To make Peace and Alliance with mighty Princes was the true Foundation of wise Government But the Pope must needs be senseless devoy'd of all reason and withal highly unjust to give away what was none of his own viz. other mens Kingdoms in which he never had the least or smallest concern Moreover he would not desert that Religion which he and his Ancestors had maintain'd so many Ages and the rather because there are no apparent or sufficient Testimony of the truth of Christianity The latter clause was thus answer'd saying This Book O King which I hold in my hand proves and declares all that you question Attabaliba looking upon it turn'd it over Leaf by Leaf then look'd more intentively upon the Print which done he clap'd it to either Ear and at last as altogether unsatisfi'd in disdainful manner threw it away But Pizarro gaining time while the King and Bishop thus discours'd had drawn his Men in Battel-Array his sixty Horse he divided into three Wings Commanded by his three Brothers Ferdinand John and Gonzalvo Pizarro left the Captains Sotto and Bavalcazar in an Ambuscade Peter de Canada march'd in the Van and he himself in the main Body leaving Sotto in the Rear The two Captains Sotto and Peter del Baro being sent away to that purpose met after some days Journey with one of Attabaliba's Leaders who was bringing the King's Brother Guascar with a Party Prisoner to Caxamalca Guascar had now a fair opportunity to crave assistance of the Spaniards telling them that he and Attabaliba were the Sons of Guaynacava so that the Kingdom was to be divided betwixt both But Attabaliba had by force made himself Master of all whereas he being the youngest ought to be satisfi'd with that share which Guascar being the eldest would assign him for the right of Inheritance belong'd justly to him and yet he was carry'd away bound to slaughter But if Pizarro would do justice in delivering him out of his Brothers bloody Hands he would raise him thrice as much Gold as Attabaliba had promis'd To which purpose he desir'd Sotto and Baro to put off their Journey to Cusco which they not daring to do went on their way Burns his Brother Guascar alive and Guascar descending the Valley Sucsuhuana was burnt alive by Attabaliba's Soldiers Mean while Almagro came with fresh Forces to Taxamalca which occasion'd no small trouble in Pizarro who was onely thirsty after Gold On the other side Almagro as greedy grew jealous that Pizarro should keep the promis'd Hall full of Gold for himself and he should have no share because Attabaliba was his Prisoner therefore he earnestly desir'd that Attabaliba might privately be made away and that the Booty might be divided to one as well as the other An incredible sum of Money given to the Soldiers Pizarro to prevent all inconveniencies that might happen from his dissenting gave in the presence of the King to every private Soldier a thousand Duckets in Gold and six thousand five hundred twenty five Silver Crowns the inferior Officers receiv'd four and thirty thousand Crowns and the others sixty thousand the fifth part of the Booty he reserv'd for the Emperor And notwithstanding Attabaliba perform'd his promise in filling the Hall full of Gold yet he had the sentence of Death pronounc'd against him neither would his excuse of Innocency serve or his Requests to be sent to Spain there to clear himself before the Emperor but sighing and lamenting his misfortunes was ty'd to a Post and Strangled in the presence of Pizarro Attabaliba strangled For whose Death though a Heathen Divine Vengeance pursu'd these cruel and unjust Arbitrators that thus made their Will a Law none of them dying a natural Death Moreover it was observ'd that a few days before this Execution a blazing Star appear'd which Attabaliba seeing presaging sadly of himself said That a great Prince would die in a short time but Pizarro's chief pretences for the Kings just suffering was that he had cruelly murder'd his Brother Guascar But this was a meer blind for that that incens'd them against Attabaliba was that he knowing where the unvaluable treasure lay which Guascar had bury'd would not discover it to them Attabaliba before his death desir'd that he might be bury'd in the Territory Quito by his Father Guaynacava whom the Peruvians for his great Justice and Prudence in Government believed that he would arise and settle the World so troubled and full of disorder in peace and quiet The Corps was accordingly carry'd thither in great State after their manner Cruelty of Ruminagui attended by his Brother whom Illescas Ruminagui which ran from Attabaliba in the Battel where he lay in ambush when he might have done them good service in the way to his entertainment receiv'd with all shews of sorrow but when they were feasted to excess bury'd in sleep and Wine he Massacred and flea'd Illescas the Kings Brother alive and made a Taber of his Skin Whilst Attabaliba's Funeral was thus bloodily solemniz'd Pizarro puts Quizquiz to slight his General Quizquiz rais'd a great Army which Pizarro encountring after a valiant resistance totally routed then marching victoriously to Cusco And takes Cusco he saw great Fires in the City and the Citizens fighting with the Spaniards sent before but the Horse breaking in upon them most of them fled the next morning to the Mountains Thus the Spaniards became Masters of the City where they inflicted the most cruel tortures on all Sexes by that means to force them to discover if they knew of any hidden Treasures being not satisfi'd with what they found there although they had gotten a greater Treasure in Cusco than that that they had extorted from Attabaliba before Unvaluable Treasures taken Nay they gave those that were murther'd for Food to their Dogs Among the rest Didacus Salazar having a very fierce Dog call'd Bezerril had also an old Indian Woman his Prisoner to whom he gave a Letter to deliver to the General Pizarro the Woman had not gone many Paces before the was set upon by Bezerril whom Salazar let loose that he might delight himself in seeing the Dog tear the poor old Woman but she observing him come runing at her with so great fierceness fell down upon her Knees and holding forth the Letter Remarkable passage of a Dog cry'd Good my Lord good my Lord Dog I must carry this Letter to General Pizarro whereupon the furious Curr having more compassion than the Spaniard stood still a little and at last lifted up his Leg in a scornful manner Urin'd upon her and returned satisfi'd at which sportive behavior of the Cur and the Chrone Salazar laughing was so well pleas'd that he gave the Woman her life Almagro's unhappy Journey After Cusco had been sufficiently Plunder'd Pizarro made Almagro Governor thereof with the Territories belonging to it and built near the River Lima a Town King's Town which they call'd Los Reyes Mean
taken Prisoner out of vexation and exceeding grief he cried Blood Succeeding him after his Death rais'd the Family Aocaillipanaca and was Succeeded by his eldest Son the wealthy Viracocha Inga Viracocha Inga his great Riches of whom when the Spaniards conquer'd Peru went a Report that great Riches lay buried in the Earth with him wherefore Gonzalus Pizarrus tortu'd the Natives after an inhumane manner to know of them where the Grave of the said Inga was at last obtaining his Desire he digg'd for the Body which he found so well Embalm'd that it seem'd to live but no Gold with it wherefore Pizarrus deceiv'd in his expectation burnt the Corps the Ashes whereof the Indians gathering in Urns worshipp'd though when he liv'd the Vulgar were much incens'd at him for taking upon him the Name of Viracocha who was their supream God and Creator of all things but he pacifi'd them saying That Viracocha appearing to him in a Dream had commanded him to take that Name upon him Yupangui's Policy to gain an Opinion amongst the People The fourth Inga call'd Pachacuto Yupangui succeeded in the Throne after the Death of his eldest Brother who was slain in a Field-Battel against the Changas inhabiting the Valley Andaguailas where the Peruan Army was utterly defeated few of them onely escaping by flight among whom was Yupangui who perswaded the rest to a subtile Design by alledging That the Almighty Creator angry at their Destruction had reveal'd many Secrets to him viz. That the Creator in Heaven was call'd Viracocha Pachayachachie That he resented it very ill That whereas he formerly made Heaven Sun Moon Stars and Men none worshipp'd him for it but in stead of him they reverenc'd the Sun Thunder and the Earth who had their Beings from him That he would shew his Power against the victorious Changas by an unexpected Assistance of an invisible Army This being believ'd of every one stirr'd up the Peruans far and near insomuch that in a short time a vast Army being rais'd presented themselves to Yupangui who made good use thereof and also told them that Viracocha had decreed in Heaven that he Yupangui should be his Vicegerent on Earth which the Army believing set the Peruan Crown which they had taken from his Father on his Head Thus promoted he march'd against the Changas whom in a bloody Battel he conquer'd and brought them all under his Obedience Moreover he made his Soldiers believe that they were not the Conquerors but invisible Men whom Viracocha had sent and who could be seen by none but himself and that after the Battel they were turn'd into Stones which they must seek for Whereupon they gathering a great number of Stones on the Mountains Gross Superstition Yupangui call'd them Pururancas and order'd that they should be worshipp'd and carried with them into the Field whensoe're they fought another Battel hoping thereby to stir up his Soldiers to be couragious who firmly believ'd that with the visible Stones walk'd invisible Heroes that would certainly assist them This Imagination wrought so much that Yupangui's Army assur'd of Victory with the help of the Stones went on undauntedly on all Designs insomuch that being fear'd by all the adjacent People he forc'd them all to submission This Yupangui rais'd the Family Yuaupococa and plac'd a great Golden Image call'd Indyllapa on a Golden Chariot which since was religiously worshipp'd and afterwards carried to Caxamalca for a Ransom of the Peruvian King Attabaliba whom the Spanish General Pizarrus kept Prisoner and at last Strangled The Councellor Polus opening Yupangui's Grave found the Body Embalm'd and no way defaced but the Eyes cover'd with thin Golden Plates and on his Head appear'd the Scar of a Stone which had been thrown at him and though the Body had lain eighty years in the Grave yet it seem'd rather living than dead being onely a little grey This Corps as also several other Inga's the Marquess Camette brought from Cusco to Lima so to prevent the Peruvians worshipping of them Yupangui after his Decease was succeeded by Sopa Inga and he by his Son of the same Name who rais'd the Family Ayoac Aillo The last for nothing worthy of memory was done by either of them was succeeded by Guaynacava The Greatness and Riches of Guayacava a wealthy and valiant young Man who was no sooner setled on the Throne but he manag'd all things with great prudence maintain'd War with several People and conquer'd the Kingdom of Quito four hundred Leagues beyond Cusco whither after his Death his Body was carried and buried in the famous Temple of the Sun but his Entrails were buried in Quito not without many bloody Offerings thousands of his Servants Sacrificing themselves at his Grave willingly that so they might serve their Prince in the other World The invaluable Treasures which he left behind him were carefully hid by the Peruvians till the Spaniards conquer'd that Countrey The pav'd Ways magnificent Buildings and strong Castles testifie as yet the Power of this Inga wherefore in his life-time he was honor'd as a God His Mother Mamaoclo liv'd to see above three hundred of her Children's Children all Extracted from her Son Guaynacava War between Huascar and his Brother Attabaliba The chief of the Family Tanebamba were Huascar and Attabaliba Sons to Guaynacava both by the Coya or lawful Queen however some have deliver'd to the contrary who falling at variance betwixt themselves resolv'd to decide the Quarrel by a Field-Battel in which Attabaliba being the youngest was Conqueror This Civil War was at the heighth when the Spaniards invaded Peru which they could never have conquer'd had not the Realm been so divided During Attabaliba's Imprisonment by Pizarrus his two Generals Quizaniz and Chilicuchima took the Inga Huascar formerly call'd Tito Cusi Gualpa Attabaliba's Brother in Cusco Huascar burnt alive and carrying him to the Valley Sacfahuana burnt him alive It is set down as remarkable that Huascar after his being vanquish'd made great Offerings to Viracocha thereby to gain his assistance in his extremity against Attabaliba when he was inform'd that a strange People which came from a remote Place over the Seas had defeated Attabaliba's Army and taken him Prisoner From which News Huascar taking courage call'd the Spaniards Viracochas and judg'd that they were come from Heaven to his Delivery and the more because his Brother had spilt so much Blood already for Attabaliba had not onely slain the Prince Atoco which led Huascar's Army with three thousand two hundred Men and drank out of Atoco's Skull tipt with Gold but had also pluck'd out the Harts of above a thousand Children which the Cannrites sent with Palm-Boughs to him to desire Peace Mango Inga Settles in the Mountain Vilcabamba After Attabaliba's and Huascar's Decease Mango Inga their Brother drove all the Spaniards out of Cusco whither they not long after coming with new Forces necessitated Mango not without the loss of many Men to take his
being depress'd the Navigator might know where he was and in what height so guessing what distance they were from this or that Countrey they accordingly Club'd Learning and by their great Study found out what since hath prov'd so useful and beneficial to Seamen the Astrolabe For the Northern Constellation the Astrolabe was in use long before which help having obtain'd the Sailers encourag'd more frequently ventur'd into remote and unknown Seas After these King John of Portugal sent Jaques Cano with a Fleet who Sailing found the River Zaires where he erected a Pillar with an Inscription Latin and Portuguese signifying by whom and in what Kings Reign these African Coasts were discover'd Here he also met some of the Natives who more civiliz'd than the rest told him That they had a mighty King who Raigning over them kept his Court some few days Journey up in the Countrey to whom Cano sending his Agents detain'd four Africans as Pledges which he carry'd with their free consent to Portugal promising to bring them back in fifteen Months who before that time having got some smatterings of their Tongue inform'd them Remarkable passage of Jaques Cano. that their Native Soyl was call'd Congo whither returning by the appointed time they were according to their agreement exchang'd for the Portuguese and Cano address'd himself with rich Presents to their King whom he found sitting in their manner on an Ivory Throne being from the middle upward Naked his nether parts cover'd with long Silken Skirts Dâ—scovery of Congâ— a Golden Armlet on his left Arm athwart his Shoulders hung a Horses Tail their Badge of Royal Dignity Cano humbly laid the Presents down at the Kings Feet amongst which was a Gilded Flag or Pennon with a Cross which Pope Innocent the Eighth had Consecrated with great Ceremony After this many of that Nation became Christians and the King himself receiv'd Baptism But in short time by the Instigations of their Diabolical Priests and others Christianity loosing ground grew out of countenance Mean while John the Second seekâ— to discover India by water King John the Second vigorously Prosecuted the business of Discovery sending Jews and Christians by Land from Alexandria and other parts of Egypt to India and from thence to explore the Coasts on the Eastern side of Africa to the Great-Cape if so a way might be found fit for Navigators having doubled that Point to Traffick with the Oriental parts of the World Vasque de Gama his expedition After this Princes Death the Work lay still a while but in short time King Emanuel his Successor freshly undertook the business once more sending Vasques Gama with four Ships who passing through many Dangers with great Difficultties Anchor'd at last before Calecut and was the first of the Europeans that found a way to the East-Indies Christopher Columbuâ—'s But Chistopher Columbus five Years before Gama's Expedition to the East had been employ'd in Western Discoveries which prov'd so very successful that he found no less than another World which soon after from Americus Vesputius was call'd America So that the Division of the World by the Antients Dividing of the earth concerning which they had so long err'd and were utterly mistaken was now made manifest by Experience and undisputable Demonstration for formerly the whole World was known by no other names than Asia Africa and Europe but now those three are found to make but one Part of what incircles the Universal Globe because in the South lies a second known no further than by its Coastings and Superficial Margents the third part being the New-World our America A query if America was known to the Ancients Here it will not seem amiss having prov'd that Africa was more than Coasted by the Ancients to ingage and search with some scrutiny concerning this America First Whether at any time 't was known by the Ancients And next by what People and when first Inhabited About the former the Learned of these later times Jangle amongst themselves for some of them will needs ascribe so much Honor to Antiquity declining the Worthy Praise of those that made so wonderful a Discovery as if they of old and many Ages before had done the same or at least that this New-World to them was not unknown maintaining this their bold Assertion from the Authority of what they find both in Ancient Greek and Latin Authors First especially in the Learned Plato who as you know at large Atlantica Plato in Criâ—iâ— Timaeo describes a New Atlantis lying beyond the Straights of Gibraltar whose Coast is surrounded with two vast Seas that are Sow'd thick with scatter'd Islands By these Seas they understand the Atlantick and Southern-Sea by the many Isles Cuba Hispaniola Jamaica California and others which lie sprinkled along the Coasts of America But it cannot be made out that Plato describes ought but a Fancy his own Idea not a Countrey that ever was is or shall be though he sets it forth so Accurately and with such Judgment as if he had taken a Survey of the place and found such a Land indeed In like manner Diodorus Siculus undertakes to prove Diod. Sic. lib. 6. That America Was known to the Antients telling a Story how the Phenicians were driven by a Storm from the Coasts of Africa West-ward falling at last upon a great and altogether unknown Island which our late Expositors take for America Must it therefore be so Surely not for it is onely a bare Story without any Proof or the least Testimony Arist de Mirandis in Naturâ— auditis They endeavor to make Aristotle bolster up their opinion that he had a knowledge of this New-World which with no small pains they pump from these Words Beyond the Herculean Pillars certain Carthaginian Merchants penetrated the Atlantick Ocean so far that at last they found a vast yet un-inhabited Island producing nothing but Herbage Plants and Wild-Beasts yet interlac'd with many Meandring Rivers abounding with several sorts of Fish lying some days Sail from the Continent they Landing found a Soyl so fertile and Air so temperate that there they setled and were the first Planters of that Isle But the Carthaginians having intelligence thereof Prohibited all Persons whatsoever upon Pain of Death to go thither fearing the place being so much commended all the People would be ready to flock thither and desert their own and so utterly unfurnish and debilitate their then growing Common-wealth But how could the Carthaginians find America without the use of the Compass How happen'd it that they were so taken with the fertility of this their New-found-Land when the Adjacent Countreys and Fields about Carthage are every where Flourishing and most Luxurious So that it may better be suppos'd that what Aristotle found so long since may rather be the Canary-Isles or Great-Brittain than America The Greeks having then also made some Inspection into the Brittish-Isles They would also make you believe that Virgil
