyfully, assuring the people that he would not
execute the laws until the court of justice had been established, and it
will also be borne in mind what passed with the Treasurer. But as he had
come fresh from Spain where the majesty of our King is obeyed in such a
manner, that every provision or order, however hard it may appear, is
enforced and complied with notwithstanding any protests, he did not
understand how disloyal the people in this kingdom had become, and the
great looseness which had prevailed for some time. Notwithstanding the
news of the rebellion at Cuzco and the seizure of the artillery he
adopted a measure very suddenly which required much deliberation,
forgetting his promise, and not considering how complicated and
difficult the affairs of the kingdom had become, while the minds of the
majority were dangerous and filled with animosity against himself. He
suddenly ordered Juan Enriquez, the common crier, to proclaim the new
laws publicly, that no one might claim ignorance, and that all might be
public.
It is proper that the Viceroy’s intention should be understood, and not
be obscured. I truly believe that he understood the state of affairs to
be serious, and all now living know that what our Cæsar orders must be
obeyed, though compliance may be difficult, still the laws must be
published and enforced. No doubt the Viceroy wanted to execute them that
it might not be said, either in the present time or in the future, that
he desisted through fear from complying with the royal commands.
The great Alexander, founder of the third empire, and the most powerful
King of Greece, we are told by Quintus Curtius and Arrian, had an
excellent captain who passed with him into Asia, named Parmenion. This
Parmenion had three noble sons, Philotas, Hector and Nicanor. Being
Prefect of Mesopotamia, some of his letters appeared to be against the
service of the King. Alexander suspected his general’s son Philotas,
because he knew through Diminus that he had a grievance against the
King. He did not wish to communicate the matter to Alexander because it
was a matter of life and death; yet for this and for the letters which
were found from his father, Philotas was cruelly put to death.
Alexander, calling on Polidamas, one who was daring, ordered him to go
to where Parmenion was and to kill him, and after his death to show an
order he had given about the captains, that those of the army might not
mutiny. Polidamas, notwithstanding that he had received much kindness
and great honours from Parmenion, came to him with some letters, and
while he was reading them he stabbed him. Although the sight of his
venerable person moved him to compassion, he could only give attention
to the royal order[45]. In the same way the Viceroy was anxious that
his Majesty should know that, with fidelity and good will, he complied
with the orders he had received, without concerning himself with the
scandals he must face, in proclaiming the laws. What I say is only to
show the Viceroy’s good intention, without contending that it was not
foolhardy, and that the service of the King would have been better
considered if the laws had been suspended and not proclaimed.
When the citizens of Lima heard the new laws proclaimed, they were much
disturbed in their minds, and said one to another, “How is this? How can
a Prince so very Christian as his Majesty seek to destroy us, when we
have acquired this province at the cost of our property and the death of
so many of our comrades. What will now become of our wives and
children?” Many lost all feeling, and from that time looked upon
themselves as bereft of Indians, and of all property. Being enraged they
wrote letters to Gonzalo Pizarro, telling him what had taken place, and
how the new laws had been proclaimed.
CHAPTER XXXIV
_Concludes the former chapter down to the imprisonment of the
Licentiate Vaca de Castro._
The Viceroy was not ignorant of what was passing in the city, and the
great tumult showed him that the citizens were very unquiet. He came out
of his room declaring that any who said that Gonzalo Pizarro had not
rebelled, would presently be given a flogging of a hundred lashes
publicly. In these days Vaca de Castro always went to visit the Viceroy,
who was so angry with him that one day he ordered him to be arrested and
imprisoned in the old room of the house of the Marquis, where the
Viceroy lodged. He was there for eight days, feeling the treatment he
was receiving from the Viceroy very acutely, and he regretted that he
had not gone at once to render an account to the King of his government.
The Bishop Don Jeronimo de Loaysa was much distressed that the Viceroy
should have thrown Vaca de Castro into prison. He besought him to
release his prisoner, which the Viceroy did at the Bishop’s request. But
he proclaimed that anyone who had been aggrieved by Vaca de Castro was
to send in his complaints in order that he might be punished if he had
acted without justice. After a few days he again arrested Vaca de Castro
and imprisoned him on board a ship. This imprisonment, according to what
the Viceroy published, was due to a suspicion that Vaca de Castro
meditated something against the Viceroy’s person.
Lorenzo de Aldana had come from the province of Xauxa to see the
Viceroy, having first written the letter already mentioned. The Viceroy
thought that the letter had been taken from him and was in a furious
rage. For this and because his authority was great and he had always
been a friend of the Pizarros, the Viceroy ordered him to be arrested on
suspicion, and he was sent on board another ship as a prisoner. He was
there several days and then released, the reasons being given why the
orders had been issued for sending him on board.
At this time the Viceroy ordered that there should be a fleet on the
sea. He appointed his brother-in-law Diego Alvarez de Cueto to be
Captain-General, and Jeronimo Zurbano to be captain.
CHAPTER XXXV
_How the Bishop Don Jeronimo de Loaysa, regretting that these
troubles should have arisen, spoke to the Viceroy of his desire to
go to Cuzco, and what happened in consequence._
It was now well known to everyone at Lima that Gonzalo Pizarro was
received at Cuzco as Procurator and Chief Justice. Don Jeronimo de
Loaysa was Bishop in this city of Lima, which is the episcopal see. He
was anxious that a civil war should not arise in the kingdom and that
peace should be maintained. With the wish to serve God and his Majesty
he wished to go personally to where Gonzalo Pizarro was. He, therefore,
spoke to the Viceroy, representing the great movements that had taken
place at Cuzco where it was reported that Gonzalo Pizarro had been
appointed Procurator and Chief Justice, and was busy in getting arms
ready, making powder, and providing everything necessary for war, and
not convenient for supplications or protests. In order that the disgrace
might not go further it would be desirable that some prudent and
judicious man should undertake to move the discontented from such wild
and wicked demands. As in like times the King expects such services from
his vassals, the Bishop proposed to undertake the trouble, and to
proceed towards Cuzco in order to persuade Gonzalo Pizarro into a more
loyal course. They say that this passed between the Bishop and the
Viceroy, and there were other discourses on the subject. The Viceroy
showed himself well contented, saying the Bishop’s journey would be of
great service to God and to his Majesty, and a mercy to himself. It was
settled that the Bishop should start without delay, because there were
to be certain notaries to go with the royal provisions, to require
Gonzalo Pizarro and his followers not to move without consideration but
to obey the laws of their King and natural lord, and to induce him not
to come down to Lima with an armed force, and in the shameful way that
had been announced. In order that the Bishop might make an honest
agreement, the Viceroy gave him his word that he would agree to what the
Bishop was able to arrange. He did not give him powers, for reasons
which I will give at the time that the Bishop and Gonzalo Pizarro saw
each other. For it is very troublesome to have to write the same thing
many times. I shall give a detailed account of the Bishop’s journey,
because it led to very delicate negotiations, and I knew persons who
were then with Pizarro, and also some who came with the Bishop, and even
the Bishop himself affirmed that things happened as I relate them.