being tam'd presently after the death of King Francis whether negligently or on purpose let loose ran into the Woods and near Orleans devour'd a great number of People and Cattel Gesner saith That some Womens bodies were found who were untouch'd onely their Breasts eaten by the Leopards as if they took them for the daintiest part which is not unlike the antient Jeres who according to Saint Hierom Adv Jovin l. 2. entertain'd their Guests as a most delicious Dish with Womens Breasts and Mens Buttocks Roasted Besides the devouring nature of these Wilde Beasts what profit could Tygers Lions Wolves Bears and the like advantage the Transporter And how came Serpents Adders and other Reptiles thither over the Ocean that with no Art whatsoever can be made tame Were the small Vessels just laden with such terrible Creatures when against their wills they were by Storm driven on a new Coast By these impossibilities we may easily judge that the Americans came thither by Land and no other way but how and upon what occasion must be our next enquiry SECT II. Two reasons wherefore the people remove from their Countreys ¶ HIstories generally gives us onely two accounts Why People remov'd from one Countrey to another either not or thinly inhabited whether driven by force or of their own accord so to unburthen and give ease to their too Plethorick Countreys Thus the banish'd Japanners forsook their Native Countrey and setled themselves in a desolate Soyl since a flourishing Empire shining with Riches and Crown'd with stately Cities So the Batavians took possession of the uninhabited Isle lying between the Rhyne and the Wael being driven out of Hessen by Civil-Wars and preserv'd the memory of the place from whence they had their Original on the utmost Point of the Island in the Villages of Cattenwyck for the Hessens formerly went by the name of Catti others that remov'd did not onely fall upon their Neighbors but made a way by force of Arms chosing their Habitations under a temperate Climate and in a fruitful Soyl. After which manner the Franks enter'd Gaul and afterwards the Normans set upon France so that the Conquer'd Countreys have ever since from the Conquerors been call'd France and Normandy But although it cannot punctually be said how the Inhabitants of America remov'd yet it is without contradiction that they first found an empty Countrey The Flood acknowledg'd by the Americans and other Heathens but mysteriously The Opinions which they have themselves concerning it are full of idle Fancies First they question their Original from the Floud which is so well rooted in the memory of all Nations that the blindest and most ignorant know something of it though deformedly alter'd and vary'd tack'd up with additional fabulous Stories the truth it self known onely to us but to all others lost in Oblivion Who hath not heard of Deucalion's Flood how his Wife Pyrrha and he only escap'd in a little Boat and as 't is Fabl'd landing on a Mountain from thence Peopled the World again by throwing Stones backwards over their Heads Something of this seems to hint the true Story of Noah his Wife and Children from whom the desolated World was replenish'd The same they relate of Prometheus concerning whom thus Diodorus Siculus They say that the Nyle breaking through his Dams and over-flowing his Banks drown'd all Egypt especially that part where Prometheus Rul'd where all the Inhabitants were swallow'd by the Deluge None can imagine but that Diodorus by this makes mention of a particular Flood and not the general one in Noah's time for as the Greeks ascrib'd all things to their Heroes so the Egyptians in like manner did the same to theirs Therefore they have of the general Flood made a particular one in Egypt though perhaps it never was So that what is Fabled of Prometheus is nothing but a Part of the Universal Deluge which the Name Prometheus proves because it signifies Prometheus and Noah are the same Sprung from Heaven and is the same with Noah whom they hold to be the first Father of all Mankind since the Flood born of or regenerated from his Wife Asia and Asia signifies Earth or The Mother of all things and so espousing Noah being sprung from God to Ararat from whence descended the Generations of Mankind and by degrees spread over the whole surface of the Earth The Chineses East-Indians Japanners and other People of Asia and Africa have also some knowledge of a very ancient Flood but hood-wink't under many idle Fancies not unlike that which the Americans relate from whom several Learned Persons find no obscure Confessions of the Deluge Acosta l. 1. c. 25. which thus mystically they have wrapp'd up That one Viracocha came out of the great Lake Titicaca and setled his Residence upon Tiaguanaco where yet remain the Ruines of ancient Walls built after a wonderful manner At length removing from Tiaguanaco to Cusco he began to multiply the Generation of Mankind They shew in the foremention'd Lake a small Island under which the Americans say Strange Opinion of the Americans concerning the Flood the Sun sav'd himself from the Flood wherefore in ancient Times they superstitiously observ'd that place heightning their Bloody Sacrifices with Humane Slaughter Others relate That six Persons leap'd through a Hole out of a Window from whence all Men were since Extracted and from that new Increase the place after the Inhabitants of the Old World were all drown'd got the Denomination of Pacari Tampo and therefore they hold the Tampo's to be the most ancient Families From hence Mangocapam deriv'd Original of the American Kings and the Custom being the Primogenitor of the Ynca's or Kings from whom sprung two Generations Hanon Cuzco and Urim Cuzco They tell us also That their Ynca's when they make War upon any People say that the occasion as they pretend was because all Territories are Tributary to them justly from whom they were deriv'd and restor'd being the first Planters of the New World and withal That the true Religion was declar'd to them from Heaven This Relation though mix'd with Fables shews but very darkly that they have some knowledge of the Flood Americans Flood is taken out of the Scripture For who are those six else that leap'd out of a Window to replenish the Generations of Mankind but Shem Ham and Japhet with their Wives The Americans can give but a little better Account of their first Original and indeed it is no wonder because for want of Books they can relate nothing certain but only what they have Registred in their usual Quipocamagos which is not above four hundred years old Acosta asking what Original they judg'd they were of Peruvians Opinion and from what Countrey and People deriv'd receiv'd no other Answer but that America only was their native Countrey and that they were deriv'd from no other elsewhere But though the Peruvians are of this Opinion yet the Mexicans are of another mind
Didacus interpreted the Language in some part agreeing with that of Hispaniola to this effect You have to all admiration come to see this Countrey from another World my advice to you is That you hurt none for the Souls of evil-doers go to dark places But on the contrary they shall enjoy the heighth of all Pleasures that are Friends to Peace Columbus reply'd That he came a Scourge for the cruel Cannibals but a Shield to protect the quiet and well-meaning Indians Great disturbance in Hispaniola After this returning to Hispaniola much contrary to his expectation he found all things which he had setled there turn'd topsie-turvy for first the Governors at Isabella jangled and were at private contentions amongst themselves and the Benedictine Monk Boilus and Peter Margarites were return'd to Spain there to make their complaints at Court and besides the Spaniards had dealt very inhumanely with the Natives by their frequent Rapes Thefts and Murders wherefore the Indians not unjustly incens'd destroy'd all the Spaniards they found stragling in any part without the Lines of their Fortification Caunaboa also lay about the Fort St. Thomas and closely besieged Hoieda but receiving intelligence of Columbus's arrival he broke up his Siege and march'd from thence but soon after was taken Prisoner by the Spaniards Mean while upon Design a Plot none of the wisest the Natives of Hispaniola had neither Till'd or Sow'd the Ground or us'd Agriculture the year before contriving by want of Provisions not considering themselves to starve out the Spaniards but the mischief fell upon the Contrivers for so great a Famine hapned that spreading over the whole Countrey in a few Moneths fifty thousand were starv'd to death but the Spaniards made a saving though hard shift with their own store then though too late the Islanders repented of their folly for they saw the Spaniards making an advantage of their misery not onely built more Houses in their City Isabella but prepar'd their Weather-beaten Vessels with which Sailing to the Gold Mountains of Cipangi on the Hill whence sprung several Fountains they rais'd the Castle of the Conception Great benefit they reap'd by this Fort to which they carry'd daily abundance of Amber Brimstone mix'd Ore of Silver and Gold and Brazile-wood besides great store of Gold and they might have gotten ten times more had they not been so much inclin'd to slothfulness and minding other vain pleasures yet notwithstanding all the Fleet carry'd that year above one thousand two hundred pound weight of Gold to Spain Spaniards tyrannise there In the mean while the Natives complain'd to Columbus of the Spanish Soldiers which under pretence to seek for Gold committed many insufferable Outrages therefore they desir'd that they might be retain'd in their Forts and not straggle so much abroad and they would willingly bring them every three Moneths a certain weight of Cotton Amber Brazile-wood and Gold more than equivalent to what they snatch'd but Columbus whose Soldiers notwithstanding his severity and using Martial Law upon some of them for their Crimes and proud with their success yet prevail'd at last that they consented thereto but the Inhabitants never perform'd their promise who being almost famish'd had much to do to preserve themselves alive spending their time in picking Sallads Whilst the Business remain'd in this ill posture or rather confusion Cibanus Their Conquest Brother to the imprison'd Caunaboa rais'd an Army of five thousand Men the Spaniards divided into five Companies march'd to meet him and their Enemies being naked and having no other Arms than Bowes Arrows and Clubs after some little resistance were soon dissipated and put to flight but overtaken by the Spanish Horse many of them were taken Prisoners and others forc'd to skulk and hide themselves on the tops of Mountains ANGRA op TERCERA Columbus Sails the third time to Hispaniola Whilst all things were thus in disorder at Hispaniola the Admiral Christopher Columbus set Sail a third time with eight Ships from the Haven Barrameda in the Year 1498. To shun the French Pyrates which watched for the Indian Treasures he directed his Course to Madera a fruitful Island of Corn Wine Sugar Wax and Cattel desolate till Anno 1420. Here coming to an Anchor he sent six Ships away to Hispaniola which himself afterwards followed with the remaining two steering by the Flemish Islands or Acores first so call'd from the Flemings the first Planters Here he dropt Anchor before the City Angra on the Isle Tercera which is sixteen Leagues in circumference Description of the City Angra and very Mountainous the tops whereof are like Spires and abound with Grapes the Plain Countrey produces great store of Corn but it will not keep above twelve Moneths The Ground is oftentimes terribly shaken by Earthquakes and between several sulphurous Places both Flames and Smoak ascend up to the Sky Near the City Angra is a Fountain which turns Wood into Stone The Winds in this Place blow so fierce and strong that they not onely beat down Houses but wear out Iron and all manner of Stone-work In Angra the chief Commander of all the Flemish Isles hath his Residence The City surrounded by steep Rocks lies towards the Sea like a Crescent or Half-Moon for at both ends thereof the Mountains extend with deep Points into the Ocean The uppermost part towards the West stands likewise fortifi'd by a high Rock as also by another on the East on both are continual Watches kept whereof those on the first can discover Ships fifteen Leagues off at Sea coming either from the East or West-Indies and on the other all those that come from Europe When they see above fifteen Sail they put out the Kings great Flag upon the top of all the Rock This City of Angra is divided into several Streets the Governor and Archbishop live each in a stately Palace five handsom Churches are no small ornament to it the Sea before it abounds with Fish but are not to be taken in December by reason of the turbulent Waves Christopher Columbus having refresh'd at Angra Sail'd along the African Coast between the Hesperides under the Equinoctial he was so miserably tormented by the Heat that his Vessels seem'd to burn the Hoops sprung from the Casks so that the Water run about the Hold and they could expect nothing but death from the insufferable Heat and want of Water eight days they had endur'd this hardship when they met with a fresh Gale out of the South-East so that they made great Way towards the West On the last of July he discover'd three high Mountains and approaching near the Shore he smelt as in a Posie all the sweet breathings of fragrant Flowers commix'd and at last saw a convenient Haven where going ashore he found cultivated Grounds and steps of Beasts but not a Man appear'd the next day they spy'd a Boat with twenty young Men come rowing from the Shore into the Ocean The Admiral hal'd them in
into a Stone Trough set for that purpose underneath then the Figure of a Man Carv'd in Alabaster bowing forward as if looking into the Trough upon the Blood Those which were sacrificed were Prisoners taken on the neighboring Coasts whom bringing before their Idols they ripping open make no farther inspection but onely to whip out the Heart with which having smear'd the Lips of their Idols they throw it into the Fire the Heads and Corps they let lie unburi'd whose fleshy parts especially their Cheeks they feast upon The next Island is inhabited by Women Maiden-Island to which Annually their Neighbors go pretending merry kindness but upon amorous inclinations and Plough and Till their Ground and Weed their Gardens Pontenchianum a City The chief City of Tabasco is Pontenchianum and contains above fifteen hundred Houses all built of Stone hardned with baking after their manner which in some Places besides their Turrets and Temples yield a pleasant Prospect at a great distance Fourteen eminent Towns more did the Spaniards also see in Tabasco FERDINAND MAGELLANUS Strange making of Obligations When in conversing with them they observ'd their strange manner of Sealing their Bargains and Contracts one with another they were amaz'd for not using Wax they usually Seal'd their Compacts with their own Blood commonly drawn with a Stone Knife either from their Tongue Hand or Arms. Their. Priests live single and if found to be Unchast are punisht with Death An Adulteress is sold for a Slave Unmarry'd People may not frequently converse with Marry'd Thirty five days in the year makes their Lent in which they abstain not onely from Flesh but Fish also feeding onely upon Roots and Herbs In this place the Spaniards were receiv'd in great state Canopy'd with green Palm-Tree-Branches and in like manner conducted aboard again not without many Presents viz the Effigies of a Man curiously wrought in Gold wherewith they return'd to Cuba SECT IX The Expedition of Ferdinand Magaglian commonly call'd Magellane Bishop Casis sad effect concerning the Pearl catching THe Bishop Bartholomew de Casis living a considerable time in Hispaniola in the City Dominico being inform'd of the abundance of Pearls which were caught before Cubagua and the unsupportable cruelty of the Spaniards there under Ocampus us'd against the Inhabitants went to Spain with a design to obtain of the Emperor Charles the Fifth the Government over Cumana and Cubagua under pretence to draw the ignorant Natives from their Idolatry to Christianity which his request was especially promoted by William of Nassaw the Emperors prime Favorite so that having his Letters Patents granted to that purpose he took Ship and arriv'd with three hundred Spanish Gentlemen of Quality in Cumana And that they might have the greater respect shown to them there they had each a Red Cross given them such as the Knights of Calatrava generally wear Yet little did Ocampus the old Governor of Cumana regard either them or their Authority for in stead of receiving and submitting he kept the Bishop de Casis out by force of Arms who then made complaint to the Vice-Roy of the West-Indies in Hispaniola and in the mean time put his Cargo into a hew Store-house But whilst he made his Addresses Ocampus having sufficiently inrich'd himself departed which incourag'd the Cumaners who already were incens'd and weary of their former sufferings to venture on a design whereby they might revenge themselves of the Spaniards which their undertaking prov'd so successful that very few escap'd the Massacre Of which de Casis being inform'd and much discontented thereat betook himself to a Dominican Cloyster in Hispaniola Cruelty of Castellio in Cumana Yet not long after the Cumaners paid dear for that slaughter for one Castellio though not without several Engagements with various success lasting forty days together having at last utterly vanquish'd them put to an ignominious Death Hanging up seventy of their Princes and to them of meaner quality shewing as little mercy As little success had Lodowick Lampagnano sent out by some Spanish Merchants with Letters Patents from the Emperor to Fish for Pearl before the same Cubagua to which purpose he carry'd peculiar Nets and other necessaries with him But the Cubaguan Spaniards unanimously withstood him Lampaguano discontented so that not being able to effect his design over-power'd with a Melancholly Distemper that broke his Heart he dy'd Magellanus Expedition how it happen'd In the interim while these scarce considerable Voyages turn'd to so small account Ferdinand Magaglianus for so Peter Martyr calls him and not Magellanus which herein deserves to be credited because they were intimately acquainted and great friendship between them undertook to Sail round about the World the occasion of which we will here relate at large This Magaglianus or Magellanus a Gentleman of Portugal having perform'd things of great importance for his King in Africa although with no less trouble than Charge desir'd an addition of half a Ducket a Moneth added to his Annual Pension an inconsiderable Sum to make a Request for yet though so little was as niggardly deny'd Whereupon highly incensed he study'd no little revenge to which effect soon after an opportunity was presented by means of Franciscus Serranus who writ from Ternata to him that he should speedily come thither which he soon after did upon this account Pope Alexander the Sixth having fixt Terminaries between the Kings of Castile and Portugal both busie at that time in discovering new Countreys Order'd That Castile should possess all the Coasts lying to the West of the chief Meridian and Portugal to the East By vertue of this partition the rich Spicy Molucca Islands fell absolutely to the Portuguese Now Magellanus perswaded Charles the Fifth that they might be Sail'd to with a Westerly Course and therefore belong'd to Castile Which advice Charles the Fifth considering and approving Rigg'd out five Ships with which Magellanus set Sail from Sevil the tenth of August Anno 1519. five Moneths he ply'd up and down the Coast inhabited by the Patagones Strange Giant where he found none but one single Person or rather a Monster a Giant ten Foot high who coming Aboard his Ship devour'd a great Hamper full of Biskets and at one Draught drunk up nine Pottels of Water He also saw several Trees which had been Hew'n with Axes and Crosses made on the tops of them Whilst he lay in that Harbor which was call'd St. Julian he Cashier'd his Vice-Admiral John Carthagena with his Father Confessor and sparing their lives set them ashore and there left them to seek their Fortunes though they had Conspir'd to Murther him Streights of Magellan how found Magellanus from thence Sailing afterwards Southerly along America to forty two Degrees Southern Latitude was engag'd with the eddyings of a very strong Current which driving one of the Ships into a Bay split against a blind Rock but the Men being sav'd in their Boat were driven farther and farther
they enter their Temple viz. they either draw Blood out of their Tongues Lips Ears Breast Knees or Palm of their Hands which they throw into the Air supposing thereby to be pardon'd by their indulgent Gods Zempoal a City In the City Zempoal Cortez found five Slaves who being kept close Prisoners were to be Sacrific'd the next day but he releasing them did upon the importunate request of the Quines or Priests and promises of great ransoms and their telling of him that the Zemez would spoil all their Seed and Plants that year if they did not go on with these Offerings restor'd the Prisoners again who though the enjoyments of all happinesses in the other World were promis'd them by their Priest and great assurance given thereof yet they were not forward but return'd unwilling to suffer though by so gainful a Sacrifice Zemez wonderful Idols At the Zemez Feet hung abundance of Mens Bones bundled up together and under them were Written the Names of their Enemies whose Flesh had been either Sacrific'd or eaten Twelve Leagues beyond Zempoal Cortez built a new City near the River Grisalva and call'd it Vera Crux which Diego Velasques resented so ill it being done without his knowledge that he petition'd the Council of Cuba to give Sentence of Death against the Founder But whilst Cortez expected an answer from the Embassadors which were sent to the Spanish Court to give account of the necessity of building a City there he travell'd eighty Leagues Westerly The Zempoalensers accompanied him in great Troops hoping by that means to shake off the yoke of the mighty King Montezuma against whom they were then design'd Cortez coming into the Territory of Sincuchimalar Cortez his Exploits was in the Name of Montezuma by one of his Princes courteously entertain'd in a great Village scituate on a steep Mountain without any Path or Way leading to it but by two high Ladders Sincuchimalar lies surrounded with Hills whose tops seem to touch the Clouds Coming down from the Village they travell'd through a barren and cold Valley where they suffer'd such great Inconveniences by want of Provisions and Water and exceeding coldness of the Weather that many of them perish'd After that they ascended a pleasant Hill on whose summit stood a Chappel with a handsom Steeple and hedg'd about with great heaps of Wood brought thither by the Inhabitants for the use of their Sacrifices At the foot of this Mountain was a fruitful Valley water'd by a pleasant River on whose Banks a certain Prince nam'd Cacataminus had a Palace built of Stone and containing many Rooms and convenient Lodgings Somewhat higher to the Land appear'd more of the like Structures which were all under Montezuma's Jurisdiction but the neighboring Countrey Tlaxcalla whose Inhabitants were famous for their Valor would never receive any Laws from Montezuma Remarkable War in Tlaxcalla Cortez no sooner set footing in this Countrey but he was set upon by a thousand of the Inhabitants who at the first Assault kill'd two of the Spanish Horse yet after this bold Charge the Assailants fled and on the next day desir'd Peace whereupon the Spaniards march'd quietly into the Countrey when a confus'd Company or Forlorn-Hope making a horrible Noise set upon them but after a slight Skirmish they fled to their Main Body which immediately drawing up being at least a hundred thousand hemm'd in the handful of Spaniards and so were ready to swallow them leaving them no Angle to escape at Thus invironed they were assailed on every side fighting till Sun-set and had undoubtedly been utterly destroy'd had not Cortez ply'd his six Pieces of Cannon discharging continually Volley after Volley upon them and though the Execution was very much yet the Sound and report of their Ordinance was more terrible to them that were out of the reach of the Bullet and made more to the gaining so great a Victory Fear conquering more than Slaughter so that by the Evening despairing either of their Safety or better Fortune the whole Army disbanding fled But the pursuing Conquerors firing five of their Villages remain'd Masters of the Field yet they though thus totally routed taking fresh Courage a wonderful thing reinforc'd them and set upon the Spanish Camp with no less than 150000 Fighting Men Yet notwithstanding so vast an Army Cortez so well order'd his small parcel of Men and so valiantly led on upon all Advantages that he in like manner defeated this as they thought Invincible Preparation Thus flesh'd with so much Blood of the Natives he raged every where giving no Quarter where-ever he went Mean while Quesitangal a neighboring Prince having also raised an Army with which he design'd being assisted by darkness craftily to fall into the Spanish Quarters by Night subtilly dissembling sent Embassadors the day before with several Presents and Overtures of Peace which indeed were onely Spies to take notice where they might best break in upon them which Cortez mistrusting and soon being inform'd of the whole Design he cut off the Spies Hands so sending them back to Quesitangal with Defiance Hereupon the Indians immediately setting forward took advantage of the ensuing Night and with great fury fell upon the Spaniards who preacquainted with the Design were in so good a posture to receive them that not able to endure such hot Service they quickly retreated and utterly gave over the Enterprize But Cortez as much encourag'd by these Victories pursu'd them and the same Night Storm'd Tlaxcalla a City containing above twenty thousand Houses which in few Hours he carried This City was curiously built of bak'd Stones and a place of great Trade insomuch that the Market-places swarm'd with Buyers and Sellers bartering one with another all manner of Provisions as Fish Flesh and Bread also Plumes of Feathers Pearls imbroyder'd Tapestry Chalk Stones Timber and Herbs Twenty days Cortez staid here to refresh his Army and then march'd to the neighboring City Chiurutical with the Auxiliary Forces of the Tlaxcallans to the number of above a hundred thousand they told him That the People of Chiurutical had barricado'd up their Streets laid upon the tops of their Houses great heaps of Stones that their upper Rooms were cramm'd with Archers and all things made ready both for Offence and Defence which Advertisement he not much hearkned to because he was conducted into the City with all their State-Formalities of Singing and Tabering upon their Tamboes and every where courteously entertain'd A Plot strangely discover'd Mean while Montezuma had rais'd a great Army which were in their advance not onely to the defence of his Border but to surprize them them while they staid in that City the Townsmen having invited him thither to their rescue and his own defence had not the Plot been accidentally discover'd by a Chirutecan Woman who giving advice to one of her Friends that follow'd Cortez that he should immediately make his escape because that all the Strangers would be destroy'd within few Hours
to seven thousand Duckets as we mention'd before yet was put in Prison by his Order contrary to all Promises Nay Gottierez threatned to burn him not regarding that he had besides receiv'd of him several Pieces of Gold resembling all manner of Beasts as Tygers and others and also Fishes and Fowls curiously wrought which were valu'd at two Tun of Gold yet this Present seemed too little for him whereupon bringing the Prisoner to a Chest Unsatisfied Covetousness of Gottierez he swore that he would rost him by degrees if in four days time he did not furnish him with four times as much more Gold as that Chest would hold Whereupon Chamachiren's Servants went away to get the requir'd Gold but he through carelesness of the Watch made his escape in the Night so that Gottierez lost his Booty But the other Prisoners though threatned to be torn asunder with Dogs remain'd firm disowning that they had any Gold and among the rest one speaking boldly to the Spanish Officer said That he stood amaz'd at his treacherous dealings why did he keep him Chain'd against Law and Promse and often threaten'd him with death but yet would not kill him for he said heâ— had rather choose to die than live so miserable a life Gottierez's Conscience troubling him he would willingly have releas'd the Indian and the rather because he promis'd to procure a great ransome of Gold but the inferior Commanders would not consent to it After this they march'd six days through great Wildernesses and over high Mountains finding no Footsteps of any People Lastly They came down a very dangerous and steep Mountain where had not the Shrubs and jutting Stones serv'd them to hold by they had all broken their Necks Dangerous Mountains Fifteen Leagues the hanging of this Mountain spread it self along a sweet River Strange Huts on whose opposite Shore stood strange Huts full of dead Tygers Deers Heads and Legs here they staid two days to rest themselves where the Trees Mamei and the Cazabi Plants yielded them good Food Travelling forward Gottierez ask'd an Indian which was the nearest way to a Village but he pretending not to know any near hand had his Head immediately cut off In like manner and for the same reason the Indian Prince should also have been Executed had not Gottierez given order to the contrary seeing his resolution that with no less Patience than undaunted Courage stretch'd forth his Neck to the Executioners Mean while their Provisions decreasing they suffer'd extreme hunger insomuch that some fainted quite away The Souldiers also rebelling against Gottierez for Food he commanded them to kill their Dogs and stamp the Barks of Trees two days they travelled much discontented in this manner and at last came to the entrance of a Wood where they espy'd an Indian standing behind a Tree which on a sudden ran away with incredible swiftness early the next morning above four thousand Indians came Marching against the faint Spaniards making a terrible noise with Horns and Drums they were all except their Princes Painted black and red some wore Plumes of Feathers on their Heads and Collars of the same about their Necks the fight began very fiercely by casting abundance of Stones and shooting of Arrows wherein though Gottierez was at first Wounded Valiant fight yet after half an hour the Assailants fled but recruited with fresh Forces renew'd the fight breaking into their Ranks and making so great slaughter amongst them with Woodden Swords and Palm-Tree Clubs knocking down and dealing such deadly Wounds that of the Spaniards three onely escap'd saving themselves by flight who two hours after much amaz'd and terrify'd came to their reserve consisting onely of twenty four Men which Alphonso de Risa Commanded the insulting Enemy at their Heels waving over their Heads the Swords Shields and Cross-Bows which they had gotten from the slain Spaniards and some withal crying in the Spanish Tongue Come Christians come and take Gold But de Risa for all their pride set them going with some Volleys of Shot after this escaping innumerable other dangers he came to Nombre de Dios without having effected any thing of Note SECT XI The Expeditions of Peter Alvarado Francisco and Gonzalvo Pizarro and Diego de Almagro Pizarro's and Almagro's remarkable exploits IN the City of Panama in New Spain liv'd three eminent Spaniards call'd Francisco Pizarro Diego de Almagro and Ferdinand de Luque a Priest which joyntly design'd to discover farther Southerly along the rich Gold and Pearl Coast and inspect the Southern Ocean De Luque was to look to home-affairs and Pizarro set Sail first with a Ship Man'd with one hundred and fourteen Men which Almagro follow'd with seventy more yet both were valiantly repuls'd by the Peruvians but although they return'd the first time with bad success yet they undertook their business once more but with no better fortune whereupon discouraged the undertaking seem'd to be totally laid aside and the American Vice-Roy Peter de Rios forbad any to attempt a farther Discovery concerning Peru. The former difficulties with this Edict easily wrought upon Pizarro's men all but twelve to leave him for the rest went over with the Ship fitted out by Rios with succors to the Island Gallo where Pizarro resided having also fail'd in his second Expedition But although he had made two bad Voyages yet having an inclination to a third attempt he went to Spain desiring of the Emperor to be Governor of Peru which he had discover'd for besides his Plea of Merits he had taken possession of the Country twice by Landing there intended for the use of his Imperial Majesty one of his Sea-men to that purpose flourishing his two-handed Sword over his Head the glistering of which Sword so frighted the Natives that none of them durst come near him His request being consulted upon was at last granted the Government of Peru being conferred upon him but Almagro took it very ill that Pizarro went to the Emperor on such a design for himself yet by the mediation of his Friends the difference was reconciled then Pizarro setting Sail with one hundred and fifty Foot besides Horse and Landing at the Island Puna Pizarro's fight on Puna at first was courteously entertain'd but the Spaniards by extravagant hunting and searching every where their Houses for Gold and committing several other outrages incensing chang'd the humor of the Inhabitants so much that they fell upon them In stead of Ensigns Standards and Warlike Trophies they used long Canes at the end whereof were ty'd the Bones of their antient Hero's honor'd by them after their death But these Reliques sav'd not the Indians from slaughter so well as the coverts of a neighboring Wood. From this Isle lying three degrees Southward of the Equinoctial Pizarro passed over to the Main Continent where they were all in a great confusion upon the report of the Spaniards cruelties committed in Puna Comes to Peru. yet all the preparations of
shot the stoutest Sachem amongst the Indians as he was reaching an Arrow from his Quiver which the rest seeing fled into the Woods and Thickets The same Year the Merchant-Advenurers in England sent forth store of Servants to provide against the Wants of that place amongst whom came over a mix'd Multitude who setled themselves in the Bosom of the Cape now call'd Gloucester About the Year 1651. there fled to the English at Water-town the Indians that dwelt thereabouts for protection against the Tarratines a sort of cruel and salvage Cannibals by whom near the Town of Saugust in the very dead time of the Night one Lieutenant Walker being on a sudden alarm'd was shot through his Coat and Buff Jacket with two Indian Arrows That Night the English stood upon their Guard and the next Morning sent word to other parts who gather'd together and taking counsel how to quit themselves of these Indians agreed to discharge their great Guns whose redoubled noise ratling in the Rocks struck terror into the Indians and caus'd them to betake themselves to flight The Autumn following others of the Indians who till then had held a good correspondence with the Planters began to quarrel about the Bounds of their Land but a great Mortality by the raging of the Small-Pox breaking out amongst them put an end to that Controversie There died amongst the rest one of the chief of the Sagamores of the Mattachusets call'd Sagamore John who before his Death had been instructed in the Christian Faith and took care that his two Sons should be nurtur'd therein In the Year 1635. there arrived several Ships with great plenty of Provisions and many Persons of good Quality and amongst the rest Sir Henry Vane The same Year the People of Cambridge otherwise call'd New-town hearing of a fertile place upon the River Canectico remov'd thither and erected anew Corporation by the Name of Banectico being encourag'd thereunto by the Lord Say and the Lord Brooks and planting a Forrest at the mouth of the River call'd it Saybrook Forrest About the Year 1638. the Pequods a stout and Warlike Nation lying to the South-West of the Mattachusets were discover'd upon their March within some few Miles of Hartford Their coming very much terrifi'd all that inhabited thereabouts but they took onely three Women and return'd one of whom making a violent resistance had her Brains beaten out the other two they carried away with them without abusing their Persons as it was suppos'd they would for they esteem'd their own Shaws being black beyond our Women Their chief Design was to learn to make Gunpowder which seeing they could not effect they look'd upon their Prize as nothing so precious as they imagin'd A little after another Indian War threatning the English they resolv'd together to send an Ambassador to Cannonicus chief Sachem of the Naragansits endeavoring to prevent him from confederating with the Pequods who as they had Intelligence were about sending to him to joyn with them Cannonicus being grown old had resign'd the Government to his Nephew Mantinemo a stern Man and of a cruel Nature The Ambassadors arriving at his Court which was about eighty Miles from Boston the Indian Prince assembled his chief Councellors and having Entertain'd the Ambassadors Magnificently and Feasted them Royally gave them Audience in his State-house where the Sachem to manifest his greater State lay along upon the Ground with all his Nobility sitting about him with their Legs doubled up and their Knees touching their Chin The English Interpreter having made his Speech in the Name of the rest both Cannonicus and the young King gave discreet Answers signifying their Resolutions to keep a fair Correspondence with the English and yet not to fall out with the Pequods Who a little after making also their Addresses to the same King he disswaded them by many Reasons from making War with the English and to deliver into their hands those Persons that had murther'd any of them The Pequods nevertheless though they seem'd inclinable to his Counsel yet they acted as Enemies for when the English sent a Company of Soldiers into their Countrey to treat with them about delivering up the Murtherers they made shew of willingness but spying their advantage betook themselves to their Heels and whomsoever they took stragling by surprise they revil'd and insulted over in a most cruel manner vilifying the Christian Religion and uttering all the Blasphemies they could invent Whereupon they rais'd fresh Souldiers for the War to the number of four score out of the several Towns in the Mattachusets and with some Indian Guides came to their Fort within which they had pitch'd their Wigwams the Entrance being on two sides with intricate Meanders to enter at which were plac'd Indian Bowe-men who shot the foremost of the English yet they had little to boast of in the end for the English rushing in through the winding Ways and placing themselves round the Wigwams made a very prosperous Shot by directing the Muzzles of their Musquets against the Indians which lay sleeping on the Ground In the midst of which rouzing terror and confusion they were defeated with little ado most of them being either wounded kill'd or taken The English thus animated with the first Victory send their Prisoners to the Pinnaces and prosecute the War in Hand marching against the next Body of the Indians which lay Encamp'd on a Hill about two Miles distant where they gave them a second Overthrow slaying many more than in the first Engagement the rest flying to a very thick inaccessible Swamp or Bog were there besieg'd by the English and skulking up and down as they saw their opportunity they would Shoot at them with their Arrows and then suddenly fall flat along in the Water at last the English finding out a Passage into the Swamp utterly defeated them and put an end to the War with the loss of few Mens Lives and not many wounded In the Year 1640. there came over a fresh Supply of People into New England and finding no place to settle in within any of the former erected Colonies they repair'd to a place call'd Long Island sever'd from the Continent of New-Haven about sixty Miles off the Sea The Year following the four Colonies namely the Massachusets Plymouth Canectico and New-Haven taking into consideration the many Nations that were on all sides of them as the French Dutch Jews and native Indians as also how the three first went to lay claim to Lands they never had any right to and the last to be continually quarrelling and contending where they saw any hopes of prevailing by Commissioners chosen from the respective Colonies concluded a firm Confederation to assist each other in all just and lawful Wars upon which there came in certain Indian Sachems as Pomham Miantonemo Soccanocoh and Uncas who not onely submitted to the English Government but also if occasion were in matters of Controversie submitted to their Arbitration But the Contest between
Countrey for the most part yet well distinguish'd with Valleys and lower Ground It is much subject to Rain which 't is said to have for nine Moneths of the Year almost continually by reason whereof the Countrey being otherwise hot is much annoy'd with a kind of Mosquit or great sort of Gnats which spoil the Fruit very much and are otherwise not a little trouble to the People Moreover there happen oftentimes terrible Earthquakes and Storms with Thunder and Lightning Commodities of the Countrey The chief Commodities of this Countrey are a kind of Amber which some call Liquid Amber which drops from divers of their Trees and is said to be a Commodity very precious and of much use Mastick Sanguis Draconis Gum Anime Sarsaparilla China-Wood and divers other Medicinal Drugs which it affordeth in great plenty The Woods afford a sweet smell and the Trees in the same grow a wonderful heighth The Canes which grow here being a hundred Foot long and proportionably thick serve for Timber There is also a hard Wood call'd Iron-Wood either from its hardness or colour or both which never rots The abundance of Flowers which grow here afford nutriment to innumerable swarms of Bees which are about the bigness of small Flies Their Honey which is somewhat tart they hide in the Roots of Trees or in the Earth Another sort which is made by the Wasps bereaves those that taste of their Senses The noted'st Beast in this Countrey is the Danta Beasts which resembles a Mule hath no Horns but Ash colour'd long Hair short Neck hanging Ears thin Legs with three Claws before and two behind long Head narrow Forehead little Eyes a Nose hanging over its Mouth little Tail sharp Teeth and a Skin which is six Fingers thick and scarce penetrable by any Weapon This Beast is taken in Traps Holes or else with Dogs which he often kills when hunted towards the Water They say that this Beast taught Men first to Let-blood for if it be too full of Blood it pricks it self against a sharp Cane and stops up the Orifice again very carefully The Flesh thereof is good Meat as also that of the Ross-Lyons which in the day-time sleep on a high Tree where they are shot by the Indians The Tygers are much more dangerous to be taken yet the Indians Hunting them eat them in stead of Beef and also through all New Spain The Bears which make the Ways very dangerous to travel have black frizled Hair broad Tails Feet like Mens Hands but since the Indians have made use of Guns which they learn'd from the Spaniards they have much lessen'd the number both of Bears and Tygers There are likewise many Leopards Apes and wild Goats whose Skins serve the Natives for Drums Hogs and Armadillo's Amongst their Fowls are Eagles and Parrots The Countrey is so well stor'd with Water that in three Leagues space are above thirty Rivulets and as many Fountains Medicinal Plants On the Mountains grow great quantities of Sarsaparilla Mechoacan and the China-Root which being yellowish hath several Saffron-colour'd Knobs on the top The Sarsaparilla grows with many Stalks creeping along over the Ground the Body thereof is tough and full of Prickles the Leaves broad and sharp at the ends and are of a bluish colour on one side and green on the other and bear Clusters of Flowers which close like Buds and are first green next vermilion-red and lastly blackish within are two hard Stones which inclose a white Kernel by the Indians call'd Juapecanga The Bay Golfo Dulce which pours its muddy Water into the Sea feeds the great Fish Monati and a great number of Crocodiles Several Rivers abounding with Fish fall also into the same having their Banks set all along with Trees in whose Boughs joyn'd together on the top those sort of Birds make their Nests which prey on Fish The Women in this place are much shorter Liv'd than the Men so that there are often thirty Widowers to one Widow Women with Child are Deliver'd by themselves in the High-way and from thence they go to the next River to wash themselves and the Child Places of note As for any Towns or Places of much Traffick or Note inhabited by the Spaniards we find not any nam'd save onely St. Augustines near unto which there is said to be a Cave and Fountain within Ground which converts the Water that falleth into it out of several lesser Springs into a kind of Alabaster or Stone perfectly white and fashions it likewise into Pillars Statues and other artificial Forms of very curious Workmanship as Laet reporteth SECT III. Honduras Situation and Bounds HOnduras hath on the South Guatimala abovesaid on the West a certain Bay or Arm of the Sea which they call Golfo Dulce from the abundance of fresh Waters which run into it from all Parts on the North and North-East the Atlantick Ocean and somewhat to the South-East Nicaragua It contains in length viz. from East to West Coasting along upon the Sea about a hundred and fifty Leagues and in breadth eighty The Countrey is rich both in Corn and Pasturage being said to be very much advantag'd that way by the constant overflowings of the Rivers which are very many about Michaelmass-time and which the People order so well that they water their Gardens and exceedingly fertilize the whole Champain or lower part of the Grounds by them The fruitful Valleys of this Countrey were anciently very well inhabited till vast multitudes of the Natives were destroy'd by the Spaniards Cruelties of which the Bishop Bartholomeo de las Casas in his Letter to the Emperor Charles the Fifth gives this Relation Cruelties of the Spaniards The young Children saith he they murder'd beating out their Brains against the Stones the Kings and Princes of the Countrey they either scorch'd to death or threw them to the Dogs to be torn in pieces the poor People they drove into their Houses and then set them on fire those that remain'd were condemn'd to the greatest slavery imaginable being us'd in stead of Mules and Horses and having greater Burdens laid upon them than they were able to carry insomuch that thousands of them fell down dead under them some out of despair running into the Woods were famish'd after they had kill'd and eat their Wives and Children for Hunger In this one Province onely they massacred above twenty hundred thousand Men and amongst others Persons of Quality which had civilly Entertain'd them nay they tortur'd the poor innocent Natives all the ways they could possibly invent onely to know of them where their Gold lay particularly Diego de Valasco spar'd none that ever fell into his hands insomuch that in a Moneths time above ten thousand were slain by him He hang'd thirteen Noble-men to twelve of whom he gave the Denomination of The twelve Apostles and the chiefest of them he call'd in a derision Jesus Christ Some they suffer'd to starve to death with their Heads