Some treat of this journey of the Bishop as if he went more for the good
of Pizarro and his advantage than for the King’s service. Well, I have
no wish to go by vulgar rumours, because they cause confusion and make
nothing certain. For we know that such rumours never contain the simple
truth, although sometimes they may not be very far from it.
The journey of the Bishop having been decided upon, he set out from the
city of Lima. He took with him a companion named Fray Isidro de San
Vicente, and departed on the 20th day of June of the same year. There
departed to accompany him on the journey Don Juan de Sandoval, Luis de
Cespedes, Pero Ordoñez de Peñalosa and two clergymen named Alonso
Marquez and Juan de Losa. They took the coast road and travelled until
they arrived at the town of Yca. Here they met one Rodrigo de Pineda who
was coming from Cuzco, and stated that Gonzalo Pizarro had already left
that city, so that if the Bishop continued along the coast he would miss
him. The Bishop, therefore, determined to ascend the mountains so as to
come out at the town of Gualle, in the grant of Francisco de Cardenas, a
citizen of Guamanga.
The Viceroy understood that the rebellion of the upper provinces was
public, and that Gonzalo Pizarro and his followers, after the many ugly
words spoken against the King’s service, were preparing to come in arms
to prevent the royal commands from being obeyed. After having taken the
opinions of his brother Francisco Velasquez Vela Nuñez, of Don Diego
Alvarez de Cueto, of Don Alonso de Montemayor, and the other principal
knights who were at Lima, he resolved to make a general call to arms
throughout the kingdom. In great haste he ordered messages to be sent to
all the cities and towns within his government, ordering all the
citizens to come to Lima to serve his Majesty, with their arms and
horses, without daring to show any favour to Gonzalo Pizarro or to any
other who may be denounced as opponents of the service of the royal
crown of Castille, on pain of being declared traitors and forfeiting all
their goods. This being done the Viceroy ordered the Secretary Pero
Lopez to get ready for a journey to Cuzco with the royal orders,
requiring Gonzalo Pizarro and those who were with him to obey them fully
with breasts on the ground as loyal vassals and subjects. Pero Lopez,
notwithstanding the great danger he incurred, seeing that it was for the
royal service, declared that he would go if the war was not commenced
until his return, so that they might not kill him. The Viceroy gave the
promise, yet if the ears of Pero Lopez were not deaf, he might have
heard the sounds of drums and fifes before he had crossed the bounds of
the city. In order that Pero Lopez might go more safely, the Viceroy
ordered that Francisco de Ampuero[46], formerly a servant of the
Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro, should go with him, and so they set out
from Lima. Simon de Alzate, Public Notary, also went with despatches and
provisions, intended to draw off the rebels and bring them to the King’s
service, on pain of being declared traitors, while those who became
loyal would receive favour and help.
CHAPTER XXXVI
_How the Judges arrived at Lima and established the Court of
Justice._
We stated further back that, from the city of Panama the Viceroy Blasco
Nuñez Vela went on, and the Judges remained behind, to come later. After
some days the Judges, with their wives, embarked in ships, landed at
Payta, and began the journey to Lima by land. The complaints they
received about the Viceroy were loud. They were assured that more than
forty Spaniards had died of hunger on the roads, because the Indians
would supply them with nothing. They replied that the Viceroy was a rash
man, but that when they came to Lima they would establish the court of
justice, that he might not indulge in such follies as he had done since
he entered the kingdom. Talking in this way they arrived at Lima, where
they found the place armed for defence, as the Viceroy had begun to
declare war against Gonzalo Pizarro. When they arrived they were well
received, lodged in houses of citizens, were well attended, and
received many visitors.
They went to see the Viceroy who told them that the whole province was
in a disturbed state, that Gaspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo and Bachicao
with others had fled from Lima, and excited the people of Cuzco where,
without the fear of God or the King, they had nominated Gonzalo Pizarro
as Procurator, and that he had seized the artillery which was at
Guamanga, that, with it and the troops he had collected, he might march
to Lima against them. The Judges were surprised to hear this news. The
royal seal was brought under a canopy, the wands being carried by
magistrates. The court of justice was then founded, and notices were
sent to all parts. The Viceroy wrote an account of what was happening in
Peru to the royal majesty of our Lord the King, from the time he landed,
and how there was opposition to the ordinances which he had ordered to
be promulgated. He wrote the same information to the members of the
King’s very high Council.