the help of the Master of their diabolical Art and though they escap'd themselves yet their Wives and Children were all put to death upon the King's Command Soon after which appear'd a mighty Comet or blazing Starfor a whole year together the great Temple Cu was set on Fire and burnt to the Ground none knew how the Water which was thrown on the same to quench it burnt like Brimstone in the Skie appear'd three fiery Heads at noon-day and out of a long Tail shot Sparks on the Earth the Laguna between Mexico and Texcuco began to swell into a Tide which turn'd some Houses topsie-turvy a shrill Voice was heard in the Night crying on the Water Children your ruine is at hand whither shall I carry you that you may not be lost A miraculous Story of a Bird. No less strange is what d' Acosta relates of a Bird presented to Muteczuma not unlike a Crane which the Fishermen had taken on the Laguna on the shining Forehead of which there appear'd the resemblance of two Armies Engag'd and one defeated by the other and that whilst the Sages call'd to interpret the meaning hereof sat in Consultation the Bird vanish'd Another of a Country-man Moreover there goes a Tradition That a Countrey-man being at his Labor was taken up by an Eagle and carried through the Air into a gloomy Cave where a Man lay fast asleep snoaring when on a sudden he heard a Voice afar off saying Do you know that Man whereupon the Countrey-man taking special notice of the dormant Man knew him by the Royal Apparel to be Mutexuma after which the Voice was heard again saying How soundly doth he sleep the time is coming which provides Punishments for many Crimes burn the Snoarer with the Torch which he holds in his Hands he will feel no pain Not long after he being inform'd hereof and looking on his Thigh found the same burnt to his no small amazement News of the arrival of the the Spanish Fleet. Having now possess'd the Throne fourteen years he receiv'd news of a Fleet and therewith a Draught of the Men and Vessels painted on Cloth This startling him he immediately advis'd with his Council who judg'd it convenient to secure the Coast along the Southern Ocean with strong Watches yet nevertheless Ferdinand Cortesius Landed with five hundred Foot and sixty Horse took the City Potanchanum march'd through the Countrey Sicuchimalar to Tascalleca where they had a sharp Conflict in which the Spaniards were in great danger and had not they had six Field-Pieces with them which did as much affright as hurt the Indians they had without doubt been cut off there In Chiurutecal they were in as much danger for certainly the Spanish Army had been set upon in the Night had not a Woman inform'd them of it Mean while Muteczuma consulted with his Sorcerers to destroy Cortesius by Charms who then was marching through Chalco whereupon a considerable number of Sorcerers went thither to the top of a high Mountain where as they were beginning their Incantations and Charms their Idol Tezcalipuca appear'd to them and in an angry manner told them That Monteczuma should lose his Crown and Life and to confirm his words he shew'd them a dreadful spectacle for looking about they saw the City in a light flame This being told to Muteczuma he resolv'd to make himself as secure as he could and went to meet Cortesius with costly Presents delivering him the Crown in the presence of all his Council to which purpose he took one Marina experienc'd in the Castilian Tongue with him for his Interpreter all things then seeming to end in Friendship But they continu'd not long in that state for Cortesius whose whole Design was to bring Mexico under the Spaniards Subjection not long after accus'd Muteczuma that Coalcopoca had on his Commands storm'd the new Spanish City Vera Crux which he could no way excuse and notwithstanding Muteczuma deliver'd him Coalcopoca Muteczuma committed to Prison by Cortesius with fifteen of his Nobles Prisoners who were all burnt with green Wood yet he was committed Prisoner to the great discontent of the Mexicans who said That they were now come to a fine pass to be thus fool'd by a few Strangers who had imprison'd their King trampled upon their ancient Images endeavor'd to murther them all and in despite of them brought their mortal Enemies the Tascaltecans and Guazuzingans into Mexico Cortesius marches against Velasquez's Party About this time there were certain Ships come to Vera Crux which was a new Port-Town of this Countrey that the Spaniards had built since their coming thither and had Landed near upon a thousand Men which was an Accident that had like to have spoil'd the Design of Cortesius and all his Company at Mexico these Men being sent by James Velasquez Governor of Cuba expressly against Cortesius and his Men upon pretence that they had acted not conformably to the Commission which they had receiv'd from him and gave him no account of their proceedings which in a great measure was true for it must be confess'd that Cortesius and his Men finding themselves to have fall'n upon an Adventure that was certainly rich and good and having got such footing and interest in the Countrey already by their Success and Victories and chiefly by their Confederacy with so many of the Natives and People of the Countrey revolted to them did almost at first by a general consent renounce their Commission and dependency upon Velasquez and profess'd to act immediately from and for the King of Spain What pretences they had for such a Resolution seemingly at least irregular is not so well known Whatever they were they proceed in it and the whole Company excepting onely some few who yet went along with the rest chuse Cortesius anew for their Commander in chief and appoint likewise by common consent all other Officers of Justice both Civil and Military among themselves and to give the better colour at Court to their Proceedings they send Portocorrero and Monteio two of their Principals into Spain with a rich and noble Present to the Emperor both to make report of the State of the Countrey and to procure immediate Commission from his Majesty to proceed after which they advance towards Mexico as hath been said Velasquez being at Cuba and understanding their Proceedings labor'd to intercept both their Messengers and Present but could not and therefore sent Pamphilius Narvaez with eleven Ships and about nine hundred or a thousand Men to apprehend Cortesius and oppose his Proceedings This hapned about the time that the Differences were but newly calm'd betwixt the Spaniards and the People of Mexico and though it oblig'd Cortesius to leave the City in a wavering and unsetled condition yet he took such order that Muteczuma still remain'd under the Guard of the Spaniards as before assisted with thousands of their Friends of Tlascalla and he himself taking the rest and some few Spaniards
follow fled to the Mountains from whence they could not be enticed whilst the Spaniards found their Houses full of Provisions and some Minerals Now those being dead whom they sought for some though it convenient to return but Espejus and Beltran perswaded the contrary alledging That farther up according to the Indians information lay several Provinces which were worth the discovery and advis'd that the chiefest part of their Forces might stay there whilst they and some few resolute Men went farther upon the Discovery which accordingly was perform'd Espejus having travell'd two days came into a fruitful Province jutting against Cibola in which he found eleven Villages inhabited by above fourteen thousand People who were clad in Skins and Cotton worshipp'd many Idols and receiv'd the Spaniards with great Civility The like Entertainment they met withall in the Countrey Los Quires wash'd by the River Del Norte near which stood five Villages inhabited by about fifteen thousand People Thirteen Leagues farther they found De los Cunames having also five Villages the chiefest of which being Cia boasted as above mention'd eight Market-places The Houses made of Lime were neatly Painted and compris'd in all above twenty thousand Persons and civil People who presented Espejus and his Company with handsom Cloaks set good boyl'd Meat before them and shew'd them rich Minerals and the Mountains out of which they got the same Of the like Constitution were the Inhabitants De los Amires which being thirty thousand in number resided in seven well built Villages lying North-West from Cunames After this they march'd Westward and found the eminent Village Acoma mention'd before built on an exceeding high Rock to which led onely a narrow Path up a pair of Stairs cut in the Rock as also many Wells to receive Rain besides what they have out of a River led by moats round about their Plough'd Lands The Spaniards staying here three days were Entertain'd with all sorts of good Meat Dances and Drolls From hence travelling twenty four Leagues more Westerly they entred the Province of Zuny where the erected Crosses which had remain'd there till that time were sufficient testimonies of Cornaro's having been there after he was deserted by Andreas de Cuyocan Casper de Mexico and Antonius de Guadalajara being setled on Zuny otherwise call'd Cibola and speaking the Indian Tongue better than their Native Language inform'd Espejus that sixty days Journey farther lay a great Lake whose Shores were crown'd with many brave Villages inhabited by a People which wore Golden Armlets and Ear-rings whither Franciscus Vasquez had gone a second time had not Death prevented him This Information so encourag'd Espejus that notwithstanding it was so great a Journey yet he resolv'd to venture thither though the Monk Beltran and most of his Company perswaded him to the contrary whereupon Beltran return'd After which Espejus went on to the said Lake wither he was accompanied with a hundred and fifty Indians Having gone twenty six Leagues he found a populous Province whose Borders he no sooner approach'd but he was told That if he was willing to lose his Life he and his Party might enter into a forbidden Dominion yet notwithstanding this threatnign Message he wrought so much upon the Casique by the Presents which he sent him that he was permitted to come in freely nay the Inhabitants of Zaguato strow'd Meal on the Earth for the Spaniards to go over and presented Espejus at his departure with forty thousand Cotton Cloaks and a considerable quantity of Plate which he sent with five of his Soldiers and all the Cibolan Indians back to Cibola keeping onely four Companions and one Guide with whom he travell'd forty one Leagues Westward where he found a Mountain to the top whereof led a broad Path which ascending he took up Silver Oar with his own Hand The several sorts of People that inhabited here were all civil and courteous living in good fashion in pretty large Houses built on the Banks of a pleasant River shaded with Vines and Nut-Trees and thick planted with Flax They inform'd Espejus that near a River which runs eight Miles towards the North Sea were such stately Places as could not be beheld without great admiration But Espejus going back a plain Road to Cibola found not onely those whom he had sent from Zaguato but also Beltran with the other Soldiers who having been detained where by the Civilities and kind Entertainments of the Indians were now upon returning home so that Espejus was left alone with eight Soldiers who resolv'd to venture their Lives and Fortunes with him They travell'd along the River Del Norte through the Provinces De los Guires and Habutas whose Mountains over-spread with Pine-Trees and Cedars have many rich Mines The Natives wore painted Cotton Cloaks and dwelt in stately Houses five Stories high At the Borders of the Realm Los Tamos they were stopt and not permitted to come on farther wherefore being but few in number and several of them sick they judg'd it convenient to cross the River De las Vaccas so call'd from the abundance of Cows that were thereabouts to the River Conchos and the Village Bartholomew where Espejus was inform'd that Beltran was long before his arrival gone to Guadiana And now that we may have the better Account of New Mexico which Ruyz Espejus and Beltran endeavor'd to discover it will be necessary to begin with the first original thereof according as several ancient Histories make mention First original of the New Mexicans The most ancient Possessors of that part of Northern America call'd New Spain were for their fierce and salvage Nature call'd Chichimecae who dwelling in Caves fed on Moles Rabbets Hedghogs Serpents Roots and Herbs Whilst the Women accompanied their Husbands in their Travels the Children were put into Baskets and hang'd in a Tree No manner of Government was to be found amongst them They never Till'd their Ground till the Navatlacans came from New Mexico which was anciently divided into two Countreys Aztlan and Teuculhuacan to New Spain after which they Sow'd their Lands The Navatlacans who us'd to dwell in Houses worship Images plough their Lands and obey their Governors were divided into six Tribes each Tribe possessing their limited Bounds and there goes a Tradition That out of six Pits that are to be seen in New Mexico the Navatlacans had their original The time when they deserted New Mexico as their most authentick Histories or Records declare was according to our computation Anno 940. and they farther affirm that they spent forty years in a Journey which might have been travell'd in a Moneth The reason of which tediousness was because they rested in all places where they found a fruitful Countrey but as they had advice from their diabolical Spirits which as they say appear'd visibly to them they still went on farther and farther yet left behind those that were aged sick and decrepid building convenient Houses for them and appointing Overseers to look after
Apple-Trees which grow by Rivers sides or on the Sea-shore whose Fruit is rank Poyson and who-ever sleeps under the shadow of them will certainly be Lame The Fruit eaten generally causes Death or if Nature be so strong in him that eats of it to overcome the same yet he is certain to lose his Hair As hurtful is the prickly Herb Quibey which bears white Flowers like Violets The Tree Gaiaba But this Island receives the greatest prejudice by the Tree Guaiaba because it grows in most places and over-runs Plains and Hills so spoiling all the Grass between which and the fore-mention'd Tree there is such an antipathy that none will grow near it The Tree bears a brown Apple full of Kernels which are eaten by Beasts and Fowls and from which falling on the Ground when ripe grow up in new Trees which makes the Countrey a meer Wilderness The Body of it is smooth and of a pale colour the Leaves hard and glittering and grow two and two over one another the Flowers have also five Leaves in the middle of which rises a Crown like that on a Peacock's Head The Fruit which is cover'd with a soft Doun and somewhat longer than the European Apple when cut through hath a pale red Pulp full of eatable Kernels before it is ripe it is of a sharp taste yet good boyl'd but when ripe of a most delicious and pleasant rellish nevertheless too much of it causes a Lask The Roots which are red without and white within are juicy sweet and very long the Leaves sallow and sowre of taste The Beast Javaris Amongst the strange Beasts the Javaris Opassum and Tatow are the most remarkable The Javaris are taken for a sort of wild Hogs and have short Ears and a Navel on their Backs little Tails some black and some spotted white The Opassum The Opassum is as big as a Cat hath a sharp Mouth the upper Jaw-bone hanging over the lower long straight and broad Ears and a very long Tail bald at the end which winds in a Circle on it s Back black Hair sprinkled with grey Spots and with its sharp Claws climbs up the Trees where it feeds on Fruit and sometimes preys on Fowls Nature hath furnish'd this Beast with a strange Bag under its Belly whereof the in-side hath a far softer Doun than the out-side in which the young ones lie and suck after which the Bag opening they creep out upon the Ground The Males have also a Bag which serves onely to carry their Young in for they and the Females carry them by turns The Tatow The Tatow which is arm'd with sharp Scales hath the Mouth of a Hog and at each Foot five sharp Nails when it is Hunted or goes to sleep in the Night it draws its Head Legs and Tail under its scaly Coat of Mail like a Tortoise and in that manner lies secure against all manner of danger The Venison taken here is very delicate but difficult to be got for this Beast having a breathing-place in its Back never tires with running and when encompass'd by the Dogs falls valiantly on those that are nearest to it and often tears them in pieces Chief Towns and Citiâ—s The chief Towns in this Island are 1. Porto Rico it self commonly call'd St. John de Porto Rico so term'd by Christopher Columbus as being the first Land discover'd by him in the Year 1493. at that time when he could not perswade his Seamen wearied out with continual hardship from returning if they discover'd not Land in two days a strong and neat Town built by the Command of Philip the Second King of Spain It was attempted by Sir Francis Drake in the Year 1595. without success but a few years after taken by the Earl of Cumberland 2. St. Germans in the West part of the Island three or four Leagues distant from the Sea 3. Arrecibo Westward from Porto Rico where the most noted Haven is of those Parts for all the others are full of Rocks and Sands The antient Inhabitants of this Island maintain'd continual Wars with the Cannibals probably the Natives of the Islands so call'd who us'd every year to come thither those that were conquer'd as well of the one side as of the other were eaten by the Conquerors so that in effect both sides were but a different sort of Cannibals Columbus Landing here found a great House surrounded with twelve others but all of them empty and desolate This Island which formerly is said to have been under the absolute Power of one sole King the Spaniards not much regarded at first having enough to do with Hispaniola where they found more Gold than on Porto Rico. The building of St. Germans Anno 1510. John Ponce de Leon obtain'd a Commission from the Court of Spain to be chief Governor of this Island and built Caparra which Place was inhabited twelve years notwithstanding it stood behind a scraggy Mountain in a desart place far up in the Countrey but their thirst after Gold of which some Veins were discover'd there made them dispence with all other inconveniences yet at last beginning to be weary of this desolate and barren place of Settlement they remov'd to Guanica water'd by many Rivers whose Sands had great quantities of Gold-dust Not staying long there they went four Leagues farther and call'd their new Plantation Soto Major Lastly returning again they setled themselves in the former Valley Guanica and built the fore-mention'd Town St. Germans by the River Guaorabo which makes an inconvenient Haven The Situation Description and â—ate of St. Juan de Porto Rico. Juan de Porto Rico stands Eastward at the beginning of the North Coast on a small Peninsula joyn'd to the Island by an high Isthmus call'd Puente de Aguilar Near the Mouth of the Haven lies on a rising Hill the Fort Morro Empinado built triangular by John de Texila and Baptista Antonelli who also planted there forty Guns and surrounded with the Sea which renders it a well fortifi'd place The Governor Diego Mendez de Valdez had in it fifteen hundred Men and eighty Horses when the foremention'd valiant Duke of Cumberland with a far less number fell upon him in the Year 1597. and not onely took the City Porto Rico but several other Fortifications and besides an invaluable mass of Treasure he carried away eighty Guns Sometime before this Defeat the Spaniards under the Government of Christopher Son to the Portuguese Duke of Camigna were Invaded by the Cannibals and all that were then upon the place utterly destroy'd none of them escaping but the Bishop and his Servants who betimes fled away with the Church Ornaments so that the Islanders from that time were put out of doubt that the Spaniards were mortal for they suppos'd them immortal when first they saw their great Ships and heard the noise of their thundering Cannon The Casique Yaguara's Experiment Hugh Linschot relates That the Casique Yaguara threw a Spaniard
Spice call'd Piemete being in the form of East-India Pepper of a very aromatical and curious taste partaking as it were of divers species together it grows wild in the Mountains and is very highly valu'd amongst the Spaniards Of Drugs and medicinal Plants there is here a very great abundance as Guaiacum China-Root Cassia-Fistula Veuillard Achiotes Tamarinds Contrayerva Ciperas Adiantum Nigrum Aloes Cucumis Agrestis Sumach Acacia Misselto with several others both Drugs Balsoms and Gums Cochinele is produc'd by a Plant that grows in this Countrey but it is not made without much care and curiosity and the English are not yet well experienc'd in the Husbanding thereof besides that the Growth of the Plant is much obstructed by Easterly Winds There is here greater store of Cattel than in any of the rest of the English Plantations in America Beasts as Horses which by reason of the great number of them are bought very cheap Cow's of a large size and of which vast numbers are yearly kill'd Asinego 's and Mules both wild and tame being a very serviceable sort of Cattel in those Countreys Sheep large and tall and whose Flesh is counted exceeding good but the Fleece worth little Goats in great abundance being a sort of Cattel very peculiar to that Countrey But of all other Cattel Hogs are here in the greatest plenty both wild in the Mountains and tame in the Plantations and they are more in request for Food than any of the rest their Flesh being counted both of a better rellish and more easily digestible than the Hogs-flesh of our Parts The Fish that is very plentifully caught in these Coasts is of infinite variety Fish and quite of another kind from what we have in this part of the World the principal whereof is the Tortoise which is taken in great abundance both on these Coasts and in the Islands Camavas The tame Fowl in this Place are chiefly Hens Turkies and Ducks Birds but of wild Fowl infinite store as of Guinee Hens Flamingo's Teal Ducks Wigeon Geese Pigeons Snipes Plovers Parrots Turtles Parachites Machaw's with divers others Fruit-Trees and other Plants Choice and excellent sorts of Fruits are here in great abundance as Cocao-Nuts Mannes Maumees Supatas Suppotillias Avocatas Cashuds Prickle-Apples Prickle-Pears Sower-Sops Custud-Apples and many others For Timber-Trees Platanes and Pines And for Garden-Herbs Radish Lettice Parsley Cucumbers Melons c. The antient Inhabitants us'd two sorts of Bread the one made of stamp'd Roots and the other of Corn which is Reap'd thrice every year and grows with such success that one Pint sow'n yields two hundred They had a strange way to make their Cazari Cakes of the Root Juca which keep good a year They first press'd out the Juice with great Weights which if drunk raw occasions sudden Death but boyl'd is pallatable and good Potato's are here in great abundance and grow like Artichokes in a moist Soil and shoot forth Leaves of a dark-green Colour like Spinage they spread upon the Earth by Stalks and bear a Flower like a Bell at the end of which grows the Seed the Roots are generally White but sometimes Red Marble-colour'd Yellow and Violet they are not onely pleasing to the Pallat but accounted very wholsom when stew'd in a close cover'd Pot with a little Water But much daintier are the Ananas which grow on a Stalk of a Foot long surrounded with sixteen large sharp Leaves between which grows a Fruit like a Pine-Apple but much bigger with an uneven Rind of a pale Green and inclining to a Carnation on a yellow Ground on the top shoots out a red Bunch of Leaves and Flowers the innermost Pulp melts on the Tongue and is of so delicious a taste that it exceeds all other Dainties the Seed produces Fruit once Of this Fruit there are several sorts the chief whereof is accounted a special Remedy against a bad Stomach Gravel Poyson and Melancholy The Drink made of Ananas is no way inferior to Malvasia Wine A sort of sensitive Plant. Here you may observe a remarkable Secret of Nature in a certain ever-green Plant which grows either on the Bodies of old Trees on the Rocks or in the Woods the Stalk whereof surrounded with Leaves full of dark red Spots bears a sweet-smelling Violet-colour'd Flower the Leaves whereof as soon as touch'd close up together and die and according as they are held in the Hand a shorter or longer time this strange alteration continues Since the Spaniards planted Ginger on Jamaica Ginger it hath grown there in great abundance the Male Plant for it is divided into Male and Female hath generally bigger Leaves than the Female the Stalks which are without Knots have more Leaves upwards than downwards and spreads along the Earth still take Root anew when the Leaves wither then the Ginger is commonly ripe but it hath not that poinancy whilest green as when dry'd The Cotton of this Island of which the Clothes and Hammocks that are made Cotton are vended in most parts of the Western World grows on a Tree of equal heighth with a Peach-Tree with a straight Stem or Body out of which shoot Boughs of an equal length and at equal distance between the Leaves which are narrow and long grow red Flowers and from them oval Gods which when ripe inclose the Cotton and a Seed like Pepper Description of the Alligator Of hurtful Creatures here besides the Manchonele and a sort of Snakes call'd Guaana's wherein 't is thought there is little or nothing of a poysonous quality the most observable is the Alligator with which many Rivers and Ponds abound it is a very voracious Creature but is seldom known to prey upon a Man it moves swiftly and strongly forward but turns slow the biggest of them are about twenty Foot long their Backs scaly and impenetrable so that they are hardly kill'd but in the Belly or Eye they have four Feet or Fins with which they go or swim indifferently are observ'd to make no kind of noise their usual course for getting their Prey is to lie on their Backs as dead then with a sudden onset to surprize what-ever Fowl or Beast comes fearlesly near them the best caution other Creatures have of them is from the strong smell that flows from their Bodies to requite the harm done by them they have something of vertue for the Fat or Oyl of their Bodies hath been experienc'd to be an admirable Ointment for all kinds of Pains and Aches they Lay Eggs no bigger than a Turkies by the Water side still covering them with Sand which heated by the Sun-beams hatcheth the young ones who naturally creep into the Water Muschilli and Merrywings In some parts of the Countrey there are also a sort of stinging Flies call'd Muschilli and Merrywings but the English Quarters are little infested by them Hugh Linschot writes That the antient Natives of this Place were a subtile and sharp-witted People skilful
to the several pronunciations one word hath divers significations but the Mystery of their oldest Language they will discover to none It is very observable that the Caribbeean Men speak several words which though the Women understand yet are never spoken by them and also the antient People use several Sayings which the younger never mention and the Youths such likewise as are never spoken by the Antient which being spoken apart by each in the time of War are understood by none but their Soldiers that so their Designs may the better be kept secret But their mix'd Language hath many of the European words especially of the Spanish which they speak whensoe're they converse with the Europeans Moreover though the Caribbeeans on the least occasion laugh aloud yet they are of a dull Spirit stubborn and nothing to be got out of them but by fair means Their Employment is Hunting Their Manners Fishing Tilling Building of Houses and the like Theft is not known amongst them so that no Man is suspicious of his Neighbor wherefore they leave their Huts open both Night and Day They are also seldom at Variance one with another but generally Love sways amongst them yet if a Quarrel doth happen then the injur'd Person revenges himself to the heighth Persons that profess Chastity are much honor'd amongst them and here Youth bears great respect to Age. They are also very ignorant in natural Knowledge Their Ignorance insomuch that when the Moon is Eclips'd they suppose that it is devour'd by Maboya and wheresoe're they smell any ill scent they believe the Devil to be not far from thence Gunpowder they suppose to be a Grain and are very fearful of Fire-Arms Though they have many brave Salt-pits yet they use no Salt nor eat any Swines-flesh though all those Islands abound in that sort of Animal fearing that if they should eat the same it would cause them to have little Eyes which they account very homely though it is a property generally incident to them neither will they eat any Tortoise because they would not be so gross as that Creature Lastly they know now no greater Number than they reckon on their Fingers and Toes for what exceeds twenty is to them innumerable They hold that good Spirits whom they call Akamoue residing in Heaven never trouble themselves with Earthly Affairs Their Offerings consist in Cassave and the first of their Fruits which are set at the end of their Huts in Vessels on small Tables cover'd with Leaves or Rushes without uttering any Prayers for they never Pray but in publick in company of the Boyez or Priests and that either for revenge against Injuries or for recovery from Sickness or that they may know the Events of War or for Protection against the Maboya Each Boye hath his peculiar God which Singing with a conjuring Verse he calls to him in the Night whilst he Smoaks a Pipe of Tobacco Their Fear of the Maboya Some have been of Opinion that this Conceit of the Maboya proceeds from the phlegmatick Nature of the Caribbeeans who in their melancholy Dreams imagine themselves to be grievously beaten by the said Maboya But there are sufficient testimonies to prove that these Heathens have often really suffer'd much by this Maboya often appearing to them in such horrid shapes that the poor Caribbeeans would sweat and quake at the sight thereof and inflicting such sad Pinches and bloody Stripes all over their Bodies that they liv'd in perpetual fear of this evil Spirit and yet notwithstanding these cruel Sufferings they shew'd no manner of Worship to Maboya onely they believ'd that they had some ease when they wore little Pictures about their Necks made resembling the Shapes in which Maboya appear'd to them but their best Remedy was to flye to the Christians Their Consultations about the Death of any Relation They believe their Boyez able to resolve any Question they ask of them particularly when any one dies the nearest ally'd to him asks the Boye this Question Who is the occasion of his Death to which if the Boye names any one they never rest till they have dispatch'd him to the other World Concerning their original brutish way of living they give much credit to an antient Fable which is to this effect The most antient Caribbeeans Fabulous Tradition living under no other Roof than the Canopy of Heaven fed on nothing but what the Fields naturally produc'd which salvage Life an old Man much beamoan'd when a certain Deity clad in white Apparel descending down on the Earth said That he would have come sooner to have shew'n them the way of a civil Life had they requested it before Moreover the Angel shew'd them a place along the Shore where there lay sharp-cutting Stones with which he told them they might cut down Trees and with the Timber build themselves Houses and cover them with the Leaves of the Palm-Tree to keep out the Rain which said he broke his Staff into three pieces which being Planted soon after produc'd the Root Manioe which stamp'd and dry'd made good Bread Their Opinion concerning the Soul The Caribbeeans have also a strange Opinion concerning the Soul that is to say That every one hath as many Souls as he hath Pulses but the chiefest is the Heart it self which after Death removes with Jeheizi that is every ones peculiar God or Genius to the Company of the other Deities where they live after the same manner as here on Earth wherefore those that are Persons of Quality give Charge at their Deaths that their Servants may be kill'd and buried with them that so they may serve them in the other World That the other Souls which are the Pulses are of two sorts whereof the first call'd Maboya's range through Woods and Wildernesses and the other call'd The Oumekous reside along the Sea and over-turn the Ships that Sail by That the Souls of Heroes remove to pleasant and delightful Islands where they are serv'd by the Arovages That Cowards at their Death go behind a high Mountain where they become perpetual Slaves to the Arovages So soon as they hear a clap of Thunder they run into their Huts and place themselves on little Stools round the Fire cover their Faces and laying their Heads on their Knees make a doleful noise as supposing that Maboya is exceedingly enrag'd against them Their manner of Dwelling Their Huts for the most part built near Rivers and Streams are of an oval fashion their Roofs made of Palm-Tree Leaves or Sugar-Canes the Walls nothing but Boughs set in the Ground and pleited together and the Floor of sifted Earth or Sand ramm'd in and kept very even and smooth besides a Room wherein they Sleep and Entertain their Friends they have also a Kitchin to dress their Meat and a place to lay their Bowes Arrows Clubs and the like in they use Mats in stead of Walls to separate one Apartment from the other Their Houshold-stuff is
the two following Moneths a Fire being made about the Tree causeth the Bark to crack whereby it yields abundance of Gum chiefly us'd in Medicine for its opening and loosening Quality Likewise the Paretuve-Tree which grows along by the Sea-side and by Pools The Paretuve-Tree sufficiently remarkable for the Boughs thereof grow downwards twin'd and pleited together so thick that in time of War they serve for Bulwarks and are the Recesses of wild Swine Moreover on this Island as on all the other hereabouts grow Calabash-Trees The Calabash-Tree which have thick Boughs and oval Leaves joyn'd one to another and bear every Moneth fresh Flowers and Fruit grey Flowers mark'd with green Streaks and black Spots and Fruit with hard Shells full of juicy Meat and flat Seeds which being taken out serve for Boxes Cups or little Dishes Along the Shore is also found a sort of Fish call'd the Sea-Star Sea-Star which is a yellowish Fish whose hard Skin full of little Knots shoot forth five Darts or Beams in stormy Weather they fasten themselves to the Rocks No less wonderful is the Fish call'd the Sea-Apple Sea-Apple whose brown Skin is full of Prickles which when the Fish dies fall off nothing remaining but a white Shell curiously embroider'd with little Holes On the Banks and near the Rocks grow also Sea-Trees whose thickest Boughs putting forth still lesser and lesser Branches are pleited together very wonderfully and being all glaz'd as it were with Salt-petre seem greyish SECT IX Barboude Situation of Barbouthos BArbouthos which some call Barboude others Barbada being five Leagues in length lies at seventeen Degrees and thirty Minutes and North-East from Monserrat in a shallow Sea English molested by the Caribbeeans Here the English Planting have from their first Arrival been much molested by the Caribbeeans of Dominico who for a great while us'd twice a year to Invade them in the Night killing and destroying whom and whatsoe're they met with onely Women and Children with some other Booty they carried to Dominico SECT X. Rotonda Situation of Rotonda THe Isle Rotonda which is much lesser hath receiv'd that Denomination from its round Form for it rises in the middle into a Hill which at a distance appears like a Steeple It lies at seventeen Degrees and ten Minutes The Sea about the same being very deep makes a good coming to the Island with Ships SECT XI Nevis Situation of Nevis IN sight of Rotonda at seventeen Degrees and nineteen Minutes lies Nevis which hath six Leagues in circumference Out of the middle of the Island rises a Mountain all over wooddy round about which the English who Setled there Anno 1628. have their Plantations and have increased from a small number to above three thousand and make a good Advantage of their Sugar Ginger Cotton and Tobacco which they Plant there Good Government of the English there They are Govern'd by a peculiar Governor and a Council who punish Thieves and all manner of Deboshes very severely There are also three Churches which on the Sabbath-Day are all throng'd with People who resort thither for the Worship and Service of God The Harbor call'd Bath-Bay and the Store-house built about the same are secured by a great Fort full of great Guns Several Springs on this Island afford the Inhabitants good Water Here is also a Mineral Spring a place to Bathe in which hath been found to cure the same Distempers which the Waters at Bourbon have done Moreover this Island abounds with the Pistacie or Pistick-Nuts The Pistick-Nut which grow on small Trees with soft long Leaves round at bottom and ending in three Points These Trees being commonly full of thick Boughs serve commodiously for Hedges the Wood and Leaves sweat a milky Juice dropping out of the same with the Rain the yellow Flowers which grow on the same are like glittering Stars and the taste of the Nuts like a Hazle but if the Skin which covers the Kernel be not pull'd off before they are eaten they purge to Death But the great Profit which Nevis receives by Nature is attended with some Inconveniences The Musticho which trouble this and all the other Islands amongst many may be reckon'd the Musticho's a sort of little Bugs whose poysonous Sting causes such intolerable Itching that those who are stung by them cannot forbear to scratch themselves till the Blood comes by which their Sores festering prove often very dangerous Also the Muringoins who are so much the less dangerous The Muringoins because they make always a great noise before they sting Wasps likewise are here very troublesom but their Stings are cur'd with Rue as the Stings of Scorpions are with the Juice press'd out of the same Animal The Wood-Lice which are here in great abundance Wood-Lice have a soft and white Body onely the Head which is mark'd with a black Speck their Mouthes are so very hard that in two hours time they eat through thick Chests And no less damage do the Banettos But the Chigos are a kind of small Fleas that breed in Dust Ashes and the like Chigos and are of all the most pernicious they first get in under the Nails of the Toes and from thence run over all the Body but especially the bottoms of the Feet where they first occasion an Itching and then eat Holes through the Skin they make Blisters as big as Pease in the Flesh wherein a swarm of young ones breeding cause Ulcers and rotten Flesh which must be eaten away with Aqua-fortis and burnt Allom. SECT XII Eustathius Situation of Eustathius EUstathius which is rather a Mountain rising out of the Ocean like a Sugar-Loaf than an Island lies at seventeen Degrees and forty Minutes It hath scarce five Leagues in circumference yet receiv'd some while since a Colony of above sixteen hundred People sent thither from the States of the United Netherlands under the Command of the Lords Lampsen and Ree Besides the natural Strength of the Place whereby a few are able to keep off a great number it is fortifi'd with a strong Fort which Commands the Harbor The Inhabitants are very industrious and make great profit of the Tobacco which they Plant. In the midst of this Island is a Mountain over-grown with Trees which seems to end in a Point and hath about it a pleasant Plain The abundance of Fowls Hogs and Goats afford the Inhabitants store of Provisions for their Store-houses are never so empty but that they can supply their Neighbors Wants The want of fresh-water Brooks they supply with Rain-water which they preserve in Cisterns Though the Air of the Island be wholsom and the Soil fruitful yet it is subject to many great Inconveniences for besides the terrible Thunder-claps and Earthquakes that rend the Ground Terrible Hurricanes the Inhabitants are exceedingly troubled in August and September with the Winds which in twenty four hours blow from all Points of
brought out which for that reason they call'd Urca whose Hearts having torn out they began their Prayers afresh saying Mighty Viracocha thus do thou pull out the Hearts of our Enemies For the prosperity of the Ingas they kill'd in an open Field black Dogs by them call'd Appurucos whose Flesh was eaten with many Ceremonies by People appointed for that purpose They made Offerings also to the Fountains Rivers Brooks and Sea-shells under pretence that those Shells were Daughters of the Ocean and the Ocean the Father of Streams and Springs when they had Sow'n their Fields their Priests chose to that Office went from House to House to gather such Offerings as every one was pleas'd to give which they laid at the Banks of several Sluces at the time when the Water began to rise there thinking by that Oblation to keep them from over-flowing their Lands and washing away their Seed In all places where two Rivers joyn'd together they wash'd themselves having first bedaub'd themselves all over with stamp'd Maiz and afterwards look'd upon themselves as well purg'd from Sin which power they ascrib'd to their Baths To strangle Children between four and ten years of Age was never us'd unless upon the Inga's being sick or when he receiv'd the Royal Tassel that from the death of the Children he might receive Health or Reign prosperously The fore-mention'd Nuns that were chose to attend on the King 's were also strangled when the Inga was sick nay sometimes a Father would Offer his Son to Viracocha on the Sun-Priest's suggestion That by his Son's death he would recover from his Sickness Praying to the foremention'd Deity that they would be pleas'd to save the sick Father because the Son had with his Death paid for his Fathers This kind of Cruelty the Devil seem'd to prompt the Heathens to by making use of Abraham's Example who prepar'd his Son Isaac for a Sacrifice on Mount Moria and that it was a Practice amongst the antient Ammonites and Moabites and other Heathens by which even the Children of Israel were apt to be seduc'd appears from the Scripture it self the Ceremonies of which bruitish Customs with the seven Brazen Chambers of Moloch may be seen describ'd by Rabbi Solomon At the fore-mention'd Chasquis a course was taken to carry all that desir'd to every Temple through the whole Kingdom of Peru where the Inhabitants receiv'd them with great Reverence having before confess'd all their sins to their Yahuries or Father-Confessors Their manner of Confessions who being chosen to that Office with a great deal of Ceremony impos'd greater or lesser Penances according to the sins of the Penitent those that were suspected to have conceal'd any of their sins were put to cast Lots or had the Entrails of the Beasts which they had kill'd to that purpose consulted about them and thereby were discover'd if they had conceal'd any of their sins which whenever it hapned the Priests falling upon the false Penitents thump'd them with a Stone on their Backs so long till they had confess'd all their Faults which the Priest was not to reveal on pain of Death but to make Expiatory Offerings The sins about which they were Examin'd were chiefly Theft Murder Adultery preparing of Poyson or sleighting their Inga or Gods for each of which Transgressions they had several kinds of Punishments When the Inga fell sick all People in general were forc'd to come and make Confession of their sins also every one went to his Confessor when he was in trouble or expected some Misfortune to befall him The Inga himself Confess'd his sins to none but the Sun which he desir'd to relate to Viracocha and to beg pardon of him for the same which done he bath'd himself in a running Stream and cry'd I have made my sins known to thee O Sun do thou O River wash away mine Iniquities and discharge them into the Sea that they may never be more laid to my charge which custom of Bathing call'd Opacuna waâ— also us'd by all other Penitents Their Penances A Father losing his Son by Death was censur'd for a great Sinner wherefore he could not be permitted to be Confess'd before he had been whipp'd with Nettles by a cetain ill-look'd Officer appointed for that end after which their Fathers Ychuris enjoyn'd such Penances as they thought fit some were order'd to fast several days others to pay rich Garments Silver Gold or the like others receiv'd a certain number of Blows some were condemn'd to live on the Mountains excluded from the society of all Men. If their Sorcerers at any time foretold a Fathers Death then he immediately Sacrifis'd his Son that with his Death he might buy his own Life The Esteem of their Soothsayers No People were more respected than their Soothsayers as Men that could discover private Thefts Accidents that hapned in remote Countreys and also future Events and so far their Credit amongst the Vulgar carried them that they undertook to tell the Spaniards when their Countrey-men should be Conquerors and when defeated in the War they maintain'd against the Netherlanders There were also cunning Women who making themselves dead Drunk with Chica with which they mix'd the Herb Viloa and afterwards coming to themselves again answer'd all the Questions that were proposed to them Their monthly Feasts The Peruvians kept two sorts of Feasts the first at certain times the others on special occasions the set-Feasts were kept Monethly on the first Moneth Rayme agreeing with our last Moneth December as aforesaid they kept the great Feast Capacrayme on which they brought Multitudes of Sheep and Lambs for Burnt-offerings besides Silver and Gold Not far from the Fire stood three Carv'd Images of the Sun and three others representing Thunder and this was generally the Day of the Installation of the young Inga's which was after this manner The chief Priest boring a Hole through his Ear cover'd the upper part of his Body with the holy Cloth Guaras whilest the inferior Priests whipt him with knotted Cords and painted his Face with the Blood During these Ceremonies no Stranger was suffer'd to remain in Cusco but after the Feast was ended they all return'd and as before receiv'd Cakes bak'd of Maiz and Blood as a testimony that they lov'd and honor'd the Inga The Destruction of the old Empire of Peru foretold As to the Prognostications and Fore-runners of the destruction of the old Empire of Peru it is reported that Guaynacava Father of the last King Attabaliba lying on his Death-bed in Quito said to his Princes This Realm at present rais'd to the highest top of Eminency is hastning towards its Ruine and though our Kingdom remain as yet freee from foreign Invasion the Countreys round about are already conquer'd and in Slavery The Gods have call'd strange People from unknown Regions who by degrees will reach us also With me who am the twelfth Inga dies the Dominion of the mighty Peru. A People of other Fashions and