CHAPTER XXXVII
_How some citizens of Cuzco, seeing the evil intentions of Pizarro,
wrote to the Viceroy to receive pardons and to say that they would
help him._
It is very certain that when there are grievances leading to war, and
the first impetuous fury that gave rise to it has passed, reason resumes
its sway with some who begin to see the error they are committing. Many
who had joined Gonzalo Pizarro now began to receive this impression, and
hesitated to march with arms against the Viceroy. They said, “Who is
this that has deceived us into opposing the King? How can we supplicate
or protest with arquebuses and artillery. Besides this we see the
inclination of Pizarro to take command.” Others said, “Let us prudently
adhere to our King before worse comes.” Accordingly Diego Centeno,
Gaspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo, the Camp Master Alonso de Toro, Diego
Maldonado the rich, Pedro de los Rios and others, with a clergyman named
Baltasar de Loaysa wrote to the Viceroy asking pardon for what they had
done without any penalty, and affirming that they were ready to serve
him loyally with their persons, arms, and horses. In order that Loaysa
might go without being impeded, under the guise of dissimulation, they
submitted to Gonzalo Pizarro that it would be a wise thing for the
clergyman to go to Lima as a spy, find out what was being done, and come
quickly back with the news. Gonzalo Pizarro, thinking that they advised
in good faith, agreed and gave Loaysa permission to go. So, with letters
from many persons, he set out from Cuzco to Lima[47]. At the same time
the Bishop, and the notaries and Secretary with the despatches, were on
their way to Cuzco.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
_How the Secretary Pero Lopez, with Francisco de Ampuero, travelled
along the road to Cuzco, how they arrived at Guamanga, and what
happened to the Bishop after he arrived in that city._
We have related how the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela ordered Francisco de
Ampuero and the Secretary Pero Lopez to proceed to the camp of Pizarro
and proclaim the royal ordinances, believing that Pero Lopez, being well
known, would be safe, and Francisco de Ampuero would be in no danger
because Gonzalo Pizarro had a friendship for him, as a servant of the
Marquis his brother. Leaving the city with despatches, they pushed
forward with all possible speed and overtook the Bishop. Having given an
account of what their orders were, and received his benediction, they
pushed on to comply with the Viceroy’s wishes, and arrived at Guamanga
where the citizens, knowing the power of Gonzalo Pizarro, were unwilling
to receive them in the city. At last a meeting of the municipality was
called. After some speeches it was agreed to do what his Majesty ordered
and to acknowledge Blasco Nuñez Vela as Viceroy, in accordance with the
King’s command. When they received the demand that they should proceed
to Lima with their arms and horses, they begged that the citizens might
be pointed out, who were to go in company with the royal ordinances.
They were so much alarmed that they did not venture to point out any
one, and at last they asked the Secretary to name the citizens who must
accompany the royal ordinances. He chose Juan de Berrio, Antonio de
Aurelio and others, and continued his journey with them. The Bishop Don
Jeronimo de Loaysa had arrived at Guamanga before they started, and
they reported to him what had been done. He told them to wait, because
by coming together with him they might proclaim the ordinances with more
authority. But they did not wish to wait for the Bishop, preferring to
make the journey more rapidly, and so they set out for Cuzco.
The Bishop had received letters from the Viceroy in which he announced
that he could raise 800 soldiers, and that with them he intended to
encounter Gonzalo Pizarro if he had the insolence to come. The Bishop
answered that he should not raise troops, but continue to rule with the
court of justice, and despatch all business through it. He should await
the arrival of Gonzalo Pizarro in his house, accompanied by the Judges.
He gave this letter to Francisco de Cardenas who, they say, did not wish
to deliver it to the Viceroy. This done the Bishop left Guamanga and set
out on the road to Cuzco.
CHAPTER XXXIX
_How the Viceroy treated with the Judges for their concurrence in
taking the treasure which was in the ship to be sent to Spain; and
how the Judges revoked the new laws._
The Viceroy was much afflicted at what he considered to be the shameful
conduct of the people, at having the audacity to rebel against a royal
order. He formed many resolves, sometimes he was for marching quickly to
Cuzco himself; at others he was for raising troops to defend Lima.
Finally he summoned the Judges to meet him. These were the Licentiate
Cepeda, the Doctor Tejada, and the Licentiates Alvarez and Zarate. They
had only arrived a few days before. Having assembled he said to them:
“It is as well known to you as it is to me that it is the will of his
Majesty that the ordinances shall be complied with and enforced in all
these kingdoms. If you should make any changes, or order anything
contrary to the wish of your prince, no doubt you will be looked upon as
well informed and wise men by those of Peru who have armed themselves to
defend their properties. But it is his Majesty the Emperor who, in this
case, must be served, and without fear. We should take up arms and be
ready to march against the rebels. Do not think that it is not seen what
these people desire. It is that Pizarro may be Procurator of these new
laws, and even if they are suspended he will not put out this cruel
fire. He is not ignorant that if the laws are not suspended it will
afterwards afford an excuse which will give colour to his treason. It
will now be necessary to obtain funds by taking out treasure which is on
board the ship with the rest that belongs to his Majesty, in order to
raise troops. Eventually it can all be repaid from the forfeited
property and estates of the traitors.”
While the Viceroy spoke thus, the Judges listened to him with their eyes
on the ground, and by their silence they showed great anxiety at the
state of affairs, although they were not all of one mind nor did they
all desire the success of the measures which their offices required. The
anxiety they showed was that the Viceroy should assemble troops to
resist Pizarro. There would be a battle, and if Pizarro was conqueror
the Judges would not be committed. If he was vanquished the honour would
rest with the Viceroy. Placing their own interests before everything
else, the Licentiate Cepeda spoke first, because he had the first vote.
He replied to the Viceroy’s speech in these words, “His Majesty
appointed you as Viceroy, and we were chosen as Judges. You, as the
principal person, came as President and Governor with orders to execute
the ordinances, but taking the opinions of the Judges in all things.
You are the head and the Judges are the members of the body politic, the
whole being a body representing the name of the King’s Majesty. It is
well known what took place at Panama, and what the Licentiate Zarate
said respecting your coming. You were aware of the considerations which
were put before you. But from the time you entered the kingdom you paid
no attention to them. You wasted much time at Piura and Truxillo, as is
well known, without much advantage, indeed things became worse. The
disloyal wanted to become tyrants. Their only cry was liberty, in that
name they have risen and acted. You were not ignorant how unsettled and
unrestrained were the people of this land. Princes often dissimulate
with their subjects until a convenient time comes to strike and punish.
The name of Pizarro certainly counts for much in the minds of many of
the inhabitants of this city, and little confidence can be placed either
in them or in those of Cuzco. It will be a loss, and will do harm to
spend the treasure of the King. The Bishop and the Regent[48] have gone
to treat for peace. You ought to wait for the result, and for what the
rebels say to the provision brought to them by Pero Lopez. You should
give orders for the revocation of the ordinances though it would have
been better if you had done this at Tumbez.”
The other Judges concurred.
Besides these discourses there were many others, because the Judges had
previously agreed to make a requirement to the Viceroy not to enforce
the new laws, but they did not dare to present it. As it was there were
words between Cepeda and the Viceroy. It was stated by the Viceroy that,
the court of justice having been founded, he did not need to take
counsel with the Judges.
After these discourses the Viceroy determined to take the treasure out
of the ships, as a means for resisting the treason which Pizarro had
commenced. A sum of $100,000 or more was landed and taken to the
treasury. The Viceroy then, with a valiant mind, began to hold Pizarro
and his forces very cheap, and animated those who were in Lima. He also
ordered the new laws to be revoked until his Majesty should order
otherwise, except so far as governors and royal officers were concerned.
Before the suspension he exclaimed, as a protest, that he did not do
this willingly but as the only means of putting down the rebellion. The
suspension was publicly proclaimed throughout the kingdom. If the people
wanted no more than the suspension, they saw this done. But they were
not worthy of that concession, for afterwards, by their mad
insurrections, many lives were lost to support him they had elected for
their defender, and certainly so much blood has been shed and properties
lost, that it is sad to think of it. The thoughts of those men who seek
the beginning without considering what will be the end should be stopped
before they enter upon that beginning. Diogenes Laertius, among the
sentences of the wise Plato, quotes this: “All men should first consider
the consequence of what they intend to do, that they may not do a thing
which is reprehensible and to be condemned.” Dionysius of Halicarnassus,
in the eighth book of his Roman Antiquities, says: “You will never find
that there has been a man to whom everything has always happened
prosperously and according to his wishes. At some time fortune will have
been against him. For this reason those who are more prudent than
others, having longer lives and more experience, tell us that when a
man is going to do anything, before he begins he should consider what
will be the end.” The tyrants of the city of Jerusalem, Simon and John,
according to Josephus in his _De bello Judaico_, who the people elected
as their defenders, did more harm than the Romans could have done. Those
of Milan chose Guelpone, Count of Angleria[49], as their captain, and
the end of it was that the opulent city of Milan was burnt to ashes by
Frederick Barbarossa[50]. The only real liberty is under royal
government. If this is not true ask Arequipa what happened at Huarina,
ask Quito about Anaquito. Ask them if it would not have been better
never to have known Gonzalo Pizarro, and always to have their lord the
King for sovereign, not with bright colours on the outside, and within
full of dirt and soot, to oppose the King’s ministers, and those he sent
as his delegates and lieutenants.
CHAPTER XL
_How the Viceroy appointed captains and assembled troops._
I know well that I digressed in the preceding chapter, but I could not
do less in dealing with the materials. There are those who, when the
author is long in his chapters and tedious in relating events, throw the
book on the bench, not thinking well of the writer. On this I will quote
what the glorious Doctor St Jerome[51] says, in his treatise on the
instruction of virgins, “Keep thy tongue from evil speaking, and put the
bit and bridle of reason on thy mouth. If thou must speak because it
would be sin to keep silent, take care not to say anything that can be
blamed.” Leaving off any further remarks on this, we will proceed with
the course of our history.
The Viceroy, now having news of what was occurring in the city of Cuzco,
appointed Don Alonso de Montemayor to be captain of cavalry, a native of
Seville and a very loyal knight. His brother-in-law Diego Alvarez de
Cueto was also appointed a captain of cavalry. He was a native of Avila.
The captain of arquebusiers was Diego de Urbina, a Biscayan. Afterwards
he was appointed to the post of Camp Master, the captaincy of
arquebusiers being given to Gonzalo Diaz de Pineda, a native of the
Montaña[52]. Captains of infantry were Pablo de Meneses of Talavera and
Martin de Robles. Juan Velasquez Vela Nuñez was appointed Captain of the
Guard. After the Viceroy had made these appointments he addressed the
officers, saying that they were to be captains in the service of the
King our Lord in order that if any tyrant should rise in rebellion with
an armed force, they should give such a lesson that, the leaders having
been punished, the province might remain quiet. He had placed his eyes
upon them, taking them to be his companions and special friends into
whose keeping he confided his person and his honour. As a man arrived
from Spain in this new kingdom, he had not known who to trust. The
Captain Don Alonso answered, that for his part he would die in the
service of the Viceroy, and all the captains said the same, showing a
strong desire to serve him. There then began the beating of drums,
displaying of colours, and enlisting of men. Don Antonio de Ribera,
Alonso Palomino and other citizens sent news of all this to Gonzalo
Pizarro, putting their letters in very small calabashes, that they might
not be seen by anyone. They even say that when Don Antonio could not
send them, his wife did it. Sayavedra was appointed as Serjeant-Major,
and at the sound of the drum 500 men were assembled, their pay being
$300 or 400. Many horses were bought at $500 to 600 each, and more. In
the end about $100,000 were spent.
Vasco de Guevara, the citizen of Guamanga, came to Lima to clear himself
of what was said against him about the artillery. The Viceroy appeared
to be angry, but accepted his excuses, and took him into favour.
Francisco de Cardenas was at Huaytara, knew all that was happening, and
promptly sent the news to Gonzalo Pizarro. They say also that the
clergyman Juan de Losa, who went with the Bishop, when he arrived at
Guamanga sent a letter to Pizarro advising him to begin his march, as
the Viceroy was disliked, and he said other things not in accordance
with his profession. If I was to recount all the intrigues of friars and
clergy at this time I should never finish, and Christian ears would feel
pain in hearing them. This Losa also wrote advising the rebels not to
allow the Bishop to come to them, because he came to deceive them,
adding that he would advise them of everything that happened, with all
diligence.
CHAPTER XLI
_How Gonzalo Pizarro prepared to depart from the city of Cuzco and
how he ordered the Captain Francisco de Almendras to go and seize
the despatches that were coming._
Gonzalo pressed forward his preparations for war, desiring shortly to
open the campaign. Letters came constantly from Lima and Guamanga
keeping him informed of what was taking place, and he knew of the
approach of the Bishop and also of Francisco Ampuero and Pero Lopez with
the royal provisions. Understanding all this he gave orders to Francisco
de Almendras, who, when he took away the artillery from Guamanga had
placed it in Abancay, whence he went on to see Pizarro, to go back and
take the royal provisions from those who brought them and to find out
from the Bishop what his wishes were in coming. Almendras proceeded to
carry out the instructions of Gonzalo Pizarro, with the help of the
arquebusiers who had been left to guard the artillery. He was to meet
those who were coming with the royal provisions, and not to allow them
to bring their despatches to Cuzco, lest they should disturb the minds
of those who already showed such readiness to change.
This business having been arranged, Gonzalo Pizarro sent letters to
Pedro de Puelles[53] who was Governor of Huanuco, and had come to Lima
where he had been received with all honour by the Viceroy who confirmed
him in the appointment he had held since the time of Vaca de Castro.