in the Plain of Chupas the Dispute was long and resolute on both sides and the Night coming on made the Fight the more terrible in which the Victory inclin'd to Castro however the Almagrians stood to it stoutly for a great while and that chiefly through the valor of the Captains Balboa and Christopher Losa who breaking in amongst the Castreans hack'd and hew'd down all they came near till at last they were forc'd to betake themselves to flight and had not many of them exchang'd their white Scarfs with the red of the slain Castreans scarce any of them had escap'd from being kill'd in the pursuit and most of them that did escape were slain the next Morning by the Peruvians Deliver'd up Prisâ—ner by Salazar and Beheaded Rodrigo Salazar Almagro's Deputy deliver'd up his Lord to Castro who condemn'd him to death whereupon he was immediately Beheaded with a Sword This Battel hapned on the twenty sixth of September Anno 1542. when it Froze so hard the following Night that most of those that were left wounded upon the place were frozen to death Thus Castro began his Government with Blood and made it his first Business to make a Discovery by several of his Captains whom he sent for that purpose of the Countreys lying Eastward from Peru lying upon the great River De la Plata and the River Marannon where in most places they met onely with salvage People and for the most part Man-eaters and in one place where they Landed a great Fish resembling a Dog came ashore and kill'd several Arm'd Soldiers A year and a half Castro had liv'd in Cusco when at the arrival of the Vice-Roy Blascus Nunnez Vela all things were turn'd topsie-turvy he being sent thither by the Emperor Charles the Fifth accompanied by four Councellors Diego Sepada Lison Tejada Juan Alvarez and Peter Ortiz to curb the Spaniards Villanies and Outrages committed against the Peruvians entred Tumbez Anno 1544. where he immediately publish'd the Emperor's Edicts which were to this effect The Emperor's Proclamation in behalf of the Indians All Peruvians are to be releas'd from Slavery no Spaniard shall in the least oppress them nor make use of their Service without rewarding them for the same nor take any Provisions of them without paying for it This Proclamation was like to put the Spaniards into an uproar for at that time a Peruvian Lord was forc'd to allow every Foot-Soldier three Slaves Ill resented by the Spaniards and a Horseman five besides Hens Rabbets Eggs the Wine Azun and other Provisions for nothing The general Complaints were Is this the Reward for our Service which we have shewn to the Emperor Is not this mighty Kingdom of Peru by our Blood and Labor joyn'd to the Imperial Crown Our Shoulders are grown sore under our Arms our Bodies made useless with Wounds and our Limbs lame'd with Bruises Who shall maintain our Wives and Children if the Peruvians who according to the Law of Arms are become our Slaves should not be forc'd to fish for Pearls in the Sea and dig us Silver out of the Mines and do us other Service for to maintain us But Vela being deaf to these Complaints resolv'd that the Emperor's Commands should be fulfill'd and that those that spake against them should lose their Lives and that he might terrifie the generality with the punishment of a few he caus'd Fryer Peter of the Order of the Virgin Mary to be Executed in Truxillo Castro to be committed to Prison at Lima because he had put Almagro to death without Examination and shut the Gates of Cusco when his Agent came before the same But do what he could the Spaniards generally making Head utterly refus'd to obey the Emperor's Edicts and chose Gonsalvo Pizarro for their General who rais'd five hundred Men in compleat Arms in Cusco from whence he march'd directly with them to Los Reyos Pizarro marches against the Vice-Roy Vela under pretence to deliver a Petition there to the Vice-Roy's Council about deferring to put the new Edicts in force till the Emperor was better inform'd of the present Condition of the Peruvian State twenty great Field-pieces being also order'd to follow Pizarro's Army were carried by the Peruvians over craggy Mountains to each Gun without the Carriage were order'd three hundred Men of whom twelve at a time carried it in their turns a hundred Paces a piece though several eminent Persons considering the weightiness of the Affair forsook Pizarro's Party and went privately to the Vice-Roy as on the other side many deserting the Vice-Roy joyn'd with Pizarro who being not a little supply'd by Peter Puelles Governor of Guanaca took several of those that had deserted him Prisoners and put them all to death whilest the Vice-Roy made what Preparations possibly he could Hanging many innocent Persons onely on suspicion of holding Correspondency with Pizarro insomuch that there was no end of Murdering on both sides But Vela clashing with his Councellors Vela clashing with the Commissioners is seiz'd upon because they would not consent that he should ruine Los Reyos resolv'd to do it without them and to that end to remove the Emperor's Seal Staple of Trade and Courts of Judicature to Truxillo and to spoil the Countrey all about which as he was about to put in Execution they privately got Captain Martin Robles and Vela's Lifeguard consisting of a hundred Men on their side whilest the common People mutinying broke into the Palace took Vela and carried him to the chief Church in Los Reyos where the four Councellors were assembled who order'd that the Prisoner should be Shipt and sent away to Spain when Alvares Cueto lying in the Harbor with ten Sail threatned to fall upon the Inhabitants if they would not release the Vice-Roy whereupon the Councellors well provided with Guns rais'd several Batteries against his Ships so that Cueto finding himself too weak set four of his Vessels on fire and Sail'd with the rest to the Haven Guavara where being set upon by Diego Garzias he was forc'd to deliver the remaining part of his Fleet up to the Councellors who sent Vela away with the same under the Command of Didaco Alvaradez But Pizarro who till this time had pretended that he sought nothing else but Vela's Departure march'd close to the Walls of Los Reyos with twelve hundred Men Hang'd three Citizens upon a Tree requir'd the Councellors to grant him Letters Patents by which he might be acknowledg'd for the Supream Governor of Peru which if they refus'd he threatned to put all that were in the City to the Sword and upon Consultation it was judg'd convenient to grant his Demands the rather because they had not above fifty fighting Men in the City Mean while Didaco Alvaradez making an Agreement with the Vice-Roy Being Shipt for Spain is brought back by Alvaradez they return'd back with their Ships and Landed in the Haven Mouth of the River Tumbez rais'd what Forces they
for Ruminagua guarded the Way with twelve hundred Indians digg'd Pits in the same and filling them with sharp Poles cover'd them slightly over with Canes and Earth all which Bevalcazar shunning went about fell in upon the Rere of the Enemy and after a small Resistance conquer'd the City Quito Mean while Ferdinand Cortesio sent Petro Alvarado from New Spain who taking Guatimala receiv'd a Commission from the Spanish Court to subdue the Northern parts of Peru. Soon after which Garcias Holgua being sent with two Ships to enquire concerning the State of Peru brought News back That Francisco Pizarro had gotten an unvaluable Treasure at Caxamalca which so stirr'd up Alvarado that he Landed five hundred Men at Puerto Viejo march'd in great want of Provisions over the Mountains Acabucos and had he not accidentally found a Pond of sweet Water in a Thicket of Canes both Men and Horses had all perish'd at last upon his approaching Quito the Governor thereof being Bevalcazar not enduing to suffer an Equal drew up all his Men in Battel array but some Persons interceding between them He comes to an Agreement with Alvarado they were soon reconcil'd and Alvarado being bought out with a great sum of Money deserted Quito where after Gonsalvo Pizarro had remaind'd a considerable time he march'd Eastward of the Province which produces abundance of Cinamon whither he was accompanied by two hundred Spaniards and four thousand Peruvians against whom the Natives dwelling on the Borders of Los Quixos fought very valiantly till Night approaching when they all ran away after which resting a while there arose a mighty Tempest of Thunder and Lightning accompanied with a dreadful Earthquake which swallow'd above five hundred Houses whole Woods and Fields whilest an unknown River burst out of the Earth and overflow'd all the Countrey insomuch that Pizarro expected nothing but a speedy Ruine Pizarro and his Army driven to great Straights in regard no Provisions were to be found in all the Countrey at last getting on the top of the nearest Mountain he lost many of his Men who were frozen to death with excessive Cold. From thence marching to the County Zumaque he got plenty of Provision and Cinamon which grows on great Trees in the Woods the Leaves thereof resemble the Laurel the Fruit grows in little Berries the Root and Bark have a strong odoriferous smell Thence travelling to the Town Coca he found a mighty Cataract of Water falling from a Rock above fifteen hundred Ells high insomuch that the noise in calm Weather was heard six Leagues off Pizarro leaving his sick People in Zumaque went onely with a few Eastward from Coca to the Plain Countrey Guema full of Moorish Grounds the Inhabitants whereof went naked at last he came to the great River Maranon which falls from the Mountains near Quito and extends with several windings above eight hundred Leagues in length and at the Mouth thereof is fifteen Leagues broad which at that time overflowing all the Countrey he judg'd it convenient to build a Brigantine making the Shoes of the dead Horses serve for Iron-work his Mens Shirts for Sails and a Gum which was to be had there for Tar and having Lanch'd their Vessel and put all their Baggage and sick People into the same they Sail'd close along the Shore on which Pizarro made his Way through Brambles and Canes or went over in the Brigantine whensoe're he espy'd a better Path on the other side in which manner they were gone two hundred Leagues down the River with no other Food but wild Fruit and Roots when Captain Franciscus Orellana was order'd to Sail away before with five Men and seek out for Provisions and at every Stream which fell cross-ways out of the Countrey into the great River Orellana corss'd in his Designs dies for grief he was to leave a Mann'd Boat but Orellana in few days drove down so far with the swift River that he saw no likelihood or getting up again in a whole year neither could he find any Provisions but fought daily with the Indians who came stoutly to Board him in little Boats amongst whom he was inform'd also that thereabouts liv'd the Amazon Women that Warr'd continually against their Neighbors and at last he came into the Northern Ocean But Orellana Sailing to Spain obtain'd a Commission to be Governor of the Amazons Countrey whither he steer'd his Course with five hundred Men in three Ships but Landing at the Canaries they all ran away from him which so incens'd Orelland that he soon after dy'd with Grief Mean while Pizarro inform'd by a Spaniard whom Orellana had put ashore that the Brigantine was by the strong Current carried into the Ocean knew not what to do his People since their departure from Quito having travell'd above four hundred Leagues had eaten most of their Horses Many dy'd by feeding on unwholsom Herbs others fell down dead for Hunger or tir'd out with toilsom Travel their Clothes rotted by the Rain hung upon them like Rags their Shoes were worn out their Feet full of Blisters their Bodies sadly mangled with Brambles and Thorns for no place afforded them a Boat Pizarro leaving the River Maranon The miserable Condition of Pizarro's Men. went another Way no less troublesom for steep Rocks and inaccessible Mountains The Valleys through which they went began now to be strew'd with dead and sick Bodies who were not able to follow the Army which march'd very fast every one judging to be so much nearer his preservation the farther he could get Those that fainted call'd continually on their Friends for help but the Horses were grown too weak to carry them Every one saw nothing but Death before his Eyes wherefore though call'd by their dearest and most intimate Friends that lay a dying they never look'd back their compassion towards others being turn'd into fear and care of themselves The Forsaken implor'd their Saints and besought Pizarro for aid but finding their Complaints to be in vain and raging through despair they wish'd all the rest the same success and the like Friends whenever they should be in the like Condition Pizarro extreamly griev'd and troubled that he had brought the People into this Misery sent a few Horsemen before to Quito to carry the sad News of his deplorable Condition that they might immediately send Provisions to him which he receiving when he was within fifty Leagues from the said City Quito distributed amongst those that were left alive who being also almost starv'd eat so greedily that several of them were chok'd the remainder were kept a considerable time in Garrison under the Command of Pizarro in Quito Which City built in a pleasant place grew very populous in the Year 1544. there being several Gold-Mines found about the same in that time But this lasted not long for Quito siding with the Vice-Roy Blasco Nunnez Vela against Gonsalvo Pizarro Quito very much defac'd by siding with Vela against Gonsalvo Pizarro most of
and from thence to the River Omapalchas inhabited on both sides by the Cheriabones and Marquires who oppos'd him in his crossing over the River but meeting with nothing but barren Commons he travell'd up along the River and view'd the Countreys Moios Cochabamba and Chuguiabo from whence he return'd to Collao having lost most of his People by Hunger and Hardship But not long after others went over the Andes to the Countreys which extend themselves East and West some whereof travell'd through Camata and others through Cochabamba Towns and Places of note The principal Towns and Places of Trade in it are 1. Bombon situate upon the Lake Chinchacocha said to be ten Leagues in compass begirt round about almost with Hills and having neighborhood with many other lesser but pleasant Villages 2. Parcos once a Palace Royal of the Ingas seated on the top of a little Hill encompass'd with other Rocky and higher Mountains on all sides 3. San Juan de Vittoria which the Marquess Pizarro built Anno 1539. to secure the Way between Lima and Cusco from the Assaults of the Peruvians before he absolutely conquer'd this Kingdom the Walls are wash'd by a sweet Stream to the great convenience of the Citizens 4. Guamanga a City lying in a pleasant Plain under a healthful Climate built with Stone-houses cover'd with Tyles the Owners whereof have great store of Land which they Sowe with Wheat and also breed plenty of Cattel To this City which is adorn'd with three Churches five Cloysters and a large Alms-house above thirty thousand Peruvians bring annual Tribute The Mines produce Gold Silver Copper Iron Lead Sulphur and Load-stones near which grows the poysonous Herb Mio which kills the Cattel that chance to eat thereof In the Woods also hereabouts feeds a Beast whose Piss stinks at a Miles distance This City is by some deliver'd to be the same with San Juan de la Vittoria above mention'd 5. Bilcas another Palace of the Ingas now a good Town of the Natives and situate as is suppos'd in the very midst of the Countrey of Peru. 6. Guancavelica a new Town rais'd from the condition of a very poor Village to a Place of very great Importance and Traffick onely by the Mines of Quicksilver which were first discover'd there in the Year 1566. by Amador Cabrera through the assistance of a Peruvian nam'd Mavincopa This Cabrera selling his Interest for a hundred and fifty thousand Ducats Su'd the Buyer upon pretence that he had sold it above one half under the value whilest this was depending Peter Ferdinando de Valasco came from Mexico to Guamanga to make trial of the cleansing of Silver by Quicksilver and finding it to succeed according to his expectation he sent great quantities of it to Arica and from thence by Land to Potosi The King of Spain is said to receive from this Mine of Guancavelica all his Charges defray'd above a thousand Pound per Annum for his usual fifth part But the antient Natives regarded not these Mines so much for the Quicksilver as for the Vermilion which is found mix'd with it wherewith they delighted very much to paint their Bodies There is great Art now us'd in the separating of the Quicksilver from the Vermilion This Town was long since inhabited by two thousand Spaniards at least and twice as many Natives 7. Cusco which is the Metropolis of the Kingdom of Peru built on a hard Ground surrounded with Mountains under a cold yet wholsom Climate and wash'd by two Rivers which on the East side of Cusco parting one runs direct West and the other Southward The original of the City Cusco One part of the City antiently bore the Denomination of Haran-Cusco and the second Oren-Cusco where the chief Nobility and most antient Families dwelt Concerning the original of this Place the Peruvians say That several Ages past there appear'd three Men call'd Ayrache Aranca and Ajarmango and with them three Women nam'd Mamacola Mamacona and Mamaragua all of them very richly Cloth'd that Ayrache had a Precious Stone at the end of a Truncheon which by holding up he rais'd the Mountains to the Skies and when he let it fall levell'd them with the lowest Valleys Aranca and Ajarmango concluded to build a stately City and sent for People from remote Countries to inhabit it with which Design the Natives thereabouts seem'd to be well pleas'd but before they went to work they judg'd it convenient to destroy Ayrache whose great Power they envy'd This being resolv'd upon they invited him to a deep narrow-mouth'd Cave that there they might worship the Sun his Father for so Descended he took upon him to be he was no sooner entred but the rest shut the Mouth of the Cave with great Stones hoping so to starve him to death which Ayrache observing stood amaz'd a while till at last he threw off all the Stones and flew with great and divers colour'd Wings up into the Air crying aloud Fear not Aranca and Ajarmango though you have design'nd to take away my Life but build a City in this place and call it Cusco for in it shall stand the Seat of the Ingas under whose Jurisdiction on extending far and near many great Nations shall bow The Temple which the Gods have there design'd shall not onely exceed all other Structures in the World in Art and Costliness but be famous for strange Offerings to the Sun If the Citizens build Altars for me burn Myrrh and make Offerings to me they may certainly expect to vanquish all their Enemies and increase their Power According to my Example bore Holes through your Ears as a sign of Obedience All which Aranca Ajarmango and the fore-mention'd Women promis'd to perform Whereupon Ayrache gave them a rich Diadem with a Tassel which was to be the Head-Ornament of the succeeding Ingas which they had no sooner receiv'd but Ayrache and Aranca were turn'd into Stones yet retaining their former shape which Ajarmango observing fell straight together with the three Women upon building the City Cusco After the Deluge breaking out of the Hole Tambo he chang'd his Name of Ajarmango for Mangocapa that is Mighty Lord and made himself as they say the first Peruvian King The City Cusco was divided into four Wards the East call'd Andosayo the South Callasayo the North Chinchasuyo and the West Condesayo every one one so call'd from the Countreys to which the Gates of the four Wards are oppos'd If any one coming out of another Countrey setled himself in Cusco as it hapned daily he was permitted to dwell no where but in that Ward which fronted his native Countrey The four high Streets which through these Wards one way fall into the Market-place being in the middle of the City are the other way answerable to the four principal High-ways viz. that which leads to Quito and Pasto through Chinchasuyo to Arehuipa through Condesuyo to the Mountains Andes through Andesuyo and to Chili through Collasuyo The two Rivers before
is said to have left the greatest part of his Men dead behind him But this is chiefly towards the Andes and on the Sea-Coast the more Inland parts of it though mountainous also in some parts yet are more temperate and being also well water'd with Rivers are much more fruitfull than the other affording both Wheat and Maiz and likewise other Grain excellent Pasturage in many places and great store of Cattel Wine Honey and not without many and rich Mines both of Gold and Silver The Natives of this Countrey were found to be the most stout and warlike of all the Americans that the Spaniards had hitherto met withal fighting with them and oftentimes defeating them in the open Field surprizing and sacking their Towns and last of all taking their Captain and Commander in Chief Prisoner This was Pedro Baldivia one of those good Men that consented to the death of Attabaliba the last King of Peru after a greater Ransom accepted and paid then perhaps the King of Spain could well raise on a sudden if he had occasion to use it for himself Pedro Baldivia taken Prisoner and put to death by the Arucans The Arucans for so are the People call'd that had him Prisoner are said to have Entertain'd him for a while with great Jollity and Feasting but for his last Draught gave him a Cup of melted Gold which the poor Man was forc'd to take down and so died a cruel though costly Death The whole Province generally is divided first into Chile specially so call'd and secondly Magellanica or that part which lieth more Southward down to the Straights of Magellan SECT II. Chile properly so call'd The Bounds of Chile specially so call'd CHile specially so call'd is border'd Northward with the Desart and barren Countrey of Acatama above mention'd on the South with Magellanica on the West with Mare del Zur Eastward and to the North-East with some parts of Paraguay or rather with some undiscover'd Countreys lying betwixt them both The length of it from North to South is reckon'd to be little less than three hundred Leagues and generally of a fruitful Soil affording besides abundance of Gold and Silver both Corn Cattel Vineyards and divers sorts of Fruits equal both for kind and plenty to Spain it self and sundry other parts of Europe The Air likewise temperate and the People in their Manners and Conditions come much nearer to the Civility and likewise subtilty of the Europeans than other Americans did which doubtless may be attributed to the conformity of the Climates under which they lie agreeable to those of Europe though otherwise in respect of the Sphere and Seasons of the Year there be a diametrical difference betwixt us As for Example their Spring beginning in September which is our Autumn and their Autumn in March which is our Spring their longest Day being that of St. Lucy on the eleventh of December which is our shortest and their shortest being St. Barnabas viz. the eleventh of June which is our longest c. Towns and Places of Importance The Towns of chiefest note and importance in this Province are 1. Gopiapo an old Town in the most Northerly parts of this Province towards the Sea where it hath a very commodious Haven belonging to it 2. La Serena a Town situate on the Banks of Coquimbo a pleasant River a little above its Influx into the Sea built by Baldivia in the Year 1544. the Countrey about very rich in Mines of Gold and the Town it self so well Garrison'd for fear of the Natives that when the English under Sir Francis Drake about fourscore years since attempted the gaining of the Place they found hot Service of it being stoutly resisted and beaten back again to their Ships by a Sally of no less than three hundred good Horse and two hundred Foot 3. St. Jago the principal Town of the Province a Bishop's See and the ordinary Residence of the Governor lying on the Banks of the River Tapocalma in the thirty fourth Degree of Southern Latitude fifteen Leagues distant from the South Sea at which it hath a very commodious and much frequented Haven which they call Valparayso and where the English met with better fortune as hath been said already in the report of Sir Francis Drake's Voyage TABULE MEGELLANICA QUA TIERRAE DEL FUEGO 〈…〉 5. Los Confines a Fronteer Town built by the aforesaid Baldivia for defence of the rich Mines of Gold at Angol a Place near adjoyning 6. La Imperiale another strong Garrison of this Place on the Banks of the River Cauten near to which that great Battel was fought where Baldivia with divers other Soldiers were taken Prisoners who were no otherwise overcome but by being over-wearied with killing of their Enemies and by that means not able to make their Retreat 7. Villarica another Colony of the Spaniards in these Parts sixteen Leagues distant from Imperiale and twenty five from the Sea 8. Baldivia so nam'd from the Commander Pedro Baldivia who built it in the Valley of Guadallanquen two or three Leagues distant from the Sea where it hath a good and capacious Port but nearer to it the best Mines of Peru so rich that 't is said they yielded Baldivia every day so long as he could enjoy them twenty five thousand Crowns 9. Osorno a Town lying in the Bay of Chilue in a barren Soil but otherwise neither less rich nor less populous than Baldivia it self These three last mention'd Towns viz. Baldivia Imperiale and Osorno were in the Years 1596 1699 and 1604 surpriz'd by the Araucanes and other Salvages confederate with them sack'd and burnt and though the Spaniards be said to have recover'd and Garrison'd some of them with fresh Soldiers yet how long they were able to hold them or whether they be Masters of them at this day we cannot say 10. Castro the most Southerly Town of the whole Province built on a certain Island within the Bay of Chilue 11. Mondoza and 12. St. Juan de la Frontera both which lie towards Paraguay and Rio de la Plata but on the other side of the Andes forty Leagues distant from any of those we have spoken of and perhaps more not above a hundred from Buenos Ayres and the Atlantick Ocean SECT III. Magellanica Situation and Description of Magellanica MAgellanica the other part of this Province is bounded Northward with Chile abovesaid and some parts of the Countrey De la Plata on the South with the narrow Sea call'd Magellans Straights having Mare del Zur on the West and on the East the Atlantick Ocean It contains in length from the Borders of Chile to the Mouth of the Straights a hundred Leagues and in breadth from the North to the South Sea somewhat more viz. towards Chile and the North-West parts of it for towards the South and South-West it straitens still more and more insomuch that they who resemble the Southern part of America to the form of a