Pizarro sent the letter by a diligent runner named Vicente Pablo. In his
letter Pizarro sent to ask him to come and join him with as many as he
could collect, as the city of Cuzco had elected him as Procurator and
Chief Justice to proceed to Lima and protest against the ordinances.
Pedro de Puelles, having received the letter, sent his reply by the same
hand. He said that he had always held the affairs of the Pizarros in
high estimation, and that, notwithstanding that the Viceroy had ordered
him to be Governor of Huanuco, he would do what Gonzalo Pizarro asked.
But he asked for another letter informing him how and in what manner the
people of Cuzco had received Pizarro as Justice and Procurator. Gonzalo
Pizarro replied, and Puelles then deserted the cause of the Viceroy.
Francisco de Ampuero, the Secretary Pero Lopez, with the others who left
Guamanga with the provisions, travelled on until they came to the bridge
of Vilcas, where they found no one. They continued their journey and
received news that Francisco de Almendras was not far distant. Going on
as far as Lucumaes they had just crossed a small bridge when Almendras
came upon them, accompanied by his escort. He haughtily enquired who
carried the provisions. The answer was Pero Lopez. Then Almendras said
he was minded to kill him, and throw his body down a deep ravine. They
could make no resistance as Almendras had more than thirty men, with
arquebuses, under his command. He spoke to Pero Lopez, asking why he had
had the boldness and temerity to travel along such a difficult road as
this was. Pero Lopez answered that the Viceroy had ordered him to come
by that road with despatches, and by no means could he excuse himself
from bringing them, with some other words. Almendras, reflecting that
Pero Lopez had done some good work in times past, determined not to kill
him then, nor do more than ask for the despatches. Pero Lopez took them
from his bosom, not without much reluctance, and they both mounted after
having had some further conversation. Calling Francisco de Ampuero to
him, Almendras said that he was very much surprised to see Ampuero
coming with these things, from which no good was intended for Gonzalo
Pizarro, and that if it was not for the love which he knew that Pizarro
still felt for him, he would kill him there and then. He also asked him
what was passing at Lima.
CHAPTER XLII
_What more passed between Francisco de Almendras and those who were
bringing the royal provisions._
After what happened which I have described in the last chapter, the
Captain Francisco de Almendras and his arquebusiers returned a day’s
journey towards Guamanga. Almendras reflected within himself that it
would not be desirable to leave Pero Lopez alive, lest he should bear
testimony to what had been done. He ordered the messenger to be killed,
a shameful piece of cruelty. Finally he said that Pero Lopez and Simon
de Alzate should travel alone so that the Andahuaylas natives or others,
seeing that they were unprotected, might kill them. He ordered them to
depart, but he kept Ampuero until Gonzalo Pizarro should come. Pero
Lopez, quite understanding the intention of Almendras, said that his
horse was so tired that he could not go on, asking to be allowed to rest
for two or three days, and that then he would begin the return journey.
Francisco de Ampuero said that Pero Lopez and Alzate should not go
without him, and that he would not remain unless by force. Almendras, in
a great rage, said that if they remained for the night he would kill
them, and with this he went into his tent. Ampuero, seeing the great
danger in which Pero Lopez was, went to Almendras and, speaking
affectionately, entreated him to let him go back. Almendras was very
angry and menaced Pero Lopez with his words. Certainly it cannot be
denied that Pero Lopez did notable service in this expedition, for his
life was in great danger. He passed that night without any sleep
whatever, fearing that he might be killed, telling Alzate and the others
also to keep awake.
As Ampuero had so much friendship with the Pizarros he succeeded, in the
morning, in persuading Almendras to let them all return. So they all
went back together very joyfully, praising God for having delivered them
out of the hands of Almendras. Soon after starting they met Diego Martin
the clergyman, and with him the Father Provincial Friar Tomas de San
Martin[54], who told them of the evil intentions of Gonzalo Pizarro and
how he had appointed captains and was preparing to march against the
Viceroy. This Provincial was the Regent who had gone from Lima to Cuzco,
with a strong desire to induce Pizarro to abandon such a mad enterprise.
He had not succeeded in his good attempt though, by all means, he strove
to turn many principal adherents of Pizarro from continuing with him. He
understood that one Juan de Ribas, a native of Zaragoza, had been hanged
for taking messages to one and another, from the Regent.
CHAPTER XLIII
_How Gonzalo Pizarro prepared to set out from Cuzco, and how he
took the money that was in the royal treasury for the expenses of
the war._
Gonzalo Pizarro rejoiced much when he saw the letter which, as they say,
the Father Losa wrote from Guamanga. He also had news of the coming of
the Bishop. He made great haste to complete his preparations for leaving
the city, frequently reviewing the troops. Bachicao went about in a
small litter because, in firing off a piece, he got a wound in the
thigh. The citizens assisted with some money, to pay the soldiers who
had arrived. Pizarro said that the money to pay the troops must be taken
out of the royal treasury. The citizens looked upon such a step as
indecent, and said that they preferred to guarantee their persons and
goods to make the payments; because it was not right that the property
of the King our Lord should be expended without his order. The citizens,
therefore, made the payments, for notwithstanding that they wished to
see the protest go forward and the laws revoked, few wished, at that
time, to do a disservice to the King nor, with an armed hand, to disobey
his commands, notwithstanding that all were on the point of making war.
For the learned men of letters said that this might be done without
incurring the crime of treason.
Some soldiers came from Condesuyos, with a citizen of Cuzco named
Navarro and bringing a few arquebuses. There also arrived, at Cuzco, at
that time, Felipe Gutierrez, while Serna fled to Arequipa with the
intention of joining the Viceroy. At Arequipa he conversed with the
Captain Alonso de Caceres, a valorous man who was Captain General in
the government of Cartagena, and held other honourable posts. Of this I
am a good witness, for in the discovery of Urute I served under his
banner. We passed through many hardships, suffering hunger and other
miseries, as the readers will see in a book which I have commenced
touching the events which occurred in the provinces bordering on the
ocean sea. After we had served with Juan de Vadillo in the expedition he
undertook, I passed into these provinces, Serna arrived at Arequipa and
knew, from the Captain Alonso de Caceres, the evil intentions of Gonzalo
Pizarro. They both agreed to take ship and proceed to Lima to join the
Viceroy. This was swiftly done and, arriving at Lima, the Viceroy
received them well. Meanwhile a youth named Martin de Vadillo[55] fled
from Cuzco, but was hanged by Alonso de Toro.
As soon as everything was ready, Gonzalo Pizarro ordered the Captains
Juan Velez de Guevara and Pedro Cermeño to Xaquixaguana. Alonso de Toro
and Don Pedro Puertocarrero made some objection, but finally all the
captains left Cuzco. Among them were Don Pedro Puertocarrero, Lope
Martin, Juan Alonso Palomino, Tomas Vasquez. Gabriel de Rojas,
Garcilasso de la Vega, and Jeronimo Castillas had excused themselves
from going with Gonzalo Pizarro. The Licentiate Carvajal had to go
against his will. From Xaquixaguana Pizarro ordered some captains to
advance and form a camp at Lucumaes.
CHAPTER XLIV
_How the Bishop arrived at the place where Francisco de Almendras
was encamped, what happened, and the letters which Pizarro wrote
and which the Bishop answered._
After the Bishop Don Jeronimo de Loaysa had been some days at Guamanga,
he set out with the desire of reaching Cuzco before Gonzalo Pizarro had
left that city. After several days’ journey he met, in an Indian village
called Cochacaxa, the Secretary Pero Lopez, Francisco de Ampuero, Simon
de Alzate and the others who had gone to announce the royal provisions.
He also found there the reverend Friar Tomas de San Martin, Provincial
of the Dominicans, and a clergyman named Diego Martin. They all advised
the Bishop to go no further, but to return to Lima, for that the affairs
at Cuzco were ill directed and worse conducted. Besides that, Gonzalo
Pizarro had stationed his captain Francisco de Almendras with no other
object than to prevent the Bishop from passing. This was shown by a
letter from the same Almendras in which he said that he was ordered to
let no one pass.
Although there were many considerations in favour both of returning and
of going forward, the Bishop determined to continue his journey, and he
went on until he arrived at the place where Francisco de Almendras was
stationed. That captain received him without that courtesy and civility
which the prelate’s dignity should have ensured him. Although the Bishop
felt this he put it aside and had some discourses with Almendras. Next
day he spoke more fully about his mission and how much he desired to go
on to Cuzco, to give counsel to Gonzalo Pizarro on the course which it
would be most proper for him to take. Upon this Almendras replied that
on no account could he pass onwards. When the Bishop understood the
position of Almendras, and that his prayers to be allowed to pass were
of no avail, he said that he took this contumacious conduct ill, and
that Almendras fell into grave discommunion, in using his power with
such violence. To this the rebel, with great pride and little fear of
our Lord God, answered: “This is no time for discommunions. There is no
God nor King but Gonzalo Pizarro.” The Bishop then asked to be allowed
to go on, quite alone, without any of his followers. But Francisco de
Almendras was inexorable, in truth he was obeying Pizarro’s orders. He
said that he would take the Bishop’s mule and that, if he went on he
must do so on foot.
The Bishop then wrote to Gonzalo Pizarro, letting him know of the
violent conduct of Almendras, and saying that the object of his journey
to Cuzco was to secure the good and peace of the country so that, having
rest and tranquillity, all should enjoy themselves. For this his counsel
to Pizarro was that he should disband his troops. When this letter
arrived Gonzalo Pizarro was already in the valley of Xaquixaguana. He
answered the Bishop by telling him not to trouble himself about
proceeding further, as he was about to march to Lima, and they might
meet on the road. When, he continued, he heard, in Cuzco, of the
Bishop’s journey, he rejoiced, holding it for certain that it would be
for the good of all. With a joyful mind he was waiting to do the Bishop
all service. But some knights who were with him, as well as friars of
white and even black habits, had since told him that under no
circumstances should he receive the Bishop in Cuzco, for reasons that
they would not mention. For it was not his affair alone, but that of all
the others to whose will he must conform. With this letter there came
another to Francisco de Almendras in which Gonzalo Pizarro instructed
him, by art and dissimulation, to ascertain what the Bishop’s own
feelings were towards him.
After some further letters had passed between the Bishop and Pizarro,
the Bishop dwelt on the service which Gonzalo and his brothers had done
to the King, and urged him not to obscure and nullify them by coming
with an armed force to act contrary to the King’s will. To this Gonzalo
Pizarro answered that he desired no disservice to the King, but to
procure the liberty of the kingdom, for which object he would use all
his power without swerving until that object was attained.
The Bishop then departed to Curamba on his return, and thence to
Andahuaylas where Juan Alonso Palomino, with some soldiers, were
stationed by Pizarro. In order not to hear the insolent gibes of the
soldiers, the Bishop went on to Uramarca, where he remained until the
7th of September writing reports to the Viceroy of what had happened and
what it was best to do. During the time that the Bishop was at Uramarca,
he received several letters from Pizarro, all urging him to return to
Lima.
CHAPTER XLV
_How the Viceroy made preparations encouraging those who were with
him in case Gonzalo Pizarro should come._
As the things that were passing at Cuzco were published and the news of
the preparations of Pizarro became known, the Viceroy said to Diego de
Urbina: “Captain, there can be no longer doubt. We must put on the
leathern doublets and cloaks, and shoulder our pikes.” Diego de Urbina
replied that it was very good, and from that time he doffed his peaceful
garb. He was appointed Master of the Camp. From boards of cedar they
made long pikes. Metal was collected to manufacture arquebuses, and the
master gunner was expected to turn out four daily. As there was not
sufficient metal, a bell which was placed in the principal church by the
Marquis Pizarro, for divine worship, and had pleasantly rung ever since
it was founded, was taken away and made into arquebuses. Oh miserable
land! Great must have been thy sins, that such evils should befall thee.
Prosperous and in great majesty in times of peace, it seems to me that
thou now sailest in tempestuous seas, and cruel fortune turns foul and
furious winds against thee, leaving thee in the high seas. Few of thy
sons will escape without colouring the sea with their blood. Those who
do escape will be left saddened, sombre, altered, thoughtful, and I see
them walking deaf to all around. In Cuzco they are arming, in Lima they
pull down the bell to make arms. In all the province they think of
nothing but the search for arms and armour, that the time of trouble may
come more quickly.