Hangman return'd to his Business cutting off the Portuguese's Nose Ears Privy-Members and tearing out his Heart which he threw to two Dogs who devour'd the same then dividing the Body into Quarters which were set up at the four Corners of the City for an Example The same Punishment receiv'd a Mulatto who endeavor'd to fire two of the Hollanders best Ships in the Haven Notwithstanding these Punishments the Soldiers ran away daily the blame whereof might justly be laid on the Magistrates who took no notice of the Soldiers just Complaints of their Officers cheating them of a third part of their Provision and inflicting severe Punishments upon them as Mutineers when they had real cause of Complaint Schuppe was at the same time shrewdly put to it for want of Men who either dy'd of the then reigning Disease or ran away to the Enemy so that he was forced to leave the Island Taperica and inclose himself within his new rais'd Sconce Admiral Bankert gains a great Victory over the Portuguese Fleet. The Admiral Bankert had better success for Cruising up and down before the Inlet Todos los Sanctos after the taking and sinking of several Ships as they came in his way he at last set upon the Portuguese Fleet consisting of seven great Ships of which one got to St. Salvador another was sunk and the other five were taken being valu'd at twenty Tuns of Gold or 200000 l. Sterl In this Engagement were kill'd above four hundred Portugueses besides two hundred and fifty who were taken Prisoners and sent Shackled to Reciffa Amongst them was the new Vice-Roy of Brasile the Admiral Vice-Admiral three Monks and several other Persons of note Marshal Hous arrives at Reciffa with a fresh Supply This Victory began to give some Breath to Reciffa when at the same time Marshal Hous arriv'd there with seven Ships Mann'd with five hundred Soldiers This Hous on the seventeenth of August Anno 1645. had been taken Prisoner at the Engenho having fought so long till all his Powder was spent so that he was forc'd to surrender himself upon promise of Quarter to Vidal who after he had taken an Oath upon the Bible to spare the Lives of all the Hollanders and Brasilians fell upon the Brasilians and slew them being a hundred in all in Cold-blood who yet sold their Lives at no easie rate Being carry'd Prisoner together with Captain Bristow Listry Wildschut Blar and two hundred more by Viera to Casa de Prugar he was thence sent to Portugal where being releas'd be brought News to the States of the mean Condition of the West-India Company and that all things must needs be lost if they did not speedily take the Business into Consideration Whereupon he was furnish'd with a Supply of Ships and Men with which he set Sail for Brasile where being arriv'd most part of the Soldiers he brought with him were Transported to Taperica to assist Schuppe who as soon as they came to him march'd into the Countrey where being set upon by a thousand Portugueses he lost sixty Men. Soon after Hoogenstraet receiving Orders from the Governor of St. Salvador who was inform'd by some Prisoners that Schuppe had not above twelve hundred fighting Men to fall upon him with three thousand made a furious Assault upon the Sconce in two places and Storming the same for two hours together lost four hundred Men which made him draw off a little before Day-break In the interim nine Privateers fitted out by several Merchants of Holland and Zealand came to Cruise up and down before the Coast of Brasile which the States the rather allow'd of because the West-India Company was not able to send any more Supplies thither Nor was it long ere they took five Portuguese Prizes and afterwards joyning with Bankert four more laden full of Sugar in the Haven Todos los Sanctos where they threw a hundred and twenty Portuguese and fifty revolted Hollanders overboard Reciffa being at that time reduc'd to very great straits earnestly implor'd Aid from the States but to little purpose by reason of the Differences amongst themselves which hapned upon this occasion The Spanish King by his Agent in the Hague made Overtures of Peace and proffer'd to fall upon the Portuguese in Brasile to which Proposition when as the rest of the States seem'd inclinable those of Zealand would no ways hearken being resolv'd to have nothing to do with Spain The Council of Reciffa sent over Messengers to represent the sad condition of the Place The news of this Dissention exceedingly perplex'd the Council at Reciffa especially when to that news was added that Bankert the onely terror to the Enemy at Sea was Commanded home by the States of Zealand which yet the General States strictly forbad Whereupon they thought fit to send one of their Assembly to the Hague to make the States acquainted with the miserable Condition of Brasile and to Expostulate with them for their insensibility of their Condition and to let them understand that ten thousand Men would not restore Brasile to its former Condition Every one strove to be the Messenger of these sad tydings but especially their President Schonenbergh wish'd it might be his lot to leave the unhappy Countrey of Brasile but because his departure would not have been without great murmuring of the People Haeks was sent in his stead Together with him went Hinderson who was in no esteem since the Destruction on Rio Grande they both Embarqu'd on Bankert's Ship and five others which in stead of being laden with rich Commodities and ballasted with Sugar as heretofore were fraught with discontented Seamen decrepid and sick Soldiers unserviceable Jews poor Travellers Portuguese Prisoners and onely ten Weeks Provisions whereas all other Vessels at their Return from Brasile us'd to have Provision for three Moneths which at this time could not be spar'd The Council also made Orders what Persons should go with the fore-mention'd Ships viz. None but those whose Names were written in the Lists which had stuck six Weeks at every Church Door that by that means no Creditor might suffer by his Debtors going away nor any Criminal escape his deserved punishament Bankert had scarce been a Week at Sea when he dy'd of the Palsie Bankert's Death and Character he was a Man who for his valiant Exploits was from a Fore-mast Man preferr'd to be Captain which Office he perform'd with great Prudence and Valor but that which first made him most eminently taken notice of was his Engaging with thirteen Dunkirkers of which he sunk three and being boarded by three more and fir'd at by the rest he refus'd to surrrender his Ship on promise of Quarter but plac'd his eldest Son with a lighted Match in the Powder-room commanding him on pain of Death to blow up the Ship with the three Dunkirkers as soon as he gave the Word which valorous Resolution so amaz'd the Enemy that they let him go He also behav'd himself bravely in the Downs
Brasilian Council they held a Consultation together how to raise Moneys for the fitting out of twenty Ships and five Ketches for the Relief of Brasile The Admiral De Wit returning home was upon the accusation of the Council in Brasile and the General Sigismond Schuppe made Prisoner in the Hague and together with him the other five Captains that went with him were Committed by the Admiralty for returning without the Consent of the Council but they were soon releas'd by the Magistrates of Amsterdam who upon the Admiralties refusing to deliver them commanded their Provost-Marshal to break open their Prison Doors De Wit releas'd from Prison justifies his Return De Wit after his Releasement justifi'd what he had done before a full Assembly of the States and alledg'd that it was according to the Orders he receiv'd when he undertook this Expedition The Portuguese Agent Sousa Macede obtaining Audience of the States told them how ready the King his Master had been to come to a perfect Agreement of Peace with them but that their own Acts of Hostility had been the occasion of the breach of that Treaty of Peace that had been concluded on that the Robberies and Insolencies committed by those Portugueses under their Jurisdiction was not any way authoris'd or countenanc'd by him lastly he offer'd them free Trade to Brasile eighty Tun of Gold to the West-India Company 800000 l. to the Orphans and Widows in Zealand and payment of all private Debts But making no mention of restoring the Places in Brasile he seem'd to mock the States who resented it so much that they would admit of no farther Conference with him Mean while the West-India Companies Business in Brasile went daily more and more to ruine insomuch that in the Year 1654. they lost all their Forts and Places of Strength and Habitation and amongst them Reciffa the chief Residence of the Council of Brasile Schuppe Haeks and Schonenbergh declare the Reasons of the loss of Reciffa who returning home brought nothing but a doleful Relation of their unfortunate Proceedings Schuppe Haeks and Schonenbergh made each of them a long Oration setting forth the sad Condition of the Place and the Miseries they had endur'd a long time before they left it also excusing their total quitting thereof to the Enemy by the great want of Provisions and other Supplies which they so often had written for in vain at least receiv'd short of what their Necessities requir'd and by the Clamours of the Soldiers who were ready upon all occasions to Mutiny or Revolt as appear'd by their crying out upon the discovery of a Fleet of Portuguese upon the Coast Behold our Deliverers from the Netherlanders Tyranny lastly by the growing Power of their Enemies which they could not have resisted though they themselves had been much stronger than they were But the West-India Company sensibly touch'd at the thoughts of their Losses were not satisfi'd with the Relation of Schonenbergh Haeks and Schuppe but requir'd a Journal of every days Transactions or Testimonies to confirm the truth of their Relation They also demanded an Account of the Condition of the Store-houses when Reciffa was surrendred and fell upon them with several Interrogatories viz. Why the Fort Afogados was forsaken Why the Garrisons were not drawn in from the North to Reciffa Why they did not keep footing on the Land and guard those Places they had left when Reciffa was lost Why they made such ado for want of Provisions and Ammunition to dishearten the People Why the Money proffer'd by several Citizens was not taken Why they did not burn the Enemy's Fleet since according to the opinion of several it might easily have been done How they could testifie the Sedition of the Soldiers since none of their Commanders complain'd of it Whether they us'd any Means to encourage the Besieged Who did and who did not consent to the Surrender Whether no better Terms could have been made They are try'd at a Council of War In fine they prevail'd with the States to secure Schonenbergh Haeks and Schuppe in their Houses and on the ninth of September Anno 1654. brought them before a Council of War in the Hague where the chief things objected against them were That the Portuguese had gotten by the Conquest of Reciffa above two hundred Brass Guns most of them Demi-Culverins and four hundred Iron Guns valu'd together at ten hundred thousand Rixdollars That the Store-houses were sufficiently stock'd with Provision and Ammunition That they took care to secure their own Goods but left what belong'd to the West-India Company as a Prey to the Enemy Their Pleas. Schuppe on his part alledg'd that he could do nothing of himself as being under the Command of the Brasilian Council Haeks and Schonenbergh pleaded the want of Men by reason of the many that daily dropt from them either by Death or Defection to the Enemy and those that remain'd unsafe to be trusted as consisting of so many different Nations also their being block'd up at the Sea by the Portuguese Fleet the great want of Ammunition especially Instruments of Fortification lastly the head-strong Resolutions of the Soldiers to deliver up the Place whatever their Officers should determine to the contrary notwithstanding which to shew that it was not quitted upon disadvantageous terms they produc'd the Articles of Agreement upon which it was surrendred to Francisco Governor of Pernambuco In conclusion the Council of War pass'd their Sentence on Schuppe Schuppe condemn d at a Council of War to lose his Salary viz. That he should lose all the Sallary that was due to him from the West-India Company since the twenty sixth of January 1654. when he Sign'd the Agreement with Baretto for the delivering up of Reciffa Thus the Portuguese recover'd full and absolute possession of Brasile yet notwithout fear of an afterclap of War wherefore the Portuguese Agent upon condition of an absolute Peace to be concluded proffer'd the States General in the Hague Satisfaction for the Damages which the West-India Company had sustain'd in Brasile eighty Tun of Gold a free Trade to Brasile and payment of the Debts due to them from several Portugueses in Brasile but told them that to surrender them any Places there was not in the power of the Portuguese Crown On the other side the Spaniard proffer'd to assist them in the total Conquest of Brasile and to restore them those Places they formerly possess'd as soon as they had subdu'd the Portuguese to which the Zealanders began to hearken who being great Losers by the Portugueses Treachery wish'd for nothing more than Revenge but Holland having a great Trade to Portugal was more inclin'd to Peace Whereupon His Majesty of great Britain proffer'd himself to be Mediator between the Portuguese Crown and the United Netherlands and accordingly on the sixth of August Anno 1661. a Peace was concluded with Portugal on these Terms Articles of Peace between Portugal and the Vnited Netherlands I.
when he went to visit sick or wounded Men. Their manner of curing the Sick and bewailing the Dead The Distempers in America differ much from the European not onely in the Signs of any Distemper but also in the Cure for when a Distemper cannot be cur'd by the prescribed Medicines a Father or Mother sends for the Neighbors to know if they can find any means to cure the Disease which Custom was anciently observ'd amongst the Greeks They also strictly observe a Rule in their Diet and take care to keep the Patient out of the Sun in the Day and cold Winds in the Night however if their Fathers and Mothers be sick nevertheless they leave not off their usual Dancing and Singing but if the sick Person die especially a Father they lament and cry over the Corps like Wolves calling to one another with a quavering Voice and uttering these Expressions The strong Man is deceas'd who carry'd so many Prisoners for a brave Dinner to his House Oh what a quick Hunter and subtil Fisher hath Death bereav'd us of we shall see him no more till our Souls are carry'd beyond the high Mountains where our valiant Predecessors Dance in Rings The Women make the greatest noise and in the midst of their howling embrace one another which lasts six hours and then they put the Body upright into a Grave made like a Hogshead hanging about it divers colour'd Feathers and other things in which the Deceased delighted most when living upon the Grave the nearest Relations place Dishes of Meat both Flesh and Fish and the Liquor Cauou-in that their evil Spirit call'd Aygnan may be reconcil'd by these Offerings and not carry away the Body but when they remove from thence they cover the Grave with the Herb Pindo This Custom is not observ'd by all Brasilians for some eat up their deceased Relations Sect. XIII Grave Maurice his Account of Brasile so far as it concern'd the West-India Company BRasile so far as it concerns the West-India Company extends from the River Real which divides Seregippa and the Lordship of St. Salvador to Maragnan Seregippa it self reaches along the Sea-Coast thirty two Leagues and was first brought under the King of Spain's Jurisdiction by Christovan de Barros Cardoso who being order'd by the King of Spain to Plant this new Countrey invited many People from St. Salvador who built four Sugar-Mills and a Town consisting of a hundred Houses and four hundred Sheds for Cattel but the Town being destroy'd hath nothing left but Heaps of Rubbish and the Cattel either fell into the Netherlanders hands or were devour'd by Tygers the Inhabitants fled back to St. Salvador Many troubles have prevented the re-building of it The fertility of Pernambuco Pernambuco may for its fruitfulness stand in competition with any Place in the World except in those parts where the Soil is sandy and stonie The Fields feed abundance of excellent Cattel the Woods Deer and Fowl the Ocean and Rivers all manner of good Fish It is inhabited but eight Leagues into the Countrey because the nearer the Sea the more convenient it is for Importing and Exporting of Goods neither could the Portuguese by reason of their small number spread themselves farther as also in regard they found great resistance from the Brasilians The Negro's that work in the Sugar-Mills between the River Grande and Francisco amount to four thousand The Cape Verde Mina Angola Ardra and Calabaria generally provide three thousand in a year to supply the number of the Sick or those that run away SECT XIV The Councellor Dussen's Relation of so much of Brasile as concerns the West-India Company THat part of Brasile which the West-India Company have subdu'd by force of Arms on the Continent of America is divided into six Counties viz. Seregippa Pernambuco Itamarica Parayba Rio Grande and Siara The Expedition undertaken by Gysseling and Schuppe made Seregippa desolate the Inhabitants wheof remov'd to the Coast Todos los Sanctos Also Siara which the Portuguese formerly possess'd was thinly inhabited and had a mean Fortress there whither some few Brasilians came now and then to the Netherlanders assistance Pernambuco lying between the Rivers Francisco and Tamarica excells the other Countrey in fruitfulness and pleasantness The Brasilians compare it to a hollow Rock under which fresh Water flows Havens of Pernâ—mbuco Moreover Pernambuco hath several Havens viz. the outermost Road before Reciffa which being in the open Sea is somewhat dangerous but the innermost is secure against all Storms also at the Promontory St. Augustine where the Mouth of the Haven is narrow and dangerous by reason of the Rocks and shallow Grounds the Island Alexio is very fit to Crain Ships in Barra Grande hath a large and safe Inlet convenient for all manner of Vessels yet it is inferior to Cororipa lastly the Havens Jaragoa and Franco are very eminent Amongst the Rivers the chief are Jangades Serinhain Formosa Porto Calvo Rivers Camarigibi Antonio Michael and Francisco Pernambuco also is divided into six Jurisdictions the first and most ancient is Igarazu the second and biggest Olinda the third Serinbain the fourth Porto Calvo the fifth the Alagoas and the sixth Rio Francisco which is the Boundary of Pernambuco on the South Towns of Pernambuco Pernambuco also boasts five Towns viz. Garasu Olinda Maurice-stadt to which also belongs Reciffa Bella Pojuca and Formosa The Villages Moribeca St. Laurence Antonio Amaro and others are also not inferior to little Towns The Countrey is for the most part Hilly but is exceeding fruitful in the Valleys and near the Rivers especially in Sugar-Canes Here are also a hundred and twenty Sugar-Mills of which a great number stand still for want of Negro's Next Pernambuco lies Tamarica which hath onely one Haven one City and twenty three Sugar-Mills of which thirty are onely employ'd This Island produces excellent Grapes and Melons yet is for the most part barren by reason of the Pismires The Countrey Parayba hath its Denomination from the River which washeth it being deep and without any Rocks or Sands on the Banks thereof stand twenty Sugar-Mills two of which are still standing In the Lordship of Rio Grande stands the Town Puntael whose Buildings were ruin'd in the Wars after which the Inhabitants had leave to build them another City on a fruitful Soil The Countrey hereabouts us'd formerly to be very full of Cattel but was not onely bereav'd thereof by the Hollanders and Portuguese but also for the most part made desolate The River which washes the Castle Ceulen affords a convenient and safe Harbor for all sorts of Vessels This Lordship of Rio Grande boasts onely two Sugar-Mills of which one is decay'd so that in all those Parts in Brasile which belong to the West-India Company are a hundred and sixty Sugar-Mills constantly employ'd besides forty six which are about repairing It is scarce to be reckon'd how much Sugar they make yearly in regard through the