The Father Losa, who, as we have already said, left Lima with the
Bishop, went as far as the bridge of Abancay, where Francisco de
Almendras was stationed with the artillery. Thence he was allowed to go
on to Pizarro’s camp, and was well received by him and his captains.
Pizarro said that he rejoiced much to see him and thanked him for the
news he sent in his letters, asking him for the latest news from Lima,
and for the intentions of Blasco Nuñez with regard to the ordinances.
The clergyman Losa answered that Pizarro and his captains were all
knights who ought, with valorous hearts, promptly to assert their
liberties, considering well what honour they will lose if the ordinances
are fully enforced, and what profit will be gained if they are revoked.
Continuing his discourse Losa went on to say that for brave hearts, such
as those of the men he saw before him, many reasons were not needed. Let
them assemble as many men as possible, collecting all the arms, and
expending all the gold in the land. The Viceroy had not more than 300
men all armed, and few of them are his friends. This speech of the
priest did no little harm, for many of those who were with Pizarro,
their first anger having subsided, were beginning to regret that they
had made him Procurator, saying one to another, “Where are we going?
what do we want? are we to attack the King in arms?” and similar
questions.
CHAPTER XLVI
_How the Viceroy sent Hernando de Alvarado to Truxillo, Jeronimo de
Villegas to Huanuco and the Treasurer to Arequipa, and what
happened._
The Viceroy was very active in assembling men and, although he had
suspended the ordinances, he did not cease to talk about the duty of
enforcing them. All sorts of intrigues and discourses passed in the city
of Lima at that time. The Judges, talking one with another, thought they
were lost while the Viceroy, with all the forces he could collect, would
be carrying on the war with Gonzalo Pizarro.
The Viceroy notwithstanding the despatches he had sent to all the cities
in the kingdom already, determined also to send persons in his
confidence to the cities, to summon all citizens to join him with their
arms and horses. He sent the Captain Hernando de Alvarado, brother of
Alonso de Alvarado who had gone to Spain, to the city of Truxillo. He
had offered his person and to bring men and arms. His statement may have
been good in intention at the time, as he was a person much esteemed by
his brother the Captain Alonso de Alvarado. But Hernando had heard the
Viceroy declare that he would enforce the ordinances when the time was
opportune, and this made him presently forget the offers he had made. If
the captains were thus cautious in their dealings with the unfortunate
Viceroy, on whom could he rely? If those around him were disloyal to the
King whose servant the Viceroy was, where was he to find help? Hernando
de Alvarado did get together some men and arms, but he took the road to
the mountains with them.
The Viceroy ordered the Treasurer Manuel dc Espinal to go to the city of
Arequipa, giving him powers to raise troops with the title of captain.
When he arrived there was a meeting of the magistrates who refused to
comply, saying that they were on bad terms with the Treasurer, and that
they would do nothing for him nor receive him as captain. But they added
that they would go to Lima to serve, of their own free wills. The
Treasurer returned alone. After him came Francisco Noguerol de Ulloa,
who was then Alcalde, and Hernando de Toro. Juan de Arvés and others
went to the city of Leon which is in Huanuco, where Pedro de Puelles, a
native of Seville, was in office, an astute leader in wars with the
Indians, a good citizen, and with much experience in administration,
having been lieutenant to the governor of Quito, besides other
appointments. He had corresponded with Gonzalo Pizarro and knew his
movements. He had also received letters from the Viceroy. He had also
sent an officer to collect provisions along the road from Cuzco to Lima,
for until then many were still neutral, not caring to declare themselves
either friends of Pizarro or servants of the King. Pizarro’s messenger
had brought Puelles a most gracious letter with great promises. The
Viceroy was anxious that help should come from those parts for the King.
He sent Jeronimo de Villegas, a friend both of himself and of Pizarro,
to proceed to Huanuco and tell Pedro de Puelles to come down to Lima
with all the arms and horses he could collect for the service of the
King our Lord. His loyalty had always been staunch, and the Viceroy
could not doubt that it was still and that he would comply with the
order with all possible despatch. Villegas was glad of the opportunity
of joining Pizarro, so that the Viceroy had sent good ambassadors. He
was given his instructions and he gladly promised the Viceroy to lose no
time, and that he would return with Pedro de Puelles and all the
followers he could collect. So Villegas left Lima very joyfully to do
quickly what he did do.
Arrived at the city of Leon, he spoke to Pedro de Puelles and to anyone
else who liked to listen, doing all the harm he could to the cause of
the Viceroy who he declared was severe and rigorous, and that he had
come to take away the property of every man. He said that Pizarro had
raised the cry of liberty. Pedro de Puelles was quite ready to take that
line. He arranged to start with twenty armed men, including Villegas.
This messenger had made known his intention before he left Lima to
Gonzalo Diaz de Pineda, one of the Viceroy’s captains, who was also
looking out for a chance to join Pizarro, who was likely to prevail in
the end. Juan de Sayavedra did not at once agree to what Pedro de
Puelles said. He had given an evasive answer and remained at Huanuco.
Rodrigo Tinoco, a native of Badajoz, Francisco de Espinosa, a native of
Campos, Garcia Hernandez of Salteras, Grado, and others up to the number
stated, then departed with Pedro de Puelles and Villegas.
CHAPTER XLVII
_How the Viceroy was informed of the departure of Puelles and
Villegas, and what he did in consequence._
We have already seen how the Viceroy Blasco Nuñez Vela sent Jeronimo de
Villegas to Huanuco to convey the despatch to Pedro de Puelles, ordering
him to come with as many Spaniards as he could collect, to serve his
Majesty, and what else happened until they set out to join Gonzalo
Pizarro. Don Antonio de Garay remained behind at Huanuco, of which place
he was a citizen, and he wrote to tell the Viceroy what had happened. A
servant of the Viceroy named Felix, who, by his master’s order was
making pikes in the valley of Xauxa, also sent the news.
When the news came to Lima and was reported to the Viceroy he showed
much feeling, not ceasing to complain of the disloyalty of Puelles, and
the treachery of Villegas, praying to our Lord to show his justice by
not suffering them to go without punishment. He called the Judges and
captains together for consultation, and heard them all in silence, for
the sad news left little to say. The Viceroy, however, told them that he
sent Villegas, trusting to his honesty, for he had always shown so loyal
a disposition that he had no reason to suspect him. He further told them
that Pedro de Puelles, being a governor and captain in the service of
the King, had gone to join Gonzalo Pizarro. This grave offence and
treason should be punished, and he asked the assembly what steps should
be taken before the traitors had time to form a junction with Gonzalo
Pizarro. He added that he sent Hernando de Alvarado to the city of
Truxillo, having himself volunteered to go, and his conduct is already
known. He also sent the Treasurer of New Toledo to the city of Arequipa,
but neither would they obey him. These things show how little loyalty
there is in the land. If only those who were assembled in Lima were
really loyal, they would suffice to chastise Gonzalo Pizarro and the
traitors who had joined him. He meditated a march into the interior, not
only to deal with Villegas and Puelles but also to rally his supporters
and alarm the enemy.
The Judges and captains, assembled in council, after some debate,
decided upon sending a force of arquebusiers under the command of
Captain Gonzalo Diaz de Pineda[56] to the bridge over the river that
passes by Xauxa where, without doubt, they would intercept and kill the
traitors. In order to make this enterprise more effectual, General Vela
Nuñez was to go, with speed, as far as the river Xauxa. The Viceroy
enjoined great diligence, so as to prevent the traitors from carrying
out their evil intent. He reminded them that the King had sent him to
administer justice and execute the laws, that he suspended the laws
without the king’s orders, and yet the country was in a disturbed state,
only to be remedied by the punishment of those supporting such absurd
demands as those made by Pizarro. In thus doing his duty the Viceroy
said that he was obliged to put it before his wife Doña Brianda or his
sons[57]. Vela Nuñez prayed him not to go further in that discourse,
declaring that they would do all that was possible.
The Viceroy then called to Gonzalo Diaz and, after embracing him, urged
him to be a good knight and captain, that the Viceroy’s own brother went
as his soldier, and that he must so conduct the enterprise as that the
traitors who went to join Pizarro might be killed or taken. Gonzalo Diaz
answered well, but his real desire was to reach a position whence he
could most easily join Pizarro. He had told Villegas of his intention
when they were both in Lima.
Departing from Lima they took the road of Huarochiri, and during the
march Gonzalo Diaz, Juan de la Torre, Cristoval de Torres, Piedrahita,
Alonso de Aviles and others consulted together when would be the best
time to pass over to Pizarro. It may thus be seen what sort of loyalty
was maintained by the captains in Peru.
CHAPTER XLVIII
_How the Captain Garcilasso de la Vega and Graviel de Rojas, with
others, fled on finding that the proceedings of Pizarro were not
straight._
Gonzalo Pizarro had left the city of Cuzco with all his troops, and
pitched his camp in the valley of Xaquixaguana. But several remained
behind, including Graviel de Rojas and Garcilasso de la Vega, who had
agreed to follow Gonzalo Pizarro but preferred to wait. After various
conversations one with another, seeing how badly the movement was
guided, and that Pizarro was not taking a straight course, they agreed
to escape to Arequipa. They were Graviel de Rojas, the Captain
Garcilasso de la Vega, Gomez de Rojas, Jeronimo Castilla, Soria,
Manjarres, Pantoja Alonso Perez Esquivel with others, amounting to
fourteen citizens and soldiers. They took the road to Arequipa whence
they could easily go on to join and serve the Viceroy. They promptly and
most loyally abandoned their homes for the King’s service. Leaving Cuzco
they travelled until they reached the city of Arequipa, when they were
joined by Luis de Leon y Ramirez. They went on to the seaport, fourteen
leagues from Arequipa, in a valley of Indians called Quilca. Here they
induced the Indians to provide some _balsas_ to take them to Lima. They
did not dare to travel by land from fear of Pizarro, and because the
only routes were either by the coast deserts or the mountains, and the
latter was the route which Gonzalo Pizarro was taking. Both roads were
made by the ancient Kings of these provinces. To go by the mountains
away from the road would have been to traverse an exceedingly frozen
region, covered with snow which could, in no way, be avoided.
Three times they embarked in the _balsas_, but each time they were
obliged to land again owing to the tempestuous weather. Finally they
mounted their horses and travelled over the coast deserts, sending
notice of their coming to the Viceroy.
Diego Centeno and Gaspar Rodriguez went to Xaquixaguana and informed
Pizarro of the flight of Graviel de Rojas, Garcilasso and the others. He
was much incensed, swearing that if he caught them he would put them to
death. The news also caused much excitement in the camp, and it is even
said that many who were there would rather have gone with Graviel de
Rojas and Garcilasso de la Vega than remain with Pizarro.
CHAPTER XLIX
_How Gonzalo Pizarro appointed Francisco de Carbajal to be Master
of the Camp, how it was notified to him that Gaspar Rodriguez
wanted to kill him and what else happened._
After he had been encamped in the valley of Xaquixaguana for some days,
Gonzalo Pizarro determined to march onwards to Lima, and ordered the
tents to be struck. They marched by the main road until they came to a
place called Lucumaes. It was there that Pizarro, knowing how wise and
skilful Francisco de Carbajal was, in all matters relating to war,
determined to appoint him Master of the Camp. For truth to tell the
Procurator did not feel much confidence in Alonso de Toro. For these
reasons, after consulting his principal officers, he gave the post of
Master of the Camp to the Captain Francisco de Carbajal.
At about this time Gaspar Rodriguez de Camporedondo, Alonso de Mendoza,
Alonso de Toro, Villacastin, Diego Centeno and the others who, as we
have stated, sent Beltasar de Loaysa for their pardons from the Viceroy,
began to exchange ideas by word of mouth or by the play of their
countenances, in such a way that Pizarro got wind of what had been going
on. They even affirm that it was intended to kill him, the author of the
conspiracy being Gaspar Rodriguez. When Pizarro came to know it he was
much disturbed and even frightened. At once, and without waiting, he
sent for the Master of the Camp, Francisco de Carbajal, and gave him a
detailed account of what he had heard, asking his opinion on so
important a matter. After Carbajal had given himself a little time to
think over the matter, he replied as follows. “Even before Blasco Nuñez
arrived at Tierra Firme, when I understood that he intended to enforce
the new laws, I knew that great troubles and disturbance would arise,
which are the armouries from which civil wars are equipped. Foreseeing
these things I tried by every means in my power to leave the country. I
conjectured that there would be two extremes in the business, one allied
to reason and the other to justice. The one allied to reason was that
w
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