Men and the other Captains being Parker North Thornap and Sir Walter Raleigh's Son The Spaniards having a Garrison at Orinoque fir'd very fiercely at the English who suffer'd great damage and amongst divers others Captain Raleigh himself was slain whilest the other five Sail lay near the Island Trinidad under John Pennington's Command who daily fear'd the Spanish Fleet. But Keymes found it very difficult to Land in Orinoque by reason of the Banks along the Shore which Diego de Palameque from Puerto Rico kept strongly guarded therefore going to an even Shore with intention to Land he was so sharply receiv'd by a Body of Spanish Musquetteers that divers of his Men were mortally wounded yet breaking in amongst them he went towards the Gold-Mines to which the Way led through a Wood where the Spaniards lay in Ambuscade but he judg'd himself too weak to do any good upon the Mines one of which belong'd to Peter Rodrigo de Parama a second to Herviano Frontino and the third to Francisco Fashardo The English also were fearful by reason of the Spaniards Cruelties who not long before had flay'd several Merchants alive Raleigh upon Gundamor's Accusation Beheaded so that Keymes contented himself with pillaging and burning the Town St. Thomas which the Spaniards had deserted Soon after which Captain Whitby ran away with a Ship from the Fleet whilest Keymes return'd back to Raleigh who laid several things to his Charge concerning the unnecessary Expence and shame of such an unsuccessful Voyage which so wrought upon Keymes that he offer'd to lay violent hands on himself in his Cabbin At length Raleigh returning to London was accus'd by the Spanish Ambassador Gundamor for the burning St. Thomas urging that his Master resented it so ill that he threatned to wage a War with England if Raleigh was not Executed who notwithstanding he alledg'd That the Spaniards shew'd the first Acts of Hostility against the English who onely defended themselves and that St. Thomas was burnt without his knowledge or Order and that Keymes had not observ'd his Command in the discovering of the Gold-Mines which Apologies were generally look'd upon as real Truths yet the King esteeming the Peace with Spain of more value than one Man's Life without taking notice of Gundemor's Accusations commanded that the Sentence formerly pass'd on him for Treason should be Executed and accordingly in the sixtieth year of his Age he was Beheaded discovering himself by his Christian Behavior and Profession at his Death to be a far other kind of Person than what the World had censur'd him to be Since this last Expedition of Sir Walter Raleigh we find not that there hath been any great Resort or Trade unto this Countrey except by a few Netherland Merchants who have yearly sent eight or nine Ships to the River Orinoque for Tobacco The temperature of the Air. As for the Air or Climate of Guiana it is very differing for about the Amazone River dry Weather begins about August and the windy and rainy Season about February but Westward towards Orinoque the Summer takes beginning in October and the Winter in April the Days and Nights are almost of an equal length and the difference of Heat and Cold is but little Burning-Feavers Dropsie and the Jawnes destroy many People here which last is not unlike the POX and proceeds from carnal Copulation with the Guianian Women who are naturally subject to this Disease The Nature of the Inhabitants The Inhabitants are divided into several sorts the chiefest whereof being the Caribbees go naked covering onely their Privities with a Lappet The Women though yellow are very comely and both Men and Women paint their Bodies with Netto which grows on little Trees in Cods They make Holes through their Noses Lips and Ears and hang Glass Bells pieces of Copper or any other Trifles that they get from the English and Netherlanders in them About their Necks Arms and Legs they wear Strings of Beads or Cockle-shells Their Houses with low Roofs serve them onely to sleep in the Night upon Cotton Hammocks for in the day-time they sit under high Arch'd open places that the Wind may blow full upon them Their Houshold-stuff consists of Earthen Pots and Dishes neatly painted They live in Tribes or Families together in a Town which is Govern'd by the eldest of them and their Militia is Commanded by one that is able to endure most Stripes with Switches without any shew of pain The chiefest of their Families have commonly three or four Wives whereas others are contented with one The Men seldom do any toilsom Work but make their Wives do all insomuch that as soon as a Woman is Deliver'd of a Child she must immediately go about her usual Employment whilest her Husband lies lozelling out his Moneth on a Hammock Their Language sounds not unpleasantly but is hard to learn because many words differ but little in the pronunciation and yet have quite another signification When they march into the Field against their Enemies then the General sends a Stick to all the Villages under his Jurisdiction on which are cut so many Notches as there are Days appointed before he intends to set forth which they cut out again as the Days expire and on the last they repair to the appointed place A not much unlike Custom they observe in all Promises and Bargains for they give one another as many Sticks as they desire Days to perform the same in and so throw away every day one till they have onely one remaining and then they begin to think of performing their Promise or Bargain They know no word whereby to express any greater number than Ten Twenty they express by laying their ten Fingers on their Toes and all that exceeds Twenty they compare to the Hairs of their Head crying Ounsa awara Some of the painted Canoos made of the Trunks of Trees will carry five or six Tuns Their manner of â—ighting Reâ—â—gion c. In their Wars they use Bowes poyson'd Arrows short Truncheons of speckled Wood and Shields full of carv'd Images and Fight without any Order They go upon no Design but in the Night and upon certain advantages All Women and Children which they take Prisoners are sold for Slaves but the Men are cruelly put to death There is but little of Religion that can be ascrib'd to these People onely that some shew Reverence to the Sun and Moon which they believe are both living Creatures but they make no Offerings to them Their Funeral-Feasts for great Persons are strangely kept viz. all the Men making themselves Drunk with the Liquor Parranoro Dance three or four days one after another and he that drinks most and is worst Drunk gains the greatest Honor whilest the Women lament and mourn for the Deceased Their Priests call'd Peeaios are in great esteem amongst them because they pretend that they Converse with the Spirits Wattipa and Yarakin which the Guianians exceedingly fear apprehending themselves often beaten
set ashore on Hispaniola and divided into Companies each Company consisting of twenty Parents separated from their Children and Husbands from their Wives and Lots cast for them those that had either sick decrepid or old People fall to their share us'd to cry as Casas testifies he hath often heard What do I do with this sick decrepid old Dog give him to the Devil I will not put my self to the trouble to kill and bury him But Soto's Death was not left unreveng'd for not long after Jacob Castellon setting Sail from St. Domingo left several Companies on Cubagua to re-build the Town Cadiz and rais'd a Fort at the Mouth of Cumana which hath ever since been kept by the Spaniards who made great slaughter amongst the Natives Hieronymo Ortall deserted by his Men Hieronymo Ortall Sailing up the Stream Negeri sent his Lieutenant Augustine Delgado through the populous Provinces Guacharuco and Parimatuotu to the River Unare where not without a sharp Conflict he took abundance of Provisions in a Village In the mean time Ortall travell'd to Meta acting inhumane Cruelties all the way but approaching Guiana where Delgado was kill'd he was deserted by his mutinous Men who ran over to Nicholas Federman so that he was forc'd to return back to the new Fort Miguel de Neveri and from thence to St. Domingo with ten Soldiers fearing that Antonio Sedenno who judg'd himself wrong'd by Ortall because Cumana belong'd to his Lordship would fall upon him Sedenno being five hundred Men strong discover'd the Sea-Coast all along to Patigutaro where Setling himself he regarded no Discipline which the Natives observing kill'd many a Spaniard and others the Tygers also devour'd especially in the Night they being forc'd to keep lighted Fires about them against the wild Beasts About the beginning of the Year 1537. Sedenno travell'd to the Countrey Anapuya and Orocomay to the Province Goioguaney where the Inhabitants defended themselves very valiantly in a woodden Fort before which many Spaniards were kill'd with poyson'd Arrows and those who were not mortally wounded had no way to escape but by burning the Poyson out with hot Irons yet at last the Defendants were forc'd to flie with their Wives and Children up to the Mountains overgrown with Brambles Sedenno marching through barren Fields and over troublesom Rivers The Death of Sedenno and Juan Fernandez came to the mountainous Countrey Catapararo where he found abundance of Maiz and some little pieces of Gold and was advanc'd about a League and a half in Cumana when dying he made room for his Successor Juan Fernandez who surviv'd him not long yet the Expedition was not left unprosecuted for Sedenno's Men after the Decease of him and Fernandez went farther and discover'd a low Land which in the Winter being overflow'd forc'd the Inhabitants to remove to the Mountains But at last the Spaniards being weary with travelling fell out amongst themselves and dividing into several Parties went several ways some to Venezuela others to Maracapana and the rest to Cubagua SECT III. Venezuela Situation and Description of Venezuela THe principal part of the Province of Venezuela is border'd on the East with Cumana on the West with a great Gulf or Bay call'd The Bay of Venezuela with the Lake Maracabo and some part of New Granada Northward it hath the Ocean or Atlantick Sea Southward some undiscover'd Countreys which as we said lie betwixt the Andes and it It stretches out in length from East to West a hundred and thirty Leagues or thereabouts but in breadth little more than half so much it was nam'd Venezuela or Little Venice by Alonso de Ojeda a Spaniard who at his first discovery of the Countrey fell upon a Town of the Natives which stood like another Venice all upon the Water and having no passage to it but by Boats It is a Countrey extraordinary rich in all sorts of Commodities affords good Pasture for Cattel and abundance of fair Herds of them Oxen Sheep Swine c. plenty of Corn and other Grain great store of Venison in the Woods of Fish in the Rivers Gold in the Mines and therefore not likely but to be well peopled and inhabited especially by the Spaniards whose Towns and Places of chief importance are these Towns and principal Places of Venezuela 1. Venezuela at the most Westerly Confines of the Countrey built upon the Sea with the advantage of a double Haven in a temperate and good Air and the Soil round about it the best in the whole Province It is now a Bishop's See who is Suffragan to the Arch-bishop in Hispaniola and the ordinary Residence of the Governor 2. Caravalleda call'd by the Spaniards Nuestra Sennora de Caravalleda fourscore Leagues distant from Venezuela towards the East upon the Sea 3. St. Jago de Leon in the Countrey of Caracas four or five Leagues Southward of Caravalleda and six or seven distant from the Sea 4. New Valentia twenty five Leagues distant from St. Jago 5. New Xeres a Town but lately built fifteen Leagues Southward of New Valentia 6. New Segovia but one League distant from Xeres 7. Tucuyo a Place well known and frequented for the abundance of Sugar that is made there and in the Countrey round about it 8. Truxillo or Our Lady de la Paz eighteen Leagues Southward of the Lake Maracabo a Place of great resort and much frequented for Trade both by Spaniards and Natives 9. Laguna a Town lying more towards the bottom of the Lake said to be much haunted with Tygers and more than this not much is said of it VENEZUELA cum parte Australi NOVAE ANDALUSIAE When the Emperor Charles the Fifth Marry'd with Isabella Daughter to the King of Portugal Anno 1526. the Welsares being Dutch Gentlemen in Augsburgh made an Agreement with him for a Sum of Money to Conquer Venezuela whither they sent Ambrosius Alfinger and Bartholomeus Sayltar with four hundred Foot and eighty Horse These Forces Landing at Venezuela drove away Juan de Ampues who Sailing from St. Domingo thither had discover'd the Coast along Coriano and already made an Agreement with a mighty Prince of that Countrey call'd Manaure But Alfinger marching to the Lake Maracabo Alfinger's horrid Cruelties upon the Natives destroy'd all the Inhabitants of the Countrey Axaguas though they came to meet him Dancing with rich Presents of Gold which he not regarding kill'd them drove some into a House and there cut them in pieces and burnt those that were got upon the Roof From hence going towards the Pocabuyes who dwelt on the West side of Maracabo amongst high Mountains he was Entertain'd by them a considerable time very courteously and Presented with rich Gifts for which at his departure he shut up both Men Women and Children into a high Wall'd Park where they were all to perish if they did not every one pay a certain quantity of Gold to be releas'd which not being able to raise they all dy'd for want of Food After
Enemy by Water whilst himself falling upon them by Land put the Lord of Tlatellulco with his whole Army to flight which was so closely pursu'd that they forc'd their way into the City with them put the Governor to Death and laid the Town in Ashes those which went by Water having had no less success Autzol succeeds him Axayaca after eleven years Reign Deceasing bequeath'd his Crown to Autzol who sought to promote his Election by ingaging with the mighty Province Quaxutatlan whose Inhabitants though but a little before they had been so bold as to demand Tribute of the Mexicans yet terrifi'd at the approach of Autzol's Army fled over an Arm of the Sea where they had been secure had not Autzol invented a floating Isle of Planks by which he got over his whole Army upon which the amaz'd Quaxututlans immediately submitted themselves to the Mexicans who pursuing their Victory extended their Dominions to Guatimala over a Tract of three hundred Leagues Autzol's Generosity and Mrgnificence The new King having now subdu'd all his Enemies and made himself glorious by his Victories was also ambitious to be as much extoll'd for his Generosity and Magnificence to which purpose he distributed all the Wealth which was brought unto him from the neighboring Countreys amongst the Poor and the Nobility to the first he gave Clothes and Provisions to the last Plumes of Feathers and Arms. Moreover he caus'd all mean Houses to be pull'd down and new ones to be built in their places Lastly he consulted how to bring fresh Water into Mexico which was plac'd in a brackish Soil Upon this Design he was so bent that when one of his Sages disswaded him from it alledging That the Water would drown the City he in stead of following his Advice banish'd him his Presence and upon his flying to Cuyaocun caus'd him to be fetch'd from thence and Executed Then prosecuting his Design he cut the Ditch before Cuyaocun by which means great store of fresh Water came flowing into the Lake Laguna which the Priests welcom'd with strange Ceremonies for some perfum'd the Water others Offer'd Quails Blood whilst others play'd on several Musical Instruments with many other Ceremonies which are at large describ'd in the ancient Mexican Chronicles kept in the Vatican Library at Rome But the Prophecy of the Executed Sorcerer was in a manner fulfill'd for the Water overwhelm'd a great part of Mexico and divided the City into Isles But to prevent farther Mischief Autzoll caus'd Banks to be rais'd and Channels digg'd and not long after in the eleventh Year of his Reign he deceas'd After which the Mexican Kingdom tended towards its period as the ensuing Story will declare Amongst the Mexican Nobility Mutexuma a melancholy Man yet very prudent who resided in a stately Apartment near the great Temple Cu that there he might the better converse with Viztlipuztli was elected King which he no sooner heard but fled from hence but being found out he was against his will led to the Grand Assembly and from thence to the holy Hearth where for an Offering he drew Blood out of his Cheeks Ears and Legs and according to an ancient Custom the Council of State boring a Hole in his Nose hung an Emerauld in the same after which the Lord of Tescuco saluted him with a Speech which since it is mention'd by Joseph d' Acosta together with several other Speeches of Congratulation to their Kings which were taught to Schollars to make them expert in their Language it will not be amiss to be annexed here that of many this one may serve for a pattern of the Mexicans Eloquence which is as followeth The Lord of Tescuco his Speech to Muteczuma THe great happiness most noble Muteczuma which is befall'n this Realm by your Election may easily be conjectur'd from the general joy none besides your self being able to undergo an Office in the management whereof so much Prudence is requir'd It is a most certain testimony that God loves Mexico that he hath given its Inhabitants understanding to make such a Choice Who can doubt but that you who have expatiated through the Heavens and convers'd with Viztlipuztli may easily Govern us Mortals on Earth Who can despair but that the Vertue inclos'd within your Breast will extend to the Widows and Orphans Therefore rejoyce O Mexico the Heavens have granted us a Prince without Vice Merciful and not a Violator of the Laws Affable not despising common Conversation And you O King let not this great Preferment occasion any alteration in your so long known Vertues The Crown breeds care for the publick good the troubles thereof must extend over the whole Realm and every one in the Realm Preparationâ— for the Coronation of Muteczuma Muteczuma having heard out the Speech would willingly have answer'd the same but could not utter a word for Tears which gush'd from his Eyes Before he went out to fetch Prisoners for Offerings at his Coronation he first setled his Houshold Affairs And whereas till this time the Kings had been serv'd in their Palaces by ordinary Citizens he took Knights and the chiefest of the Nobility intending thereby to make a distinction between the Nobility and the common People and add more Majesty to the Royal Dignity This done Muteczuma marching against a certain rebellious Province fetch'd a considerable number of People to be Offer'd to Viztupuztli At his Return the Coronation Day was appointed against which thousands of People came to Mexico even their very Enemies of Tlascala Mechoacan and Tepeaca which were never conquer'd by the Mexicans flock'd thither in great numbers All those Countreys which were under Tribute bringing unvaluable Treasures came in vast Multitudes which so throng'd the City that the very tops of the Houses were fill'd with Spectators no King in Mexico ever going to the Throne in such splendor His Grandeur nor was ever any King so much fear'd by his Subjects none of the common People daring to look in his Face neither did he ever set Foot on the Ground but was always carried in a Chair on the Shoulders of his prime Nobility he never wore a Suit of Clothes but once nor ever us'd a Cup or Dish after it was once foul'd he strictly maintain'd the Laws which he had made and often went himself in a Disguise to make a strict enquiry after all Affairs whatsoever by which means the Mexican Power was now arriv'd to the highest top but as other Realms grown top-heavy with good Fortune turn at last topsie-turvy just such a Misfortune befell Mexico but not without several fore-running signs of its destruction The ruine of the Mexican Empire prognosticated for in the City Cholola their God Quezalcoalt inform'd them that a strange People were coming to take possession of the Mexican Dominions and their Soothsayers prognosticated the same for which Muteczuma committed them all to Prison and doubtless had put them all to death had not they escap'd with
four large Hospitals the chiefest whereof call'd Andrias hath seldom less than four hundred Sick which are kept and cur'd on Charity The second is for Peruvians onely call'd The Hospital of St. Anna. The third built in honor of the Apostle St. Peter is for poor old Clergy-men The fourth nam'd The House of Love is for sick Women Besides these there stands another Structure near the Walls of the City Consecrated to Lazarus where those that have the Leprosie are cur'd The House call'd The Holy-Ghost receives all sick and wounded Sea-men The King maintains twenty four Students at his own Charge in the Royal Colledge and the Arch-bishop as many in the Colledge call'd St. Toronius but in the Colledge of St. Martin reside above six hundred which are brought up in all manner of Arts and Sciences Two hundred Students are also taught in the high School where they chuse a new Governor every year Here also is kept the King's Treasure and the Court of Inquisition The River which washes the City Walls runs so exceeding swift that not long since it carried away a new Stone Bridge with nine great Arches The Dominican Monks were the first that Landed on Peru the first which came thither with Francisco Pizarro being Vincent de Valle Verde who was follow'd by Sancio Martino Martino de Esquivele Dominico de Sancto Thoma Pedro Ulloa Alphonso de Montenegro Reynaldo Pedraza and many others who were stirr'd up by the report of the Peruvian Riches amongst whom were four Franciscans viz. Pedro Portuguese Jodoco de los Angelos De la Cruiz and De Sant Anna who were soon after follow'd by twelve Monks of the Augustine Order Anno 1552. Landed also at Los Reyos Colonel Andreas Salazar accompanied with Antonio Lozano Juan de Sancto Petro Hieronymo Melendez Didaco Palamino Pedro de Espeda Andreas Ortega Juan Canto Juan Chamorro Miracles reported to have been done by Ramirez Francisco de Treyas Juan Ramirez and Balthazar Melgarego Salazar soon after his Arrival sent the Priest Juan Ramirez and Balthazar Melganego to Guamachuco where he Baptiz'd and Instructed the Inhabitants in great numbers Afterwards travelling to Moyabamba he got a great esteem amongst those Idolaters and as it goes for currant amongst them wrought many Miracles amongst which this is reported for one He being inform'd by an old Peruvian that his Daughter nam'd Curi had hid several Idols enquiring after it he tax'd her with what her Father had told him which she denying and being rebuk'd by Ramirez is said to have become immediately dumb to have foam'd at the Mouth at last falling down dead like a second Saphira in the presence of many which caus'd many to forsake their Idolatry But the Necromancers endeavor'd by all means possible to raise a disesteem on Ramirez and with the assistance of their Master the Devil so wrought their Inchantments that the Tygers came in great Herds out of the Wildernesses to Moyabamba and devour'd not onely Men Women and Children in the High-ways but also tore them out of their Houses yet did not the least hurt to any Spaniard whereupon Ramirez valiantly went with a Company of his Proselytes to a Herd of Tygers which when he approached held the Cross to them which it seems so affrighted the Devil-Tygers that they climb'd up the Trees They farther relate if you will believe them to make the Miracle the greater That Ramirez call'd to the Multitude saying Go and revenge the Deaths of your devour'd Parents Children and Relations whereupon he throwing a Stone and all the rest following his Example the Tygers leap'd out of the Trees stood still and suffer'd themselves to be kill'd like Lambs Six years after the fore-mention'd twelve Augustine Monks follow'd eleven others who set Sail out of the Spanish Haven St. Lucar and arriving at Peru went to the Village Tauca where they broke the Image of the Goddess Huarella being as it were the Peruvian Venus or Patroness of amorous Delights reported to have given Responses from the Wood in which she was worshipp'd They also destroy'd the Idol Chanca in the Countrey Conchucos which being worshipp'd by the Indians in the shape of a Man had yearly a fair Maid aged fourteen years given to him in Marriage a solemn Wedding being kept and several Sheep kill'd The Miracle of an Augustine Monk The Augustine Monks are believ'd to have wrought also another Miracle in the Province Conchucos upon this occasion A Conjurer call'd Chaumango boasted himself to be God deny'd our Saviour in testimony whereof he gave out that he would kick a Mountain to pieces with his Foot which Report spreading all over the Countrey all the adjacent People flock'd to see this strange Wonder on an appointed Day on which Charimango being it seems as good as his word and kicking the Mountain caus'd it to rent from the top to the bottom and the pieces to flie all about the People who were exceedingly amaz'd but the Sorcerer upon the Augustine Monk's rebuking him was as they affirm immediately eaten up with Worms CHILI 1. P. â— de Talcaguana 2. I. Quiriquina 3. R. Biobio 4. R. Ilandalien 5. R. de la Laxa To conclude our Description of this famous Kingdom of Peru the People thereof at the Spaniards first Arrival viewing their Shipping their Guns and other Accoutrements unknown to them before had them in great admiration as Men descended from Heaven but when they began to be oppress'd by their Tyranny and to be tortur'd by them they look'd upon them as the Spawn of Hell and curs'd the Sea that had brought so wicked a People to them CHAP. V. Chile Situation and Description of Chile FOllowing the Coast of Mare del Zur or the South Sea the next great Province pertaining formerly to the Kingdom of Peru is that of Chile This is the most Southerly Province of the whole Countrey of America reaching up as far as the Magellane Straights with which to the Southward it is bounded Northward it hath a Desart and an undiscover'd Countrey lying betwixt it and the Confines of Peru call'd Atacama on the West it hath Mare del Zur and on the East up to Rio de la Plata the Atlantick or North Sea with some Countreys undiscover'd which interpose betwixt it and Paraguay to the North-East It lieth all of it beyond the Tropick of Capricorn in a temperate Zone and extendeth it self in length from the Borders of Peru to the Mouth of the Straights five hundred Leagues or more but the breadth of it neither equal nor certain They say 't is call'd Chile from the word I hil which signifies Cold it seems in their Language as well as ours it being generally a cold and bleak Countrey the Air in many parts of it so extreamly sharp and piercing that both Horse and Rider sometimes in travelling are frozen to death as the Spaniards found by experience in their first Search and Discovery of the Countrey under the Conduct of Diego Almagro who